The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs has issued an urgent warning to all licensed professionals and applicants statewide about a dangerous new phishing scam designed to install malicious software on victims’ devices.
The scam comes in the form of a fraudulent email falsely instructing recipients to download “new license software.” Clicking the link and following the email’s instructions can lead to the automatic installation of malware, potentially compromising sensitive personal and professional data.
In an official statement, Acting Director Elizabeth M. Harris stressed that the Division never requires licensees or applicants to download software as part of the license renewal or application process. “Any such email is a scam,” she warned. “Do not click suspicious links, and do not install anything based on unsolicited instructions.”
The Division advises anyone who receives such an email or text message to report it immediately to:
- NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: askconsumeraffairs@dca.njoag.gov or 973-504-6200
- Division of Criminal Justice: dcjtipline@njdcj.org or 800-277-2427
- Federal Trade Commission: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Licensed professionals are urged to remain vigilant, and to ensure that all license-related communications originate from official and verifiable government sources.