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  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 26, 2024 Permalink | Reply
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    FBI warns elderly about gold scam 

    By Greg Collier

    Recently, a distressing trend has emerged across Montgomery County, Maryland, where senior citizens have been targeted by sophisticated scams involving gold bars. These scams are not isolated incidents, but part of a larger nationwide trend that has seen seniors losing millions of dollars to criminals posing as government officials or representatives from reputable organizations.

    These scams have resulted in significant financial losses nationwide in just the latter half of last year. The methods of these scammers are alarmingly consistent. They often impersonate tech support, financial, or government officials, claiming that the victim’s financial accounts have been compromised. The scammers then pressure the victims into converting their assets into cash or valuables, such as gold or silver, supposedly to protect them from hackers. Once the conversion is complete, the scammers arrange to collect the assets, sometimes even sending couriers to the victim’s home.

    Montgomery County has been a particular hotspot for these scams. One particularly heartbreaking case involved an elderly retiree who lost nearly $1 million after being tricked by individuals posing as federal agents. This all began with a simple click on a pop-up ad that warned of spyware. The scammers convinced her to convert her life savings into gold bars and hand them over to a courier. Fortunately, she realized the deception before handing over more than $2 million in additional assets.

    Another recent case involved an elderly man from Bethesda who was similarly deceived by a caller pretending to be from a government agency. Over nine trips to a local gold store, he converted over a million dollars into gold bars. It was only after seeing a news report about similar scams in the area that he contacted the police, who then set up a sting operation and arrested the suspect.

    Authorities have made several arrests in connection with these scams. A suspect from Brooklyn, New York, was apprehended when he attempted to collect a box of supposed gold bars handed over by an undercover detective posing as a victim. In another case, another suspect was arrested following the sting operation involving the Bethesda man. These arrests are part of ongoing efforts to combat this surge in scams targeting vulnerable seniors.

    The FBI and local authorities have issued warnings to help protect seniors from falling prey to these scams. They emphasize the importance of verifying any calls claiming to be from government officials or businesses, as they would never ask you to convert your assets into gold or other valuables. It is crucial to guard personal information and be cautious online, avoiding unknown ads or pop-ups and not allowing unknown individuals access to your computer. If you suspect you have been contacted by a scammer, report the incident to the FBI or reach out to relevant hotlines for assistance.

    These scams are not limited to Montgomery County; they are part of a troubling national trend. Reports of similar scams have surfaced across the country, with seniors being particularly vulnerable. The scale and sophistication of these operations highlight the urgent need for nationwide awareness and preventive measures. By understanding that these threats exist beyond local communities, we can work together to protect seniors from falling victim to these deceptive schemes.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 25, 2024 Permalink | Reply
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    Dating site scam blackmails victims 

    Dating site scam blackmails victims

    By Greg Collier

    Connecting with others has become easier than ever. However, this convenience comes with its own set of risks. Recently, there has been an alarming increase in scams involving imposters pretending to be law enforcement officials. These scammers target unsuspecting victims, often through dating apps, coercing them into parting with their money.

    Recently, in South Carolina, a warning was issued about scammers posing as members of an internet crimes task force or local police. These fraudsters start by luring victims on dating apps, where men believe they are chatting with a woman. Once the conversation progresses, the scam takes a sinister turn. Victims are accused of interacting with a minor and are then approached by scammers posing as a “parent” or “investigator.” They demand money in exchange for dropping the supposed charges. Alarmingly, the scammers have gone as far as using a real investigator’s information to seem more legitimate.

    Legitimate law enforcement officials never request money in exchange for dropping charges. Anyone receiving such calls should report them to local law enforcement agencies.

    A similar scam recently unfolded in Nebraska, where a man lost over $2,000 after befriending a woman on a dating app. After receiving unsolicited photos, he was contacted by someone claiming to work with the police, stating that the girl’s father would not press charges if he paid a sum of money. Trusting the caller, the victim wired the money to an online account.

    These incidents underscore the need for caution in our digital interactions. It is essential to verify the identity of individuals you interact with online, especially if they ask for money. Be wary of unexpected messages or calls, particularly those involving threats or requests for money. Avoid sharing personal or financial information with people you meet online, even if they seem trustworthy. If you receive a suspicious request, contact local authorities directly to verify its legitimacy. Staying informed about common scams and how they operate is your best defense against fraudsters.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 24, 2024 Permalink | Reply
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    Zelle scams hit seniors the hardest 

    Zelle scams hit seniors the hardest

    By Greg Collier

    For nearly two years, Zelle-related scams have persisted, affecting countless users who rely on this popular peer-to-peer payment app. Despite its widespread adoption and backing by major banks, the platform has become a fertile ground for fraudsters, exploiting vulnerabilities and leaving victims with little recourse. As the financial toll mounts, concerns about the app’s security and consumer protection measures continue to grow.

    A senior citizen living in Western Pennsylvania, with a disability and on a fixed income, was recently swindled out of over $1,400 through unauthorized transactions on Zelle, a cash app backed by America’s largest banks. As his financial stability is threatened, he echoes a sentiment that many fraud victims share, accountability should not fall on the victim.

    The issue of digital payment fraud has caught the attention of Congress as Americans report losing a staggering $10 billion through Zelle fraud in 2023 alone. One senator has described Zelle as the “dirty little secret” of American banks.

    The victim shared his frustration, revealing his bank statements and detailing the five unauthorized Zelle transactions from May. These transactions, ranging from $95 to $639, were debited from his account without his consent. For him, who relies on a fixed monthly income from Social Security Disability, losing over $1,400 is devastating.

    Despite disputing these transactions twice with his bank, he was told they were valid. His former bank insists he is liable for the transactions, and the amount has been sent to collections. This burden is nearly as much as his entire monthly disability check.

    Zelle, operated by the nation’s seven largest banks, is the most used peer-to-peer payment app, with transactions that are fast and, unfortunately for victims like him, permanent. Some lawmakers have criticized the banks for not doing enough to protect consumers.

    When approached about this case, the bank declined to comment on individual accounts but reiterated their efforts to educate customers on avoiding fraud. Their recommendations included only using Zelle for trusted contacts and safeguarding account login information.

    The issue highlights a critical need for better consumer protections in digital finance, especially for vulnerable individuals like this victim. As Congress and federal agencies scrutinize these practices, victims hope for accountability and change in the system that has left them unprotected.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 23, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: EZ Pass, , ,   

    Toll text scams continue across the country 

    Toll text scams continue across the country

    By Greg Collier

    Across the nation, drivers are increasingly becoming targets of sophisticated scam texts and emails claiming to collect unpaid tolls. These fraudulent messages exploit the routine nature of toll payments to trick recipients into making payments to fake websites. As this issue grows more prevalent, it highlights the importance of being vigilant and informed to avoid falling victim to these scams.

    In New York, many residents have reported receiving text messages that appear to be from New York toll services. The messages warn of an unpaid toll invoice and threaten an additional charge of $150 if the alleged balance of $5.89 is not paid promptly. The scam directs users to a fraudulent website that closely mimics the official site.

    Residents have been sharing their experiences on social media, helping to raise awareness. The New York State Thruway Authority has been actively warning about this “smishing” scam on its social media platforms and website. They advise anyone receiving such messages to verify their toll accounts directly through official channels and report suspicious messages to the FBI.

    Similarly, the Ohio Turnpike and other toll-road agencies in the northeastern United States are dealing with a surge of fraudulent texts and emails. These messages claim to be from Ohio Turnpike Tolls Services and instruct recipients to pay $9.75 via a fake website to avoid additional charges of $97.50.

    Many recipients are not even Ohio Turnpike customers, highlighting the broad reach of this scam. The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission has clarified that they only use paper invoices sent via U.S. Mail for unpaid tolls. Emails are sent solely to E-ZPass tag holders regarding account status, such as insufficient funds or credit card issues. They never use text messaging to solicit payments.

    Always verify the source of any message asking for payment by using official websites or contacting customer service directly. Look for red flags, like incorrect URLs or unexpected payment requests. Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages, and navigate to official websites by typing the address into your browser. Report any suspicious messages to the relevant authorities and follow updates from official toll agencies on social media and their websites to stay informed about ongoing scams. By remaining vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these scams. When in doubt, verify the message through official channels before taking any action.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 22, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: CrowdStrike, , ,   

    Scams expected in wake of CrowdStrike crash 

    Scams expected in wake of CrowdStrike crash

    By Greg Collier

    On Friday, a faulty software update from CrowdStrike’s Falcon monitoring platform caused widespread disruptions, affecting 8.5 million Windows devices globally. This incident led to significant interruptions in various services, including online banking and air travel, despite accounting for less than one percent of all Windows machines. The outage was not the result of a cyberattack, but it has sparked serious concerns about opportunistic scams exploiting the chaos.

    In the wake of the outage, both CrowdStrike and several government-affiliated agencies have issued warnings about a surge in phishing and scam activities. Scammers are quick to capitalize on the confusion, using tactics such as malicious domain registrations, phishing emails, and fraudulent phone calls. A notable scam involves a ZIP archive named “crowdstrike-hotfix.zip,” designed to steal data from unsuspecting users.

    Staying safe during this period requires vigilance and caution. Be aware of phishing scams claiming to resolve the outage, and avoid downloading software or opening attachments from unknown sources. When receiving requests for personal information, always verify the sender and never share sensitive details with unverified contacts. It’s crucial to use official channels when seeking assistance. Contact companies directly through their official websites or help desks, and make sure to visit CrowdStrike and Microsoft’s dedicated support pages for accurate information.

    Scammers often create a sense of urgency to prompt hasty actions. Resist the pressure to act quickly and take your time to verify any communication you receive. Reporting scams is essential. In the U.S., report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission.

    Support vulnerable individuals by checking in with elderly friends and family members who might be targeted. Ensure they understand the current scam tactics and know how to stay safe. This collective vigilance can help protect against the wave of scams taking advantage of the current situation.

    Experts advise that the best course of action when uncertain about a communication is to contact businesses directly. This helps avoid falling for scams masquerading as legitimate offers of assistance. Additionally, it’s important not to succumb to pressure and rush into actions that could compromise personal information.

    As the fallout from the CrowdStrike-induced outage continues, maintaining vigilance and adhering to these safety measures will help protect against the wave of scams. Remember, forewarned is forearmed. Stay informed, cautious, and always verify the sources of any communications you receive.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 19, 2024 Permalink | Reply
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    Why ‘gag orders’ are red flags to a scam 

    By Greg Collier

    In many scams, perpetrators attempt to isolate their victims from friends and family, often virtually. Scammers frequently keep their victims on the phone while guiding them through the payment process. This tactic is particularly common in police impersonation scams, such as the jury duty scam or the grandparent scam. To prevent victims from contacting others, these impostors may threaten arrest, falsely claiming a ‘gag order’ is in place. While most people have heard of gag orders, this is not how they actually work.

    A gag order in US courts is a legal directive that restricts individuals, typically those involved in a legal proceeding, from discussing or disclosing certain information related to the case. These orders are issued by judges to ensure a fair trial by preventing the potential for prejudicial pretrial publicity and protecting the privacy and rights of the parties involved.

    Gag orders are issued by a court, typically signed by a judge and bearing official court insignia or letterhead. Official court orders are usually delivered through formal channels such as registered mail, a court official, or legal representative. If a gag order is delivered via email, text message, by phone call or any informal method, it’s likely fake.

    For example, in Northern Kentucky, police have issued a warning about scammers posing as law enforcement officers who extort money from victims under the pretense of legal fines. These scammers claim that a gag order is in place, threatening that discussing the matter with anyone else could worsen the victim’s legal situation.

    Scammers often rely on fear and urgency. Once a gag order is mentioned over the phone, there’s an overwhelming chance the caller is a scammer. Do not make any payments or provide personal information. Gag orders are not communicated or enforced over the phone. Politely hang up the phone. Engaging further could give the scammer more opportunities to manipulate you. Contact your local law enforcement agency or a legal professional to verify the legitimacy of the claim. Use official contact information, not the numbers provided by the caller. If possible, take note of the caller’s number, any names they use, and specific details of the conversation.

    By taking these steps, you can protect yourself and help authorities combat these fraudulent activities.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 18, 2024 Permalink | Reply
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    State warns of gift card scam 

    State warns of gift card scam

    By Greg Collier

    Police in New Hampshire are raising the alarm about a sophisticated gift card scam that’s preying on consumers nationwide. This crime is executed with remarkable efficiency, making it difficult for victims to detect until it’s too late.

    The scam begins in retail stores, where suspects remove hundreds of gift cards from shelves. These cards are then mailed to other conspirators, who meticulously open them to access the information inside. Once this information is documented, the cards are sent back to other conspirators who discreetly return them to store shelves, making them appear untouched.

    This sets a trap for unsuspecting shoppers. As soon as funds are added to these gift cards, the scammers, who monitor the cards closely, immediately spend the money. This leaves the consumer with a worthless gift card and an unpleasant surprise.

    During an investigation, police detectives discovered over $100,000 worth of Apple products in a New Hampshire, apartment. These items are believed to have been purchased using information from the stolen gift cards. Gift cared scammers then sell the products, making themselves a substantial profit.

    This scam is not limited to New Hampshire. It is part of a larger, nationwide problem. New Hampshire’s tax-free status makes it an especially attractive target for scammers.

    To protect yourself from gift card scams, always inspect the back of the card for signs of tampering. It’s a good idea to take a handful of cards from the rack and compare their markings. Scammers often place tampered cards at the front, so consider choosing one from the middle of the pack instead. When purchasing gift cards, use a credit card whenever possible, as it offers better protection against loss compared to cash or a debit card. If you find that a card you received has been emptied, try contacting the customer service number on the back of the card. While recovering the money or getting a refund may be difficult, it’s worth seeking assistance from customer service.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 17, 2024 Permalink | Reply
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    Medicare is NOT issuing new plastic cards 

    Medicare is NOT issuing new plastic cards

    By Greg Collier

    Recently, many individuals have reported receiving phone calls about needing to update their Medicare cards to new plastic ones with chips, often accompanied by requests for personal details. Unfortunately, these calls are part of a scam that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has noted is currently seeing a spike.

    Medicare cards are paper, and the agency has no plans to issue plastic cards. Any call suggesting the need to upgrade to a plastic card is a clear red flag. Treat your Medicare card like a credit card. Never share your Medicare number over the phone, especially if you did not initiate the call. Medicare will never call you to verify your card number or request personal information.

    If you receive a call from someone asking for your Medicare number or offering a new card, hang up immediately. Then, call Medicare directly using the number on your official paperwork or their official website to verify if any changes are needed.

    Be cautious if a caller asks you to pay for a new card or offers additional benefits in exchange for personal information. Medicare cards are free, and any request for payment is a scam.

    If you believe you have been targeted by a Medicare scam, report it immediately to the FTC and your local authorities. Additionally, you can contact Medicare directly to report suspicious activity.

    Scammers are continually devising new ways to exploit vulnerable individuals. By understanding how Medicare operates and recognizing the signs of fraud, you can safeguard your personal information and benefits. Always verify calls claiming to be from government agencies and report any suspicious activity to protect yourself and others from falling victim to these scams.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 16, 2024 Permalink | Reply
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    The costly safe in a romance scam 

    The costly safe in a romance scam

    By Greg Collier

    A 75-year-old widow from Las Vegas has shared her harrowing experience of losing more than a million dollars to a romance scammer.

    The seasoned performer who spent many years singing background vocals for renowned artists and even toured with a legendary band faced a life-altering turn of events after the loss of her husband in 2020. She wasn’t looking for a relationship but posted on Facebook about her husband’s passing and her new status as a widow.

    Soon after, a man who bore a striking resemblance to her late husband started messaging her on Facebook. He wrote to her every day for about four months, despite her initial reservations about the timing. Eventually, he sent a photograph of himself, and an online relationship began around the summer of 2021.

    The scammer’s requests started innocuously, asking for gift cards to load up his phone with pre-paid calls so they could talk. But soon, the demands escalated. He claimed to be sending her a safe and requested $140,000 to transport it from Australia to her house in Nevada. The requests for money continued to grow over the next two years, with messages professing love and a sense of destiny together.

    Ultimately, she lost $758,000, which included her retirement fund, inheritance from her husband, and her house, which was valued at over $600,000. The financial strain led to her power being turned off twice, and she lost weight due to lack of money for food.

    The man in the photos was actually a spiritual teacher based in Germany, who had no connection to the scam.

    Falling victim to a scam, especially one as emotionally manipulative as a romance scam, can happen to anyone. However, there are several measures that can help a potential victim avoid the scam.

    Be cautious about sharing personal information online, as scammers can use it to manipulate and exploit you. Romance scammers often monitor changes in relationship status, so consider sharing major life updates, like becoming a widow, only with close friends rather than making them public.

    Before engaging deeply in any online relationship, especially if financial transactions are involved, use reverse image search tools to verify the person’s identity. Scammers often use stolen photos.

    Discuss the online relationship with trusted friends or family members. They can offer an outside perspective and may notice red flags that the victim might overlook.

    Also, genuine relationships don’t typically involve early or frequent requests for money. Any request for large sums of money, gift cards, or bank account information should be met with extreme caution.

    And as always, if something feels wrong or too good to be true, trust your instincts. It’s better to be cautious and investigate further than to fall victim to a scam.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 15, 2024 Permalink | Reply
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    Scammers pose as process servers 

    Scammers pose as process servers

    By Greg Collier

    Process servers play a crucial role in the legal system by ensuring that all parties receive proper notification of legal actions against them, which is a fundamental aspect of due process. They deliver various legal documents, such as subpoenas, summons, complaints, and court orders, to defendants, witnesses, and other parties involved in a legal proceeding.

    They ensure that the delivery of documents follows the legal requirements and procedures set forth by the jurisdiction where the case is being heard. This is crucial to ensure that the served party’s legal rights are upheld.

    Sometimes, finding the person to be served can be challenging. Process servers may need to use investigative skills to locate individuals who are avoiding service or have moved to an unknown address. Process servers typically do not call the parties they are serving to demand personal information. However, scammers have exploited the public’s lack of knowledge about process servers.

    According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), scammers are posing as process servers and calling their victims over the phone. The caller claims there’s a lien on the victim’s home, or that they’re being taken to court over unpaid bills.

    Additionally, the scammers may claim you or a family member are a person of interest in a matter that requires immediate attention, while hiding behind the lie that federal law prohibits them from sharing any additional information about the matter.

    From there, the scammer will ask a victim to confirm sensitive personal information, such as their date of birth, address, or Social Security number. If a victim asks too many questions, the scammer may become angry and threaten further action.

    Again, process servers do not call their targets in advance. The element of surprise is crucial to effectively serving legal documents, ensuring the recipient cannot avoid the service. They do not have the authority to arrest individuals, enforce court orders, or take any action beyond delivering legal documents. They cannot compel individuals to comply with legal documents they serve.

    These Scammers may already have some personal information from previous scams or data breaches. Avoid providing additional details unless you are sure of the caller’s legitimacy. Be cautious with questions that require a simple yes or no answer.

    You should also avoid providing any information about friends and family members, as these scammers may be targeting someone you know rather than you directly. Instead, hang up the phone and notify the family member about the call you received. This way, they can be on the lookout for other scams and take action to protect their personal and financial information if it’s at risk or has been stolen.

     

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