Greg's Corner

Cyclospora Scams Are Here

By Greg Collier

Whenever a major news story dominates the headlines, it is only a matter of time before scammers find a way to exploit it. Whether it is a natural disaster, a data breach, a new government program, or a nationwide health concern, criminals are constantly looking for ways to turn public anxiety into profit.

The recent Cyclospora outbreak is no exception.

While restaurants and food distributors across the country are already dealing with recalls and supply chain disruptions, scammers have begun impersonating food suppliers in an effort to steal sensitive information from businesses. It serves as yet another reminder that scammers closely follow the news and waste little time creating convincing schemes around current events.

Restaurants Already Being Targeted

According to a Texas news report, a restaurant manager recently received multiple phone calls from someone claiming to represent a major food distributor. The caller instructed the restaurant to visit a website and enter a code that would supposedly provide a list of recalled produce connected to the Cyclospora outbreak.

The request immediately raised suspicion.

The restaurant manager recognized that the instructions did not match how legitimate food suppliers communicate with their customers. Instead of making unexpected phone calls and directing businesses to unfamiliar websites, the restaurant’s vendors typically send recall information through established email or text notification systems. Those notifications allow customers to safely review affected products without needing to enter special codes or provide sensitive information.

Had the restaurant followed the caller’s instructions, the scammers could have gained access to valuable business information or payment credentials.

The scam also could have convinced restaurants to discard perfectly safe inventory, creating unnecessary financial losses on top of an already difficult situation.

Scammers Thrive on Breaking News

This scam demonstrates just how quickly criminals adapt.

Scammers are not sitting in dark rooms inventing random stories. They pay attention to national headlines just like everyone else. They understand that people are more likely to believe a scam if it involves a story they have already seen on television or online.

Over the years, scammers have built schemes around hurricanes, wildfires, tax filing season, stimulus payments, bank failures, government benefit changes, major sporting events, and even celebrity deaths. Any event that captures widespread attention becomes an opportunity.

The nationwide Cyclospora outbreak simply became their latest script.

The Cyclospora Outbreak Could Fuel Other Scams

While this latest scheme targeted restaurants, consumers should also be prepared for other variations that could appear in the coming weeks.

For example, scammers may send emails or text messages claiming to list recalled food products, asking recipients to click a link to “check if your purchases are affected.” Those links could instead lead to phishing websites designed to steal usernames, passwords, or credit card information.

Others may impersonate grocery stores, warehouse clubs, or delivery services, claiming customers qualify for refunds because they purchased contaminated produce. Victims could then be asked to verify banking information or pay a small “processing fee” to receive their refund.

Criminals could even pretend to represent public health agencies, claiming consumers have been exposed to contaminated food and directing them to fake websites requesting personal information.

As with many scams, the exact story may change, but the goal remains the same: convince victims to surrender money or sensitive information.

How to Protect Yourself

Whether you own a restaurant or simply buy groceries for your family, the same basic rules apply.

Never trust unexpected phone calls claiming to represent a supplier, government agency, or retailer.

Do not visit unfamiliar websites or enter codes simply because someone instructed you to do so over the phone.

If you receive information about a recall, verify it through your normal point of contact or by visiting the company’s official website directly instead of using links or web addresses provided by an unsolicited caller.

Businesses should also make sure employees understand their vendor’s normal communication procedures so unusual requests are immediately recognized as suspicious.

Today’s Headlines Become Tomorrow’s Scams

One of the most important lessons from this incident is that scam awareness requires keeping up with current events.

When a major story dominates the news, criminals are already figuring out how to exploit it. They know people are paying attention, emotions are heightened, and unusual communications seem more believable when tied to real events.

The Cyclospora outbreak has created genuine challenges for restaurants, food suppliers, and consumers alike. Unfortunately, it has also created an opportunity for scammers to impersonate trusted companies and prey on uncertainty.

As always, if someone unexpectedly contacts you about an unfolding news event and pressures you to visit a website, provide personal information, or take immediate action, slow down and verify the request independently. Today’s headlines may be real, but the person contacting you about them may not be.