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  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 16, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: donation scam, , ,   

    Scammers Target Families with Funeral Scams 

    Scammers Target Families with Funeral Scams

    By Greg Collier

    Recently, two separate incidents have highlighted a disturbing trend: scammers are targeting grieving families, preying on their vulnerability during times of profound loss. These scams, which involve either phone calls or fake social media accounts, have surfaced in different parts of the country, exploiting the emotional weight of funeral arrangements to steal money.

    In one case, a fake Facebook account was created in the name of a recently deceased Georgia police officer, falsely offering a livestream of the funeral service and soliciting donations. Investigators believe the scammer gathered information from the funeral home’s website to make the fraudulent account seem legitimate.

    Another scam involved phone calls to families in Alabama who had recently lost a loved one. Posing as representatives of a funeral home, the callers demanded payment for services. In one instance, the scammer almost managed to steal a large sum before the family became suspicious and contacted the funeral home. Fortunately, no money was lost in this case, but the situation underscores the importance of vigilance during emotionally difficult times.

    These incidents reveal how scammers manipulate personal information easily accessible online to exploit grieving families. Funeral homes have been quick to respond, ensuring that their clients know they will never request payment by phone or through social media. Unfortunately, tracking the culprits behind these scams is difficult, particularly when the calls or accounts originate from outside the country.

    Families dealing with loss are encouraged to be cautious and report any suspicious activity to authorities immediately. Funeral homes are also reminding families to verify any communication they receive related to payments and to rely on established, secure methods for handling financial transactions.

    These scams are not only financially damaging, but also emotionally devastating for families already coping with profound grief. It is essential to raise awareness about this troubling trend and to help protect those who may be at risk.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 13, 2024 Permalink | Reply
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    Elderly Victim Robbed During Scam 

    Elderly Victim Robbed During Scam

    By Greg Collier

    A recent incident in Houston, Texas, highlights the growing threat of scams targeting the elderly, leaving victims vulnerable to devastating financial losses. In July, an 80-year-old woman fell prey to a sophisticated scheme that ended with her losing $76,000.

    The scam began with a phone call from an individual posing as a bank employee, warning the woman that her bank had been hacked. This person instructed the victim to transfer her funds to a cryptocurrency kiosk for safekeeping. To further the scam, the victim was convinced to download an app that allowed the scammer to take control of her phone remotely.

    Following these instructions, the victim went to a convenience store to deposit $19,000 into a cryptocurrency kiosk. Sadly, while at the location, she was robbed of the cash by two unidentified males who grabbed the envelope and ran off. It remains unclear whether they were directly connected to the scam or simply taking advantage of the situation.

    What makes this case particularly alarming is that, even after the robbery, the scammer contacted the victim again. Despite having just lost a significant amount of money, the victim was manipulated into returning to the same location to deposit another $19,000. Over the course of four days, the elderly woman withdrew a total of $76,000 under the scammer’s instructions.

    In addition to the direct theft, the scammer provided coaching on what to tell bank employees when questioned about the large withdrawals. The victim was advised to claim the money was needed for home repairs, with the implication that even the bank staff couldn’t be trusted.

    There were several key warning signs in this scam that others should be mindful of to avoid falling victim. The scam began with an unsolicited phone call from someone posing as a bank employee, which is a common tactic used to catch victims off guard. Legitimate financial institutions typically don’t initiate calls out of the blue regarding account issues, making this the first red flag. The scammer then created a sense of urgency, pressuring the victim to transfer her money into a cryptocurrency kiosk under the guise of protecting her funds. It’s important to remember that banks or financial institutions will never ask customers to make transfers like this to safeguard their accounts.

    Another critical sign of deception was the request for the victim to download a remote access app, which allowed the scammer full control of her phone. No credible business or bank would ever ask for such invasive access to a personal device. Additionally, the scammer coached the victim to lie to bank employees if questioned about the withdrawals, further isolating her and fostering distrust in those who could have helped. When someone advises lying to a financial institution, it’s a clear indication of foul play.

    The repeated demands for large cash withdrawals over a short period should have also raised concern. Such behavior is unusual and suspicious, particularly when accompanied by the insistence that even bank employees couldn’t be trusted. This sowing of mistrust is a classic scam tactic, used to manipulate victims into relying solely on the scammer’s instructions.

    Recognizing these signs, unexpected calls, urgent financial requests, remote access demands, secrecy, and isolation, can help prevent falling prey to similar schemes. Always take the time to verify claims through trusted channels before taking any action.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 12, 2024 Permalink | Reply
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    Elderly Scam Victim Who Robbed Bank Pleads Guilty 

    Elderly Scam Victim who Robbed Bank Pleads Guilty

    By Greg Collier

    In a world increasingly connected by technology, we often celebrate the convenience and opportunities it brings. However, this same technology opens the door to manipulation and exploitation, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly. One case in Ohio has left many discussing the dramatic actions of an elderly woman who robbed a bank, but few are talking about the real tragedy behind her crime, the fact that she was scammed.

    The woman in question, a 75-year-old, pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon and now faces a potential sentence of up to 12 years in prison. Her crime? Walking into an Ohio credit union, brandishing a gun, and demanding money from the teller. She left with only $580 before being arrested later that same day. While the headlines have focused on the shock of a senior citizen committing such a bold crime, the larger story is how she got there in the first place.

    Before her life took a drastic turn, this woman was likely just like many other seniors, living quietly and trusting those she encountered. According to police, she had been in communication with someone online who deceived her, a scam that drained her finances and left her desperate. She had borrowed tens of thousands of dollars from family and friends to send to someone who claimed to be with U.S. Customs. What no one seems to be discussing is how this exploitation may have pushed her toward a reckless decision that now sees her awaiting sentencing.

    We often hear about bank robberies and crimes involving firearms, but less attention is given to the underlying causes, especially when those causes are rooted in manipulation. This woman’s alleged scam loss wasn’t just financially devastating, it stripped away her trust, her sense of security, and potentially her freedom. The real question is, was she coerced into robbing the bank by the scammer, or did she act out of sheer desperation to try to recover what she lost?

    Online scams targeting seniors are alarmingly common and take many forms, fake lotteries, investment schemes, or phony romantic relationships. For those who are isolated or less familiar with modern technology, the internet can be a dangerous place. These scams don’t just steal money; they take away dignity, trust, and sometimes push victims to drastic measures. In this case, the desperate measure was a bank robbery.

    While it’s shocking that this woman walked into a bank with a gun, the bigger tragedy is that her actions stemmed from a deeply flawed system that often fails to protect the elderly from scams. Her situation could have been prevented if the signs of exploitation had been caught earlier, if there had been more awareness and support for elderly scam victims, or if she had felt safe coming forward without fear of judgment or ridicule.

    We tend to view scam victims through a lens of embarrassment and shame, but that only drives them further into isolation. How many other seniors are sitting in silence right now, too ashamed to admit they’ve been scammed? How many are too fearful to ask for help, fearing they’ll be ridiculed by family or friends? That sense of isolation often drives victims into financial ruin or, in extreme cases, criminal behavior.

    What we need is more conversation around the impact of scams on the elderly, particularly the long-term emotional and financial consequences. We need to remove the stigma surrounding scam victims and create an environment where seniors feel empowered to seek assistance. Had this woman felt comfortable disclosing the scam sooner, the entire situation may have been avoided.

    No one is excusing her actions, but we need to understand the bigger picture. This wasn’t just a robbery, it was the end result of a cruel scam that turned a vulnerable person into a criminal. And unless we start talking more openly about how scams devastate lives, this won’t be the last time someone feels trapped enough to take drastic measures.

    Scams aren’t just minor inconveniences. They destroy lives, break families, and sometimes lead people to act in ways they never thought possible. It’s time we paid attention to the real story. The crime here isn’t just the robbery, it’s the scam that pushed her to the edge. Let’s not ignore that any longer.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 11, 2024 Permalink | Reply
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    Crypto Scammers Exploit Apple’s iPhone 16 Event 

    By Greg Collier

    On September 9, as Apple enthusiasts eagerly tuned in for the launch of the iPhone 16 during the ‘Glowtime’ event, scammers took advantage of the hype by launching an elaborate crypto scam. Using deepfake technology, the scammers created videos that impersonated Apple CEO Tim Cook, promoting fraudulent cryptocurrency giveaways and investment schemes. These videos, which were posted on YouTube, lured unsuspecting viewers into participating in crypto transactions by flashing QR codes on the screen. Viewers were asked to send their cryptocurrency to fake websites that closely resembled Apple’s official site.

    This isn’t the first time scammers have deployed deepfake technology to impersonate prominent figures. Earlier this year, similar tactics were used to imitate Elon Musk, spreading false crypto giveaways.

    The deepfake videos on YouTube managed to garner thousands of views before being taken down, but not before several people flagged them on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Social media users expressed concern over the growing misuse of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) for fraudulent purposes.

    This event serves as a chilling reminder of the increasing sophistication of cryptocurrency scams. With cryptocurrencies’ volatile nature and the difficulty of tracing transactions, hackers have found fertile ground for fraud. The FBI has warned that crypto scammers are using ever more advanced techniques, with members of the crypto community losing over $5.6 billion to such scams last year.

    It’s important to remember that celebrity endorsements of cryptocurrency schemes are usually fake. Scammers often exploit the likeness and voices of well-known figures, like Tim Cook or Elon Musk, to create a false sense of trust and credibility. These endorsements are rarely, if ever, legitimate. Instead, they are sophisticated traps designed to manipulate and deceive people into investing in fraudulent schemes. When it comes to crypto, always exercise caution and verify information through trusted sources before making any transactions. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 10, 2024 Permalink | Reply
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    The Cheating Spouse Scam Has Returned 

    The Cheating Spouse Scam Has Returned

    By Greg Collier

    Following recent reports of a nationwide sextortion scam, a new variation of the scheme is now emerging. This time, the scammers are targeting married couples, falsely accusing one spouse of infidelity. These threatening messages claim that the recipient’s spouse has been hacked and that sensitive data, including personal files, social media activity, and even dating app histories, has been stolen from their devices. The email suggests that this information proves the spouse is cheating and offers the recipient full access to it via a website link.

    What makes these emails particularly concerning is their use of personal names that aren’t commonly associated with individuals online. In several cases, recipients reported seeing maiden names, second last names, or even pet names in the messages—details they had not shared widely. Despite the humor, the source of the data remains a mystery. The exact origins of the information are unclear, but it appears likely that scammers have been mining personal details from publicly available sources or past data leaks.

    Those who tried to investigate the links in the emails reported suspicious activity. Some were prompted to log in, raising concerns about phishing attempts, while others suspected the links were designed to distribute malware. Regardless of the intent, it is essential to recognize these emails as scams.

    Sextortion schemes have become increasingly common over the past few years, and most people now recognize these threats for what they are. Even so, they can still cause distress to recipients, particularly when personal details are involved.

    If you receive an email like this, remember that it is a scam designed to exploit your emotions. The information presented is false, and you should not click on any links or respond. Simply delete the email and, if concerned, monitor your accounts for any unusual activity.

    Protect your data, and always be cautious when unsolicited emails claim to have sensitive information.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 9, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Google Maps, ,   

    Extortion Scams Now Include Home Photos 

    By Greg Collier

    A long-standing and troubling scam has taken a disturbing turn, with sextortion fraudsters now leveraging personal details, including photos of victims’ homes, to increase their intimidation. Traditionally, these scams revolved around false claims that hackers had accessed victims’ webcams to capture compromising footage. Today, scammers are incorporating even more personal information, such as the victim’s full name, address, and an image of their home, often sourced from online mapping tools like Google Maps. These new tactics are designed to make the threats feel more real and urgent.

    Victims typically receive emails that address them by name, with threatening messages that include an image of their home or street. The fraudsters claim to have hacked into the victim’s computer and recorded sensitive videos through the webcam, threatening to release these to the victim’s contacts unless a ransom, usually around $2000, is paid via Bitcoin. To push victims into immediate action, the scammers often provide a QR code for easy payment and set a strict deadline, usually 24 hours. The email’s tone is aggressive, warning the recipient not to discuss the situation with anyone or risk the immediate release of the supposed video footage.

    What sets this new wave of sextortion apart is the personalized nature of the threats. The inclusion of a home address and a street photo heightens the anxiety for many victims, making the scam feel more credible. In reality, much of this information is publicly available, but its use in these emails serves as a calculated move to enhance the psychological pressure. The message, often accompanied by intimidating language, leads recipients to believe they are under constant surveillance, even though the threats are entirely fabricated.

    The scam has been reported in several parts of the country, with police departments from various cities warning residents about this evolving threat. Recent cases have emerged in both large cities and smaller communities, from Massachusetts to Connecticut and beyond. Local law enforcement agencies are issuing alerts to inform residents of the scam’s tactics, urging them not to panic or fall victim to the intimidation. The widespread reports suggest that scammers are targeting people indiscriminately, using the same scare tactics across different regions, relying on fear and urgency to elicit payments. These reports have prompted cybersecurity experts and authorities, including the FBI, to remind the public of the importance of staying vigilant and avoiding interactions with such emails.

    To counter these threats, it’s important to recognize that scammers rely on creating a sense of urgency and fear. Keeping calm and refraining from engaging with these emails is crucial. If you receive such an email, avoid opening any attachments or clicking on suspicious links. Covering or disabling webcams when not in use can provide additional peace of mind, as scammers frequently claim to have accessed these devices. Reporting the scam to authorities, including the FBI, is an important step in addressing the issue.

    Ultimately, sextortion scams continue to adapt and evolve, but they remain rooted in the same tactics of intimidation and fear. Public awareness of these schemes and proactive cybersecurity practices can help reduce the impact of these scams. Although the threats may feel personal and frightening, understanding the nature of these scams is key to defusing their power. If you encounter such an email, remaining calm, protecting your privacy, and reporting the incident can make a critical difference in preventing these scams from succeeding.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 6, 2024 Permalink | Reply
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    Victim Kidnapped and Forced to Scam Others 

    By Greg Collier

    Victims of a cryptocurrency scam known as “pig butchering” are coming forward to share their experiences, aiming to protect others from falling into the same trap. While many focus on the financial losses suffered by victims, the human toll runs even deeper, with some individuals forced into scamming others.

    The term “pig butchering” describes how scammers gradually build trust with their targets, encouraging small investments that appear to yield quick returns. As confidence grows, victims are convinced to invest larger amounts—often their life savings—before the scammers vanish, leaving their victims devastated.

    One especially tragic aspect of this scheme involves individuals who are not only victims of fraud but also of human trafficking. One woman, believing she had secured a legitimate job abroad, was instead kidnapped and forced to work for the very scammers behind these cons. After arriving at what she thought was a job location, her passport was confiscated, her phone disabled, and she was imprisoned in a compound where she was coerced into scamming others.

    She described being trapped for months, made to impersonate different personas to convince others to invest in fake cryptocurrency schemes. Her captors monitored every move, ensuring she remained compliant. The conditions were harsh, and she was forced to work long hours, manipulating people into handing over their savings. Despite the physical and emotional strain, she was left with no choice but to continue under constant threat.

    While the financial losses from these scams are staggering, there are unseen victims like this woman, whose stories rarely make headlines. The scale of the operation is global, with money often funneled to foreign countries, making it difficult for law enforcement to recover the stolen funds or dismantle the operations behind them.

    This darker side of the crypto scam world highlights how far-reaching and damaging these schemes have become. Beyond the financial devastation experienced by victims, human trafficking and forced participation in scams add another layer of exploitation to an already harmful crime.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 5, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: corporate espionage, , , North Korea,   

    FBI Warns of North Korean Fake Job Scams 

    By Greg Collier

    North Korean hackers have been employing increasingly sophisticated and destructive methods to steal financial assets, as highlighted by a recent FBI warning. These malicious actors have been targeting businesses, particularly in the decentralized finance and cryptocurrency sectors, through highly tailored social engineering campaigns. By impersonating professional contacts and creating convincing fake scenarios, they lure victims into compromising situations, making it difficult for even the most cybersecurity-savvy individuals to detect the scam.

    The attacks begin with thorough pre-operational research, where hackers scour social media and professional networking platforms to gather detailed information about their targets. This enables them to craft highly personalized messages and offers, making the scams appear legitimate. Often, these include job offers from what seem to be reputable recruiting firms or technology companies, which are designed to build trust with the victim.

    Once the hackers establish rapport, they move to the next stage of their scheme—sending malware disguised as pre-employment tasks, employment offers, or even video conference invitations. When victims download these malicious files, the hackers gain access to the company’s network, allowing them to steal cryptocurrency and other digital financial products. These attacks have reportedly been ongoing for several months, though the FBI did not specify the total amount stolen.

    The FBI has emphasized that North Korean cyber actors remain a persistent threat, especially for organizations handling large volumes of cryptocurrency. The agency advises businesses to be wary of unsolicited offers, especially those promising unrealistically high compensation, and to be cautious about requests to download unfamiliar applications or move conversations to non-professional platforms.

    As the digital world continues to evolve, these tactics are likely to grow even more intricate, reinforcing the need for constant attention in the face of emerging threats.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 4, 2024 Permalink | Reply
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    Elderly Scam Victim Held Hostage by Deceit 

    Elderly Scam Victim Held Hostage by Deceit

    By Greg Collier

    In the quiet town of Covington, Louisiana, a routine welfare check by a St. Tammany Parish deputy revealed the terrifying reality of modern scams. For six hours, a 74-year-old woman found herself at the mercy of scammers who manipulated her into draining her bank account and held her as an emotional hostage, threatening her security.

    It all began when the woman, concerned about a potential fraudulent charge, contacted what she believed was a legitimate Apple Security number she found online. The call connected her to scammers who claimed that someone was attempting to purchase a $12,000 gold bar using her bank account. They offered to help prevent the transaction—but only if she followed their instructions.

    From that moment, the scammers took control of her day and life. They directed her to withdraw nearly $11,000 from her bank account and purchase gift cards, which were quickly cashed out by the criminals. To tighten their grip, they had her click on a link that allowed them to remotely access her phone, enabling them to monitor her every move. They could see, hear, and control everything, effectively cutting her off from any communication with her family. Any attempt to reach out, they warned, would endanger her loved ones.

    As the woman drove around, terrified and confused, the scammers continued to issue commands. She was directed to deposit more money into a Bitcoin machine at a gas station, despite being low on fuel, hungry, and without her medication. It was only the intervention of a concerned employee at the Bitcoin machine that finally raised the alarm. Sensing something was wrong, the employee questioned why she was trying to deposit money, and the woman began to realize the depth of the deception.

    When the deputy arrived for the welfare check, he found a woman on the brink, physically and emotionally drained. She recounted her ordeal, and the deputy quickly understood the gravity of the situation. His timely intervention saved her from losing even more than the nearly $11,000 she had already handed over to the scammers.

    The parish has seen an alarming rise in scams targeting local residents. These scams are sophisticated, often using the names of real officials to add legitimacy to their lies. The criminals exploit fear and urgency, convincing victims that they owe money for things like missed jury duty or that their bank accounts are under threat. Even those familiar with such tactics are not immune to these predatory practices.

    Unfortunately, these scams are difficult to trace and prosecute, especially when the perpetrators operate from other countries. They use fake phone numbers that appear as official government agencies on caller IDs, making it nearly impossible for victims to discern the truth.

    This woman’s story is a stark reminder that anyone can fall victim to these scams, regardless of age or experience. The emotional toll of such an encounter is profound, often leaving victims not only financially depleted but also deeply embarrassed. However, speaking out about these experiences serves as a vital warning to others.

    It’s crucial to remember that no legitimate government agency will ever ask for money over the phone. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately and verify the information through official channels. Awareness and education are the first lines of defense against criminals who prey on the vulnerable.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 3, 2024 Permalink | Reply
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    Avoiding Rental Scams in a Competitive Market 

    By Greg Collier

    Rental scams have become an increasingly troubling issue, preying on those who are often desperate to find affordable housing. Recent cases highlight the devastating impact these scams can have on individuals and families, particularly when circumstances force them into vulnerable situations.

    One victim encountered a scam while searching for a rental property in Seattle. After finding what seemed to be an ideal condo in Belltown, Washington, she engaged in what appeared to be a legitimate transaction. The scammer, posing as the owner, provided a detailed lease agreement, which appeared credible. The victim wired $3,700, only to discover that the property was not for rent but was listed for sale by a reputable real estate company. By the time the truth came to light, the money was gone, and the scammer had disappeared, leaving the victim with a financial loss and no recourse.

    A similar situation unfolded in Clayton County, Georgia, where a family was eager to secure stable housing after years of living in motels. An acquaintance connected them with someone offering a house for rent at an affordable price. The transaction felt genuine, with paperwork and a lease that seemed legitimate. The family paid $1,200 and moved in, only to be confronted by law enforcement days later. The lease was fake, and the family was forced to leave the property, losing not only the money they paid but also some of their personal belongings. The scam left them in an even more precarious situation, scrambling to find shelter each night.

    These cases illustrate how scammers exploit the current housing market, where competition for affordable rentals is fierce. Fraudsters often target properties listed for sale, posing as potential buyers to gain access, and then listing the property for rent. With access to the home, they can convincingly show it to prospective renters, who may be eager to secure a deal in a competitive market. By the time the deception is uncovered, the scammers have vanished with the money, leaving the victims with little recourse.

    In both scenarios, the scammers relied on the appearance of legitimacy to carry out their schemes. The victims were provided with what seemed like proper documentation and assurances that made the transactions feel secure. However, the scammers’ tactics, such as requesting payment before a formal in-person meeting or refusing to allow a tour of the property, were subtle red flags that could have indicated the fraudulent nature of the deals.

    The impact of these scams extends beyond financial loss. For the victims, the emotional toll of realizing they have been deceived can be profound. The process of searching for a home, especially in a tight market, is already stressful. When that search ends in a scam, the victims lose money and face the daunting task of starting over, often with fewer resources than they had before.

    As the housing market remains competitive, it’s crucial to exercise caution when searching for rental properties. Prospective renters should be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, and take steps to verify the legitimacy of the property and the person claiming to own or manage it. Trusting instincts and doing thorough research can help protect against falling victim to these increasingly common scams.

     

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