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  • Geebo 1:00 pm on April 4, 2025 Permalink | Reply
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    Victim Loses Millions in Crypto Scam 

    By Greg Collier

    A sophisticated cryptocurrency investment scam is rapidly spreading across the United States, with the FBI’s Baltimore field office sounding the alarm. The fraud, often run by organized criminal networks based in Southeast Asia, targets individuals through online messaging platforms, eventually convincing them to hand over large sums of money. For some, the loss is total. For others, it is life-changing.

    Federal agents say the operation unfolds gradually. The perpetrators first build a relationship, often posing as friendly strangers or potential romantic partners, before introducing the idea of cryptocurrency investments. Once a connection is made, the con begins. Victims are often guided to legitimate websites like Coinbase to build confidence before being steered toward fake platforms controlled by the scammers.

    Investigators warn the scheme is particularly cruel. In many cases, the victim is allowed to withdraw a small amount of their funds at first, reinforcing the illusion of profitability. The platforms display false gains, sometimes showing returns of more than fifty or even eighty percent. Encouraged, victims invest more, believing they are building wealth. Then, one day, everything vanishes.

    A Maryland woman came forward to news station, WJZ, to describe how she lost millions. She emphasized that the betrayal of trust was more painful than the financial loss. Her experience began with an unsolicited message on social media. Over time, the scammer gained her confidence and directed her to invest in what appeared to be a legitimate crypto portfolio. Red flags were present, she admitted, but by the time she questioned things, she had already invested so heavily she felt trapped.

    The FBI has linked this method to what is known in criminal circles as “pig butchering.” The term refers to the psychological manipulation of victims, fattening them up with false profits and promises before a total financial betrayal. Most victims are middle-aged or older, but authorities emphasize that no demographic is immune.

    Those who fall prey to the scam are often contacted again by the same fraudsters, who pose as recovery specialists offering to retrieve the stolen cryptocurrency for a fee. This second wave of deception deepens the damage. Victims, desperate and emotionally vulnerable, are manipulated yet again. Federal agents caution that the fake websites used in these schemes are highly convincing, often indistinguishable from real ones.

    Agents working on the case urge potential victims to be skeptical of unsolicited messages, especially those that steer conversations toward investment opportunities. These scammers frequently avoid phone conversations and instead rely on encrypted apps like WhatsApp to conceal their activities.

    Officials say it is vital to report suspicious activity as soon as possible. While recovery of lost funds is rare, fast action gives law enforcement the best chance to track criminal operations and possibly assist in asset recovery.

    Authorities are also investigating reports that many of the scam operators themselves may be victims of human trafficking. Some work under threat in warehouses across Southeast Asia, forced to target Americans as part of large-scale criminal enterprises.

    The FBI’s message is clear. Do not engage with unknown individuals offering investment opportunities. Do not send money to people you have not met in person. If you suspect fraud, report it immediately to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.

     

  • Geebo 1:00 pm on April 3, 2025 Permalink | Reply
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    Zelle App Shuts Down, Scams Persist 

    Zelle App Shuts Down, Scams Persist

    By Greg Collier

    One of the most widely used names in digital banking has officially ended a major chapter of its service. As of this week, Zelle’s stand-alone app no longer allows users to send or receive payments, pushing millions of customers to rely exclusively on their banks’ apps to access the platform.

    Zelle had warned last year that its app would be decommissioned for payments on October 31, 2024. That plan quietly went into effect on Tuesday, with little disruption to most users. The standalone app, used by only a small fraction of Zelle’s total customer base, now serves a different purpose. It remains accessible, but it has shifted focus to consumer education, offering resources on how to avoid scams and directing users to the more than 2,200 banks and credit unions that support Zelle.

    Although the platform has 150 million users in the United States, only around two percent of its transactions occurred through the app itself. The overwhelming majority of payments are made directly through bank apps. That reality led Zelle’s parent company to shutter the underused platform and reinforce its role as a bank-integrated service.

    Since launching in 2017 with backing from major financial institutions including Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase, Zelle has become the default peer-to-peer payment system for millions of Americans. Last year alone, it processed over $1 trillion in payments, far outpacing rivals like Venmo and Cash App. Unlike those competitors, Zelle does not hold transferred money in a separate wallet. Instead, it moves funds directly between bank accounts without charging users additional fees for instant transfers.

    While Zelle’s standalone app may be gone, that does not mean scams involving the service are going away. Fraudsters have long exploited the convenience and speed of peer-to-peer platforms, and Zelle is no exception. Consumers should remain cautious of unsolicited requests or calls urging them to move money, even if those instructions involve using their legitimate bank app. The closure of Zelle’s own app might shift how the platform is used, but it has not made scammers disappear.

    Bank officials and cybersecurity experts continue to warn that digital payment platforms are a favored tool for criminals posing as trusted sources. Just because Zelle now operates entirely through banking apps does not mean users are immune from manipulation. As Zelle pivots its public-facing platform toward fraud education, its success may depend as much on consumer awareness as on the technology itself.

     

  • Geebo 1:00 pm on April 2, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , three card monte   

    Rigged Card Game Targets Shoppers 

    Rigged Card Game Targets Shoppers

    By Greg Collier

    A scam as old as street crime itself has resurfaced in Greensboro, North Carolina — and it’s costing residents thousands of dollars.

    Police are warning the public about individuals setting up illegal card games, particularly Three Card Monte, in parking lots near shopping centers. These operations are not just a nuisance — they are deliberate, well-coordinated scams designed to defraud participants of large sums of money.

    While this con may seem like a relic of the past, many people are unfamiliar with it and unaware of how it works. That unfamiliarity is what scammers rely on.

    Three Card Monte is not a legitimate game of chance. It’s a confidence trick in which a dealer displays three playing cards, usually two black cards and one red, and quickly shuffles them around. The player is then asked to identify the red card.

    At first glance, it may appear winnable. In reality, the game is carefully rigged. The scammer uses sleight of hand to switch or hide the red card during the shuffle. The operation often involves accomplices posing as bystanders or other players, who pretend to win or encourage participation to create a false sense of fairness and excitement.

    Once a victim bets real money, the deception becomes clear, but by then, it’s too late.

    Police in Greensboro have documented multiple cases of people losing significant amounts of money, from $1,500 to as much as $8,000, in just a few moments. What makes matters worse is that participation itself is illegal, regardless of whether a person wins or loses. It is considered unlawful gambling, and law enforcement has made it clear that individuals caught playing may face legal consequences.

    In addition to potential charges, authorities have warned that money seized during these operations is unlikely to be recovered, even by those who were victimized.

    Three Card Monte has a long history, dating back to Europe in the 1400s and flourishing in the U.S. during the 19th and 20th centuries. It was common in crowded city centers, train stations, and sidewalks, and it continues today in areas where foot traffic and distractions make people more vulnerable

    Despite its age, the scam remains effective precisely because it feels spontaneous and low-risk. In reality, it is a carefully planned fraud that depends on a victim’s lack of familiarity and the illusion of a fair game.

    Law enforcement emphasizes that not all scams arrive via phone call, text, or email. Some unfold in broad daylight, in seemingly harmless environments. Residents should remain cautious and report any suspicious activity to local authorities.

    If someone invites you to gamble on a street card game, remember, it is not entertainment, it is a setup. These games are illegal, deceptive, and costly, both financially and legally.

    The best way to protect yourself is to walk away.

     

  • Geebo 1:00 pm on April 1, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , missing police officer, , ,   

    Fake Cops, Real Scams: Viral Hoaxes 

    By Greg Collier

    In recent months, a disturbing pattern of online deception has emerged, targeting public empathy and exploiting the image of law enforcement officers. These scams, spreading across multiple states and even international social media groups, rely on fabricated missing person posts designed to go viral. The intent behind these emotionally manipulative tactics is not to reunite families or assist in real emergencies, but to bait well-meaning individuals into sharing content that is later edited for profit.

    The scheme typically begins with a post claiming that a police officer has gone missing under mysterious or tragic circumstances. The posts are emotionally charged and often include fabricated details about vehicles being discovered abandoned or children found alone, suggesting urgent danger. These posts appear in local Facebook groups where trust and community concern are easily manipulated. They are deliberately crafted to appear as urgent pleas for help, tapping into the public’s instinct to assist in potential crises.

    What follows after widespread sharing is a bait-and-switch tactic. Once these posts have garnered significant engagement, the original content is quietly edited. Instead of a missing person alert, viewers are redirected to unrelated advertisements, rental scams or fraudulent surveys that promise cash prizes. In some instances, users are encouraged to provide personal or financial information, putting them at further risk.

    Law enforcement agencies across the country have been forced to issue statements clarifying that the individuals portrayed in these posts are not missing and that the narratives are entirely fictitious. In one case, a police department confirmed that the officer in question was on duty at a local school, debunking any claims of disappearance. Another incident involved a slain officer whose identity was repurposed to fuel one of these scams, turning a real tragedy into digital clickbait.

    What makes these schemes particularly insidious is their reliance on recognizable faces and compelling backstories. Scammers have used images of real officers, including those featured in legitimate news coverage, to add credibility to their hoaxes. In some cases, names and photos have been lifted from public articles and repurposed in different locations under false identities.

    This form of exploitation not only victimizes the people whose images are used without consent but also erodes public trust. It diminishes the effectiveness of real emergency alerts by desensitizing audiences who may become skeptical of genuine calls for help. Moreover, it weaponizes grief and community concern, turning them into tools for financial gain.

    Authorities have encouraged the public to remain vigilant, particularly when confronted with vague or unverifiable claims on social media. Posts that lack specific details such as locations, contact information for law enforcement, or timestamps should be approached with caution. While the instinct to help is natural and commendable, it is increasingly important to verify before sharing.

    The growing frequency of these scams points to a troubling trend in online behavior, where emotional manipulation has become a tool for exploitation. As these deceptive campaigns continue to evolve, so too must public awareness and digital literacy. Without intervention and widespread education, these scams will not only persist but continue to prey on the very emotions that make communities strong.

     

  • Geebo 1:00 pm on March 31, 2025 Permalink | Reply
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    Stolen Dreams in a $14K Car Scam 

    By Greg Collier

    What began as a hopeful transaction quickly unraveled into a devastating ordeal for a northern Wisconsin family who unknowingly purchased a stolen vehicle in what authorities describe as a sophisticated online scam.

    The couple from Prentice had found a 2024 Toyota Camry listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace. The seller, claiming a backstory involving family changes and an unused vehicle, seemed trustworthy. After exchanging messages and agreeing on a price, the family drove more than 11 hours round-trip to Calumet, Illinois, to meet him in person. The deal closed with a $14,000 cash payment.

    The excitement surrounding the new purchase was short-lived. When the family attempted to register the car in Wisconsin, they were informed by law enforcement that the vehicle had been reported stolen. The title, which appeared legitimate, was later revealed to be a high-quality fake. State officials determined the forgery only after discovering a single incorrect digit in the vehicle identification documentation. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the Secretary of State’s office in Illinois were both involved in the verification process.

    The fallout was immediate and financially devastating. The Price County Sheriff’s Office impounded the Camry, leaving the family without transportation and without recourse to recover the money they had paid. Efforts to locate the seller, who identified himself only by a first name, have been unsuccessful.

    Consumer protection advocates say this type of fraud is becoming more common, particularly with the rise of online marketplaces, where identity verification and buyer protections are limited. Transactions involving unusually low prices should raise immediate concerns. In this case, the vehicle had been listed well below its market value, which ranges between $25,000 and $27,000, according to current Kelley Blue Book estimates.

    Experts also warn against using cash for major purchases involving private parties online. The lack of paper trail makes recovery nearly impossible once a scam has been completed.

     

  • Geebo 1:00 pm on March 28, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: arrest scam, , , ,   

    Scam Uses Real Arrests to Trick Parents 

    Scam Uses Real Arrests to Trick Parents

    By Greg Collier

    An Oregon couple narrowly avoided becoming the latest victims of a scam that blends old tricks with a disturbing level of real-time sophistication. The incident highlights an almost ingenious evolution of the so-called “family emergency” or “grandparent” scam, long used by fraudsters to extract money from vulnerable individuals.

    The couple received a phone call from a man claiming to be a law enforcement officer with the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. He said their adult son had been arrested earlier that day and was in need of financial assistance to secure his release. Specifically, the caller claimed money was needed for a court-approved ankle monitor and treatment costs. The urgency, coupled with precise details, made the call seem credible.

    Moments after hanging up, the couple checked the public jail roster and discovered that their son had indeed been taken into custody for drug possession that same morning. The confirmation appeared to validate the caller’s story, nudging them closer to compliance.

    What followed was a sophisticated con that preyed on a parent’s instinct to protect. The impersonator explained that payments could not be made directly to the sheriff’s office, but instead had to be delivered in cash to a third-party vendor. He gave them a location, which turned out to be a 7-Eleven convenience store.

    Only then did the alarm bells finally ring.

    Instead of following through, the couple contacted law enforcement and reported the encounter. Investigators say this case stands out for its timing and apparent access to fresh booking information. While jail rosters are publicly accessible, they are not easily searchable by arrest date, raising questions about how the scammers identified and targeted the couple so quickly.

    Officials from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office have confirmed a handful of similar reports in recent weeks. Though the tactics vary, the consistent element is an opportunistic focus on families reeling from a recent arrest. By exploiting raw emotion and pairing it with believable details, scammers are bypassing many of the usual red flags.

    Law enforcement reiterated that they never call individuals to request money for release programs, ankle monitors, or treatment services. The agency also stressed the importance of verifying any unexpected request for money through official channels.

    This case underscores a disturbing new phase in financial fraud, one that leverages emotional vulnerability and up-to-the-minute public records. It is a stark reminder that even the savviest individuals can be manipulated when real fear intersects with convincing lies.

     

  • Geebo 1:00 pm on March 27, 2025 Permalink | Reply
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    Scammers Link Victim to Illicit Crime Network 

    By Greg Collier

    A 73-year-old woman from Lancaster County, Nebraska, has become the latest victim in a growing wave of tech support scams, losing $10,000 after being misled by a fraudulent security alert on her computer. Authorities say the woman believed she was speaking with Apple Support when, in fact, she was communicating with a scammer orchestrating a complex and emotionally manipulative con.

    The incident began when a pop-up message appeared on her screen warning of a security breach. The alert directed her to call what appeared to be Apple’s customer service. On the other end of the line, the scammer used fear and urgency to gain her trust, claiming that her device had been compromised by foreign hackers. The situation escalated quickly when the caller falsely alleged that her identity had been linked to a criminal group who dealt in child abuse material. In a state of panic, the woman was told she needed to pay $25,000 to clear her name and avoid severe legal consequences.

    She withdrew $10,000 from her bank and followed the caller’s instructions to a Lincoln business, where she used a Bitcoin ATM to transfer the funds. According to officials, the scammers then urged her to retrieve the remaining balance, but before she could act further, she grew suspicious and contacted law enforcement.

    Unfortunately, this type of scam is rarely resolved in the victim’s favor once funds are transferred through cryptocurrency. Though investigators are pursuing leads, authorities acknowledged that recovering the stolen money is unlikely. A sign posted near the ATM had warned users of such scams, but it was not enough to prevent the loss.

    This case reflects a broader trend in which older adults are often targeted through convincing impersonations of trusted brands. These scams rely on social engineering rather than technical hacking, preying on fear and confusion to manipulate victims into handing over money.

    To protect against these types of scams, it is important to remember that legitimate companies will never demand payment through cryptocurrency or ask for personal information in response to unsolicited alerts. Unexpected pop-ups or emails warning of urgent security threats should be met with skepticism. Rather than calling the number provided, individuals should close the browser and contact the company directly through verified channels.

    Additionally, enabling pop-up blockers, keeping antivirus software updated, and speaking with family members or friends before making financial decisions can help reduce the risk of falling victim to these schemes. Reporting suspicious activity to local law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission is also critical to documenting and addressing ongoing fraud.

    As scammers become increasingly sophisticated, public awareness remains one of the strongest defenses. The goal is not just to stop a single crime, but to create a culture of caution that can help prevent others from suffering similar losses.

     

  • Geebo 1:00 pm on March 26, 2025 Permalink | Reply
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    Washed Checks Drain Couple 

    By Greg Collier

    A couple in Boardman, Ohio, is the latest to fall victim to a growing financial crime known as check washing, according to local police. The pair was alerted by their bank on Monday to suspicious activity involving their account, after several checks totaling nearly $33,000 had been cashed without their knowledge.

    The couple reportedly believed they had written the checks for routine expenses, such as utilities and charitable donations. However, a closer look revealed a disturbing discovery. The payees and amounts had been altered, rewritten to entirely different individuals and inflated to larger sums. This manipulation is the hallmark of check washing, a type of fraud that has resurfaced in communities across the country.

    Check washing involves stealing legitimate checks from the mail, then using chemicals or other methods to remove the ink. Once the original information is erased, fraudsters rewrite the checks to different recipients and often for much larger amounts. Washed checks can be deposited or cashed at various financial institutions before the account holder becomes aware of the theft.

    In this case, the couple’s bank has confirmed that a significant portion of the stolen funds, just over $27,000, will be refunded to their account. However, the remaining $5,510 remains in question, with no guarantee of full reimbursement. This highlights a troubling reality for victims. Banks do not always recover or repay all stolen funds, especially if the fraud goes undetected for too long.

    To avoid becoming the next victim, experts urge consumers to minimize the risk of check theft and alteration. When mailing checks, it is safer to drop them inside a post office rather than leaving them in an unsecured mailbox. Using pens with permanent ink that resists chemical removal can make it more difficult for criminals to wash checks successfully. It is also important to monitor accounts regularly for unauthorized transactions and report suspicious activity immediately.

    As this latest case in Boardman shows, check washing continues to be a threat, one that can drain thousands of dollars in minutes and leave victims scrambling to recover. With banks not always able to restore the full amount lost, vigilance remains the most reliable defense.

     

  • Geebo 1:00 pm on March 25, 2025 Permalink | Reply
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    Scammers Are Still Cloning You 

    Scammers Are Still Cloning You

    By Greg Collier

    A new type of scam is becoming more common, and more convincing, thanks to rapidly evolving artificial intelligence. The Better Business Bureau has issued a warning about voice-cloning scams that are impacting individuals and families across the country.

    These scams rely on technology that can mimic someone’s voice with alarming accuracy. With just a few seconds of audio, sometimes lifted from voicemail greetings, casual conversations, or even online videos, scammers can generate a voice that sounds nearly identical to that of a loved one. This makes it incredibly difficult to distinguish between a real call and a fake one, especially when the voice on the other end is claiming to be in trouble, asking for money, or offering a too-good-to-be-true opportunity.

    In one case recently reported, an individual spent nearly a week performing tasks for what appeared to be a remote job, unaware that the employer’s true intent was to capture voice recordings. The concern is that these recordings may later be used in scams that impersonate the individual or manipulate others into sharing sensitive information.

    Scammers are becoming more strategic. They’re using AI not just to imitate voices, but also to weave those voices into emotional scenarios that cause panic or urgency, situations where someone might act quickly without verifying the call. This emotional manipulation is what makes these scams so dangerous. A familiar voice saying it’s an emergency can override our instincts and judgment in a matter of seconds.

    To protect yourself, take steps that make it harder for these scams to succeed. If you receive a call that seems suspicious, even if the voice sounds familiar, don’t respond right away. Take a moment to pause. Hang up and call the person directly using a known number. This simple step can often expose the scam for what it is.

    Securing your digital presence is also key. Enable multifactor authentication on your accounts whenever possible. It adds an extra layer of protection that can prevent scammers from accessing your information, even if they manage to imitate your voice or steal your password. At work, businesses should invest in cybersecurity training for employees. Building a culture of awareness and caution can prevent data breaches and manipulation.

    AI voice scams are still a developing threat, and organizations like the BBB are working to find solutions and increase public awareness. Until then, staying skeptical, careful, and informed is the best defense. In this new era where hearing a familiar voice doesn’t guarantee safety, taking a second to verify can make all the difference.

     

  • Geebo 1:00 pm on March 24, 2025 Permalink | Reply
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    Scammed and Drained in a Single Day 

    By Greg Collier

    It started with a simple text. A “fraud alert” popped up on a phone, seemingly from a well-known bank, asking if a purchase had been made. With a quick reply of ‘No’, a chain of events unfolded that would upend a family’s sense of safety and drain their entire savings.

    What followed was a carefully staged performance. A caller claimed to represent her longtime bank and spoke with unsettling familiarity, addressing her by name, reciting her address, even referencing account details. According to him, fraudsters were attempting to wire tens of thousands of dollars out of her accounts. The message was urgent, serious, and disturbingly convincing.

    Under the guise of protection, he urged immediate action. Her money, he insisted, needed to be moved to a ‘safe’ account. One he would establish at another bank. A new debit card was remotely added to her digital wallet, making the ruse feel even more legitimate. When a snowstorm delayed her response, the next morning brought more pressure, heightened threats, added urgency, and fresh instructions.

    She was warned not to trust her own bank, and was told her accounts had been frozen. Access to her online login was supposedly locked. She was instructed to keep the call going while entering the bank and even while standing at the ATM. Every step was scripted, from what to say if questioned, to what must be kept hidden.

    Over the course of the day, she withdrew $44,000 in cash from two bank branches. She followed instructions to the letter, depositing the full amount into a new ATM account that she believed would protect her savings. The reality, however, was far more devastating, her money was gone, funneled into the hands of a stranger who had earned her trust through deception and fear.

    What makes this story even more painful is how deeply targeted it was. The caller didn’t just affect her finances. Two linked accounts belonging to her daughter were also wiped out, including the daughter’s entire savings. The emotional toll hit just as hard as the financial loss.

    After the scam became clear, so did the broader consequences. Shaken, anxious, and overwhelmed, she no longer feels safe doing basic tasks online. She questions everything and everyone. And when a data breach notification arrived just a day later, tied to a massive cyberattack on a major healthcare company, it only deepened the sense that this might not be over. Her information may have been stolen, sold, passed from one criminal hand to the next.

    What makes scams like this so dangerous is how much they’ve evolved. Gone are the days of clumsy, misspelled emails. Today’s scammers use real names, familiar logos, and cloned phone numbers. They build credibility before dismantling it. They construct elaborate narratives, carefully crafted to isolate and confuse. And they prey heavily on older adults, individuals more likely to pick up a call, more likely to trust a voice claiming to be from a bank, and more likely to feel a sense of obligation to act quickly in the face of danger.

    This story, painful as it is, is being shared with a purpose. To warn others. To protect others. To remind people that any unexpected communication involving urgent requests for money, especially from someone claiming to be from a trusted institution, deserves extra scrutiny. Always verify these claims independently. Never give in to pressure, and if something feels off, take a moment to stop and check with a friend, a family member, or directly with your bank using a trusted number.

    The truth is, anyone can be targeted. Scammers are skilled manipulators, and no one should feel ashamed for being caught in a moment of fear or confusion. What matters now is spreading awareness, strengthening protections, and supporting those who come forward, not just with empathy, but with action.

    If this happened to you or someone you love, would you know what to do? Now is the time to talk about it with your parents, with your neighbors, with your community. A single conversation could save someone’s life savings. And that’s something none of us can afford to ignore.

     

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