Greg's Corner

Updates from July, 2025 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

• 

  Geebo 8:00 am on July 7, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: employment ( 41 ), job scam ( 89 ), reshipping ( 24 ), Scams ( 1,530 ), work from home ( 13 )   

  Tricked by a Fake Work-From-Home Job 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Work-from-home opportunities can be a lifeline for people who cannot take on traditional employment. The flexibility to earn an income without commuting or meeting rigid schedules has opened new doors for many, especially older adults or those with disabilities. However, this growing market has also become a playground for scammers who exploit that flexibility for their own gain.

  A Houston resident recently learned this the hard way. After being hired to inspect and repackage what appeared to be Amazon shipments, she was promised nearly three thousand dollars in compensation, plus a small bonus for each package she handled. She worked diligently for months, expecting her payday to arrive soon. Instead, the company that hired her simply disappeared, leaving her unpaid and in financial jeopardy.

  The job, as it turns out, was not legitimate. Authorities believe it was part of a “reshipping scam” in which scammers use unsuspecting workers to move goods that were likely obtained through fraudulent means. The purpose is to create layers of shipping activity to conceal the origin of the merchandise. Once the job is done, the fraudulent company vanishes, and the worker is left empty-handed.

  There are few legal remedies in cases like this. Because the business was never real to begin with, there is often no way to pursue back pay or damages. The only real protection lies in awareness and prevention.

  Scams like this highlight the need for caution when applying for remote jobs. Some signs that a work-from-home offer may not be genuine include excessive promises of high pay, a lack of any interview or verification process, or requests for money upfront. Jobs that expect significant work to be completed before issuing any payment also deserve extra scrutiny.

  The loss suffered in this case is more than just financial. The emotional toll of being deceived after months of labor is real and profound. While there may be no way to recover what was lost, stories like this serve as a warning to others navigating the often murky world of online employment.

  Remote work can be legitimate and rewarding. But it requires due diligence. Before accepting any job, especially one that operates entirely online, it’s important to research the company, ask questions, and look for signs that the offer is too good to be true. The best protection against scams is a healthy dose of skepticism and a commitment to verify before committing.

   

  Leave a ReplyCancel reply
• 

  Geebo 8:00 am on July 3, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: ankle monitor ( 4 ), apple pay ( 3 ), house arrest scam, inmate scam ( 10 ), police impersonation scam ( 84 ), Scams ( 1,530 ), Zelle ( 71 )   

  Fake Jail Release Scams Spreading 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Authorities in multiple jurisdictions are alerting the public to a growing trend of scams that exploit families of recently arrested individuals. These schemes have been reported in both Jones County, Mississippi and Essex County, New Jersey, with scammers attempting to extract large sums of money by offering fraudulent release options.

  In Mississippi, the scam involves callers reaching out to relatives of inmates at the county’s adult detention facility. The callers claim the inmate can be released on house arrest in exchange for a payment. The requested amounts vary but have reportedly ranged from several hundred to over a thousand dollars. Payment is typically demanded through debit cards or digital cash transfer services.

  In New Jersey, a similar approach is being used, but with a different narrative. Scammers are posing as law enforcement officers or court personnel, contacting families and demanding bail payments through mobile apps such as Apple Pay or Zelle. One report indicated a victim sent thousands of dollars after being convinced the money was required to secure a loved one’s release.

  Officials have emphasized that these claims are entirely false. Under current legal frameworks, particularly in jurisdictions that have adopted criminal justice reforms, cash bail is often no longer required in the manner suggested by these scams. No legitimate release process involves unsolicited requests for money through digital platforms.

  Residents are advised to remain cautious and report any suspicious calls or messages. Families of incarcerated individuals are encouraged to verify any claims directly with the appropriate legal or correctional authorities before taking action.

   
• 

  Geebo 8:00 am on July 2, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: FBI ( 29 ), medical privacy ( 2 ), PHI, phishing ( 84 ), Scams ( 1,530 )   

  Fake Health Investigators Target You 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a warning about a new wave of scams where cybercriminals impersonate health fraud investigators. As detailed in a report from Bleeping Computer, these schemes are designed to trick both patients and healthcare providers into surrendering sensitive data, including medical and financial records.

  According to a recent advisory from the agency, fraudsters are posing as legitimate health insurers or members of investigative teams. Victims are contacted through emails or text messages crafted to appear authentic. The goal is to pressure individuals into sharing protected health information or personal financial details. In some cases, the messages claim the recipient must provide reimbursements for supposed overpayments or services not covered by insurance.

  The messages typically mimic the language and branding of trusted healthcare entities, making them difficult to distinguish from genuine communications. Once the information is obtained, it can be used for a range of criminal activities, including identity theft and insurance fraud.

  Federal agencies recommend taking caution with any unsolicited messages requesting personal or medical information. They advise verifying the authenticity of such communications by contacting the insurer directly. Security experts also emphasize the importance of strong passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication to protect against account breaches.

  The healthcare sector remains a frequent target of these attacks. In a separate notice, the Department of Health and Human Services highlighted how attackers are using social engineering to exploit IT help desks at healthcare organizations. By gaining internal access, they can reroute financial transactions through business email compromise tactics, often with devastating results.

  As impersonation scams evolve, public awareness and vigilance remain key defenses. Verifying communications and safeguarding personal data can help prevent falling victim to schemes that increasingly blur the line between real and fake.

   
• 

  Geebo 8:26 am on July 1, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: brushing scam ( 26 ), identity theft ( 120 ), mail fraud ( 24 ), Scams ( 1,530 ), USPS ( 15 )   

  Brushing Scams Start at Your Door 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A surprise package on your doorstep may seem like a harmless fluke or a lucky mistake. But if you didn’t order it, it could be a warning sign that your personal information has fallen into the wrong hands.

  The U.S. Postal Service is raising awareness about a growing fraud known as a brushing scam. These scams involve third-party sellers sending unsolicited, low-cost items, such as socks, kitchen gadgets or trinkets, to real names and addresses. While the package itself might appear innocuous, its arrival often means that your name, address and possibly more sensitive data are already circulating among cybercriminals.

  At the heart of this scheme is a tactic used to game online retail platforms. After sending out items, the scammers leave positive reviews in the recipient’s name to boost the product’s visibility. This process creates fake but “verified” buyer accounts. It may start with a small item, but experts warn that brushing scams are rarely isolated incidents. The presence of such a package suggests that personal data may have been scraped, bought, or stolen from compromised databases.

  The concern doesn’t end with phony reviews. The misuse of your identity in this way can indicate a much broader security issue. Stolen data can be used to commit financial fraud, steal identities, impersonate users, or circumvent authentication protocols on secure accounts. With information like your full name, home address, and even phone number, scammers can initiate phishing campaigns, open unauthorized accounts or execute social engineering attacks.

  If you receive a package you did not order, it’s important to take it seriously. While there may not be an immediate financial loss, the presence of such a package can indicate that your personal information is at risk. It’s recommended to report the incident to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, monitor financial and retail accounts for irregularities, and take precautions such as changing passwords. Even if fraud hasn’t occurred yet, these steps can help prevent future harm.

  One important note is to avoid engaging with the package in any way. Scanning QR codes, leaving reviews, or attempting to return the item may confirm to the sender that your address is valid, potentially inviting further contact or exploitation. Some scammers may include counterfeit postage or links to malicious websites, further complicating matters.

  Treat any unexpected delivery with caution. A mystery box might seem like a minor curiosity, but it can be the first clue that your identity is being used without your knowledge. By staying vigilant and proactive, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to a larger and more damaging scam.