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  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 16, 2026 Permalink | Reply
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    How a Phone Scam Led to a Deadly Encounter 

    By Greg Collier

    In March 2024, a familiar financial scam escalated into a fatal act of violence in central Ohio, leaving an innocent bystander dead, an elderly man imprisoned, and the perpetrators of the fraud untouched by the justice system. The case illustrates how modern scams can produce real-world consequences far beyond financial loss and how those consequences often fall on people who were never the intended targets.

    The Scam

    Authorities say the incident began as a classic grandparent scam, in which fraudsters contact an older adult and falsely claim that a loved one has been arrested and urgently needs bail money. The callers allegedly pressured the victim with threats and urgency, convincing him that immediate payment was required.

    In this case, the scammers arranged for a rideshare driver to retrieve the money. Using Uber drivers as unwitting couriers has become a recurring tactic in such schemes, allowing scammers to distance themselves physically and legally from the transaction.

    The Encounter

    The rideshare driver, Lo‑Letha Toland‑Hall, a 61-year-old woman from a Columbus suburb, arrived at the home of William J. Brock, then 81 years old, to pick up a package. Investigators later determined that she was unaware of the scam call Brock had received and believed she was completing a routine delivery.

    According to prosecutors, Brock wrongly assumed the driver was involved in an attempt to rob him. The situation escalated rapidly. Brock confronted the driver, and during the encounter, he shot her multiple times. Dashcam footage and investigative findings indicated that the driver was unarmed and posed no immediate threat.

    Toland-Hall died from her injuries.

    The Legal Outcome

    Recently, a jury convicted Brock, now 83, of murder, felonious assault, and kidnapping. Jurors deliberated for approximately one hour before returning the verdict. Brock’s defense argued that he acted in self-defense, citing fear generated by the scammer’s threats. Prosecutors rejected that claim, emphasizing that the victim was an innocent third party.

    Following the verdict, Clark County Prosecutor Daniel Driscoll noted that the case produced multiple victims.

    “The really sad part about this is that we know there are still criminals out there,” Driscoll said. “We know that the scammers, the folks who started this, haven’t been brought to justice.”

    One year after Toland-Hall’s death, her estate filed a wrongful-death lawsuit seeking damages. Brock is scheduled for sentencing.

    The Larger Problem

    While Brock now faces prison, the individuals who orchestrated the scam remain unidentified and uncharged. This imbalance is common in fraud cases: scammers often operate anonymously, across jurisdictions, or from overseas, while the harm they cause unfolds locally and immediately.

    The Ohio case underscores several realities of modern fraud:

    • Scams can escalate into physical danger, not just financial loss.
    • Third parties, including rideshare drivers, delivery workers, and bank employees, may be placed in harm’s way without their knowledge.
    • Victims may act out of fear, especially when scammers use threats involving family members or law enforcement.
    • Scammers frequently avoid accountability, even when their actions directly contribute to injury or death.

    A Preventable Tragedy

    Law enforcement officials consistently advise that individuals who receive threatening or urgent demands for money should not attempt to resolve the situation themselves. Instead, they recommend contacting police or verifying claims through independent channels before taking action.

    This case offers a stark reminder that scams are not victimless crimes. Their ripple effects can be deadly, leaving families grieving, communities shaken, and justice only partially served. Meanwhile, the people who initiated the harm disappear back into anonymity.

    Further Reading

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 15, 2026 Permalink | Reply
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    Free Flight Phone Calls Aren’t Real 

    By Greg Collier

    A phone call promising free airline tickets may sound like a lucky break, but consumer advocates and airport officials say it’s the latest variation of a spoofing scam that’s being reported across the country.

    A recent warning issued by Huntsville International Airport underscores how the scheme works and why travelers everywhere should pay attention.

    How the Scam Works

    Scammers are spoofing legitimate airport phone numbers, making incoming calls appear as though they are coming directly from an airport’s main office. When someone answers, the caller falsely claims the recipient has won free airline tickets and must act quickly to secure them.

    Airport officials say the calls can sound polished and convincing, often using official-sounding language and urgent deadlines. That urgency is intentional, as it’s meant to pressure people into sharing information before they stop to question the offer.

    Common Tactics Used by the Scammers

    Reports describe a consistent pattern:

    • The caller ID shows an airport’s real phone number
    • The caller claims the recipient has “won” free flights
    • The offer is framed as time-sensitive
    • The caller asks for personal or financial information

    If the call goes unanswered, scammers may leave a voicemail with a different callback number, steering victims away from contacting the real airport.

    What Airports Are Making Clear

    Airports are emphasizing that these calls are not legitimate.

    Officials note:

    • Airports do not give away airline tickets over the phone
    • They never ask for financial or personal information by phone
    • Any legitimate promotions or giveaways come only from verified, official channels, most often social media

    A cold call offering free flights is not a promotion. It’s a warning sign.

    If You’ve Been Targeted

    Consumer protection agencies recommend the following steps:

    • Hang up immediately
    • Do not engage with the caller or follow instructions
    • Do not return calls to voicemail numbers left by unknown callers
    • Never provide personal or financial information over the phone

    Final Thoughts

    Airports do not randomly call people to hand out free flights.

    If an unexpected call claims to be from an airport, pressures you to act quickly, and asks for personal information, the safest response is to hang up and report it. What sounds like a travel perk is far more likely to be an attempt to exploit trust.

    Further Reading

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 14, 2026 Permalink | Reply
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    How SNAP Benefits Are Being Skimmed Away 

    By Greg Collier

    Across the country, families who rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are discovering that their food assistance can vanish overnight. Not because of overspending or lost cards, but because of skimming devices quietly harvesting EBT data at checkout counters.

    A recent investigation in Wichita, Kansas, illustrates how easily it happens. A skimming device was found attached to a store’s point-of-sale terminal, and within days nearly $9,800 in SNAP benefits were stolen from 46 families. The benefits were drained using captured card numbers and PINs. The families were left with empty accounts and no way to recover the money.

    What happened in Wichita is not unusual. It’s part of a growing pattern nationwide.

    How This Scam Works Everywhere

    Skimming devices are small, inexpensive, and easy to hide. Criminals attach them to card readers in grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retail locations that accept EBT cards. When a customer swipes or inserts their card, the device records the card information and PIN.

    Once that data is captured, benefits can be emptied quickly, often in out-of-state or online transactions before the cardholder realizes anything is wrong.

    Because SNAP benefits operate differently from credit or debit cards, victims usually discover the theft only when their card is declined at the register.

    The Part Few People Realize: There Is No Safety Net

    For years, a federal replacement program allowed states to reimburse stolen SNAP and TANF benefits. That funding has expired.

    Now, in many states, stolen benefits are gone for good.

    In the Wichita case, officials confirmed there was no state money available to reimburse victims and no longer any federally funded replacement mechanism. Similar situations have been reported across the country, leaving families without groceries, sometimes for the rest of the month.

    This is what makes SNAP skimming uniquely devastating: the people harmed have the least ability to absorb the loss.

    A Pattern Repeating Nationwide

    Just one week before the Wichita discovery, a separate skimming operation in the Kansas City metro area affected hundreds of recipients, draining tens of thousands of dollars in SNAP and TANF benefits.

    Those numbers mirror reports from other states, where EBT skimming rings have targeted benefit recipients because the payoff is immediate and the consequences for victims are permanent.

    As long as EBT cards rely on magnetic stripes and PINs, the system remains vulnerable.

    Why This Scam Hits Harder Than Credit Card Fraud

    When a credit card is skimmed, banks usually reverse fraudulent charges. When SNAP benefits are skimmed, families lose access to food.

    There is no automatic refund. There is no emergency replacement. And there is no national standard ensuring victims are made whole.

    The result is a quiet crisis: households arriving at grocery stores with approved benefits, only to be told their balance is zero.

    What SNAP Recipients Can Do Right Now

    State agencies are urging recipients nationwide to take preventive steps:

    • Monitor balances frequently using official EBT apps or portals
    • Block out-of-state and online transactions when possible
    • Freeze EBT cards when not in use
    • Change PINs regularly
    • Report suspicious activity immediately

    These steps won’t stop skimming altogether, but they may limit how much is stolen before it’s detected.

    Final Thoughts

    This isn’t just about criminals attaching devices to card readers. It’s about a national benefits system that places the risk of fraud almost entirely on the people least able to bear it.

    Until stronger protections or restored federal replacement funding are in place, SNAP skimming will remain one of the most damaging and least visible scams in the country.

    And for the families affected, the loss isn’t theoretical.

    It’s dinner.

    Further Reading

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 13, 2026 Permalink | Reply
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    Inside the Fake “Apple iCloud Investigator” Phone Scam 

    By Greg Collier

    A new phone scam is circulating that relies on shock, shame, and fake authority, and it’s designed to make people panic before they can think clearly.

    The call usually starts with someone claiming to be from Apple. They tell you that illegal and explicit material involving children has been found in your iCloud account. The accusation is deliberately extreme, meant to overwhelm you emotionally and put you on the defensive immediately.

    It’s a lie. And it’s a calculated one.

    What’s going on

    The caller insists that hackers placed illegal material into your iCloud storage without your knowledge. You’re told you’re not necessarily guilty, but you are in serious danger unless the issue is dealt with right now.

    That’s when the scammer positions themselves as your only way out.

    How the scam works

    Once fear takes hold, the caller offers a solution: they say they can remotely access your computer to locate and remove the illegal files. The service, they explain, will cost you several thousand dollars.

    Payment is typically demanded through Amazon gift cards. That alone should end the conversation. Gift cards are a preferred payment method for scammers because they’re difficult to trace and nearly impossible to recover.

    If you give them remote access, they aren’t fixing anything. Instead, they may install malware, steal personal information, or set you up for identity theft and future fraud.

    The fake authority angle

    To sound legitimate, callers often claim they work for Apple’s “Special Investigations Unit.”

    That unit does not exist.

    Even if your caller ID displays Apple’s name, don’t be fooled. Phone numbers can be spoofed to look authentic. A familiar name on your screen does not mean the call is real.

    Just as important: tech companies do not call people to accuse them of crimes or to demand money to “resolve” investigations. And law enforcement does not warn people by phone before taking action. If authorities believed illegal material was on your devices, they would show up in person with a warrant, not a payment request.

    Red Flags

    This scam checks multiple warning boxes at once:

    • An unsolicited call accusing you of a serious crime
    • Claims of secret or special investigative departments
    • Requests for remote access to your computer
    • Demands for payment via gift cards
    • Urgent pressure to act before you can verify anything

    Any one of these is suspicious. Together, they’re decisive.

    If You’ve Been Targeted

    Never give remote access to your computer to someone who contacts you unexpectedly. Legitimate tech support only happens when you initiate contact through official channels.

    If you receive a call like this, hang up immediately. Do not argue, explain, or try to prove your innocence. Then report the call to consumer protection agencies or your state attorney general.

    Final Thoughts

    This scam succeeds by weaponizing fear and stigma. The accusation is meant to silence you, rush you, and keep you from seeking outside confirmation.

    Remember: there is no “iCloud investigator,” no surprise phone call from Apple about crimes, and no legitimate situation that requires payment in gift cards.

    When a call begins with panic and ends with a demand for money, the conclusion is simple: it’s a scam.

    Further Reading

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 12, 2026 Permalink | Reply
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    Tax Season 2026 Is Here, and So Are the Scammers 

    Tax Season 2026 Is Here, and So Are the Scammers

    By Greg Collier

    Tax season isn’t just busy for the IRS. It’s prime time for fraud.

    With the IRS set to begin accepting 2025 tax returns on January 26, 2026, and the filing deadline falling on April 15, scammers are already moving. Every year, thousands of taxpayers lose money and sometimes their identities to tax-related fraud that hits while people are distracted, rushed, or worried about penalties.

    The Better Business Bureau has issued warnings about what to watch for during the 2026 filing season.

    What’s Going On

    Tax scams aren’t accidental or sloppy. They’re deliberate and increasingly sophisticated.

    Scammers commonly use:

    • Stolen Social Security numbers
    • Fake tax preparers or “tax help” ads
    • Phony IRS emails, texts, and letters
    • Urgent claims that there’s a problem with your return or refund

    Once someone has your personal information, they can file a tax return in your name and collect the refund before you ever submit yours.

    The IRS PIN: An Extra Layer of Protection

    One of the strongest tools available to taxpayers is the IRS Identity Protection PIN, often called an IP PIN.

    This PIN:

    • Is six digits
    • Is known only to you and the IRS
    • Helps prevent someone else from filing a return using your Social Security number or taxpayer ID

    Once you enroll, you cannot opt out, and the PIN must be provided every year when you file your federal tax return.

    That requirement exists for a reason. Identity thieves are excellent at collecting personal data, and once they have it, they can commit tax fraud without the victim realizing it until much later.

    A Real-World Warning

    The BBB reports receiving calls from victims whose taxes were filed fraudulently even when they had not worked or filed taxes themselves. In these cases, scammers used stolen identities to submit false returns, leaving victims to untangle the mess afterward.

    This kind of fraud is precisely what the IP PIN is designed to stop.

    Red Flags

    The Internal Revenue Service does not initiate contact with taxpayers by:

    • Email
    • Text message
    • Social media

    Red flags that something isn’t legitimate include:

    • Poor grammar or awkward wording
    • Messages designed to scare or rush you
    • Requests for sensitive personal information
    • Links claiming there’s an urgent issue with your account or refund

    If you receive an unexpected message claiming to be from the IRS, assume it’s a scam until proven otherwise.

    Filing Safely in 2026

    When it’s time to file your taxes:

    • Work only with reputable, well-reviewed tax professionals
    • Be wary of anyone promising unusually large or “guaranteed” refunds
    • Avoid preparers who pressure you to act immediately or keep things secret
    • Take time to research before handing over personal documents

    Bottom Line

    Tax scams thrive on stress and deadlines. The closer it gets to April 15, the more aggressive these schemes become.

    Using an IRS Identity Protection PIN, staying alert for impersonation attempts, and choosing trustworthy tax help can dramatically reduce your risk. Filing your taxes is stressful enough. Don’t let scammers get there first.

    Further Reading

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 9, 2026 Permalink | Reply
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    The “Smart Lock Squatter” Rental Scam 

    By Greg Collier

    This is a rental scam built to look legitimate from every angle until the damage is already done.

    A family in South Fulton, Georgia, is out $4,000, living without running water, and now facing a city summons for squatting after falling for a sophisticated fake-broker scheme that used modern technology, forged legal documents, and intimidation to appear official.

    What Happened

    The family believed they had secured a brick rental home through an online broker. The process looked routine:

    • A listing found online
    • Communication with someone claiming to be a broker
    • A signed lease
    • $4,000 paid for rent, deposits, and fees via cash and the Chime app
    • Entry gained through a smart lock app requiring ID and facial recognition

    Nothing about the setup felt informal or rushed. It felt corporate.

    That sense of legitimacy collapsed after move-in. The family could not transfer water utilities into their name. When they contacted the broker for help, he demanded an additional $300 to “handle utilities” and provide physical keys, which never arrived.

    When the family reached out directly to the actual property owner, they learned the truth.

    The person who had taken their money had no connection to the company or the home.

    The Fake Lease Trick

    According to South Fulton police, the lease was completely fraudulent but carefully designed to look authentic.

    It included:

    • A “Fulton County Superior Court” stamp
    • Legal formatting and official language
    • A color photo of a judge

    The problem was that the judge pictured was wearing what appeared to be a 17th-century powdered wig, a detail that only becomes obvious after the fact.

    The document worked because it relied on intimidation and assumed authority. Most renters are not experts in court paperwork, and scammers know that.

    From Fraud Victim to “Squatter”

    This is where the scam turns especially damaging.

    Despite being defrauded:

    • The city issued a summons alleging squatting
    • The family was ordered to pack up and leave
    • A court appearance is scheduled in two weeks to argue their case

    They are currently living in the house without running water, out thousands of dollars, and facing legal consequences for a crime they did not commit.

    Why This Scam Works

    This was not a low-effort listing scam. It was layered and intentional.

    1. Smart Lock Legitimacy
    Real smart-lock technology with identity verification creates the illusion of corporate control and vetting.

    2. Vacant Corporate-Owned Homes
    Large rental companies often own empty properties, making it easier for scammers to pose as brokers without immediate detection.

    3. Official-Looking Paperwork
    Court stamps, seals, and formal language discourage questions and create compliance through fear.

    4. Payment Pressure
    Requests for cash or peer-to-peer apps are common in scams, but they are often overlooked when everything else appears professional.

    Red Flags

    Even when a rental looks legitimate, these red flags should stop the process immediately:

    • You never verify ownership independently
    • Utilities cannot be transferred into your name
    • New fees appear after move-in
    • No physical keys are provided
    • Rent or deposits are requested via cash or payment apps
    • Legal documents look theatrical rather than procedural

    The Bigger Problem

    The property management company says rental scams like this are increasingly common and that it works with law enforcement when fraud is reported. But the structural reality remains:

    • Scam victims are treated as trespassers
    • Housing enforcement moves faster than fraud investigations
    • Financial losses are rarely recovered
    • The legal burden falls on the renter, not the scammer

    This is not just a scam problem. It is a system problem.

    Final Thoughts

    This was not carelessness. It was manufactured legitimacy.

    When scammers combine real technology, fake legal authority, and housing desperation, victims can be pushed from “renter” to “defendant” almost instantly.

    If a rental transaction feels unusually formal, tech-heavy, or court-stamped, slow it down and verify ownership directly. Because once you are inside the house, the system may still treat you like you broke in.

    Further Reading

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 8, 2026 Permalink | Reply
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    Weight-Loss Scams Are Everywhere, and AI Is Making Them Harder to Spot 

    By Greg Collier

    GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have exploded in popularity, and right on schedule, scammers have followed.

    According to reports, scam complaints surged in late 2025 as fake weight-loss promises flooded social media feeds. The hook is simple: “Just as effective as GLP-1s—no prescription needed.” That claim alone should immediately set off alarms.

    What’s Going On

    The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says it has seen a sharp spike in reports involving supplements falsely claiming to work like prescription GLP-1 medications.

    Even more concerning: many of these ads are AI-generated, complete with deepfake celebrity endorsements designed to manufacture trust.

    The Celebrity Deepfake Problem

    One of the most common tactics involves fake videos of well-known public figures promoting “natural” weight-loss products.

    The BBB highlighted a widely shared deepfake impersonating Oprah Winfrey, falsely promoting a supplement. Winfrey addressed this directly in an August letter published by Oprah Daily:

    “Every week, my lawyers and I are playing whack-a-mole with fake AI videos of me selling everything from gummies to pink salt.

    Let me say this clearly: If you see an ad with my face on a ‘product,’ it’s fake.”

    This is no longer just misleading marketing; it’s identity theft powered by generative AI.

    Why These Scams Work So Well

    Scammers are exploiting three things at once:

    1. High demand for GLP-1 medications
    2. Limited access and high cost, which make “shortcuts” tempting
    3. Public familiarity with drug names like Ozempic and Wegovy

    When people already know these drugs are real and effective, it becomes easier to sell a fake alternative that sounds legitimate.

    The Biggest Red Flag

    The BBB says there is one warning sign above all others:

    Any GLP-1-style treatment offered without a prescription.

    GLP-1 medications are prescription drugs. There is no legal, safe, or legitimate way to obtain them, or their effects, through an over-the-counter supplement.

    Other Red Flags

    • Claims of rapid or effortless weight loss
    • “Natural” supplements claiming prescription-level results
    • Celebrity endorsements you didn’t see reported anywhere else
    • Pressure to act quickly or “limited supply” countdowns
    • Requests for health or insurance information upfront

    What About Telehealth?

    Legitimate telehealth providers do exist, and some can legally prescribe GLP-1 medications after a proper medical evaluation. But the BBB stresses that consumers should:

    • Research companies carefully
    • Verify licensing and credentials
    • Consult their own doctor first

    What to Do If You See One of These Ads

    If you encounter a suspected scam:

    Final Thoughts

    GLP-1 medications are real. The weight-loss benefits are real. But “GLP-1-equivalent supplements” are not.

    AI-generated ads and deepfake celebrity videos are turning ordinary social media feeds into scam delivery systems, and health-related scams carry real physical risks, not just financial ones.

    If it promises prescription-level results without a prescription, it isn’t a breakthrough.

    It’s a scam.

    Further Reading

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 7, 2026 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , out of stock scam, ,   

    The “Out of Stock” Scam Is Back 

    By Greg Collier

    The “out of stock” scam has been circulating for years, but the Better Business Bureau says it’s still catching plenty of online shoppers, especially through social media ads.

    At first glance, it looks like a routine online purchase.

    It’s not.

    How the Scam Works

    Here’s the typical setup:

    1. You see an ad for a product you want, often on Facebook, Instagram, or another social platform
    2. You click the link and land on what looks like a legitimate online store
    3. You make a purchase, and your card is charged
    4. Shortly afterward, you get an email saying the item is out of stock
    5. The email promises a refund “soon”

    And then?

    Nothing.

    No product.
    No refund.
    And now the scammer has your money and your credit card information.

    The catch: the product never existed in the first place. The entire site was designed only to take your payment.

    Why Social Media Is the Perfect Trap

    According to the BBB, one of the biggest red flags is buying directly through social media ads.

    Scammers know that:

    • People scroll fast
    • Ads feel casual and trustworthy
    • Few users double-check URLs before buying

    Those ads often lead to copycat websites that look polished but disappear as soon as enough payments roll in.

    Red Flags

    The BBB says be cautious if you see:

    • Deals that seem too good to be true
    • Highly targeted or “personalized” products
    • Fake coupons or limited-time pressure tactics
    • Product links that lead to unfamiliar or sketchy websites

    If something feels rushed or oddly cheap, that’s usually the point.

    How to Protect Yourself

    The BBB recommends a few basic but important steps:

    Research Before You Buy
    Look up unfamiliar businesses on BBB.org, read reviews elsewhere, and search the company name along with the word “scam.”

    Don’t Buy Directly From Social Media Links
    If you see something you like, find the company’s website yourself instead of clicking the ad.

    Check Website Security
    Legitimate shopping sites should:

    • Start with HTTPS
    • Show a lock icon in the browser bar

    No lock, no purchase.

    Keep Records
    Save receipts, order confirmations, and emails. You’ll need them if you dispute a charge.

    Use a Credit Card, not Debit
    Credit cards offer far better fraud protection than debit cards if something goes wrong.

    Final Thoughts

    The “out of stock” email isn’t customer service; it’s the exit ramp of the scam.

    By the time you receive it, the money is already gone, and the website may vanish soon after.

    If an online deal starts on social media, slow down. A few extra minutes of verification can save you from weeks, or months, of chasing a refund that’s never coming.

    Stay skeptical. Stay cautious. And remember: real stores don’t disappear after taking your money.

    Further Reading

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 6, 2026 Permalink | Reply
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    Man Loses Over $1 Million in Online Dating Scam 

    By Greg Collier

    A Roseville, California resident has reported losing more than $1 million in a prolonged online dating scam, according to local law enforcement. The case highlights how romance scams can escalate over time, using emotional manipulation, fabricated emergencies, and false financial promises to extract large sums of money from victims.

    What Happened

    According to police, the victim met a woman on a dating website in March 2025. After moving their conversations to iMessage, the relationship quickly became serious. Over time, the victim began sending her money.

    The scam escalated when the woman claimed that a family member had died and left her approximately 455 kilograms of gold. She told the victim that she needed more than $1 million to release the gold from storage and cover related fees, including supposed taxes owed in Thailand and the United States.

    At a later stage, someone claiming to be an attorney contacted the victim, requesting an additional $700,000 for legal assistance. The victim was told that he would ultimately receive $9 million once the gold was released.

    The requests did not stop there. The suspect later claimed her daughter had become critically ill and needed a kidney transplant, asking for even more money to cover medical expenses.

    Over several months, the victim transferred funds for what he believed were:

    • Gold storage and release fees
    • International and U.S. tax obligations
    • Legal services
    • Medical expenses

    By July 2025, the victim realized the situation was likely a scam and filed a report with the FBI, though he has not yet received a follow-up, according to police.

    Scam Breakdown

    This case follows a well-documented romance scam pattern:

    • Rapid emotional bonding after initial online contact
    • Transition to private messaging platforms outside the dating site
    • Invented financial windfalls (gold, inheritances, investments)
    • Urgent fees and taxes required before funds can be released
    • Authority figures (lawyers, agents) introduced to add credibility
    • Medical emergencies used to prolong and intensify the scam

    Each new crisis creates urgency and discourages victims from slowing down or seeking independent verification.

    Red Flags

    Authorities say warning signs in cases like this include:

    • Requests for money from someone you have never met in person
    • Claims involving large inheritances or valuable assets that require upfront fees
    • Pressure to act quickly due to taxes, legal deadlines, or medical emergencies
    • Use of wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
    • Third parties suddenly entering the conversation to demand payment

    What Authorities Recommend

    Police urge the public to use extreme caution when interacting with people met online, especially when money is involved. Key guidance includes:

    • Do not send money to someone you have only met online
    • Never wire funds or send gift cards to someone you haven’t fully vetted
    • Be skeptical of stories involving inheritances, gold, or overseas assets
    • Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or financial professional before sending money
    • Report suspected scams to local law enforcement and federal authorities

    Final Thoughts

    Romance scams are increasingly sophisticated and can unfold over months or even years. They rely on trust, emotional attachment, and carefully staged crises rather than technical hacking. This case serves as a reminder that any online relationship involving repeated financial requests should be treated with extreme caution, regardless of how convincing or emotionally compelling the story may seem.

    Further Reading

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 5, 2026 Permalink | Reply
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    “Your Loan Is Almost Approved,” Except You Never Applied 

    By Greg Collier

    The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about a phony loan scam that is showing up in reports across Connecticut, and it’s the kind of scheme that can easily spread beyond state lines.

    These operations routinely rotate phone numbers, target new regions, and reuse the same scripts nationwide.

    What’s Going On

    According to the BBB, nearly two dozen complaints have been filed in a short period of time involving a caller claiming to be from a financial institution whose name closely resembles a well-known bank.

    That similarity is intentional.

    Consumers report receiving repeated calls and voicemails from a supposed “underwriting department,” claiming the recipient has a personal loan nearly approved for around $60,000 despite having no memory of applying.

    The Script (Straight From the Scam)

    The voicemail typically follows a familiar pattern:

    The caller says they are following up on a prior loan request, claims your file is nearly approved, and urges you to respond quickly. They may suggest you applied months ago but were previously denied, and that underwriting standards have now “opened up,” especially for people with lower credit.

    The intent is to create confusion, urgency, and just enough plausibility to get you to call back.

    Scam Breakdown

    This is a classic advanced-fee loan phishing scam.

    The outcome is usually the same:

    1. You return the call
    2. You’re told a fee is required to finalize or “lock in” the loan
    3. You’re asked for payment and personal information
    4. The caller disappears, and no loan ever materializes

    Red Flags

    The BBB highlights several warning signs that consistently appear in these scams:

    • Loan guarantees without reviewing your credit history
    • Up-front fees before any money is delivered
    • Vague or shifting explanations about costs
    • Pressure through repeated calls and deadlines
    • Names designed to cause brand confusion

    Quick Tip: It’s also important to know that it is illegal for companies doing business by phone to promise a loan and require payment before providing it.

    If You’ve Been Targeted

    The BBB recommends several basic protections:

    1. Never pay an up-front fee to receive a loan
    2. Avoid guarantees and unusual payment methods
    3. Verify independently

    If someone contacts you about a loan you don’t remember applying for, pause and verify before engaging. Legitimate lenders do not cold-call consumers with nearly approved loan offers.

    Final Thoughts

    This scam is being reported in Connecticut now, but its structure is common and easily reused elsewhere. Geographic boundaries don’t stop phone-based fraud, and a familiar-sounding name doesn’t mean a legitimate business.

    If you receive one of these calls, don’t engage. Report it to the Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker so others can be warned before they lose money or personal information.

    Further Reading

     

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