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  Geebo 8:01 am on June 17, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: identity theft ( 118 ), passports, Scams ( 1,508 ), travel ( 3 ), travel scam   

  Fake Passport Sites Steal Your Data 

  

  By Greg Collier

  As international travel ramps up during the busy summer, scammers are exploiting time-sensitive travelers through deceptive passport and visa renewal websites. These fraudulent sites mimic the appearance of official U.S. government pages in order to trick users into paying for services and documents that should be free.

  The scams are designed to appear as legitimate resources, often using patriotic color schemes, official-looking language, and imagery that resembles government branding. People rushing to renew their documents may not notice the subtle warning signs, such as disclaimers stating the site is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of State. Many end up paying $88 for forms that are freely available through official government channels.

  These sites also gather a wide range of personal information under the guise of processing travel documents. This may include names, birthdates, addresses, and even Social Security numbers. Often, consumers receive nothing more than a PDF containing the same information they provided, which they still must take to a government office to complete the process. The fee is essentially for repackaging publicly available forms, while also exposing users to the risk of identity theft.

  To avoid falling victim to these scams, travelers should take a few precautionary steps. Always check that the website address ends in “.gov” before entering personal information or making a payment. Government websites in the United States exclusively use the “.gov” domain. Taking time to visit the U.S. Department of State’s official site can help prevent costly mistakes and provide accurate information about current passport processing times. Researching a website through the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker can also help determine if others have reported fraudulent activity.

  As tempting as it may be to cut corners when time is limited, rushing through online forms can result in wasted money and serious privacy risks. Scammers know that urgency creates opportunity. Travelers who take a few extra moments to verify where they are submitting their information can avoid becoming the next target.

   

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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 16, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: funeral home scam ( 8 ), impersonation scam ( 173 ), Scams ( 1,508 )   

  Scammers Target Families in Mourning 

  

  A deeply troubling scam has emerged in Georgetown County, South Carolina, where criminals are preying on grieving families by impersonating funeral home staff. This fraudulent scheme involves callers contacting individuals who have recently lost a loved one, demanding immediate payment for fabricated funeral expenses. Law enforcement officials are now warning the public about the scam’s growing presence.

  The scheme is designed to exploit people in a moment of emotional vulnerability. Scammers are reportedly calling family members of the deceased, claiming to be from local funeral homes, and insisting that a payment is overdue. The calls often come shortly after a death has occurred, when families are still in shock and final arrangements are fresh in their minds. The scammers typically urge the victim to pay over the phone using a credit or debit card, often with aggressive or time-sensitive language.

  Authorities have confirmed that several families in the area have already fallen victim to the ruse. In some cases, victims had already paid for funeral services in full, but the emotional toll of grief and confusion left them susceptible to the convincing and urgent-sounding phone calls. Legitimate funeral homes in the area are reporting that they have never seen anything like this before and are now working with law enforcement to alert the public.

  To avoid falling victim to this type of scam, it is important to remain cautious when receiving unexpected calls involving money, especially during times of personal loss. Funeral homes do not typically demand payment over the phone without prior documentation or a formal billing process. If a call feels suspicious, individuals are advised to hang up and contact the funeral home directly using a verified number. Any payment concerns should be addressed in person or through official, traceable communication channels.

  Criminals will exploit any opportunity, even the death of a loved one. Families are urged to remain cautious and report any suspicious activity to their local authorities. Taking a moment to verify a claim could be the difference between protecting one’s financial security and falling victim to a cruel and calculated deception.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 13, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: arrest scam ( 4 ), Customs and Border Protection ( 2 ), police impersonation scam ( 82 ), Scams ( 1,508 )   

  Fake Border Agent Scam Hits Midwest 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A telephone scam that first gained traction in Texas has now reached the Kansas City metro area, with multiple reports surfacing in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. Authorities are warning that this scam is not confined to one region and could target individuals anywhere in the country. Local law enforcement is urging residents to remain cautious after receiving calls from individuals falsely claiming to be agents with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

  The fraudulent callers typically allege that a car has been rented in the victim’s name and was discovered near the Southern border with drugs inside. The scenario is intended to alarm the recipient and prompt a panicked response, often leading to further demands for personal information or money. In some cases, the scammer escalates the deception by claiming that an arrest warrant has been issued or that federal agents are en route.

  Officials emphasize that U.S. Customs and Border Protection does not contact individuals by phone to accuse them of crimes or request personal data. Any legitimate investigations involving the agency would be conducted through formal procedures and never involve threats or immediate financial demands. Victims are sometimes instructed to pay using wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards, all of which are red flags for fraud.

  These scams can appear convincing, particularly because callers may use spoofed numbers to mimic government lines. Caller ID is not trustworthy in these situations, and community members are advised to exercise caution, regardless of how credible the call may seem.

  Residents who receive such calls should not engage with the scammer and should never provide personal or financial information. Instead, they are encouraged to independently look up the official contact number for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and call directly to verify any suspicious claims. Using a callback feature or redialing the original number could lead to further contact with the perpetrator.

  The Excelsior Springs Police Department continues to monitor these reports and stresses that public awareness is the best defense against such schemes. Anyone who believes they may have been targeted is encouraged to report the incident to local authorities. Staying informed and skeptical of unsolicited claims can help prevent falling victim to this increasingly widespread scam.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 12, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Apple ( 34 ), customer service ( 53 ), gift cards ( 106 ), romance scam ( 76 ), Scams ( 1,508 )   

  Apple Scam Turned Romance Scam, Costs Victim $1M 

  

  A troubling scam that started with a simple internet search has become a cautionary tale about how fraud can evolve from impersonation to manipulation and, ultimately, devastating financial loss. The incident began when a man attempted to send money through Apple Pay but encountered an issue. Hoping to resolve the problem, he searched online for a customer service number. Unfortunately, the number he found was fraudulent.

  He was connected to someone posing as an Apple representative. The scammer, identifying herself as a support agent, claimed that his account had been compromised and that immediate action was necessary to protect his finances. What followed was a calculated effort to gain his trust and strip him of his life savings.

  The scam began with requests for gift cards, a well-known tactic used by criminals to extract untraceable funds. The scammer offered scripted responses in case store employees became suspicious. This was followed by months of daily interaction, during which the fraudster created a false sense of companionship and intimacy, turning the financial scheme into a romance scam.

  As trust deepened, the scammer asked the man to retrieve his physical assets from a precious metals depository. He complied, believing he was safeguarding his wealth, only to turn it over to individuals sent to his home. These individuals, known as “money mules,” transport or launder money for criminal networks. Some do so knowingly, while others are themselves manipulated into participating.

  The scammer eventually vanished once the man’s resources were depleted, leaving him with over $1 million in losses.

  The emotional and financial toll is significant, especially for someone who had spent decades building a stable life. Although no arrests have been made, the incident serves as a serious reminder of how quickly trust can be weaponized when criminals take advantage of technology, loneliness, and confusion.

  This case highlights the critical need for caution when seeking customer support online. Fake support numbers often top search results due to paid advertisements or fraudulent search engine optimization tactics. It is essential to visit official websites directly when looking for contact information. Anyone who receives unexpected instructions involving gift cards or in-person exchanges should treat such communications as highly suspicious.

  The best protection remains suspicion. Never transfer money or valuables to a stranger under pressure. Always verify identities independently, especially when financial accounts are involved. While law enforcement continues to investigate, the loss already suffered cannot be undone. But if one person learns from this incident and avoids a similar fate, the story may serve a greater purpose.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 11, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: AI ( 22 ), community colleges, identity theft ( 118 ), Scams ( 1,508 ), student loans ( 17 )   

  AI Scammers Exploit Student Loans 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A troubling new report from the Associated Press has shed light on a growing form of fraud that exposes how vulnerable and broken the U.S. student loan system truly is. In what has become an increasingly common scheme, criminals are using stolen identities and artificial intelligence to enroll in community college courses, trigger federal student aid disbursements, and disappear with the money. Real people are left with debt, damaged credit, and a grueling bureaucratic fight to clear their names.

  The scams often begin with unsuspecting victims learning they are “enrolled” at colleges they’ve never heard of, with student aid already distributed in their name. Some only discover the fraud after police or school officials question suspicious applications. Others only find out when checking their credit reports or receiving overdue payment notices. Victims have included people who never attended college at all.

  Criminals are exploiting weaknesses in the verification process, especially at community colleges, where tuition is lower and more of the financial aid is returned directly to the “student.” Scammers target asynchronous online classes, where AI-generated bots can enroll, submit generic homework assignments, and claim aid with minimal human oversight. Some colleges have reported entire classes populated by bots. Real students then struggle to register for needed courses, which fill up quickly because of fake enrollments.

  The problem is not limited to one region. In California alone, over a million fraudulent applications were filed in 2024, leading to hundreds of thousands of suspected fake enrollments. The state’s community college system, with its extensive online offerings and large number of campuses, has become a prime target. At least $11.1 million in aid was stolen from California schools in just one year, with no realistic chance of recovery.

  The federal government has acknowledged the scale of the problem. A new temporary rule requires first-time student aid applicants to provide government-issued identification, impacting roughly 125,000 students during the summer term. More permanent and advanced verification systems are said to be in development for future terms. But some worry these steps are too late, and possibly too little.

  Meanwhile, the system intended to help people access education continues to be manipulated. Criminal networks have used names of prison inmates and dead individuals, sometimes coordinating scams across multiple states. Convictions in Texas and New York have revealed fraud rings pursuing millions of dollars. Victims must navigate a slow and confusing process involving schools, loan servicers, and federal agencies, often without clear answers.

  Adding to the concern, the federal office charged with investigating aid fraud has been weakened. Hundreds of staffers were recently laid off or retired from the Federal Student Aid office and the Inspector General’s division. As federal oversight thins, fraudsters may find it even easier to exploit the system.

  The human cost goes beyond financial loss. Some victims, after years of effort, have only just had their fraudulent loans removed. Others are still trapped in the appeals process or seeing their credit scores drop. Some simply wanted to return to school to better their lives, only to find themselves blocked by full classrooms occupied by bots.

  The emergence of artificial intelligence and the increase in online education have opened new doors for opportunity, but also for abuse. What this crisis reveals is not just a failure of cybersecurity or oversight, but a fundamental question about the system itself. If fake students can apply, enroll, and receive aid undetected, how secure or fair is the student loan infrastructure? And if identity theft can leave people burdened with years of debt for schools they never attended, who is the system really serving?

  These scams are not just exploiting financial aid. They are exposing just how fragile the scaffolding of higher education financing has become.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 10, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: advance fee scam ( 50 ), grants ( 16 ), impersonation scam ( 173 ), Scams ( 1,508 )   

  Scam Exploits Grant Program Promises 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A scam reported in Greenville, South Carolina, is drawing attention for its use of fake Community Development Block Grant offers to steal money from unsuspecting victims. The scam appears to rely on impersonation through social media and persuasive tactics that exploit the trust people place in government programs and familiar online contacts.

  The fraud begins when a scammer contacts a potential victim on a platform like Instagram while pretending to be an old friend or acquaintance. The impersonator shares what appears to be good news about a government grant program offering large amounts of money to individuals over the age of 50. They claim the funds do not need to be repaid and suggest reaching out to a so-called grant agent. Once contact is made, the victim is told they qualify for an unusually high payout but must first pay a fee for validation or delivery, typically using Apple gift cards.

  After initial compliance, the scammers escalate the deception by introducing further obstacles, such as fake delivery arrangements and fabricated tax debts. Each new demand involves more money and continues until the victim becomes suspicious or runs out of resources. In this case, the scam led to a financial loss of $1,200 before the victim realized the truth and reported it to law enforcement.

  Officials from the South Carolina Department of Commerce, which oversees legitimate Community Development Block Grant funding in the state, have made clear that no individual is required to pay money upfront to receive such assistance. Legitimate grant programs do not involve personal agents, third-party couriers, or gift card transactions.

  Though this scam was reported in South Carolina, the tactics used are not limited by geography. Similar schemes have surfaced in other states, often adapting to target local programs and demographics. Social media continues to be a key tool for these scams, as impersonation of friends and family members makes it easier to build trust quickly.

  To avoid falling for such scams, it is important to verify any claims of government assistance directly through official websites or agencies. If contacted by someone promising large sums of money in exchange for fees or gift cards, stop and investigate before responding. Confirm identities independently and never rely solely on social media messages for verification. Reporting suspicious activity to local authorities and consumer protection agencies can help prevent others from falling victim to the same scheme.

  As these scams evolve and become more sophisticated, public awareness and skepticism remain the strongest defenses against financial exploitation.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 9, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: AI ( 22 ), charity ( 18 ), charity scam ( 38 ), Scams ( 1,508 ), TikTok ( 11 )   

  TikTok Cat Shelter Scam Exposed 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A deceptive new charity scam has emerged on TikTok, once again proving how scammers adapt old tactics to modern platforms. The Better Business Bureau is warning users to be cautious, especially when appeals appear heartwarming and urgent.

  A recent report to the BBB involved a TikTok account using stolen or AI-generated videos of an elderly couple selling novelty items like cat toys or slippers. These products were marketed as part of a fundraiser to help save a struggling cat shelter. A link in the video directed viewers to a website offering the items for purchase. Unfortunately, buyers reported that nothing ever arrived. More troubling, their credit card and personal information were likely compromised.

  This kind of scheme relies heavily on emotional triggers. The scammers design content to make the viewer feel sympathy or guilt. By showing cute animals, pairing videos with sentimental music, and begging viewers not to scroll past, they hope to elicit a fast emotional reaction that leads to an impulsive purchase.

  The BBB recommends skepticism toward online charities that do not clearly explain how donations are used. They also advise checking organizations through resources like Give.org and Charity Navigator to verify legitimacy.

  Those who suspect they’ve been scammed should contact their credit card provider to request a chargeback and take extra precautions by enabling multifactor authentication on their digital accounts. This situation is another reminder that emotional manipulation is a powerful tool in the hands of bad actors, and that caution is always necessary before clicking on links or making online purchases.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 6, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: gift cards ( 106 ), Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( 2 ), international students ( 4 ), police impersonation scam ( 82 ), Scams ( 1,508 )   

  ICE Scam Drains Students of Thousands 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A recent case out of Indiana highlights the growing threat of scammers impersonating federal immigration agents, specifically targeting vulnerable international students with alarming levels of detail and psychological pressure. The incident has once again raised concerns about how fraudsters exploit fear, confusion about U.S. immigration procedures, and trust in authority to steal thousands of dollars from unsuspecting victims.

  The scam began with a phone call claiming to be from Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The caller insisted that the student was in violation of immigration laws, citing vague administrative errors that required immediate resolution. The scammer provided a name, badge number, and even directed the student to the official government website to verify a spoofed office phone number, giving the call a thin veneer of credibility.

  As the call progressed, a second individual posed as a local police officer, allegedly confirming that a warrant was in place unless ICE validated the student’s case. The scammers demanded that the student remain on the phone, warning that any attempt to hang up or contact someone else would worsen the situation. Over the course of several hours, the student was emotionally manipulated and coerced into purchasing $5,000 in gift cards, believing they were bond payments to avoid deportation and arrest.

  This type of fraud is not new, but it continues to evolve in sophistication. In this case, the scammers had detailed personal information, including the student’s academic history, immigration status, and point of entry into the country. Such information is often obtained through data breaches, phishing attempts, or other illicit means, adding a layer of legitimacy that can trap even the most cautious individuals.

  Scams involving impersonation of immigration officials have become increasingly common in the United States, especially in the years following heightened immigration enforcement efforts. These scams often exploit cultural differences and unfamiliarity with American legal systems, making international students a frequent target. Victims are made to feel isolated and powerless, sometimes being told their phones are under surveillance and that contacting others could lead to further legal trouble.

  The financial loss alone can be devastating. Many international students live on tight budgets, balancing tuition, rent, and everyday expenses without local family support. In addition to the emotional toll, scams like these can create long-term financial instability, especially when the stolen funds come from borrowed money or credit cards.

  This case also underscores the need for greater awareness and education about how legitimate government agencies operate. Federal agencies do not request payment via gift cards, nor do they threaten arrest over the phone without prior written notice. Any demand for personal information, money transfers, or secrecy is a strong indicator of fraud.

  The student in this case is now speaking out to help warn others in similar situations. Her story is a stark reminder that even highly educated individuals can fall victim when fear is weaponized and authority is impersonated. As long as these scams continue to exploit systemic confusion and personal vulnerabilities, raising awareness remains the most effective line of defense.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 5, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bait and switch ( 4 ), customs, online shopping ( 37 ), Scams ( 1,508 ), tariffs ( 2 )   

  Stuck in Customs? It’s Likely a Scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  When an online order never shows up, it’s natural to follow up. But if the seller tells you your package is stuck in customs due to tariffs, it may be more than just a shipping delay. According to reports from BBB Scam Tracker, this explanation is increasingly being used by scammers to delay refunds or avoid delivering anything at all.

  The scam usually begins with a professional-looking advertisement on social media or search engines. A potential customer visits the site, sees a product they want, and proceeds through a smooth checkout process. Everything appears legitimate until the item never arrives. Initial follow-ups may be met with vague, repetitive messages urging patience. Eventually, the seller may claim the package is stuck in customs due to tariffs or international regulations. In some cases, the buyer is asked to pay additional money to release the shipment. Other times, a tracking number is provided that falsely shows the package was delivered to an unrelated address, often in another state.

  Some sellers blame trade policy or customs backlogs as a reason for the delay, but these explanations often serve to buy time or discourage further inquiries. Once customers demand a refund or threaten to report the issue, communication often stops altogether. Email responses may be riddled with grammatical errors or come from generic addresses with no identifiable support team.

  Several patterns tend to appear in these types of scams. The most telling is the use of tariffs or customs as an excuse for excessive delays. Another is being asked to pay more money after the order is placed. Tracking numbers that don’t align with your shipping information or that show delivery to the wrong location are also red flags. Customer service that avoids specific answers or disappears entirely should raise immediate concern.

  While sponsored social media ads can come from legitimate companies, scammers also use these platforms to present fake businesses that vanish once enough orders come in. Shoppers are advised to research unfamiliar sellers before purchasing, particularly when ads appear in sponsored posts. Reviews outside of the seller’s own platform can help reveal complaints or patterns of fraud. Inspecting the website for inconsistencies, such as poor grammar or suspicious URLs, may also uncover warning signs.

  Paying with a credit card can provide an extra layer of protection in case you need to dispute a charge. It is uncommon for U.S. consumers to owe tariffs after completing a purchase, so any request for post-purchase customs payments should be treated with skepticism. Saving order confirmations, tracking information, and screenshots of the original ad can support your claim if you decide to report the scam or seek a refund through your credit card issuer.

  As scammers become more sophisticated in creating fake websites and using technical language to explain away delays, staying informed is essential. If you believe you’ve been targeted by this type of scam, you can file a report with BBB Scam Tracker to help warn others and contribute to ongoing fraud investigations.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 4, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: inmate scam ( 9 ), jail ( 2 ), jail scam, police impersonation scam ( 82 ), Scams ( 1,508 )   

  New Jail Scam Targets Inmates’ Families 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A new scam targeting the families of jail inmates has emerged in Colorado, raising concerns among law enforcement and correctional officials. The scam was first reported in Eagle County in late May and has prompted warnings to the public about deceptive tactics aimed at exploiting emotional vulnerability and confusion surrounding the jail system.

  In this particular scheme, a family member of an inmate received a phone call from someone posing as a legal or jail official. The caller claimed that their loved one had already appeared before a judge and was eligible for release, but only after completing a required class. The caller then demanded a payment of $1,000, which they stated was the bond amount needed for the inmate to proceed with the class and secure release. When the family member began questioning the legitimacy of the request, the scammer responded with verbal pressure and emotional manipulation, insisting that a responsible person would comply for the sake of their relative.

  Fortunately, the targeted individual ended the call and contacted the local sheriff’s office directly, where it was confirmed the call was fraudulent. Law enforcement has since shared details of the incident to warn others and help prevent further victimization.

  This is not the first time families of incarcerated individuals have been targeted by financial scams. Previous incidents have included fraudulent offers promising early release in exchange for money, or requiring payment for GPS monitoring devices that were supposedly necessary for home detention. In all these variations, the scam relies on convincing families that immediate action is necessary and that payment will somehow influence or accelerate the legal process.

  Law enforcement officials stress that no legitimate agency will ever call and demand money over the phone in exchange for someone’s release. Bail procedures and requirements are handled through the courts and jail system with clearly documented protocols, not through unverified calls demanding payment.

  Anyone who receives a call of this nature is encouraged to avoid engaging with the caller and instead contact their local law enforcement agency directly. Verifying the status of an inmate or the requirements for their release should always be done through official channels, not through unsolicited phone calls. Scammers are adept at exploiting urgency and emotion, but vigilance and verification can help prevent financial and emotional harm.