Greg's Corner

Updates from March, 2024 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 29, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: debt collectors ( 11 ), medical bills ( 3 ), medical expenses ( 5 ), medical records, Scams ( 1,362 )   

  Old medical records could be in the hands of scammers 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Scammers are continually finding new ways to exploit personal information for financial gain. One particularly insidious tactic making headlines recently involves the manipulation of old medical records to trick unsuspecting victims into paying hefty sums of money they don’t actually owe.

  Take the case of a Chattanooga, Tennessee, woman, who found herself on the brink of becoming a victim to a cunning scam. A routine day was disrupted by a distressing call informing her of an outstanding hospital bill totaling a staggering $13,000 for a surgery she underwent back in 2016.

  The scenario painted by scammers is often convincing, utilizing personal details gleaned from defunct medical offices or harvested through data breaches at hospitals. Armed with this intimate knowledge, fraudsters employ scare tactics and coercion to pressure their targets into parting with their hard-earned money.

  Scammers leverage stolen information to establish credibility, creating a facade of legitimacy to dupe their victims. Once they have their foot in the door, they resort to aggressive bargaining tactics, dropping exorbitant figures and offering dubious settlement options in a bid to extract as much money as possible. In the recounted incident, the victim was informed that rather than settling the purported $13,000 debt, she could resolve the matter by paying a reduced sum of $6,600 promptly on the same day.

  Despite the initial panic induced by the alarming call, the victim remained composed and refrained from succumbing to the demands of the scammers.

  From the news report, it sounds like the scammers are posing as medical debt collectors. Armed with a victim’s medical history, they can make the scam even more intimidating than it already is. However, there is a way that people can protect themselves from this scam.

  It’s crucial never to capitulate to these callers’ demands for immediate payment. Instead, insist on receiving a debt verification letter outlining the purported origin of the debt. Legitimate debt collectors are obligated to furnish such documentation, whereas most scammers are unable to comply. Subsequently, you may want to contact the medical office referenced by the scammer to confirm the validity of any charges or debts. Their billing department should be able to provide clarification and verification.

   

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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 28, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bank fraud ( 23 ), Chase ( 14 ), news media ( 4 ), paypal scam ( 13 ), Scams ( 1,362 )   

  News channel helps victim recover $100K from scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A resident of Woodridge, Illinois, found herself ensnared in a digital trap, losing nearly $100,000 to a cunning PayPal scam. However, amidst the despair, emerged a beacon of hope, her local NBC affiliate and their news department.

  The victim’s ordeal began innocuously with an unexpected email purportedly from PayPal, alleging outstanding bills totaling $650. Bewildered, she contacted the provided number for resolution, only to fall prey to a sophisticated ruse. The scammer, masquerading as PayPal support, manipulated the victim into granting remote access to her computer and divulging sensitive banking information.

  Under the guise of rectifying an error, the fraudster orchestrated a virtual sleight of hand, fabricating a $100,000 deposit into the victim’s account. Urged to return the purported excess, she unwittingly wired the entire sum to the perpetrator. The realization of her plight hit hard when her savings evaporated, leaving her emotionally and financially devastated.

  Predictably, Chase Bank was the entity to rebuff her plea for reimbursement, citing the lack of cooperation from the receiving bank. Notably, Chase Bank has a history of rejecting analogous appeals and purportedly levying accusations against victims, insinuating their complicity in the scam.

  Faced with rejections from financial institutions and the haunting specter of irreversible loss, she turned to her local NBC News channel. Less than two weeks after their intervention, this victim received the news she yearned for, that of restitution.

  Unfortunately, Chase Bank isn’t the sole institution to which victims resort to local consumer reporters for redress. Repeatedly, we’ve witnessed major national banks dismiss claims from scam victims until local news stations intervene. It’s imperative for these banks to improve their support for scam victims rather than relying on media intervention.

  If someone falls victim to this scam, prompt action is crucial to mitigate further damage. Immediately notify your bank and PayPal, informing them of the fraudulent activity. Freeze or close affected accounts to prevent additional unauthorized transactions.

  File a report with your local law enforcement agency and report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at FTC.gov/complaint. Include as much detail as possible about the incident.

  Change passwords for all online accounts, especially those linked to financial services. Enable two-factor authentication where available to enhance security.

  Even after taking these measures, there’s no guarantee that your bank will provide a refund. If you find yourself in this situation, you might consider reaching out to local consumer protection agencies or media consumer advocacy programs, like your local news station, for further assistance.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 27, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: gift cards ( 101 ), impersonation scam ( 144 ), Scams ( 1,362 ), Spectrum Internet, utility scam ( 31 )   

  Utility scammers are targeting consumers 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Recently, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) issued a warning to Michigan consumers about a utility scam targeting customers of Spectrum Internet.

  According to reports, scammers are impersonating Spectrum Internet representatives, enticing customers with the promise of discounted internet services. The scheme involves leaving voicemails offering substantial discounts on future internet bills. However, the catch is customers are required to pay several months’ worth of service fees upfront, and the payment must be made using gift cards, asserting it as a component of a purported partnership.

  In a distressing incident, a Michigan resident fell victim to this scam. After receiving a voicemail offering a 50% discount on her internet service, she contacted the number provided and was told she could enjoy the discount for three years without any contracts. However, she was instructed to pay for 15 months of service in advance, amounting to $420, via gift cards.

  Spectrum, aware of the scam, has issued guidelines on its website to help customers identify such fraudulent activities. The company emphasizes that it will never request payments via gift cards, wire transfers, or payment apps, nor will it offer discounted rates for a fee.

  To avoid falling victim to utility impersonation scams like this, avoid prepaid debit or gift card payments. Legitimate companies typically accept checks or credit cards as primary payment methods. Be cautious of requests for payment via prepaid cards, as these are favored by scammers due to the difficulty in retrieving funds once they’re transferred.

  If you receive a special offer or discount, verify its authenticity by contacting the utility company directly. Obtain the customer service number from the official website or your latest bill and inquire about the offer’s validity. Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is.

  Although reports of this scam are currently surfacing in Michigan, there’s a significant likelihood that it may soon target areas beyond.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 26, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Facebook Marketplace ( 62 ), google voice ( 13 ), Online Classifieds ( 12 ), online marketplace ( 11 ), Scams ( 1,362 )   

  Scammers targeting online sellers for more than just money 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The convenience of online marketplaces has revolutionized buying and selling. However, with this convenience comes a breed of scammers who are not only after your money but also your personal information.

  Recently, a Facebook Marketplace user shared their experience of communicating with a potential buyer who requested a verification code under the guise of ensuring trustworthiness.

  What might seem like a harmless request for verification is actually a cunning ploy by scammers to gain access to your personal information, specifically your phone number. These fraudsters pretend to be interested buyers and claim they need to verify your identity to ensure you’re not a scammer.

  Here’s how the scam typically unfolds. You, as the seller, are contacted by a supposed buyer who expresses interest in your item for sale. The buyer requests a verification code, claiming it’s for verifying your identity and ensuring a legitimate transaction. You receive a text message containing a verification code, which you’re asked to relay back to the buyer. Unbeknownst to you, the verification code is actually for setting up a Google Voice account in your name.

  Once the scammers obtain the verification code, they use it to link your phone number to their Google Voice account. With this setup, they can perpetrate various scams using the Google Voice number associated with your identity, making it harder for law enforcement to track them down.

  This scam preys on the trust and goodwill of online sellers, exploiting their willingness to facilitate smooth transactions. However, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Be cautious of any requests for verification codes, especially from individuals you don’t know or trust.

  If a buyer insists on verification, suggest alternative methods such as meeting in person at a police station or using reputable payment platforms that offer buyer protection. If you encounter any suspicious behavior or requests during online transactions, report them to the platform’s support team and warn others in your community.

  To steer clear of this scam, consider registering for your own Google Voice number. By doing so, scammers won’t be able to exploit your phone number for their schemes, as it’s already associated with your Google Voice account. Plus, you don’t necessarily need to actively use Google Voice; you can simply activate its “do not disturb” setting for added peace of mind.

  If you find that someone has already linked your phone number to a Google Voice account, don’t panic. You can reclaim ownership of your number by following the instructions provided by Google. Simply refer to their guidelines on reclaiming a number associated with a Google Voice account, and take the necessary steps to regain control of your phone number.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 25, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bitcoin atm ( 25 ), cryptocurrency ( 51 ), pop-ups ( 26 ), Scams ( 1,362 )   

  New Bitcoin scam accuses victims of being predators 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In the case of a recent incident in Blaine, Minnesota, scammers are leveraging fear tactics to manipulate individuals into parting with their hard-earned money. The Blaine Police Department recently issued a warning to residents about a Bitcoin scam that has resulted in significant financial losses for its victims.

  This scam involves a distressing pop-up appearing on the victim’s home computer, alleging suspicious charges on their bank account. What makes this scheme particularly alarming is the level of detail the scammers possess about their targets. In one reported instance, the scammers not only knew the victim’s exact balances across their savings and checking accounts but also provided a fabricated bank ID card featuring the victim’s name.

  The perpetrators capitalize on fear and confusion, falsely claiming that involving the bank’s fraud department or law enforcement would be futile and might even lead to punitive measures, such as being listed as a predatory offender for fictitious charges related to adult entertainment websites.

  To compound the deception, the victims are instructed to withdraw substantial sums of money from their accounts and deposit them into a Bitcoin ATM at a local gas station. Once the cash is converted into Bitcoin and transferred to the scammer’s digital wallet via a provided QR code, the transaction becomes irreversible, leaving the victims in a state of financial distress.

  In light of this alarming trend, it’s crucial for individuals to adopt proactive measures to safeguard themselves against scams. Before taking any action in response to unexpected messages or notifications, independently verify the legitimacy of the communication by contacting the purported sender through official channels. Refrain from sharing sensitive personal or financial information, especially in response to unsolicited requests or pop-up messages.

  It’s essential to understand that companies like Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Facebook are not in contact with your bank and have no access to information about potentially fraudulent transactions in your accounts. Legitimate entities, including companies, agencies, and law enforcement departments, will never instruct you to deposit money into a cryptocurrency ATM. If someone makes such a request, it’s almost certainly a scam.

  Moreover, if you’re coerced into keeping quiet about the alleged issue, it’s another clear indicator of a scam. There’s no legitimate scenario where you’re prohibited from speaking, at the very least, to your attorney. Threats of arrest or inclusion on any sort of list due to a banking matter are entirely fictitious.

  If you encounter a potential scam or fraudulent activity, report it promptly to local law enforcement authorities or relevant regulatory agencies to prevent further victimization.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 22, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: gold bars ( 9 ), identity theft ( 107 ), police impersonation scam ( 64 ), Scams ( 1,362 )   

  Beware the gold bar scam: Protecting the elderly from financial predators 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In the retirement communities across the nation, a disturbing trend has emerged, preying on the trust and vulnerability of its elderly residents. Recent reports reveal a harrowing scheme where criminals, cloaked in deception, lure unsuspecting victims into converting their hard-earned savings into gold bars, only to vanish into the shadows with millions of dollars in ill-gotten gains.

  The magnitude of this issue has prompted national attention, with the FBI issuing warnings to the public. The allure of gold, coupled with the anonymity afforded by online transactions, has emboldened scammers to exploit the vulnerabilities of the elderly. Unlike traditional banking transactions, which may raise red flags, wire transfers to gold bullion websites often fly under the radar, facilitating the seamless execution of fraudulent schemes.

  The intricate web of deception woven by these scammers illustrates the lengths to which they will go to exploit the innocence of their victims. Posing as officials from esteemed agencies like the Federal Trade Commission and law enforcement, they instill fear and confusion, coercing their targets into believing they are embroiled in federal investigations involving identity theft and illicit activities.

  Take, for instance, the case of a 64-year-old woman from Montgomery County, Maryland, who fell victim to the cunning ploys of a gold bar scammer. Posing as a federal investigator, the scammer exploited the victim’s fears of identity theft, coaxing her into converting a staggering $800,000 worth of assets into gold bars for purported protection. With meticulous orchestration, the scammer arranged clandestine meetings in nondescript locations, masquerading as a federal courier to abscond with the precious metal.

  The tale of deception didn’t end there. Thanks to the vigilance of a concerned relative, authorities were alerted to the scammer’s machinations. In a meticulously planned sting operation, law enforcement apprehended the scammer just as he was poised to seize another $376,000 from his unsuspecting victim. While one perpetrator has been brought to justice, the magnitude of this scam suggests that many more may still be lurking in the shadows.

  Despite concerted efforts by law enforcement, the under-reporting of such crimes remains a formidable obstacle. Victims, often plagued by feelings of embarrassment and shame, may choose to suffer in silence, exacerbating the prevalence of these scams. In Montgomery County alone, reports indicate at least a dozen victims, echoing a national trend of escalating financial exploitation targeting the elderly.

  Seniors are particularly vulnerable to these types of scams, as fraudsters capitalize on their trust and apprehensions. The appeal of gold bars lies in their perceived anonymity and universal value, making them an attractive target for criminals seeking to evade detection and maximize profits. The elderly, and anyone else, should be skeptical of unsolicited offers involving precious metals and jewelry.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 21, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Cash App ( 42 ), Facebook Marketplace ( 62 ), real estate ( 127 ), rental scam ( 87 ), Scams ( 1,362 )   

  Online home rental scams still persist 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In the quest for a new home, the excitement of finding the perfect place can sometimes blind us to potential dangers lurking beneath the surface. One Huntsville, Alabama, family, like many others, found themselves in a predicament that serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of rental scams in today’s digital age.

  Their story began with hope and anticipation as they stumbled upon a promising listing for a spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home in a desirable neighborhood. With ample space for her family and their beloved dogs, it seemed like fate had led them to their dream home. Little did they know, this seemingly perfect opportunity would soon turn into a nightmare.

  Upon contacting the supposed landlord via Facebook Marketplace, the family was met with prompt responses and arrangements for a tour of the property. Despite initial red flags, such as the absence of the landlord during the tour and instructions to access the property through an electronic lockbox, they proceeded with unwavering trust.

  Throughout the process, the purported landlord remained courteous and accommodating, alleviating any doubts the family may have harbored. With the presentation of an electronic application, approval, and a virtual lease agreement, everything appeared legitimate. Even the method of payment, a combination of Cash App and Walmart Money transfer, seemed routine, mirroring the family’s current dealings with their legitimate landlord.

  It wasn’t until the family’s prudent decision to verify the authenticity of the listing online that the harsh reality of the situation came crashing down. Multiple listings of the same property on reputable platforms, all managed by a professional property management company, exposed the elaborate ruse orchestrated by scammers. The family was devastated when they realized the extent of the deception and the loss of their hard-earned money, $1,125 was gone in an instant.

  To prevent falling victim to rental scams, it’s crucial to exercise caution and employ protective measures. Cross-reference information provided by landlords with reputable real estate platforms and property management companies.

  Exercise caution if landlords refuse to meet in person or request unusual payment methods. Just because your current landlord accepts payment through an app doesn’t imply that every user of that app is reliable. Payment apps like Cash App are intended for transactions among people you already have personal connections with.

  If something feels off, don’t ignore your intuition. Take the time to investigate further before committing to any agreements or payments. And By reporting scams to the appropriate authorities, you not only protect yourself, but also contribute to the prevention of future fraudulent activities.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 20, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: debt forgiveness ( 13 ), FTC ( 15 ), Scams ( 1,362 ), student debt ( 15 ), student loans ( 15 )   

  FTC refunds millions to student loan scam victims 

  

  By Greg Collier

  When student loans weigh heavily on many, news of relief is often met with both hope and skepticism. Unfortunately, for over 27,000 borrowers, hope turned into despair as they fell prey to a scam that promised relief but delivered only financial ruin. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently announced that it’s sending over $4.1 million in refunds to student loan borrowers who were deceived by scammers.

  The perpetrators of this deceitful scheme found themselves at the center of an FTC complaint filed in 2019. The scam was as cunning as it was heartless. They promised to lower monthly student loan payments and offered to take over loan servicing, all while siphoning off hundreds to thousands of dollars in illegal upfront fees from unsuspecting borrowers.

  Instead of easing the financial burden, these scammers exacerbated it. The FTC revealed that only a fraction of the payments made by borrowers was actually applied to their loans, if any at all. The rest was pocketed by the fraudulent operators, leaving borrowers not only out of pocket but deeper in debt.

  As anticipated, it’s sadly predictable that scammers will also target those receiving these refunds. Scammers are often quick to exploit the confusion and desperation of borrowers.

  The warning signs are clear. Unsolicited calls or emails pressuring borrowers to ‘act immediately,’ promises of being ‘flagged for forgiveness,’ or programs claiming to be ‘first come, first served’ should all raise red flags. In an era where information is abundant, but trust is scarce, borrowers must exercise caution and diligence.

  The Education Department’s website stands as a beacon of reliable guidance amidst the sea of misinformation. Detailed resources on federal student loan forgiveness programs offer borrowers a roadmap to navigating the complex terrain of student loan relief.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 19, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: data breach ( 32 ), health insurance ( 5 ), identity theft ( 107 ), impersonation scam ( 144 ), Scams ( 1,362 ), unitedhealth   

  Scammers take advantage of UnitedHealth hack 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In recent events, it has come to light that a major health insurance provider in our country fell victim to a severe cyberattack and subsequent data breach. Towards the end of February, Change Healthcare, a subsidiary specializing in pharmacy insurance under UnitedHealth, experienced a crippling intrusion into its systems. Regrettably, this breach led to the exposure of personal data belonging to Change’s customers. Reports on the repercussions of this breach for the affected customers have begun to emerge this week.

  Scammers are now impersonating healthcare representatives in attempts to obtain financial information. Reports have surfaced of individuals receiving calls from imposters claiming to represent hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. These scammers offer fake refunds or demand immediate payments, often requesting credit card numbers or other sensitive financial details.

  To combat these scams, UnitedHealth advises recipients of suspicious solicitations to refrain from responding and instead contact their healthcare provider directly. It’s not common practice for hospitals and medical facilities to request patient credit card numbers over the phone, even in cases where a patient is owed a refund. Typically, when a patient is due a credit, that amount is either refunded directly to the credit card the office has on file or issued to the patient in the form of a check.

  If you find yourself receiving such a phone call, regardless of whether you’re insured by UnitedHealth or not, it’s advisable to politely terminate the call and directly contact your doctor’s office or the hospital involved. In many cases, these healthcare providers already possess your personal information and wouldn’t require you to provide it again over the phone. Additionally, it’s essential to remember that caller ID can be manipulated by scammers to falsely appear as if the call is originating from a legitimate medical provider, so it’s unwise to rely solely on caller ID information.

  If someone suspects that their personal information has been exposed, it’s crucial to take immediate action to mitigate potential damage. Contact major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit report. This extra layer of security can help prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in your name.

  Consult with legal professionals, especially if the exposure of personal information results in financial losses or other significant consequences. They can offer guidance on potential legal recourse.

  And lastly, alert banks and credit card companies about the potential exposure of personal information. Request to monitor accounts for any suspicious activity and consider placing fraud alerts or freezes on accounts to prevent unauthorized access.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 18, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: 2FA ( 11 ), phone scam ( 46 ), phone security ( 6 ), Scams ( 1,362 ), sim swapping ( 8 ), two factor authentication ( 17 )   

  A cautionary tale of SIM swap scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The nightmare of having your entire digital existence commandeered by malicious actors is a chilling reality for one unfortunate family from the Chicago area. What began as a routine day turned into a months-long ordeal of trying to reclaim control over their smartphones and, by extension, their digital lives after falling victim to a SIM swap scam.

  SIM swapping, also known as SIM hijacking or SIM porting, is a type of cyberattack where a malicious actor fraudulently gains control of an individual’s phone number by tricking the victim’s mobile carrier into transferring the number to a SIM card under the attacker’s control. This process involves exploiting vulnerabilities in the carrier’s authentication procedures or social engineering techniques to obtain personal information about the victim, such as their account PIN or other identifying details. The term SIM swapping can be misleading because the attacker doesn’t actually require physical possession of the victim’s SIM card to carry out the attack.

  It all started when the family’s wireless account was hacked, leading to the takeover of not just one, but all five of the family’s smartphones linked to the account. Suddenly, their devices were rendered useless, stripped of cellular service, and locked out of essential apps and services.

  Unauthorized apps were installed on their phones, contact numbers were altered, and passwords to numerous accounts were changed without their consent. The financial toll was staggering, with losses totaling thousands of dollars in stolen funds from various platforms, including investment and cryptocurrency apps.

  It’s suspected that the attackers obtained access to the family’s mobile phone account either by stealing or correctly guessing the account’s PIN. Experts advise regular changes to PINs and caution against using easily guessable information, such as birthdates, as security credentials. Moreover, limiting the dissemination of personal details on social media platforms can help mitigate the risk of identity theft.

  To mitigate the risk of SIM swapping attacks, individuals can take several precautionary measures. Avoid using easily guessable or recycled passwords, and consider using a password manager to securely store and manage your credentials. Whenever possible, use authentication methods beyond SMS-based two-factor authentication (2FA), such as app-based authentication or hardware security keys.

  Again, it’s not recommended to use text messaging to receive your authorization codes. Instead, it’s recommended you use an authenticator app along with a biometric authentication such as a fingerprint scanner. This way, your 2FA information is tied to your device and not your phone number.