Greg's Corner

Updates from Geebo Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

• 

  Geebo 8:00 am on April 17, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: government scams ( 8 ), impersonation scam ( 167 ), Scams ( 1,467 ), tariffs   

  Tariff Confusion Opens the Door to Scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A new scam is capitalizing on growing confusion around tariffs, and it was only a matter of time. With talk of new trade measures circulating again under The White House’s proposed economic policies, fraudsters have found a fresh angle. The latest scheme pretends to be official communication from federal agencies and demands that consumers pay money for tariffs. These messages often arrive by email or text, look convincingly official, and direct people to fraudulent websites designed to look like government portals.

  The problem is compounded by the fact that many people are not entirely sure what tariffs are, or how they actually work. Tariffs are taxes placed on imported goods. They are paid by the companies importing the products, not by the consumer directly. However, if the added cost cuts into a company’s profit margin, the company might pass that cost along by raising the price of the product. In that case, the consumer feels the effect of the tariff through higher prices at the store, not through a separate payment to the government.

  That key distinction is precisely what scammers are exploiting. By claiming consumers must pay tariffs directly, they use the complexity of the issue to create a false sense of urgency and confusion. The messages often include links to websites that mimic real government domains, sometimes even using visual tricks to make the addresses appear legitimate at a glance. But real U.S. government websites always end in “.gov” and they do not initiate unsolicited payment requests.

  Increased media coverage of possible tariff hikes creates fertile ground for misinformation. These scams thrive when the public is unclear about how policies work or whether something like a direct tariff bill might be plausible. That fog of uncertainty is undoubtedly where cybercriminals like to operate.

  Anyone receiving unexpected requests for money linked to tariffs should treat them with skepticism. Government agencies do not communicate in that way, and no tariff policy, proposed or enacted, requires private citizens to pay directly in response to a text or email. The only real impact consumers might feel comes later, when goods become more expensive due to changes in trade policy. However, that happens at the register, not through surprise digital invoices.

  As tariff discussions continue, these kinds of scams are likely to persist. Understanding how tariffs work is the first step in avoiding exploitation. And for now, the only tariff threat the average person needs to worry about is the fake one sitting in their inbox.

   

  Leave a ReplyCancel reply
• 

  Geebo 8:00 am on April 16, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: income tax ( 17 ), IRS ( 28 ), scam victims ( 5 ), Scams ( 1,467 )   

  IRS Offers New Hope for Scam Victims 

  

  By Greg Collier

  For victims of online financial scams, the damage often goes beyond the initial loss. In many cases, money stolen from taxable retirement accounts can result in unexpected tax bills, adding insult to injury. But recent guidance from the Internal Revenue Service is bringing much-needed clarity and opening new doors for some to reclaim a sense of financial control.

  A memorandum released by the IRS Office of Chief Counsel outlines specific situations where fraud victims may now be eligible for tax relief. This includes individuals who were misled by impersonators posing as bank employees or cybersecurity experts, urging them to move their money for safekeeping. The IRS recognizes that these victims acted with the intent to preserve or grow their funds, a key factor that qualifies them for theft loss deductions.

  The same applies to those who fell prey to deceptive investment schemes, such as fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms. Victims who believed they were engaging in legitimate opportunities to build wealth and made transactions with profit in mind can now find a clearer path to tax relief. The IRS guidance provides practical examples, helping taxpayers understand how their losses may qualify.

  This new direction is a significant step forward. While the law still limits deductions to specific categories, including profit-seeking transactions and federally declared disasters, the IRS’s updated interpretation acknowledges the complexity of modern scams. It marks a shift toward recognizing the good faith efforts of taxpayers who believed they were making financially responsible decisions.

  The guidance does not yet extend to all types of fraud. Situations where money was lost in more personal scenarios, such as romance scams or emotionally driven emergencies, are still excluded. However, the momentum is building for more comprehensive reform. Lawmakers have proposed legislation that would broaden and restore tax deductions for a wider range of scam victims, and some states are already exploring their own solutions to ensure fairness.

  In the meantime, victims can take proactive steps. Documenting communications, filing reports with local law enforcement and federal agencies, and preserving digital evidence all help support claims under the updated guidance. These actions can strengthen the case for those seeking deductions and may offer peace of mind in an otherwise turbulent time.

  Although the 2017 tax overhaul reshaped how deductions are handled, the current IRS memo signals a more compassionate and pragmatic approach to an increasingly common problem. It offers reassurance that, under the right circumstances, victims are not left alone to shoulder the burden of fraud.

  For many, this guidance offers more than just potential savings. It also represents recognition and a measure of justice in a system that has often struggled to keep up with the pace and sophistication of modern financial crime. With continued advocacy and growing awareness, there is reason to hope that the safety net will continue to widen.

   
• 

  Geebo 8:00 am on April 15, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: EBT Cards ( 4 ), Scams ( 1,467 ), skimmers ( 4 ), SNAP ( 3 )   

  EBT Theft Victims Left Behind 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In Lynchburg and across Virginia, a growing number of residents who rely on Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to purchase food are reporting unexpected losses from their accounts. These incidents, attributed to an ongoing scam, are creating serious hardships for families who depend on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

  Each month, local officials report that tens of thousands of dollars are disappearing from EBT accounts. Although the exact method behind the scam remains unclear, authorities have confirmed it is not related to traditional card skimming. The result, however, is the same. Funds meant to support essential food purchases are gone without warning, and for many, there is no way to recover them.

  This challenge has become more difficult since a federal policy change took effect in December 2024. Prior to that, victims of EBT theft were often reimbursed for stolen benefits. Now, that reimbursement is no longer available. Families who experience unauthorized transactions on their accounts must absorb the loss entirely, without any replacement funds from the government.

  Officials at the local and state levels acknowledge the seriousness of the issue. Some have pointed to the possibility of legislative solutions which could address benefit security more directly. However, for the time being, there is no clear timeline for changes or restoration of reimbursements.

  In the meantime, those affected are being encouraged to take precautionary measures, such as using the Connect EBT app to lock their cards when not in use, regularly updating their PINs, and avoiding online transactions. While these steps may reduce the risk of theft, they do not address the losses already sustained by victims.

  The situation highlights an ongoing vulnerability in the distribution of public assistance and underscores the challenges families face when unexpected disruptions occur. As the scope of the scam becomes clearer, so too does the need for a coordinated response that can restore both security and trust in the system.

   
• 

  Geebo 8:00 am on April 14, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: brushing scam ( 25 ), credit card fraud ( 4 ), identity theft ( 112 ), Scams ( 1,467 ), Soup Can   

  What is the Soup Can Scam? 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The original brushing scam is deceptively simple. Third-party sellers, often operating through online marketplaces, send inexpensive items to people who never ordered them. The goal is not theft but visibility. Once the item arrives, the seller creates a fake customer profile using the recipient’s address, then posts a glowing review to artificially boost their product’s ranking. This tactic helps manipulate online algorithms, giving disreputable sellers a competitive edge by appearing more legitimate through fake feedback.

  However, scammers have evolved.

  A new variation on this scheme has surfaced, one that is less about product reviews and more about financial reconnaissance. In this version, the package is not meant to flatter a storefront’s reputation, but to quietly confirm whether a stolen credit card works. A small, low-cost item like a can of soup is purchased and sent to a real address, often with a different name on the label. If the transaction goes through and the package is delivered without raising suspicion, the scammer then feels emboldened to make larger purchases using the same card. The item is a test. The address is a probe. And the real target is someone whose financial information may already be compromised.

  For the recipient, it can be an unsettling experience. The presence of a package that was never ordered, addressed to a stranger but bearing one’s own address, triggers questions. Is it a simple mistake or something more sinister?

  Legally, the item becomes yours if it arrives at your doorstep unsolicited. You are not required to return it. Still, some recipients may prefer to notify the carrier or mark it for return, especially if the situation seems suspicious or if they suspect identity theft. The key is vigilance. A seemingly harmless delivery could be the beginning of a broader fraud attempt.

  Reports of these unexpected deliveries are increasing. While the sight of a random item like canned soup might seem absurd, it may be the precursor to more serious abuse of stolen data. Knowing the difference between a clerical error and a calculated move by a scammer is essential in an age where fraud is often disguised in the most mundane ways.

   
• 

  Geebo 8:00 am on April 11, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: affiliate marketing ( 3 ), job scam ( 83 ), MLM ( 3 ), remote workers ( 4 ), Scams ( 1,467 ), work from home ( 12 )   

  Remote Job Scams Are the New MLMs 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The surge in work-from-home interest that began during the pandemic has opened the door not just to flexibility and productivity but also to a new wave of deception. As more people search for legitimate ways to earn income from home, scammers have fine-tuned their tactics to prey on those hopes, often dangling absurdly easy job offers that seem too good to be true.

  They usually are.

  One of the more common scams now comes in the form of unsolicited messages claiming that someone’s resume was “recommended” for a position at a remote work company. These offers tend to arrive out of the blue and immediately promise a job without any kind of interview process or background check. What follows is a pitch so unrealistic it should immediately raise alarm bells. Massive monthly paychecks for minimal work, often no more than an hour a day.

  The financial math these scams propose would rival some executive salaries. Offers often boast income figures like $9,000 a month for doing almost nothing. When compared to the average remote worker salary in states like Pennsylvania, which hovers around $58,000 annually, the gap between reality and fantasy becomes impossible to ignore.

  In recent months, many of these scams have evolved into elaborate affiliate marketing schemes. Instead of paying you, they push you to invest in a toolkit or course under the guise of setting you up for success. What you are really doing is handing over money to sell someone else’s course on how to sell courses about selling courses. It is a circular hustle that bears more than a passing resemblance to classic pyramid schemes and multi-level marketing operations.

  The underlying structure is familiar. Make a small investment, promise a high return, and profit only if you can convince others to do the same. But in this case, the product is often nothing more than a vague system for online success, filled with upsells and fine print. The only people making consistent money are the ones at the top of the funnel, not the ones lured in by grand promises and minimal effort.

  Scams like these rely on one simple fact, people want to believe that easy money exists. That they can bypass the traditional job grind and find something that pays well with little commitment. But what these fraudsters offer is not opportunity. It is a trap, one that takes advantage of economic anxiety and the legitimate desire for flexibility.

  In a world where remote work is not going away, the need to scrutinize job offers has never been more important. Real opportunities come with real expectations. If someone tells you that you can earn a six-figure salary for barely lifting a finger, they are not offering employment. They are offering false hope with a price tag.

   
• 

  Geebo 8:00 am on April 10, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Scams ( 1,467 ), utility scam ( 33 ), water filtration, water test ( 2 )   

  Water Scam Alerts Sweep the Nation 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Across the United States, a growing wave of scams targeting residential water systems has prompted warnings from officials and consumer protection agencies. These schemes often center on fabricated claims about water quality and typically involve aggressive tactics to gain access to private homes or collect money under false pretenses.

  The backdrop to these incidents is a larger trend of fraudulent activity involving utility services. The Federal Trade Commission and other consumer protection bodies have repeatedly cautioned the public to remain alert to deceptive tactics involving essential services such as electricity, gas, and water. In recent months, specific attention has shifted to those scams exploiting concerns about water safety.

  These scams take various forms. In some areas, individuals have left door hangers at homes claiming that local water is contaminated. The materials often encourage residents to schedule water tests, which are either unnecessary or intended to serve as a pretext for selling expensive filtration systems. In other cases, individuals have shown up unannounced at doorsteps requesting entry to perform tests without providing proper identification or proof of affiliation with a local utility.

  These incidents have occurred in both urban and suburban communities, stretching from the East Coast to the West. In one northeastern city, a local resident reported a visit from two individuals who claimed the neighborhood’s water was unsafe and sought access to the home. In another Southern community, residents have encountered door hangers alleging that water in their area was unfit to drink and offering in-home testing by a private company. The utility overseeing that region’s water system stated clearly that the public water supply met or exceeded all federal safety standards, and no such testing was authorized or necessary.

  Other regions have experienced similar activity. In the Midwest, residents of a working-class suburb near Chicago have been targeted with printed notices directing them to call a number for immediate water testing. Local officials have expressed concern that the community is being manipulated through fear, particularly given the financial vulnerability of many residents. In the West, multiple cities have reported people impersonating water department staff, including those who arrive in unmarked vehicles attempting to appear official. In one case, residents were falsely promised reimbursement for costly filtration units if they agreed to the installation.

  In all instances, authorities urge residents to be cautious and verify any claims directly with their municipal or county utility provider. Official communications from utility departments typically occur through mail or other clearly verifiable channels and never involve unsolicited visits demanding access or immediate payment.

  The FTC and local officials continue to remind the public that legitimate utility agencies do not request upfront payments in cash, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or reloadable cards. These payment methods are common in fraud attempts because they are difficult to trace or recover. Individuals who suspect they have been approached by a scammer are encouraged to report the incident to their utility provider, the FTC through its online portal, or their state attorney general.

  While these scams vary in method, the objective is often the same, to extract money or personal information by exploiting trust and stoking fear. Awareness and skepticism remain the most effective tools for preventing victimization, especially as these fraudulent tactics evolve. Community education and communication with verified utility contacts are essential in maintaining public safety and protecting the integrity of local water systems.

   
• 

  Geebo 8:00 am on April 9, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: impersonation scam ( 167 ), Scams ( 1,467 ), sim swapping ( 10 ), tax return ( 6 ), TurboTax   

  SIM Swap Fraud During Tax Season 

  

  By Greg Collier

  With millions of Americans filing their taxes between January and mid-April, this period becomes fertile ground for digital deception. One particularly insidious tactic gaining traction is SIM swap fraud, a type of identity theft that can occur without a scammer ever touching your phone.

  A recent case in Wisconsin highlights how easily a seemingly routine moment can spiral into a security breach. A consumer had just begun the tax filing process in early February when she received a message claiming to be from a TurboTax. The message included a security code and instructions not to share it with anyone. Although she had not completed her filing with TurboTax, the timing and branding appeared legitimate, prompting her to interact with the message.

  What followed was a total loss of cellular function. Phone calls, text messages, and all forms of communication stopped working. After reaching out to her wireless provider, she learned that her phone number had been transferred to another device entirely. This is the essence of SIM swap fraud, a scam that allows criminals to reroute your phone number to their device without needing physical access to yours.

  This tactic enables scammers to intercept text messages, including those containing security codes used for two-factor authentication. Once they’re in control of your number, they can attempt to access your financial accounts, email, or even social media, often using brute force or previously stolen credentials.

  In this particular case, the victim’s credit union was contacted by someone impersonating her, attempting to guess account passwords. Fortunately, the breach was detected in time and no funds were lost. However, the emotional toll was significant. The sense of violation left the victim unable to feel secure, questioning whether every online interaction was truly safe.

  While this incident happened soon after she began filing taxes through TurboTax, it is important to note that the platform itself was not compromised. The timing was purely coincidental. Scammers often cast a wide net, sending messages disguised as major companies to thousands of random numbers, hoping that even a few people will take the bait.

  Preventing this type of fraud requires preparation. Consumers should ensure that all software on their devices is up-to-date and avoid reusing passwords across accounts. Writing down passwords and storing them in a secure location is preferable to saving them on digital devices, which can be more easily compromised. Contact information for banks or financial institutions should be sourced independently, rather than trusted from unsolicited messages.

  One of the most effective steps consumers can take to prevent SIM swap fraud is to contact their mobile phone provider and request that a personal identification number be added to their account. This PIN acts as an additional layer of security, making it significantly harder for scammers to transfer your phone number without your permission.

  Without the correct PIN, even a scammer who has obtained some of your personal information will be blocked from making changes to your account. Setting up this PIN typically takes just a few minutes but can offer long-term protection against one of the most dangerous forms of digital identity theft.

  When in doubt, it is always safer to pause before acting. Messages that demand immediate action or contain subtle grammatical errors are red flags. Even if a message appears to come from a trusted source, verifying it through official channels can prevent irreversible damage.

  Scammers are persistent and adaptive, but so are the tools and strategies available to stay ahead of them. Awareness, skepticism, and a methodical approach to digital security remain the strongest defense against schemes like SIM swap fraud, especially during high-risk seasons like tax time.

   
• 

  Geebo 8:00 am on April 8, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: identity theft ( 112 ), income tax ( 17 ), Scams ( 1,467 ), tax ( 4 ), tax return ( 6 )   

  Tax Season’s Hidden Dangers 

  

  By Greg Collier

  As the tax season reaches its peak, state revenue departments across the country are issuing urgent warnings about a surge in scams targeting taxpayers. These schemes are increasingly sophisticated, often mimicking official communications in order to exploit individuals during a period of heightened financial activity and anxiety.

  In Georgia, residents have been targeted by an email campaign falsely claiming to originate from the “GA Taxation Office,” a non-existent entity. The email references coronavirus-related relief programs and asks recipients to provide high-resolution images of their driver’s license and Medicare card. The sender’s address resembles a government domain at first glance, but closer inspection reveals it originates from a fraudulent and unofficial source. The Georgia Department of Revenue has emphasized that it does not request sensitive personal information through unsolicited emails or messages.

  Meanwhile, in Utah, taxpayers have reported receiving letters that closely resemble official notices from the state. These fraudulent letters claim the recipient owes unpaid taxes and threaten legal action, property liens, or asset seizure unless immediate payment is made. These tactics are designed to provoke fear and elicit an immediate response, bypassing any verification steps. The Utah State Tax Commission has urged residents to confirm the legitimacy of any questionable tax notices by contacting their offices directly and to avoid engaging with any information listed in the fraudulent documents.

  In Michigan, officials are focused on combating tax-related identity theft, particularly schemes involving the unauthorized filing of tax returns to claim refunds. Cybercriminals are employing deceptive emails and messages that pressure recipients into disclosing personal information under the guise of urgency or legal threat. These scams often succeed when individuals let their guard down, especially when messaging appears to come from a trusted source. The Michigan Department of Treasury is reminding taxpayers to connect only through secure internet networks, avoid clicking suspicious links, and never respond to unsolicited messages requesting personal data.

  Each of these examples underscores the importance of vigilance. Scammers rely on confusion, fear, and the appearance of legitimacy to manipulate individuals into compromising their financial security. Taxpayers should be cautious when receiving unexpected communications about taxes, regardless of the format. Verifying the source through official state websites or direct contact with tax agencies is the most effective way to avoid becoming a victim.

  Tax season will always be a busy time for scammers. Staying informed and exercising caution are essential steps toward protecting your personal information and your refund.

   
• 

  Geebo 8:00 am on April 7, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: blessing scam, prize money, robbery ( 12 ), Scams ( 1,467 )   

  Scammed for Kindness and Cash 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A woman in Pomona, California, was recently tricked out of her life savings in a scam that’s part of a larger pattern known as the ‘blessing scam.’ It all started when she was walking home from the dentist on a Thursday morning and was approached by two women. One asked for help finding an immigration office. The other claimed she had won a large sum of money but needed someone with legal status to help her claim it. In return, she promised a share of the winnings.

  What seemed like a simple favor quickly spiraled into something much more manipulative. The two women convinced her to get into their car. Once inside, the tone changed. They said they had been robbed in the past when trying to claim prize money and now needed someone who could show they had access to sixty thousand dollars, just to feel ‘safe.’ They weren’t asking her to give them all that money, they said, but just enough to show she could be trusted.

  That was enough to convince her. They drove her home, and she walked inside, visibly shaken and emotional, though still smiling. Her daughter was there and noticed immediately that something felt off. Her mother’s eyes were red from crying. Her face was flushed. But she didn’t say anything about what was happening. She simply went into her bedroom, gathered what amounted to her entire life savings, about $29,000 in cash and jewelry, and left the house again.

  Minutes later, she came back briefly to find a utility bill or something that could verify her identity, then disappeared again. Within five minutes, the phone rang. On the other end, her daughter heard panicked screaming. Her mother could barely breathe. She kept repeating that they had taken everything and driven off.

  Now the family is left trying to recover emotionally from the shock. The loss goes beyond money. It is a deep violation of trust. Her daughter has been replaying the moment over and over, feeling that instinct she ignored, wishing she had spoken up or intervened. There was a feeling in her gut that something was wrong, but she pushed it aside. That feeling turned out to be right.

  The incident has been reported to the Pomona Police Department, who are investigating, but the damage has already been done. What the family hopes now is that their story will serve as a warning. These scams depend on kindness and vulnerability. They work because the people behind them know how to push emotional buttons and how to create just enough urgency, fear, and hope to override reason. They count on silence and hesitation. The safest thing to do in those moments is to walk away.

   
• 

  Geebo 8:00 am on April 4, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: cryptocurrency ( 53 ), Human trafficking ( 100 ), pig butchering scam ( 17 ), recovery scam ( 8 ), Scams ( 1,467 )   

  Victim Loses Millions in Crypto Scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A sophisticated cryptocurrency investment scam is rapidly spreading across the United States, with the FBI’s Baltimore field office sounding the alarm. The fraud, often run by organized criminal networks based in Southeast Asia, targets individuals through online messaging platforms, eventually convincing them to hand over large sums of money. For some, the loss is total. For others, it is life-changing.

  Federal agents say the operation unfolds gradually. The perpetrators first build a relationship, often posing as friendly strangers or potential romantic partners, before introducing the idea of cryptocurrency investments. Once a connection is made, the con begins. Victims are often guided to legitimate websites like Coinbase to build confidence before being steered toward fake platforms controlled by the scammers.

  Investigators warn the scheme is particularly cruel. In many cases, the victim is allowed to withdraw a small amount of their funds at first, reinforcing the illusion of profitability. The platforms display false gains, sometimes showing returns of more than fifty or even eighty percent. Encouraged, victims invest more, believing they are building wealth. Then, one day, everything vanishes.

  A Maryland woman came forward to news station, WJZ, to describe how she lost millions. She emphasized that the betrayal of trust was more painful than the financial loss. Her experience began with an unsolicited message on social media. Over time, the scammer gained her confidence and directed her to invest in what appeared to be a legitimate crypto portfolio. Red flags were present, she admitted, but by the time she questioned things, she had already invested so heavily she felt trapped.

  The FBI has linked this method to what is known in criminal circles as “pig butchering.” The term refers to the psychological manipulation of victims, fattening them up with false profits and promises before a total financial betrayal. Most victims are middle-aged or older, but authorities emphasize that no demographic is immune.

  Those who fall prey to the scam are often contacted again by the same fraudsters, who pose as recovery specialists offering to retrieve the stolen cryptocurrency for a fee. This second wave of deception deepens the damage. Victims, desperate and emotionally vulnerable, are manipulated yet again. Federal agents caution that the fake websites used in these schemes are highly convincing, often indistinguishable from real ones.

  Agents working on the case urge potential victims to be skeptical of unsolicited messages, especially those that steer conversations toward investment opportunities. These scammers frequently avoid phone conversations and instead rely on encrypted apps like WhatsApp to conceal their activities.

  Officials say it is vital to report suspicious activity as soon as possible. While recovery of lost funds is rare, fast action gives law enforcement the best chance to track criminal operations and possibly assist in asset recovery.

  Authorities are also investigating reports that many of the scam operators themselves may be victims of human trafficking. Some work under threat in warehouses across Southeast Asia, forced to target Americans as part of large-scale criminal enterprises.

  The FBI’s message is clear. Do not engage with unknown individuals offering investment opportunities. Do not send money to people you have not met in person. If you suspect fraud, report it immediately to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.