NASHVILLE Tenn. (WKRN) - Three Metro Nashville councilmembers found themselves victims of cybercriminals. The criminals used Instagram, made fake profile pages, and then tried to get personal data from constituents.
"Somebody said, 'You must feel like you've made it because someone's trying to clone you,' which is totally not the case. But, it's just annoying. And so many people deal with it all the time," said Erin Evans, councilmember for District 12.
Evans doesn't want her constituents to be one of the victims. The criminal started over the weekend on Instagram by following Evans' constituents.
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Quickly, the cybercriminals upped the ante, privately messaging her Instagram followers about bail funds. The criminals wrote that the program is set up by the federal government, can help people pay off loans, college fees; could get $100,000, and don't need to pay it back.
"They're trying to take someone to most likely an application where they can fill it out, submit your Social Security Number, that kinda thing," said Evans. "So far, I'm not aware of anyone that's taken the bait."
Evans is not alone. District 3 Councilwoman Jennifer Gamble also had her Instagram spoofed, but she reported the spoof, and Instagram took it down.
Lorneth Peters, vice president of marketing engagement with the BBB of Middle Tennessee, said cybercriminals keep a close eye on current events.
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"Scammers always pay attention to timing. What's going on this time of year. It's a lot to do with politics, elections. They capitalize on that. And they also love engaging with individuals who have influence in a certain area or certain region," said Peters.
So this doesn't happen again, Evans plans to beef up her profile and remind her constituents the safest way to reach her so the cybercriminals stay away.
The BBB of Middle Tennessee had this advice if you do fall victim and give a cybercriminal personal information: Step one - freeze accounts; then tell your credit card company; and tell friends and family you were spoofed.
News 2 reached out to Instagram, but we have not heard back as of the time of this article's publishing.