Terry Branstad's name used in phishing scheme

A phishing scheme using U.S. Ambassador and former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad's name and a false LinkedIn account is being investigated by officials.

Tom Conley, president and chief executive officer of The Conley Group — a company that provides security and alarm response services — received a message last Saturday evening from a LinkedIn account that appeared to be Branstad, requesting money to assist with an urgent family matter.

Conley knew Branstad didn't have a LinkedIn profile, however he felt that since he and Branstad have known each other for over 40 years it wouldn't have been strange for him to reach out with a message had he created an account. After contacting the phone number listed in a message sent to him on Friday, Conley received a phishing message on Saturday requesting a favor.

It stated that Christine Branstad, Branstad's wife, was diagnosed with cancer and $65,000 was needed to pay the clinic. The message also said that due to Branstad's recognizable name, paying from his own account was not an option out of fear the clinic would spread information to the media. Conley believes he's at least one out of three people contacted.

Read more: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2018/11/09/phishing-scheme-branstad-target-victims-linkedin/1898221002/