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  • Geebo 8:00 am on April 25, 2025 Permalink | Reply
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    “Federal Locker” Scam Hits PA Victim 

    "Federal Locker" Scam Hits PA Victim

    By Greg Collier

    Authorities in Chester County, Pennsylvania, are alerting residents to a concerning scam that has already claimed at least one local victim. The deceptive scheme involves impersonators who threaten individuals with arrest by federal law enforcement if they do not immediately comply with demands for money.

    The scam, now being referred to as the “Federal Locker Scam,” follows a familiar pattern of fear-based manipulation. In the incident reported, a victim was tricked after searching online for a subscription service’s contact number. The number she dialed appeared legitimate, but instead connected her to a scammer who falsely claimed her account had been compromised and needed federal intervention.

    Scammers are increasingly using online advertising to add a layer of credibility to their schemes. By purchasing ads on popular search engines like Google, they can impersonate legitimate companies and services. These fraudulent listings often appear at the very top of search results, even outranking the actual businesses they are pretending to represent. This tactic makes it more likely for unsuspecting individuals to call a scammer instead of the real customer service line, setting the stage for sophisticated fraud attempts like the one described in this case.

    Once trust was established, the caller urged her to withdraw large sums of money and convert them into gold, cryptocurrency, and gift cards. The fraudsters assured her these assets would be safely stored in a so-called government locker and later returned by federal agents. Over the course of eight days, the victim lost $100,000. The ruse only came to an end after a concerned family member intervened and helped her contact law enforcement.

    Officials say this case is not an isolated incident. Similar scams have emerged in neighboring jurisdictions, often involving impersonations of federal agencies. These scams frequently cite agencies such as the U.S. Marshals Service or Social Security Administration and attempt to obtain personal banking details or alternative forms of untraceable payment.

    Victims range widely in age, from young adults to senior citizens, demonstrating that the scam does not target one particular demographic. Police emphasize that real federal agencies will never request payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, nor will they threaten arrest over the phone.

    In the case reported, the victim was fortunate to recover a portion of the funds. Law enforcement encourages anyone who receives suspicious calls of this nature to reach out to their local police department before taking any action.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on April 24, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , tap to-pay   

    Tap-to-Pay Funeral Scam Drains $5K in Seconds 

    Tap-to-Pay Funeral Scam Drains $5K in Seconds

    By Greg Collier

    This story may sound like an urban legend, but it is very real and has affected multiple people across Chicago. It begins with what appears to be a plea for help. A young man approaches a passerby and says his younger brother has died. He claims the family cannot afford a funeral and asks for a small donation. The appeal is emotionally charged and convincing. Most people just want to help.

    But this isn’t about helping. It’s about stealing.

    The scam has surfaced at well-trafficked locations, including major intersections and shopping centers. The setup is nearly identical each time. A grieving sibling, a tragic backstory, and a refusal to accept cash. Instead, the victim is asked to donate using tap-to-pay on a cell phone. The unsuspecting donor thinks they are sending ten or twenty dollars. In reality, thousands are being drained in seconds.

    Victims have reported being hit with two back-to-back charges totaling nearly $5,000. Notifications often arrive after the scammers have fled in waiting vehicles. In one case, a man even chased the suspects down and briefly wrestled with one in a moving car. He recovered his money. Others have not been so lucky.

    Card issuers have responded by emphasizing the importance of their fraud review processes. Some victims have been offered provisional credits while investigations proceed. Others are still waiting, stuck in limbo as banks review their claims.

    This scam works because it hijacks empathy. It relies on the human impulse to help those in need. It manipulates emotion, bypassing the critical thinking that might otherwise make someone pause before tapping a phone.

    The best way to avoid this kind of scam is to never hand your device or payment method to a stranger. If someone is truly in need, there are safer ways to donate or support them. Suggest giving through a known charity or offering food, not funds. Be cautious when asked to pay directly on another person’s phone. If something feels off, trust that instinct.

    A legitimate cause will not pressure you to bypass safer methods of donation. Any story, no matter how heartbreaking, does not justify the theft of thousands of dollars.

    Helping others should not leave you in financial ruin.

     

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

    FBI Warns of Scam Recovery Scam Surge 

    FBI Warns of Scam Recovery Scam Surge

    By Greg Collier

    The FBI’s Denver office has issued a public warning about a new wave of fraud cases involving impersonators claiming to work for the Internet Crime Complaint Center. Between December 2023 and February 2025, over one hundred reports were filed from individuals who were contacted by scammers pretending to be affiliated with the FBI’s online crime division.

    The scammers typically reach out via email, phone, social media, or encrypted messaging apps. Their targets are often people who have already lost money to fraud. In some cases, the fraudsters embed themselves in online communities designed to support scam victims, using fake identities to pose as fellow victims. From there, they gain trust and recommend contacting someone they claim is a high-ranking IC3 official.

    The end goal is always the same. Once trust is established, victims are guided to send personal and financial information through private messaging platforms. The promise is that their stolen funds can be recovered. Instead, they are defrauded again, sometimes for even greater amounts.

    It is important to understand that there is no such thing as a scam recovery service. No legitimate agency will offer to retrieve lost funds in exchange for payment. The Internet Crime Complaint Center does not contact victims directly via social media, private messages, or encrypted apps. It does not request payment or refer victims to third-party entities promising financial recovery. Any outreach claiming to do so is a scam in itself.

    People who have experienced a scam or suspect fraudulent contact are encouraged to report the incident through the official IC3 website. Reports should include details about the individual or entity that initiated contact, the means of communication, any financial transaction records, and a description of what occurred.

    Above all, if someone claims they can help you get your money back for a fee, they are part of the scam. Do not give them money, and do not give them your trust.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on April 22, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: $20 bill, ,   

    The $20 Scam Draining Bank Accounts 

    By Greg Collier

    It starts with a stranger offering a smile and a surprise windfall. A crisp $20 bill appears out of nowhere, handed to you with compliments and flattery. But instead of a lucky day, you could be walking straight into a financial trap.

    This is exactly what happened to a shopper at a Ralph’s grocery store in Van Nuys, California. While entering her PIN at checkout, she was approached by a man claiming she dropped a twenty. He insisted it was hers, pushing it toward her wallet and crowding her personal space. She tried to decline, sensing something was off, but the interaction didn’t end there.

    Outside the store, the same man, now with a woman, followed her to her car, still trying to press the bill into her hands. They stayed uncomfortably close, creating confusion and distraction. Moments later, after getting into her car, she realized her debit card was gone.

    The theft wasn’t just an isolated loss. In less than an hour, thousands of dollars had been siphoned from her account, and from her daughter’s, due to their linked bank accounts. Just like that, a paycheck meant for essentials was wiped out by someone else’s deceit.

    This type of scam is far from new, but it continues to evolve. Known as a distraction scam, it relies on psychological tactics more than brute force. Scammers create a scene that feels both random and urgent, using props like money or dropped items to divert attention from wallets and card readers. In busy places like grocery stores, they blend in easily and work in pairs to make the act more convincing.

    The aftermath is more than financial. Victims often report a lingering sense of vulnerability, scanning their surroundings in fear that someone else might try to take advantage again. What makes it worse is the realization that the same scheme has affected many others, often without public warning.

    In cases like this, police are urging anyone with information to come forward. So far, no suspects have been identified, and no security footage has been made public. But awareness is key.

    To avoid falling victim, it is important to stay focused when using a debit card in public. Cover the keypad when entering a PIN and be wary of people who insert themselves into your space without a clear reason. If someone insists you dropped money, step back, take a breath, and double-check your belongings before engaging. Even a small distraction could be the cover for a larger theft.

    The $20 trick might seem harmless in the moment, but in the wrong hands, it’s not a gesture of luck, it’s bait.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on April 21, 2025 Permalink | Reply
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    PCH Scam Foiled by 84-Year-Old Victim 

    PCH Scam Foiled by 84-Year-Old Victim

    By Greg Collier

    An 84-year-old woman from Unity Township, Pennsylvania, became the unlikely key to unraveling a scam after realizing she was being targeted by criminals posing as representatives of Publisher’s Clearing House. With her cooperation, police launched a sting operation that ended with a high-speed chase and the arrest of two men accused of orchestrating the scheme.

    The scam began with a phone call informing the woman that she had won $5 million and a Mercedes-Benz through Publisher’s Clearing House. In order to claim her supposed winnings, she was told she needed to pay $30,000 in taxes. A check for that amount soon arrived at her home, and the caller instructed her to deposit it and withdraw a portion in cash. She complied, withdrawing $9,500 and handing it over to a man who came to her door. The same thing happened the following day, and she lost a total of $19,000 before realizing she had been deceived.

    Once she understood what was happening, she contacted Pennsylvania State Police. Investigators worked with her to set up a controlled drop. Officers waited in unmarked vehicles outside her home as the suspects arrived to collect more money. Instead of cooperating, the suspects fled at high speed, driving recklessly toward Lincoln Highway and nearly causing a head-on crash. Police ended the pursuit but issued a regional alert.

    The vehicle was later spotted by troopers along the Pennsylvania Turnpike. It only stopped after spike strips were deployed. Both suspects fled on foot, dropping bags as they ran, but were eventually captured. Inside the discarded bags, officers found evidence linking the men to the scam, including a driver’s license from New Jersey that matched the name on the $30,000 check.

    This case highlights a familiar tactic in financial fraud, particularly those targeting older adults. Scammers often impersonate well-known companies like Publisher’s Clearing House to lend legitimacy to their claims. The promise of enormous prizes is designed to build trust quickly and create urgency, while the demand for upfront tax payments serves as the hook.

    To avoid falling victim to this kind of fraud, people should remember that real prize organizations, including Publisher’s Clearing House, never ask winners to pay money to claim their prizes. Any demand for payment in advance is a red flag. Unsolicited calls announcing large winnings should be treated with skepticism, and no personal or financial information should be shared. If someone believes they are being targeted, they should contact law enforcement or a consumer protection agency immediately.

    Thanks to the quick thinking and cooperation of the victim in this case, the suspects were arrested before they could strike again. But the broader threat of sweepstakes scams remains, and awareness is one of the best defenses.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on April 18, 2025 Permalink | Reply
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    Jury Scam Costs Houston Victim $12K 

    Jury Scam Costs Houston Victim $12K

    By Greg Collier

    A growing scam in Texas is proving that education and common sense are no match for professional manipulation. A woman working at her downtown Houston office recently fell victim to a scheme that continues to evolve in both sophistication and psychological pressure. This wasn’t a case of someone being naive. It was a calculated crime that preyed on trust, fear, and the illusion of authority.

    It began with a phone call that appeared to come from a legitimate source, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. The caller claimed the victim had missed jury duty and now had an arrest warrant. He claimed to be a sheriff’s deputy and spoke with the precision and confidence of someone in law enforcement. He even spoofed the phone number so it looked like the call came from a known non-emergency line. This tactic erased what little doubt she might have had. And that is what made the next few hours so dangerous.

    The victim followed instructions to avoid what she believed would be a swift arrest. She was told to withdraw money to pay a bond and meet a supposed bail bondsman at a nearby parking garage. Surveillance footage later confirmed her account. A man dressed to appear official approached her car with a clipboard. She handed over twelve thousand dollars in cash. He walked away and never returned.

    The call didn’t end there. Once the first handoff was complete, the scammer escalated the con, insisting on a second round of money for a different, higher bond. He kept control by telling her to ignore her husband’s calls, suggesting he could be charged for interfering with a federal investigation. The victim, still shaken, proceeded to another bank. This time, the teller sensed something was wrong. Through written notes, the victim learned the truth. She had been scammed.

    What makes this case particularly chilling is not just the amount of money lost. It’s how meticulously the scam was constructed. From the spoofed number to the psychological tactics, this was not a random phishing attempt. This was a performance. It was executed by someone who understood how to create fear and who to imitate to make it believable.

    This scam has become a clear threat not just to the vulnerable, but to anyone who believes they could spot a con when it starts. The reality is that criminals who rehearse their scripts, tailor their personas, and study the systems they exploit can trick anyone. Law enforcement warns that these individuals are persuasive and convincing, often targeting people at their most distracted or anxious moments.

    The illusion of authority is powerful. When that illusion is weaponized, even the most cautious person can be caught off guard. And in cases like this, the consequences are more than financial. The emotional toll is immense. The sense of violation and humiliation that follows can linger far longer than the sting of a missing bank balance.

    Scams like this are not just clever crimes. They are dangerous. They erode trust in public institutions. They use the symbols of safety and order as a disguise for exploitation, and they are only growing bolder. Recognizing that no one is immune is the first step in defending against them.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on April 17, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , tariffs   

    Tariff Confusion Opens the Door to Scams 

    By Greg Collier

    A new scam is capitalizing on growing confusion around tariffs, and it was only a matter of time. With talk of new trade measures circulating again under The White House’s proposed economic policies, fraudsters have found a fresh angle. The latest scheme pretends to be official communication from federal agencies and demands that consumers pay money for tariffs. These messages often arrive by email or text, look convincingly official, and direct people to fraudulent websites designed to look like government portals.

    The problem is compounded by the fact that many people are not entirely sure what tariffs are, or how they actually work. Tariffs are taxes placed on imported goods. They are paid by the companies importing the products, not by the consumer directly. However, if the added cost cuts into a company’s profit margin, the company might pass that cost along by raising the price of the product. In that case, the consumer feels the effect of the tariff through higher prices at the store, not through a separate payment to the government.

    That key distinction is precisely what scammers are exploiting. By claiming consumers must pay tariffs directly, they use the complexity of the issue to create a false sense of urgency and confusion. The messages often include links to websites that mimic real government domains, sometimes even using visual tricks to make the addresses appear legitimate at a glance. But real U.S. government websites always end in “.gov” and they do not initiate unsolicited payment requests.

    Increased media coverage of possible tariff hikes creates fertile ground for misinformation. These scams thrive when the public is unclear about how policies work or whether something like a direct tariff bill might be plausible. That fog of uncertainty is undoubtedly where cybercriminals like to operate.

    Anyone receiving unexpected requests for money linked to tariffs should treat them with skepticism. Government agencies do not communicate in that way, and no tariff policy, proposed or enacted, requires private citizens to pay directly in response to a text or email. The only real impact consumers might feel comes later, when goods become more expensive due to changes in trade policy. However, that happens at the register, not through surprise digital invoices.

    As tariff discussions continue, these kinds of scams are likely to persist. Understanding how tariffs work is the first step in avoiding exploitation. And for now, the only tariff threat the average person needs to worry about is the fake one sitting in their inbox.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on April 16, 2025 Permalink | Reply
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    IRS Offers New Hope for Scam Victims 

    IRS Offers New Hope for Scam Victims

    By Greg Collier

    For victims of online financial scams, the damage often goes beyond the initial loss. In many cases, money stolen from taxable retirement accounts can result in unexpected tax bills, adding insult to injury. But recent guidance from the Internal Revenue Service is bringing much-needed clarity and opening new doors for some to reclaim a sense of financial control.

    A memorandum released by the IRS Office of Chief Counsel outlines specific situations where fraud victims may now be eligible for tax relief. This includes individuals who were misled by impersonators posing as bank employees or cybersecurity experts, urging them to move their money for safekeeping. The IRS recognizes that these victims acted with the intent to preserve or grow their funds, a key factor that qualifies them for theft loss deductions.

    The same applies to those who fell prey to deceptive investment schemes, such as fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms. Victims who believed they were engaging in legitimate opportunities to build wealth and made transactions with profit in mind can now find a clearer path to tax relief. The IRS guidance provides practical examples, helping taxpayers understand how their losses may qualify.

    This new direction is a significant step forward. While the law still limits deductions to specific categories, including profit-seeking transactions and federally declared disasters, the IRS’s updated interpretation acknowledges the complexity of modern scams. It marks a shift toward recognizing the good faith efforts of taxpayers who believed they were making financially responsible decisions.

    The guidance does not yet extend to all types of fraud. Situations where money was lost in more personal scenarios, such as romance scams or emotionally driven emergencies, are still excluded. However, the momentum is building for more comprehensive reform. Lawmakers have proposed legislation that would broaden and restore tax deductions for a wider range of scam victims, and some states are already exploring their own solutions to ensure fairness.

    In the meantime, victims can take proactive steps. Documenting communications, filing reports with local law enforcement and federal agencies, and preserving digital evidence all help support claims under the updated guidance. These actions can strengthen the case for those seeking deductions and may offer peace of mind in an otherwise turbulent time.

    Although the 2017 tax overhaul reshaped how deductions are handled, the current IRS memo signals a more compassionate and pragmatic approach to an increasingly common problem. It offers reassurance that, under the right circumstances, victims are not left alone to shoulder the burden of fraud.

    For many, this guidance offers more than just potential savings. It also represents recognition and a measure of justice in a system that has often struggled to keep up with the pace and sophistication of modern financial crime. With continued advocacy and growing awareness, there is reason to hope that the safety net will continue to widen.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on April 15, 2025 Permalink | Reply
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    EBT Theft Victims Left Behind 

    By Greg Collier

    In Lynchburg and across Virginia, a growing number of residents who rely on Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to purchase food are reporting unexpected losses from their accounts. These incidents, attributed to an ongoing scam, are creating serious hardships for families who depend on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

    Each month, local officials report that tens of thousands of dollars are disappearing from EBT accounts. Although the exact method behind the scam remains unclear, authorities have confirmed it is not related to traditional card skimming. The result, however, is the same. Funds meant to support essential food purchases are gone without warning, and for many, there is no way to recover them.

    This challenge has become more difficult since a federal policy change took effect in December 2024. Prior to that, victims of EBT theft were often reimbursed for stolen benefits. Now, that reimbursement is no longer available. Families who experience unauthorized transactions on their accounts must absorb the loss entirely, without any replacement funds from the government.

    Officials at the local and state levels acknowledge the seriousness of the issue. Some have pointed to the possibility of legislative solutions which could address benefit security more directly. However, for the time being, there is no clear timeline for changes or restoration of reimbursements.

    In the meantime, those affected are being encouraged to take precautionary measures, such as using the Connect EBT app to lock their cards when not in use, regularly updating their PINs, and avoiding online transactions. While these steps may reduce the risk of theft, they do not address the losses already sustained by victims.

    The situation highlights an ongoing vulnerability in the distribution of public assistance and underscores the challenges families face when unexpected disruptions occur. As the scope of the scam becomes clearer, so too does the need for a coordinated response that can restore both security and trust in the system.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on April 14, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , Soup Can   

    What is the Soup Can Scam? 

    What is the Soup Can Scam?

    By Greg Collier

    The original brushing scam is deceptively simple. Third-party sellers, often operating through online marketplaces, send inexpensive items to people who never ordered them. The goal is not theft but visibility. Once the item arrives, the seller creates a fake customer profile using the recipient’s address, then posts a glowing review to artificially boost their product’s ranking. This tactic helps manipulate online algorithms, giving disreputable sellers a competitive edge by appearing more legitimate through fake feedback.

    However, scammers have evolved.

    A new variation on this scheme has surfaced, one that is less about product reviews and more about financial reconnaissance. In this version, the package is not meant to flatter a storefront’s reputation, but to quietly confirm whether a stolen credit card works. A small, low-cost item like a can of soup is purchased and sent to a real address, often with a different name on the label. If the transaction goes through and the package is delivered without raising suspicion, the scammer then feels emboldened to make larger purchases using the same card. The item is a test. The address is a probe. And the real target is someone whose financial information may already be compromised.

    For the recipient, it can be an unsettling experience. The presence of a package that was never ordered, addressed to a stranger but bearing one’s own address, triggers questions. Is it a simple mistake or something more sinister?

    Legally, the item becomes yours if it arrives at your doorstep unsolicited. You are not required to return it. Still, some recipients may prefer to notify the carrier or mark it for return, especially if the situation seems suspicious or if they suspect identity theft. The key is vigilance. A seemingly harmless delivery could be the beginning of a broader fraud attempt.

    Reports of these unexpected deliveries are increasing. While the sight of a random item like canned soup might seem absurd, it may be the precursor to more serious abuse of stolen data. Knowing the difference between a clerical error and a calculated move by a scammer is essential in an age where fraud is often disguised in the most mundane ways.

     

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