“Copyright Infringement” Phishing Scam Reported by ABMP Member

An ABMP member reported receiving an apparent scam email stating that images on the member’s website were “stolen” and being used illegally. This is a common phishing scheme and is not limited to ABMP members or their websites. The email asks the recipient to click on a Google Drive link, which is actually a file download that allows the hacker access to the user’s system, creating serious vulnerabilities in the victim’s device and network.  

The malicious actor usually identifies themselves as a “professional photographer” or “licensed photographer,” and goes by the name “Mel,” “Melinda,” or, in the case of the ABMP member’s email, “Meleana.”

If you receive this phishing email, do not click the link it contains, and delete the email immediately.

The text of the email received by the ABMP member is below.

Subject:     Submit a Testimonial
First Name:     Mel
Last Name:     Mehta
Comment
 Hi there!

This is Meleana and I am a licensed photographer.
I was baffled, putting it lightly, when I came across my images at your website. If you use a copyrighted image without an owner's license, you'd better know that you could be sued by the creator.
It's against the law to use stolen images and it's so wicked!
Check out this document with the links to my images you used at <link removed> and my earlier publications to obtain the evidence of my ownership.
Download it right now and check this out for yourself:

<link removed for security>

If you don't get rid of the images mentioned in the file above during the next couple of days, I'll file a  to your hosting provider letting them know that my copyrights have been severely infringed and I am trying to protect my intellectual property.
And if it doesn't work, for damn sure I am going to take legal action against you! And I won't give you a prior notice again.

Category: 

News

Florida Bill Requires Gender-Exclusive Restrooms

Florida lawmakers passed a bill that requires individuals to use, and certain public spaces to provide, restrooms that align with their sex assigned at birth. Find out how House Bill 1521, signed by Governor Ron De Santis, may affect your school.

Arizona Repeals Communication Proficiency Tests

The Arizona legislature adopted House Bill 2012, which eliminates the requirement for the State Board of Massage Therapy to establish communication proficiency requirements for applicants applying for a massage therapy license.

Texas Adopts New Massage Therapy, Barber, Cosmetology Rules

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation adopted rules that affect massage therapy. The rules are necessary to align the dishonored payment processing fee with statutory requirements, add additional rules regarding complaints, and revise the processes and procedures for contested cases..

Blog

Join ABMP at the Premiere Orlando Show

ABMP at Premiere Orlando

ABMP is thrilled to partner with Ann and Lynn Teachworth of Trunamics to offer two CE courses in the massage therapy track at Premiere Orlando, June 3–5, 2023.

Veterans Report CST Can Help with PTSD Symptoms

CranioSacral Therapy and PTSD

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on treatment modality that releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance.

Benefits

Podcast: Exploring Plantar Foot Pain

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren are joined by Whitney Lowe to discuss common causes of foot pain (including Morton’s Neuroma), muscle-tendon pathology, and some treatment options for each one.

Podcast: All Islands Meet Underwater

On this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Doug Nelson and Jennifer Crozier discuss why opening a massage therapy clinic is a viable career path and how community relations are the best marketing strategy.

Podcast: Knowing Expectations in the Work Environment

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Nate Nordstrom and Carrie Wiedemann from Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa join Kristin and Darren to discuss knowing your expectations in the work environment and how open communication during an interview can help set the tone during your tenure.

Please note: We have recently updated our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Learn more...