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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 26, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Facebook Marketplace ( 58 ), google voice ( 13 ), Online Classifieds ( 11 ), online marketplace ( 10 ), Scams ( 1,221 )   

  Scammers targeting online sellers for more than just money 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The convenience of online marketplaces has revolutionized buying and selling. However, with this convenience comes a breed of scammers who are not only after your money but also your personal information.

  Recently, a Facebook Marketplace user shared their experience of communicating with a potential buyer who requested a verification code under the guise of ensuring trustworthiness.

  What might seem like a harmless request for verification is actually a cunning ploy by scammers to gain access to your personal information, specifically your phone number. These fraudsters pretend to be interested buyers and claim they need to verify your identity to ensure you’re not a scammer.

  Here’s how the scam typically unfolds. You, as the seller, are contacted by a supposed buyer who expresses interest in your item for sale. The buyer requests a verification code, claiming it’s for verifying your identity and ensuring a legitimate transaction. You receive a text message containing a verification code, which you’re asked to relay back to the buyer. Unbeknownst to you, the verification code is actually for setting up a Google Voice account in your name.

  Once the scammers obtain the verification code, they use it to link your phone number to their Google Voice account. With this setup, they can perpetrate various scams using the Google Voice number associated with your identity, making it harder for law enforcement to track them down.

  This scam preys on the trust and goodwill of online sellers, exploiting their willingness to facilitate smooth transactions. However, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Be cautious of any requests for verification codes, especially from individuals you don’t know or trust.

  If a buyer insists on verification, suggest alternative methods such as meeting in person at a police station or using reputable payment platforms that offer buyer protection. If you encounter any suspicious behavior or requests during online transactions, report them to the platform’s support team and warn others in your community.

  To steer clear of this scam, consider registering for your own Google Voice number. By doing so, scammers won’t be able to exploit your phone number for their schemes, as it’s already associated with your Google Voice account. Plus, you don’t necessarily need to actively use Google Voice; you can simply activate its “do not disturb” setting for added peace of mind.

  If you find that someone has already linked your phone number to a Google Voice account, don’t panic. You can reclaim ownership of your number by following the instructions provided by Google. Simply refer to their guidelines on reclaiming a number associated with a Google Voice account, and take the necessary steps to regain control of your phone number.

   

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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 25, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bitcoin atm ( 19 ), cryptocurrency ( 43 ), pop-ups ( 20 ), Scams ( 1,221 )   

  New Bitcoin scam accuses victims of being predators 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In the case of a recent incident in Blaine, Minnesota, scammers are leveraging fear tactics to manipulate individuals into parting with their hard-earned money. The Blaine Police Department recently issued a warning to residents about a Bitcoin scam that has resulted in significant financial losses for its victims.

  This scam involves a distressing pop-up appearing on the victim’s home computer, alleging suspicious charges on their bank account. What makes this scheme particularly alarming is the level of detail the scammers possess about their targets. In one reported instance, the scammers not only knew the victim’s exact balances across their savings and checking accounts but also provided a fabricated bank ID card featuring the victim’s name.

  The perpetrators capitalize on fear and confusion, falsely claiming that involving the bank’s fraud department or law enforcement would be futile and might even lead to punitive measures, such as being listed as a predatory offender for fictitious charges related to adult entertainment websites.

  To compound the deception, the victims are instructed to withdraw substantial sums of money from their accounts and deposit them into a Bitcoin ATM at a local gas station. Once the cash is converted into Bitcoin and transferred to the scammer’s digital wallet via a provided QR code, the transaction becomes irreversible, leaving the victims in a state of financial distress.

  In light of this alarming trend, it’s crucial for individuals to adopt proactive measures to safeguard themselves against scams. Before taking any action in response to unexpected messages or notifications, independently verify the legitimacy of the communication by contacting the purported sender through official channels. Refrain from sharing sensitive personal or financial information, especially in response to unsolicited requests or pop-up messages.

  It’s essential to understand that companies like Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Facebook are not in contact with your bank and have no access to information about potentially fraudulent transactions in your accounts. Legitimate entities, including companies, agencies, and law enforcement departments, will never instruct you to deposit money into a cryptocurrency ATM. If someone makes such a request, it’s almost certainly a scam.

  Moreover, if you’re coerced into keeping quiet about the alleged issue, it’s another clear indicator of a scam. There’s no legitimate scenario where you’re prohibited from speaking, at the very least, to your attorney. Threats of arrest or inclusion on any sort of list due to a banking matter are entirely fictitious.

  If you encounter a potential scam or fraudulent activity, report it promptly to local law enforcement authorities or relevant regulatory agencies to prevent further victimization.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 22, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: gold bars ( 4 ), identity theft ( 96 ), police impersonation scam ( 49 ), Scams ( 1,221 )   

  Beware the gold bar scam: Protecting the elderly from financial predators 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In the retirement communities across the nation, a disturbing trend has emerged, preying on the trust and vulnerability of its elderly residents. Recent reports reveal a harrowing scheme where criminals, cloaked in deception, lure unsuspecting victims into converting their hard-earned savings into gold bars, only to vanish into the shadows with millions of dollars in ill-gotten gains.

  The magnitude of this issue has prompted national attention, with the FBI issuing warnings to the public. The allure of gold, coupled with the anonymity afforded by online transactions, has emboldened scammers to exploit the vulnerabilities of the elderly. Unlike traditional banking transactions, which may raise red flags, wire transfers to gold bullion websites often fly under the radar, facilitating the seamless execution of fraudulent schemes.

  The intricate web of deception woven by these scammers illustrates the lengths to which they will go to exploit the innocence of their victims. Posing as officials from esteemed agencies like the Federal Trade Commission and law enforcement, they instill fear and confusion, coercing their targets into believing they are embroiled in federal investigations involving identity theft and illicit activities.

  Take, for instance, the case of a 64-year-old woman from Montgomery County, Maryland, who fell victim to the cunning ploys of a gold bar scammer. Posing as a federal investigator, the scammer exploited the victim’s fears of identity theft, coaxing her into converting a staggering $800,000 worth of assets into gold bars for purported protection. With meticulous orchestration, the scammer arranged clandestine meetings in nondescript locations, masquerading as a federal courier to abscond with the precious metal.

  The tale of deception didn’t end there. Thanks to the vigilance of a concerned relative, authorities were alerted to the scammer’s machinations. In a meticulously planned sting operation, law enforcement apprehended the scammer just as he was poised to seize another $376,000 from his unsuspecting victim. While one perpetrator has been brought to justice, the magnitude of this scam suggests that many more may still be lurking in the shadows.

  Despite concerted efforts by law enforcement, the under-reporting of such crimes remains a formidable obstacle. Victims, often plagued by feelings of embarrassment and shame, may choose to suffer in silence, exacerbating the prevalence of these scams. In Montgomery County alone, reports indicate at least a dozen victims, echoing a national trend of escalating financial exploitation targeting the elderly.

  Seniors are particularly vulnerable to these types of scams, as fraudsters capitalize on their trust and apprehensions. The appeal of gold bars lies in their perceived anonymity and universal value, making them an attractive target for criminals seeking to evade detection and maximize profits. The elderly, and anyone else, should be skeptical of unsolicited offers involving precious metals and jewelry.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 21, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Cash App ( 41 ), Facebook Marketplace ( 58 ), real estate ( 117 ), rental scam ( 84 ), Scams ( 1,221 )   

  Online home rental scams still persist 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In the quest for a new home, the excitement of finding the perfect place can sometimes blind us to potential dangers lurking beneath the surface. One Huntsville, Alabama, family, like many others, found themselves in a predicament that serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of rental scams in today’s digital age.

  Their story began with hope and anticipation as they stumbled upon a promising listing for a spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home in a desirable neighborhood. With ample space for her family and their beloved dogs, it seemed like fate had led them to their dream home. Little did they know, this seemingly perfect opportunity would soon turn into a nightmare.

  Upon contacting the supposed landlord via Facebook Marketplace, the family was met with prompt responses and arrangements for a tour of the property. Despite initial red flags, such as the absence of the landlord during the tour and instructions to access the property through an electronic lockbox, they proceeded with unwavering trust.

  Throughout the process, the purported landlord remained courteous and accommodating, alleviating any doubts the family may have harbored. With the presentation of an electronic application, approval, and a virtual lease agreement, everything appeared legitimate. Even the method of payment, a combination of Cash App and Walmart Money transfer, seemed routine, mirroring the family’s current dealings with their legitimate landlord.

  It wasn’t until the family’s prudent decision to verify the authenticity of the listing online that the harsh reality of the situation came crashing down. Multiple listings of the same property on reputable platforms, all managed by a professional property management company, exposed the elaborate ruse orchestrated by scammers. The family was devastated when they realized the extent of the deception and the loss of their hard-earned money, $1,125 was gone in an instant.

  To prevent falling victim to rental scams, it’s crucial to exercise caution and employ protective measures. Cross-reference information provided by landlords with reputable real estate platforms and property management companies.

  Exercise caution if landlords refuse to meet in person or request unusual payment methods. Just because your current landlord accepts payment through an app doesn’t imply that every user of that app is reliable. Payment apps like Cash App are intended for transactions among people you already have personal connections with.

  If something feels off, don’t ignore your intuition. Take the time to investigate further before committing to any agreements or payments. And By reporting scams to the appropriate authorities, you not only protect yourself, but also contribute to the prevention of future fraudulent activities.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 20, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: debt forgiveness ( 13 ), FTC ( 13 ), Scams ( 1,221 ), student debt ( 15 ), student loans ( 15 )   

  FTC refunds millions to student loan scam victims 

  

  By Greg Collier

  When student loans weigh heavily on many, news of relief is often met with both hope and skepticism. Unfortunately, for over 27,000 borrowers, hope turned into despair as they fell prey to a scam that promised relief but delivered only financial ruin. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently announced that it’s sending over $4.1 million in refunds to student loan borrowers who were deceived by scammers.

  The perpetrators of this deceitful scheme found themselves at the center of an FTC complaint filed in 2019. The scam was as cunning as it was heartless. They promised to lower monthly student loan payments and offered to take over loan servicing, all while siphoning off hundreds to thousands of dollars in illegal upfront fees from unsuspecting borrowers.

  Instead of easing the financial burden, these scammers exacerbated it. The FTC revealed that only a fraction of the payments made by borrowers was actually applied to their loans, if any at all. The rest was pocketed by the fraudulent operators, leaving borrowers not only out of pocket but deeper in debt.

  As anticipated, it’s sadly predictable that scammers will also target those receiving these refunds. Scammers are often quick to exploit the confusion and desperation of borrowers.

  The warning signs are clear. Unsolicited calls or emails pressuring borrowers to ‘act immediately,’ promises of being ‘flagged for forgiveness,’ or programs claiming to be ‘first come, first served’ should all raise red flags. In an era where information is abundant, but trust is scarce, borrowers must exercise caution and diligence.

  The Education Department’s website stands as a beacon of reliable guidance amidst the sea of misinformation. Detailed resources on federal student loan forgiveness programs offer borrowers a roadmap to navigating the complex terrain of student loan relief.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 19, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: data breach ( 31 ), health insurance ( 5 ), identity theft ( 96 ), impersonation scam ( 111 ), Scams ( 1,221 ), unitedhealth   

  Scammers take advantage of UnitedHealth hack 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In recent events, it has come to light that a major health insurance provider in our country fell victim to a severe cyberattack and subsequent data breach. Towards the end of February, Change Healthcare, a subsidiary specializing in pharmacy insurance under UnitedHealth, experienced a crippling intrusion into its systems. Regrettably, this breach led to the exposure of personal data belonging to Change’s customers. Reports on the repercussions of this breach for the affected customers have begun to emerge this week.

  Scammers are now impersonating healthcare representatives in attempts to obtain financial information. Reports have surfaced of individuals receiving calls from imposters claiming to represent hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. These scammers offer fake refunds or demand immediate payments, often requesting credit card numbers or other sensitive financial details.

  To combat these scams, UnitedHealth advises recipients of suspicious solicitations to refrain from responding and instead contact their healthcare provider directly. It’s not common practice for hospitals and medical facilities to request patient credit card numbers over the phone, even in cases where a patient is owed a refund. Typically, when a patient is due a credit, that amount is either refunded directly to the credit card the office has on file or issued to the patient in the form of a check.

  If you find yourself receiving such a phone call, regardless of whether you’re insured by UnitedHealth or not, it’s advisable to politely terminate the call and directly contact your doctor’s office or the hospital involved. In many cases, these healthcare providers already possess your personal information and wouldn’t require you to provide it again over the phone. Additionally, it’s essential to remember that caller ID can be manipulated by scammers to falsely appear as if the call is originating from a legitimate medical provider, so it’s unwise to rely solely on caller ID information.

  If someone suspects that their personal information has been exposed, it’s crucial to take immediate action to mitigate potential damage. Contact major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit report. This extra layer of security can help prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in your name.

  Consult with legal professionals, especially if the exposure of personal information results in financial losses or other significant consequences. They can offer guidance on potential legal recourse.

  And lastly, alert banks and credit card companies about the potential exposure of personal information. Request to monitor accounts for any suspicious activity and consider placing fraud alerts or freezes on accounts to prevent unauthorized access.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 18, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: 2FA ( 11 ), phone scam ( 45 ), phone security ( 6 ), Scams ( 1,221 ), sim swapping ( 8 ), two factor authentication ( 17 )   

  A cautionary tale of SIM swap scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The nightmare of having your entire digital existence commandeered by malicious actors is a chilling reality for one unfortunate family from the Chicago area. What began as a routine day turned into a months-long ordeal of trying to reclaim control over their smartphones and, by extension, their digital lives after falling victim to a SIM swap scam.

  SIM swapping, also known as SIM hijacking or SIM porting, is a type of cyberattack where a malicious actor fraudulently gains control of an individual’s phone number by tricking the victim’s mobile carrier into transferring the number to a SIM card under the attacker’s control. This process involves exploiting vulnerabilities in the carrier’s authentication procedures or social engineering techniques to obtain personal information about the victim, such as their account PIN or other identifying details. The term SIM swapping can be misleading because the attacker doesn’t actually require physical possession of the victim’s SIM card to carry out the attack.

  It all started when the family’s wireless account was hacked, leading to the takeover of not just one, but all five of the family’s smartphones linked to the account. Suddenly, their devices were rendered useless, stripped of cellular service, and locked out of essential apps and services.

  Unauthorized apps were installed on their phones, contact numbers were altered, and passwords to numerous accounts were changed without their consent. The financial toll was staggering, with losses totaling thousands of dollars in stolen funds from various platforms, including investment and cryptocurrency apps.

  It’s suspected that the attackers obtained access to the family’s mobile phone account either by stealing or correctly guessing the account’s PIN. Experts advise regular changes to PINs and caution against using easily guessable information, such as birthdates, as security credentials. Moreover, limiting the dissemination of personal details on social media platforms can help mitigate the risk of identity theft.

  To mitigate the risk of SIM swapping attacks, individuals can take several precautionary measures. Avoid using easily guessable or recycled passwords, and consider using a password manager to securely store and manage your credentials. Whenever possible, use authentication methods beyond SMS-based two-factor authentication (2FA), such as app-based authentication or hardware security keys.

  Again, it’s not recommended to use text messaging to receive your authorization codes. Instead, it’s recommended you use an authenticator app along with a biometric authentication such as a fingerprint scanner. This way, your 2FA information is tied to your device and not your phone number.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 15, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: college ( 14 ), emergency scam ( 3 ), grandparent scam ( 65 ), police impersonation scam ( 49 ), Scams ( 1,221 )   

  College athletes targeted in sophisticated scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Connecticut’s state authorities are issuing a stern warning about a disturbing new trend targeting college athletes and their families. According to authorities, scammers are exploiting publicly available information to dupe unsuspecting individuals into making immediate payments under false pretenses, creating a sense of urgency and panic in the process.

  Reports from Connecticut State University Police Departments have revealed a troubling pattern. The callers, posing as university police officers, contact parents of university students, specifically targeting student-athletes. They claim that the student-athlete has been slapped with citations for various infractions like open container violations, curfew breaches, or trespassing. To compound the urgency, the scammer demands immediate payment through platforms like CashApp and Venmo.

  If this scam rings a bell, it’s because it bears striking resemblances to both the grandparent scam and the virtual kidnapping scam, sprinkled with elements of police impersonation. It’s now known more commonly as the family emergency scam.

  It’s a chilling reminder that scammers stop at nothing to manipulate emotions and coerce victims into compliance. The tactic of impersonating law enforcement adds an extra layer of credibility and intimidation, leaving victims feeling cornered and compelled to act swiftly.

  The State of Connecticut has issued a statement that said, a legitimate police department or campus safety program will never solicit payment for citations over the phone.

  Although this version of the scam is aimed at student-athletes, previous iterations have targeted the families of college students who aren’t involved in athletics. Essentially, any parent with a child attending college could potentially fall victim to this scam.

  Individuals who receive suspicious calls or communications purporting to be from law enforcement are urged to hang up immediately and report the incident to local police. Furthermore, those who have fallen victim to this scam are advised to take swift action by contacting their financial institutions to mitigate potential damages.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 14, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: 2FA ( 11 ), Chase ( 13 ), Scams ( 1,221 ), two factor authentication ( 17 ), Zelle ( 62 )   

  Bank accuses another Zelle scam victim of being a scammer 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A Houston, Texas single mother was recently ensnared by a string of fraudulent transactions conducted via the personal payment app Zelle.

  On December 26, the day after Christmas, the victim received an alert notifying her that an unknown recipient had been added to her Zelle account. Alarmingly, $1,000 had already been withdrawn without her authorization. Thankfully, Chase Bank recognized the fraudulent activity and promptly refunded the money.

  Then in January, the fraudulent transactions started again. In a relentless spree spanning three days, the scam artists persistently hacked into the victim’s Zelle account. They succeeded in withdrawing $1,500 initially, followed by $5,400, and then an additional $1,000, culminating in a total loss of $7,900. Alarmingly, these transactions occurred despite the victim having already reported the fraudulent activity.

  The victim diligently filed reports with the Houston Police Department, the FBI, and the Federal Trade Commission. However, Chase Bank shockingly denied her claims, going as far as to insinuate that she was the perpetrator of the scam. Allegedly, Chase even told the victim, “You probably should just admit that this was you that did this.”

  Once again, despite banks encouraging their customers to utilize Zelle, they frequently fail to support those who fall victim to scams through the app. Regrettably, this scenario isn’t isolated, as there have been numerous instances where the bank accuses the victim of being complicit in the scam. While it’s just anecdotal evidence on our part, the name of that bank always seems to be Chase. There’s an old saying in business that says, “It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it.” Accusing customers of being scammers is not the good deed Chase may think it is.

  There is a way to protect yourself from fraudulent Zelle transactions, and that’s by enabling two-factor authentication on your banking app. This means that even if someone obtains your username or password, they won’t be able to access your account and steal money.

  While having any form of two-factor authentication (2FA) is better than none, it’s not advisable to rely on text messaging for receiving authorization codes. Instead, it’s recommended to utilize an authenticator app in conjunction with biometric authentication, such as a fingerprint scanner. This approach ensures that your 2FA data is linked to your device rather than your phone number.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 13, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: ACT ( 2 ), college admission ( 2 ), impersonation scam ( 111 ), SAT ( 2 ), Scams ( 1,221 )   

  The latest SAT and ACT exam scam targeting parents 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In the whirlwind of college preparation, parents often find themselves navigating a maze of opportunities, challenges, and, unfortunately, scams. A recent scheme targeting parents of SAT and ACT exam takers has emerged, shaking the trust in the system and leaving families wary of whom to believe.

  The scam, which preys on the desire for educational advancement, begins with an unsuspecting phone call. On the other end of the line is a person claiming affiliation with the College Board, the institution responsible for overseeing these crucial standardized tests. They come bearing what seems like good news: the offer of a free prep course for the child.

  Innocently, parents confirm their address under the guise of receiving materials their child supposedly requested at school. However, here’s where the plot thickens – according to the Better Business Bureau, there are no materials, and there is no course. The promised resources never materialize, leaving families feeling duped and out of pocket. According to the Better Business Bureau, parents, on average, have been charged $130, with some cases reaching as high as $600. It’s a costly lesson in discernment and vigilance.

  But amidst the confusion, there are guiding principles to safeguard against such scams. The Better Business Bureau emphasizes that the College Board never solicits bank account or credit card information over the phone or via email. Additionally, they urge individuals to verify the legitimacy of any company through their official website, a simple yet effective measure to thwart imposters.

  Moreover, a crucial red flag emerges. Unsolicited calls requesting personal information should raise immediate suspicion, regardless of the story spun by the caller. It’s a fundamental rule of thumb in today’s digital age, where scams lurk behind every corner of our interconnected world.

  For parents, arming their children with knowledge becomes paramount. Experts advise that if an opportunity sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Educating young minds about the pitfalls of deceptive schemes empowers them to make informed decisions, safeguarding against potential exploitation. The pursuit of educational excellence should never come at the cost of falling victim to deceitful tactics.