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  • 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

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 31, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , Tariff Rebate Check,   

    The “$2,000 Tariff Rebate Check” Text Scam Is Back 

    By Greg Collier

    If you’re getting urgent text messages claiming you’re owed a $2,000 tariff rebate check, stop right there. This isn’t free money. It’s a scam and a very familiar one.

    Idaho’s Attorney General is warning residents about a wave of fraudulent texts telling people they must act immediately or risk losing a supposed rebate check. The messages often use bold or capitalized language, include a link, and pressure recipients to respond right away.

    Sound familiar? It should.

    This scam follows the exact same playbook used during the COVID lockdowns, when scammers flooded phones with fake messages about stimulus checks, unemployment payments, and emergency relief funds.

    Different crisis. Same con.

    What’s Going On

    Scammers are sending texts claiming:

    You qualify for a $2,000 tariff rebate

    Your check will be withheld unless you respond immediately

    You must click a link or reply to “confirm” your eligibility

    The hook is current political chatter about possible rebate or dividend checks tied to tariffs. The details are vague, and that’s the point. Scammers thrive on uncertainty, not clarity.

    As Idaho officials made clear, no government agency requires a text response to receive money. Ever.

    Why This Scam Works

    This scheme succeeds for the same reasons stimulus scams worked in 2020:

    • People expect money
      When relief checks were discussed during COVID, scammers exploited that expectation. Today, they’re doing the same with tariff and dividend talk.
    • Details are unclear on purpose
      If a real program doesn’t exist yet or hasn’t been finalized, scammers can fill in the gaps with lies.
    • Urgency short-circuits logic
      “Act now or lose your money” is designed to keep people from verifying anything.
    • Texts feel informal and personal
      People are used to banks, stores, and delivery services texting them, so scammers exploit that comfort.

    Red Flags

    According to consumer protection officials, these warning signs mean you’re dealing with a scam:

    • Government agencies do not text you offering money or rebates
    • Any message saying you must respond to receive payment is fraudulent
    • Urgent deadlines are a major red flag
    • Links sent via text claiming to unlock government funds are never legitimate
    • Threats that your money will be “withheld” if you don’t act immediately

    If it feels rushed, it’s probably rigged.

    This Isn’t Just an Idaho Problem

    While Idaho officials issued the warning, this scam can and likely will appear nationwide.

    During COVID, fake stimulus scams spread from state to state within days. The same thing is happening now. Once scammers find a message that works, they reuse it everywhere.

    Different state. Same script.

    If you’re seeing these texts outside Idaho, don’t assume it’s a local program you just haven’t heard about yet. That uncertainty is exactly what scammers are counting on.

    If You’ve Been Targeted

    • Do not click the link
    • Do not reply
    • Delete the message
    • Verify any claim by contacting the agency directly using official contact information
    • Report scam texts to your state’s consumer protection office or attorney general

    If money is real, it will come through official channels and not a rushed text message.

    Final Thoughts

    The “$2,000 tariff rebate” text scam is just the latest remix of an old fraud strategy.

    We saw it with stimulus checks.
    We saw it with unemployment benefits.
    We saw it with disaster relief.

    Anytime there’s talk of government money, scammers rush in first.

    Remember the rule that hasn’t changed: the government doesn’t text you free money; scammers do.

    Further Reading

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 30, 2025 Permalink | Reply
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    Amazon + FBI Imposter Scam Costs Nebraska Couple $250,000 

    Amazon + FBI Imposter Scam Costs Nebraska Couple $250,000

    By Greg Collier

    Location: Hickman, Nebraska
    Victims: Couple, ages 82 and 84
    Reported by: Local authorities
    Loss: $250,000
    Timeline: August–October 2025

    A devastating scam out of Lancaster County shows, once again, how professional, patient, and psychologically manipulative modern fraud operations have become—especially when they target older adults.

    According to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, an elderly Hickman couple lost their life savings after scammers impersonated Amazon representatives and later escalated the scheme by posing as agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    There is no chance of recovering the money.

    What’s Going On

    The scam began in August with what looked like a legitimate Amazon email.

    The message claimed:

    • A package had been delivered to the wrong address
    • The couple’s Amazon account was compromised
    • A duplicate account had been opened in their name
    • That account allegedly owed $200,000

    The scammers reassured the couple that they would not charge interest if payments began immediately—creating urgency while pretending to be “helpful.”

    Once the victims were engaged, the scammers escalated the pressure.

    They introduced a second layer: fake FBI agents.

    The Fake “FBI” Hook

    The imposters claimed:

    • There was a ‘mole’ at the couple’s local bank
    • Bank employees could not be trusted
    • The couple must not contact the bank or law enforcement
    • All instructions must be followed exactly to avoid “legal consequences”

    This is a classic authority + isolation tactic: convince victims that everyone except the scammer is dangerous.

    How the Money Was Taken

    Over the course of several weeks, the couple was directed to send money using methods that are:

    • Difficult to trace
    • Nearly impossible to reverse

    They paid using:

    • Bitcoin ATMs
    • Western Union transfers
    • Apple gift cards

    Worse, the scammers also convinced the couple to:

    • Grant remote access to their computers
    • Expose banking and financial account information

    By the time the scheme ended:

    • The couple had sent approximately $213,000
    • The scammers drained the remaining funds directly from their accounts
    • The last transaction occurred October 29
    • Law enforcement was not notified until December 17

    Why This Scam Worked

    This was not a single mistake—it was a layered psychological attack.

    Key manipulation tactics included:

    • Impersonation of trusted institutions
    • Fear of massive financial liability
    • Urgency (“act now or it gets worse”)
    • Isolation from real help
    • Step-by-step grooming over months

    These scams are designed to bypass logic by overwhelming victims emotionally.

    Red Flags

    According to Lancaster County officials, these warning signs should immediately end any conversation:

    • Being told to use a Bitcoin ATM
    • Requests for gift cards or wire transfers
    • Claims that law enforcement needs payment
    • Instructions not to talk to your bank
    • Remote access requests to your computer
    • Threats combined with promises of “fixing” the problem

    Chief Deputy Houchin emphasized a key rule:

    Legitimate businesses and law enforcement will never ask you to pay with cryptocurrency.

    Never.

    What to Do Instead

    If you receive a message like this:

    1. Stop responding immediately
    2. Do not click links or call provided numbers
    3. Contact the company directly using a verified website or phone number
    4. Call your bank using the number on your card
    5. Report the incident to local law enforcement right away

    Time matters, but silence only helps scammers.

    Final Thoughts

    This case is a painful reminder that scams are no longer clumsy or obvious. They are professional operations that combine branding, fake authority, and emotional manipulation to extract everything victims have.

    If someone tells you:

    • The FBI wants payment
    • Amazon needs Bitcoin
    • Your bank can’t be trusted

    You are not in trouble.

    You are being scammed.

    Talk to someone you trust, and stop engaging immediately.

    Further Reading

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 29, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , ,   

    Job Offer Text Scams Are Back, and They’re Preying on Hope 

    By Greg Collier

    Scammers love one thing more than anything else: hope.

    And right now, there’s plenty of it to exploit.

    Millions of people are searching for better pay, flexible work, or a way out of a bad situation. That makes job seekers a perennial target, and once again, scammers are sliding straight into people’s phones with fake job offer text messages.

    If you’ve recently received a random text claiming to offer a cushy job from a major company you never applied to, you’re not lucky.

    You’re being sized up.

    The Hook: A Text Message Out of Nowhere

    According to warnings from the Federal Trade Commission, text-based job scams are surging. The latest version is deceptively simple:

    You get a text.
    Out of the blue.
    No application.
    No interview.
    No context.

    The message claims to be from:

    • A recruiter connected to a major job platform
    • Or a well-known brand with “dream job” energy

    Names like Netflix, Apple, or Spotify are common bait.

    The pitch sounds outstanding.

    • Remote work
    • Minimal effort
    • Extremely high pay
    • Flexible hours

    And somehow… they “found your number.”

    How the Scam Works

    Here’s the typical playbook, step by step:

    1. Unsolicited text arrives
      No prior contact. No résumé submission. No memory of applying.
    2. The job sounds absurdly easy
      Reviewing products for an hour a day.
      Listening to music for money.
      Testing apps from your couch. One documented scam was offering up to $400 a day for “remote product testing.”
      Another scam promised pay just for listening to Spotify tracks. None of it is real.
    3. You’re instantly “hired”
      Everyone gets the job. No interview required.
    4. They ask for sensitive information
      Bank details.
      Social Security number.
      Copies of IDs. Occasionally they even promise an advance paycheck, which conveniently requires your banking info first.
    5. The real theft begins
      Identity theft.
      Account takeovers.
      Drained bank balances. Or malware quietly installed on your device.

    What They’re Really After

    These scams aren’t about employment.

    They’re phishing operations.

    Once you engage, scammers push you into:

    • A fake application portal
    • A professional-looking email
    • Or an external messaging app like WhatsApp or iMessage

    That’s where they harvest the data they need to impersonate you, access your finances, or sell your information onward.

    Red Flags

    Some warning signs are old-school but still effective:

    • Typos or awkward wording
    • “Act now!” pressure
    • Links that almost match real companies (think Inedeed instead of Indeed)

    But job-text scams have some specific tells you should watch for:

    • You never applied for the job
    • The pay is wildly high for minimal work
    • The description is vague or suspiciously simple
    • You’re added to a group text where others hype the job
    • You’re told to continue the conversation on WhatsApp
    • The number has a foreign country code (+91, +63, etc.)
    • The recruiter uses a Gmail or Yahoo address
    • Googling the recruiter turns up nothing or scam warnings
    • You’re asked for personal info before any interview
    • You’re hired immediately with zero screening

    Legitimate employers don’t operate like this.

    Scammers do.

    “But Don’t Employers Text Now?”

    This is where confusion works in scammers’ favor.

    Yes, employers can text you.

    But there’s a huge difference between:

    • An employer you applied to
    • And a random recruiter texting you out of thin air

    Real companies:

    • Don’t hire via cold text
    • Don’t skip interviews
    • Don’t ask for banking info upfront

    If you didn’t initiate contact, skepticism is your best defense.

    If You’ve Been Targeted

    Simple rules:

    • Do not reply
    • Do not click links
    • Do not provide information

    Instead:

    • Block the number
    • Mark it as spam
    • Forward the message to 7726 (SPAM)
    • Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov

    Every report helps improve spam detection for the next potential victim.

    Final Thoughts

    Job scams don’t disappear when the economy improves.

    They adapt.

    As long as people are looking for work, or even just better work, scammers will keep dangling fake opportunities designed to exploit optimism, stress, and urgency.

    If a job offer arrives by text, without an application, interview, or context, it isn’t a blessing.

    It’s bait.

    And the safest response is no response at all.

    Further Reading

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 26, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , ,   

    Scammers Are Mailing Fake Inheritances 

    Scammers Are Mailing Fake Inheritances

    By Greg Collier

    As families gathered during the holiday season, scammers were taking advantage of the distractions and emotions that come with it. A new warning out of Iowa highlights how fraudsters are once again reviving a familiar scheme: the “long-lost relative” inheritance scam.

    According to a recent alert, Iowa residents have been receiving letters claiming they are entitled to a large inheritance from a relative they never knew existed. The pitch sounds formal, official, and even comforting until victims realize it’s designed to drain their personal information and money.

    What’s Going On

    The Iowa Insurance Division (IID) says these scams often begin with a letter or email stating that the recipient is the only surviving heir of a deceased relative. The message typically directs the recipient to contact a law firm, often supposedly based in another country, such as Canada, to begin the inheritance process.

    Once contact is made, scammers gradually extract sensitive personal details, including banking information and Social Security numbers. Eventually, victims are asked to send money to cover “taxes,” “legal fees,” or other costs required to release the inheritance.

    Of course, there is no actual inheritance.

    How the Scam Works

    This scheme relies on a mix of curiosity, trust in legal-sounding language, and the hope of unexpected financial relief, something scammers know is especially tempting during the holiday season.

    The process usually follows a predictable pattern:

    • An unsolicited letter or email claims a distant relative left behind a large sum of money
    • The recipient is told they must act quickly to claim it
    • Personal information is requested “to verify identity”
    • Fees or taxes are demanded before the funds can be released

    Once money or personal data is sent, it’s typically impossible to recover.

    Red Flags

    The IID has outlined several warnings that should immediately raise concern:

    • Messages from unknown senders, often based in another country
    • Claims of large inheritances from relatives you’ve never heard of
    • Requests for sensitive personal information, including bank details or Social Security numbers
    • Demands for upfront payments to cover taxes, fees, or legal costs

    It’s worth remembering that legitimate law firms do not request fees upfront or solicit sensitive personal information through unsolicited letters or emails.

    How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

    If you receive a message like this, do not respond. Do not provide any personal information, and do not send money no matter how official the letter appears.

    The IID strongly encourages people to talk with family members about inheritance scams, especially older relatives who may be more likely to receive physical letters and take them at face value.

    Final Thoughts

    Scammers thrive on timing, and the holiday season gives them plenty of opportunities. If an inheritance offer appears out of nowhere, promises large sums of money, and asks for personal details or upfront fees, it’s almost certainly a scam.

    When it comes to unexpected windfalls, skepticism is your best protection.

    Further Reading

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 24, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , patient brokering,   

    Why “Free” Rehab Should Raise Red Flags 

    By Greg Collier

    Even if you have never been to Philadelphia, you may have heard of Kensington, a neighborhood that has become nationally known for its visible and deeply entrenched drug crisis. Images and reports from the area have circulated widely in recent years, often used to illustrate the severity of the opioid epidemic in the United States.

    According to a recent investigation by the Philadelphia Inquirer, Kensington has also become a target for a troubling scheme tied to the addiction treatment industry. Recruiters have allegedly approached people struggling with substance abuse and offered what sounded like a lifeline: free travel, free housing, and free treatment at out-of-state rehabilitation facilities. The offers are framed as an opportunity for a fresh start, far from the environment where addiction took hold.

    However, the investigation found that these promises often did not match reality. Individuals were reportedly flown across the country, enrolled in private health insurance plans they did not fully understand, and placed into treatment settings that failed to deliver the level of medical care they expected. Critics described the practice as a form of patient brokering, in which people seeking help are treated as financial assets rather than patients in need of care.

    As disturbing as this situation is, it is not unique to Philadelphia. Similar allegations involving addiction treatment recruitment, insurance manipulation, and misleading promises have been reported in multiple states. Federal prosecutions and state investigations have shown that these practices can surface anywhere vulnerable people intersect with loosely regulated parts of the healthcare system.

    Substance abuse is among the most devastating challenges a person or family can face. It affects physical health, mental health, finances, and relationships, often all at once. Families watching a loved one struggle are frequently desperate for solutions, and people experiencing addiction themselves may be willing to accept almost any offer that sounds like help. No one in that position deserves to be exploited or misled.

    Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones

    While not every treatment referral is a scam, there are steps people can take to reduce the risk of being taken advantage of:

    Be cautious of “too good to be true” offers
    Promises of free luxury treatment, immediate placement, airfare, and housing with no clear explanation of funding should raise concerns.

    Ask who is paying and how
    Legitimate treatment providers should be transparent about costs, insurance coverage, and who is responsible for premiums and medical bills.

    Verify facilities independently
    Before agreeing to treatment, try to confirm a facility’s licensing status, medical staffing, and complaint history through state health departments or trusted healthcare professionals.

    Avoid pressure tactics
    Urgent deadlines, repeated calls, or discouragement from asking questions are common red flags in healthcare-related scams.

    Seek local, trusted guidance
    Local hospitals, nonprofit treatment referral services, or established recovery organizations can often provide safer, more reliable pathways to care.

    Involve a trusted third party
    When possible, have a family member, social worker, or healthcare advocate review paperwork and insurance enrollment before anything is signed.

    Final Thoughts

    The addiction crisis has created enormous demand for treatment, and where there is demand, there is potential for abuse. Investigations like this one highlight the need for stronger oversight, better enforcement, and greater public awareness. Most importantly, they serve as a reminder that people seeking recovery are patients first and not opportunities to be exploited.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 23, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , ,   

    AI-Generated “IRS” Phone Calls Are Back and Smarter Than Ever 

    By Greg Collier

    Scammers are once again exploiting fear around taxes, but this time they’re using artificial intelligence to sound more convincing than ever.

    A recent consumer report describes a new wave of AI-generated phone calls impersonating tax officials, designed to scare people into handing over sensitive personal information.

    This is not a robocall problem. It’s a credibility problem.

    What’s Going On

    One example of the scam involves a voicemail that begins:

    “Hello, this is George from the tax resolution unit…”

    The caller claims the recipient’s tax file has been flagged due to either an unpaid balance or missing returns following the 2025 extension deadline, then urges the recipient to press one to speak with a “tax officer.”

    Nothing about this call is legitimate.

    Scam Breakdown

    This scam relies on three core tactics:

    Authority by implication
    The caller strongly implies a connection to the Internal Revenue Service without ever explicitly stating it. This is deliberate. It creates fear while avoiding clear claims that could be easily disproven.

    Fear and urgency
    Phrases like “flagged file,” “missing returns,” and “deadline” are carefully chosen to provoke panic and push recipients into acting before thinking.

    AI voice generation
    The call is likely created or enhanced using AI, allowing scammers to produce natural-sounding voices at scale and deploy the same message nationwide with minimal effort.

    This identical message has been reported by consumers across the country to the Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker.

    Red Flags

    Several warning signs stand out immediately:

    • The caller never addresses the recipient by name
    • A nonexistent “tax resolution unit” is referenced
    • The caller never explicitly claims to be from the IRS
    • Immediate action is demanded through keypad prompts
    • Consequences or refunds are implied without documentation

    Most importantly:

    The IRS does not contact individuals by phone about missing returns, balances, or refunds. Initial contact is always made by official mail.

    Why This Scam Works

    AI has lowered the barrier for impersonation.

    Scammers no longer need obvious robocalls or poorly written scripts. AI-generated voices can sound calm, professional, and authoritative—exactly what people expect from a government agency.

    Once someone responds, the goal is simple: obtain Social Security numbers, banking details, or direct payments under the threat of legal action or the promise of a refund that does not exist.

    What to Do If You Receive This Call

    • Do not press any buttons
    • Hang up immediately
    • Do not return the call
    • Report the incident to consumer protection agencies and the IRS impersonation reporting page

    If you are genuinely concerned about your tax status, check your account directly through official IRS channels or consult a licensed tax professional. Never rely on a phone number left in a voicemail.

    Final Thoughts

    AI has not just made scams more efficient; it has made them more believable.

    If a tax-related call:

    • Comes out of the blue
    • Creates urgency
    • Demands immediate action

    It is almost certainly a scam.

    The IRS does not operate this way. Scammers do.

    Further Reading

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 22, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , ,   

    This Holiday “Good Cause” Might Be a Credit Card Test Scam 

    By Greg Collier

    With so many purchases flying by during the holiday season, it’s easy to overlook a small charge here or there on your credit card statement, especially if it looks like a donation.

    That’s exactly what scammers are counting on.

    If you spot a charity charge you don’t remember authorizing, it may not be holiday generosity you forgot about. It may be a credit card testing scam, and the small charge is just the beginning.

    What’s Going On

    During December, nearly 30% of all charitable giving takes place. Between gifts, travel, and end-of-year expenses, most people aren’t scrutinizing every $2–$20 charge.

    Scammers know this.

    Instead of immediately draining an account, they often start small, quietly checking whether stolen credit card numbers still work before going bigger.

    How the Scam Works

    Here’s the typical pattern:

    1. Your credit card information is stolen
      • Through a data breach
      • A sketchy online purchase
      • A phishing scam
      • Or malware on a device
    2. Scammers “test” the card
      • They make small donations—often just a few dollars
      • Charity sites are ideal because tiny donations are common and rarely questioned
    3. The charge goes through
      • This confirms the card is active
      • The scammer now knows the number is usable
    4. Larger fraud follows
      • Big purchases
      • Cash advances
      • Or repeated unauthorized charges

    By the time you notice, hundreds—or thousands—of dollars may already be gone.

    Real-World Examples

    One report described a person approached by two men claiming to raise money for a child needing medical care. The donor was told they’d be charged $20.

    The actual charge? $2,400.

    Another victim reported that after shopping on a questionable discount site, their debit card was hit with a string of fraudulent charges:

    • $2
    • $12
    • $29
    • $67—listed as a “charity” charge

    Those early charges were the warning signs. The final one confirmed the card was still valid.

    Why This Scam Is Easy to Miss

    • Charges are small
    • The description looks legitimate
    • It happens during the busiest spending month of the year
    • People assume it’s a donation they forgot making

    By the time the fraud is obvious, the damage is already done.

    Red Flags

    • Charity charges you don’t recognize
    • Multiple small charges in a short period
    • Donations made after shopping on unfamiliar websites
    • Requests for payment via:
      • Gift cards
      • Wire transfers
      • Peer-to-peer apps
    • Pressure to “donate now” without verification

    If something feels off, it probably is.

    How to Protect Yourself

    Check your statements regularly
    Don’t wait until the end of the month. Scan your charges frequently, especially in December.

    Report suspicious charges immediately
    Contact your card issuer’s fraud department right away. Waiting only helps the scammer.

    Replace compromised cards
    Once fraud is suspected:

    • Cancel the card
    • Get a new number
    • Change your PIN

    Be cautious online

    • Avoid suspicious discount sites
    • Don’t click donation links from unsolicited messages
    • Keep devices updated with anti-malware software
    • Look for secure sites (https and lock icon—but remember, those alone aren’t guarantees)

    Use credit cards, not debit cards
    Credit cards generally offer stronger fraud protections and faster recovery for unauthorized charges.

    Final Thoughts

    That “tiny donation” you don’t remember making may not be kindness—it may be a test run.

    Scammers rely on distraction, goodwill, and holiday chaos to slip under the radar. A few dollars today can turn into a financial headache tomorrow.

    This season, generosity is good—but vigilance is better.

    Further Reading

     

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