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  • Geebo 8:00 am 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 8:00 am 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 8:00 am 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 8:00 am 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.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on March 21, 2025 Permalink | Reply
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    The Jury Duty Scam Is Still Here, And Still Working 

    By Greg Collier

    The headlines may be dominated by the toll text scam lately, but that doesn’t mean other schemes have gone away. One of the most persistent, and unfortunately, still effective, scams is the jury duty con. It recently surfaced again in Ross Township, Pennsylvania, where a local resident lost over $8,000 to someone impersonating a law enforcement officer.

    The scammer called from a number that appeared legitimate, with a caller ID that mimicked the local sheriff’s office. The victim was told they had missed jury duty and that an arrest warrant had been issued. The pressure was immediate and intense. In order to avoid being taken into custody, the victim was instructed to pay a fine, in this case, over $8,000 in bitcoin. Believing the caller was a real deputy and that the consequences were real, the victim complied. The funds were traced to an overseas crypto exchange, but by then, the money was gone.

    Similar calls are being reported in other nearby counties, where scammers are posing as officers, complete with fabricated names and badge numbers. They’re telling people they’re in contempt of court for not showing up for jury duty and that the only way to avoid arrest is to pay a fine, often on the spot and in cash-like alternatives such as cryptocurrency or apps like Venmo. Victims are even told to stay silent because of a so-called gag order, further isolating them and increasing the pressure.

    These scams keep happening for one reason, they still work. Scammers know they only need a few people to fall for the lie to make the effort worthwhile. By casting a wide net, calling dozens or even hundreds of people, they can strike gold with just one or two hits. Even with public awareness campaigns, people continue to be taken in, particularly when the scam uses fear and urgency to overwhelm rational thinking.

    Law enforcement has made it clear. They do not contact people by phone to demand payment for missed jury duty. They don’t accept payments through apps, gift cards, or crypto, and they certainly won’t ask you to keep silent about a call. But these warnings don’t reach everyone, or they come too late.

    As attention shifts to new digital frauds, it’s important not to forget about the scams that have been around for years and show no sign of stopping. If someone calls you demanding money for a missed civic duty, take a breath, hang up, and report it. These scams only persist because they continue to work, and spreading the word is one way to make them stop.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on March 20, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , scam centers, scam hubs, ,   

    Trapped in Scams: The Hidden Human Cost 

    Trapped in Scams: The Hidden Human Cost

    By Greg Collier

    The human cost of scams extends far beyond those who lose money. While the victims on the receiving end of fraudulent schemes suffer financial and emotional devastation, there is another group of people caught in a different kind of nightmare, those trapped in scam operations themselves. Along the Thai-Myanmar border, tens of thousands of individuals remain ensnared in massive fraud compounds, forced to participate in deception while living under conditions no one deserves.

    For weeks, a multinational crackdown has attempted to dismantle these scam hubs, yet the operations persist. Despite efforts from law enforcement agencies, up to 100,000 people are still working within these fraudulent enterprises, many of them victims of trafficking. Criminal networks exploit economic desperation, luring individuals with the promise of legitimate work only to imprison them in a cycle of coercion and abuse. While some initially traveled willingly, hoping for employment, they later discovered they had walked into a trap, unable to leave, and forced to deceive strangers for profit under the threat of violence.

    Governments across Southeast Asia and beyond have responded with repatriation efforts, hoping to return these individuals to safety. Thailand has taken a leading role in extracting thousands from these compounds, coordinating with other nations to rescue and return those who have been held against their will. However, the challenge remains immense. The sheer scale of the scam operations means that, despite thousands being freed, countless others remain behind, with their fate being uncertain.

    There is an undeniable economic and technological sophistication to these operations, but it is their human toll that must remain at the forefront. These are not just numbers on a page or statistics in a report. These are real people, living under conditions of fear and exploitation. Many are held in guarded compounds, subjected to threats and violence, with no means of escape. Even after being freed, many struggle to return home, having their savings stolen and their trust shattered.

    The international response has been significant, but it is only the beginning. A deeper commitment to shutting down these scam centers is necessary, not just to protect those who are defrauded, but to free those who have been forced into fraud themselves. These individuals are victims, too. They’re victims of a global economy where desperation can be weaponized, and human lives treated as expendable.

    The fight against scams must be waged on multiple fronts. Yes, there must be vigilance against fraudulent messages and phone calls. Yes, there must be legal consequences for those who organize and profit from these schemes. But there must also be compassion for those who have been coerced into participating. No one should be forced into a life of deception under the threat of violence, no matter where they are in the world. Their suffering is real, and they deserve more than to be forgotten.

     

  • Geebo 8:01 am on March 19, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: consumer protection, , , tax audit,   

    How to Avoid an IRS Audit and Stay Compliant 

    How to Avoid an IRS Audit and Stay Compliant

    By Greg Collier

    Receiving an IRS audit notice can be a stressful experience, often bringing with it concerns about additional taxes, penalties, and the time-consuming process of providing documentation. While some audits are random, many result from specific patterns or inconsistencies in a tax return. Fortunately, these triggers are well known, and taxpayers can take steps to minimize the risk of being audited.

    One of the most common reasons for an audit is failing to report all sources of income. Employers automatically report wages through W-2 forms, but income from investments, freelance work, rental properties, and other non-traditional sources must be accounted for separately. Discrepancies often arise when taxpayers overlook 1099 forms or fail to track self-employment earnings accurately. Keeping organized records and ensuring that all sources of income are reported can help prevent this issue.

    Another red flag for the IRS is a significant fluctuation in income from one year to the next. While changes in financial circumstances are normal, large swings, especially for self-employed individuals or business owners, may prompt closer scrutiny. If a business experiences a sharp decline in revenue due to losing a major client or other external factors, it can be helpful to include an explanation with the tax return to clarify the reason for the fluctuation.

    Businesses that consistently report losses also tend to attract IRS attention. While it is common for new ventures to take time before turning a profit, a business that continues to operate at a loss year after year may be seen as a hobby rather than a legitimate enterprise. The IRS requires businesses to demonstrate a profit motive, and maintaining detailed records of revenue-generating activities can help establish credibility.

    Deductions are another area where taxpayers need to exercise caution. Certain deductions, such as large charitable contributions, rental property losses, or home office expenses, require careful documentation to ensure compliance with IRS rules. A charitable donation that significantly exceeds the typical amount given by others in a similar income bracket may raise questions. Home office expenses are only eligible for those who are self-employed and use the space exclusively for business purposes. Having thorough records to justify deductions can prevent unnecessary scrutiny.

    Estate tax returns are also frequently audited, especially when assets appear to be undervalued. The IRS employs valuation experts who review these filings, and any discrepancies in the reported value of real estate, art, or closely held businesses can lead to an audit. Obtaining multiple appraisals from qualified professionals can help substantiate asset valuations and avoid potential disputes with the IRS.

    Even with careful preparation, some audits are unavoidable. The IRS conducts audits through three primary methods, correspondence audits handled via mail, office audits that require a visit to an IRS facility, and field audits that involve an in-person review at the taxpayer’s home or business. In all cases, the IRS provides advanced notice and specifies the documents they need to review.

    While hiring a tax professional can be beneficial, taxpayers remain responsible for the accuracy of their returns. Reviewing all information before filing, maintaining organized financial records, and being prepared to provide supporting documentation when necessary can go a long way in preventing audit complications. Understanding the common triggers for an IRS review and taking proactive steps to ensure compliance can help taxpayers navigate tax season with confidence.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on March 18, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , Veteran's Affairs   

    Scammers Target Grieving Veteran’s Family 

    Scammers Target Grieving Veteran's Family

    By Greg Collier

    In a time of mourning, when families should be focused on honoring and remembering their loved ones, financial predators are finding new ways to take advantage of their vulnerability. A recent case in Georgia has prompted state officials to remind the public to be extra cautious when handling funeral arrangements and memorial services.

    Authorities were alerted to a troubling incident involving a widow who was deceived by an individual posing as a representative of a Veterans Affairs cemetery. The scammer falsely claimed that she needed to purchase an insurance policy during the burial process. When she hesitated, the imposter used high-pressure tactics to push for immediate payment. Including threatening to prevent the burial from taking place.

    Initially, her attempt to transfer money through Zelle was blocked due to fraud detection, but she was eventually convinced to send $1,200 via PayPal. It was only after her family learned of the transaction that they reported the scam, leading to an investigation by state officials and law enforcement.

    This is not a new scheme, nor is it confined to VA cemeteries. Funeral homes and memorial services have long been a target for fraudsters looking to exploit grieving families. In many cases, scammers claim that immediate payment is required to prevent delays, upsell services that should be provided at no cost, or demand money for non-existent debts related to the deceased.

    Officials urge families to remain vigilant and take precautions when arranging funeral services. Verifying the legitimacy of any financial request before making a payment is crucial. Direct engagement with cemetery or funeral home representatives, rather than relying on unsolicited calls or messages, can help ensure that all services and costs are legitimate. Families are also encouraged to document end-of-life plans in advance and discuss them with trusted relatives to prevent confusion and susceptibility to fraud.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on March 17, 2025 Permalink | Reply
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    Posing as Feds: A $125K Amazon Scam 

    Posing as Feds: A $125K Amazon Scam

    By Greg Collier

    In early March, a 71-year-old resident of Sequim, Washington, fell prey to a calculated and manipulative scheme, losing $125,000 to individuals posing as federal agents. What began as a simple phone call spiraled into a series of orchestrated encounters, ultimately leading to a substantial financial loss.

    The deception started when the victim was contacted by someone claiming to represent Amazon’s fraud department. The caller alleged that her account had been compromised and, in a carefully crafted escalation, connected her with another individual who introduced himself as a federal investigator. The so-called agent presented an alarming scenario. The victim was accused of being entangled in a money laundering operation and needed to prove her innocence by transferring money to the government.

    Under the weight of fear and urgency, the woman was directed to withdraw large sums of cash and place them into a lockbox. Over three separate meetings at a local business, she handed over the money to an individual she believed to be a government agent. Each time, she was given a single dollar bill as supposed confirmation of the exchange. It wasn’t until her bank manager noticed the unusual withdrawals that the scam unraveled. Law enforcement was alerted, and detectives launched an investigation.

    On March 12, authorities set up a sting operation. With the victim’s cooperation, another delivery of $40,000 was planned. This time, when the money was set to change hands, law enforcement intervened. A 35-year-old woman from Tacoma, identified as the driver involved in the scheme, was arrested. Through an interpreter, she was questioned and later booked on charges of extortion and attempted theft. The case remains open as investigators work to identify additional suspects.

    To avoid falling victim to such scams, caution is crucial. Government agencies and legitimate organizations will never demand cash payments, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to resolve alleged legal issues. If someone claims to be an official investigator and pressures you to send money, it’s a red flag. Independently verifying claims by contacting the agency directly, rather than through provided phone numbers, can prevent costly mistakes. When in doubt, consulting a trusted financial institution or law enforcement agency before taking action can make all the difference.

    Local authorities continue to warn residents about these deceptive practices, urging anyone who suspects fraudulent activity to seek immediate guidance. In an era where technology makes scams more convincing than ever, awareness and skepticism remain the best defenses against financial exploitation.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on March 14, 2025 Permalink | Reply
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    FBI Warns: Toll Text Scam Sweeping the U.S. 

    FBI Warns: Toll Text Scam Sweeping the U.S.

    By Greg Collier

    The latest wave of scams preying on unsuspecting Americans has taken the form of fraudulent road toll collection texts, prompting the FBI to issue a public warning. These deceptive messages claim that recipients have outstanding toll balances, threatening fines or even suspension of driving privileges if they fail to make immediate payment. But rather than being legitimate notices from state toll authorities, these texts are part of a growing cybercrime operation designed to steal personal and financial information.

    This type of scam falls under ‘smishing’, a variant of phishing that relies on SMS messages rather than emails. The scammers’ approach is alarmingly effective. Messages appear authentic, often using official-sounding language and formatting that mirrors legitimate toll collection agencies. The scam is spreading rapidly, shifting from state to state with nearly identical wording in each new location.

    Authorities are urging recipients not to engage with these messages. The FBI recommends reporting them through its Internet Crime Complaint Center and then deleting them without responding. Unfortunately, the fraudsters behind this scheme have refined their methods to circumvent certain smartphone security features. For example, while Apple restricts clickable links in texts from unknown senders, these scammers prompt users to reply with ‘Y’ to re-establish communication, bypassing this safeguard.

    A cybersecurity analysis revealed that bad actors have registered over 10,000 domains to facilitate these scams, targeting toll services and package delivery systems across multiple states and even into Canada. The scale of this operation suggests a level of coordination that goes beyond the typical small-scale scam.

    Historically, the most frequently reported phone scam involved fraudulent jury duty claims, where scammers would impersonate court officials and demand immediate payment under the threat of arrest. However, at least anecdotally, the toll text scam appears to have surpassed it in prevalence. With so many Americans accustomed to electronic toll payments, these fraudulent messages often seem credible at first glance, increasing the likelihood of engagement.

    The unfortunate reason this scam is becoming so common is simple, it’s working. Scammers wouldn’t keep running these schemes if they weren’t succeeding in tricking victims into handing over their personal and financial information. Every person who falls for the scam encourages criminals to expand their operations, making it even more widespread.

    The best defense remains skepticism. State agencies do not request payments through unsolicited text messages, and any demand for financial information via text should be treated with extreme caution. As the scam continues to evolve, staying informed is key to avoiding falling victim to these deceptive tactics.

     

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