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  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 28, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , technical support scam   

    FBI: Phantom Hacker Scam Drains Life Savings 

    By Greg Collier

    The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center has issued a warning about a sharp increase in so-called “Phantom Hacker” scams that are targeting older Americans and causing many victims to lose their life savings. This scheme is a more advanced form of the traditional tech support scam, using multiple layers of deception to convince victims they must move their money in order to keep it safe.

    Reports indicate that scammers impersonate customer support representatives, financial institutions, and even U.S. government agencies. Victims are told their accounts have been compromised by foreign hackers and are pressured to transfer money into fraudulent accounts controlled by the scammers. Often, the stolen funds include retirement accounts and long-term savings.

    Between January and June 2023, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received more than 19,000 reports related to tech support scams, representing losses of more than $542 million. Nearly half of these victims were over the age of 60, and those cases accounted for two-thirds of the total reported losses. As of August 2023, the amount lost to such scams was already 40 percent higher than the total losses reported in all of 2022.

    The operation of these scams often begins with a fraudulent technical support alert that instructs the victim to call a phone number. Once contact is made, scammers gain remote access to the victim’s computer and pressure them to open financial accounts, pretending to check for fraudulent activity. From there, victims are passed to imposters posing as representatives of banks or government agencies who continue to escalate the deception until the victim transfers funds. Scammers may even use official-looking government documents or letterhead to reinforce the illusion of legitimacy.

    Beyond the financial theft, these scams often exploit social vulnerabilities. Victims are frequently told not to share details with family members or financial institutions, which creates secrecy and isolation. This manipulation makes it harder for others to intervene before the money is lost. At the same time, many of the funds stolen in these cases are routed overseas, placing them beyond the reach of U.S. law enforcement and making recovery nearly impossible. This cross-border nature of the crime underscores why prevention is far more effective than attempting to reclaim stolen assets after the fact.

    The FBI advises the public to remain cautious against unsolicited communications claiming to provide technical support or financial security. Government agencies do not ask citizens to move money to “safe” accounts, nor do they request payments through wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or prepaid cards.

    Anyone who has been targeted by such scams is encouraged to report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at http://www.ic3.gov or contact their local FBI field office. Providing details such as the methods of contact, email addresses, websites, and financial account information involved can help investigators track and combat these operations.

    The FBI stresses that raising awareness is a critical part of preventing further victimization. By recognizing the warning signs and reporting suspicious activity, the public can play a role in reducing the financial harm caused by Phantom Hacker scams.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 27, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , fake law firm, fake lawyer, , , ,   

    Crypto Fraudsters Masquerade as Lawyers 

    By Greg Collier

    The FBI has issued a new reminder warning people who have already fallen victim to scams that they may be targeted again. According to the agency, fraudsters often circle back to previous victims with fresh schemes designed to exploit them further.

    One of the most concerning variations involves scammers posing as representatives of fictitious law firms. These operations present themselves as “crypto recovery law firms,” claiming to work alongside government agencies or international organizations that in reality do not exist. Victims are often told they are listed in official databases of scam victims and are promised that the firm can help them recover stolen cryptocurrency.

    What makes this scheme particularly dangerous is the amount of information the fraudsters may have about past incidents. The scammers sometimes provide exact figures of losses, transaction details, and even the names of entities where money was sent. This can create the illusion of legitimacy, leading victims to believe that the outreach is genuine.

    The con typically progresses to requests for personal information or referrals to supposed foreign banks or attorneys. At that stage, victims are told that fees must be paid to prove ownership of funds before any recovery can be made. In reality, no legitimate government effort to assist scam victims requires such payments.

    This latest reminder also outlines practical ways for people to verify whether contact is genuine. Scam operations may refuse to appear on video, may use falsified legal credentials, or may impersonate real lawyers or law enforcement personnel. These impersonations endanger victims and harm the reputations of legitimate professionals.

    The FBI notes that these “double victimization” scams are particularly cruel because they exploit the emotional distress of people who have already lost money. Many victims are desperate to recover their losses, and that desperation can make them more vulnerable to false promises of restitution. By preying on hope and grief, scammers increase the likelihood that victims will comply with their demands.

    There is also a risk that scammers identify their targets through public disclosures online. People who openly post about their losses on social media may unintentionally expose themselves to renewed targeting. For that reason, it is safer not to share detailed accounts of being scammed in public forums where criminals are actively searching for vulnerable victims.

    Another place where scammers may search for targets is within online support groups for scam victims. While many of these groups exist to help people share experiences and learn from one another, they can be infiltrated by fraudsters posing as fellow victims who recommend illegitimate recovery services. This creates another layer of risk for people already seeking help and highlights the importance of verifying any advice or services offered in these spaces.

    The FBI advises anyone who believes they may have been targeted by these recovery scams to report the attempt to their local field office.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 26, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , free upgrade, , ,   

    The Costly Trap of ‘Free’ Phone Upgrades 

    The Costly Trap of ‘Free’ Phone Upgrades

    By Greg Collier

    What may sound like a generous offer of a free phone upgrade can sometimes be the opening move in a costly scam. A recent case in Atlanta highlights how convincing these schemes can be and how easily consumers can be drawn in when scammers present themselves as representatives of well-known companies.

    The scam begins with a call claiming to come from a customer loyalty department. The target is offered a free upgrade, often involving a phone, smartwatch, or tablet. The caller already has access to some personal details, which creates a false sense of legitimacy. To proceed, the victim is asked to provide a code sent to their device. Handing over this code is what gives the scammer access to the account.

    Once inside, the scammer can order devices, open additional lines, and manipulate shipping instructions to ensure the equipment ends up in their possession. A common tactic is to tell the victim that the wrong item was sent, then request the return of the device using a label connected to the fraudster rather than the company. This cycle may repeat until suspicions grow.

    By the time many consumers discover what has happened, their accounts have already been altered without their consent. Some find themselves responsible for unauthorized lines and unexpected charges. Addressing these issues can be difficult, as companies often interpret the shared code as proof that the customer authorized the changes.

    Telecommunications fraud has become a lucrative sector for scammers because phones are high-value items that are easy to resell. Exploiting upgrade programs allows criminals to divert expensive devices into secondary markets within days. Industry reports estimate that mobile carriers lose billions annually to this type of fraud, losses that can indirectly affect all customers.

    The scam is effective because it exploits a security system designed to protect customers. Verification codes are meant to safeguard accounts, but when scammers convince individuals to read those codes aloud, the entire layer of protection collapses. This allows fraudsters to bypass technical barriers without ever needing to break into company servers or crack encryption systems.

    In this Atlanta case, the company ultimately removed fraudulent lines after being contacted by local media. A statement acknowledged the sophistication of the scam and encouraged consumers to review fraud prevention resources and report suspicious activity immediately.

    Even if a call appears to come from a familiar company, it is best to avoid providing verification codes or personal information to anyone who initiates the contact. Legitimate representatives will not ask customers to share those codes. Letting calls go to voicemail and reaching out directly through official customer service numbers remains one of the most reliable ways to confirm whether an offer is real.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 25, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , ,   

    Scammers Hijack Printer, Steal $17K 

    By Greg Collier

    Authorities in Orange County, North Carolina, say a woman recently lost more than $17,000 in what investigators describe as part of a wide-reaching scam that has defrauded victims in the state.

    This case began when the victim attempted to log in to her bank account and was met with technical issues. Believing she had reached her bank, she called a number saved in her phone and was connected to individuals posing as financial representatives. She was told her accounts were frozen due to a suspicious charge and was transferred multiple times, eventually being instructed to download programs to her computer. The scammers manipulated her accounts to make it appear as though a large sum had been incorrectly deposited, then pressured her to withdraw cash to resolve the situation.

    The deception escalated when fraudulent letters, complete with a recognizable bank logo, began printing directly from her home printer. The letters warned her not to discuss the matter with her local branch, claiming there were tax complications tied to an online payment service. Under continued pressure during a phone call that lasted hours, she withdrew $17,500 from her account.

    At the bank, an employee asked her directly if she was being pressured into the withdrawal. She denied it, unaware she was being scammed, and signed a document stating she was taking the money out voluntarily. That step, while part of the bank’s effort to ensure customer protection, could also complicate any attempt she makes to recover her losses. By signing a waiver, she effectively confirmed to the bank that the withdrawal was her own decision, creating a potential defense for the institution should she pursue a reimbursement claim.

    She later handed the money directly to a man who arrived at her home, believing she was returning funds to resolve the supposed error. Investigators later confirmed that the individual who collected the money is facing multiple charges, including obtaining property under false pretenses and felony conspiracy.

    The financial consequences for the victim were severe, as the stolen funds came in part from an insurance policy she intended to use for medical expenses. Investigators have advised her that recovery of the money is unlikely given the speed with which the funds were moved.

    A representative from Bank of America stated that the bank is investigating the matter but could not provide further comment until the internal review is complete.

    Under U.S. banking regulations, customers are typically protected if their funds are taken through unauthorized electronic access. However, when a victim is manipulated into moving money themselves, banks often classify it as an authorized transaction. That distinction can leave victims without recourse, particularly when they have signed documents affirming the withdrawal was voluntary, even if they were under the influence of a scam at the time.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 22, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , ,   

    Real Estate Wire Fraud on the Rise 

    Real Estate Wire Fraud on the Rise

    By Greg Collier

    A new scam is making its way through the housing market, taking advantage of buyers at their most vulnerable moment: the closing process. At a time when large sums of money are being transferred under tight deadlines, criminals are finding ways to insert themselves into the transaction and divert funds.

    The scheme often begins with compromised communications. Fraudsters gain access to emails between buyers, lenders, and title companies by using stolen credentials or other cyber intrusion methods. With access to real conversations and timelines, scammers can convincingly pose as legitimate contacts. Once they know the lender, the amount owed, and the expected timing, they send instructions that appear authentic, tricking buyers into wiring funds to fraudulent accounts.

    What makes this particularly concerning is how widespread it has become. Losses tied to real estate wire fraud have multiplied dramatically over the last decade, reflecting both the growing sophistication of cybercriminals and the continued reliance on electronic communications in the homebuying process. Current estimates suggest that as many as one in four homebuyers entering closing are being targeted.

    Public records and property listings make it easy for scammers to identify potential victims. Artificial intelligence has only accelerated the problem, giving criminals tools to refine their impersonations and increase the likelihood of success. The complexity of buying a home, coupled with emotional pressure and looming deadlines, creates an environment where buyers may act quickly without questioning sudden changes.

    For those who fall victim, recovery is rarely straightforward. Once funds are wired to fraudulent accounts, they are often transferred multiple times or sent overseas, making it nearly impossible for banks to reverse the transaction. Victims can spend months pursuing reimbursement through their financial institutions or law enforcement, but many never recover the full amount. Beyond the immediate financial blow, this can derail home purchases entirely and leave buyers facing both financial and emotional hardship.

    The most common point of attack is the transfer of closing funds. Buyers should treat any unexpected communication about wiring instructions with extreme caution. Even subtle alterations, such as a new account number or a last-minute change in procedure, can be an indication of fraud. Beyond the financial risk, victims often face delays in securing their homes and lengthy battles to recover lost funds.

    Protecting against this type of fraud requires heightened vigilance. Questioning unusual requests, verifying account details through trusted channels, and contacting real estate professionals directly before making any transfer can help reduce the risk. By slowing down the process and confirming instructions in person or by phone, buyers can create an extra layer of defense against a crime that continues to evolve with technology.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 21, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: baggage tags, boarding pass, , , ,   

    The Baggage Tag Scam You Didn’t Expect 

    By Greg Collier

    A recent report from Moneywise highlights how something as simple as a discarded airline baggage tag can open the door to fraud and identity theft. The adhesive tags that airlines place on luggage are meant to ensure that bags are routed correctly, but they also contain more personal information than many travelers realize.

    These tags often display details such as the passenger’s name, flight number, date of travel, and destination. Some may also include the booking reference, place of origin, and even the weight of the bag. With that much data available, scammers are finding ways to exploit travelers who carelessly toss away their tags after a flight.

    The issue arises when fraudsters collect tags from trash bins at airports or hotels. Using the information, they attempt to impersonate travelers by filing false baggage claims, requesting reimbursement for items that were never theirs. This creates fraudulent payouts and complicates the process for genuine passengers who need to be compensated for legitimate losses.

    Boarding passes present similar risks. Both paper and digital versions can reveal key information that criminals can use to hijack accounts, steal frequent flyer miles, or commit broader identity theft. A simple scan of the barcode with a mobile app, or even a quick glance over someone’s shoulder while in line, can give a scammer access to sensitive details.

    What makes this even more concerning is how interconnected today’s travel systems have become. Many airline loyalty accounts are linked to hotel programs, rental car memberships, and even stored credit cards. That means one compromised boarding pass or baggage tag could provide a scammer with enough information to move beyond false baggage claims and into broader identity theft or account takeovers. Once inside a loyalty account, criminals can drain accumulated points, make unauthorized bookings, or harvest more personal data to use in phishing schemes.

    This type of fraud underscores the importance of treating baggage tags and boarding passes as personal documents. Careless disposal or public sharing, including posting photos on social media, can expose travelers to unnecessary risks. Instead, travelers are advised to keep these items secure until they are home and then properly shred or destroy them.

    While the threat of identity theft may feel like one more thing to worry about when traveling, it is a reminder that security extends beyond passports and credit cards. A few simple precautions with items that might seem harmless can make the difference between a safe trip and one complicated by fraud.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 20, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , ,   

    AI Romance Scam Costs Senior $47K 

    By Greg Collier

    A Florida resident recently fell victim to a romance scam that highlights how criminals continue to exploit both technology and human emotion to steal money.

    What began as a simple Facebook friend request from someone claiming to be an interior decorator quickly escalated into an elaborate scheme. The relationship was fostered through frequent online conversations, phone calls, and even video chats, which were later revealed to have been AI-generated. The scammer eventually fabricated a story about traveling overseas for work and needing money for documentation. Trusting the story, the victim sent thousands of dollars, first through traditional transfers and later through cryptocurrency, ultimately losing nearly $50,000.

    When the financial demands became more frequent and severe, the case was turned over to local authorities. Investigators traced the activity not to the United States, as the scammer had claimed, but overseas, making recovery of the funds unlikely.

    The toll of these scams is not only financial but also deeply emotional. Many victims struggle with feelings of shame, betrayal, and depression after realizing they were manipulated. Experts warn that this combination of financial and psychological harm is why romance scams are among the most devastating forms of fraud.

    One reason scammers push for payment through cryptocurrency is that digital transactions are difficult to trace and nearly impossible to reverse once completed. Unlike bank transfers, where investigators may be able to follow the money, cryptocurrency allows criminals to move funds quickly through anonymous wallets.

    These scams also rely on the careful recycling of fake identities. Criminals frequently use stolen photographs from social media, professional sites, or modeling portfolios to create convincing personas. The same fictitious character can appear on multiple platforms at once, luring several victims simultaneously.

    Scammers often pose as successful businesspeople with international ties, which gives credibility to requests for money tied to supposed overseas projects. This narrative can make fabricated expenses like travel, customs paperwork, or business emergencies sound more believable.

    Law enforcement agencies caution that these schemes are becoming more advanced, with scammers now deploying artificial intelligence to create convincing fake personas. Older adults are often targeted because of loneliness or vulnerability, and once money is transferred through cryptocurrency or wire services, it is rarely recovered.

    Authorities stress the importance of vigilance when forming online relationships. Verifying identities, avoiding financial transactions with people only known online, and seeking input from trusted friends or family can help prevent fraud. Victims are encouraged to report these crimes to federal agencies so investigators can track patterns and attempt to disrupt organized networks behind them.

    Romance scams remain a serious and growing problem, and cases like this one serve as a reminder of the importance of caution when personal and financial trust is built online.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 19, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Apple Cash, , , , , , transfer it to protect it   

    Scammers Push “Transfer It to Protect It” Cons 

    Scammers Push “Transfer It to Protect It” Cons

    By Greg Collier

    A troubling trend in financial fraud has been steadily growing in recent years. Known as “transfer it to protect it” scams, or more commonly as the “moving money scam,” these schemes involve criminals posing as trusted entities to convince people that their money is at risk and must be moved immediately for safekeeping. The Federal Trade Commission reports that losses tied to this scam have risen dramatically, particularly among older adults.

    Data from the FTC shows a more than a fourfold increase between 2020 and 2024 in reports from people who lost $10,000 or more after being targeted by impersonators of banks, businesses, or government agencies. Older adults are disproportionately affected, with many victims losing well over $100,000. Combined losses among those reporting six-figure losses reached $445 million in 2024, compared with $55 million in 2020.

    The methods are varied but share the same goal. Some victims receive alarming phone calls warning that their accounts have been compromised. Others encounter fake pop-up alerts on their computers or emails from senders claiming to represent their bank. Once the victim is unsettled, the fraudster pushes them to move money quickly. Common instructions involve sending funds through Bitcoin ATMs, wiring money to a so-called secure account, or even transferring money through services like Apple Cash. The FTC notes that government agencies and legitimate businesses do not request payment or money transfers in these ways.

    Younger consumers are not immune either. Reports include cases of individuals in their late teens and early twenties being manipulated into sending money through similar tactics. The scammers’ stories are always urgent and intimidating, designed to rush the victim into handing over control of their savings.

    The FTC’s latest data shows how victims are persuaded to move money: about one-third of older adults who reported losing $10,000 or more in 2024 said they transferred funds using cryptocurrency. Others reported using bank transfers or handing over cash. Once money is deposited into cryptocurrency ATMs or moved into fraudulent accounts, it is rarely recoverable.

    Another key factor in the success of the moving money scam is the psychology behind it. Scammers rely on fear and urgency to push victims into acting without thinking. They often keep people on the line for extended conversations to prevent them from double-checking information or reaching out for advice. In some cases, victims are even warned not to tell family or friends about what is happening, under the false pretense of protecting an investigation. This deliberate isolation makes the scam particularly dangerous, because it exploits both financial vulnerability and human trust.

    Officials warn that some scammers even go as far as impersonating the FTC itself or other federal agencies, adding credibility to their demands. These calls sometimes escalate to threats of frozen assets or arrest warrants, pressuring victims to comply.

    The best protection is skepticism toward unsolicited messages that urge immediate action with your finances. Instead of engaging, consumers are encouraged to verify account activity directly through their bank or credit card provider. Hanging up the phone and avoiding suspicious links are safer paths than reacting to the urgent claims of someone who may be impersonating a trusted source.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 18, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , Swatting,   

    Scam Call Sparks SWAT Standoff 

    By Greg Collier

    An incident in Austin, Texas, this week highlighted the growing sophistication of scam calls that can both frighten families and divert police resources.

    Two sisters were targeted in what authorities believe may have been either a swatting attempt or a complex scam. One received a call that appeared to come from her sibling’s phone number. On the line, however, was a man claiming to have abducted her sister. The caller threatened violence if immediate action was not taken, creating a situation designed to provoke panic.

    Alarmed, the woman contacted 911. Within minutes, the Austin Police Department’s SWAT team responded to the address where her sister lived. Officers arrived prepared for a potential hostage situation, only to quickly determine that no threat existed. Authorities confirmed the call was a hoax and are investigating whether it was part of a broader scam operation.

    The situation fits a pattern known as a “virtual kidnapping.” In these scams, criminals falsely claim to have abducted a loved one in order to demand money or force compliance. Technology makes these schemes more convincing, with scammers now able to spoof caller IDs and even use artificial intelligence to mimic the voices of family members. By combining threats with what appears to be proof that a relative is in distress, the calls can feel terrifyingly real.

    Experts also warn that swatting calls, whether financially motivated or not, carry serious risks. Across the country, there have been incidents where false reports led to armed police responses that resulted in injuries and even deaths. By convincing authorities that a violent crime is underway, callers not only terrorize their victims but also put residents and officers in immediate danger.

    Authorities recommend that residents protect themselves by setting up family code words, avoiding oversharing personal information on social media, and remaining calm if they receive such a call. They stress that legitimate emergencies will never require immediate payments or secrecy and that anyone who receives a threatening or urgent call should contact police immediately.

    While this incident ended without injury, it underscores the risks posed by these schemes. In addition to terrifying individuals, such calls draw heavily on emergency resources. The Austin case serves as a reminder that scammers are increasingly blending old tactics with new technology to manipulate their targets.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 15, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: background check, , , ,   

    Gift Card Twist on Rental Scam 

    Gift Card Twist on Rental Scam

    By Greg Collier

    A long-running rental scam is now circulating with a slightly different approach, and renters are being urged to proceed with caution before signing any new lease.

    The classic version of the scam begins when fraudsters copy legitimate home sale listings, complete with photos and descriptions, and then repost them on platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace as rental properties. Their goal is to collect deposits or fees from prospective tenants before the deception is uncovered.

    In the latest variation, scammers request an upfront payment for a background check before the tenant is allowed to view the property. In some cases, they insist on payment through gift cards or other non-refundable methods. These payment requests often come before any in-person meeting or property walkthrough, which should be treated as a serious warning sign.

    Victims are sometimes drawn in by unusually low rental prices in desirable areas, which can cloud judgment and create a sense of urgency to act quickly. Taking time to confirm the legitimacy of a listing can prevent financial loss. This can be done by checking public property records and confirming ownership before providing personal information or making any payment.

    Once the victim pays the background check fee or deposit, the scammer may attempt to gather even more money or personal data, such as employment details and contact information, putting the victim at risk of both financial loss and identity theft.

    In some cases, scammers do not even bother with fake online listings. Instead, they search for people who have posted “looking for housing” ads on social media or classifieds and contact them directly with an offer. This tactic can make the scam feel more personal and convincing, which increases the likelihood of the victim following through with payment.

    Prospective tenants are advised never to send funds until they have verified the property is truly available for rent and met the owner or manager in person. Any suspicious rental activity should be reported to the Better Business Bureau, the state attorney general’s office, and relevant consumer protection outlets.

     

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