Greg's Corner

Updates from December, 2024 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Geebo 9:00 am on December 3, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: BEC scam ( 6 ), business email compromise ( 12 ), home buying ( 6 ), real estate ( 128 ), Scams ( 1,383 )   

  Protect Your Dream Home From Email Scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Each year, millions of Americans achieve the dream of homeownership, often dedicating their life savings to secure a place to call home. However, a growing menace in the form of Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams has turned this milestone into a nightmare for many, stealing funds meant for closing costs and down payments. This sophisticated crime has become a multibillion-dollar problem, leaving buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals scrambling for solutions.

  The heartbreak of falling victim to a BEC scam can’t be overstated. Victims, lulled into a false sense of security by what appear to be legitimate emails from their trusted real estate professionals, are unknowingly redirected to transfer vast sums of money to fraudulent accounts. The criminals behind these scams leverage hacked email threads and insider information to craft convincing messages that fit seamlessly into ongoing transactions. With these tactics, they strike at the most vulnerable moments, just days before closing.

  One victim, for instance, described how she received an email, seemingly from her title company, with instructions to wire her down payment. It all seemed routine until the day of the closing when she discovered the devastating truth. The funds had been rerouted to a criminal’s account. The money, which represented years of savings, was gone instantly. For many, the financial and emotional toll of such losses is immeasurable, and recovering even a portion of the stolen funds can feel like an insurmountable task.

  This growing trend is not limited to individuals. Title companies, real estate firms, and law practices are also frequent targets. Criminal organizations exploit weak links in digital communications, and the damage they inflict extends far beyond monetary loss. For institutions, it undermines trust in their operations. For individuals, it casts a shadow over what should be one of life’s happiest milestones.

  Yet, despite the sophistication of these crimes, there are steps that homebuyers, sellers, and real estate professionals can take to safeguard against falling victim to a BEC scam.

  First and foremost, set clear communication protocols from the beginning. Establish who your points of contact are and confirm that no changes to wiring instructions will be communicated via email. Whenever you receive wiring instructions, always verify their legitimacy by calling your title company or real estate agent using a phone number you know to be authentic. Never rely on phone numbers or links provided in an email.

  Additionally, consider using secure platforms for sharing sensitive information. Many title companies and financial institutions now offer encrypted communication tools specifically designed to combat wire fraud. Leveraging these resources can add a layer of protection to your transaction.

  While it is possible to recover from such losses with resilience and support, prevention is the best defense. By staying informed and cautious, buyers and sellers can ensure their dream of homeownership doesn’t turn into a financial and emotional nightmare.

  Home buying should be a celebration, not a source of sorrow. With the right precautions, you can protect your investment and bring your dream home to reality.

   

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  Geebo 9:00 am on December 2, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: pyramid scheme ( 12 ), Scams ( 1,383 ), Secret SIster ( 6 ), Secret Sister Gift Exchange ( 5 ), social media ( 81 )   

  Secret Sister Exchange: A Holiday Scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  As the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear, a familiar scam has resurfaced on social media, preying on the festive spirit of giving and community. Known as the Secret Sister Gift Exchange scam, it entices participants with the promise of abundant gifts in exchange for sending just one. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a timely warning. While these schemes may appear harmless or even joyful, they are, in fact, illegal pyramid schemes.

  At the heart of this scam is a tantalizing offer, send one gift, and in return, receive as many as 36 from others. Variations of the scheme include exchanging small, inexpensive items such as $10 gifts, bottles of wine, or other specialty items. The mechanics of the scam involve sending a gift to someone at the top of a circulated list, moving names around, and recruiting friends to join the exchange. Participants are lured by the idea of receiving a cascade of gifts from strangers, an outcome that never materializes.

  The reality is that this scheme is structured like any other pyramid scheme. It relies on an unsustainable cycle of recruiting new participants to keep the operation going. As soon as the chain is broken, which inevitably happens, most participants are left empty-handed. What started as a seemingly fun and generous activity often ends in disappointment and regret.

  Beyond its inherent flaws, engaging in these schemes carries legal consequences. According to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, these gift exchanges violate laws designed to protect against fraudulent pyramid schemes. The illusion of harmless holiday fun does not exempt these operations from legal scrutiny.

  The BBB advises steering clear of these exchanges if they appear on your social media feeds. The best course of action is to ignore invitations to participate and report such posts to the platform to prevent further spread. This scam thrives on social networks, relying on unsuspecting users to perpetuate its cycle.

  As the season of giving unfolds, it’s important to channel generosity into legitimate and meaningful outlets. Contributing to recognized charities, helping neighbors in need, or participating in organized community events ensures your holiday spirit makes a genuine impact. While the promise of abundant gifts may seem alluring, the true joy of the holidays lies in sharing kindness and goodwill without strings attached.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on November 27, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: employment ( 37 ), job scam ( 81 ), remote workers ( 3 ), Scams ( 1,383 ), work from home ( 11 )   

  Remote Work Scams Ahead of the Holidays 

  

  By Greg Collier

  As the holiday season approaches, the promise of extra income can be especially appealing. Many people turn to remote work opportunities to help ease financial pressures, whether it’s for gifts, travel, or simply to make ends meet. Unfortunately, this is also a time when scammers ramp up their efforts, preying on people’s hopes for quick and easy earnings. Experts from the Better Business Bureau are raising awareness about a surge in remote work scams designed to exploit these very desires.

  These scams often begin with an unsolicited email or text message offering a too-good-to-be-true opportunity. The job descriptions are enticingly simple, promising significant pay for minimal effort. While it may seem harmless to explore such offers, experts urge caution, particularly if the contact is unexpected or if you haven’t applied for any jobs recently.

  Scammers frequently pose as representatives of legitimate companies, but there are red flags to watch for. Verifying the identity of the person contacting you is essential. A quick internet search of the company’s contact methods can often reveal inconsistencies or outright fraud. If the outreach seems out of the blue or bypasses standard hiring processes, it’s a sign to proceed with skepticism.

  Some schemes involve asking for upfront payments to cover ‘training’ or ‘equipment’, which then snowball into additional financial requests under various pretexts. These payments often add up to substantial losses before victims realize they’ve been duped.

  Certain groups are at higher risk, including college students seeking flexible ways to earn money and older adults who may be more trusting. However, no one is immune. The advanced tools available to scammers today, ranging from fake job postings to sophisticated phishing emails, make it easier than ever for them to appear credible.

  If you suspect a remote job offer may be a scam, it’s crucial to take a step back. Reach out to the company directly using verified contact information to confirm the job’s legitimacy. Resources like the Better Business Bureau’s scam tracker can also help identify patterns of fraudulent activity. Reporting scams helps protect others and ensures that fraudulent activity is monitored and addressed.

  The allure of extra income during the holidays can cloud judgment, but taking time to research and verify opportunities is essential. In today’s digital landscape, caution is the best defense against falling victim to these scams. Whether through consulting trusted resources or simply slowing down to assess the situation, small precautions can go a long way in safeguarding your finances and peace of mind this season.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on November 26, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: 2FA ( 12 ), Apple ( 31 ), phishing ( 77 ), Scams ( 1,383 ), two factor authentication ( 18 )   

  Beware of the Latest Apple Phishing Scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats, phishing emails remain a persistent and dangerous tactic employed by hackers to steal personal information. The latest target? Apple account holders. A deceptive email claiming to be from Apple Support is making the rounds, aiming to trick recipients into handing over their login credentials and other sensitive data. However, this email isn’t from Apple’s headquarters. It’s a cleverly crafted scam designed to exploit trust and urgency.

  The email is designed to mimic legitimate correspondence from Apple, using familiar formatting and branding to appear authentic. The message claims that your Apple ID has been suspended due to unusual activity or that it’s missing information. It features a blue button labeled ‘Go to Apple ID’, urging you to verify your account to restore access. The sense of urgency is palpable, since it might warn you that failure to act within 24 hours will result in your account being permanently locked.

  While the email may seem convincing at first glance, a closer inspection reveals the hallmarks of a phishing scam. For instance, the sender’s email address doesn’t come from an official Apple domain. Instead, it might originate from a suspicious overseas domain. Additionally, the grammar and phrasing in the email are often awkward or incorrect, a red flag that something is amiss.

  Falling victim to such a scam can have serious consequences. If your Apple account is compromised, scammers could use the payment information stored in your account to purchase expensive Apple products, leaving you with the bill. To avoid such a scenario, it’s critical to scrutinize every email you receive.

  When examining emails, always verify the sender’s address and ensure it matches the official domain of the purported sender. Be wary of any links included in the message, particularly if the email is unexpected or seems suspicious. Legitimate organizations, including Apple, will never ask you to verify sensitive information through an email link. Instead, they’ll direct you to their official website or app to manage your account securely.

  Two-factor authentication (2FA) is another essential tool for protecting your accounts. By requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone or another trusted device, 2FA can stop hackers from accessing your account even if they manage to obtain your login credentials.

  By remaining cautious, verifying the authenticity of communications, and enabling robust security measures, you can safeguard your digital identity and prevent scammers from succeeding. Always think twice before clicking, and remember: when in doubt, go directly to the source to verify the legitimacy of any request.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on November 25, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Black Friday ( 8 ), holiday shopping ( 16 ), online shopping ( 34 ), Scams ( 1,383 )   

  Staying Safe Online During Black Friday 

  

  By Greg Collier

  As the holiday season ramps up, so do the efforts of online scammers looking to exploit the shopping rush. With Thanksgiving and Black Friday just around the corner, cybersecurity experts are urging consumers to be vigilant. The holiday shopping season, with its flurry of deals and discounts, provides fertile ground for scams designed to steal money and personal information.

  Another gift card scam is on the rise. Scammers are using the promise of gift cards to bait victims into clicking harmful links or providing sensitive information. A phishing email circulating recently uses the logo of a major warehouse club to promise a $100 gift card in exchange for completing a survey. These offers are never legitimate. If you plan to buy gift cards, do so directly from the retailer’s website or in-store to ensure you’re not being duped.

  Another area of concern this year is social media advertising. While scrolling through platforms, you may come across ads promising incredible discounts, often too good to be true. These ads can be enticing, especially during Black Friday, but they might lead to fraudulent websites. For instance, one scam has been seen using a well-known outdoor apparel brand to lure shoppers with promises of 80% off merchandise. Clicking on such ads can direct you to fake websites that mimic legitimate retailers, designed to steal your payment details or infect your device with malware. Always verify the website’s address carefully before making a purchase, as subtle differences in URLs can signify fraudulent sites.

  And since these purchases need to be delivered, another common scam involves fake delivery notifications. These scams surged in popularity last year, preying on the confusion of the holiday shopping season. Fraudsters send text messages or emails claiming there’s an issue with a package delivery, urging recipients to click a link to resolve the problem. These links often lead to malicious websites that aim to collect personal information. To avoid falling victim, keep track of your orders and their legitimate tracking numbers. Be cautious of any message that doesn’t include specific details about a package you’re expecting.

  The excitement of holiday deals can make even the most cautious shopper let their guard down. Scammers know this, which is why they ramp up their efforts this time of year. To protect yourself, approach online deals with skepticism, especially those that appear unexpectedly in your inbox or social media feed. Taking a moment to verify the legitimacy of a website or alert could save you from financial loss and stress during what should be a joyful season.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on November 22, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Facebook ( 180 ), Meta, pig butchering scam ( 15 ), Scams ( 1,383 )   

  Is Meta Doing Enough to Fight Pig Butchering Scams? 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The term ‘pig butchering’ may sound unusual, but it refers to a deeply troubling and elaborate scam that has cost Americans billions of dollars in recent years. These scams are not just about quick deception—they are meticulously planned, often taking months to unfold. The perpetrators patiently build trust with their targets, initiating what appears to be genuine online friendships or romantic relationships. Over time, victims are guided into investing in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes, believing they’ve stumbled upon a lucrative opportunity. By the time the truth is revealed, many have lost their life savings.

  A disturbing aspect of these scams is their personal touch. Often, scammers use stolen Facebook accounts, sometimes impersonating the victim’s friends, to appear more credible. Strangers, too, can suddenly strike up romantic conversations, weaving an intricate web of deceit. Social media platforms, dating apps, and messaging services have become hunting grounds for these criminals. Apps like Telegram, known for its minimal moderation, are particularly popular among scammers, offering a safe haven where they can operate with little fear of law enforcement interference. While some platforms, like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, are starting to take action, the challenge remains monumental.

  Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has recently ramped up efforts to combat pig butchering. This year, it took down over 2 million fraudulent accounts and pledged to increase cooperation with international law enforcement. New measures include flagging suspicious messages when strangers contact users through Messenger, Instagram DMs, or WhatsApp groups. Meta’s initiatives highlight a growing recognition among tech giants of the severity of the problem.

  However, addressing pig butchering requires industry-wide collaboration. Earlier this year, Meta joined forces with other major players, including Tinder, Hinge, and several cryptocurrency companies, to form the Tech Against Scams coalition. This group aims to share information about scammers and better educate users.

  Despite these efforts, critics argue that tech companies’ responses remain reactive and insufficient. Proactively warning users and taking down scam accounts, while important, barely scratches the surface of the global criminal networks driving these scams. The scale of the problem demands a more comprehensive approach, encompassing stricter platform moderation, enhanced user education, and robust international cooperation.

  The rise of pig butchering underscores a harsh reality: the digital age has not only connected us, but also created opportunities for exploitation. As scammers become more adept at manipulating technology, the onus is on tech companies, law enforcement, and users to remain vigilant. For now, the fight against these scams is a race against time, as the criminals behind them continue to adapt and innovate.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on November 21, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: charity scam ( 35 ), funeral ( 14 ), funeral livestream, Scams ( 1,383 )   

  The Unthinkable World of Funeral Scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In a world where we often lean on shared humanity during moments of grief, it’s difficult to imagine anything more sacred than a funeral. These ceremonies offer solace, remembrance, and a chance for loved ones to honor the departed. Yet, even in these deeply personal moments, scammers have found a way to intrude, exploiting sorrow and generosity for their gain.

  Two particular schemes have emerged as glaring examples of how nothing is off-limits to those driven by greed. Both prey on vulnerability and compassion, capitalizing on the chaos and emotion that accompany loss.

  The first scam, increasingly prevalent online, targets grieving families and friends through fake funeral livestream invitations. Leveraging the widespread use of social media, fraudsters mimic the profiles of deceased individuals or create fake tribute pages. These pages invite friends and acquaintances to view a funeral service livestream, but accessing the supposed stream requires entering credit card information. The charges, often disguised as small verification fees, evolve into recurring payments buried in fine print. Once victims realize the deception, they are left not only out of pocket, but also grappling with anger and betrayal during an already fragile time.

  Equally troubling is a scam that plays out in person at busy intersections. Individuals hold signs featuring a child’s photograph, accompanied by desperate pleas for funeral donations. These images and stories tug at the heartstrings, compelling passersby to give what they can. But these narratives, like the signs themselves, are fabricated. The supposed grieving family doesn’t exist, and the money collected goes straight into the pockets of the scammers.

  Both scams reveal a grim reality that even the most sacred moments are not immune to exploitation. These schemes prey on our best intentions, weaponizing grief and compassion to serve selfish ends. They target not only those who are mourning but also those who, in an act of kindness, attempt to help. Those who fall victim to these schemes may feel ashamed, but the blame lies entirely with the perpetrators who engineered the fraud.

  In combating these scams, awareness can be a powerful deterrent, as knowledge of these tactics makes them less likely to succeed. By staying informed and supporting others in recognizing these schemes, communities can protect themselves and preserve the sanctity of moments that should remain untouched by deceit.

  No corner of life is too sacred for scammers, it seems. But while their greed knows no bounds, neither does the potential for people to stand together, informed and resolute, against such exploitation. Grief may be universal, but so too is the resolve to safeguard our most cherished moments from those who would defile them for profit.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on November 20, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: brushing scam ( 23 ), diamond ring, jewelry ( 2 ), qr codes ( 8 ), Scams ( 1,383 )   

  Diamond in the Mail Leads to New Brushing Scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Imagine opening your mailbox and finding an unexpected package. Inside is a dazzling piece of jewelry, perhaps a diamond ring, along with a card inviting you to “register your precious gem.” This was the experience of a woman from Pittsburgh, who recently found herself at the center of a strange and unsettling scam.

  She opened the package to find what appeared to be a beautiful diamond ring. Confused, she wondered if the delivery had been sent to the wrong address. The package looked legitimate, complete with her name, address, and an official-looking USPS barcode. Along with the ring, there was a card explaining how to register the item, accompanied by another card with a QR code.

  At first, it seemed like an honest mistake, but her instincts told her something was off. Despite rarely shopping online, she was cautious. The ring looked valuable, but why would anyone send her such an item unsolicited? Trusting her gut, she decided not to scan the QR code or register the product, a decision that likely saved her from falling victim to a scam.

  This experience is part of a larger phenomenon called the brushing scam, a growing scam spreading across the country. Scammers send unsolicited items to random people, using their addresses to post fake positive reviews on online marketplaces. The QR code included in these packages often leads to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal or financial information.

  The Pittsburgh woman’s experience is a textbook example of how these scams operate. The seemingly luxurious item is meant to entice the recipient into engaging further, whether by scanning a QR code or providing personal details on a fake website. Fortunately, her caution prevented her from falling into the trap, but not everyone may be as wary.

  QR codes, while convenient, can be as dangerous as phishing links if they come from an unverified source. Scanning them without knowing their origin could lead to malware, identity theft, or financial fraud. It’s a reminder that in today’s digital age, trust must be earned.

  The United States Postal Service and other consumer protection agencies have warned about the dangers of brushing scams. They advise anyone who receives unsolicited items to avoid following any instructions provided, particularly those involving QR codes or registration websites. Instead, report the package to local postal authorities or consumer protection organizations.

  For those who find themselves in a similar situation, the advice is clear: if you didn’t order it, don’t trust it. Whether it’s a fake diamond ring or another enticing item, these unsolicited packages are designed to manipulate and exploit. Trusting your instincts can help protect you and others from falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated schemes.

   
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  Geebo 9:02 am on November 19, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: email ( 6 ), government scams ( 6 ), impersonation scam ( 148 ), phishing ( 77 ), Scams ( 1,383 )   

  New Phishing Scam Uses .GOV Emails 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In an unsettling turn of events, cybercriminals are exploiting trust in government systems to target businesses. Using stolen government email credentials, these criminals send fraudulent emails that appear legitimate, aiming to trick companies into sharing sensitive information. According to federal authorities, this tactic has escalated to a new level of sophistication, with attackers leveraging official-looking communications to gain access to confidential company data.

  Once considered a hallmark of trustworthiness, emails from .gov addresses are no longer a guaranteed sign of authenticity. These addresses are now being sold and misused on dark web forums, enabling criminals to pose as federal agencies. In one case, a known cybercriminal openly advertised their collection of high-quality .gov email credentials, boasting that they could assist buyers in impersonating law enforcement officers, even providing fake subpoena documents to make their ruse more convincing.

  The implications are serious. Businesses that fall for these scams may inadvertently expose customer data, internal documentation, or trade secrets. The fraudulent emails often include urgent requests, claiming an investigation or legal matter requires immediate action. Under the guise of government authority, companies are pressured into complying without verifying the legitimacy of the request.

  The FBI has issued warnings, urging businesses to remain vigilant and adopt stringent cybersecurity practices. Key recommendations include monitoring connections with third-party vendors, maintaining secure backups of critical data, and scrutinizing every aspect of any supposed emergency data request. Special attention should be given to details such as logos, legal references, and formatting, which may reveal subtle inconsistencies.

  One critical piece of advice is if you receive an email from a government address requesting sensitive information, do not respond immediately. Instead, contact the office directly through a verified phone number to confirm the request. Cybercriminals are adept at social engineering, using their knowledge of a company’s operations to craft emails that seem authentic. It’s essential to adopt a ‘trust but verify’ approach, even when the sender appears legitimate.

  The growing prevalence of these attacks highlights the evolving threat landscape. Companies must stay informed, invest in robust security measures, and foster a culture of skepticism toward unexpected or urgent requests. By doing so, they can protect themselves and their customers from falling victim to these sophisticated scams.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on November 18, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Apple ( 31 ), FTC ( 17 ), gold bars ( 10 ), impersonation scam ( 148 ), Scams ( 1,383 )   

  Fake Apple Email Led to a $430,000 Gold Bar Scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In the quiet town of Prescott, Wisconsin, a woman’s financial nightmare began with what appeared to be a legitimate email from Apple. The message warned her that her IP address had been compromised, prompting her to call a number provided. That call set off a chain of events that ultimately drained her retirement savings, costing her more than $430,000. The funds, which she converted into gold bars at the direction of scammers, vanished without a trace.

  Her story is one of nearly 50 reported cases in Wisconsin, where victims have collectively lost approximately $13 million to similar scams. These schemes are highly sophisticated, targeting older individuals with significant savings by exploiting their trust in well-known companies and government agencies.

  The email appeared harmless, a routine security alert from Apple. Trusting the brand, the woman dialed the number provided and was connected to someone claiming to be the head of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The imposter warned her that her identity had been stolen, and her bank accounts were at risk. To protect her funds, he advised her to liquidate her savings and purchase gold bars. These, he assured her, would be safeguarded by the Federal Reserve.

  The scammers maintained an air of urgency, keeping constant contact and coaching her to lie to bank tellers, claiming she was helping a family member with business investments. After purchasing the gold, couriers arrived at her home to collect it. They promised the gold was secure, but it was gone for good.

  In this instance, couriers were pivotal. Tasked with retrieving the gold bars, they traveled extensively, their movements spanning multiple states. Fortunately, some were apprehended during coordinated sting operations, but these arrests only touched the surface of a broader, more insidious network. Such schemes often originate overseas, beyond the reach of local law enforcement.

  For victims, justice offers little consolation. The Prescott woman has yet to recover a dime of her stolen savings, and the chances of restitution are slim. The emotional and financial toll persists, leaving her fearful of even basic financial activities.

  Scammers often impersonate trusted brands like Apple or even government officials to manipulate their victims. It’s crucial to remember that legitimate companies such as Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Facebook will never tell you if your bank account has been compromised. They do not have access to that information. Likewise, the FTC and its officials will never demand immediate financial actions or direct you to purchase gold.

  If you receive a suspicious call or email, hang up or delete it immediately. Contact the company or organization directly using verified contact information from their official website. If someone claims to be from your bank, end the call and dial your bank’s official number to confirm the legitimacy of the request. Scammers rely on fear and urgency, but taking a moment to verify can protect you from becoming their next victim.