Don’t fall for it: FTC warns of fake phishing ‘invites’ for parties and graduations - KKCO 11 News

Share Add as a preferred source on Google GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) — Graduation parties, weddings and summer get-togethers are here— and unfortunately, some scammers are using that to their advantage. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a U.S. government agency that protects consumers, is warning of phishing scams disguised as party invites that have been sent to people’s emails and phones. The agency said it’s been getting an overwhelming number of reports from people receiving unexpected messages that appear as if it’s coming from well-known invitation platforms like Evite or Paperless Post. Some reports even say they’ve received phishing invites where the host is listed as someone they know. The ‘invite’ then directs the recipient to enter their email and password; or it may ask for their phone number a special code to RSVP. Don’t fall for it Invites should never ask for passwords into any of your accounts. If you give it, then a scammer is able to access your account and any personal information (credit card information, social security, etc.) you have on it. They could also take over your account and send the same scam to your contacts. The FTC said that anyone who receives an unexpected invite is urged to resist the urge to click on it. Instead, check first with the host to make sure its real. The FTC also recommends the following to protect yourself against phishing attacks: Keep security software on your devices updated. Utilize two-factor authentication. Adding extra steps to verify who you are makes it harder for scammers to get into your accounts, especially if they’ve already gotten ahold of your username and password. Act quickly. If you have even an inkling that your account information might have been breached, change your password right away. Then, go to IdentityTheft.gov for specific steps to take based on other information you may have lost. Report phishing scams Scam emails can be forwarded to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org; scam texts can be sent to SPAM (7726). Report both email and text scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Copyright 2026 KKCO. All rights reserved.