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  • Greg Collier 8:00 am on October 19, 2026 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , victim advocate,   

    When the Victim Advocate Is Actually the Scammer 

    When the Victim Advocate Is Actually the Scammer

    By Greg Collier

    A phone call from a sheriff’s office is enough to get anyone’s attention. A call claiming that your brother has been arrested? That can send you straight into panic mode. And if the person on the other end offers a way to help your loved one, you might be tempted to do whatever they say.

    That is exactly the kind of fear scammers are exploiting in Sarasota County, Florida, where the sheriff’s office is warning residents about criminals impersonating its victim advocates and using spoofed phone numbers to make their calls appear legitimate.

    According to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, several residents have recently reported calls from people posing as agency Victim Advocates. The callers allegedly used legitimate sheriff’s office phone numbers to gain their targets’ trust and convince them to send money.

    In one reported case, the scammer claimed that the resident’s brother had been arrested for domestic battery. The caller then offered what appeared to be a legitimate treatment program but said a deposit was required. Believing the story, the resident sent $1,350 through Zelle.

    The warning was issued by the sheriff’s office on October 15, 2026, and reported by local news the following day. It is a reminder that scammers do not always need a convincing fake website, a suspicious email, or an obviously fraudulent phone number. Sometimes, all they need is a frightening story, a trusted-sounding title, and a payment request.

    Caller ID Is Not Proof

    One of the most dangerous parts of this scam is the use of caller ID spoofing.

    Scammers can manipulate the number displayed on your phone so that an incoming call appears to come from a legitimate organization. That number might belong to a sheriff’s office, a bank, a government agency, or another institution you recognize.

    Seeing a familiar number can make you lower your guard. You may assume the caller has been verified simply because the number on your screen looks right.

    But caller ID does not establish who is actually calling.

    That is what makes spoofing so effective. The scammer borrows the appearance of a trusted institution without having any legitimate connection to it. If the caller also knows how to sound official and introduces an urgent situation, the combination can be convincing.

    The lesson is simple: Never rely on caller ID alone to establish that a call is genuine.

    Scammers Know Fear Makes People Act Fast

    The Sarasota case illustrates another familiar scam tactic: creating an emotional emergency.

    A caller claiming that a family member has been arrested can trigger fear, confusion, and an immediate desire to help. The target may be so focused on finding a solution that they do not stop to question the details.

    The scammer then presents a seemingly helpful option, such as a treatment program, and attaches a payment demand to it. Instead of asking for money outright under an obviously suspicious pretext, the caller makes the payment sound like a necessary step toward resolving the emergency.

    This is a common pattern in impersonation scams. Criminals invent a problem, exploit the victim’s emotional response, and offer a solution that requires money.

    The supposed emergency might involve an arrest, an injured relative, a missed court appearance, a government investigation, or a compromised account. The details change, but the pressure remains the same: act now, pay now, and do not waste time checking the story.

    That urgency is a warning sign, not a reason to abandon caution.

    The Victim Advocate Connection Makes the Lie More Convincing

    The sheriff’s office specifically warned that the scammers are impersonating Victim Advocates, professionals who provide support, guidance, and assistance to people dealing with difficult circumstances connected to the criminal justice system.

    That trusted role is part of what makes this scheme especially troubling. The scammers are exploiting the credibility of people whose real job is to help others.

    A legitimate title does not make an incoming call legitimate. Neither does the caller’s apparent knowledge of law enforcement procedures, the use of official-sounding language, or the display of a real agency phone number.

    And if a caller claims to be helping you or a family member, that does not mean you should automatically trust the proposed solution.

    In the Sarasota incident, the supposed treatment program gave the demand for money a plausible explanation. But the fact that a program sounds reasonable does not establish that the caller is authorized to collect a deposit or that the situation is real.

    Whenever an unexpected call connects a frightening claim to a request for payment, stop and verify before doing anything else.

    Zelle Is Not a Verification System

    The resident in the reported case sent $1,350 through Zelle. Payment apps can make sending money quick and convenient, but that convenience can also benefit scammers who want a victim to act before thinking things through.

    A payment request through a familiar service is not proof that the person asking for money is legitimate. Nor does the use of a payment app establish that a supposed treatment program, legal arrangement, or government-related service is genuine.

    The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that law enforcement agencies will never call and demand payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps.

    Treat such a demand as a major red flag. Do not send money simply because the caller sounds official, claims to know your family, or says payment is necessary to fix an urgent problem.

    How to Protect Yourself From This Scam

    If someone unexpectedly calls claiming to represent the police, do not let the caller’s displayed number make the decision for you.

    The sheriff’s office recommends hanging up and independently verifying the call by contacting your local police department’s main line. Use that number to check the claim rather than continuing the conversation using a number or callback instructions supplied by the caller.

    If the caller claims a relative has been arrested, try to verify the situation through independently obtained contact information. Do not assume that the arrest, treatment option, or payment demand is real simply because the caller presents it confidently.

    Be particularly suspicious if the caller demands immediate payment, discourages you from contacting the agency directly, insists that the matter must remain secret, or tells you that a payment app is the only way to resolve the problem.

    Take time to check the details. A legitimate emergency should not require you to trust an unverified caller with your money.

    And remember that scammers can target people anywhere, not just in Sarasota County. Similar impersonation tactics can be used in the name of police departments, courts, government agencies, hospitals, and other trusted institutions.

    Already Sent the Money? Act Quickly

    If you believe you have been targeted, contact your bank or payment service immediately and explain what happened. Ask whether the transaction can be stopped, reversed, or otherwise addressed. Recovery is not guaranteed, but acting quickly may help.

    Save any relevant information, including phone numbers, messages, payment records, receipts, and details about what the caller said. Report the incident to local law enforcement and file a fraud report with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

    Be cautious of anyone who subsequently promises to recover your money for an upfront fee. People who have already lost money can become targets for another scam, with criminals pretending to be investigators, recovery specialists, or officials who can retrieve the funds.

    Do not pay someone simply because they promise to undo the damage.

    The Real Sheriff’s Office Wants You to Hang Up

    The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has asked residents to share its warning with friends and family. That is worthwhile advice, especially for anyone who might be caught off guard by a call involving an arrest or another frightening family emergency.

    The reported $1,350 loss shows how an ordinary phone call can turn into an expensive mistake when a scammer successfully impersonates a trusted authority. The caller does not need to break into an account or steal a wallet. They just need to persuade someone that a frightening story is true and that sending money is the answer.

    So if your phone rings and the caller claims to be from the sheriff’s office, remember this: The number on your screen can be faked. The caller’s story can be fabricated. And an urgent demand for money is no reason to skip verification.

    Hang up. Contact the agency using its independently verified main number. Make the caller prove the claim before you believe it.

    A real official will not be replaced by a spoofed phone number. Your money, however, may be gone once you send it to a scammer.

     

  • Greg Collier 8:00 am on October 16, 2026 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , pension scam, ,   

    The Pension Scam That Came Back for a Second Bite 

    The Pension Scam That Came Back for a Second Bite

    By Greg Collier

    Losing $30,000 to a scam would be devastating for anyone. But imagine what it feels like when the people behind the fraud come back demanding another $28,000, apparently convinced that you can be persuaded to hand over even more money.

    That is what allegedly happened to a Pennsylvania resident who was targeted by callers pretending to represent the U.S. Treasury Department. After the resident had already handed $30,000 to a courier, the supposed government operation contacted the victim again with another demand for cash.

    This time, however, detectives were watching.

    According to a report published October 15, 2026, police arrested a 28-year-old man on October 14 after he allegedly arrived to collect money during a police-monitored exchange in Parkesburg, Pennsylvania. The arrest followed a separate case in Connecticut in which the same man had previously been charged in connection with an alleged courier scam involving an 82-year-old resident who lost more than $100,000.

    The Pennsylvania case serves as a disturbing reminder of two realities about scams. First, scammers do not necessarily stop after taking your money. Second, becoming a victim once can leave you vulnerable to being targeted again.

    The Pennsylvania suspect faces criminal charges and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Police have not publicly alleged that he personally collected the victim’s initial $30,000 payment. But the reported circumstances illustrate how relentless these schemes can be and why victims need protection long after the first fraudulent transaction.

    The First Scam Wasn’t Enough

    The Pennsylvania investigation began on October 10, when a Parkesburg resident reported having already handed $30,000 to an unidentified man.

    The original caller had allegedly claimed to be a U.S. Treasury agent and warned that the resident’s pension account was compromised. The caller reportedly instructed the victim to turn over retirement funds for safekeeping, presenting fraudulent documents to make the story appear legitimate.

    It was a classic government impersonation scam, built around fear and a fabricated emergency.

    The supposed Treasury representative wasn’t offering help. The story was designed to convince the victim that their retirement savings were in danger and that handing over cash was necessary to protect them.

    Then came another demand.

    On October 10, the people behind the supposed Treasury operation allegedly contacted the resident again, this time requesting an additional $28,000. Rather than simply surrendering more money without intervention, the resident’s situation came to the attention of local detectives.

    Police arranged to monitor the next exchange.

    Four days later, officers observed a meeting on West First Avenue in Parkesburg. According to police, the suspect arrived, approached the resident, and completed the exchange before officers arrested him.

    The $28,000 figure represents the amount demanded in the police-controlled pickup, not an independently established additional loss to the victim. Authorities have not specified whether genuine cash was handed over during the monitored exchange.

    The important point is what happened before police intervened: after the resident had already surrendered $30,000, the operation allegedly continued with another demand for money.

    For scammers, one successful theft may not be the end of the scheme. It may be an invitation to try again.

    Why Scammers Come Back for More

    It is easy to assume that once someone has been scammed, the danger ends when the money disappears. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

    A victim who has already paid may be contacted again by the original criminals, by other people involved in the same operation, or by entirely different scammers.

    There are several reasons victims can be especially vulnerable to repeat targeting.

    • The criminals know the person has already been reached. If a scammer has established contact and persuaded someone to follow instructions, they may attempt to repeat the process. In this Pennsylvania case, the alleged perpetrators contacted the resident again after the first reported payment.
    • Personal information may already be in circulation. During a scam, criminals may learn a victim’s phone number, address, financial circumstances, retirement status, or other personal details. Information collected during one fraudulent operation can potentially be reused or passed to others. There is no public confirmation that this occurred in the Pennsylvania case, but it is a risk victims should consider.
    • Fear and urgency can keep people engaged. Someone who believes their pension or bank account is compromised may feel they have no choice but to comply. Scammers exploit that fear by presenting each new demand as another necessary step to protect the victim’s remaining money.
    • Victims may be targeted by recovery scammers. After someone loses money, another criminal may appear claiming to be a lawyer, investigator, government official, or recovery specialist who can get the money back. The supposed helper may demand an upfront fee, taxes, or additional payments. The promise of recovering lost funds becomes the next trap.

    A previous scam does not mean someone is gullible or responsible for what happened. These operations are designed to manipulate people, and their operators may keep trying different stories until something works.

    That is why reporting a scam and seeking assistance are important even when the victim believes the damage has already been done.

    The Government Impersonation Trick

    The alleged Pennsylvania scheme relied on a familiar tactic: pretending to be a government official with authority over a victim’s money.

    The caller reportedly claimed that the resident’s pension account was compromised and that retirement assets needed to be handed over to the Treasury Department for safekeeping.

    That story is a major red flag.

    A legitimate government agency will not require you to withdraw your savings and hand cash to a courier to protect it from an alleged account threat. A caller’s claim to be from the Treasury Department does not establish that the person works for the government, and official-looking documents can be fabricated.

    Scammers may impersonate government agencies, law enforcement officers, banks, pension administrators, or other trusted organizations. They may claim there is an investigation, an account breach, an unpaid debt, or a threat to benefits.

    The objective is to make the victim frightened enough to act before checking the story.

    The Federal Trade Commission warns that scammers can fake caller ID information, making a fraudulent call appear to come from a legitimate organization. Its guidance on government impersonation scams explains how to recognize these tactics and report suspicious contact.

    If someone claims your pension or bank account is in danger, end the conversation. Contact your financial institution or pension administrator using a phone number from an official statement or independently verified website. Do not use a callback number, link, or contact information supplied by the suspicious caller.

    And never hand cash to a stranger who claims to be collecting money for government safekeeping.

    The Connecticut Case Shows How High the Stakes Can Be

    The Pennsylvania arrest also followed a separate case in Connecticut.

    In September, Stamford police charged the same suspect in connection with a case involving an 82-year-old resident who had reportedly lost more than $100,000 in a courier scam. Police allegedly intercepted a pickup involving a package they believed was supposed to contain another $15,000.

    That allegation concerned the intercepted pickup. It does not establish that the suspect personally collected all of the older resident’s previous losses.

    The Pennsylvania case is separate, and its charges remain pending. Nevertheless, the reported circumstances highlight the scale of harm associated with courier scams targeting older adults.

    These schemes often involve several people playing different roles. One person may make the calls, another may supply fraudulent documents, and someone else may collect the money. Victims may be instructed to withdraw cash, package it, or turn it over to a person who appears at their home or another meeting location.

    The courier may present themselves as a government representative, investigator, or authorized agent. But the supposed handoff is simply the final stage of the fraud.

    Once the money is collected, recovering it can be difficult. Cash handed to a courier may quickly disappear, and scammers may pressure victims to keep the situation secret, making it less likely that anyone will intervene before another payment is made.

    Warning Signs That Someone Is Trying to Scam You

    Be suspicious if an unexpected caller:

    • Claims your pension, bank account, or retirement savings have been compromised and must be moved immediately.
    • Tells you to withdraw cash and hand it to a courier or stranger.
    • Claims the money will be held safely by the Treasury Department or another government agency.
    • Sends official-looking documents that you cannot independently verify.
    • Demands secrecy or warns you not to tell your family, bank, or local police.
    • Insists that you must act immediately to avoid losing your money.
    • Contacts you again after you have already made a payment and demands additional funds to resolve the supposed problem.

    Do not let a caller’s knowledge of your personal circumstances convince you that the story is genuine. Information can be obtained from many sources, and scammers can sound authoritative while telling elaborate lies.

    If you are uncertain, pause and verify. A real financial emergency should withstand independent checking. A scammer will often insist that you cannot afford to take the time.

    Already Been Scammed? Don’t Let Them Take More

    If you have already handed over money, the next call could be just as dangerous as the first.

    Do not pay additional fees or surrender more money because someone claims it is necessary to complete an investigation, protect your remaining savings, or recover what you lost.

    Contact local police and your bank or financial institution as soon as possible. Preserve text messages, emails, call records, fraudulent documents, payment information, and any details about a courier or meeting. Even if you believe the money is gone, this information may help investigators.

    Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission through ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If someone is impersonating a federal agency, you can also contact the relevant agency through its independently verified official website.

    Tell a trusted family member or friend what happened if you feel comfortable doing so. Scammers sometimes rely on embarrassment and secrecy to keep victims isolated. Having someone else help verify unexpected calls and financial requests can provide another layer of protection.

    Be especially wary of anyone who promises guaranteed recovery of your money in exchange for an upfront payment. That may be a second scam aimed at someone already suffering from the first.

    Scammers Don’t Always Take No for an Answer

    The Pennsylvania case offers a sobering lesson: a scammer’s first demand may not be the last.

    The resident had reportedly already surrendered $30,000 when another $28,000 was demanded. Police intervention stopped the monitored pickup from proceeding as an ordinary, unobserved collection, but the case illustrates the pressure victims can face when criminals continue exploiting a fabricated emergency.

    Scammers are persistent because their schemes depend on finding people who can be frightened, manipulated, or convinced to pay. They may return with new threats, new fees, or new promises. Other criminals may exploit the same victim by offering to recover money that has already been stolen.

    If you have been scammed, you deserve help, not blame. But it is essential to treat further unsolicited demands with extreme caution.

    Your money is not made safer by handing it to a stranger, and a second payment will not undo the first scam. Verify claims independently, report what happened, and do not let anyone turn one financial loss into two.

     

  • Greg Collier 8:00 am on October 14, 2026 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , ,   

    The Scam That Hijacks Your Digital Life 

    The Scam That Hijacks Your Digital Life

    By Greg Collier

    You may be careful about suspicious emails, fake text messages, and strange links. But what would you do if your phone suddenly lost service, your calls stopped coming through, and you discovered that someone else was receiving your text messages?

    It could be more than a technical glitch. You might be the victim of a SIM swap scam, a form of identity theft that can give criminals control over your phone number without ever laying a finger on your device.

    The consequences can be devastating. Once scammers hijack a phone number, they may use it to intercept security codes, reset passwords, break into bank accounts, and steal cryptocurrency.

    The frightening part is that scammers do not need to steal your physical SIM card. They may only need enough personal information to convince your mobile carrier to transfer your number to a SIM card or eSIM under their control.

    How Does a SIM Swap Scam Work?

    A SIM card is the small chip that connects your phone to your mobile carrier. It helps the carrier identify your device and route your calls, text messages, and mobile data.

    An eSIM performs a similar function, but it is built into the device electronically rather than being a removable physical card.

    Criminals target both because control of your phone number can provide a shortcut into accounts that use text messages to verify your identity.

    Here’s how a typical SIM swap scam unfolds.

    First, the scammer gathers information about you. This might include your name, phone number, birthday, address, or other personal details exposed through data breaches, social media posts, phishing attacks, or other sources.

    Next, the criminal contacts your mobile carrier while pretending to be you. The scammer might claim that your phone was lost or damaged and that your number needs to be activated on a replacement device.

    If the carrier is fooled by the impersonation, it may transfer your number to a SIM card or eSIM controlled by the criminal.

    Your own phone may suddenly lose its cellular connection. Meanwhile, the scammer can begin receiving calls and text messages intended for you, including one-time verification codes.

    With those codes, the criminal may attempt to reset account passwords, bypass SMS-based security checks, and take over your financial and online accounts.

    The Federal Trade Commission explains this process in its guide to SIM swap scams and how to protect yourself.

    No, They Don’t Need to Steal Your SIM Card

    The name of this scam can be misleading. It sounds like someone must physically remove your SIM card from your phone, but that is not how the attack usually works.

    A SIM swap is generally a fraudulent transfer of your phone number from a SIM associated with your device to one controlled by someone else. The attacker manipulates the carrier’s account or activation process rather than physically taking your phone.

    That means your device can remain safely in your pocket, on your desk, or charging at home while someone else gains control of the number attached to it.

    The same warning applies to eSIMs. Because an eSIM is embedded in a phone, it cannot be pulled out and handed to a criminal like a traditional SIM card. But that does not make it immune to fraud. If a criminal persuades a carrier to transfer your number or activate it on another device, the electronic nature of the SIM does not prevent the attack.

    In other words, protecting your phone physically is not enough to protect your phone number. Your mobile carrier account and the procedures used to authorize number transfers are also important parts of your security.

    The Federal Communications Commission has addressed SIM-swap and number-porting fraud because these attacks can cause serious harm without criminals ever gaining physical possession of a victim’s phone. Its rules on protecting consumers from SIM-swap and port-out fraud discuss safeguards intended to prevent unauthorized transfers.

    Why Scammers Want Control of Your Phone Number

    Your phone number may be connected to far more than calls and text messages. Many people use it to recover forgotten passwords, verify banking transactions, access email accounts, and secure social media profiles.

    That makes a hijacked number valuable to criminals.

    Once they control it, scammers may try to:

    • Break into bank accounts. They may intercept text-message verification codes or use your number during a password reset.
    • Steal cryptocurrency. Accounts that rely on SMS verification or phone-based recovery may become easier targets.
    • Take over email accounts. Access to your email can allow criminals to reset passwords for other services and search for sensitive information.
    • Hijack social media profiles. Criminals may lock you out of your accounts, impersonate you, or use your identity to target friends and followers.
    • Commit identity theft. Information gathered from compromised accounts may help them impersonate you or attempt to open new accounts in your name.

    The damage can spread quickly. If a scammer takes over your email account, for example, changing the password on one service may not be enough. The criminal could use that email address to reset passwords elsewhere, potentially turning one compromised account into several.

    The Warning Sign You Should Never Ignore

    One of the clearest warning signs of a possible SIM swap is your phone suddenly losing cellular service for no apparent reason.

    If your phone unexpectedly displays “No Service,” stops receiving text messages, or cannot make calls despite normally having coverage, do not automatically assume it is a network outage.

    There can be legitimate explanations, including a carrier disruption or a problem with your device. But an unexplained loss of service can also indicate that your number has been transferred to another SIM.

    Other warning signs include unexpected notifications that a SIM has been activated, an unfamiliar number-transfer request, password-reset messages you did not initiate, and alerts about logins from unknown devices.

    If you receive a notification that your number is being transferred and you did not request the change, contact your carrier immediately through an official number or support channel.

    Do not wait for unauthorized bank transactions or missing cryptocurrency to confirm that something is wrong. The faster you respond, the better your chances of limiting the damage.

    How to Make Yourself a Harder Target

    You cannot control every security decision your mobile carrier makes, but there are steps you can take to make a SIM swap more difficult.

    Set up a carrier account PIN and number-transfer protections. Contact your carrier and ask about account security PINs, SIM-change locks, and port-out locks. These features can add safeguards against unauthorized transfers. Availability and setup procedures vary, so ask your provider which protections it offers and how to enable them.

    Use stronger authentication than text messages whenever possible. SMS-based two-factor authentication is better than having no additional protection, but it can be defeated if someone takes control of your number. For important accounts, consider an authenticator app, a passkey, or a hardware security key when supported. Keep recovery methods secure, too.

    Use unique passwords. If you reuse the same password across multiple accounts, a criminal who obtains it from one breach may try it elsewhere. A password manager can help you create and maintain different, strong passwords for your email, banking, social media, and other services.

    Limit the personal information you share publicly. Details such as birthdays, phone numbers, addresses, and other biographical information can help criminals build convincing impersonations. Avoid posting sensitive details unnecessarily, and remember that information shared publicly may remain accessible long after you post it.

    Enable account alerts. Turn on notifications for password changes, new-device logins, financial transactions, and other important account activity. These alerts can help you spot suspicious activity before the damage spreads.

    Treat unexpected requests for personal information with suspicion. A caller who claims to be from your bank, mobile carrier, or another company may be trying to collect information that can be used to impersonate you. Do not disclose passwords, PINs, or verification codes to an unsolicited caller. If a request seems legitimate, hang up and contact the organization using a number you know is genuine.

    What to Do If Your Number Has Been Hijacked

    If you suspect a SIM swap, act quickly. Time is especially important if the criminal is attempting to access your financial accounts.

    First, contact your mobile carrier through its official customer service channel and report a suspected fraudulent SIM change or number transfer. Ask for the fraud department and explain that you did not authorize the transfer. Work with the carrier to restore control of your number and secure the account against further unauthorized changes.

    Next, contact your bank, credit card companies, cryptocurrency platforms, and other financial institutions. Tell them your phone number may have been compromised. Ask them to secure your accounts, review recent transactions, and block suspicious activity.

    Once you regain control of your number, secure your email account and other important accounts. Change compromised passwords, review recent sign-ins, remove unfamiliar devices or recovery methods, and replace SMS-based verification with stronger options where possible.

    If you believe your personal information has been stolen, visit IdentityTheft.gov for recovery steps. You can report suspected fraud to the Federal Trade Commission and submit a complaint to the Federal Communications Commission.

    Check your bank statements and credit reports for unfamiliar activity, and keep records of your communications with your carrier and financial institutions.

    Your Phone Number Is a Key to Your Digital Life

    SIM swap scams demonstrate how a seemingly ordinary piece of personal information can become a gateway to financial and identity theft.

    You do not have to lose your phone, hand over a physical SIM card, or even click a suspicious link for a criminal to attempt this attack. A scammer may exploit stolen personal information and weaknesses in account verification to persuade a carrier to transfer your number. And switching to an eSIM does not remove that risk.

    The best defense is to secure your carrier account, use stronger authentication for important services, limit the personal information you expose, and pay attention when your phone unexpectedly loses service.

    Your phone number is more than a way for friends and family to reach you. It may also be part of the security system protecting your money, identity, and digital life. Make sure criminals cannot take it over simply by pretending to be you.

     

  • Greg Collier 8:00 am on October 12, 2026 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , ,   

    The Medicare Scam That’s Hiding Behind Open Enrollment 

    By Greg Collier

    Medicare open enrollment is a chance for beneficiaries to review their health coverage, compare plans, and decide whether to make changes for the coming year. Unfortunately, it is also prime time for scammers looking to exploit confusion, promise fake benefits, and steal sensitive personal information.

    Starting October 15, Medicare beneficiaries may find themselves fielding calls and texts from people claiming to represent Medicare, insurance companies, or government assistance programs. Some callers may promise better coverage, lower premiums, a replacement Medicare card, or free medical equipment. Others may warn that benefits are about to expire unless the recipient acts immediately.

    These pitches can sound convincing, especially when they arrive during a legitimate enrollment period. But as experts warn, a call about Medicare is not necessarily a call from Medicare.

    Scammers Know Exactly When to Strike

    The Better Business Bureau is already hearing from people receiving suspicious calls ahead of open enrollment, according to a report from WAFF. Karen Reeves of the BBB warned that callers may use the enrollment period to push supposed coverage upgrades, new cards, and free medical equipment.

    This timing is no accident. Scammers pay attention to the news and the calendar, looking for moments when people are likely to expect official communications or feel pressure to make a decision.

    Medicare open enrollment provides the perfect cover. Beneficiaries know that plan options can change and that they have a limited window to review their coverage. A scammer can exploit that awareness by pretending to offer help with a deadline, a new benefit, or a problem with an existing plan.

    The Federal Trade Commission has also warned that scammers become more active around Medicare open enrollment, impersonating government agencies or insurance representatives to obtain personal and financial information. Its guidance on avoiding Medicare open enrollment scams explains how these pitches work and what consumers can do to protect themselves.

    The lesson is simple: scammers do not need to invent a fake event when a real one gives them a believable excuse to call.

    The “New Medicare Card” Trick

    One common tactic involves a caller claiming that a beneficiary needs a new, updated, or upgraded Medicare card. The caller may say the card is required to maintain coverage, access new benefits, or qualify for a special program.

    The supposed representative then asks the beneficiary to verify a Medicare number, Social Security number, date of birth, or other personal details. In some cases, the caller may also request bank account or credit card information.

    The story is a setup to collect information that can be used for identity theft or fraudulent medical claims.

    According to the FTC’s guidance on government impersonation scams, legitimate Medicare cards are issued automatically and are free. You do not need to pay a caller to receive one.

    If an unexpected caller says your card is outdated or that you must provide sensitive information to keep your benefits, do not play along. Hang up and verify the claim independently.

    Free Medical Equipment May Come With a Hidden Cost

    Another tempting pitch involves supposedly free medical supplies or equipment. A caller may offer back braces, knee braces, or other products at no cost to the beneficiary.

    The offer might sound like a generous benefit, but scammers can use a Medicare number to submit fraudulent claims for equipment that was never medically necessary, never ordered, or never delivered.

    That can create problems beyond the initial theft of personal information. Fraudulent claims may appear on Medicare records, consume benefits, and make it harder to spot legitimate billing problems.

    The FTC has previously warned about medical equipment scams targeting Medicare beneficiaries. If you need medical equipment, discuss it with your healthcare provider rather than accepting an unsolicited offer from a stranger.

    Remember that a caller’s promise of “free” equipment does not make the offer legitimate. The scammer may be interested in your Medicare information, not your medical needs.

    Fake Text Messages Can Be Just as Dangerous

    Not every scammer picks up the phone. AARP warns that people may also receive text messages seeking Medicare, Social Security, or bank account information.

    These messages may claim that an account needs verification, a benefit is waiting, or an enrollment issue must be resolved. A link may lead to a fake website designed to look like an official government service or insurance portal.

    Once a victim enters personal information, scammers can use it for identity theft, account fraud, or bogus medical claims.

    Treat unexpected texts about Medicare with the same suspicion as unsolicited calls. Do not click links or reply with sensitive information. Instead, visit the official Medicare website by typing Medicare.gov into your browser, or call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

    Be skeptical even if the message includes your name or other accurate details. Information that makes a message look personal does not prove the sender is legitimate.

    The Scam Can Continue Long After the Call

    Some Medicare fraud does not become obvious until much later.

    If scammers obtain a beneficiary’s Medicare number, they may attempt to bill Medicare for services or equipment the person never received. That means someone who hands over information during a brief phone call may discover the consequences weeks or months later.

    Reeves urged beneficiaries to review their Medicare statements carefully and question charges for services they did not receive.

    Make a habit of checking your Medicare Summary Notice or other relevant plan statements. Look for unfamiliar providers, equipment you never ordered, duplicate charges, or services you do not remember receiving.

    If something looks wrong, contact your healthcare provider or plan to ask about the charge. You can also contact Medicare or your local Senior Medicare Patrol for help identifying and reporting suspected fraud.

    The FTC’s Medicare fraud guidance explains how fraudulent billing and medical identity theft can affect beneficiaries.

    You Do Not Have to Change Plans Just Because Enrollment Opens

    Medicare open enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7. Changes made during this period generally take effect January 1.

    Beneficiaries can review their current coverage, compare available options, and decide whether a different plan better suits their needs. But the beginning of open enrollment does not mean everyone must change plans.

    The official Medicare open enrollment page explains what changes are available and how the process works.

    If you want help comparing plans, use Medicare’s official resources or seek assistance from a trusted, independent counselor. Beneficiaries in most states can find local assistance through their own stae’s program.

    Do not let a caller manufacture urgency by claiming you must enroll immediately, switch plans to keep your benefits, or provide personal information before a deadline. Verify any claim through an official channel before making a decision.

    Red Flags

    Be especially cautious if an unexpected caller or text message:

    • Claims you must get a new Medicare card and asks for payment or personal information.
    • Promises free medical equipment in exchange for your Medicare number.
    • Requests your Social Security number, bank details, or Medicare information without you initiating contact.
    • Threatens to cancel your benefits unless you act immediately.
    • Pressures you to switch plans or claims you will lose benefits if you do not enroll through them.
    • Directs you to an unfamiliar website or asks you to click a link to verify your identity.

    Caller ID is not proof of authenticity. Scammers can spoof phone numbers to make a call appear to come from a government office or legitimate organization.

    Medicare does not unexpectedly call or text to ask for your Medicare number, Social Security number, or bank account details. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact Medicare yourself using its published number.

    Protect Your Information Before the Scammers Get It

    If you have already shared information with a suspicious caller, do not assume nothing will happen. Contact Medicare and your health plan to report the incident and ask what steps to take. If you provided financial account information, contact your bank. If you suspect identity theft, visit IdentityTheft.gov for recovery guidance.

    You can also report suspected fraud to Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE and file a complaint with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

    Medicare open enrollment is an important opportunity to make informed decisions about your healthcare. It should not become an opportunity for criminals to take control of your identity.

    Scammers know when enrollment begins. They know which promises sound appealing, which deadlines create anxiety, and which questions can persuade someone to reveal sensitive information. They are counting on people to trust a convincing story before checking whether it is true.

    Don’t give them that chance. Review your coverage on your own terms, verify unexpected claims directly with Medicare, and never hand over personal information simply because a caller says it is necessary.

    When it comes to Medicare, the safest rule is to make the call yourself.

     

  • Greg Collier 8:00 am on October 9, 2026 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , ,   

    The Amazon Refund Scam Is Here Before the Real Money Arrives 

    By Greg Collier

    A major company makes headlines. Millions of customers hear they could be getting money back. News outlets report on the payments, social media fills with questions, and people start checking their accounts.

    And somewhere, scammers are paying attention.

    The Federal Trade Commission’s settlement with Amazon over its Prime enrollment and cancellation practices has triggered a new round of automatic refunds. Eligible customers may receive payments through Venmo, PayPal, or a mailed check. Some have already started receiving their money.

    But whenever legitimate money starts flowing, criminals see an opportunity.

    They can send emails pretending to be Amazon. They can pose as representatives of the FTC. They can create fake payment notifications, invent refund processing fees, or send links to websites designed to steal personal information.

    The timing is no coincidence.

    This is how in tune with the news scammers typically are. They don’t always need to invent a new scam or wait for people to forget about an old one. They can watch a breaking story, identify what people are talking about, and quickly build a fraud attempt around it.

    The Amazon settlement is real. The refund program is real. But that doesn’t mean every message promising you money is legitimate.

    Scammers Follow the Headlines

    The FTC announced in September that Amazon would distribute additional refunds under a revised settlement order. New groups of eligible customers would receive automatic payments beginning October 1, 2026, without having to file claims or complete additional paperwork.

    The settlement stems from FTC allegations that Amazon enrolled millions of customers in Prime without their knowledge or consent and made cancellation unnecessarily difficult. Amazon settled the case without admitting wrongdoing.

    Under the settlement, Amazon is required to provide $1.5 billion in consumer refunds and pay a $1 billion civil penalty. The FTC has explained that eligible customers could receive up to $200 in total payments, depending on their circumstances.

    The FTC’s official refund announcement explains the program and its expanded eligibility requirements.

    This is the kind of story scammers watch for.

    Millions of people recognize the Amazon name. Many have Prime subscriptions. People have heard that refunds are coming, and some are naturally wondering whether they qualify.

    That creates an opening for a convincing impersonation attempt.

    A scammer doesn’t have to persuade someone that an entirely unfamiliar company owes them money. They only have to convince them that a message about a widely reported settlement is genuine.

    The message might arrive by text, email, or phone call. It might say your refund is waiting, your payment has been delayed, or you need to verify your account before the money can be released.

    It may even include a convincing dollar amount.

    The story sounds familiar because it is based on something that really happened.

    That’s what makes this type of scam so effective.

    The Real Refund Doesn’t Require a Fee

    Here’s the first thing to remember: You do not have to pay money to receive your Amazon Prime settlement refund.

    The FTC says eligible customers will receive automatic payments. They do not need to apply, complete a new claim form, or click a special link to initiate the refund.

    Payments may arrive through PayPal, Venmo, or a mailed check. Electronic payments must be accepted within 60 days, so pay attention to legitimate payment instructions. But that deadline is not a reason to trust an unexpected message or follow a suspicious link.

    The FTC has also made clear that it is not calling consumers about these Amazon refunds.

    If someone phones you claiming to be an FTC representative and says they need to verify your identity, obtain your banking details, or collect a processing fee, hang up.

    The agency specifically warns that no one from Amazon will ask you to pay money to obtain a refund.

    You can review the official details on the FTC’s Amazon refund page.

    How the Fake Refund Scam Works

    Imagine receiving a text message that says you qualify for a $200 Amazon Prime refund.

    There’s a link.

    You click it and land on a page with Amazon branding and language about the FTC settlement. The page asks you to confirm your identity and select how you want to receive the payment.

    It might request your Amazon password, payment account credentials, card details, or other personal information.

    You provide the information because you believe you’re completing a legitimate refund process.

    But the page may have nothing to do with Amazon or the settlement.

    The scammer now has information that could help them access accounts, commit identity theft, or attempt unauthorized transactions.

    Another version is more direct. A caller tells you that your refund is approved but requires a small processing fee, verification deposit, or account upgrade before it can be released.

    The fee might sound insignificant compared with the money you’re supposedly receiving.

    That’s the point.

    The criminal wants you focused on the larger refund rather than questioning why you’re being asked to pay anything at all.

    A promised refund is not proof that a refund exists.

    Watch Out for the Big-Payout Promise

    A report from news station KCTV5 highlighted a useful warning sign. Promises of more than $200 should raise suspicion.

    The settlement’s maximum total payment is $200 per eligible customer. Your actual payment may be smaller, depending on the refund rules and your circumstances.

    A message promising a special $500 payout, a guaranteed bonus, or exclusive access to a larger refund should immediately make you suspicious.

    Scammers often use unusually generous offers to encourage people to act before they stop and investigate.

    They may also claim that you have been selected for a special payment or that you can receive your money faster by paying a fee.

    Don’t believe it.

    The official program has established rules. A stranger cannot create a bigger refund simply by sending you a message.

    Who Actually Qualifies?

    The settlement’s expanded refund program generally covers U.S. Amazon Prime customers who meet all three of these requirements:

    • They enrolled through one of the enrollment processes challenged by the FTC or tried to cancel through the online cancellation process but could not between June 23, 2019, and June 23, 2025.
    • They used no more than 20 Prime benefits in any 12-month period after enrolling.
    • They were Amazon Prime customers in the United States.

    The challenged enrollment processes included certain Prime decision pages, shipping selection pages, single-page checkouts, and the Prime Video enrollment process.

    Eligible customers do not need to submit a new claim for the automatic payments covered by the revised order. The FTC says payments will continue through April 2027.

    Be cautious if someone contacts you claiming they can bypass those rules, guarantee your eligibility, or arrange a special payment in exchange for money or sensitive information.

    Red Flags

    A message about the settlement deserves extra scrutiny if it includes any of these warning signs.

    • A demand for payment. You should not have to pay a processing fee, tax, deposit, or account-upgrade charge to receive your refund.
    • A request for sensitive information. Never provide your password, security codes, or banking credentials to someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
    • An unexpected phone call. The FTC says it is not calling consumers about these refunds. Someone claiming to be an FTC representative who contacts you about your payment is a major red flag.
    • A promise of more than $200. That exceeds the program’s maximum total payment per eligible customer.
    • A link that demands immediate action. Don’t let a countdown, threat, or warning about losing your refund push you into clicking.
    • A suspicious payment notification. Check your actual payment account rather than relying on an email or text claiming money has arrived.
    • An offer to speed up the refund. You don’t need to pay a third party to get priority access to your money.

    How to Check Your Refund Safely

    If you think you might qualify, don’t begin by clicking a link in a text message or email.

    Instead, sign in to your Amazon account through the official app or by entering the website address yourself. Contact customer service through your account if you have questions.

    You can also consult the FTC’s official Amazon refund information independently.

    If you receive a legitimate electronic payment, verify it within the actual PayPal or Venmo service. Don’t assume an email is genuine simply because it displays a familiar logo or includes the name of the settlement.

    And if someone tells you to call a number to unlock your refund, find the official contact information independently instead.

    If You’ve Already Responded

    If you clicked a suspicious link but didn’t enter anything, close the page and avoid interacting with it further.

    If you supplied a password, change it immediately through the legitimate service. If you reused that password elsewhere, change it on those accounts too.

    If you provided banking or payment information, contact the relevant financial institution or payment provider and explain what happened. Ask what steps you should take to protect your account and challenge any unauthorized transactions.

    Save the message, email address, phone number, website address, and screenshots. These details may help when reporting the incident.

    You can report suspected fraud through the FTC’s official ReportFraud website.

    The News Moves Fast. So Do Scammers.

    The Amazon Prime settlement is a reminder that scammers don’t operate in a separate world from legitimate news.

    They watch the same headlines you do.

    They know when government payments are announced, when companies issue refunds, when a data breach makes the news, and when people are searching for answers. They understand that a story people have just heard about can make a fraudulent message seem more believable.

    Sometimes, the most convincing scam isn’t an elaborate invention. It’s a real news story with a fake link attached.

    That is why timing matters. A message arriving just as refunds begin doesn’t prove the message is legitimate. It may simply mean the scammer is keeping up with the news.

    So if you hear that money is coming your way, take a moment before responding to anyone who contacts you about it.

    Check the official source. Don’t pay to receive a refund. Never surrender sensitive information to an unexpected caller or message.

    The settlement may be real. The person trying to collect your information may be counting on you knowing that.

     

  • Greg Collier 8:03 am on October 5, 2026 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , ,   

    The Funeral Scam That Exploits Veterans’ Families 

    The Funeral Scam That Exploits Veterans' Families

    By Greg Collier

    Losing a loved one is difficult enough.

    Losing a veteran who dedicated part of their life to serving the country can make the days surrounding a funeral especially emotional. Families are dealing with arrangements, paperwork, military traditions, and the overwhelming reality that someone they love is gone.

    Scammers apparently see that grief as an opportunity.

    Families of recently deceased veterans in the Fort Bragg, North Carolina, area have reportedly been targeted by callers pretending to be military personnel or government officials. The callers claim that the family needs to pay money to receive military funeral honors.

    It’s a lie.

    And according to the Army Casualty Assistance Center, there is never a fee for military funeral honors.

    The scam is particularly disturbing because it does not simply rely on fear or confusion. It targets people during one of the most vulnerable moments imaginable.

    “It’s heartless, just heartless,” Cureston Brice, a memorial affairs coordinator for the Army Casualty Assistance Center, told Military.com. “People are already grieving the loss of their loved one who served our country. How can you turn around and try to scam them at their most vulnerable?”

    That vulnerability is precisely what makes this scam so dangerous.

    The Call That Shouldn’t Be Happening

    The Army Casualty Assistance Center reportedly learned about the scheme after funeral home directors in North Carolina alerted officials that families were receiving calls demanding money for military honors.

    The caller may present themselves as a member of the military or as a government official.

    Then comes the demand.

    One family was reportedly told that it needed to pay $1,500 for liability insurance for an honor guard.

    The payment was supposedly refundable.

    The scammer wanted the family to pay by credit card or money transfer.

    And there was a deadline attached to the demand: If the family didn’t pay, the veteran’s military funeral honors would supposedly be canceled.

    That last part is particularly important.

    The threat is designed to exploit the family’s emotions.

    Imagine receiving a call shortly before your loved one’s funeral telling you that something you believed was part of their final tribute is suddenly in jeopardy.

    You might not have the time or emotional energy to question the caller.

    You might simply pay.

    That is what the scammer is counting on.

    The $1,500 “Insurance” Fee Is Fake

    According to the Army Casualty Assistance Center, military families do not pay for military funeral honors.

    There is no $1,500 insurance requirement.

    There is no legitimate fee that has to be paid to make sure an honor guard appears.

    And military funeral honors will not be canceled because a grieving family refuses to send money to a stranger who calls them.

    Brice told Military.com that military honors are provided for eligible veterans and service members as part of the military’s obligation and honor.

    The service can include the folding and presentation of the American flag and the playing of Taps at the gravesite.

    The important point for families is simple:

    Nobody should be calling you to collect money for it.

    If someone does, treat that request as a scam.

    Why This Scam Could Work

    Scammers don’t necessarily need to convince someone that the entire military is involved.

    They only need to make the phone call sound official enough that a grieving family doesn’t stop to question it.

    The caller may use military terminology.

    They may know the deceased person’s name.

    They may know that a funeral is taking place.

    They may claim to work for a government agency.

    They may tell the family that there is a problem with the arrangements.

    And then they offer a simple solution.

    Pay.

    This is a classic scam tactic: create a problem that doesn’t exist, then offer the victim a way to make the problem disappear.

    The victim isn’t paying because they want something extra.

    They’re paying because they are afraid of losing something they believe they are already entitled to receive.

    That makes the emotional pressure much stronger.

    The Threat Is Part of the Scam

    One of the clearest warning signs in this case is the threat that military honors will be canceled unless the family pays.

    That threat is false.

    But scammers understand that urgency can short-circuit skepticism.

    If someone tells you that you have hours to act, that a service will be canceled, that a deadline is approaching, or that your loved one’s arrangements are in danger, you may feel compelled to respond immediately.

    That’s exactly when you should slow down.

    A legitimate military or government agency should not need a grieving family to send money to a stranger over the phone in order to arrange military honors.

    If a caller says otherwise, hang up.

    Don’t Trust Caller ID

    There is another lesson here that applies to virtually every impersonation scam.

    Don’t assume that a phone call is legitimate simply because the caller ID looks official.

    Scammers can manipulate caller ID information. They can use convincing names, government terminology, and other details to create the appearance of legitimacy.

    The same goes for information the caller may already know.

    A scammer knowing the veteran’s name does not prove that the caller works for the military.

    Knowing the funeral date doesn’t prove it either.

    In a targeted scam, criminals may obtain information from public records, social media, obituaries, funeral announcements, or other sources.

    The fact that someone knows something personal about your family doesn’t mean they are who they claim to be.

    The Funeral Home Can Be Your First Line of Defense

    Military officials are emphasizing a particularly simple way for families to protect themselves.

    Work through the funeral home.

    If your loved one is eligible for military funeral honors, the funeral director can coordinate with the appropriate military personnel.

    Families should not need to arrange the honors by responding to an unsolicited phone call demanding payment.

    Kagan Dunlap, a U.S. Marine Corps officer and podcast host who warned about the scam, similarly advised military families to communicate directly with their funeral director, who can coordinate the arrangements with the military.

    That gives families an important buffer.

    Instead of trying to determine whether an unexpected caller is legitimate while grieving, you can rely on the professionals already handling the funeral arrangements.

    Red Flags

    There are several warning signs that should immediately raise suspicion.

    • A surprise phone call about military honors. If you weren’t expecting the call, stop and verify it independently.
    • A request for money. Military funeral honors are provided without a fee.
    • A supposed insurance requirement. The reported scam used a fake $1,500 liability insurance requirement.
    • A threat that honors will be canceled. The Army Casualty Assistance Center says this is not how the process works.
    • Pressure to pay immediately. Urgency is one of the oldest tools in the scammer’s toolbox.
    • Payment by money transfer or card. A stranger demanding immediate payment is a major warning sign.
    • A caller claiming to be a government official. Don’t assume the title makes the request legitimate.
    • A request for personal or financial information. There is no reason to hand sensitive information to an unexpected caller simply because they claim to represent the military.

    What If You Get the Call?

    The best response is simple.

    Hang up.

    Then contact the funeral home handling the arrangements.

    You can also contact the appropriate military casualty assistance office independently to verify anything you have been told.

    The Army Casualty Assistance Center is already working with the Army’s Criminal Investigation Division and funeral home organizations to spread awareness of the scheme.

    The fact that officials are warning about the scam also suggests that families should not assume this is necessarily limited to one phone call or one location.

    Brice told Military.com that officials don’t know whether other military families outside North Carolina may have been contacted.

    That is why awareness matters.

    A scam that begins in one area can quickly spread.

    If You’ve Already Paid

    If you or someone in your family already sent money to someone claiming to arrange military funeral honors, act quickly.

    Contact the financial institution or payment provider involved and explain that you believe the payment was fraudulent.

    Save everything.

    Keep the phone number that called.

    Save text messages and emails.

    Take screenshots.

    Write down what the caller said and when the call occurred.

    Do not delete evidence simply because the interaction is upsetting.

    Report the fraud to the appropriate authorities. The Department of Veterans Affairs has repeatedly warned veterans and their families about scams and directs people to report suspected fraud to the Federal Trade Commission through its fraud reporting system.

    If the caller claimed to be a military official, you should also notify the appropriate military authorities.

    Reporting matters because it can help officials identify patterns and warn other families before they become victims.

    Grief Should Never Be a Business Opportunity

    Scammers have always looked for vulnerable targets.

    They target people who are worried about their finances.

    They target people who are lonely.

    They target people who are afraid.

    And now, authorities are warning about criminals targeting families in mourning.

    The military funeral honors scam is particularly cruel because the scammer isn’t selling some imaginary investment or promising a prize.

    They’re threatening to take something away from a family at the funeral of someone they love.

    The message families need to remember is simple.

    Military funeral honors are not something you have to buy.

    If someone calls claiming otherwise, don’t let the urgency of the moment push you into making a payment.

    Hang up.

    Call the funeral home.

    Verify everything through an official channel.

    And remember that when a stranger suddenly tells a grieving family, “Pay us or your loved one’s military honors will be canceled,” the person on the other end of the phone isn’t protecting your family.

    They’re trying to exploit it.

     

  • Greg Collier 8:00 am on October 2, 2026 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: freecash, , , ,   

    The $100-an-Hour TikTok Trap 

    The $100-an-Hour TikTok Trap

    By Greg Collier

    You’re scrolling through TikTok when an ad suddenly takes over your screen.

    It looks familiar. The colors look right. The graphics look like they belong on TikTok. The language sounds official.

    Then comes the pitch.

    You could supposedly make more than $100 an hour just by using your phone.

    Maybe you are told you have been selected because of your profile. Maybe you are promised an easy remote opportunity. Maybe the ad says you can make money by playing games, taking surveys, following accounts, or completing simple tasks.

    It sounds like the kind of side hustle that is almost too easy.

    That is precisely why you should stop.

    A recent report from ABC 17 News in Columbia, Missouri, describes a wave of advertisements appearing in TikTok feeds that seemed connected to TikTok but actually directed users toward third-party applications. TikTok has confirmed that the particular Freecash advertisement highlighted in the report was not part of TikTok or one of its product campaigns. TikTok said it removed content and accounts for violating its policies concerning deceptive practices and misleading content.

    The bigger story, however, goes beyond one advertisement or one app.

    It is about a scam formula that keeps evolving. Make the opportunity look legitimate, make the money look easy, and get the victim invested before the catch appears.

    The Ad Looks Like TikTok

    One of the most dangerous parts of the scheme is how naturally the advertisement can fit into the platform.

    The ads reportedly use fonts and graphics similar to TikTok’s design. Some take over the entire screen and remove the normal navigation options, making the experience feel less like an ordinary advertisement and more like something built into the app itself.

    One advertisement described the outside service as a “partner app” and claimed people as young as 13 could earn more than $100 an hour.

    That is a giant red flag.

    But it is also a clever psychological trick.

    People are accustomed to seeing legitimate companies advertise inside social media platforms. If something looks like it belongs there, users may assume it has been vetted by the platform.

    That assumption can be dangerous.

    TikTok’s own policies prohibit fraudulent and deceptive advertising, including promotions that mislead users about jobs, products, or services.

    And TikTok has previously warned users about scams that misuse its name to promote supposed jobs involving activities such as following accounts, liking videos, and commenting on content in exchange for money. TikTok says those offers are scams and advises users not to share personal information or send money.

    Welcome to the “Get-Paid-To” Scam

    The Better Business Bureau has a name for this general category of schemes: “get-paid-to” scams.

    The basic idea is simple.

    You are promised money for doing things that seem almost effortless.

    Play a game.

    Take a survey.

    Like a video.

    Follow an account.

    Subscribe to something.

    Boost content.

    Complete an offer.

    The individual tasks may sound harmless. And sometimes the amount supposedly being earned starts small enough that the whole thing feels believable.

    That is part of the trap.

    Scammers can present these opportunities as flexible, remote work that allows people to use their phones. The supposed employer may claim that the person can make money by liking, following, subscribing to, or boosting videos. Eventually, however, the opportunity turns out not to be what it appeared to be.

    The Federal Trade Commission has been warning about a closely related category known as task scams or gamified job scams.

    In those schemes, people complete simple online tasks while an app or website displays an ever-growing balance of supposed earnings. The numbers can make it look as though the user is steadily building a paycheck.

    The money isn’t necessarily real.

    The FTC says victims can eventually be told that they need to deposit their own money to complete another round of tasks or withdraw their supposed earnings. The agency’s advice is blunt. Never pay anyone to get paid.

    The Freecash Example

    The ABC 17 News investigation followed one of the advertisements to an app called Freecash.

    The reporter found an environment in which users could earn money by interacting with third-party games and other applications. The report said users could be asked to provide their age and connect payment methods or financial accounts in order to receive payouts.

    Some activities generated very small amounts of money.

    Others offered larger potential rewards.

    And that is where things can become particularly interesting from a scam perspective.

    According to the report, some opportunities involved leaderboards where users could pay to enter and compete for larger prizes. Users could also encounter minimum thresholds that had to be reached before they could cash out.

    One user said more than $900 in supposed earnings became inaccessible after cashouts were placed on hold.

    That report is a consumer allegation, not proof that the service itself is fraudulent.

    The larger warning is about the business model scammers can imitate. Small rewards create confidence, larger rewards create commitment, and then some obstacle appears just as the victim believes the money is finally within reach.

    The Money Can Become the Hook

    Imagine you have spent several hours completing tasks.

    Your screen says you’ve earned $50.

    Then $100.

    Then $300.

    Maybe you have already received a small payment.

    Now you are staring at a much larger balance.

    You’re invested.

    You’ve spent time on it. You’ve seen numbers increase. You may have even received a small payout, convincing you that the system works.

    Then comes the problem.

    You can’t withdraw the money.

    Maybe you need to reach another level.

    Maybe you need to complete another batch of tasks.

    Maybe your account has supposedly violated a rule.

    Maybe your identity needs to be verified.

    Or perhaps you’re told that you need to pay something before the money can be released.

    This is where a legitimate opportunity and a scam can become very different things.

    The BBB said that victims can be told they went through levels too quickly, violated a policy they were unaware of, or even need to send money before they can receive their supposed payout.

    The FTC describes essentially the same psychological mechanism in task scams. A victim sees fake earnings accumulate and becomes increasingly motivated to put real money into the system to protect or unlock those supposed earnings.

    The longer you play, the harder it becomes to walk away.

    Your Personal Information Is Part of the Prize

    Money isn’t necessarily the only thing scammers want.

    Your information can be valuable too.

    Name.

    Phone number.

    Address.

    Age.

    Email address.

    Financial information.

    Account information.

    And potentially anything else you provide while trying to “get paid.”

    The BBB says that personal information can be viewed by scammers as currency and potentially used in identity theft.

    That means an offer doesn’t have to steal your money immediately to cause damage.

    It may be collecting information for later.

    The FTC has similarly warned that fake side-hustle opportunities can be designed to obtain bank account information or Social Security numbers rather than provide legitimate employment.

    Quick Tip: If someone says you have to pay money before you can receive the money you’ve supposedly earned, stop.

    Red Flags

    Be especially skeptical when an online money-making opportunity combines several of these characteristics:

    • Huge money for almost no work. Making more than $100 an hour by casually using your phone should immediately trigger questions.
    • A familiar company name or appearance. Looking like TikTok does not mean TikTok created or approved the offer.
    • An unexpected job opportunity. Be cautious when you are suddenly told you have been selected for work without actually applying.
    • Pressure to act immediately. Scammers don’t want you taking time to investigate.
    • A third-party app. Moving you away from the platform where you encountered the advertisement deserves extra scrutiny.
    • Requests for financial information. Be careful before connecting a bank account, payment account or card.
    • A minimum cash-out requirement. If your supposed earnings keep increasing but you can’t actually access them, stop and investigate.
    • A request to pay before withdrawing. This is one of the clearest warning signs.
    • Rules that mysteriously appear later. If you only discover an important condition after you’ve invested significant time or money, that’s a major warning sign.

    Don’t Trust the Look

    Perhaps the most important lesson from this incident is that scammers don’t necessarily need to create something that looks obviously fake.

    They can create something that looks familiar.

    They can use professional graphics.

    They can use the name of a company people recognize.

    They can make the advertisement appear directly inside a platform people already trust.

    And they can make the entire thing feel seamless.

    TikTok says it prohibits fraudulent activity in both advertising and user-generated content and that it removes content and accounts when they are detected or reported.

    The company has also warned users about fraudulent apps and impersonation schemes involving the TikTok brand.

    But no platform’s moderation system catches everything immediately.

    That means the final line of defense is often the person holding the phone.

    What You Should Do

    If you encounter an advertisement promising extraordinary earnings for simple phone-based tasks, don’t rush into it.

    Take a screenshot.

    Don’t click unfamiliar links.

    Don’t download an app simply because an advertisement appeared on a platform you trust.

    Research the company independently rather than relying on information supplied by the advertisement.

    If the opportunity involves a supposed job, search for the company name alongside words such as “scam,” “complaint” and “reviews.” The FTC recommends this kind of research when evaluating unexpected side hustle opportunities.

    Most importantly, don’t give an unknown service access to financial accounts simply because it promises a payout.

    And if an opportunity requires you to send money before you can receive your earnings, walk away.

    If You’ve Already Fallen for It

    If you downloaded an app because of a suspicious advertisement, stop interacting with it until you can determine what it is and what information you provided.

    If you supplied financial information, contact the financial institution involved and ask what steps should be taken to protect the account.

    Change passwords if you reused them elsewhere, particularly if you provided login information to an unfamiliar service.

    Keep screenshots, receipts, emails, usernames, advertisements, and other records.

    And report suspected fraud to the Federal Trade Commission through its fraud reporting system. The FTC specifically recommends reporting task scams and other fraudulent job opportunities.

    You can also report suspicious content through TikTok’s reporting tools.

    Final Thoughts

    The promise is incredibly tempting.

    Get paid to play games.

    Get paid to like videos.

    Get paid to follow accounts.

    Get paid to use your phone.

    And maybe, somehow, make $100 or more every hour.

    But when an opportunity promises extraordinary money for almost no effort, the question shouldn’t be “How quickly can I start?”

    It should be “What do they want from me?”

    Maybe they want your money.

    Maybe they want your personal information.

    Maybe they want you to download another application.

    Maybe they want you to keep playing until you’re too invested to walk away.

    And sometimes, they may want all of the above.

    The screen may look familiar. The advertisement may look professional. The numbers on the screen may look like real earnings.

    None of that makes the money real.

    When the deal sounds too good to be true, that’s not the moment to click.

    That’s the moment to stop.

     

  • Greg Collier 8:00 am on September 30, 2026 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: children, , Google Meet, , video call   

    Scammers Are Calling Your Kids for Your Credit Card 

    By Greg Collier

    Your child gets a video call from someone they don’t know.

    The person seems friendly. They’re talking directly to the child. Maybe they have a convincing profile, a familiar-looking email address, or simply the confidence of someone who seems to know what they’re doing.

    Then they ask a seemingly simple question.

    Can you go get your mom’s or dad’s credit card?

    That is where the conversation stops being innocent.

    The Hyde County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina is warning parents and guardians about a video call scam that recently targeted children in the county. According to the sheriff’s office, a stranger using a Gmail account contacted children through Google Meet and attempted to convince them to retrieve and show their parents’ debit or credit cards.

    The scam is a reminder that criminals don’t always have to convince the parent to hand over financial information.

    Sometimes, they will try to get the child to do it for them.

    The Call Starts With a Stranger

    According to the Hyde County Sheriff’s Office, the incident involved an unsolicited video call.

    The person on the other end was able to communicate directly with children and attempted to persuade them to get their parents’ payment cards and show them to the caller.

    There is no indication that every unexpected video call to a child is part of a scam. But an unsolicited call from an unknown person asking a child for financial information should immediately raise concerns.

    A child may not understand why someone would want to see a credit card.

    They may simply think the person is asking them to show something that belongs to their parents.

    That’s why children can be attractive targets.

    A Child May Not Recognize the Red Flag

    Adults have been taught to recognize common scam tactics.

    Don’t give strangers your credit card number.

    Don’t share your password.

    Don’t provide a verification code.

    Don’t send money to someone you don’t know.

    But children may not understand that even showing a payment card to someone over a video call can expose valuable information.

    Depending on the card and the quality of the video, a stranger may be able to see a name, card number, expiration date, or other information.

    And the scam doesn’t necessarily stop there.

    Once a criminal establishes communication with a child, they may attempt to obtain additional information about the family, including names, addresses, passwords, or other details that can be used in future scams.

    The Video Call Can Make the Stranger Seem Real

    There’s another problem with this type of scam.

    People tend to trust what they can see.

    A video call can create the impression that you’re dealing with a real person rather than an anonymous stranger on the internet.

    But video isn’t proof of identity.

    Neither is a Gmail address.

    Neither is a phone number.

    Neither is a caller ID.

    The Hyde County Sheriff’s Office specifically warns that caller identification, email addresses, and video calls should not be treated as proof that someone is legitimate.

    Technology can make a stranger appear trustworthy without actually telling you who that person is.

    The Scammer Doesn’t Need the Parent

    This is what makes the scheme particularly concerning for families.

    A traditional financial scam might involve calling an adult and trying to convince that person to provide a credit card number.

    This approach potentially bypasses the adult altogether.

    The scammer talks to the child.

    The child gets the card.

    The scammer sees the information.

    The parent may not even know the conversation happened until it’s too late.

    It’s a simple exploitation of trust and curiosity.

    And the scammer only needs the child to cooperate for a few moments.

    What Parents Should Tell Their Kids

    The most important protection may be a simple family rule:

    Your child should never show a stranger anything that belongs to a parent.

    That includes credit cards and debit cards, but the rule should go further.

    Children should understand that they should never share a parent’s:

    • Credit or debit card
    • Bank account information
    • Passwords
    • PINs
    • Security codes
    • Identification information
    • Login information
    • Verification codes

    They should also know that an unexpected request for any of these things is a reason to stop the conversation immediately.

    The Hyde County Sheriff’s Office advises children who receive an unexpected call or message from someone they don’t know to end the communication, block the account, and tell a trusted adult.

    That’s an important lesson because children shouldn’t be expected to figure out whether a stranger is legitimate.

    Their job is simply to stop and tell an adult.

    Quick Tip: Teach your kids to hang up. Parents don’t have to give children a complicated lesson about every possible scam. Tell them not to answer calls from strangers; don’t show strangers your parents’ information or belongings and tell an adult when something feels strange.

    Don’t Assume Privacy Settings Will Stop Everything

    Parents should also take a look at the devices and accounts their children use.

    Review privacy settings and communication permissions. Check who can contact the child through video-calling applications, messaging services, and social media platforms.

    That doesn’t guarantee that a scammer won’t get through.

    But limiting unexpected communications can reduce opportunities for strangers to contact children in the first place.

    It’s also worth talking to children about why these settings exist.

    The goal isn’t simply to restrict their devices.

    It’s to teach them that access to someone isn’t the same thing as trust.

    If Your Child Gets a Suspicious Call

    Don’t delete everything immediately.

    The Hyde County Sheriff’s Office recommends preserving information that could help investigators, including screenshots, email addresses, usernames, and phone numbers.

    Save the evidence before blocking the account if possible.

    Then report the incident to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

    If financial or personal information was actually shared, parents should contact their financial institution immediately and monitor the affected accounts.

    A suspicious incident can also be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

    The important thing is not to assume that nothing can be done simply because the communication happened online.

    The Conversation Parents Need to Have

    Parents have spent years teaching children not to talk to strangers in the real world.

    The definition of “stranger” needs to apply online, too.

    A stranger doesn’t become trustworthy because they appear on a screen.

    They don’t become trustworthy because they have a Gmail address.

    They don’t become trustworthy because the caller ID displays a familiar-looking name.

    And they certainly don’t become trustworthy because they’re asking politely.

    Children need permission to say no.

    They need permission to hang up.

    And most importantly, they need to know that they can tell a parent or another trusted adult what happened without being punished for it.

    The Scam Could Look Completely Different Next Time

    The Hyde County incident involved a request to see a parent’s debit or credit card.

    The next scam may involve something else.

    A password.

    A bank account.

    A verification code.

    A photo.

    A parent’s phone.

    Or information about where the family lives.

    The technology and the story can change quickly.

    The basic warning doesn’t.

    When an unknown person contacts a child and asks for something that belongs to the family, the safest response is simple:

    Hang up. Block them. Tell an adult.

    The person on the screen may look friendly.

    They may sound convincing.

    They may even appear to know exactly what they’re doing.

    But your child doesn’t need to figure out whether the stranger is legitimate.

    They just need to know that strangers don’t get access to the family’s money, information, or personal belongings.

    And sometimes, the best way to protect your family is to teach your kids that it’s perfectly okay to hang up.

     

  • Greg Collier 8:00 am on September 28, 2026 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , ,   

    Scammers Are Pretending to Be the FBI to Scam Victims Again 

    Scammers Are Pretending to Be the FBI to Scam Victims Again

    By Greg Collier

    Imagine you’ve already been scammed.

    You’ve lost money. You’re angry. You’re embarrassed. You report what happened because you want someone to know, and maybe you’re hoping there is some way to recover what you lost.

    Then your phone rings.

    The person on the other end says they’re with the FBI.

    They know about the scam. They know how much you lost. They tell you they’ve recovered your money or that they can help you get it back.

    Suddenly, the person who stole your money isn’t the only problem.

    The person claiming they can recover it may be another scammer.

    The FBI is warning that criminals are impersonating its Internet Crime Complaint Center, known as IC3, in an increasingly sophisticated fraud scheme designed to target people who have already been victimized.

    And now artificial intelligence is helping make the deception even more convincing.

    The Scam Begins With a Previous Scam

    One of the most disturbing parts of this scheme is that criminals may not have to find a completely new victim.

    They can target someone who has already lost money.

    According to the FBI, scammers monitor social media and other online forums for people discussing fraud or saying they have contacted the FBI or plan to file an IC3 complaint.

    That information can give criminals an opening.

    The victim has already demonstrated that they are concerned about losing money. They may also be actively looking for help.

    The scammer then approaches them while pretending to be someone who can provide that help.

    In some cases, criminals have claimed they recovered the victim’s lost funds. In others, they have directed victims to fake IC3 websites designed to collect personal or financial information.

    It’s a second scam built on the first one.

    The Fake FBI Agent

    The scammer may contact the victim through a phone call, email, social media, or a messaging application.

    They may use the name of a real FBI employee.

    They may have an official-looking profile picture.

    They may provide what appears to be a legitimate government website.

    And increasingly, they may even sound like a real person.

    The FBI says criminals are using artificial intelligence to create convincing voices and videos. Its July 2026 warning specifically described AI-generated videos impersonating FBI personnel and promoting spoofed IC3 websites.

    That means the old advice to simply listen for an obviously robotic voice isn’t enough anymore.

    A scammer can sound calm, professional, and completely believable.

    They can even appear to be the person they’re pretending to be.

    The Fake Website Makes It Worse

    The deception doesn’t necessarily stop with a phone call.

    The FBI has warned about websites designed to look like the real Internet Crime Complaint Center.

    A victim might see a website with government-style graphics, familiar terminology, and an official-looking complaint form.

    But instead of submitting information to the FBI, the victim may be handing it directly to criminals.

    The FBI says spoofed websites can be designed to collect personally identifiable information, including information that can be used to further victimize someone.

    This is why the address in your browser matters.

    The legitimate IC3 website is ic3.gov.

    The FBI advises people to type the official address directly into their browser rather than clicking on links sent by someone claiming to represent IC3. It also warns users to watch for subtle differences in website addresses and to be particularly cautious with sponsored search results that may lead to imitator sites.

    A website can look official and still be completely fake.

    The Most Important Thing to Know About IC3

    There is a simple fact that could stop this scam before it starts.

    IC3 does not directly contact people.

    The FBI says IC3 will not communicate with individuals by phone, email, social media, messaging apps, online chat, or public forums.

    If additional information is needed after a complaint, the person may be contacted by FBI personnel from a local field office or another law enforcement agency.

    That distinction is critical.

    IC3 is the FBI’s central hub for reporting cyber-enabled crime. It collects complaints and helps route information to law enforcement. It is not a private recovery service calling victims to offer refunds.

    And it certainly isn’t a service that charges victims to get their money back.

    The Biggest Red Flag: They Want Money

    This is where the scam should fall apart.

    The FBI says IC3 will never ask you to pay money to recover lost funds.

    It also will not refer you to a company that charges you to recover your money.

    The FBI’s September 2026 warning about government and law enforcement impersonation scams makes the broader rule clear: legitimate law enforcement and government officials will not contact you by phone or text and demand payment.

    So if someone tells you they’re an FBI agent and says you need to send money to recover your money, stop.

    Don’t negotiate.

    Don’t try to convince them you’re legitimate.

    Don’t send a small payment just to see what happens.

    Hang up.

    The Scam Uses Urgency Against You

    Scammers understand that victims are often emotional.

    Someone who has already lost thousands of dollars may desperately want to believe that the money can be recovered.

    That’s exactly what the scammer wants.

    The criminal may tell the victim that the opportunity is time-sensitive. They may claim the recovered funds will disappear if paperwork isn’t completed immediately. They may say the victim needs to pay a processing fee or provide banking information before the money can be released.

    The goal is to keep the victim from slowing down and checking the story.

    The FBI specifically identifies fear and urgency as tools used in these impersonation schemes.

    That’s why one of the most powerful things you can do when someone claiming to be law enforcement contacts you is incredibly simple.

    Stop.

    Take a breath.

    Verify independently.

    AI Has Changed the Game

    For years, consumers were told to look for obvious signs of a scam.

    Bad grammar.

    Strange accents.

    Poorly designed websites.

    Robotic voices.

    Those clues are becoming less reliable.

    The FBI says artificial intelligence is being used to create convincing videos and voices that impersonate government officials and other trusted people. Criminals can use these tools during video calls or private communications to make victims believe they are interacting with a real person.

    That doesn’t mean you should automatically distrust every phone call or video.

    It means you shouldn’t use someone’s voice, appearance, or apparent professionalism as proof of identity.

    A convincing performance is still just a performance.

    Other Red Flags

    Be extremely cautious if someone claims to be an FBI agent or other government official:

    • Contacts you unexpectedly through social media or a messaging app.
    • Claims to work for IC3 and contacts you directly.
    • Says they have recovered your money.
    • Offers to recover money for a fee.
    • Demands payment to release or recover funds.
    • Wants cryptocurrency, gift cards, wire transfers, or other unusual forms of payment.
    • Sends you a link to an unfamiliar government-looking website.
    • Requests sensitive personal or financial information.
    • Pressures you to act immediately.
    • Tells you not to contact anyone else about the situation.

    Any one of these circumstances deserves scrutiny. Several appearing together should be a major warning.

    Quick Tip: The FBI Doesn’t Need Your Money. If someone claiming to be with the FBI says you need to pay them to recover money from a previous scam, stop communicating with them.

    The Numbers Show How Big the Problem Is

    This isn’t an isolated trick.

    The FBI reported that between January 2025 and July 2026, IC3 received nearly 61,000 complaints involving law enforcement or government impersonation scams, with reported losses exceeding $1.6 billion.

    Those numbers cover government and law enforcement impersonation scams broadly, not just criminals pretending to be IC3.

    But they illustrate why consumers should take these schemes seriously.

    The scammer doesn’t necessarily need to convince you they’re a financial expert.

    They just need you to believe they’re someone with authority.

    If You Think You’ve Been Targeted

    If someone has contacted you claiming to represent IC3 or the FBI, stop communicating with them.

    Save the evidence.

    Keep the emails, text messages, phone numbers, social media profiles, website addresses, and payment information. Don’t delete the conversations simply because they’re fraudulent.

    If you lost money, contact your financial institution immediately and explain what happened.

    The FBI advises victims of impersonation schemes to notify their financial institutions, contact local law enforcement, and file a complaint with IC3.

    And if you need to file an IC3 complaint, go directly to ic3.gov rather than following a link someone sends you.

    You can also report impersonation fraud to the Federal Trade Commission through its official fraud-reporting system. The FTC likewise warns that government agencies do not demand payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.

    The Scam After the Scam

    There is something particularly cruel about this scheme.

    The victim has already been hurt.

    They have already trusted someone who turned out to be a criminal. They may be angry, embarrassed, or desperate to get their money back.

    Then another criminal comes along and exploits those exact emotions.

    The FBI impersonation makes the second scam seem legitimate because the victim believes they’re finally talking to someone who can help.

    But the real FBI doesn’t need you to pay a fee to recover your money.

    IC3 doesn’t contact victims through social media.

    A government-looking website isn’t necessarily a government website.

    And these days, even a familiar face or convincing voice isn’t proof that the person on the other end is who they claim to be.

    The safest response when someone unexpectedly claims to be the FBI is not to panic.

    Stop. Hang up. Verify independently.

    If the person demanding your money really is a federal agent, taking a few minutes to verify their identity won’t turn them into a scammer.

    If they’re a scammer, those few minutes could save you from becoming a victim twice.

     

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