Greg's Corner

Updates from March, 2024 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 15, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: college ( 17 ), emergency scam ( 4 ), grandparent scam ( 69 ), police impersonation scam ( 64 ), Scams ( 1,362 )   

  College athletes targeted in sophisticated scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Connecticut’s state authorities are issuing a stern warning about a disturbing new trend targeting college athletes and their families. According to authorities, scammers are exploiting publicly available information to dupe unsuspecting individuals into making immediate payments under false pretenses, creating a sense of urgency and panic in the process.

  Reports from Connecticut State University Police Departments have revealed a troubling pattern. The callers, posing as university police officers, contact parents of university students, specifically targeting student-athletes. They claim that the student-athlete has been slapped with citations for various infractions like open container violations, curfew breaches, or trespassing. To compound the urgency, the scammer demands immediate payment through platforms like CashApp and Venmo.

  If this scam rings a bell, it’s because it bears striking resemblances to both the grandparent scam and the virtual kidnapping scam, sprinkled with elements of police impersonation. It’s now known more commonly as the family emergency scam.

  It’s a chilling reminder that scammers stop at nothing to manipulate emotions and coerce victims into compliance. The tactic of impersonating law enforcement adds an extra layer of credibility and intimidation, leaving victims feeling cornered and compelled to act swiftly.

  The State of Connecticut has issued a statement that said, a legitimate police department or campus safety program will never solicit payment for citations over the phone.

  Although this version of the scam is aimed at student-athletes, previous iterations have targeted the families of college students who aren’t involved in athletics. Essentially, any parent with a child attending college could potentially fall victim to this scam.

  Individuals who receive suspicious calls or communications purporting to be from law enforcement are urged to hang up immediately and report the incident to local police. Furthermore, those who have fallen victim to this scam are advised to take swift action by contacting their financial institutions to mitigate potential damages.

   

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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 14, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: 2FA ( 11 ), Chase ( 14 ), Scams ( 1,362 ), two factor authentication ( 17 ), Zelle ( 66 )   

  Bank accuses another Zelle scam victim of being a scammer 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A Houston, Texas single mother was recently ensnared by a string of fraudulent transactions conducted via the personal payment app Zelle.

  On December 26, the day after Christmas, the victim received an alert notifying her that an unknown recipient had been added to her Zelle account. Alarmingly, $1,000 had already been withdrawn without her authorization. Thankfully, Chase Bank recognized the fraudulent activity and promptly refunded the money.

  Then in January, the fraudulent transactions started again. In a relentless spree spanning three days, the scam artists persistently hacked into the victim’s Zelle account. They succeeded in withdrawing $1,500 initially, followed by $5,400, and then an additional $1,000, culminating in a total loss of $7,900. Alarmingly, these transactions occurred despite the victim having already reported the fraudulent activity.

  The victim diligently filed reports with the Houston Police Department, the FBI, and the Federal Trade Commission. However, Chase Bank shockingly denied her claims, going as far as to insinuate that she was the perpetrator of the scam. Allegedly, Chase even told the victim, “You probably should just admit that this was you that did this.”

  Once again, despite banks encouraging their customers to utilize Zelle, they frequently fail to support those who fall victim to scams through the app. Regrettably, this scenario isn’t isolated, as there have been numerous instances where the bank accuses the victim of being complicit in the scam. While it’s just anecdotal evidence on our part, the name of that bank always seems to be Chase. There’s an old saying in business that says, “It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it.” Accusing customers of being scammers is not the good deed Chase may think it is.

  There is a way to protect yourself from fraudulent Zelle transactions, and that’s by enabling two-factor authentication on your banking app. This means that even if someone obtains your username or password, they won’t be able to access your account and steal money.

  While having any form of two-factor authentication (2FA) is better than none, it’s not advisable to rely on text messaging for receiving authorization codes. Instead, it’s recommended to utilize an authenticator app in conjunction with biometric authentication, such as a fingerprint scanner. This approach ensures that your 2FA data is linked to your device rather than your phone number.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 13, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: ACT ( 2 ), college admission ( 2 ), impersonation scam ( 144 ), SAT ( 2 ), Scams ( 1,362 )   

  The latest SAT and ACT exam scam targeting parents 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In the whirlwind of college preparation, parents often find themselves navigating a maze of opportunities, challenges, and, unfortunately, scams. A recent scheme targeting parents of SAT and ACT exam takers has emerged, shaking the trust in the system and leaving families wary of whom to believe.

  The scam, which preys on the desire for educational advancement, begins with an unsuspecting phone call. On the other end of the line is a person claiming affiliation with the College Board, the institution responsible for overseeing these crucial standardized tests. They come bearing what seems like good news: the offer of a free prep course for the child.

  Innocently, parents confirm their address under the guise of receiving materials their child supposedly requested at school. However, here’s where the plot thickens – according to the Better Business Bureau, there are no materials, and there is no course. The promised resources never materialize, leaving families feeling duped and out of pocket. According to the Better Business Bureau, parents, on average, have been charged $130, with some cases reaching as high as $600. It’s a costly lesson in discernment and vigilance.

  But amidst the confusion, there are guiding principles to safeguard against such scams. The Better Business Bureau emphasizes that the College Board never solicits bank account or credit card information over the phone or via email. Additionally, they urge individuals to verify the legitimacy of any company through their official website, a simple yet effective measure to thwart imposters.

  Moreover, a crucial red flag emerges. Unsolicited calls requesting personal information should raise immediate suspicion, regardless of the story spun by the caller. It’s a fundamental rule of thumb in today’s digital age, where scams lurk behind every corner of our interconnected world.

  For parents, arming their children with knowledge becomes paramount. Experts advise that if an opportunity sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Educating young minds about the pitfalls of deceptive schemes empowers them to make informed decisions, safeguarding against potential exploitation. The pursuit of educational excellence should never come at the cost of falling victim to deceitful tactics.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 12, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: mail fraud ( 21 ), postcards ( 2 ), Scams ( 1,362 ), unclaimed money ( 4 ), unclaimed property ( 2 )   

  Postcards promising unclaimed cash used in scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Unclaimed property refers to any financial asset or property that has been abandoned or left dormant by its rightful owner for an extended period of time. This could include dormant bank accounts, uncashed paychecks, unused gift certificates, forgotten security deposits, unclaimed insurance proceeds, or even abandoned safe deposit boxes.

  When a person or business fails to take action on these assets for a certain period of time, the property is considered abandoned or unclaimed. State laws require financial institutions, businesses, and other entities to turn over unclaimed property to the state’s unclaimed property office, where they hold it until the rightful owner comes forward to claim it.

  States have various ways of trying to locate and return unclaimed property to its rightful owners, including maintaining searchable online databases, sending notifications to potential owners, and conducting outreach campaigns.

  What these states don’t do is send out postcards falsely claiming you have unclaimed money redeemable at retailers like Walmart or Target, as recently experienced by many Florida residents.

  Numerous Sunshine State residents received such postcards in their mailboxes, offering a $100 voucher valid at popular retailers. Mirroring typical scams, these postcards urged recipients to act swiftly, warning that the voucher would expire soon.

  Recipients are supplied with a phone number to claim their reward, which the notice states can be redeemed at major retailers such as Target and Walmart. Upon calling, individuals are prompted to provide personal information under the guise of confirming their identity.

  A Florida resident recounted calling the number and being prompted to disclose her date of birth. However, upon the request for credit card information by the individual on the other end, she promptly terminated the call.

  In the United States, there is typically no charge associated with searching for or claiming unclaimed property. However, there are third-party consultants who may offer their assistance in locating and claiming unclaimed property for a fee.

  These third-party services are generally legal, but you should be cautious before entering into a contract with any third-party organization that contacts you to assist in claiming your unclaimed property. This caution is necessary to avoid potential scams.

  If you receive unsolicited correspondence such as a letter, phone call, or email from an unfamiliar source, exercise caution. Legitimate companies typically refrain from contacting individuals in this manner unless prior permission has been granted.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 11, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bank scam ( 70 ), Chime ( 2 ), customer service ( 50 ), Scams ( 1,362 )   

  Bank app scam targets Chime users 

  

  By Greg Collier

  When we typically discuss payment app scams, we talk about one of the two biggest platforms, either Venmo or Zelle. However, there’s one app that doesn’t often come up in that conversation, but requires are attention, nonetheless, and that’s Chime.

  Chime is an online banking platform that offers a variety of financial services, including checking and savings accounts, as well as debit cards. It positions itself as a mobile-first bank, meaning that most of its services are accessible through its mobile app rather than through traditional brick-and-mortar branches.

  Chime has become popular in areas that are underserved by most banks. This is because Chime has such features as early direct deposit, and lacks many common fees associated with traditional banks, such as overdraft fees and monthly maintenance fees.

  Although Chime doesn’t seem to be as prone to scams as some other platforms, it’s important to note that it’s not entirely immune to them.

  A Chime user from Indiana recently fell victim to a scam, losing over $1300 in the process. The scam unfolded similarly to a familiar scheme. The user received a text alert claiming that someone had made a purchase on Amazon using her account. If the user had responded to the text, she might have been directed to transfer her money to a purportedly ‘secure’ account, falling prey to a scam akin to the Zelle scam.

  Despite avoiding one scam, the customer unwittingly became a victim of another. Seeking to dispute the alleged fraudulent charge, she searched the web for Chime’s customer service number. Unfortunately, she stumbled upon a number claiming to be Chime’s official customer service department. However, it turned out to be a scam call center impersonating Chime.

  The customer was informed that someone was attempting to withdraw $1200 from her account. To prevent this, she was instructed to download an app onto her phone, purportedly to thwart the scammers. However, the app granted the scammers remote access to her device. With this access, they were able to breach her Chime account and transfer $1340 out of it. Fortunately, Chime intervened and successfully refunded the customer’s money.

  No matter if it’s a traditional bank or not, if you receive a call or text urging you to transfer your money to another account for protection, it’s likely a scam. If you encounter such a call, hang up immediately and reach out to your bank using the customer service number listed on their official website or your debit card.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on March 8, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: check scam ( 79 ), fake check ( 48 ), gift cards ( 101 ), job scam ( 79 ), mystery shopper ( 5 ), Scams ( 1,362 ), secret shopper ( 15 )   

  A warning about the mystery shopper scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In the world of scams and fraudulent schemes, there are some that lurk in the shadows, waiting for unsuspecting victims to fall into their traps. One such scam that continues to circulate, albeit not as commonly known as others, is the mystery shopper scam.

  A mystery shopper, also known as a secret shopper, is someone who is hired by a company to pose as a regular customer and evaluate the quality of service, products, or overall experience provided by a business. Mystery shoppers typically visit retail stores, restaurants, hotels, banks, or other service-based establishments and then provide detailed feedback on various aspects such as customer service, cleanliness, product knowledge, adherence to company policies, and overall satisfaction. While the role of a mystery shopper is a legitimate position within many retail establishments, it unfortunately serves as a guise for scammers to target unsuspecting victims.

  The scenario typically begins innocuously enough. An individual receives an email offering them an opportunity to become a mystery shopper. Intrigued by the prospect of earning some extra income while performing simple tasks, the recipient responds to the email and awaits further instructions.

  In one instance, a potential victim received two letters in the mail, each seemingly from reputable companies. One was purportedly from Walmart and the other from American Express. Enclosed within these letters were checks, one for almost $3,500 and the other for $2,900, respectively.

  This is where the mystery shopper scam quickly reveals itself. The recipient is instructed to deposit the checks into their personal bank account, a seemingly harmless step in the process. However, the plot thickens as they are then directed to immediately withdraw a portion of the deposited funds and use it to purchase money orders or gift cards.

  For instance, in the case of the Walmart letter, the recipient is instructed to purchase three $1,000 money orders, while the American Express letter directs them to buy $2,500 worth of gift cards. The final twist comes when the victim is asked to relay the serial numbers on the back of the gift cards or money orders to their supposed supervisors.

  This is where the trap snaps shut. Unbeknownst to the victim, the checks they deposited into their bank account are counterfeit, and the funds they withdrew and sent away are irretrievable. The victim is left facing the consequences, liable for the full amount of the fraudulent checks.

  No legitimate employer will ever request you to deposit funds into your personal account that are intended for business purposes. If such a request is made, it’s a strong indicator of a fraudulent check. Additionally, anything involving gift cards should raise suspicion. Unless the cards are intended as a gift, refrain from sharing their numbers over the phone or with anyone else.

  To protect yourself from falling victim to the mystery shopper scam, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited offers, especially those promising large sums of money for minimal effort.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on March 7, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: home repair scam ( 3 ), roof repair scam ( 2 ), Scams ( 1,362 )   

  Roofing scam targets seniors 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In the neighborhoods of Queens, New York, a disturbing trend is emerging. Home repair scammers are preying on vulnerable seniors. These heartless individuals masquerade as contractors offering essential repairs, only to vanish with thousands of dollars, leaving behind shattered trust and financial devastation.

  One such victim is an 80-year-old resident of Queens. On a seemingly ordinary day, a construction truck pulled up outside her home, marking the beginning of her ordeal. A persuasive man approached her door, claiming to be a contractor working on her neighbor’s roof. He alleged to have noticed issues with her own roof, offering a free estimate.

  In a moment of vulnerability, the victim, trusting the stranger’s words, allowed him to inspect her roof. Deceived by fabricated images of non-existent damage, she was coerced into believing urgent repairs were needed. Despite never experiencing leaks, fear gripped her, and she succumbed to the scammer’s convincing facade.

  The scammer, employing manipulative tactics, presented a contract and demanded a hefty down payment of $10,000, later reduced to $5,500 in cash. The following day, workers descended upon her home, dismantling her roof under false pretenses.

  As days passed, the scam unfolded. The scammers kept demanding more money, draining the victim of a staggering $31,000. It wasn’t until a vigilant bank employee intervened that the harsh reality dawned on her that she was a victim of fraud.

  When a stranger arrives at your doorstep claiming to be a contractor working on a neighbor’s house or offering leftover materials from a previous job, alarm bells should ring. These seemingly innocent encounters often serve as the initial ploy in a larger scheme to defraud unsuspecting homeowners. It’s crucial not to grant access to your property or roof to individuals employing such tactics, as they may intentionally cause damage to fabricate the need for repairs.

  Moreover, skepticism is warranted when confronted with claims of damage that you haven’t personally observed. Trusting solely in the words of strangers, especially when it comes to the integrity of your home, can lead to costly repercussions. Always rely on your own assessment and seek multiple opinions from reputable contractors before committing to any repairs.

  By exercising caution and refusing to be swayed by persuasive pitches, homeowners can effectively thwart attempts by scammers to exploit their trust and financial resources.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on March 6, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: borrowed phone, Cash App ( 42 ), paypal ( 11 ), phone scam ( 46 ), Scams ( 1,362 ), venmo ( 28 )   

  Father charged with using young son in phone scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In a world where acts of kindness are meant to be cherished, there are those who exploit such generosity for their own selfish gains. The recent case of one alleged scammer from Florissant, Missouri, sheds light on a disturbing trend where a father allegedly used his young son as a pawn in a scheme to scam unsuspecting individuals out of their hard-earned money.

  According to the Florissant Police Department’s probable cause statement, the incidents unfolded in late August and late September. Victims recounted encounters where a young person, later identified as the scammer’s son, approached them under the guise of needing to use their phones to call his father. After seemingly innocuous interactions, victims later discovered unauthorized transactions in their PayPal, CashApp, or Venmo accounts, with funds transferred to the scammers online payment accounts.

  This manipulative scheme didn’t just prey on the goodwill of strangers; it exacted a significant financial toll. The total reported losses amounted to a staggering $5,870 across four incidents, leaving victims not only emotionally distraught but also facing financial hardship due to the deceitful actions of the scammer.

  This case underscores the erosion of trust within communities and the vulnerability of individuals who extend a helping hand in good faith. The exploitation of a young child to facilitate such deceit adds another layer of reprehensibility to an already egregious offense.

  If you’re still keen on lending your phone to those in need while safeguarding your financial security, there are steps you can take. Popular apps like Cash App, Venmo, and PayPal offer security features such as PIN or fingerprint authentication, ensuring that only the phone’s owner can access them. By enabling these measures, you can continue assisting others with phone calls without putting your finances at risk.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on March 5, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: funeral ( 13 ), grieving ( 2 ), identity theft ( 107 ), Scams ( 1,362 ), utility scam ( 31 )   

  There’s yet another scam targeting grieving families 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Over the past year or so, we’ve really taken notice of the number of scams that prey on the families who have recently lost loved ones. In our opinion, these are the most reprehensible scams of all. Scammers often prey on the vulnerable, and there’s no one more vulnerable than someone who’s lost a cherished family member. Among these reprehensible tactics, scammers have posed as funeral homes, attempting to extort money from grieving families. Additionally, there have been instances of scammers trying to sell funeral plots they have no ownership over and others scheming to unlawfully claim the homes of the deceased’s family members. Unfortunately, it appears that scammers have now turned to local obituaries as a means to identify and target their victims.

  In December of last year, a Florida woman lost her father. In her moment of mourning, scammers targeted her with a sophisticated scheme designed to exploit her vulnerability and steal her money and personal information.

  The scam began innocuously enough with a letter purportedly from the local power company, expressing condolences for her loss and advising her to remove her father’s name from the account. Assuming the letter was legitimate, the victim contacted the number provided, where she spoke with a woman who claimed to represent the power company. The supposed power company rep informed the victim that she needed to open a new account rather than simply changing the name on the existing one, a request that initially raised suspicions but was rationalized as part of the process.

  Trusting the rep’s assurances and desperate for assistance during her difficult time, the victim divulged all her personal information, including her name, address, social security number, and date of birth. Believing she was following the correct procedures, the victim made a payment of $367 via credit card as instructed, relieved to have the matter seemingly resolved.

  Shortly after the fraudulent interaction, the victim found herself inundated with notices from the power company, asserting that her account was overdue and threatened with imminent termination of her power service. Alarmed, she reached out to the power company using the number provided on her bill, only to be informed that she had fallen victim to a scam.

  The scammer, cunning in their approach, not only managed to deceive the victim into divulging personal information but also swiftly closed her existing account while simultaneously opening a new one online during their conversation. This calculated move served a dual purpose, not only did it facilitate identity theft by acquiring the victim’s personal information, but it also extracted a payment from the victim.

  One can speculate that the scammer’s decision to open a new account on behalf of the victim was strategic, intended to prolong the victim’s realization of being duped. By creating this delay, the scammer likely aimed to buy themselves more time to exploit the victim’s trust and extract further financial gain.

  Always verify the legitimacy of any communication received, especially if it concerns sensitive matters like finances or personal information. When in doubt, contact the company or organization directly using verified contact information. Use the phone number provided on official documents or the company’s official website, rather than numbers provided in unsolicited communications.

  By staying informed, exercising caution, and verifying the legitimacy of communications, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to scams like this one. Remember, it’s better to be overly cautious than to become a victim of fraud.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on March 4, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bank scam ( 70 ), impersonation scam ( 144 ), Scams ( 1,362 ), Wells Fargo ( 11 ), Zelle ( 66 )   

  Is Zelle doing anything new to help scam victims? 

  

  By Greg Collier

  It’s been more than two years since we began tracking the progression of the Zelle scam and efforts by both Zelle and banks to enhance customer protection. Yet, during this time span, it appears that minimal progress has been made.

  Zelle is a digital payment network in the United States that enables users to send and receive money quickly and securely using their mobile banking app or online banking platform. It allows users to transfer funds directly from their bank account to another person’s bank account, typically within minutes. Zelle is often used for peer-to-peer payments, splitting bills, paying rent, and other everyday transactions. Even if you don’t actively use Zelle, it’s frequently integrated into many banking applications, often without the customer’s explicit request or consent.

  If you’re unfamiliar with how the Zelle scam works, we’ll detail the experience of one person who recently fell victim to the scam. A woman from the San Francisco Bay Area recently received a text message that appeared to come from her bank, Wells Fargo. The text message asked if the woman had made a recent Zelle transaction for $957. She responded with a no, and almost immediately she received a phone call from someone claiming to be from the Wells Fargo fraud department.

  The caller told the woman that money was being siphoned from her account. She was then instructed to move her money back into her account using Zelle. The victim even asked the caller why she would counteract fraudulent transfers with more transfers. Instead of giving her a direct answer, the caller just kept repeating to the victim that her money would be reinstated.

  With the caller’s guidance, the victim made several Zelle transactions which totaled $3500, which is reportedly, Zelle’s daily limit amount. After the transfers were complete, the call went silent. The victim called the number back, but there was no answer. She called the genuine Wells Fargo, and was told she had been scammed.

  Recently, Zelle announced plans to reimburse victims who fell prey to specific scams. However, the company has not disclosed the criteria for eligible scams to prevent further exploitation. Apparently, this particular scam does not qualify for a refund. The victim was informed that due to her authorization of the Zelle transactions, no reimbursement would be provided.

  With the proliferation of this scam, it appears that Zelle, Wells Fargo, and other banks co-owning Zelle are merely giving superficial assurances to their customers. There seems to be a lack of substantive changes aimed at safeguarding consumers against such fraudulent activities.

  The most effective way to safeguard yourself is by avoiding falling for the scammer’s tactics. Your bank would never instruct you to move your funds to protect them; that’s simply not a standard procedure. If you receive a suspicious text or call purporting to be from your bank, refrain from responding. Instead, reach out to your bank directly using the customer service number on your debit or credit card. They can provide guidance on any potential issues with your account. Additionally, remember that Zelle is intended for transactions among friends and family. Requests for payment through Zelle from unfamiliar sources could indicate an attempt to scam you.