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  • Geebo 9:00 am on November 12, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , pet tracking, ,   

    How Criminals Are Preying on Grieving Pet Owners 

    By Greg Collier

    Scammers are taking advantage of missing-pet heartbreak to extort money. Here’s how to recognize the con before it happens to you.

    Turning a Pet Owner’s Hope into a Target:

    Imagine you’re desperately looking for your missing dog. You post photos online, contact local shelters, and share your story with friends. Then you get a message from someone who claims to have found your pet. They say your dog was injured and is at a nearby vet clinic. You feel instant relief until they ask you to send money before you can get your pet back.

    You pay the fee, only to discover it was a scam. Your pet is still missing, and your money is gone.
    Shelters and humane societies across the country have reported a sharp rise in this type of fraud. The Richmond SPCA in Virginia recently issued a public alert after callers pretended to be shelter workers collecting “medical fees” for injured pets that didn’t exist. The Oregon Humane Society and FOX5 Las Vegas have also warned about impostors posing as pet recovery teams demanding payment for fake rescue services.

    This cruel new twist on pet scams targets owners at their most vulnerable moment.

    How the Scam Works:

    1. A missing pet post goes public. Scammers search social media for posts about lost animals. They gather names, photos, and locations.
    2. They reach out, pretending to have the animal. The scammer claims your pet is safe or being treated for injuries.
    3. A payment demand follows. They say you must send money for medical care, transportation, or proof of ownership. Payments are requested through gift cards, Zelle, or wire transfer.
    4. The scammer disappears. After you send money, they block communication, leaving you without your pet or your funds.
    5. Emotional and financial harm remains. Victims often describe feeling manipulated and ashamed after realizing they were tricked.

    Some scammers go even further by creating fake “pet tracking” businesses that charge upfront fees for drone searches or ground teams that never materialize.

    Why It Works:

    The scam succeeds because it preys on emotion. When a pet goes missing, owners are desperate for good news. That desperation can override normal caution.

    Scammers also use the information owners share online to sound convincing. They may reference your pet’s name, breed, or neighborhood to build trust. Add in urgent language like “Your dog is hurt and needs surgery,” and it becomes hard to think clearly.

    The payment methods they request, such as gift cards or peer-to-peer apps, make recovery nearly impossible once money is sent.

    Red Flags:

    • A caller or messenger claims to have found your pet but cannot provide a current photo or proof.
    • You are asked to pay before seeing your pet or before confirming the location.
    • The contact insists on gift cards, crypto, or direct transfers instead of official billing methods.
    • The person pretends to represent a shelter, vet, or rescue but won’t give you a verifiable phone number or address.
    • The language in the message feels urgent, emotional, or pushy.

    Quick Tip: If someone claims to have your pet, ask them to send a short video of the animal with today’s date or a unique identifier like the collar tag. Scammers will usually make excuses instead of providing real proof.

    How to Protect Yourself:

    • Limit the amount of personal detail you share in public posts. Avoid listing your pet’s name, microchip number, or exact location until you have a trusted contact.
    • Verify all claims through official sources. If a caller says they are from a shelter or vet, hang up and call the facility directly using the number listed on its website.
    • Never send payment before confirming the person’s identity and the animal’s location.
    • Keep updated photos and vet records of your pet to help legitimate shelters identify them.
    • Report suspicious messages to your local police and animal control office.

    What to Do if You’ve Been Scammed:

    1. Stop all communication and save screenshots, phone numbers, and messages as evidence.
    2. Contact your bank or payment provider immediately to report the fraud.
    3. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
    4. Notify local authorities and provide copies of your records.
    5. Share your story in neighborhood groups to warn other pet owners.

    Final Thoughts:

    Pet scams are some of the most heartless crimes because they exploit love and hope. Scammers know that a frantic pet owner will do almost anything to get their animal back.

    The best protection is awareness. If someone claims to have found your pet but asks for money or refuses to show proof, take a step back and verify. Ask questions, double-check the story, and never rush to pay.

    A few moments of caution can protect you from financial loss and give you a better chance of finding your pet safely.

    Further Reading:

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on November 11, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: celebrity, , , ,   

    The Rise of Celebrity Deepfake Scams 

    By Greg Collier

    Picture this: you’re scrolling through TikTok or Instagram and suddenly see your favorite celebrity share a video endorsement. The voice, the smile, even the familiar expressions all feel authentic. Maybe it’s an investment opportunity, a charitable donation, or a new product launch.

    It feels real—but it isn’t.

    Recently, a woman in Southern California believed she was speaking directly with actor Steve Burton from General Hospital. Through a series of video and voice messages, she was convinced they were in a relationship. By the time the truth surfaced, she had lost over $430,000, including money from selling her home.

    In another case, influencer Molly-Mae Hague had to warn her followers after a realistic video appeared online promoting a perfume she never endorsed. Supermodel Gisele Bündchen’s image was also used in a fake Instagram campaign that netted scammers millions of dollars before being taken down.

    These aren’t isolated incidents. Deepfake technology is rapidly becoming one of the most dangerous new tools in online fraud.

    What’s Happening:

    Scammers have learned to use publicly available photos and videos to create realistic AI-generated likenesses of celebrities. Once they have enough material, they can digitally clone a person’s face and voice with startling accuracy.

    Here’s how the schemes often unfold:

    • They create a convincing video or audio clip using AI trained on interviews, social media clips, and public footage.
    • The fake content is shared through social platforms, private messages, or even live video streams.
    • Victims are told to invest in a product, send donations, or even begin a “personal relationship” with the celebrity.
    • Once trust is established, the scammer asks for money, crypto transfers, or sensitive information.
    • The real celebrity often has no idea their name and likeness are being used until it goes viral.

    Actress Helen Mirren recently issued a public warning after her image was used to promote a fake charity campaign. Each of these examples shows how scammers manipulate trust in famous faces to create a false sense of connection and urgency.

    Why It Works:

    Celebrity scams are powerful because they mix emotional appeal with technological realism.

    Fans already feel connected to public figures. When a message sounds and looks exactly like someone they admire, skepticism fades. Add a personal touch like “I wanted to reach out to you” or “You’ve been selected for a private offer,” and even cautious people can fall for it.

    Modern AI has also become so sophisticated that voice clones capture tone, pacing, and personality. Even professionals who work with these tools admit they sometimes can’t tell the difference.

    Finally, these scams thrive on emotion—whether that’s excitement, admiration, or loneliness. Victims of romantic deepfake scams often describe feeling special or chosen, which makes it harder to question what’s happening.

    Red Flags:

    Be cautious if you notice any of the following:

    • A “celebrity” contacts you directly through DMs or messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram.
    • The conversation quickly moves off the platform where it started.
    • The message includes links to unknown websites or online stores.
    • You’re asked for money, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.
    • The product or cause doesn’t appear on the celebrity’s verified social pages.
    • Something feels slightly “off”—the background, speech pattern, or body language doesn’t quite match.

    Quick tip: If a celebrity asks you to act—send money, buy something, or share personal information—pause and verify through their official accounts or press releases. Real endorsements rarely happen in private messages.

    How to Protect Yourself:

    1. Check official channels. Always verify through the celebrity’s verified social media accounts or website before engaging.
    2. Don’t share personal details. Never send money, ID photos, or banking information in private messages.
    3. Be skeptical of “exclusive” offers. If it sounds like you’re being personally chosen, it’s probably a scam.
    4. Use secure payment methods. Credit cards offer protection that crypto and wire transfers do not.
    5. Talk about it. Share these risks with family members who might be more vulnerable to emotional manipulation.
    6. Report impersonations. Use the “report” feature on social platforms and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

    If you’re a brand or public figure, consider setting up automated alerts for your name and image. This makes it easier to spot and remove fake content before it spreads widely.

    What to Do if You’re Targeted:

    • Stop responding immediately and save all evidence such as screenshots or messages.
    • Contact your bank or payment service to flag suspicious transfers.
    • File a report with the FTC or your local consumer protection office.
    • Monitor your financial accounts for unusual charges.
    • Let others know. Sharing your experience can prevent someone else from becoming the next victim.

    Final Thoughts:

    The rise of AI-generated celebrity content is changing what we can trust online. It’s no longer enough to recognize a familiar face or voice. Today, anyone with a laptop and access to AI tools can create a realistic imitation capable of fooling millions.

    Before you act on a celebrity endorsement or message, take a step back and check the source. Verification only takes a few minutes—and it can save you thousands of dollars.

    Awareness, not fear, is our best defense.

    Further Reading:

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on November 10, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , ,   

    America’s $14.6B Healthcare Fraud Crackdown Explained 

    By Greg Collier

    In June 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the largest healthcare fraud takedown in American history—charging 324 defendants, including doctors, medical business owners, and executives across 50 federal districts.

    The alleged schemes totaled more than $14.6 billion in intended losses, much of it tied to Medicare, Medicaid, and COVID-19 relief programs.

    While the headlines focus on the massive numbers, the real story is how fraudsters turned public health programs—designed to help the sick and elderly—into billion-dollar criminal enterprises.

    What’s Going On:

    This nationwide enforcement sweep—coordinated by the Health Care Fraud Strike Force and HHS-OIG—uncovered multiple overlapping schemes, including:

    • Telemedicine & Lab Fraud: Criminal networks billed the government for fake telehealth sessions and unnecessary lab tests never performed.
    • Pharmacy Kickbacks: Pharmacies paid illegal referral fees for patient data to over-prescribe controlled substances or expensive specialty drugs.
    • Durable Medical Equipment Scams: Fraudulent suppliers billed Medicare for wheelchairs, braces, or monitors that were never delivered.
    • COVID-Relief & Opioid Fraud: Some defendants misused pandemic programs to launder funds or obtained opioids under false pretenses for resale.

    Authorities say the operation prevented over $4 billion in payments on false claims and revoked billing privileges for hundreds of providers before more damage occurred.

    Why It’s Effective:

    Healthcare fraud succeeds because it exploits complexity and trust:

    • Complex Billing Systems: Medicare and Medicaid process millions of claims daily—fraudulent invoices blend in easily.
    • Blind Trust in Providers: Patients rarely question a doctor’s orders or medical billing.
    • Limited Oversight Bandwidth: Agencies under pressure to process claims fast can miss red flags.
    • High Dollar Incentives: Each false claim can yield thousands—creating lucrative opportunities for organized crime groups.

    It’s not always shadowy hackers behind these crimes—sometimes it’s insiders, executives, or licensed professionals misusing legitimate systems for profit.

    Red Flags:

    Whether you’re a patient, healthcare worker, or caregiver, stay alert for:

    • Medical bills or claims for services you didn’t receive.
    • Unknown providers listed on insurance or Medicare statements.
    • “Free medical equipment” offers requiring your personal or insurance info.
    • Unsolicited calls or emails claiming to verify your Medicare number.
    • Duplicate billing or inconsistent charges for the same treatment.

    Quick Tip: If you get an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) that doesn’t match your memory of care, contact your insurer directly—not the number on the suspicious bill.

    What You Can Do:

    • Monitor your records: Check your insurance statements and Medicare Summary Notices monthly.
    • Protect your data: Never share your Medicare or insurance ID over the phone unless you initiated the call.
    • Freeze your credit: Prevent identity-based fraud before it starts.
    • Ask questions: If a provider insists on unnecessary procedures or “free” add-ons, it’s okay to say no.

    Report fraud fast: File reports through OIG.HHS.gov or the FTC’s ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

    For medical professionals:

    • Conduct regular billing audits.
    • Verify third-party vendors and billing partners.
    • Train staff to flag suspicious claims patterns.

    If You’ve Been Targeted:

    1. Contact your insurer or Medicare to flag unauthorized claims.
    2. Report the fraud to HHS-OIG or the National Healthcare Anti-Fraud Association (NHCAA).
    3. File an identity theft report at IdentityTheft.gov if your personal data was compromised.
    4. Document everything: Keep copies of fraudulent bills, letters, and communications.
    5. Notify your doctor or clinic: Fraud under your name may affect your medical record accuracy.

    Final Thoughts:

    Fraud in healthcare doesn’t just cost money—it erodes trust. Every fake claim drains resources meant for real patients.

    The DOJ’s $14.6 billion crackdown sends a strong message: fraudsters will be caught, but prevention starts with awareness at every level—patients, providers, and payers alike.

    Scammers will always chase complexity. But vigilance, education, and transparency are still the best medicine.

    Further Reading:

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on November 7, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , ,   

    Utility Scam Calls Are Back 

    Utility Scam Calls Are Back

    By Greg Collier

    You might think you’d never fall for a phone scam until someone calls claiming to be your power company. They know your name, your area, and even display the right company on caller ID. Then they hit you with a chilling threat: “Your electricity will be shut off in 30 minutes unless you pay now.”

    That’s exactly what’s happening to customers across Wisconsin, and it’s spreading nationwide. Scammers are using fear, urgency, and technology to drain wallets faster than ever. Here’s how the con works and what you can do to stop it.

    What’s Going On:

    Utility customers are being targeted again, this time by scammers posing as power companies like We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service (WPS). In just one month, We Energies customers lost over $20,000, and WPS reported another $10,000 stolen in a single week. The calls sound convincing, the threats sound urgent, and the goal is always the same: to get you to pay immediately.

    But here’s the truth. Legitimate utility companies never demand instant payment over the phone or through apps like Zelle or Venmo.

    How the Scam Works:

    The scammers use real company names and tech tricks to look legitimate.

    • The caller ID might even display your local power company.
    • A recorded voice may sound professional or automated, just like the real thing.
    • Then comes the pressure: “Your power will be shut off in 30 minutes unless you pay right now.”

    They’ll ask for payment through prepaid debit cards, Zelle, Venmo, or even cryptocurrency, anything that can’t be easily traced or refunded. Some victims have even reported scammers showing up at their doors, refusing to show ID, and insisting on payment in person.

    Why It’s Effective:

    This scam works because it hits two pressure points: fear and urgency.
    The thought of losing power — especially for a business, a church, or a family — makes people panic. Scammers know that panic overrides logic. By impersonating a trusted local utility and using technology to spoof caller IDs, they sound completely legitimate until it’s too late.

    And while this warning started in Wisconsin, these scams are nationwide. Every major energy provider has reported similar tactics. Whether your bill comes from PG&E, Duke Energy, or your local co-op, you’re a potential target.

    Red Flags:

    • Caller ID shows your utility’s name, but the caller demands immediate payment.
    • Requests for unusual payment methods like gift cards, Zelle, Venmo, or crypto.
    • Threats to cut off service within an hour if you don’t comply.
    • Refusal to let you hang up and call back using the company’s published number.
    • A so-called “technician” at your door without proper identification.

    If You’ve Been Targeted:

    If you get one of these calls — or if someone shows up pretending to be from your utility — here’s what to do immediately:

    1. Don’t engage. Hang up or close the door. The longer you stay on the line, the more likely they are to manipulate you.
    2. Take notes. Write down the phone number, what was said, and any payment methods they mentioned.
    3. Verify through official channels. Contact your utility directly using the number on your bill — not the one from the caller.
    4. Alert your local police or sheriff’s office to report the attempt.
    5. Notify your utility company so they can warn others in your area.
    6. Warn others — especially small businesses, churches, and elderly relatives who might be more vulnerable.

    If you did send money, call your bank or payment provider immediately to report the fraud. Quick action can sometimes help stop or reverse the transfer. You should also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov

    Final Thoughts:

    Utility scams thrive on panic and confusion. Slow down, double-check, and trust your instincts — no legitimate company will threaten you over the phone or demand crypto payments. Whether you’re in Wisconsin or anywhere else in the country, knowing the signs can keep your lights on and your money in your pocket.

    Further Reading:

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on November 6, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: disaster, , plane crash, , UPS   

    Scammers Exploit UPS Crash Victims 

    By Greg Collier

    Every time tragedy makes headlines, scammers swoop in like vultures. They exploit heartbreak, confusion, and fear—turning moments of grief into opportunities for greed. The deadly UPS plane crash in Louisville is no exception.

    What’s Going On:

    Just days after the crash, Louisville Metro Police warned that fraudsters are contacting victims’ families, pretending to have information about their loved ones. Then they demand thousands of dollars in exchange for those supposed details.

    It’s an unconscionable tactic, but not a new one. From natural disasters to violent crimes, scammers know that shock and sorrow make people vulnerable.

    How the Scam Works:

    The con is simple and cruel. Someone calls, emails, or messages a family member claiming to be from the police, airline, or another “official” source. They say they can provide critical information—but only after payment.

    They may pressure victims to act fast, threaten to withhold information, or claim, “This is your only chance.” They’ll often request payment through untraceable means like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

    But here’s the truth: law enforcement and government officials will never ask for money for information. Ever.

    Why It’s Effective:

    Scammers understand human emotion. In times of tragedy, people want answers, not logic. These criminals prey on grief, spinning believable stories and false hope to extract money. It’s psychological manipulation at its worst—calculated, cold, and heartless.

    Red Flags:

    • Calls or texts from unfamiliar numbers claiming insider information.
    • Demands for immediate payment or “processing fees.”
    • Urgent or emotional language meant to force quick decisions.
    • Vague credentials or refusal to provide verifiable identification.

    If You’ve Been Targeted:

    If you receive one of these messages, do not respond, do not pay, and do not panic.
    Instead:

    1. Report the message to the Louisville Metro Police Department.
    2. File a complaint with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
    3. Alert your bank if you’ve already made a payment.

    Even one report could help prevent someone else from becoming a victim.

    Final Thoughts:

    This scam is proof that no tragedy is too sacred for con artists. They’ll exploit anything—from plane crashes to pandemics—to make a profit. Staying skeptical, verifying sources, and pausing before you pay can keep heartbreak from becoming financial ruin.

    Further Reading:

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on November 5, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , ,   

    Fake Traffic Ticket Text Scam Alert! 

    Fake Traffic Ticket Text Scam Alert!

    By Greg Collier

    If your phone buzzed with a text claiming you owe an “outstanding traffic ticket” and need to pay immediately—stop right there. This isn’t a real notice from the state. It’s a phishing scam designed to steal your money and personal information, and it’s making another round through Illinois after spreading nationwide earlier this year.

    These messages pretend to come from the “Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles” (which doesn’t actually exist) and try to scare you with words like “final notice,” “enforcement,” and “credit score impact.” In reality, they’re just digital bait—complete with typos like “November 5rd” and “November 4nd.”

    What’s Going On:

    The scam follows a familiar pattern: a fake text threatens registration suspension, prosecution, or fines if you don’t pay within 24 hours. It urges you to click a link to resolve your “ticket.” Officials across Illinois have confirmed these messages are not legitimate, and similar versions have hit phones across the U.S. in recent months.

    Why It Works:

    Scammers know that fear makes people act fast. A sudden threat to your license or credit score can make even cautious people click before they think. That single tap can lead to a spoofed site that captures your driver’s license number, banking details, or other private information.

    Red Flags:

    • References to the “Illinois DMV”—a department that doesn’t exist.
    • Typos and awkward grammar, like “5rd” or “4nd.”
    • Urgent threats of suspension or legal action within 24 hours.
    • Links to unknown websites asking for payment or verification.

    Quick Tip: Traffic tickets are handled through local courts, not through the state’s DMV or Secretary of State. You’ll always receive legitimate notices by mail, not by text message.

    What You Can Do:

    • Do not click any links.
    • Delete the message immediately.
    • Report it to the FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov) or FBI’s IC3 (ic3.gov).
    • If you’re unsure, check your record through your state’s Secretary of State website.

    If You’ve Been Targeted:

    If you already clicked the link or entered personal information, act fast:

    • Contact your bank or credit card company to freeze or monitor your accounts.
    • Change any passwords that might have been compromised.
    • Run a malware scan on your phone or computer.
    • Report the scam to the FTC and FBI so others don’t fall for it. Even if you didn’t enter any information, deleting and reporting the message helps prevent scammers from targeting others.

    Final Thoughts:

    These scammers are recycling an old nationwide con—now dressed up with bad grammar and fake urgency. Don’t take the bait. The government won’t text you demanding money, and “November 5rd” isn’t a real date.

    Stay smart, stay skeptical, and keep your personal info out of scammers’ hands.

    Further Reading:

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on November 4, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , ,   

    Scammers Exploit SNAP Delays Amid Shutdown Confusion 

    Scammers Exploit SNAP Delays Amid Shutdown Confusion

    By Greg Collier

    A new scam warning out of Abilene, Texas, could soon spread nationwide. With the ongoing federal government shutdown disrupting SNAP benefits, scammers are using the moment to strike vulnerable families from coast to coast. What started as a local warning has the potential to become a nationwide scam targeting anyone who depends on SNAP to feed their family.

    What’s Going On:

    As the shutdown continues, millions of households relying on SNAP benefits are facing uncertainty about when their assistance will arrive. Scammers are jumping at the opportunity, posing as SNAP representatives to “verify” personal information—but their real goal is identity theft.

    The Better Business Bureau in Abilene says families are getting phone calls, emails, or texts from imposters pretending to be from the government. They claim they need details like your Social Security number or driver’s license to “restore” benefits. Once they get that data, they can open credit accounts, drain funds, or steal your identity entirely.

    Why It’s Effective:

    When food benefits are on the line, fear makes people act fast. Scammers know this. They tailor their calls and emails to sound official, even citing real headlines about SNAP delays caused by the shutdown. BBB President John Riggins says these “government imposters” rely on trust and confusion—making victims believe they’re helping fix a problem when, really, they’re creating one.

    Red Flags:

    • Unsolicited calls, texts, or emails claiming to be from SNAP or any government office.
    • Requests for personal data such as SSNs, bank info, or driver’s license numbers.
    • Threats or urgency, saying your benefits will be cut off if you don’t comply.
    • Refusal to provide proof by mail or official documentation.

    No government agency will ever call or text to request your personal information.

    How to Protect Yourself:

    • Never share personal data unless you initiated the contact.
    • Ask for proof by mail and verify it directly with your local SNAP office.
    • Hang up immediately if the caller becomes aggressive or demands sensitive information.
    • Block unknown numbers through your carrier or phone settings.
    • Report scams to the BBB’s Scam Tracker so others can be warned.

    Each report helps build a bigger picture—allowing investigators to connect dots across state lines and stop similar scams before they spread.

    If You’ve Been Targeted:

    • If you think you’ve already shared information with a scammer, act fast:
    • Contact your bank or credit union immediately. Explain that you may have been a victim of a scam and ask them to monitor or freeze your accounts if needed.
    • Report identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov
      to get a recovery plan and official documentation.
    • Change passwords and PINs on any accounts you believe may be compromised.
    • Alert your state SNAP office so they can note your account and prevent fraudulent activity.
    • Keep records of any calls, texts, or emails from the scammer—they could help investigators track the operation.

    Even if you didn’t lose money, reporting the attempt helps others stay safe. Scammers often hit multiple people in the same area, so your report could be the missing puzzle piece.

    Final Thoughts:

    Scammers are exploiting fear and confusion at a time when millions are simply trying to put food on the table. Whether you live in Texas or anywhere else in the country, stay alert and don’t share your information. If someone claims to be from SNAP, hang up, verify, and report it.

    Further Reading:

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on November 3, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , ,   

    Fraudsters Hijack Zillow Photos for Facebook Rental Scam 

    By Greg Collier

    If you just bought a home or you’re hunting for a rental, watch out—scammers are getting bolder. A new online con is targeting recently sold homes, using stolen listing photos to trick people into paying fake deposits. One home buyer learned that the hard way when his brand-new property showed up on Facebook as a bargain rental.

    What’s Going On:

    A new online scam is preying on homeowners and renters in Bay County, Florida—and this one targets homes that have just been sold. The scheme recently blindsided an out-of-state buyer who purchased a home in Panama City for a family member. Before he could even celebrate the closing, someone hijacked the home’s Zillow photos and posted it on Facebook as a rental—complete with fake contact info and a too-good-to-be-true price.

    The bogus listing advertised the two-bedroom, two-bathroom home for just $850 a month, roughly a thousand dollars below the going rate in the area. The fake landlord then urged would-be tenants to send a few hundred dollars upfront to “hold” the property.

    How They Do It:

    Scammers typically scrape real estate photos from legitimate listings, then repost them on Facebook Marketplace or similar platforms. They pose as the property owner—often claiming to be overseas or out of state—and pressure potential renters to send deposits quickly before someone else “takes it.”

    In this case, when the homeowner reported the post to Facebook, the company initially claimed it didn’t violate policy. It took over a month of back-and-forth before the platform finally removed the fake listing. Meanwhile, the imposter profile kept luring renters with that suspiciously low rent and a sense of urgency—two classic red flags in the rental scam playbook.

    Why It’s Effective:

    This scam works because it preys on both trust and timing. The homes are brand new to the market, often still appearing in online searches from their legitimate listings, which makes the scam post look credible.

    Renters desperate for affordable housing see an unbelievable deal and rush to secure it. By the time they realize the “landlord” is fake, their deposit has already been wired—often overseas, where recovery is nearly impossible.

    Many of these scams originate from outside the U.S., making prosecution difficult. If the suspect is local, however, and money has changed hands, investigators can pursue charges and attempt to recover stolen funds.

    Red Flags:

    • The rent is hundreds below market value.
    • The “owner” claims to be out of the country or unable to meet in person.
    • You’re asked to wire money or pay via apps before seeing the home.
    • The listing appears only on social media, not verified platforms.

    How to Stay Safe:

    • Search the address across multiple sites (Zillow, Realtor, Apartments.com) to spot duplicates.
    • Contact the real estate agent or title company directly if something seems off.
    • Never send deposits or application fees without confirming ownership.
    • Stick to verified platforms with renter protections—not random Facebook posts.

    If You’ve Been Targeted:

    For Renters:

    If you already sent money or personal information to a fake landlord:

    • Contact your bank or payment app immediately and explain it was a scam—they may be able to freeze or reverse the transaction.
    • File a police report with your local law enforcement and include all usernames, messages, and receipts.
    • Report the fake listing to the platform (Facebook, Craigslist, Zillow, etc.) so others aren’t victimized.
    • Submit complaints to both the FTC’s Fraud Report Portal and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
    • If you wired funds internationally, contact Western Union or MoneyGram fraud departments immediately to request a reversal.

    For Homeowners

    If someone has cloned your property listing:

    • Take screenshots of the fraudulent post, messages, and profile.
    • Report the listing to the hosting platform and provide proof of ownership, such as closing documents or official listings.
    • Notify local law enforcement—if the scammer is targeting local renters, officers can issue warnings or open an investigation.
    • Let nearby neighbors or caretakers know to watch for suspicious visitors showing up expecting to rent your home.
    • If you live out of state, consider hiring a local property manager or friend to keep an eye on the home and flag new scams quickly.

    Acting fast—whether you’re a renter or an owner—helps shut down the scam before more victims get caught in the same trap.

    Final Thoughts:

    If a rental deal looks too good to be true, it almost always is. Scammers know how to make listings look legitimate—but a quick reverse search and a healthy dose of skepticism can save you hundreds or even thousands.

    Further Reading:

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 31, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , ,   

    Hang Up on the Jury Duty Hoax 

    By Greg Collier

    That tense moment when your phone lights up with a “law enforcement” caller ID—and they say you’ve missed jury duty. Your heart drops, they mention a warrant, and you’re suddenly calculating bail money. But it’s all a lie. The jury duty scam is spreading across the country, and most recently it’s hit Nueces County, Texas.

    What’s Going On:

    Scammers are targeting residents nationwide with fake phone calls claiming they missed jury duty, owe fines, or face arrest. Nueces County is just the latest hotspot in this long-running con.

    According to the local Sheriff’s Office, about a dozen residents recently reported receiving these calls. The scammers sound convincing—they even use real deputy names lifted from public Facebook pages. Sheriff J.C. Hooper made it clear:

    “We’re not going to call you. We’re going to come and visit you at your home or place of employment if there is a warrant out for you.”

    In other words, real law enforcement doesn’t handle warrants over the phone—and they definitely don’t ask for payments.

    Why It’s Effective:

    This scam weaponizes fear and urgency. The caller insists the matter must be handled today, threatening bigger trouble tomorrow. They’ll even text or email forged credentials—fake badges, stolen photos, and edited names—to “prove” their authority.

    The Better Business Bureau says this isn’t just a Texas problem. It’s a nationwide trend that resurfaces every few months with local twists designed to fool residents who think it couldn’t happen in their area.

    Red Flags:

    • Immediate payment requests. No government agency takes fines over the phone.
    • Threats of arrest or warrants. Fear is their pressure tool, not a real policy.
    • Borrowed deputy names. Scammers scrape them from social media and websites.
    • Fake “proof.” Any emailed or texted badge is fraudulent—and worthless.

    How to Stay Safe:

    If someone calls claiming you missed jury duty, hang up immediately. Then contact your sheriff’s office or courthouse using the number on their official website—not the one that called you. Never send money, never meet in person, and never share personal information.

    Remember: real jury duty notifications come through official mail, not phone calls, texts, or emails.

    Final Thoughts:

    This con works because it feels personal—and scary. But knowledge breaks the spell. Take a breath, verify before reacting, and talk to your parents or grandparents about it. A calm, skeptical mind is your best protection.

    Have you received one of these fake jury duty calls? Share your story below or send this post to someone who might be at risk. Awareness travels faster than scams—if we spread it.

    Further Reading:

     

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

    The AI Lottery Scam Sweeping America 

    By Greg Collier

    A cheerful voice calls to say you’ve won millions. It sounds real—too real. But the “agent” on the line isn’t human at all. It’s an AI-generated voice, part of a nationwide surge in lottery scams that have cost Americans tens of millions of dollars.

    What’s Going On:

    Across the U.S., a dangerous new lottery scam is spreading—and it’s powered by artificial intelligence. According to a new study from Vegas Insider, Americans have lost tens of millions of dollars to fake lottery and sweepstakes winnings since 2020, with some of the highest losses reported in Ohio, California, Florida, and Texas. The scam’s secret weapon? AI-generated voices that sound shockingly real.

    How the Scam Works:

    Scammers are using AI voice cloning tools to call or message unsuspecting people, claiming they’ve won a massive jackpot. The calls often appear to come from a legitimate or local number, making them hard to ignore. Victims are told to pay small “processing fees” or taxes to collect their winnings—but there’s no prize waiting, only financial loss and stolen personal data.

    Las Vegas insiders say AI-driven scams jumped 148% in just one year, as fraudsters adopted synthetic voices to impersonate officials, relatives, or even well-known lottery representatives. They’re also hitting inboxes and social media, sending fake “winner” messages that look and sound alarmingly authentic.

    Why It’s Effective:

    AI has taken the classic “you’ve won the lottery” scam and given it a terrifying upgrade. These cloned voices mimic accents, tones, and phrases that sound local and trustworthy. When caller ID shows your area code—or even your friend’s number—it’s easy to drop your guard. Scammers know that emotion and urgency can override reason, especially when “winning” is on the line.

    Red Flags:

    • No legitimate lottery will call, text, or email to tell you you’ve won.
    • You’ll never be asked to pay money or share banking details to collect a prize.
    • All real winnings must be claimed in person or through official state channels with a verified ticket.

    Lottery officials nationwide stress one simple truth: if you didn’t enter a drawing, you didn’t win.

    What to Do:

    If you get a call, email, or social message claiming you’ve hit the jackpot:

    • Hang up or delete it immediately.
    • Report it to your state lottery office, your Attorney General’s consumer protection division, or the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
    • Warn family members—especially older relatives—who are most often targeted.

    Final Thoughts:

    AI technology has made scams smarter, faster, and harder to detect—but it hasn’t changed one truth: if it sounds too good to be true, it is. The same tools that can create lifelike voices and deepfake videos are now being weaponized to exploit trust. Staying informed is your best defense. Stay skeptical, stay alert, and remember—the only people winning in these scams are the ones running them.

    Have you been contacted by a fake lottery or prize scam? Share your story below—or send this post to someone who loves to play the lottery. Awareness is the jackpot that scammers can’t steal.

    Further Reading:

     

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