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  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 30, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , ,   

    The AI Lottery Scam Sweeping America 

    By Greg Collier

    A cheerful voice calls to say you’ve won millions. It sounds real—too real. But the “agent” on the line isn’t human at all. It’s an AI-generated voice, part of a nationwide surge in lottery scams that have cost Americans tens of millions of dollars.

    What’s Going On:

    Across the U.S., a dangerous new lottery scam is spreading—and it’s powered by artificial intelligence. According to a new study from Vegas Insider, Americans have lost tens of millions of dollars to fake lottery and sweepstakes winnings since 2020, with some of the highest losses reported in Ohio, California, Florida, and Texas. The scam’s secret weapon? AI-generated voices that sound shockingly real.

    How the Scam Works:

    Scammers are using AI voice cloning tools to call or message unsuspecting people, claiming they’ve won a massive jackpot. The calls often appear to come from a legitimate or local number, making them hard to ignore. Victims are told to pay small “processing fees” or taxes to collect their winnings—but there’s no prize waiting, only financial loss and stolen personal data.

    Las Vegas insiders say AI-driven scams jumped 148% in just one year, as fraudsters adopted synthetic voices to impersonate officials, relatives, or even well-known lottery representatives. They’re also hitting inboxes and social media, sending fake “winner” messages that look and sound alarmingly authentic.

    Why It’s Effective:

    AI has taken the classic “you’ve won the lottery” scam and given it a terrifying upgrade. These cloned voices mimic accents, tones, and phrases that sound local and trustworthy. When caller ID shows your area code—or even your friend’s number—it’s easy to drop your guard. Scammers know that emotion and urgency can override reason, especially when “winning” is on the line.

    Red Flags:

    • No legitimate lottery will call, text, or email to tell you you’ve won.
    • You’ll never be asked to pay money or share banking details to collect a prize.
    • All real winnings must be claimed in person or through official state channels with a verified ticket.

    Lottery officials nationwide stress one simple truth: if you didn’t enter a drawing, you didn’t win.

    What to Do:

    If you get a call, email, or social message claiming you’ve hit the jackpot:

    • Hang up or delete it immediately.
    • Report it to your state lottery office, your Attorney General’s consumer protection division, or the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
    • Warn family members—especially older relatives—who are most often targeted.

    Final Thoughts:

    AI technology has made scams smarter, faster, and harder to detect—but it hasn’t changed one truth: if it sounds too good to be true, it is. The same tools that can create lifelike voices and deepfake videos are now being weaponized to exploit trust. Staying informed is your best defense. Stay skeptical, stay alert, and remember—the only people winning in these scams are the ones running them.

    Have you been contacted by a fake lottery or prize scam? Share your story below—or send this post to someone who loves to play the lottery. Awareness is the jackpot that scammers can’t steal.

    Further Reading:

     

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

    Double-Billed and Deceived: A Travel Scam 

    By Greg Collier

    A Tennessee man thought he was booking a dream trip to Prague through Expedia. Instead, he was talking to a scammer pretending to be from the travel site and ended up paying $722 twice for the same flight.

    What’s Going On:

    David, who asked that his last name not be used, booked his trip online and even signed up for a new “One Key” credit card offer to get a travel bonus. Everything looked legitimate until he received an email claiming his payment was denied. The sender? Supposedly Expedia.

    When he called the number in the email, a woman claiming to be an Expedia representative told him he needed to repay the $722 to secure his flight. To avoid losing his vacation, he complied. What she didn’t say: he was paying PCM Travels, a company later flagged for deceptive practices and scam alerts.

    Why It’s Effective:

    This scam works because it piggybacks on real bookings. Victims like David have already made a legitimate purchase, so follow-up emails referencing the same dollar amounts appear trustworthy. The scammers add pressure by implying your booking is at risk unless you act immediately, a classic manipulation tactic.

    By the time the second payment is made, the money is gone. To make matters worse, scammers often insert legal-sounding language like “non-refundable” and “non-disputable” to discourage victims from contacting their credit card companies.

    Red Flags:

    • Emails claiming payment failure right after a successful booking
    • Customer service numbers in emails instead of on the company’s official website
    • Requests for payment by phone or through a new company name (like PCM Travels)
    • Statements that charges are “non-refundable” or “can’t be disputed”

    How to Protect Yourself:

    • Always verify contact info. Don’t use numbers or links from emails; instead, go directly to the airline or booking site’s official page.
    • Check your billing statements closely after booking. If you see double charges or unfamiliar company names, dispute them immediately.
    • Avoid offers that sound too generous. Legitimate travel rewards don’t require on-the-spot payments or new credit cards to redeem.
    • Freeze your card the moment you suspect a scam.

    The Aftermath:

    David is still fighting to get his $722 back. Despite showing his credit card company the proof, the scammers had documentation showing he “agreed” to the charge, technically true, but under false pretenses. He’s now submitting a letter of intent in hopes the dispute can be reopened.

    Final Thoughts:

    Travel scams like this are growing more sophisticated, exploiting real company names, official-looking emails, and victims’ excitement about upcoming trips. Always book directly through official airline or hotel websites, and never let urgency override your instincts.

    Have you been targeted by a fake travel agent or booking site? Share your experience below or send this post to someone planning their next vacation. Awareness is the best passport against scams.

    Further Reading:

     

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

    Don’t Fall for These Holiday Shopping Email Scams 

    Don’t Fall for These Holiday Shopping Email Scams

    By Greg Collier

    It starts with an innocent email in your inbox—maybe from “PayPal,” maybe from “Geek Squad.” It says you’ve just spent hundreds or even thousands of dollars on something you never bought. A cosmic-orange iPhone. A renewal you don’t remember approving.

    Panic hits first. Logic comes later. And that’s exactly what scammers are counting on.

    What’s Going On:

    Two holiday phishing emails are making the rounds this season, each designed to trigger fear and force you into acting fast.

    The first pretends to be from PayPal, claiming you purchased an iPhone 17 for $1,399. It’s riddled with red flags—missing punctuation, “PAYPALACCOUNT” in all caps, and a fake contact number with an 808 area code (Hawaii, not PayPal headquarters). The outrageous price is the bait, meant to shock you into calling before thinking.

    The second email impersonates Best Buy’s Geek Squad, warning your “Geek Squad Care” plan will auto-renew for $399.84 unless you cancel immediately. Again, that same Hawaii area code appears—an obvious mismatch for a national company.

    Even though these errors seem obvious on a desktop screen, they’re harder to spot on a phone, which is where most people read their email—and where scammers thrive.

    Why It’s Effective:

    The holiday rush is prime hunting season. People are distracted, busy, and shopping online more than ever. The scammers weaponize your anxiety about unauthorized purchases. Fear of fraud makes even savvy users slip.

    According to Atlanta News First, PayPal has seen so many of these scams that it now maintains a dedicated page explaining how to verify and report fake messages.

    Red Flags:

    • Emails claiming you bought an item you didn’t order.
    • Urgent language about “auto-renewals” or “account verification.”
    • Typos, awkward grammar, or missing “.com” in official logos.
    • Phone numbers that don’t match the company’s location (like 808 = Hawaii).
    • Demands for quick action to avoid a charge.

    Remember: real companies do not pressure you to call, click, or pay immediately.

    What You Can Do:

    • Don’t panic. Delete the email without clicking any links.
    • Verify independently. Go to the company’s official website or app to check your account.
    • Don’t call numbers listed in suspicious messages.
    • Report phishing directly to the company (PayPal, Best Buy, etc.) and to the FTC.
    • Educate friends and family—especially those who shop online frequently.

    If You’ve Been Targeted:

    Disconnect any device you interacted with the scam on, run antivirus scans, and change your passwords. If you entered payment info, contact your bank immediately to freeze or dispute fraudulent charges.

    Final Thoughts:

    This year’s scammers are getting smarter—and even using AI to make fake emails and phone numbers look more convincing. But that same technology can help you fight back. When Atlanta News First tested one of these emails with an AI detector, it correctly flagged it as a scam and explained why.

    The lesson? Stay skeptical, slow down, and verify before you react.

    Because in the season of giving, scammers are counting on you to give them exactly what they want: your trust.

    Received a suspicious holiday email or “purchase confirmation”? Share your experience below or forward this post to someone who shops online often. Staying alert saves money—and peace of mind.

    Further Reading:

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 27, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: error message, , , ,   

    How to Outsmart the 2025 Tech Support Scam 

    How to Outsmart the 2025 Tech Support Scam

    By Greg Collier

    It starts with a sudden pop-up on your screen, warning you that your computer is infected with viruses and your personal data is at risk. Then a phone call or chat window appears, claiming to be from “Microsoft” or another tech giant offering urgent help—for a fee.

    This is not a drill. Fake tech support scams have exploded in 2025, causing billions in losses worldwide and costing victims their peace of mind and sensitive information.

    What’s Going On:

    These scams typically begin with malicious pop-ups, cold calls, or phishing emails that trick victims into believing their device is compromised. The scammers impersonate legitimate tech companies, pushing victims to grant remote access or provide payment info.

    Once inside, they may steal personal data, install harmful software, or charge for unnecessary “repairs.”

    Scammers deploy AI-enhanced scripts and spoof phone numbers to sound credible and manipulate victims into compliance.​

    Why It’s Effective:

    The fear of losing data and the trust placed in well-known brands like Apple or Microsoft make these scams particularly successful. The pressure to act immediately triggers anxiety and impulsive decisions.

    Elderly people and less tech-savvy users are frequent targets, though anyone can fall victim.

    Red Flags:

    • Unsolicited calls warning about urgent computer problems.
    • Pop-ups or alerts with poor grammar or spelling mistakes.
    • Demands for remote access to your device.
    • Requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
    • Insistence on immediate action or threats of shutdown.

    Quick tip: Legitimate tech companies do not make unsolicited calls asking for payments or remote access.

    What You Can Do:

    • Don’t panic. Close suspicious pop-ups without clicking links or calling numbers provided.
    • Verify independently. Contact your tech provider using official phone numbers or websites.
    • Never give remote access to unknown callers.
    • Use reputable antivirus software and keep your systems updated.
    • Educate loved ones, especially the elderly, about these scam tactics.

    If You’ve Been Targeted:

    • Disconnect your device from the internet immediately.
    • Run antivirus and malware scans through trusted security software.
    • Change passwords for key accounts.
    • Contact your bank to dispute fraudulent charges.
    • Report the scam to the FTC and local authorities to aid investigations.

     Final Thoughts:

    Fake tech support scams are evolving with new technology—including AI-generated caller voices—to trick even vigilant users. Staying calm, verifying independently, and understanding the tactics scammers use are your best defenses.

    Everyone is vulnerable, but knowledge turns fear into power.

    Received a suspicious tech support call or message? Share your experience below or forward this post to someone at risk. Staying informed saves data—and sanity.

    Further Reading:

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 24, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , ,   

    When the Job Interview Is a Scam 

    When the Job Interview Is a Scam

    By Greg Collier

    When Megan from Phoenix applied for a remote data-entry position, the response came fast, almost too fast.

    Within a day, a “recruiter” from a well-known tech company messaged her on Telegram. The offer sounded perfect: flexible hours, $30 an hour, work-from-home. After a quick “interview,” Megan was hired, but first, she needed to buy office equipment through a vendor the recruiter provided. She sent $1,200 via Zelle. The next morning, both the recruiter and her money were gone.

    How the Scam Works:

    Scammers have discovered a new way to exploit job seekers: fake interviews.

    They impersonate legitimate companies using stolen logos, cloned email addresses, and messaging apps.

    Here’s the typical pattern:

    • Job posting: They post on reputable boards or LinkedIn with appealing remote roles.
    • Quick contact: Applicants receive direct messages or emails to move the process off the platform.
    • “Interview” over chat: The scammer asks for basic info, then claims to have “approved” the applicant within minutes.
    • Equipment or onboarding fee: Victims are told to buy computers or software from a “preferred vendor.”
    • Identity theft: Some ask for driver’s license or banking info for “direct deposit,” using it to steal identities.

    Why It’s Effective:

    • Remote work is in high demand; many expect virtual interviews.
    • The scammers mimic professional HR tone and timing.
    • They prey on urgency and excitement: “We’d like to hire you immediately.”
    • Job seekers often want to appear agreeable, skipping verification steps.

    Red Flags:

    • Interviews that happen only via chat (Telegram, WhatsApp, Signal).
    • Requests to buy anything or send money up front.
    • Offers that arrive within hours of applying, with no phone or video contact.
    • Emails sent from domains that look almost right (e.g., @amaz0n-jobs.com).
    • Requests for personal information before any formal offer letter.

    What To Do Instead:

    • Verify the company contact: Check the real website’s Careers page or LinkedIn to confirm the recruiter exists.
    • Use official channels: Apply only through verified company sites.
    • Pause before paying: No legitimate employer will ever ask for money or equipment purchases before your first paycheck.
    • Protect your data: Never send ID photos, SSN, or bank details until HR verification is complete.
    • Report it: File complaints with the FTC and report fake job postings to the platform (LinkedIn, Indeed, etc.).

    If You’ve Been Targeted:

    • Contact your bank immediately and try to reverse the transfer.
    • File a report with the FTC (ReportFraud.ftc.gov).
    • Monitor credit reports for suspicious activity.
    • Warn others by sharing the post or leaving a review on the fake job listing site.

    Final Thoughts:

    In today’s remote-first world, job hunting is easier and riskier than ever.

    If an offer feels rushed or unusually generous, pause before you act.

    A few extra minutes of verification can save you thousands and protect your identity.


     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 23, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: diploma mills, FaaS, fake degree, fake diploma, Fraud-as-a-Service, online universities,   

    Diploma Deception: The Boom in Fake Degrees Online 

    Diploma Deception: The Boom in Fake Degrees Online

    By Greg Collier

    Imagine spending thousands chasing your dream degree—only to discover the diploma in your hands is a fake. Or worse, realizing the colleague you trusted to have a credible certification bought theirs from an online “diploma mill” without ever stepping into a classroom.

    This high-tech diploma fraud isn’t just fiction. In 2025, the rise of AI and online platforms has transformed diploma forgery into a booming global industry, tricking students, employers, and regulators alike—and putting the value of legitimate credentials at risk.​

    What’s Going On:

    Gone are the days when fake diplomas were crudely printed sheets. Now, fraudsters use AI-powered design tools and deepfakes to craft near-perfect digital diplomas and transcripts. They operate “Fraud-as-a-Service” (FaaS) platforms on the dark web, letting anyone buy high-quality fake credentials with just a few clicks.​

    These diploma mills mimic real universities and professional bodies, complete with fake accreditation badges, faculty bios, and virtual campus tours—a sophisticated illusion targeting hopeful students and professionals wanting a shortcut to success.

    The market spans from well-known “universities” offering quick degrees without coursework to diploma sales advertised on mainstream social media and encrypted messaging platforms, making it disturbingly accessible.​

    Why It’s Effective:

    This scam harnesses two key vulnerabilities:

    • Urgency and Aspirations: People eager to advance careers or enter professional fields fall for the promise of quick certification.
    • Technological Sophistication: AI-generated visuals and text make fakes virtually indistinguishable from legitimate documents to the untrained eye.

    In 2024 alone, digital diploma forgery made up 57% of all document frauds—a staggering 244% increase from the previous year. Nearly one in three job applicants admitted to misrepresenting academic credentials, contributing to a multi-billion-dollar illegal industry.​

    Red Flags:

    • Institutions lacking physical campuses or listed accreditation on government or educational sites.
    • Websites with URLs using odd domains (e.g., “.co” or “.online”) rather than official educational domains.
    • Requests for full payment upfront with promises of degrees based solely on “life experience” surveys or minimal effort.
    • Absence of transcripts or course details.
    • Diplomas that are PDFs or photos without verifiable serial numbers or blockchain certification.
    • Social media ads promising degrees in days or without exams.

    Quick tip: Verify any school through official accreditation websites and ask for authentic transcripts. Employers, request official documents directly from issuing institutions.

    What You Can Do:

    • Research thoroughly before enrolling: Confirm accreditation with education authorities.
    • Use verification services that check digital diplomas on blockchains or secure registries.
    • Be skeptical of shortcuts: Genuine degrees require coursework, exams, and time.
    • Educate your network: Share this knowledge with job applicants, HR teams, and educators.
    • Report suspicious operations to consumer protection agencies and college boards.

    Institutions worldwide are deploying biometric verification and blockchain digital diplomas to safeguard authenticity, but awareness remains the strongest frontline defense against forgery.​

    If You’ve Been Targeted:

    • Alert employers or licensing boards if you find fake credentials being used fraudulently.
    • File complaints with consumer protection, the Better Business Bureau, or the Department of Education.
    • Avoid sharing sensitive information with unverified online education providers.
    • Request transcript validation directly from purported issuing institutions.

    Final Thoughts:

    Fake diplomas traded in online markets are no longer fringe scams—they threaten careers, companies, and education systems worldwide. This high-tech diploma fraud erodes trust and unfairly undermines those who’ve earned their credentials honestly.

    Navigating this landscape means combining vigilance with skepticism. When in doubt, pause and verify—your career and integrity deserve no less.

    Know someone considering a quick degree? Share this post and help protect their future. Have you encountered fake diploma scams? Comment below or report to your local education authority.

    Further Reading:

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 22, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , political donations, , , ,   

    Deepfake Donors: When Political Voices Are Fake 

    Deepfake Donors: When Political Voices Are Fake

    By Greg Collier

    You get a text from your “preferred political candidate.” It asks for a small donation of ten dollars “to fight misinformation” or “protect election integrity.” The link looks official. The voice message attached even sounds authentically passionate, familiar, and persuasive.

    But it isn’t real. And neither is the person behind it.

    This fall, investigators from the U.S. Treasury and U.K. authorities announced their largest-ever takedown of cybercriminal networks responsible for billions in losses tied to fraudulent campaigns, fake fundraising, and AI-generated political deepfakes. This operation struck transnational organized criminal groups based especially in Southeast Asia, including the notorious Prince Group TCO, a dominant cybercrime player in Cambodia’s scam economy responsible for billions in illicit financial transactions. U.S. losses alone to online investment scams topped $16.6 billion, with over $10 billion lost to scam operations based in Southeast Asia just last year.​

    These scams are blurring the line between digital activism and manipulation right when citizens are most vulnerable: election season.

    What’s Going On:

    Scammers are exploiting voters’ trust in political communication, blending voice cloning, AI video, and fraudulent donation sites to extract money and personal data.​

    Here’s how it works:

    • A deepfake video or voicemail mimics a real candidate, complete with campaign slogans and “urgent” donation requests.
    • The links lead to fraudulent websites where victims enter credit card details.
    • Some schemes even collect personal voter data later sold or used for identity theft.

    In 2024’s New Hampshire primaries, voice-cloned robocalls impersonating national figures were caught attempting to sway voters, a precursor to the tactics now being scaled globally in 2025.​

    Why It’s Effective:

    These scams thrive because people trust familiarity, especially voices, faces, and causes they care about. The timing, emotional tone, and recognizable slogans create a powerful illusion of legitimacy.

    Modern AI makes it nearly impossible for the average person to distinguish a deepfake from reality, especially when wrapped in high-stakes messaging about public service, patriotism, or “protecting democracy.” Add in social pressure, and even cautious donors lower their guard.

    Red Flags:

    Before contributing or sharing campaign links, pause and check for these telltale signs:

    • Donation requests that come through texts, WhatsApp, or unknown numbers.
    • Voices or videos that sound slightly “off,” mismatched mouth movements, odd pauses, or inconsistent lighting.
    • Links that end in unusual extensions (like “.co” or “.support”) rather than official candidate domains.
    • Payment requests through Venmo, CashApp, Zelle, or crypto.
    • No clear disclosure or FEC registration details at the bottom of the website.

    Quick tip: Official campaigns in the U.S. are required to display Federal Election Commission (FEC) registration and disclaimers. If that’s missing, it’s a huge red flag.

    What You Can Do:

    • Verify before donating. Go directly to the official campaign site; don’t use links from texts or emails.
    • Treat urgency as a warning. Real campaigns rarely need “immediate wire transfers.”
    • Listen for tells. Deepfakes often have slightly distorted sounds or mechanical echoes.
    • Cross-check messages. If you get a surprising call or voicemail, compare it with the candidate’s latest verified posts.
    • Report and share. Submit suspicious calls or videos to reportfraud.ftc.gov or your state election board.

    Platforms including Google, Meta, and YouTube are now launching active detection systems and educational tools to flag deepfake political content before it spreads.​

    If You’ve Been Targeted:

    • Report donations made to fake campaigns immediately to your bank or credit card provider.
    • File a complaint through the FTC and local election authorities.
    • Freeze credit if personal or voter identity data were shared.
    • Publicize responsibly. Sharing examples with the right context can warn others, but avoid amplifying active scams.

    Final Thoughts:

    Deepfakes are no longer a distant concern; they’re reshaping political communication in real time. What makes this wave dangerous isn’t just money loss; it’s trust erosion.

    The recent takedown of the Prince Group’s transnational criminal networks by U.S. and U.K. authorities, which included sanctions on key individuals and cutting off millions in illicit financial flows, underscores the global scale of this problem. Their coordinated actions disrupted the infrastructure enabling these massive fraud campaigns, providing a much-needed deterrent to criminals using AI-based scams during critical democratic processes.​

    Staying safe now means applying the same critical awareness you’d use for phishing to the content you see and hear. Don’t assume your eyes or ears tell the full story.

    Think you spotted a fake campaign video or suspicious fundraising call? Don’t scroll past it; report it, discuss it, and share this guide. The more people who know what to look for, the fewer fall for it.

    Further Reading:

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 21, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , e-shop scam, fake online store, , JOANN Fabrics, ,   

    How to Spot a Fake Online Store 

    By Greg Collier

    Maria thought she’d found a steal at a clearance sale from a well-known craft chain offering everything at 80% off. The website looked perfect: identical logo, colors, and even a chat support icon. She submitted her card details, got a confirmation email, and waited.

    Her order never arrived. Neither did her refund request. Weeks later, her bank flagged unusual charges all traced back to that “too good to be true” site.

    Maria’s story isn’t rare. In 2025, fake e-commerce websites, sometimes called “e-shop scams,” are spiking across social media, search ads, and email promotions.​

    What’s Going On:

    Fraudsters set up lookalike retail websites and fake brand pages that mimic everything from Amazon storefronts to bankrupt retail chains like JOANN Fabrics.​

    Once you enter payment info, three things usually happen:

    • Your money is taken, but no product ships.
    • Your personal and card data are harvested for identity theft.
    • Or your login credentials are stored for later breaches on other sites.

    Many of these fraudulent stores are powered by AI website builders and image generators, making them nearly indistinguishable from authentic retailers.​

    Why It’s Effective:

    E-commerce fraud plays on two powerful triggers: scarcity and savings. Shoppers see dramatic “80% off” prices, countdown timers, and phrases like “final liquidation.” Combined with the rising cost of living, these emotional cues override caution.

    Scammers exploit this environment, especially during major retailer closures or holiday rushes when consumers are primed for deals.

    Red Flags:

    When a deal looks real but feels rushed, slow down and check for these markers:

    • The URL has minor tweaks (extra hyphens, misspellings, or unusual domains like “.shop” or “.co”).
    • Product photos look overly polished or identical across unrelated sites.
    • No customer service contact beyond web forms or personal Gmail addresses.
    • Absence of secure payment methods (or demand for wire, Venmo, or gift cards).
    • Reviews seem copied or suspiciously generic.

    Quick tip: Before buying, copy the site’s name + the word “scam” into Google. If others have been duped by the same store, you’ll see complaints fast.

    What You Can Do:

    • Shop at the source only. Go directly to a brand’s official domain, not links from texts or social media ads.
    • Verify legitimacy. Use tools like Whois and ScamAdviser to check domain history.
    • Pay with credit, not debit. Credit cards provide better fraud dispute protection.
    • Use unique passwords. Don’t reuse login details across e-commerce sites.​
    • Watch your statements. Banks report that most fake shop victims don’t notice additional charges until weeks later.

    If you’re running a small business, use your experience to write “buyer education” blurbs for your customers during peak sale seasons. It builds trust and protects your brand from lookalike fraud.

    If You’ve Been Targeted:

    If you ordered from a fake shop:

    • Contact your bank immediately. Ask to reverse unauthorized charges.
    • Report the website to the FTC and IC3.gov for investigation.
    • Monitor your credit report through agencies like Experian or TransUnion.
    • Change all reused passwords. Consider a password manager.
    • Warn others. Report the URL via community watch groups or browser phishing tools.

    Cybercriminals are moving fast, faster than most shoppers can scroll. But slowing down before you click can stop them cold. Real stores rarely demand urgency; scams always do.

    So next time a “90% off” ad pops up, pause. Search. Verify. Protect your hard-earned money.

    Have you spotted one of these fake stores? Drop a comment or screenshot. Together, we can crowdsource warnings and save others from clicking “checkout” on a scam.

    Further Reading:

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 20, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , ,   

    AI Is Calling, But It’s Not Who You Think 

    By Greg Collier

    A phone rings with an unfamiliar number while an AI waveform hovers behind, symbolizing how technology cloaks modern impersonation scams.

    Picture this: you get a call, and it’s your boss’s voice asking for a quick favor, a wire transfer to a vendor, or a prepaid card code “for the conference.” It sounds exactly like their tone, pace, and even background noise. But that voice? It’s not real.

    AI-generated voice cloning is fueling a wave of impersonation scams. And as voice, image, and chat synthesis tools become more advanced, the line between real and fake is disappearing.

    What’s Going On?:

    Fraudsters are now combining data from social media with voice samples from YouTube, voicemail greetings, or even podcasts. Using consumer-grade AI tools, they replicate voices with uncanny accuracy.

    They then use these synthetic voices to:

    • Impersonate company leaders or HR representatives.
    • Call family members with “emergencies.”
    • Trick users into authorizing transactions or revealing codes.

    It’s a high-tech twist on old-fashioned deception. Google, PayPal, and cybersecurity experts are warning that deepfake-driven scams will only increase through 2026.​

    Why It’s Effective:

    This scam works because it blends psychological urgency with technological familiarity. When “someone you trust” calls asking for help, most people act before thinking.

    Add to that how AI-generated voices now mimic emotional tone, stress, confidence, and familiarity, and even seasoned professionals fall for it.

    Red Flags:

    • Here’s what to look (and listen) for:
    • A call or voicemail that sounds slightly robotic or “too perfect.”
    • Sudden, urgent money or password requests from known contacts.
    • Unusual grammar or tone in follow-up messages.
    • Inconsistencies between the voice message and typical company protocols.

    Pause before panic. If a voice message feels “off,” verify independently with the real person using a saved contact number, not the one in the message.

    What You Can Do:

    • Verify before you act. Hang up and call back using an official phone number.
    • Establish a “family or team password.” A simple phrase everyone knows can verify real emergencies.
    • Don’t rely on caller ID. Scammers can spoof names and organizations.
    • Educate your circle. The best defense is awareness—share updates about new scam tactics.
    • Secure your data. Limit the amount of voice or video content you share publicly.

    Organizations like Google and the FTC now recommend using passkeys, two-factor verification, and scam-spotting games to build intuition against fake communications.​

    If You’ve Been Targeted:

    • Cut off contact immediately. Do not reply, click, or engage further.
    • Report the incident to your bank, employer, or relevant platform.
    • File a complaint with the FTC or FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
    • Change your passwords and enable multifactor authentication on critical accounts.
    • Freeze your credit through major reporting agencies if personal data was compromised.

    AI is transforming how scammers operate, but awareness and calm action can short-circuit their success. Most scams thrive on confusion and pressure. If you slow down, verify, and stay informed, you take away their greatest weapon.

    Seen or heard something suspicious? Share this post with someone who might be vulnerable or join the conversation: how would you verify a voice you thought you knew?

    Further Reading:

     

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

    Scammers Love Halloween Too 

    Scammers Love Halloween Too

    By Greg Collier

    Halloween brings excitement, costumes, and creative decorating. It also brings a wave of online scams targeting shoppers rushing to find last-minute deals. The Better Business Bureau is cautioning consumers to stay alert this season as fraudulent websites and social media ads try to take advantage of the holiday rush.

    Reports have emerged of websites posing as legitimate retailers offering heavily discounted costumes, accessories, and decor. The pages may appear convincing and even allow users to complete checkout. What happens next is nothing. Orders never arrive, and customer inquiries go unanswered. In other cases, the items that do show up arrive weeks later and bear little resemblance to what was advertised. These sites often rely on AI-generated reviews and staged product photos to appear trustworthy. Reused phrasing, identical five-star comments across different products, and stock-style imagery can indicate fabricated feedback meant to lure in fast-moving shoppers.

    The BBB continues to remind consumers that a price that looks impossibly low is often exactly that. Before entering payment information, it is worth taking a closer look at the seller’s online footprint. A quick search of the website’s domain through a WHOIS or ICANN lookup can reveal whether the site was registered only days earlier, which is common with short-lived scam operations. Authentic retailers typically provide full contact information, including a physical address and working customer support number. If a seller only offers an email field or a chat widget with no other traceable information, caution is advised. Shipping and return policies are another sign of credibility. Legitimate businesses usually disclose where items are shipped from, how long delivery takes, and how to initiate a return. Scam sites often bury unclear terms in small print or avoid stating any policy at all.

    Payment method remains an important line of defense. Credit cards generally offer the strongest fraud protection and allow for disputes if merchandise never arrives or arrives in unacceptable condition. Bank transfers, peer-to-peer apps, or direct payment requests provide little to no recourse. If a financial institution flags a transaction as suspicious, it is better to review the alert than override it in an attempt to secure a bargain.

    For those who would rather not gamble on unfamiliar websites, local retailers provide a practical alternative. Thrift stores and brick-and-mortar chains often dedicate entire sections to seasonal merchandise, allowing shoppers to inspect quality and confirm fit immediately. Organizations such as Goodwill report that Halloween is one of their busiest times, with racks of costumes and decor readily available to browse and try on.

    If a scam does occur, the BBB encourages consumers to report it to local police, the Federal Trade Commission, and state consumer protection offices rather than quietly accepting the loss. These reports help agencies track trends and shut down fraudulent operators before they can ensnare others.

    Halloween should be entertaining rather than stressful. A quick background check on a seller is often all it takes to ensure that the holiday spirit stays fun instead of frightening.

     

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