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  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 8, 2026 Permalink | Reply
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    Weight-Loss Scams Are Everywhere, and AI Is Making Them Harder to Spot 

    By Greg Collier

    GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have exploded in popularity, and right on schedule, scammers have followed.

    According to reports, scam complaints surged in late 2025 as fake weight-loss promises flooded social media feeds. The hook is simple: “Just as effective as GLP-1s—no prescription needed.” That claim alone should immediately set off alarms.

    What’s Going On

    The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says it has seen a sharp spike in reports involving supplements falsely claiming to work like prescription GLP-1 medications.

    Even more concerning: many of these ads are AI-generated, complete with deepfake celebrity endorsements designed to manufacture trust.

    The Celebrity Deepfake Problem

    One of the most common tactics involves fake videos of well-known public figures promoting “natural” weight-loss products.

    The BBB highlighted a widely shared deepfake impersonating Oprah Winfrey, falsely promoting a supplement. Winfrey addressed this directly in an August letter published by Oprah Daily:

    “Every week, my lawyers and I are playing whack-a-mole with fake AI videos of me selling everything from gummies to pink salt.

    Let me say this clearly: If you see an ad with my face on a ‘product,’ it’s fake.”

    This is no longer just misleading marketing; it’s identity theft powered by generative AI.

    Why These Scams Work So Well

    Scammers are exploiting three things at once:

    1. High demand for GLP-1 medications
    2. Limited access and high cost, which make “shortcuts” tempting
    3. Public familiarity with drug names like Ozempic and Wegovy

    When people already know these drugs are real and effective, it becomes easier to sell a fake alternative that sounds legitimate.

    The Biggest Red Flag

    The BBB says there is one warning sign above all others:

    Any GLP-1-style treatment offered without a prescription.

    GLP-1 medications are prescription drugs. There is no legal, safe, or legitimate way to obtain them, or their effects, through an over-the-counter supplement.

    Other Red Flags

    • Claims of rapid or effortless weight loss
    • “Natural” supplements claiming prescription-level results
    • Celebrity endorsements you didn’t see reported anywhere else
    • Pressure to act quickly or “limited supply” countdowns
    • Requests for health or insurance information upfront

    What About Telehealth?

    Legitimate telehealth providers do exist, and some can legally prescribe GLP-1 medications after a proper medical evaluation. But the BBB stresses that consumers should:

    • Research companies carefully
    • Verify licensing and credentials
    • Consult their own doctor first

    What to Do If You See One of These Ads

    If you encounter a suspected scam:

    Final Thoughts

    GLP-1 medications are real. The weight-loss benefits are real. But “GLP-1-equivalent supplements” are not.

    AI-generated ads and deepfake celebrity videos are turning ordinary social media feeds into scam delivery systems, and health-related scams carry real physical risks, not just financial ones.

    If it promises prescription-level results without a prescription, it isn’t a breakthrough.

    It’s a scam.

    Further Reading

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 7, 2026 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , out of stock scam, ,   

    The “Out of Stock” Scam Is Back 

    By Greg Collier

    The “out of stock” scam has been circulating for years, but the Better Business Bureau says it’s still catching plenty of online shoppers, especially through social media ads.

    At first glance, it looks like a routine online purchase.

    It’s not.

    How the Scam Works

    Here’s the typical setup:

    1. You see an ad for a product you want, often on Facebook, Instagram, or another social platform
    2. You click the link and land on what looks like a legitimate online store
    3. You make a purchase, and your card is charged
    4. Shortly afterward, you get an email saying the item is out of stock
    5. The email promises a refund “soon”

    And then?

    Nothing.

    No product.
    No refund.
    And now the scammer has your money and your credit card information.

    The catch: the product never existed in the first place. The entire site was designed only to take your payment.

    Why Social Media Is the Perfect Trap

    According to the BBB, one of the biggest red flags is buying directly through social media ads.

    Scammers know that:

    • People scroll fast
    • Ads feel casual and trustworthy
    • Few users double-check URLs before buying

    Those ads often lead to copycat websites that look polished but disappear as soon as enough payments roll in.

    Red Flags

    The BBB says be cautious if you see:

    • Deals that seem too good to be true
    • Highly targeted or “personalized” products
    • Fake coupons or limited-time pressure tactics
    • Product links that lead to unfamiliar or sketchy websites

    If something feels rushed or oddly cheap, that’s usually the point.

    How to Protect Yourself

    The BBB recommends a few basic but important steps:

    Research Before You Buy
    Look up unfamiliar businesses on BBB.org, read reviews elsewhere, and search the company name along with the word “scam.”

    Don’t Buy Directly From Social Media Links
    If you see something you like, find the company’s website yourself instead of clicking the ad.

    Check Website Security
    Legitimate shopping sites should:

    • Start with HTTPS
    • Show a lock icon in the browser bar

    No lock, no purchase.

    Keep Records
    Save receipts, order confirmations, and emails. You’ll need them if you dispute a charge.

    Use a Credit Card, not Debit
    Credit cards offer far better fraud protection than debit cards if something goes wrong.

    Final Thoughts

    The “out of stock” email isn’t customer service; it’s the exit ramp of the scam.

    By the time you receive it, the money is already gone, and the website may vanish soon after.

    If an online deal starts on social media, slow down. A few extra minutes of verification can save you from weeks, or months, of chasing a refund that’s never coming.

    Stay skeptical. Stay cautious. And remember: real stores don’t disappear after taking your money.

    Further Reading

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 6, 2026 Permalink | Reply
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    Man Loses Over $1 Million in Online Dating Scam 

    By Greg Collier

    A Roseville, California resident has reported losing more than $1 million in a prolonged online dating scam, according to local law enforcement. The case highlights how romance scams can escalate over time, using emotional manipulation, fabricated emergencies, and false financial promises to extract large sums of money from victims.

    What Happened

    According to police, the victim met a woman on a dating website in March 2025. After moving their conversations to iMessage, the relationship quickly became serious. Over time, the victim began sending her money.

    The scam escalated when the woman claimed that a family member had died and left her approximately 455 kilograms of gold. She told the victim that she needed more than $1 million to release the gold from storage and cover related fees, including supposed taxes owed in Thailand and the United States.

    At a later stage, someone claiming to be an attorney contacted the victim, requesting an additional $700,000 for legal assistance. The victim was told that he would ultimately receive $9 million once the gold was released.

    The requests did not stop there. The suspect later claimed her daughter had become critically ill and needed a kidney transplant, asking for even more money to cover medical expenses.

    Over several months, the victim transferred funds for what he believed were:

    • Gold storage and release fees
    • International and U.S. tax obligations
    • Legal services
    • Medical expenses

    By July 2025, the victim realized the situation was likely a scam and filed a report with the FBI, though he has not yet received a follow-up, according to police.

    Scam Breakdown

    This case follows a well-documented romance scam pattern:

    • Rapid emotional bonding after initial online contact
    • Transition to private messaging platforms outside the dating site
    • Invented financial windfalls (gold, inheritances, investments)
    • Urgent fees and taxes required before funds can be released
    • Authority figures (lawyers, agents) introduced to add credibility
    • Medical emergencies used to prolong and intensify the scam

    Each new crisis creates urgency and discourages victims from slowing down or seeking independent verification.

    Red Flags

    Authorities say warning signs in cases like this include:

    • Requests for money from someone you have never met in person
    • Claims involving large inheritances or valuable assets that require upfront fees
    • Pressure to act quickly due to taxes, legal deadlines, or medical emergencies
    • Use of wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
    • Third parties suddenly entering the conversation to demand payment

    What Authorities Recommend

    Police urge the public to use extreme caution when interacting with people met online, especially when money is involved. Key guidance includes:

    • Do not send money to someone you have only met online
    • Never wire funds or send gift cards to someone you haven’t fully vetted
    • Be skeptical of stories involving inheritances, gold, or overseas assets
    • Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or financial professional before sending money
    • Report suspected scams to local law enforcement and federal authorities

    Final Thoughts

    Romance scams are increasingly sophisticated and can unfold over months or even years. They rely on trust, emotional attachment, and carefully staged crises rather than technical hacking. This case serves as a reminder that any online relationship involving repeated financial requests should be treated with extreme caution, regardless of how convincing or emotionally compelling the story may seem.

    Further Reading

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 5, 2026 Permalink | Reply
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    “Your Loan Is Almost Approved,” Except You Never Applied 

    By Greg Collier

    The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about a phony loan scam that is showing up in reports across Connecticut, and it’s the kind of scheme that can easily spread beyond state lines.

    These operations routinely rotate phone numbers, target new regions, and reuse the same scripts nationwide.

    What’s Going On

    According to the BBB, nearly two dozen complaints have been filed in a short period of time involving a caller claiming to be from a financial institution whose name closely resembles a well-known bank.

    That similarity is intentional.

    Consumers report receiving repeated calls and voicemails from a supposed “underwriting department,” claiming the recipient has a personal loan nearly approved for around $60,000 despite having no memory of applying.

    The Script (Straight From the Scam)

    The voicemail typically follows a familiar pattern:

    The caller says they are following up on a prior loan request, claims your file is nearly approved, and urges you to respond quickly. They may suggest you applied months ago but were previously denied, and that underwriting standards have now “opened up,” especially for people with lower credit.

    The intent is to create confusion, urgency, and just enough plausibility to get you to call back.

    Scam Breakdown

    This is a classic advanced-fee loan phishing scam.

    The outcome is usually the same:

    1. You return the call
    2. You’re told a fee is required to finalize or “lock in” the loan
    3. You’re asked for payment and personal information
    4. The caller disappears, and no loan ever materializes

    Red Flags

    The BBB highlights several warning signs that consistently appear in these scams:

    • Loan guarantees without reviewing your credit history
    • Up-front fees before any money is delivered
    • Vague or shifting explanations about costs
    • Pressure through repeated calls and deadlines
    • Names designed to cause brand confusion

    Quick Tip: It’s also important to know that it is illegal for companies doing business by phone to promise a loan and require payment before providing it.

    If You’ve Been Targeted

    The BBB recommends several basic protections:

    1. Never pay an up-front fee to receive a loan
    2. Avoid guarantees and unusual payment methods
    3. Verify independently

    If someone contacts you about a loan you don’t remember applying for, pause and verify before engaging. Legitimate lenders do not cold-call consumers with nearly approved loan offers.

    Final Thoughts

    This scam is being reported in Connecticut now, but its structure is common and easily reused elsewhere. Geographic boundaries don’t stop phone-based fraud, and a familiar-sounding name doesn’t mean a legitimate business.

    If you receive one of these calls, don’t engage. Report it to the Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker so others can be warned before they lose money or personal information.

    Further Reading

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 2, 2026 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , secrecy,   

    “Don’t Tell Anyone” Is Always the Red Flag 

    By Greg Collier

    Just before Thanksgiving, a retired Kingfisher teacher nearly lost $30,000 to a classic but still devastating holiday cyber scam. The only reason she didn’t?

    She broke the scammer’s most important rule.

    She told someone.

    According to reporting from News 9, the retired educator was targeted by a pop-up scam that quickly escalated into an urgent, secrecy-driven con designed to drain her savings.

    This is exactly how these scams work and why they’re so effective.

    What Happened

    It started the way many tech-support scams do:

    • A pop-up appeared on her computer screen
    • The message warned her device was “compromised”
    • A phone number connected her directly to a fraudster

    The scammer immediately took control of the conversation.

    “Don’t trust anybody. Don’t tell anybody.”

    She was explicitly told not to contact her family, her bank, or anyone else who might interrupt the scheme.

    From there, the instructions escalated fast:

    • She was told to withdraw all her savings
    • The total: $30,000
    • She was instructed to put the cash in a box
    • Then ship it via UPS to California

    The package was mailed the day before Thanksgiving.

    The Moment That Saved Her

    Despite the pressure and secrecy, something didn’t feel right.

    She reached out to a family member and then contacted her bank.

    That decision made all the difference.

    Because the cash shipment went out just before a holiday, the delay gave the bank time to intervene. The box was intercepted and returned before it could be claimed.

    Most victims are not that fortunate.

    Why This Scam Is So Dangerous

    Once money is gone, customers rarely, if ever, get it back.

    That’s because these scams are designed to bypass every safeguard:

    • Cash withdrawals can’t be reversed
    • Courier deliveries disappear instantly
    • Bitcoin ATMs are irreversible by design

    A similar scam last year cost another Kingfisher resident his entire life savings using courier-based transfers.

    Red Flags

    If you encounter any of the following, stop immediately:

    • Pop-ups claiming your computer is infected or compromised
    • Being told not to tell anyone, including family, the bank, or the police
    • Urgent pressure demanding immediate action
    • Requests to withdraw large amounts of cash
    • Instructions to mail money, use couriers, or Bitcoin ATMs
    • Claims that this is the only way to fix the problem

    No legitimate company operates this way. Ever.

    Why Older Adults Are Often Targeted

    Scammers frequently target retirees and seniors because:

    • They may have accessible savings
    • They’re more likely to trust authority figures
    • They may be less familiar with pop-up–based fraud
    • They’re conditioned to be polite and cooperative

    That’s why bank tellers often ask questions during large cash withdrawals, not to intrude, but to identify possible scams.

    If You’ve Been Targeted

    The victim later shared the most important lesson from her experience:

    If someone tells you not to tell anyone, that’s when you need to tell somebody immediately.

    If you see a pop-up scam:

    1. Shut the computer off
    2. Do not call the number shown
    3. Tell a trusted person right away
    4. Contact your bank
    5. Report the incident to local authorities

    Final Thoughts

    This scam didn’t succeed because of technology.

    It almost succeeded because of silence.

    Secrecy is the scammer’s strongest weapon.

    If anyone ever says:

    “Don’t tell anyone about this.”

    That’s your cue to do the exact opposite.

    Further Reading

     

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