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  • Geebo 9:00 am on March 5, 2024 Permalink | Reply
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    There’s yet another scam targeting grieving families 

    By Greg Collier

    Over the past year or so, we’ve really taken notice of the number of scams that prey on the families who have recently lost loved ones. In our opinion, these are the most reprehensible scams of all. Scammers often prey on the vulnerable, and there’s no one more vulnerable than someone who’s lost a cherished family member. Among these reprehensible tactics, scammers have posed as funeral homes, attempting to extort money from grieving families. Additionally, there have been instances of scammers trying to sell funeral plots they have no ownership over and others scheming to unlawfully claim the homes of the deceased’s family members. Unfortunately, it appears that scammers have now turned to local obituaries as a means to identify and target their victims.

    In December of last year, a Florida woman lost her father. In her moment of mourning, scammers targeted her with a sophisticated scheme designed to exploit her vulnerability and steal her money and personal information.

    The scam began innocuously enough with a letter purportedly from the local power company, expressing condolences for her loss and advising her to remove her father’s name from the account. Assuming the letter was legitimate, the victim contacted the number provided, where she spoke with a woman who claimed to represent the power company. The supposed power company rep informed the victim that she needed to open a new account rather than simply changing the name on the existing one, a request that initially raised suspicions but was rationalized as part of the process.

    Trusting the rep’s assurances and desperate for assistance during her difficult time, the victim divulged all her personal information, including her name, address, social security number, and date of birth. Believing she was following the correct procedures, the victim made a payment of $367 via credit card as instructed, relieved to have the matter seemingly resolved.

    Shortly after the fraudulent interaction, the victim found herself inundated with notices from the power company, asserting that her account was overdue and threatened with imminent termination of her power service. Alarmed, she reached out to the power company using the number provided on her bill, only to be informed that she had fallen victim to a scam.

    The scammer, cunning in their approach, not only managed to deceive the victim into divulging personal information but also swiftly closed her existing account while simultaneously opening a new one online during their conversation. This calculated move served a dual purpose, not only did it facilitate identity theft by acquiring the victim’s personal information, but it also extracted a payment from the victim.

    One can speculate that the scammer’s decision to open a new account on behalf of the victim was strategic, intended to prolong the victim’s realization of being duped. By creating this delay, the scammer likely aimed to buy themselves more time to exploit the victim’s trust and extract further financial gain.

    Always verify the legitimacy of any communication received, especially if it concerns sensitive matters like finances or personal information. When in doubt, contact the company or organization directly using verified contact information. Use the phone number provided on official documents or the company’s official website, rather than numbers provided in unsolicited communications.

    By staying informed, exercising caution, and verifying the legitimacy of communications, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to scams like this one. Remember, it’s better to be overly cautious than to become a victim of fraud.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on March 4, 2024 Permalink | Reply
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    Is Zelle doing anything new to help scam victims? 

    By Greg Collier

    It’s been more than two years since we began tracking the progression of the Zelle scam and efforts by both Zelle and banks to enhance customer protection. Yet, during this time span, it appears that minimal progress has been made.

    Zelle is a digital payment network in the United States that enables users to send and receive money quickly and securely using their mobile banking app or online banking platform. It allows users to transfer funds directly from their bank account to another person’s bank account, typically within minutes. Zelle is often used for peer-to-peer payments, splitting bills, paying rent, and other everyday transactions. Even if you don’t actively use Zelle, it’s frequently integrated into many banking applications, often without the customer’s explicit request or consent.

    If you’re unfamiliar with how the Zelle scam works, we’ll detail the experience of one person who recently fell victim to the scam. A woman from the San Francisco Bay Area recently received a text message that appeared to come from her bank, Wells Fargo. The text message asked if the woman had made a recent Zelle transaction for $957. She responded with a no, and almost immediately she received a phone call from someone claiming to be from the Wells Fargo fraud department.

    The caller told the woman that money was being siphoned from her account. She was then instructed to move her money back into her account using Zelle. The victim even asked the caller why she would counteract fraudulent transfers with more transfers. Instead of giving her a direct answer, the caller just kept repeating to the victim that her money would be reinstated.

    With the caller’s guidance, the victim made several Zelle transactions which totaled $3500, which is reportedly, Zelle’s daily limit amount. After the transfers were complete, the call went silent. The victim called the number back, but there was no answer. She called the genuine Wells Fargo, and was told she had been scammed.

    Recently, Zelle announced plans to reimburse victims who fell prey to specific scams. However, the company has not disclosed the criteria for eligible scams to prevent further exploitation. Apparently, this particular scam does not qualify for a refund. The victim was informed that due to her authorization of the Zelle transactions, no reimbursement would be provided.

    With the proliferation of this scam, it appears that Zelle, Wells Fargo, and other banks co-owning Zelle are merely giving superficial assurances to their customers. There seems to be a lack of substantive changes aimed at safeguarding consumers against such fraudulent activities.

    The most effective way to safeguard yourself is by avoiding falling for the scammer’s tactics. Your bank would never instruct you to move your funds to protect them; that’s simply not a standard procedure. If you receive a suspicious text or call purporting to be from your bank, refrain from responding. Instead, reach out to your bank directly using the customer service number on your debit or credit card. They can provide guidance on any potential issues with your account. Additionally, remember that Zelle is intended for transactions among friends and family. Requests for payment through Zelle from unfamiliar sources could indicate an attempt to scam you.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on March 1, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , Zoo tickets   

    Even zoos aren’t immune to scams 

    By Greg Collier

    If you live in a part of the country that’s experiencing warmer weather, you may be thinking about taking a family trip to the zoo. If that’s the case, you’ll want to be careful where you buy your tickets, as zoos and aquariums across the country are being used in a scam that’s circulating across social media.

    Ads have been appearing on Facebook and Instagram that claim to be offering a four pack of tickets to zoos for just $6.95. Each of these listings also claim that the ticket prices are so low because the zoo is celebrating a milestone anniversary.

    For instance, the scammers allege that the zoo in Honolulu is marking its 40th anniversary, while they claim the Pittsburgh Zoo is commemorating its 125th anniversary. Comparable fraudulent listings have been reported in various locations like Jacksonville, Florida, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Wichita, Kansas, among others. None of these zoos are actually marking any significant milestone anniversaries. The claims made by the scammers regarding anniversary celebrations are entirely fabricated.

    To further entice potential victims to click on their ads, the scammers assert that there’s a limited supply of tickets available. This creates a sense of urgency and prompts individuals to act quickly without thoroughly considering the legitimacy of the offer.

    One telltale sign that these listings are scams is that the ads are not posted by the zoos themselves. Despite using the logos of various zoos, the pages hosting the ads have generic names such as ‘Zoo Promo’, ‘Wildlife Jubilee’, and ‘Jungle Celebration’.

    Based on the information collected, it appears that the scammers are not only misleading victims with false offers, but also stealing their credit and debit card information. One victim reported unauthorized charges on their card, indicating that the scammers are exploiting these transactions to commit financial fraud.

    Most, if not all, zoos emphasize that the only legitimate methods for purchasing tickets are through their official website or directly at the front gate. Experts and authorities strongly recommend flagging any of these suspicious ads encountered on social media platforms to prevent further victims from falling prey to the scam.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on February 29, 2024 Permalink | Reply
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    When old scams become new: TikTok scam promises free money 

    By Greg Collier

    A prevalent scam frequently encountered on Facebook is the government grant scam. This usually occurs when scammers gain unauthorized access to someone’s Facebook account. They then exploit this access to send messages to the victim’s friends, claiming they’ve received a significant government grant and anyone can apply. These messages include a link for recipients to purportedly apply for the grant.

    In this scam, the trick lies in scammers posing as government representatives who then request payment from victims under false pretenses, often citing processing fees or taxes. This deceptive practice is commonly referred to as the advance fee scam, where individuals are asked to pay money upfront in order to receive promised funds.

    When a social network emerges with a predominantly young audience, scammers adapt their tactics to better appeal to this demographic. They might tweak the scam’s messaging, incorporating language and content that resonates with younger users.

    According to the Better Business Bureau, scammers on TikTok are luring users with the promise of a $6,400 government grant, targeting individuals earning less than $50,000 annually. Given the economic challenges many young people face today, this offer may seem particularly appealing to a significant portion of the younger population.

    In the TikTok scam, perpetrators use videos featuring individuals who purport to have successfully applied for and received the grant. However, these individuals are often victims of the scam themselves. As part of the deception, scammers may condition the release of the promised payment on the victim creating their own video endorsing the legitimacy of the grant program.

    The BBB also reports the scam on TikTok might not necessarily be seeking payment from victims, but rather aiming to harvest their personal data.

    If a grant or financial assistance program requires payment upfront, question its legitimacy. Legitimate government grants typically do not require payment in advance. Avoid providing personal or financial information to unknown individuals or entities online, especially in response to unsolicited messages or requests. Take the time to research any offers or opportunities thoroughly before taking action. Look for reviews, feedback, or reports from trusted sources to validate the legitimacy of the offer. Lastly, Be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true, especially if they promise large sums of money for minimal effort or qualifications.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on February 28, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , voice c\,   

    The terrifying rise of AI-generated phone scams 

    By Greg Collier

    In the age of rapid technological advancement, it appears that scammers are always finding new ways to exploit our vulnerabilities. One of the latest and most frightening trends is the emergence of AI-generated phone scams, where callers use sophisticated artificial intelligence to mimic the voices of loved ones and prey on our emotions.

    Recently, residents of St. Louis County in Missouri were targeted by a particularly chilling variation of this scam. Victims received calls from individuals claiming to be their children in distress, stating that they had been involved in a car accident and the other driver was demanding money for damages under the threat of kidnapping. The scammers used AI to replicate the voices of the victims’ children, adding an extra layer of realism to their deception.

    The emotional impact of such a call cannot be overstated. Imagine receiving a call from someone who sounds exactly like your child, crying and pleading for help. The panic and fear that ensue can cloud judgment and make it difficult to discern the truth. This is precisely what the scammers rely on to manipulate their victims.

    One brave mother shared her harrowing experience with a local news outlet. She recounted how she received a call from someone who sounded like her daughter, claiming to have been in an accident and demanding a $2,000 wire transfer to prevent her kidnapping.

    Fortunately, in the case of the St. Louis County mother, prompt police intervention prevented her from falling victim to the scam. However, not everyone is as fortunate, with some parents having lost thousands of dollars to these heartless perpetrators.

    Experts warn that hanging up the phone may not be as simple as it seems in the heat of the moment. Instead, families should establish safe words or phrases to verify the authenticity of such calls.

    To protect yourself from falling victim to AI-generated phone scams, it’s essential to remain informed. Be wary of calls that pressure you to act quickly or request payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency. If you receive such a call, verify the authenticity of the situation by contacting the threatened family member directly and report the incident to law enforcement.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on February 27, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , tree cutters   

    Homeowner almost loses trees to business scam 

    By Greg Collier

    Scams come in various shapes and sizes. Take the widespread jury duty scam, for instance. Scammers reach out to numerous individuals, aiming to persuade as many as possible into parting with their money. On the other hand, scams can also be highly specific, honing in on niche industries that most people wouldn’t consider as typical scam targets.

    In a recent incident in Nashville, a homeowner found themselves warding off multiple tree-cutting companies attempting to remove perfectly healthy and mature trees from their property. While it might initially seem like the mischief of local pranksters or a vexed neighbor, the homeowner wasn’t actually the main focus of the scam.

    It’s suspected that the tree-cutters were ensnared in the overpayment scam, often known as the fake check scam. In this ploy, a check surpassing the agreed-upon amount is furnished for a transaction, with scammers urging the return of the excess before the victim or their bank detects the check’s falsity. This tactic leaves the victim liable for the entire amount to their bank.

    The homeowner’s property was targeted in the scam due to its status as a listed property for sale. Scammers often exploit homes in this situation, assuming they are unoccupied during the sales process.

    Business owners can take proactive measures to safeguard themselves against the overpayment or fake check scam.

    Before proceeding with any transaction, especially involving a check for an amount exceeding the agreed-upon price, confirm the customer’s identity and purpose of the transaction.

    Whenever possible, encourage or require the use of secure and traceable payment methods such as electronic funds transfer, credit cards, or certified checks. These methods offer more security compared to personal or business checks.

    If you receive a check, especially if it’s unusually large or if there’s pressure to return a portion of the payment, independently verify its authenticity. Contact the issuing bank directly to confirm the validity of the check.

    Don’t release goods or provide services until the check has fully cleared. Depositing a check doesn’t guarantee its clearance, and it may take time for banks to confirm its legitimacy.

    By implementing these precautions, business owners can reduce the risk of falling victim to the overpayment or fake check scam.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on February 26, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , gen z, , , victim blaming   

    Scam Round Up: Why Anyone Can Fall Victim to a Scam 

    By Greg Collier

    Usually, when we share a Scam Round Up, we cover three or more scams that don’t warrant a full blog post. However, today, we’re shifting gears to highlight three news articles. Our aim is to convince our readers that no one is immune to scams.

    Up first, TIME Magazine provides us with an article that highlights the cognitive bias that fosters this false sense of security when it comes to scams. Emotional manipulation stands out as a common tactic, exploiting fear and urgency to override rational thinking. Scammers craft scenarios designed to evoke strong emotions, such as familial emergencies or romantic entanglements, compelling victims to act impulsively. Whether acknowledged or not, we all harbor fears, many of which are common among us. Scammers swiftly exploit these fears to manipulate us into acting against our best interests.

    Again, we go back to TIME Magazine with an article that indicates Generation Z is over three times more susceptible to online scams compared to baby boomers. Experts attribute this to tailored scams exploiting younger generations’ heavy social media use and trust in online information. Financial planners highlight the allure of get-rich-quick schemes amidst economic challenges faced by younger adults, compounded by their tendency to trust online content. As scams evolve in complexity, leveraging advanced technology like AI, experts caution that younger adults’ reliance on online platforms and digital banking could leave them more vulnerable to security breaches and account compromises.

    Lastly, we have an op-ed column from the Washington Post. If you’ll recall, a New York Magazine columnist came forward over a week ago with her story about falling victim to a law enforcement impersonation scam. She gave $50,000 in cash to someone she thought was a CIA agent. Since then, some members of the general public and the media have tried to shame her for falling for what they consider an obvious scam. In the Post column, that columnist takes the public and media to task for victim blaming a scam victim. The Post columnist reminds us that someone within your family, workplace, or religious community has either been or will be a victim of a scam.

    Blaming scam victims or adopting a mindset of invulnerability only serves to perpetuate the cycle of shame and misinformation surrounding financial fraud. Instead of pointing fingers, it’s crucial to recognize the sophistication of modern scams and the psychological tactics employed by con artists. By fostering empathy and understanding, we can create a safer environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing their experiences and learning from them. Remember, anyone can fall prey to a well-crafted scam, and it’s only through collective awareness and support that we can effectively combat this pervasive issue.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on February 23, 2024 Permalink | Reply
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    The costly conundrum of real estate email compromise 

    The costly conundrum of real estate email compromise

    By Greg Collier

    Two years ago, a California couple embarked on the daunting journey of finding their dream home amidst a competitive market and low-interest rates. After viewing 50 homes, facing disappointment with three failed bids, they finally secured a house, breathing a sigh of relief. Little did they know, their ordeal was far from over.

    Navigating through the intricacies of the escrow process, the couple encountered an unexpected twist at the eleventh hour. What seemed like smooth sailing turned into a nightmare when they received wire instructions for their down payment via email, purportedly from their escrow agent. Trusting the legitimacy of the communication, they wired a substantial sum, only to realize days later that they had fallen victim to a scam.

    The email, meticulously crafted by fraudsters, mirrored previous correspondences, complete with a familiar tone and personalization, lulling the couple into a false sense of security. This suggests potential breaches in the escrow company’s email system as the point of entry for the scammers.

    This incident, known as business email compromise, has become alarmingly prevalent, with FBI data revealing staggering losses amounting to billions of dollars annually. Despite mandatory reporting of fraud by escrow companies, recourse for victims remains elusive.

    Attempts to seek redress from the couple’s escrow company yielded no response, leaving them grappling with the harsh reality of their depleted savings and mounting debt. Forced to borrow from family to salvage their homeownership dreams, they now face the arduous task of repaying borrowed funds, a burden that weighs heavily on their shoulders.

    When making a down payment on a home, always confirm wire instructions through direct communication with trusted contacts, avoiding reliance solely on email correspondence. If prompted to call for wire instructions via email, ensure that you dial a known or verified number.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on February 22, 2024 Permalink | Reply
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    Victim avoids arrest scam, still loses money 

    By Greg Collier

    The scam, known by various aliases such as the arrest warrant scam or the jury duty scam, is a form of police impersonation scheme that has become increasingly common. In this fraudulent tactic, perpetrators masquerade as representatives from the victim’s local law enforcement agency, often spoofing official phone numbers to enhance their credibility.

    The typical method involves informing the victim of an outstanding arrest warrant, commonly fabricated for offenses like missing jury duty, though the pretext can vary. The primary objective of the scam is to coerce the victim into paying a fine purportedly to resolve the warrant. Payment is typically demanded through channels that are difficult to trace, such as money transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.

    However, in a recent incident reported in Orlando, Florida, a victim discovered that the scam had a secondary agenda if the initial ploy failed. A fraudster posing as an Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy contacted the victim, attempting to instill fear of imminent arrest and requesting payment via a money order. Although the victim resisted this primary coercion attempt, the scammers had a backup plan.

    Remarkably, the scammers possessed extensive personal information about their target, including their name, address, date of birth, and complete Social Security number. Such data can be obtained through illicit means, such as purchasing from other criminals or harvesting from data breaches. To execute their fallback strategy, the scammers required a voice recording of the victim.

    The victim’s bank utilized voice verification for transaction authorization. Exploiting this vulnerability, the scammers swiftly used a recorded snippet of the victim’s voice to siphon $900 from her account on the same day.

    It remains unclear whether the perpetrators employed advanced AI-generated voice spoofing tools, or if they resorted to a variation of the “Can you hear me now?” scam. In the latter, scammers prompt victims to utter affirmative responses, aiming to record them for potential circumvention of voice-based authorizations.

    Scammers can effortlessly manipulate caller ID to falsely display a phone number associated with law enforcement agencies, creating the illusion of an official call. However, it’s crucial to note that legitimate police practices differ significantly from these deceptive tactics. Law enforcement agencies typically do not issue arrest warrant notifications over the phone; instead, they prefer personal visits. Furthermore, it’s important to recognize that authentic law enforcement entities never demand fine payments over the phone while issuing threats of arrest.

    If you see a call appearing to be from the police on your caller ID, it’s wise to let it go to voicemail. Afterward, listen to the message carefully. To ensure there’s no urgent matter requiring your attention, it’s prudent to directly call your local police department using their non-emergency number. This approach helps confirm the legitimacy of the call and prevents falling prey to potential scams.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on February 21, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , distraction scam, , ,   

    When selling a used car, look out for this new scam 

    When selling a used car, look out for this new scam

    By Greg Collier

    In a world where barely moderated online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist offer convenient platforms for buying and selling goods, it’s essential to remain vigilant against potential scams. Recently, the Placer County, California, Sheriff’s Office issued a reminder to the community to guard against a particular car-buying scam that has been occurring in both California and Nevada.

    The scam, as reported by the Sheriff’s Office, involves a deceptive tactic where buyers, often working in collusion with others, arrange to meet sellers who have listed their vehicles for sale on classified advertisement websites. These meetings typically occur at a designated location, such as parking lots or even at the seller’s residence.

    Once at the meeting place, the suspects employ a carefully orchestrated scheme to manipulate the situation in their favor. They arrive with at least two accomplices, and while one individual pretends to inspect the engine compartment, the others engage in distracting the victim or creating a diversion of some sort. During this time, the main suspect surreptitiously pours oil into the radiator and on top of the engine manifold, while the accomplices may also pour oil near the rear of the vehicle.

    Subsequently, the suspect requests a test drive of the vehicle. As the engine heats up during the drive, the oil poured onto the manifold starts to smoke, creating the illusion of a serious mechanical issue. When the vehicle is brought to a halt, the suspect seizes the opportunity to open the radiator cap, revealing the oil within and falsely claiming that the engine is “blown.” Exploiting the victim’s moment of distress, they proceed to make an extremely low-ball offer to “take the vehicle off their hands.”

    This elaborate scheme not only deceives the seller into believing their vehicle is severely damaged, but also coerces them into accepting an unfairly low price for it. What’s more concerning is the collaborative effort involved in executing this scam. By many reports, this scam has been taking place up and down the state of California recently.

    It’s imperative for individuals engaging in online transactions to exercise caution and take preventive measures to protect themselves from falling victim to such scams. Before agreeing to meet with a potential buyer, engage in communication to gauge their seriousness and legitimacy. Ask pertinent questions about their interest in the vehicle and their intentions.

    Choose a public, well-lit location with plenty of foot traffic for the meeting. Places like shopping center parking lots or police station parking lots are ideal choices. Bring a friend or family member along to the meeting for added security and support. Having another person present can deter potential scammers and provide assistance if needed.

    Conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle before meeting with potential buyers. This includes checking the engine compartment, fluid levels, and any visible signs of tampering or damage. During the meeting, maintain control of the vehicle at all times. Avoid allowing the potential buyer to take control of the keys or access the engine compartment without supervision.

    Pay attention to any suspicious behavior or red flags during the meeting. This includes excessive distractions, pressure to make a quick decision, or attempts to manipulate the situation. If something feels off or too good to be true, trust your instincts and proceed with caution. Don’t hesitate to walk away from the transaction if you feel uncomfortable or unsure.

    By taking these proactive steps, car sellers can minimize their risk of falling victim to car-buying scams and protect themselves from fraudulent activities in the online marketplace.

     

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