Greg's Corner

Updates from August, 2024 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Geebo 8:00 am on August 30, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Election ( 21 ), Massachussetts ( 4 ), pennsylvania ( 9 ), Scams ( 1,362 ), text messaging ( 36 ), text scam ( 23 ), voting ( 4 )   

  Beware of Text Message Voter Scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  As election season heats up, voters in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts are being targeted by scam text messages designed to sow confusion and steal personal information. Officials in both states are warning citizens to stay vigilant and protect themselves from these deceptive tactics.

  In Pennsylvania, voters in key areas near Philadelphia such as Bucks, Montgomery, and Delaware Counties have reported receiving fraudulent text messages ahead of the November general election. These texts falsely claim that there are issues with the recipient’s voter registration status or that their previous votes were not counted. Some messages even direct voters to call fake numbers, allegedly belonging to local election offices.

  These messages are part of a broader attempt by bad actors to manipulate voters during a critical election period. Pennsylvania’s Department of State has emphasized that voters should not trust unsolicited messages that provide alarming or urgent information about their voting status. Instead, voters should verify any concerns by visiting the official state voter services website at vote.pa.gov or by contacting their local election office directly.

  Meanwhile, in Massachusetts, the Secretary of State’s office has issued a similar warning to voters about a potential text message scam as the state primaries approach. Some voters have reported receiving texts claiming they are not registered to vote, with a link provided supposedly to resolve the issue. The state cautions voters not to click on these links, as they may be attempts to collect sensitive information for malicious purposes.

  Massachusetts election officials will never contact voters via text message about their registration status. Voters who are unsure about their registration can check their status on the official website VoteInMA.com or by contacting their local election office directly.

  As election day draws near, it’s essential for voters in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and across the country to be cautious about unsolicited communications regarding their voter status. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and their messages may appear credible at first glance. However, by relying on official sources and reporting suspicious activity, voters can help protect themselves and ensure their voices are heard without interference.

  If you receive a suspicious text message related to voting, don’t engage with the content. Instead, report the message to your state’s consumer protection agency and verify your voter information through official channels. By staying informed, you can play a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of our elections.

   

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  Geebo 8:00 am on August 29, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: college ( 17 ), FTC ( 15 ), impersonation scam ( 144 ), Scams ( 1,362 ), unpaid tuition   

  Scam Calls Target Students Over Unpaid Tuition 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a warning to college students and their parents about a growing scam that targets those paying tuition. Imagine receiving a call from someone claiming to be from your school’s financial aid office, telling you that your tuition bill hasn’t been paid. The caller might threaten to drop your classes unless you send money immediately. While this may cause alarm, it’s essential to pause and think carefully, you could be dealing with a scammer.

  These scammers pose as school officials, often claiming that financial aid has fallen through or that your transcripts are being held until the balance is paid. Their goal is to create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to act without verifying the legitimacy of the claim. However, a legitimate school office would never try to scare you into making a payment over the phone.

  If you receive such a call, it’s crucial not to panic. Scammers rely on the fear of missing out on classes or having academic records withheld to trick you into making hasty decisions. Instead of responding immediately, take the time to verify the situation through secure channels. Most schools post tuition bills on secure student portals, where you can safely check your balance and make payments. If you’re still uncertain, contact the financial aid or billing office directly using a phone number you know is legitimate.

  Remember, scammers can manipulate caller ID to make it appear as if the call is coming from your campus. Don’t trust what you see on the screen, and never give out your bank or credit card information over the phone to an unknown caller. If someone pressures you to pay with cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gift cards, it’s almost certainly a scam.

  The FTC urges anyone who encounters this scam to report it. By spreading the word, you can help protect others from falling victim to these deceptive tactics. Always verify through trusted sources before making any payments, especially when it comes to something as important as education.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on August 28, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: football ( 9 ), live streaming ( 2 ), Scams ( 1,362 ), Sports ( 4 ), volleyball   

  Beware of Fake Sports Live Streams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  As the excitement of high school sports ramps up this fall, scammers are seizing the opportunity to prey on unsuspecting fans. From volleyball to football, fraudulent live stream offers are becoming a common tactic to steal personal information and money. Understanding how these scams operate can help you stay one step ahead and protect your financial security.

  In Jonesboro, Arkansas, high school volleyball fans recently fell victim to a scam involving a fake social media profile. The account, masquerading as the Arkansas Activities Association, claimed to livestream games for local schools. Fans eager to support their teams were directed to links requiring payment, only to discover that no game was being streamed. Instead, their credit card information was captured by the scammers.

  Similarly, in Birmingham, Alabama, high school football fans are being targeted with fake live stream links. Scammers are capitalizing on the enthusiasm surrounding Friday night football, advertising streams that don’t exist or are of such poor quality that they’re not worth the money. Worse, once these fans enter their payment information, they often find themselves subscribed to a service that continually charges them without delivering the promised content.

  The mechanics of these scams are alarmingly simple. Scammers create fake social media profiles that appear legitimate by mimicking official school or athletic association accounts. These profiles then post links claiming to offer live streams of sports events. Eager to watch, fans click on the links and are asked to enter their payment information. Once the payment is processed, the promised stream either doesn’t exist or is of such low quality that it’s unwatchable. Meanwhile, the scammers have already gained access to the victims’ financial information.

  As these cases illustrate, vigilance is key to avoiding sports live stream scams. Here are some tips to keep in mind. Always confirm that the live stream is being offered by an official school or athletic association account. If in doubt, contact the school’s athletic department directly.

  Most legitimate high school sports live streams are free or require minimal payment through recognized platforms. If a site requests your credit card information, it’s a major red flag.

  Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but by staying informed and cautious, you can enjoy your favorite high school sports without falling victim to their tactics. Remember, when in doubt, trust only official sources and verify before you pay.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on August 27, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Amazon ( 108 ), fake websites ( 11 ), online shopping ( 33 ), Scams ( 1,362 ), shopping ( 4 )   

  Beware the Too-Good-to-Be-True Online Deal 

  

  By Greg Collier

  According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), about 50% of people who lose money in online shopping scams do so because the deal seemed irresistible. The problem often arises when you think you’re purchasing from a trusted site, like Amazon, but you’re actually on a fake website designed to look like the real thing.

  These fake sites can be deceivingly similar to legitimate ones. Scammers know that if they can create a website that looks just like Amazon or any other well-known retailer, they can trick you into handing over your money. But there are ways to spot these fakes if you know what to look for.

  First, closely examine the URL of the site you’re on. Real Amazon’s URL is simple, it’s amazon.com. However, scammers use lookalike URLs which might look convincing at first glance but are actually traps. For legitimate websites, the brand name should be directly followed by .com or whatever the top-level domain (TLD) it is they use. If you see a hyphen, additional words, or anything else between the brand name and the TLD, you’re likely dealing with a scam.

  You might wonder how scammers manage to make these fake sites look so real. It turns out there are two main ways. Cybercriminals can buy phishing kits that allow them to replicate the look and feel of popular brands’ websites. These kits are cheap and widely available, making it easy for scammers to create convincing fakes.

  Scammers can also purchase domain names that resemble legitimate sites. They can register these names with minimal oversight, which allows them to create URLs that look legitimate but lead you straight into their traps.

  The next time you’re shopping online and come across a deal that seems too good to be true, take a moment to scrutinize the URL. Make sure it’s a legitimate site before entering any personal information. In today’s digital age, a little caution can go a long way in protecting yourself from scams.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on August 26, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: check scam ( 79 ), fake check ( 48 ), fake order, Scams ( 1,362 ), Small Business ( 4 )   

  Fake Order Scam, Targets Small Businesses 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A small Los Angeles bakery specializing in unique baked goods recently fell victim to a scam that serves as a stark reminder of the dangers facing small businesses. The bakery, known for its intricate cookies and special occasion cakes, received an unexpected order for around 1,000 cupcakes. Although the bakery is not typically associated with cupcakes, the sizable order seemed like a great opportunity to generate income.

  The payment for the order arrived via priority mail. It was a check for over $7,500. After consulting a bank representative, the bakery owner felt reassured when the funds cleared and promptly began preparations, purchasing ingredients and starting the baking process. However, the situation took a turn when the person who placed the order requested that the quantity be halved and half of the payment returned. Despite initial reassurances from the bank, the bakery owner refused the refund request due to the expenses already incurred.

  The next day, the bakery received devastating news. The check had been flagged as counterfeit, and the funds were withdrawn from the account. Further investigation revealed that the scam involved stolen checks from another company, and the bakery was not the only victim. Several other businesses, mostly bakeries and landscaping companies, had received similar fraudulent orders.

  Small business owners can protect themselves from fraud by taking the following precautions. Always verify the authenticity of large or unusual orders, especially from new or unfamiliar customers. Contact the customer directly using a verified phone number to confirm details before proceeding.

  Exercise caution with payments made by check, particularly for large sums. If accepting a check, wait for the funds to be fully cleared by the bank before fulfilling the order. Remember that initial bank verification is not always final.

  Establish and communicate clear refund policies to prevent scammers from manipulating your business. Avoid issuing refunds for orders paid by check until the payment has fully cleared.

  Be wary of customers who make unusual requests, such as rushing an order, changing the quantity, or requesting refunds before the order is fulfilled. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure businesses into quick decisions.

  If you suspect a scam, report it immediately to your bank, local authorities, and relevant fraud prevention agencies. Early reporting can help mitigate losses and prevent the scammer from targeting others.

  This scam left the bakery owner with excess ingredients, unsold products, and significant financial and emotional distress. The experience underscores the importance of vigilance for small business owners, who are often targeted by increasingly sophisticated scams. By sharing this story, the hope is to raise awareness and help prevent others from falling victim to similar schemes.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on August 23, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bank collapse ( 2 ), bank fraud ( 23 ), banks ( 6 ), embezzlement ( 2 ), pig butchering scam ( 14 ), Scams ( 1,362 )   

  Banker Who Fell Victim to Scam Gets Prison Time 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Last year, we brought you the story of a rural Kansas bank that collapsed after the Bank’s CEO fell victim to the pig butchering scam. The pig butchering scam involves a scammer persuading a victim to invest in cryptocurrency using a fake exchange. The victim is then shown that their initial investment has grown significantly. However, when they attempt to withdraw their funds, they are informed that an additional fee, often as large as the original investment, must be paid first.

  A federal judge recently sentenced the 53-year-old bank CEO to 24 years in prison after it was determined the CEO embezzled bank funds while still believing he could get the returns on his investments.

  As was mentioned in the previous post, the CEO even asked a friend and client for a $12 million loan, so the CEO could get his personal money out of the cryptocurrency investment. The friend was even assured by the CEO that the initial investment wasn’t made with the bank’s money. Since then, details have been made public where the friend warned the CEO that the investments were a scam and that he should walk away from it.

  The CEO did not take his friend’s advice, and in his pursuit of profit, continued to send money to his scammers. However, before long, he was wiring bank funds to the scammers. When the friend heard from bank employees that the CEO was wiring money overseas, the friend went to the bank’s board to try to put a stop to it. Before it was all over, the CEO had embezzled $47.1 million.

  Anyone can fall victim to a scam, regardless of their education, experience, or financial savvy. Scammers are highly skilled at exploiting vulnerabilities, preying on trust, greed, or desperation. They use sophisticated tactics to create a sense of urgency, promising quick and substantial returns on investments that seem too good to pass up. Once a victim is hooked, they are gradually drawn deeper into the scam, often believing that just one more payment will unlock the profits they were promised. The allure of easy money can cloud judgment, leading even those in trusted positions to make increasingly irrational decisions.

  These scams can easily turn a victim into a criminal. When personal funds run dry, desperation sets in, and victims may resort to unethical or illegal actions to recover their losses. They might embezzle money, falsify documents, or deceive others to gather more funds, all in the hope of finally reaping the rewards they were promised. What began as a mistake can spiral into a series of criminal acts, driven by the delusion that success is just around the corner. This transformation from victim to perpetrator highlights how dangerous and insidious these scams can be, not just financially but morally as well.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on August 22, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: blackmail ( 3 ), Cheating ( 3 ), college ( 17 ), extortion ( 14 ), Scams ( 1,362 ), tutor ( 2 )   

  Fraudulent Tutors Become Blackmailers 

  

  By Greg Collier

  If you’re a college or high school student seeking help with homework or test preparation, be cautious. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is sounding the alarm about a rising number of scams involving fraudulent tutors. Instead of providing academic assistance, these scammers exploit students who hire them to complete assignments, using the situation to engage in extortion.

  The scam begins when a student enlists a tutor to handle their assignments or help them cheat on tests. Rather than delivering the promised services, the scammer demands payment upfront, only to later threaten the student with exposure unless additional money is paid. After the initial payment, the scammer often continues to demand more, citing bogus reasons like extra research needs. As a result, students can end up losing thousands of dollars, while receiving no academic help whatsoever.

  The BBB stresses that hiring someone to complete your schoolwork constitutes cheating. For students who need legitimate tutoring to understand their class material, there are ways to avoid falling prey to these cons. First, consider asking friends, family, or teachers for recommendations. Schools often have resources, including other students, who offer tutoring at little to no cost, making them a reliable place to start.

  Additionally, it’s wise to verify the credentials of any potential tutor by asking for references. Contacting those references provides insight into their experiences and the results they’ve seen, helping you make an informed decision. Before starting any tutoring sessions, it’s also essential to agree on availability and rates upfront. While fees might increase for extra sessions ahead of a big test, these should be discussed in advance to avoid unexpected demands, which are often signs of a scam.

  In your quest for academic support, it’s important to be cautious. Taking the time to find a trustworthy tutor helps you learn and ensures that you won’t be taken advantage of by scammers looking to profit from your education.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on August 21, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: brushing scam ( 22 ), identity theft ( 107 ), Scams ( 1,362 )   

  BBB Warns of Nationwide Scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In recent months, consumers across the nation have been encountering a troubling trend, mysterious packages arriving at their doorsteps without being ordered. These unsolicited deliveries are part of a growing scam known as the brushing scam, which involves third-party sellers sending items to random addresses to boost their products’ online ratings with fake reviews. While the packages may seem harmless, the underlying scam has concerning implications for those involved.

  The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning about this scam, emphasizing its potentially scary downside. The products received through brushing scams are typically lightweight and inexpensive to ship, such as ping pong balls, face masks, or small gadgets. In some cases, recipients have found more unusual items, like a humidifier or a Bluetooth speaker. The common thread is that none of these items were ordered by the recipient, and the packages often arrive without a clear return address, making it difficult to identify the sender.

  The motivation behind these deliveries is simple but effective, scammers are trying to manipulate online marketplaces. By sending these unsolicited items, they can falsely claim that a verified purchase was made, allowing them to post glowing reviews under the guise of legitimate buyers. These fake reviews help boost the product’s visibility and sales, all while the unsuspecting recipient remains unaware of their involvement in the scheme.

  The most unsettling aspect of this scam, as highlighted by the BBB, is that it suggests the sender has access to some of the recipient’s personal information, such as their name, address, and potentially even their phone number. This information, once obtained, can be exploited in various ways by those with malicious intent.

  To protect yourself from this scam, the BBB recommends taking proactive steps if you receive an unsolicited package. First, notify the retailer about the situation and attempt to identify the sender if possible. Check your online accounts for any unauthorized orders, and change your passwords to secure your information. While you are legally allowed to keep the items, it’s crucial to remain vigilant about protecting your identity and monitoring for any suspicious activity.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on August 20, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: gold, investment scams ( 10 ), Investors ( 2 ), precious metals, Scams ( 1,362 ), silver   

  Gold Investment: Not as Safe as It Seems 

  

  By Greg Collier

  For months, we’ve alerted our readers to gold bar scams, where criminals posing as law enforcement trick victims into converting their savings into gold, only to steal it. Today, we’re shifting focus to another type of gold scam, fraudulent gold investments.

  Recently, a couple from San Diego, like many others, sought financial stability through gold investments. Enticed by frequent radio advertisements, they decided to transfer a significant portion of their retirement savings into precious metals with a firm they believed was trustworthy. Unfortunately, this decision would soon prove disastrous.

  The firm in question had assured its clients that their assets would be safely held with a well-known trust company specializing in alternative investments, including precious metals. But earlier this year, investors began receiving alarming letters from the trust company. The correspondence indicated that the assets supposedly transferred to the precious metals firm had not been properly recorded, leaving many investors in a precarious situation.

  These letters revealed that not only were some investors’ purchases of gold and silver unfulfilled, but also that funds from the sale of these metals had not been credited to their accounts. As concerns grew, the trust company announced that it was severing ties with the precious metals firm, leaving investors to deal with the fallout.

  For the investors, the reality of their situation hit hard. The firm had closed its doors, and attempts to contact them were met with silence. With millions of dollars in retirement savings unaccounted for, the investors felt they had been left in the lurch. Now, they are part of a proposed class-action lawsuit alleging fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and other violations.

  Investing in precious metals can be a wise decision, but it requires a thoughtful and cautious approach. It’s essential to work with dealers who have a strong reputation and a proven track record. Verifying their credentials and researching any past complaints or legal issues is a crucial first step.

  Understanding the associated costs, including premiums, storage fees, and transaction expenses, is key to making an informed investment. Additionally, it’s important to maintain a diversified portfolio rather than committing all your savings to precious metals. This reduces overall risk and provides more stability.

  As with any investment, it’s important to only invest what you can comfortably risk, as no investment is ever fully guaranteed.

  Investors should remain cautious when encountering advertisements on radio and podcasts, as these platforms often promote investment opportunities that may not be as secure as they seem. While such ads can sound persuasive, they shouldn’t replace thorough research and due diligence. It’s vital to verify the legitimacy of any investment, regardless of how credible the source may appear. Remember, even well-known personalities endorsing a product or service doesn’t guarantee its safety or success. Making informed decisions, rather than relying on marketing pitches, is the key to protecting your financial future.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on August 19, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: data breach ( 32 ), identity theft ( 107 ), National Public Data, social security ( 29 )   

  Massive Data Breach: What You Need to Know 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In a chilling reminder of the ever-growing threat to personal data, National Public Data (NPD), a well-known background check service, has confirmed that hackers breached its systems. This disclosure follows the leak of a stolen database containing millions of Social Security numbers (SSNs) and other sensitive personal information.

  The leaked data, which began surfacing earlier this year, includes a vast array of personal details. A staggering number of records were offered for sale, and more recently, a comprehensive version was shared freely online. This information, though extensive, is riddled with inaccuracies and outdated data, adding further complexity to the situation. Some individuals are associated with incorrect details, and in some cases, even deceased persons are listed.

  For those affected, the breach is a cause for concern. The exposure of SSNs and other personal information heightens the risk of fraudulent activity, while the release of contact information opens the door to potential phishing attempts. Monitoring financial accounts and staying alert to suspicious communications are essential steps in protecting oneself from further harm.

  If you suspect that you or a loved one may be affected by the NPD breach, consider the following steps:

  • Monitor your financial accounts for any signs of fraudulent activity.
  • Report suspicious activity to credit bureaus immediately.
  • Be cautious of unsolicited emails, texts, or phone calls that may be phishing attempts.
  • Consider freezing your credit to prevent unauthorized access.

  This breach serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding your personal information. As we await further developments, staying informed and proactive is the best defense against potential identity theft and fraud.