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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 29, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: debt collectors ( 12 ), identity theft ( 128 ), loan scam ( 7 ), Scams ( 1,586 )   

  Fake Collector Targets Old Loan Debt 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A Kansas man recently lost $1,500 to a debt collection scam that relied on fabricated paperwork and a sense of urgency to convince the victim of its legitimacy. The case, reported by the Better Business Bureau, involved fraudulent claims of a decades-old loan.

  The scam began when the victim received emails suggesting that a loan of more than $13,000, dating back twenty years, remained unpaid. The sender presented themselves as both a courthouse official and a lawyer, weaving together an appearance of authority. Within days, the victim was persuaded to hand over banking information under what was described as a settlement arrangement.

  The scheme was bolstered with documents designed to look authentic. These included official-looking logos and even a notary stamp, elements carefully chosen to create the illusion of legitimacy. The scammers also attempted to reframe the payment demand as a bargain, falsely claiming that the debt had doubled and the requested amount was a reduced figure.

  Targeting such an old debt is a tactic commonly used to create intimidation and confusion. Many consumers are uncertain about financial records from decades past, and scammers rely on that uncertainty to discourage verification. In reality, even legitimate debts of that age are often considered time-barred and are no longer legally enforceable.

  The damage in this case extended beyond the immediate financial loss. By handing over banking information, the victim exposed themselves to possible identity theft, which can lead to new fraudulent charges and long-term risks beyond the original payment.

  Eventually, the target became wary and researched the organizations involved. This led to the discovery that the businesses had no verifiable addresses, confirming the suspicion that the collection attempt was fraudulent.

  The Better Business Bureau has warned that such scams are effective because they exploit both fear and confusion. Consumers are advised to be cautious when contacted about old debts and to request written validation before engaging. Researching the credibility of any collection agency and refusing to share sensitive financial details under pressure are vital steps in avoiding similar schemes.

  This case is part of a broader pattern of fraud in which criminals pose as figures of authority and attempt to frighten victims into fast decisions. Just as with fake tax collection calls or phishing emails that mimic banks and government agencies, the strategy depends on creating panic and preventing careful verification. Recognizing these patterns can help consumers respond with caution and avoid becoming the next target.

   

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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 26, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Cloud Boost, cryptocurrency ( 60 ), job scam ( 91 ), Scams ( 1,586 ), task scam ( 4 )   

  Cloud Boost Scam Exposed 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Residents of the Coastal Bend area of Texas are increasingly reporting losses to a fraudulent scheme known as “Cloud Boost.” The operation presents itself as a social media engagement program that rewards users for watching videos and boosting posts. In reality, victims are left defrauded of thousands of dollars.

  The scam often begins innocently, with participants introduced by friends or acquaintances who believe the opportunity to be legitimate. Initial investments can appear profitable, as some individuals are able to withdraw small sums in the beginning. This tactic builds trust and encourages further deposits. Once victims commit larger amounts of money, however, their withdrawals are blocked, and communication with the platform turns deceptive.

  The Better Business Bureau has documented numerous patterns in how the scam operates. Participants are first given simple tasks on platforms such as liking or subscribing to videos. They are then pressured to purchase increasingly expensive “packages” in order to progress and unlock higher earnings. When attempting to cash out, victims are often told they must pay additional fees for processing or taxes, but the money never arrives. Scammers may also migrate users to new platforms under different names, promising resolution that never materializes. Recruitment of friends and family is encouraged, giving the scheme the appearance of a pyramid structure. To appear credible, the perpetrators have even falsely claimed affiliations with major technology companies.

  Schemes such as Cloud Boost also highlight how economic pressures are often leveraged by fraudsters. Many victims are motivated by the promise of fast cash to cover urgent expenses, which can make the opportunity appear especially appealing. Once funds are transferred, recovery is rarely possible because most transactions are funneled through cryptocurrency. The use of digital currency allows scammers to remain anonymous and makes tracing or reclaiming the money nearly impossible, leaving victims with financial and emotional losses that extend far beyond the initial investment.

  Some victims described promises of bonuses such as weekly pay, laptops, or even reimbursement for family meals. All communication takes place through online messaging channels, which helps the scammers maintain a sense of legitimacy by mimicking remote workplace practices. Ultimately, individuals have reported losing tens of thousands of dollars, believing for weeks or months that they were participating in a genuine work-from-home opportunity.

  Cloud Boost is another variation of so-called task scams, which lure people with the idea of quick payouts for minimal effort. These schemes exploit the trust of individuals who believe they are performing legitimate online work. Readers are reminded that a genuine employer will never require payment to begin a job, and any request for upfront fees should be seen as a serious warning sign.

  The Better Business Bureau urges caution to anyone approached with similar offers. Victims are advised to cease all contact with the operators, report the fraud to authorities, and warn others to prevent further harm.

  The rise of Cloud Boost shows how modern scams exploit the growing popularity of gig-style work and online engagement. By blending elements of social media marketing, remote employment, and cryptocurrency, these schemes create the appearance of opportunity while leaving participants with significant financial losses. The key lesson remains that if an investment promises easy profits for minimal effort, it is likely too good to be true.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 25, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: charity scam ( 42 ), donations ( 5 ), police scam ( 40 ), Scams ( 1,586 )   

  Police Tragedies Used in Scam Drives 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In the aftermath of tragedy, communities often come together to grieve, to remember, and to offer support. Unfortunately, those same moments of collective sorrow also attract opportunists who see vulnerability as a means to profit. Recent incidents have highlighted how quickly fraudulent fundraising efforts can appear following deaths and other high-profile events, preying on the generosity of people who only want to help.

  Authorities in Pennsylvania recently warned residents to be cautious when donating to causes linked to three law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty and two others who were injured. Officials noted that scammers often seize on the public’s compassion, creating false donation drives designed to funnel money away from those truly affected. In this case, people were urged to verify the legitimacy of any fundraising effort by checking official channels such as police department pages or recognized associations before making a contribution. The advice reflects a broader pattern that has repeated itself in tragedies across the country.

  In New Orleans, the family of a local police officer who died recently discovered a fake crowdfunding page created in his name. The fundraiser was not authorized by the family, yet it began soliciting money from strangers who believed they were providing comfort and support. While the platform ultimately removed the campaign and refunded donors, the incident underscores how quickly such scams can materialize. The creation of the page occurred within days of the officer’s death, illustrating how scammers monitor news of loss and act immediately to exploit it.

  These cases are not isolated. Fraudulent fundraisers have followed natural disasters, mass shootings, and individual tragedies alike. The speed with which they emerge shows that scammers rely on the urgency of public sympathy and the limited time people often spend verifying details. In many cases, the organizers of these schemes never have access to funds if platforms intervene in time, but the emotional toll and confusion created in the process cannot be undone. Families already in mourning are forced to spend their time issuing warnings and clarifications instead of focusing on healing.

  Tragedies should never be treated as opportunities for profit, yet criminals repeatedly exploit the instinct to give. Donors can protect themselves by pausing before clicking on links, particularly those shared through private messages or social media comments, and by taking the time to research where a fundraiser originated. Visiting the websites or pages of local agencies, police departments, or recognized charitable organizations provides a clearer picture of which efforts are legitimate. Even a quick search to see if a campaign has been acknowledged by trusted institutions can make the difference between helping a family in need and lining the pockets of someone with bad intentions.

  Anyone who suspects they have been targeted by a fraudulent fundraiser can report the incident to their state’s consumer protection office or directly to the fundraising platform where the campaign appeared. In Pennsylvania, the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection provides an online complaint system and a phone line for victims of scams. In other states, similar agencies can be contacted to investigate deceptive practices. Taking the step to report suspicious activity not only protects individual donors but also helps prevent others from being misled.

   
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  Geebo 9:12 am on September 24, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: check scam ( 85 ), employment ( 42 ), fake check ( 54 ), job scam ( 91 ), Scams ( 1,586 ), Whatsapp ( 5 )   

  BBB Flags Surge in Job Offer Scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau is warning job seekers about a surge in fraudulent employment offers impersonating well-known companies. According to reports collected through the BBB Scam Tracker, individuals have been contacted by people claiming to be human resources representatives from companies such as Amazon and others. These offers often appear genuine because the scammers adopt personal-sounding names and reference real businesses.

  The approach usually begins with a message suggesting that a resume was discovered online. Recipients are encouraged to continue the application process through WhatsApp, where a staged interview may be conducted. After positive feedback, the applicant is sent an official-looking contract and is asked to provide personal information such as a home address, date of birth, and banking details under the pretense of setting up payroll systems. This information can then be used for identity theft.

  Some variations of the scheme go further by involving a supposed training manager. In these cases, the victim is sent a counterfeit check for office equipment and told to return part of the funds after making a deposit. Because the check is not valid, any money returned to the scammers becomes a direct loss.

  One of the strongest warning signs in these schemes is when the supposed recruiter insists on moving the conversation to WhatsApp. In the United States, most legitimate companies conduct hiring through official websites, business email accounts, or platforms like LinkedIn. WhatsApp is not widely used as a primary communication tool for hiring in the U.S., unlike in many countries overseas where it is a dominant messaging service. That cultural difference makes the request unusual for American job seekers, and scammers exploit that unfamiliarity to lure victims into a less formal, harder-to-trace setting.

  The BBB advises job seekers to carefully research employment opportunities before sharing sensitive information. Checking company websites directly and looking for existing warnings online can help verify the legitimacy of offers. The organization also emphasizes that legitimate employers will not send money upfront to new hires or request that funds be sent back.

  With the rise of remote work and online recruiting, these scams have become increasingly sophisticated. The BBB continues to encourage vigilance and reminds job seekers that promises of easy hiring and high pay with little interaction should be treated as warning signs.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 23, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: fake websites ( 13 ), FBI ( 32 ), IC3 ( 3 ), Scams ( 1,586 )   

  FBI Warns of Website Imposters 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The FBI has issued a warning about a troubling new scheme that targets people who have already been defrauded online. The agency’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, commonly known as IC3, is the official government channel where victims are directed to report internet crimes. Fraudulent actors are now creating convincing copies of the legitimate website in order to collect sensitive details from unsuspecting users.

  These fake websites are designed to look authentic, often by making slight alterations to the legitimate domain name. Once a victim enters personal information such as a home address, banking details, or contact information, the data can be exploited for further financial theft or identity fraud. Because many victims reach out to IC3 in moments of urgency, the risk of falling prey to one of these counterfeit websites is heightened.

  The FBI is advising members of the public to always type http://www.ic3.gov directly into their browser rather than relying on search engine results, where fraudulent sites are more likely to appear. It is also critical to confirm that the website address ends in .gov, since this is reserved for official U.S. government pages. The legitimate IC3 website will never request payment in exchange for recovering lost funds, nor will it direct anyone to a company that demands such payment.

  The agency also reminds the public that IC3 has no social media presence, meaning any account claiming to represent the service should be treated as suspicious. Anyone who believes they have interacted with a spoofed version of the site should immediately contact their local FBI field office or submit a report through the actual IC3 website.

  This development underscores the psychological toll of online fraud. Criminals are targeting individuals who are already vulnerable and may be desperate for help, exploiting their sense of urgency to make them more likely to overlook red flags. Falling victim a second time can deepen both the financial and emotional damage, eroding trust in legitimate institutions that exist to provide assistance.

  The warning also fits into a broader trend of spoofed government websites being used as bait. Fraudulent versions of sites for the IRS, Social Security, and passport services have been reported in recent years, showing that cybercriminals are consistently exploiting public reliance on official resources. The FBI’s alert is a reminder that caution and verification are essential whenever sharing information online, especially when dealing with government portals.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 22, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: police impersonation scam ( 88 ), police scam ( 40 ), Scams ( 1,586 )   

  Impersonating the Law for Profit 

  

  By Greg Collier

  An alarming case unfolded in Clay County, Kentucky, when an individual from Ohio was taken into custody on charges of fraud and impersonating law enforcement. Authorities reported that the suspect contacted a local woman on September 17, claiming she was facing criminal charges and demanding money.

  The situation escalated while the victim was in contact with the sheriff’s office. A deputy overheard a man instructing her over the phone to return home, wait until no one else was present, and expect him to arrive. Later that same day, the suspect appeared at her residence, where he was confronted by family members before fleeing.

  Deputies located him shortly afterward, and the vehicle he was driving had been marked to resemble an unmarked police car, which added to the ruse. Authorities also learned from the victim’s son that money had already been taken.

  This case underscores the dangers posed by impersonation scams that target vulnerable individuals in moments of fear and confusion. The outcome in this instance may have been far worse if the woman had been alone when he arrived at her home. Who knows what could have happened if she had faced him without the protection of her family?

  Across the United States, fraud involving impersonation has been rising sharply. Reports to enforcement agencies show that scams impersonating government officials or law enforcement occur frequently and cost victims large sums. Older adults have lost tens of millions of dollars in recent years to schemes in which fraudsters pretend to represent trusted institutions and demand payment under threat of legal action. These schemes are growing more sophisticated. Tactics now often involve spoofed caller ID information so that the fraudster’s number appears to be that of a legitimate agency. Communications by email or text also have increased as means of initiating contact. The tools available to criminals, including those that replicate voices or identities via artificial intelligence, raise the stakes for unsuspecting victims.

  When responding to suspicious contacts, keep in mind that real law enforcement will never demand immediate payment via wire transfer or gift cards. Nor will they instruct someone to wait until no one else is present so an officer can come by without proper verification. It is advisable to remain calm, hang up, and reach out directly to the agency in question using a trusted phone number or website. Personal information should not be shared with unverified callers. Verification of identification is also crucial, whether the request is by phone, in person, or by electronic communication.

  This incident offers a clear example of how impersonation scams can escalate if not interrupted. It also offers lessons about what protective measures individuals may take to avoid becoming victims.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 19, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: impersonation scam ( 194 ), lottery scam ( 15 ), phishing ( 89 ), Scams ( 1,586 ), smishing ( 17 )   

  Lottery Winner Texts Are a Scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A new wave of fraudulent text messages has been reported in North Carolina and across the country, with scammers posing as generous lottery winners offering to share their supposed jackpot fortunes. The Federal Trade Commission warns that these messages are not legitimate and advises consumers to exercise caution when receiving such unexpected communications.

  One example circulating now claims that the recipient has been chosen at random to receive one million dollars in cash and a new car. The message explains that the selection was made by an automated system and provides a number to contact a so-called managing director with a special claimant code. When reporters attempted to follow the instructions, the call could not be completed, but the text line produced a swift response. Soon after, the sender requested detailed personal information, including name, address, marital status, occupation, age, income, and even a photograph.

  To test the claim further, reporters tried to initiate a video call, but the call went unanswered. Instead, another message arrived from a foreign number containing a picture of a duffel bag stuffed with cash. The elaborate performance only underscored the deceptive intent.

  According to the Better Business Bureau, the very nature of unsolicited text messages promising money is an immediate red flag. Experts emphasize that responding only confirms to scammers that a real person is at the other end, which encourages them to continue targeting the victim. The goal is almost always to obtain enough personal information to commit identity fraud or to manipulate the target into paying money under false pretenses.

  The Federal Trade Commission stresses the importance of deleting and reporting these texts rather than engaging. Responding can expose recipients to identity theft or malware, especially if links are clicked. Scammers are adept at creating a sense of urgency and legitimacy, but regulators urge people to verify any extraordinary claim through trusted channels rather than through the contact information provided in suspicious messages.

  This type of fraud is not rare. The FTC estimates that Americans lose tens of millions of dollars every year to prize and sweepstakes scams, with older adults among the most frequent targets. The tactics vary, but the pitch is nearly always the same. A promise of sudden wealth, accompanied by requests for personal details or money. A critical fact to keep in mind is that legitimate lottery organizations do not notify winners by text message or through social media, and they do not ask for photographs, income details, or banking information in order to release winnings.

  For anyone who has already replied to one of these messages, experts recommend taking immediate steps to protect personal security. This can include contacting your mobile carrier to block further messages, checking your credit report for unusual activity, and notifying your bank if financial details were shared. It may also be wise to change passwords associated with accounts that could be linked to the information provided. Even if no money was lost, reporting the interaction to the FTC and the BBB helps create a clearer picture of the scam’s reach and may prevent others from becoming victims.

  While these scams are persistent, their effectiveness lies in exploiting the universal hope of financial relief and good fortune. By mimicking the thrill of winning, criminals draw people into sharing information or parting with money. Recognizing the warning signs and taking quick protective measures can turn a potential loss into an important lesson. The safest response remains simple. Treat unexpected lottery offers not as opportunities, but as clear warnings to protect yourself and your information.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 18, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Cash App ( 44 ), CFPB, hoax ( 5 ), money glitch, TikTok ( 14 ), Zelle ( 73 )   

  TikTok’s Fake Payout Promise 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Social media users are being lured by a new wave of videos that promise free money through popular peer-to-peer payment apps such as Zelle and Cash App. The pitch is presented as a simple process of filling out a government form, but the claims have no basis in reality. What is being pushed is not a legitimate way to recover lost funds. It is a misleading scheme that has already convinced many people to waste their time and money in pursuit of a payout that does not exist.

  The idea preys on those who have been victims of online payment fraud and are searching for ways to be reimbursed. Some online personalities are claiming that a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will automatically generate compensation, even for those who were never victims in the first place. This false promise has been paired with the sale of templates and financial guides that add yet another layer of exploitation.

  Consumer advocates have made clear that the tactic has no legitimacy. Zelle has stated that consumers were misled into filing complaints based on a fabricated settlement, while Cash App has said it has improved how it identifies and responds to customer issues. Reports also note that with reduced oversight of federal consumer protection agencies, opportunists are taking advantage of the situation to target those who are already financially strained.

  There is also a legal risk that has gone largely unspoken in the videos encouraging people to try this method. Filing a false complaint with a government agency can rise to the level of fraud. While many viewers may see it as a harmless trick, in reality submitting knowingly inaccurate claims could have criminal consequences.

  The situation echoes a familiar pattern on TikTok and other platforms where so-called “money glitches” are promoted as a quick and easy path to financial gain. Not long ago, similar videos circulated claiming that hidden glitches in Cash App or other services could be exploited to receive free transfers. Those claims, too, were proven false and left behind a trail of disappointed users. The latest version of this scam follows the same formula. It dangles the promise of effortless money before viewers who are encouraged to act quickly before the supposed opportunity disappears.

  Consumer protection experts urge anyone who has been defrauded through a payment app to pursue legitimate channels of recourse. Filing a proper complaint with full documentation can help build a case, but there is no shortcut to a payout and certainly no promise of free money for those who were never affected. In the end, the only people profiting from these social media claims are those selling false hope.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 17, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: impersonation scam ( 194 ), refund scam ( 12 ), Scams ( 1,586 ), smishing ( 17 ), tax scam ( 14 )   

  States Warn of Tax Refund Text Scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  State tax agencies are once again warning residents to be cautious about fraudulent text messages designed to steal personal and financial information. Following reports of fake texts in New Jersey earlier this year, the Michigan Department of Treasury has now issued its own alert after receiving complaints of similar activity.

  In New Jersey, scammers have been sending messages that claim to come from the Department of the Treasury’s Division of Taxation. The texts state that a refund request has been processed and approved but warn that if payment details are not submitted by a specified deadline, the refund will be permanently forfeited under the New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act. The Division of Taxation has confirmed that these messages are not legitimate and has explained that text communication is used only in limited circumstances when requested through its phone system. Officials emphasize that residents should avoid clicking links or replying to such texts, since doing so can lead to spoofed websites that mimic official branding and request sensitive financial details. Replying with a single character such as “Y” can also be an attempt by scammers to bypass cell phone security safeguards.

  The Michigan Department of Treasury has reported nearly identical tactics. Residents have received texts that falsely claim to be from the agency, with messages urging them to update payment information or risk forfeiting their refunds. The Treasury has made clear that it never sends unsolicited text messages to request sensitive information and that official correspondence with taxpayers is conducted through letters sent via the U.S. Postal Service. Officials urge residents to delete suspicious messages and to contact the department directly with any questions about refunds or tax obligations. The state’s Individual Income Tax Information Line can also be used to log these scams and verify tax information.

  Authorities in both states describe these fraudulent texts as another tool in the cybercriminal playbook. They rely on urgency and the appearance of official language to pressure recipients into surrendering personal data. Cybersecurity experts note that links embedded in such messages often lead to convincing but fraudulent websites designed to capture bank account or credit card details.

  These scams also take advantage of the psychology of tax season. Residents may already be anticipating communication about refunds or tax issues, and scammers exploit this expectation by imitating the formal language of government. References to state statutes or threats of forfeiture are designed to create an appearance of authority and urgency, making recipients more likely to respond without questioning the message’s authenticity.

  Smishing campaigns have historically focused on banks, shipping companies, and retailers, but government agencies have increasingly become the target. By impersonating tax departments or other state offices, scammers add a layer of credibility that makes their messages seem harder to dismiss. This evolution reflects a broader trend in cybercrime, where attackers adjust their tactics to exploit the most trusted institutions and the most stressful times of year.

  As tax agencies across different states continue to issue similar warnings, the pattern highlights the adaptability of smishing campaigns and the importance of public awareness. Residents who receive suspicious messages are advised to treat them with caution, verify claims directly with state agencies, and avoid engaging with any request for personal or financial information delivered by text.

   
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  Geebo 8:05 am on September 16, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: charity scam ( 42 ), Charlie Kirk, impersonation scam ( 194 ), phishing ( 89 ), phone scam ( 50 ), text scam ( 31 )   

  Scammers Target Charlie Kirk Tragedy 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Authorities in Georgia are warning residents about a scam that has surfaced in the aftermath of the recent shooting of Charlie Kirk. Reports have circulated of fraudulent text messages being sent to cell phone users, claiming to be from Kirk’s wife, Erika, and urging people to donate in his honor. The messages are written in emotional language, suggesting that the movement Kirk built will grow stronger if people join in support, and they include a link for recipients to click.

  Law enforcement in both Effingham County and Habersham County has confirmed that the messages are not legitimate. Officials have stressed that scammers are attempting to exploit a national tragedy for financial gain. They cautioned that clicking on the links may expose victims to identity theft, malware, or fraudulent financial schemes. Instead of helping Kirk’s family or continuing his mission, the messages are designed to deceive and manipulate those who are grieving or sympathetic.

  Residents have been urged to delete the texts immediately and to report them to their carriers or local authorities. Officials also remind the public that legitimate fundraising efforts will never come through random text messages with suspicious links.

  This is not an isolated tactic. Scammers are always looking to make money out of any tragedy, whether by pretending to raise funds for victims, impersonating family members, or setting up fake charities. After natural disasters such as hurricanes or wildfires, fraudulent charity websites often appear within hours, and after the deaths of public figures, fake memorial fundraisers frequently surface. The scam tied to Kirk’s death follows the same predictable pattern, using grief and confusion as tools to steal.

  Authorities say awareness is the strongest defense, and anyone who receives such a message should recognize it for what it is, a calculated attempt to profit from pain.