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  • Geebo 8:00 am on June 5, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , customs, , ,   

    Stuck in Customs? It’s Likely a Scam 

    Stuck in Customs? It’s Likely a Scam

    By Greg Collier

    When an online order never shows up, it’s natural to follow up. But if the seller tells you your package is stuck in customs due to tariffs, it may be more than just a shipping delay. According to reports from BBB Scam Tracker, this explanation is increasingly being used by scammers to delay refunds or avoid delivering anything at all.

    The scam usually begins with a professional-looking advertisement on social media or search engines. A potential customer visits the site, sees a product they want, and proceeds through a smooth checkout process. Everything appears legitimate until the item never arrives. Initial follow-ups may be met with vague, repetitive messages urging patience. Eventually, the seller may claim the package is stuck in customs due to tariffs or international regulations. In some cases, the buyer is asked to pay additional money to release the shipment. Other times, a tracking number is provided that falsely shows the package was delivered to an unrelated address, often in another state.

    Some sellers blame trade policy or customs backlogs as a reason for the delay, but these explanations often serve to buy time or discourage further inquiries. Once customers demand a refund or threaten to report the issue, communication often stops altogether. Email responses may be riddled with grammatical errors or come from generic addresses with no identifiable support team.

    Several patterns tend to appear in these types of scams. The most telling is the use of tariffs or customs as an excuse for excessive delays. Another is being asked to pay more money after the order is placed. Tracking numbers that don’t align with your shipping information or that show delivery to the wrong location are also red flags. Customer service that avoids specific answers or disappears entirely should raise immediate concern.

    While sponsored social media ads can come from legitimate companies, scammers also use these platforms to present fake businesses that vanish once enough orders come in. Shoppers are advised to research unfamiliar sellers before purchasing, particularly when ads appear in sponsored posts. Reviews outside of the seller’s own platform can help reveal complaints or patterns of fraud. Inspecting the website for inconsistencies, such as poor grammar or suspicious URLs, may also uncover warning signs.

    Paying with a credit card can provide an extra layer of protection in case you need to dispute a charge. It is uncommon for U.S. consumers to owe tariffs after completing a purchase, so any request for post-purchase customs payments should be treated with skepticism. Saving order confirmations, tracking information, and screenshots of the original ad can support your claim if you decide to report the scam or seek a refund through your credit card issuer.

    As scammers become more sophisticated in creating fake websites and using technical language to explain away delays, staying informed is essential. If you believe you’ve been targeted by this type of scam, you can file a report with BBB Scam Tracker to help warn others and contribute to ongoing fraud investigations.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on June 4, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , jail scam, ,   

    New Jail Scam Targets Inmates’ Families 

    By Greg Collier

    A new scam targeting the families of jail inmates has emerged in Colorado, raising concerns among law enforcement and correctional officials. The scam was first reported in Eagle County in late May and has prompted warnings to the public about deceptive tactics aimed at exploiting emotional vulnerability and confusion surrounding the jail system.

    In this particular scheme, a family member of an inmate received a phone call from someone posing as a legal or jail official. The caller claimed that their loved one had already appeared before a judge and was eligible for release, but only after completing a required class. The caller then demanded a payment of $1,000, which they stated was the bond amount needed for the inmate to proceed with the class and secure release. When the family member began questioning the legitimacy of the request, the scammer responded with verbal pressure and emotional manipulation, insisting that a responsible person would comply for the sake of their relative.

    Fortunately, the targeted individual ended the call and contacted the local sheriff’s office directly, where it was confirmed the call was fraudulent. Law enforcement has since shared details of the incident to warn others and help prevent further victimization.

    This is not the first time families of incarcerated individuals have been targeted by financial scams. Previous incidents have included fraudulent offers promising early release in exchange for money, or requiring payment for GPS monitoring devices that were supposedly necessary for home detention. In all these variations, the scam relies on convincing families that immediate action is necessary and that payment will somehow influence or accelerate the legal process.

    Law enforcement officials stress that no legitimate agency will ever call and demand money over the phone in exchange for someone’s release. Bail procedures and requirements are handled through the courts and jail system with clearly documented protocols, not through unverified calls demanding payment.

    Anyone who receives a call of this nature is encouraged to avoid engaging with the caller and instead contact their local law enforcement agency directly. Verifying the status of an inmate or the requirements for their release should always be done through official channels, not through unsolicited phone calls. Scammers are adept at exploiting urgency and emotion, but vigilance and verification can help prevent financial and emotional harm.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on June 3, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , ,   

    Scammed Before You Even Move 

    By Greg Collier

    Relocating to a new home is rarely a smooth experience. Between packing, organizing, and coordinating logistics, stress levels are already high. Unfortunately, dishonest moving companies are ready to take advantage of that pressure, turning an already difficult process into a financial and emotional nightmare.

    The Better Business Bureau (BBB) reported more than 100,000 inquiries related to movers in 2024, alongside hundreds of formal complaints. The scams themselves can take various forms, including movers never showing up, prices being inflated without warning, or belongings being held hostage for additional fees after the move has begun.

    In one notable example reported to the BBB, a consumer used a popular review app to arrange a move. The movers quoted a price and requested a deposit via a digital payment service. However, when the customer tried to cancel, all communication ceased. The number became unresponsive, and the promised refund never materialized. The invoice lacked any legitimate contact information. If not for backup arrangements, the individual would have been left on moving day with no assistance and hundreds of dollars lost.

    This type of story is not rare. Scammers often rely on consumers being rushed, distracted, or unaware of red flags. They can appear professional until the moment they disappear or demand unexpected payments. Some load belongings onto trucks only to vanish or claim the delivery cannot be made until extra charges are paid.

    To prevent such situations, thorough research before hiring a mover is essential. A company’s online presence should include a physical address and licensing information. Reputable businesses provide written estimates after a site visit and do not demand large upfront payments. Consumers should carefully review any documents before paying, and verify that the company is registered with the appropriate federal transportation authority if the move crosses state lines.

    Keeping a detailed inventory of possessions and photographing items before packing is another useful precaution. These steps can assist in any disputes over damages or missing items. Ultimately, transparency and trust are key in any moving arrangement. Companies that are evasive or overly aggressive about payments should be approached with caution.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on June 2, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , ghost tap, , , ,   

    Ghost Tap Scam Bleeds Millions 

    By Greg Collier

    A new form of credit card fraud, referred to as the “Ghost Tap” scam, has been identified and is currently under investigation by authorities in multiple states. The Knox County (TN) Sheriff’s Office recently issued a public warning regarding this emerging threat. According to their update, the scam involves criminal groups using digital wallet applications to make fraudulent purchases with stolen credit card data. These purchases often take the form of gift cards, which are then sold online to obscure the trail of the original transactions.

    Investigators have linked the operation to organized criminal rings primarily involving foreign nationals, who travel from states with large populations and more intense enforcement to smaller regions they perceive as less guarded. Since August 2024, law enforcement officials have apprehended over ten suspects connected to this scheme in Knox County alone. Authorities believe losses are in the millions due to these fraudulent transactions.

    The process is swift and largely invisible to the average person. Stolen credit card information is stored within a digital wallet, allowing suspects to make contactless purchases without possessing a physical card. This tactic enables them to bypass certain security checks and quickly convert the fraudulent funds into untraceable assets like gift cards. These cards are then resold through various online marketplaces, making it difficult to identify the original source of the funds.

    Officials warn that the Ghost Tap scam often operates in tandem with phishing schemes. Victims may receive text messages claiming there are problems with toll payments, package deliveries, or bank accounts. The messages typically include a link urging the recipient to enter personal or financial information. These tactics are used to collect data that may later be exploited in digital wallet fraud.

    To counteract these threats, the sheriff’s office advises the public to remain skeptical of unsolicited messages requesting sensitive information. They also stress that no legitimate agency will ever demand payment through gift cards or request private data over the phone. Any such contact should be treated as suspicious and reported to the appropriate authorities.

    The local Organized Retail Crime Unit has been central to recent enforcement actions, utilizing new investigative tools to identify suspects as soon as they arrive in the area. Officials hope that raising awareness will help deter future incidents and encourage prompt reporting of suspicious behavior. With digital wallets becoming increasingly common, scams like Ghost Tap represent a growing challenge that demands both public caution and coordinated enforcement.

     

  • Geebo 8:03 am on May 30, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , ,   

    Tricked Into Crime by a Fake Job 

    Tricked Into Crime by a Fake Job

    By Greg Collier

    In a twist on employment fraud, scammers are targeting people looking for work with what seems like an easy way to make money. Known as a reshipping scam, the scheme presents itself as a legitimate job offer under titles such as “shipping coordinator” or other vaguely defined logistics roles. The job may appear to offer attractive pay for minimal effort, but the reality is far more dangerous and costly.

    Victims of reshipping scams are often asked to receive packages at their home and then forward them to other locations. The job might require them to use their own funds to pay for the second shipment, with the promise of reimbursement and wages after the task is completed. But when the time comes to be paid, the employer vanishes, leaving the victim without compensation and out the money they spent on shipping.

    What many don’t realize until it’s too late is that the contents of the packages are frequently obtained using stolen credit cards. Items sent through these operations have included high-value goods like drones, electronics and even precious metals. This setup not only leaves victims financially drained, but can also put them in legal jeopardy. Law enforcement agencies have documented cases where participants in reshipping schemes were investigated or arrested after unknowingly assisting in the transport of stolen merchandise.

    The danger escalates further when victims provide personal information during the so-called hiring process. Information such as Social Security numbers, home addresses and banking details are often collected, making the victim vulnerable to identity theft in addition to financial loss.

    Some individuals, in an attempt to avoid trouble once they realize they’ve been scammed, might try to dispose of or reroute the packages without following shipping or customs regulations. Doing so can lead to further legal consequences. Authorities have warned that attempting to circumvent import or export laws, even unknowingly, can result in criminal charges.

    The scheme is often tied to larger networks of organized crime that profit from exploiting individuals under the guise of employment. The psychological toll of being deceived, combined with the financial impact, can leave victims with lasting consequences.

    As employment scams continue to evolve, it’s critical for jobseekers to remain suspicious and verify the legitimacy of any position that involves personal financial risk or unusual responsibilities. When something sounds too good to be true, it often is.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on May 29, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , ,   

    Fake DMV Texts Are the New Nationwide Scam 

    By Greg Collier

    A new phishing scam is spreading across the country, targeting drivers with fraudulent text messages that appear to come from official motor vehicle departments. These messages claim the recipient has unpaid traffic fines and threaten license suspension or other penalties unless immediate action is taken. In reality, these texts are not from any legitimate agency and are designed to steal personal and financial information.

    In Georgia, the messages reference a nonexistent Department of Motor Vehicles and warn about suspended driving privileges unless payment is made. Officials in that state have clarified that there is no state DMV and that real agencies, like the Department of Driver Services, do not use text messages for these purposes.

    In Illinois, the scam texts include specific legal codes, threatening prosecution and credit score damage. The messages cite fake administrative laws and demand payment through a fraudulent link. State officials have warned that such texts are not a legitimate form of communication for any action involving traffic violations or license status.

    Louisiana drivers have received similar texts claiming they owe fines. The state’s Office of Motor Vehicles confirmed these messages are not legitimate and has issued warnings advising residents not to click on any links. Officials say these scams are part of a broader phishing campaign that could also lead to malware infections or identity theft.

    This wave of fake DMV text messages appears to be the latest version of the toll scam texts that circulated widely earlier this year. In those cases, scammers pretended to represent toll agencies and used a similar strategy of creating urgency to push recipients into making fake payments. The transition to impersonating motor vehicle departments suggests that scammers are adapting their tactics to stay ahead of public awareness.

    These scams exploit common anxieties about driving privileges, legal consequences, and unpaid fines. By mimicking the language and tone of government agencies, the messages aim to pressure individuals into quick action before they have time to verify the source. In each case, the fraudulent messages include links to sites that harvest sensitive data or install harmful software.

    As this scam continues to appear in multiple states, it highlights the importance of being cautious with any unsolicited message, especially those requesting immediate payment or personal information. Motor vehicle agencies generally communicate through secure channels and do not use text messages to issue threats or collect fines. Drivers are encouraged to verify any suspicious message by contacting their local agency directly.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on May 28, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , ,   

    Scammers Are Sliding Into LinkedIn 

    LinkedIn is often considered one of the safer corners of social media, a place where professionals share career milestones, expand their networks, and connect with future colleagues. But even platforms aimed at career growth are not immune to deception. As one recent incident illustrates, scammers are watching just as closely as potential employers.

    A newly hired employee at a North Carolina television station had shared a standard career update on LinkedIn to mark the beginning of a new role. It was a common post, the kind many professionals make to celebrate career changes. But shortly after connecting with colleagues, the employee received a suspicious text message. The sender claimed to be a manager at the new job, asking if she was available. The message came from an unfamiliar number. Rather than responding right away, she verified the sender through official work channels. That quick check confirmed her instincts that the message was a scam.

    This incident is part of a broader trend of social engineering schemes that target people through LinkedIn and similar platforms. Security experts have long warned that scammers often impersonate employers, recruiters, or co-workers. While some of these messages are after money or personal information, others aim to pull unsuspecting users into criminal activity without their knowledge. Fake job offers, especially ones promising remote work for easy pay, can sometimes serve as fronts for money laundering operations. Scammers may ask victims to transfer funds, purchase gift cards, or engage in other seemingly legitimate tasks, all designed to disguise the origin of illicit gains.

    The growing capabilities of artificial intelligence and deepfake technology are only making these scams harder to detect. Fraudsters can now use fabricated audio and video content to mimic real people and sound convincingly professional. As technology advances, even savvy internet users may struggle to identify what is real and what has been manipulated.

    It’s important to remember that even platforms built for professional engagement are not immune from manipulation. LinkedIn’s focus on career development can create a false sense of security, but scammers thrive in these environments because they know people often let their guard down. Users should be cautious about what they share publicly and consider reviewing their privacy settings. Reducing the visibility of personal details can be one way to limit exposure.

    There are also tools available to help manage your digital footprint. Some online services allow users to request the removal of personally identifiable information from search results. Taking advantage of these features may reduce the risk of being targeted.

    If anything seems off, whether it’s a job offer that feels too good to be true or a message from someone you don’t recognize, verify through a trusted channel before engaging. In today’s digital landscape, vigilance remains one of the most reliable defenses.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on May 27, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , ,   

    Million-Dollar Inheritance Scam 

    Million-Dollar Inheritance Scam

    By Greg Collier

    A recent attempted scam out of Canada serves as a reminder that the promise of a surprise inheritance is usually more fiction than fact. The setup had all the hallmarks of a well-planned con: a letter from a foreign attorney, a sizable estate left behind by a deceased woman who shared a surname with the recipient, and a convincing narrative involving court filings, insurance policies, and official documents. But it was all a lie.

    The person who received the letter saw through it immediately and was never in danger. But others may not be as fortunate. These scams are often aimed at people who are either unfamiliar with how to vet such claims or who are in a desperate situation where even the faintest promise of a windfall can seem like a lifeline. The emotional appeal is deliberate. Scammers understand how to exploit both financial need and human greed.

    In this case, the supposed law firm that sent the letter did not exist. The lawyer named on the documents is not listed with the Canadian Bar Association. The firm’s website was only recently registered and traced to Malaysia. The deceased woman’s death certificate could not be verified through any official channels. The address provided for her residence was actually that of an assisted living facility, and the office location for the lawyer turned out to be a strip mall storefront. Even the judge’s signature was fraudulent, as the real judge had retired prior to the date on the document.

    Scams like this hinge on creating just enough legitimacy to fool someone into handing over their personal information. The fraudsters often mix truth with fiction, using real names and plausible addresses to lower suspicion. The next step usually involves asking for banking details or a “processing fee” to unlock the inheritance. Once that happens, it’s the victim’s money that vanishes, not an imaginary estate that appears.

    These inheritance claims are rarely, if ever, real. Large unclaimed estates without a clear heir are extremely uncommon, and when they do occur, the process for claiming them is handled through official probate courts, not unsolicited letters or emails. Most of the time, if an heir cannot be located, the estate is absorbed by the government after a thorough legal process.

    It’s tempting to believe in a sudden fortune falling from the sky, especially when the story is polished enough to seem true. But the sad reality is that scams like this one continue to work because they are engineered to manipulate emotions and cloud judgment. If something seems like a gift from nowhere, it almost certainly comes with a price.

    And when no legitimate heir can be found, the money doesn’t go to the person who answers a mysterious letter. It goes to the state, not to a stranger willing to fabricate a connection. So no matter how convincing the story sounds, it’s always better to walk away than be taken in.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on May 23, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , ,   

    QR Code Scam Targets Holiday Parkers 

    QR Code Scam Targets Holiday Parkers

    By Greg Collier

    As the holiday weekend approaches, Fort Lauderdale officials are warning the public about a parking scam involving counterfeit QR code stickers found on city meters. These fake codes mimic legitimate mobile payment options but redirect users to fraudulent websites aimed at harvesting personal and financial information.

    City workers recently discovered more of these fraudulent QR codes affixed to meters and signs in several high-traffic areas, including popular lots and beachfront zones. The timing is especially concerning as increased travel and tourism are expected during Memorial Day weekend. Both residents and visitors are being encouraged to exercise caution and confirm the legitimacy of any QR code before scanning and submitting payment.

    The scam involves stickers that imitate real QR codes from trusted payment platforms. Once scanned, the user is misled into submitting sensitive data on deceptive websites. The city is actively removing these counterfeit codes and reminding drivers to verify they are using the correct payment method. Typically, Fort Lauderdale uses a designated mobile app for parking, and the use of QR codes is limited to specific official contexts. If a code appears on a sticker rather than directly on the meter or signage, it may be suspect.

    While this incident is currently centered in Fort Lauderdale, similar schemes have emerged in other cities across the country. These scams are especially likely to proliferate during long weekends when many people travel and may be unfamiliar with local parking systems. Scammers count on confusion and convenience to trap their victims.

    Drivers are encouraged to report any suspicious codes using local resources to help officials remove malicious stickers and prevent further incidents. Staying vigilant is key. A quick double-check could mean the difference between a secure transaction and falling victim to identity theft.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on May 22, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Immigration and Customs Enforcement, , , ,   

    Visa Scam Targets Foreign Students 

    By Greg Collier

    Scammers are once again exploiting confusion and fear to prey on vulnerable populations. The FBI’s Atlanta office is warning that international students legally studying in the United States are being targeted in a sophisticated scam designed to extort money under the threat of deportation.

    This warning comes at a time when Immigration and Customs Enforcement has faced scrutiny for canceling and then walking back the cancellation of hundreds of student visas. Scammers appear to be aware of this uncertainty and are using it to make their schemes more convincing. They are impersonating officials from legitimate government agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Some even fabricate names of fake agencies or pose as representatives from U.S. universities, often using phony websites that mimic official ones to add an extra layer of deception.

    Victims are being told they are in violation of their visa status and face serious consequences, unless they pay fines immediately. These fines are described as fees for legal representation, university registration, or immigration processing. So far, students from countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan have been most frequently targeted.

    This is another example of how scammers stay attuned to current events and seize opportunities where trust is already fragile. By weaponizing bureaucratic confusion, they not only cause financial harm but also jeopardize the academic and immigration status of their victims. The FBI is urging international students to remain vigilant, question unsolicited contact from supposed government officials, and report suspicious activity through appropriate channels.

    International students who suspect they are being targeted should not act hastily out of fear. Verification of claims and careful scrutiny of communication can help prevent falling victim. Government agencies do not typically demand immediate payment over the phone or through unofficial platforms. As always, awareness remains a critical line of defense.

     

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