WARNING! On Thursday, February 6, 20205, OneCert received an email from the USDA warning that certified operations are receiving phishing emails from sources pretending to be the USDA. The USDA has also posted a warning banner on the Organic Integrity Database (OID) website.
Per the NOP, these scam emails have been sent using the following:
- Fake Sender: amendez@rootedschool.org
- Email Subject: 2025 information verification/update
The NOP indicates “The recent emails contain the USDA logo to make the sender appear valid. Each email asks the recipient to confirm information, click on a button or link, and to enter sensitive information in a location that the fake senders provide. The emails also threaten to suspend or revoke the operation’s organic license, which some readers may believe refers to their USDA organic operation certificate. However, it does not.”
The emails were not sent by the USDA or NOP. Please be alert. It is important that you do not respond to the email or click any links. Do not share any personal or business information with the senders.
The USDA suggests “If you received such an email and have already clicked on the link or provided sensitive information, we encourage you to report it to your organization’s information technology department, reset your passwords, and scan your computer/device for malicious viruses/malware.”
