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  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 31, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , SpaceX, Starlink   

    Fake Starlink Deals Flood Facebook 

    Fake Starlink Deals Flood Facebook

    By Greg Collier

    As SpaceX continues to offer legitimate discounts for its Starlink satellite internet service, scammers are taking advantage of the buzz with fraudulent ads on Facebook. According to a recent report by PCMag, deceptive promotions are circulating on the platform that falsely promise “lifetime access” to Starlink at a steep discount.

    The fraudulent ads frequently appear in Facebook search results for Starlink and claim to offer official Starlink hardware, including the new portable Mini dish, for a one-time payment as low as $127. Some ads suggest that SpaceX is running a limited-time promotion for a small batch of discounted units, implying urgency to lure unsuspecting customers. However, these promotions do not link to the official Starlink website.

    Instead, users are redirected to imposter websites. These sites mimic the look of legitimate retailers and offer unrealistic deals, like three Starlink dishes for $39.99 with so-called lifetime internet access. After selecting a package, consumers are taken to a checkout page that accepts credit card payments. In numerous instances, customers who made purchases never received any products.

    Although some users have been able to recognize these sites as fraudulent, others were deceived. Reports of the scam have emerged from several countries, and it has been active since at least May. The ease with which these ads can be found through Facebook search suggests the scam is widespread and ongoing.

    SpaceX has issued previous warnings about similar scams involving phishing emails and fraudulent texts posing as Starlink representatives. Meanwhile, the company has promoted its own verified deals through Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter).

    Despite the presence of these scams on its platform, Facebook has not issued a public response. The prevalence of fraudulent ads continues to raise concerns about the social media platform’s ability to detect and remove deceptive content before it causes financial harm.

    Beyond the immediate financial loss, victims may also be at risk of identity theft. By entering personal and payment information into these fake websites, users could unknowingly expose their data to criminals who may resell the information or use it for further fraud. This adds a longer-term risk that may not be immediately apparent to those targeted by the scam.

    Starlink currently provides internet service to over two million customers in the United States. As with any high-demand product, consumers are urged to verify the authenticity of any deal by visiting the official website and avoiding third-party links promising unrealistic offers.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 30, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , ,   

    Fake IRS Letters Target Military Families 

    Fake IRS Letters Target Military Families

    By Greg Collier

    Military families in metro Atlanta are being warned about a tax-related scam that appears to target the loved ones of active-duty service members deployed overseas. The scheme involves fraudulent letters claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service. These letters demand payment for supposed back taxes and threaten the loss of property if the amount is not paid.

    The letters look official and often arrive via certified mail, which adds to their deceptive appearance. Families, already under emotional stress while their loved ones are deployed, may feel pressured to act quickly without verifying the source. This creates an ideal environment for scammers who rely on fear and confusion to extract money or personal information.

    Some families have reported difficulty confirming whether the tax debt is legitimate, especially with the added complication of time zone differences and limited communication during deployment. In at least one case, repeated calls to the IRS were required to confirm that no taxes were owed. Such scams can create unnecessary financial anxiety and emotional stress for those trying to support deployed relatives from afar.

    Organizations that monitor scams affecting military personnel say these individuals are often more vulnerable due to the nature of their service. Deployed members may not have regular access to email or financial accounts, and physical mail may go unchecked for long periods. This makes it easier for fraudulent claims to go unnoticed or unchallenged until significant damage is done.

    The most common types of scams targeting this group are impostor scams and identity theft. Fraudsters often pose as government agencies or financial institutions to gain trust and pressure victims into taking immediate action. Military families are encouraged to be skeptical of unsolicited communications demanding money and to verify all claims directly through official government channels.

    To confirm whether a tax debt is legitimate, individuals can check directly with the IRS by using the official IRS website or by calling the phone number listed on IRS.gov. The agency does not demand immediate payment using methods such as gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, and it typically initiates contact through prior notices before escalating collection efforts.

    It may also be helpful for families to be aware of protections available under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. This law provides financial and legal safeguards to active-duty service members, including protections against certain debt collection actions. Understanding these rights can be an important step in identifying and resisting fraudulent threats.

    As scams continue to evolve, staying informed remains a critical line of defense. Families should consider placing fraud alerts on financial accounts and monitoring credit activity, especially during periods of deployment. Prompt reporting of suspicious activity to the proper authorities can also help prevent further harm and assist in identifying patterns that lead to enforcement action.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 29, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , State Code 15C-16.003,   

    Fake DMV Texts Cite Bogus Laws 

    By Greg Collier

    A phishing scam that has been circulating in multiple states is continuing to evolve, with a new variation citing a fictitious state code to lend credibility to fraudulent messages. The scam targets drivers by sending official-looking texts that claim the recipient owes traffic fines or faces legal penalties, such as license suspension or damage to their credit score.

    The latest version of the scam has appeared in Illinois, California, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Tennessee. In each instance, recipients receive alarming messages that appear to come from a state motor vehicle agency. The messages often claim that an outstanding traffic ticket needs to be paid immediately or that the ticket will be referred to a toll agency for an additional fee. A recent variation includes a fabricated code, such as “State Code 15C-16.003,” to make the warning seem more legitimate. This code has no basis in any actual state law.

    These text messages usually contain a link that, when clicked, leads to a fake website designed to steal personal or financial information. In some cases, the scam also involves spoofed phone numbers that appear to come from law enforcement agencies or government offices. These tactics are intended to pressure recipients into taking immediate action without verifying the source.

    State agencies across the country have issued warnings to residents, clarifying that they do not send text messages demanding payment or threatening legal action. Official notices regarding traffic violations or unpaid fines are typically sent by mail. Payments are usually made through secure state websites, not through third-party links sent via text.

    To avoid falling victim to this scam, drivers are advised not to respond to unexpected text messages, especially those that include suspicious links or legal threats. Instead, they should verify the legitimacy of any message by contacting their state’s department of motor vehicles or public safety office directly. Residents who believe they have received a fraudulent message are encouraged to report it to the Federal Trade Commission or their state’s consumer protection office.

    This scam has persisted for months and continues to adapt. The inclusion of a fictitious legal code is the latest effort to deceive and pressure recipients. Remaining cautious and informed is essential to protecting personal information and avoiding financial loss.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 28, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: car cloning, , , ,   

    Cloned Cars Cost Kansas Drivers Big 

    Cloned Cars Cost Kansas Drivers Big

    By Greg Collier

    Criminals in Kansas are increasingly using cloned vehicles to defraud unsuspecting buyers, leaving victims without legal recourse and contributing to higher insurance costs across the state. The Kansas Highway Patrol reports a growing number of these cases, in which stolen or salvaged vehicles are made to appear legitimate through fraudulent documentation and vehicle identification numbers.

    A cloned vehicle is one that has had its identifying features altered to disguise its original identity. Criminals acquire the vehicle identification number (VIN) from a legally registered vehicle and use it to create fake labels and documentation that match the same make, model, and year. These forged materials are then applied to the stolen or salvaged vehicle, allowing it to be sold as if it were legitimate. Because the vehicle now carries the identity of a real, legally registered vehicle, its original history becomes concealed.

    The impact on buyers can be severe. Those who unknowingly purchase a cloned vehicle often pay thousands of dollars, sometimes in cash, and have no legal claim to the vehicle once it is discovered to be stolen. They may also be unable to recover the money paid. Meanwhile, the original owners of the stolen vehicles must go through the process of proving their ownership and often receive an insurance payout that does not fully reflect the vehicle’s value. In some cases, victims may not have theft coverage at all.

    This type of fraud can also lead to broader consequences. Insurance companies may be forced to pay large claims, which in turn contributes to rising premiums for all policyholders. Additionally, cloned vehicles can be used in the commission of other crimes since they are difficult to trace back to the person who altered them.

    While it is difficult to quantify the exact financial toll of this scam in Kansas, even a single case can result in combined losses exceeding six figures. Buyers may lose their payment, insurers may be responsible for substantial payouts, and the original vehicle owners are often left without a car or proper compensation.

    To avoid becoming a victim, prospective buyers should be cautious and research a vehicle’s history before completing a purchase. They should verify the legitimacy of the title, ensure the VIN on the vehicle matches official documents, and avoid cash transactions that are difficult to trace. Taking steps such as photographing the seller and checking identification can also help deter fraud. Ultimately, buyers should remain skeptical of prices that appear unusually low, as they may indicate a more profound issue with the vehicle’s history.

    Additional information and resources for verifying a vehicle’s identity can typically be found on your state’s Highway Patrol or State Police website. The National Insurance Crime Bureau also offers a free VIN check service that can assist buyers in identifying potential cloned vehicles.

     

  • Geebo 8:01 am on July 25, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: airlines, , , , ,   

    Scammers Lurk After Travel Rants 

    By Greg Collier

    A new scam is targeting travelers who take to social media to vent frustrations about delayed or disrupted trips. What begins as a routine post tagging an airline or airport can quickly turn into a phishing attempt from imposters posing as customer service representatives.

    One recent incident occurred after a family endured extensive travel delays returning from Mexico. A flight that was expected to take just one hour turned into a 24-hour ordeal involving hours on the tarmac and an unexpected fifteen-hour drive home. After sharing the experience on social media and tagging the involved airline and airport, the traveler’s inbox was flooded with messages that appeared to come from official customer support accounts. However, the senders were scammers attempting to collect personal information such as full names, addresses, phone numbers, and flight details.

    These fraudulent messages often come from newly created accounts that mimic real customer service pages. They may use company logos and names to appear legitimate but typically lack a verified status, have few posts, and limited engagement. In contrast, authentic corporate accounts usually have a long history, substantial followings, and verified badges.

    Travelers who wish to lodge a complaint or seek a resolution should avoid replying to social media messages that arrive unsolicited. Instead, they should reach out directly through the official website or app of the airline or travel provider. Many companies now offer live chat functions or dedicated customer support sections within their platforms.

    To avoid falling victim to this type of scam, it is important to remain cautious when receiving unexpected messages after posting a complaint. Verifying the account’s history, follower count, and contact method can help determine whether the message is genuine. Travelers should never share sensitive personal details with accounts they have not independently verified.

    In this particular case, travel insurance helped the affected family recover some of their expenses. While airing frustrations online is common, it is essential to be careful about who might be watching and waiting to take advantage.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 24, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: carjacking, , , magnetic phones, , , stalking   

    Scammers Track Cars Using Magnetic Phones 

    By Greg Collier

    A new scam in Cleveland, Ohio, is raising concern among law enforcement and residents alike. Authorities are warning the public after a local woman found herself targeted by a group of individuals using a deceptive and potentially dangerous tactic involving a planted cell phone. The incident occurred following Fourth of July festivities and has prompted renewed calls for public vigilance.

    According to police, criminals are now using magnetic cell phones attached to the exterior of vehicles to secretly track their targets. Once the unsuspecting individual drives home, the scammers retrieve the phone’s location to find out where the person lives. In this case, the woman only realized something was wrong after hearing a noise hit her car while driving. She initially dismissed it but later noticed unfamiliar cars outside her home and strangers approaching her door demanding the return of a phone.

    When confronted, the scammers falsely claimed the phone had been stolen and insisted it was inside the woman’s home. However, when she attempted to call the police, their behavior suddenly changed. Without further confrontation, the individuals left the scene in their vehicles. Upon inspecting her car the next morning, the woman found a cell phone magnetically attached to the roof. Authorities now believe this is part of a broader scam involving potential home invasions or carjackings.

    Police are currently investigating and reviewing security footage in an effort to identify those involved. They are advising residents to be cautious when leaving public places and to remain aware of their surroundings. Newer vehicles, which often have smoother exteriors, may be especially vulnerable to this tactic.

    To help avoid becoming a target of this scam, individuals should make a habit of checking their vehicle’s roof, hood, and trunk areas for any unfamiliar objects before driving off, especially after attending large gatherings. It is also advisable to avoid confronting strangers who appear at your door unexpectedly. If someone insists you have something of theirs and you do not recognize them, it is safest to keep your door closed and immediately contact local law enforcement.

    This incident underscores how quickly technology can be misused for criminal activity. While this particular case occurred in Cleveland, similar scams have emerged in other cities, often adapting to exploit moments when people feel least suspicious. Public awareness and quick reporting remain the most effective tools for prevention.

    Video: She thought a rock hit her car—then strangers showed up at her door demanding a phone

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 23, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , ,   

    Beware the “Tap to Pay” Charity Scam 

    Beware the "Tap to Pay" Charity Scam

    By Greg Collier

    A troubling scam is making its way through parts of the Midwest, targeting those with generous hearts and good intentions. Lately, police in Maplewood, Minnesota, have begun investigating cases that appear to be linked to a growing trend seen in other cities like Chicago. The scam involves individuals posing as grieving family members who claim to be raising funds for the funeral of a child, often using emotionally charged stories and photos to gain sympathy. But behind the facade is a calculated effort to steal from unsuspecting victims.

    In the reported Maplewood cases, victims were approached in grocery store parking lots by people holding clipboards and asking for small donations. The stories they shared involved a tragic death and a plea for help covering funeral expenses. What seems like a reasonable request for a few dollars quickly turns into financial fraud. Instead of accepting cash, the scammers insist on using a digital payment system, often tapping the victim’s card on a mobile device. Once the card is tapped, the victim is charged not for the small donation amount but for thousands of dollars.

    In one instance, a local resident believed she was donating five dollars, only to find a five-thousand-dollar charge pending on her credit card shortly after leaving the store. The charge was flagged as suspicious by her bank, prompting an investigation. Police believe the transaction was processed through a vendor based out of Chicago, suggesting the scam may be traveling across state lines.

    This tactic bears similarities to other charity scams reported in various regions. In each case, scammers rely on emotionally manipulative stories, urgent appeals, and fast, digital payment methods to trick people into surrendering large sums. These scams prey on empathy and exploit the convenience of modern financial technology to quickly drain funds before the victim even realizes what happened.

    Authorities urge anyone who has been approached in a similar fashion to carefully check their bank and credit card statements for unusual activity. If anything seems suspicious, local law enforcement should be contacted immediately. While this scam has so far only resulted in a few reported cases in Maplewood, it mirrors a broader pattern of fraud that has impacted communities nationwide.

    The public is reminded to remain cautious when approached for charitable donations in public spaces. Genuine charitable efforts will never pressure donors to pay using specific methods, nor will they obscure the terms of the transaction. Staying aware and trusting your instincts can help prevent you from becoming the next victim.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 22, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , ,   

    Medicare Card Scam Targets Retirees 

    Medicare Card Scam Targets Retirees

    By Greg Collier

    A growing number of Medicare enrollees across the country are being targeted by phone scammers posing as representatives from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. These imposters claim to be contacting beneficiaries about updates to their Medicare cards, but their real objective is to steal personal information such as Medicare identification numbers.

    This scam is especially concerning for recent retirees who are still becoming familiar with how the Medicare system works. Criminals often rely on confusion or urgency to pressure individuals into handing over sensitive data. In many cases, they claim the changes are related to new policies involving Medicare or Social Security and that a new card must be issued. Some targets report being told that the card is changing to plastic, that it will contain a chip, or that it is being updated because of the new year. These claims are entirely false.

    The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services does not call enrollees out of the blue or request personal information unless a person has initiated contact. No new Medicare cards are currently being issued, and there are no plans to switch to chip-enabled cards or any other new format.

    The implications of giving away a Medicare number can be serious. Stolen Medicare credentials can be used by fraudsters to file false claims for medical equipment, medications, or procedures that never occurred. In extreme cases, criminals have enrolled unsuspecting beneficiaries into hospice care without their knowledge, fraudulently billing the federal government for end-of-life services while the individuals are still alive and healthy.

    Medicare enrollees should treat their Medicare card with the same level of care as a credit or debit card. If there is any concern that a number has been compromised, it is critical to contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to report the incident and, if necessary, request a new number.

    Protecting your Medicare number is essential to ensuring your benefits are not misused. If you receive an unsolicited call asking for personal Medicare information, hang up and verify the request directly with Medicare before taking any further steps.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 21, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , ,   

    $85 Check Washed into $4,000 Fraud 

    By Greg Collier

    A Wake County, North Carolina, resident is sharing her story after falling victim to a growing form of financial fraud. Despite following what many would consider standard precautions, her personal check was intercepted and altered, leading to a loss of thousands of dollars.

    She had written a check for a routine $85 payment and delivered it by hand at her local post office. However, the check never reached its intended recipient. Instead, it was stolen and manipulated. The original amount was changed to $4,000, and the altered check was deposited through a mobile banking app. The victim only discovered the crime after noticing the large transaction while reviewing her bank records.

    This kind of fraud is known as check washing. It involves stealing legitimate checks and chemically removing the original ink so that new details can be written in. The name on the check may remain unchanged or be replaced entirely, depending on the goal of the thief. Once altered, the checks are often deposited using mobile apps that do not require in-person verification.

    While the financial industry continues to adapt its security measures, criminals are also becoming more sophisticated, targeting checks that are sent through the mail or dropped off at locations presumed to be secure.

    In this case, the victim did everything right. She physically delivered her payment rather than mailing it from home. Yet even that precaution was not enough to prevent her check from being stolen and altered. This highlights how pervasive and difficult to predict these schemes can be.

    To reduce the risk of check washing, financial experts suggest using pens with ink that is resistant to chemical alteration. Gel pens, in particular, are harder for thieves to erase. Additionally, consider using electronic payment methods when available. If writing checks is necessary, monitor your bank account regularly for unexpected transactions and act quickly if something looks suspicious.

    This incident serves as a reminder that even the most diligent efforts to prevent fraud are not always enough. Staying informed remains the best defense against financial scams like check washing.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 18, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , ,   

    Car Wrap Scam Returns for Summer 

    By Greg Collier

    A long-running scam has returned to Springfield, Missouri, this time using the Dr. Pepper name to bait potential victims. What seems like a simple chance to make money by advertising the well-known soda on your car is actually part of a counterfeit check scheme that could leave you with a serious financial loss.

    The pitch usually arrives by mail. It offers to pay you for wrapping your car in Dr. Pepper branding and driving around for a few weeks. Along with the offer are checks that look authentic, often totaling several thousand dollars. You’re told to deposit the checks, keep a portion as your pay, and send the rest to a company that will supposedly handle the wrap installation.

    However, the checks are fake. Banks may initially make the money available through provisional credit, giving the impression that the funds have cleared. Victims often follow through with the instructions and send the money out. Days later, when the checks bounce, the bank withdraws the funds, and the victim is left covering the entire amount.

    While Dr. Pepper is the brand used in this case, scammers can use the name of any recognizable company to build trust and make the scam look credible. The appearance of legitimacy is part of the trap. Scammers know that familiar brands can lower a victim’s guard.

    Legitimate car wrap programs do exist, but they don’t operate by sending out unsolicited checks. Real advertising jobs require you to apply, and payment is never made before services are performed. Any unexpected job offer that comes with upfront money should be treated with extreme caution.

    Consumers who encounter offers like this are urged to report them to consumer protection agencies to help warn others before more damage is done.

     

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