Greg's Corner

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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 3, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: movers ( 9 ), moving ( 7 ), moving company scam ( 3 ), Scams ( 1,498 )   

  Scammed Before You Even Move 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Relocating to a new home is rarely a smooth experience. Between packing, organizing, and coordinating logistics, stress levels are already high. Unfortunately, dishonest moving companies are ready to take advantage of that pressure, turning an already difficult process into a financial and emotional nightmare.

  The Better Business Bureau (BBB) reported more than 100,000 inquiries related to movers in 2024, alongside hundreds of formal complaints. The scams themselves can take various forms, including movers never showing up, prices being inflated without warning, or belongings being held hostage for additional fees after the move has begun.

  In one notable example reported to the BBB, a consumer used a popular review app to arrange a move. The movers quoted a price and requested a deposit via a digital payment service. However, when the customer tried to cancel, all communication ceased. The number became unresponsive, and the promised refund never materialized. The invoice lacked any legitimate contact information. If not for backup arrangements, the individual would have been left on moving day with no assistance and hundreds of dollars lost.

  This type of story is not rare. Scammers often rely on consumers being rushed, distracted, or unaware of red flags. They can appear professional until the moment they disappear or demand unexpected payments. Some load belongings onto trucks only to vanish or claim the delivery cannot be made until extra charges are paid.

  To prevent such situations, thorough research before hiring a mover is essential. A company’s online presence should include a physical address and licensing information. Reputable businesses provide written estimates after a site visit and do not demand large upfront payments. Consumers should carefully review any documents before paying, and verify that the company is registered with the appropriate federal transportation authority if the move crosses state lines.

  Keeping a detailed inventory of possessions and photographing items before packing is another useful precaution. These steps can assist in any disputes over damages or missing items. Ultimately, transparency and trust are key in any moving arrangement. Companies that are evasive or overly aggressive about payments should be approached with caution.

   

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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 2, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: credit card fraud ( 5 ), ghost tap, gift cards ( 104 ), money laundering ( 13 ), phishing ( 82 ), Scams ( 1,498 )   

  Ghost Tap Scam Bleeds Millions 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A new form of credit card fraud, referred to as the “Ghost Tap” scam, has been identified and is currently under investigation by authorities in multiple states. The Knox County (TN) Sheriff’s Office recently issued a public warning regarding this emerging threat. According to their update, the scam involves criminal groups using digital wallet applications to make fraudulent purchases with stolen credit card data. These purchases often take the form of gift cards, which are then sold online to obscure the trail of the original transactions.

  Investigators have linked the operation to organized criminal rings primarily involving foreign nationals, who travel from states with large populations and more intense enforcement to smaller regions they perceive as less guarded. Since August 2024, law enforcement officials have apprehended over ten suspects connected to this scheme in Knox County alone. Authorities believe losses are in the millions due to these fraudulent transactions.

  The process is swift and largely invisible to the average person. Stolen credit card information is stored within a digital wallet, allowing suspects to make contactless purchases without possessing a physical card. This tactic enables them to bypass certain security checks and quickly convert the fraudulent funds into untraceable assets like gift cards. These cards are then resold through various online marketplaces, making it difficult to identify the original source of the funds.

  Officials warn that the Ghost Tap scam often operates in tandem with phishing schemes. Victims may receive text messages claiming there are problems with toll payments, package deliveries, or bank accounts. The messages typically include a link urging the recipient to enter personal or financial information. These tactics are used to collect data that may later be exploited in digital wallet fraud.

  To counteract these threats, the sheriff’s office advises the public to remain skeptical of unsolicited messages requesting sensitive information. They also stress that no legitimate agency will ever demand payment through gift cards or request private data over the phone. Any such contact should be treated as suspicious and reported to the appropriate authorities.

  The local Organized Retail Crime Unit has been central to recent enforcement actions, utilizing new investigative tools to identify suspects as soon as they arrive in the area. Officials hope that raising awareness will help deter future incidents and encourage prompt reporting of suspicious behavior. With digital wallets becoming increasingly common, scams like Ghost Tap represent a growing challenge that demands both public caution and coordinated enforcement.