Greg's Corner

Updates from January, 2024 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Geebo 9:00 am on January 8, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Apple ( 29 ), gift cards ( 101 ), lawsuit ( 47 ), Scams ( 1,363 )   

  Apple settles lawsuit over gift card scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  There’s a phrase we often use when discussing gift card scams, and that is gift cards are the currency of scammers. What we mean by that is, unless you’re presenting someone with a gift card as an actual gift, if someone asks you for payment in gift cards, you’re more than likely being scammed. However, it’s not just scammers who make money from gift card scams. The issuers of these cards make money as well.

  Apple Computers were one of the pioneers in modern gift card sales. The company introduced its first gift card, the iTunes Gift Card, in 2003. Initially, it was designed for users to purchase and download music, movies, TV shows, and other digital content from the iTunes Store.

  Over the years, as Apple expanded its product and service offerings, the gift cards evolved to cover a broader range of Apple services and products. The iTunes Gift Card was eventually rebranded as the Apple Gift Card to reflect its versatility across various Apple platforms.

  Apple gift cards can be used to purchase not only music and movies but also apps, games, books, iCloud storage, and even hardware products like iPhones, iPads, Macs, and accessories.

  Since Apple hardware can be purchased, the gift cards have become highly coveted among scammers. They’ll purchase the high-end items before selling them for a substantial profit.

  According to a recent lawsuit, Apple is also allegedly making money from these scams. When an Apple gift card is purchased, Apple keeps 30% of that purchase price. Like many gift card issuers, Apple has been reluctant to assist victims who have lost money to Apple gift card scams.

  That lawsuit was recently settled, although a settlement amount has yet to be disclosed. However, the settlement affects anyone who lost money to an Apple gift card scam from 2015 to July 31, 2020, and did not receive a refund from Apple.

  Unless you’re actually giving someone a gift, gift cards should never be used as a form of payment to people you don’t know. No legitimate company, agency, or online seller, will ever ask for gift cards as payment. Another reason we call them the currency of the scammer is they’re virtually untraceable once the card is depleted.

   

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  Geebo 9:00 am on January 5, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: cryptocurrency ( 51 ), investment scams ( 10 ), pig butchering scam ( 14 ), Scams ( 1,363 ), stock market   

  Victim loses $90K in new version of infamous crypto scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  One of the more egregious scams that has proliferated in the past year or so is the so-called pig butchering scam. It’s known as the pig butchering scheme due to the way scammers ‘fatten up’ their targets through emotional manipulation before ultimately guiding them to the financial slaughterhouse.

  Typically, pig butchering scams are a form of the romance scam. Once trust is established, scammers persuade their victims to invest in cryptocurrency. They steer the victims towards a fraudulent cryptocurrency exchange under their control, creating the illusion of rapid investment growth. However, when the victims attempt to withdraw their alleged profits, they are informed that additional payments are required before they can access their earnings. Regardless of the amount paid, the victims never receive any returns.

  However, more recently, a man from Missouri recently lost $90,000 to a similar scam except no romance was involved. The man had been successful investing in the stock market and wanted to get a jump on the next wave of investing. It was his belief that AI would be the next hot ticket in the investment market. So, he took an online class he thought was using Elon Musk’s Quantum AI technology to predict the stock market.

  The instructor of the class told his students the stock market was about to crash, and suggested they should sell their investments and invest the money into a cryptocurrency exchange. This is where the usual pig butchering takes place, and this story is no exception.

  After the Missouri man invested his $90,000 into the crypto exchange, he was told his investment garnered him a $2.5 million windfall. When the man tried to get his money out of the exchange, they told him he would need to upgrade to VIP status to withdraw his profits, and that would cost another $50,000. That $50,000 application fee couldn’t be taken out of his profits either, he would have to wire an additional $50,000. That’s when the man realized he had been scammed.

  While online investment classes can provide valuable education and insights into financial markets, there are potential dangers associated with them. Some online investment classes could be fronts for scams or fraudulent schemes. Participants may be persuaded to invest in fake or non-existent opportunities, resulting in financial loss.

  Unlike traditional financial institutions and educational programs, online investment classes might not be subject to the same level of regulatory oversight. This makes it easier for unscrupulous individuals to take advantage of unsuspecting participants.

  Some classes may create a sense of urgency to invest quickly or capitalize on time-limited opportunities. This pressure can lead participants to make impulsive decisions without proper research or consideration.

  To mitigate these risks, individuals interested in online investment classes should thoroughly research the course provider, check for reviews and testimonials, and approach any promises of guaranteed returns with skepticism. Additionally, seeking education from reputable financial institutions, universities, or well-known industry experts may offer a more secure learning experience.

   
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  Geebo 8:31 am on January 4, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: healthcare ( 39 ), Ozempic ( 3 ), pharmacies ( 8 ), prescription drugs ( 5 ), Scams ( 1,363 )   

  Online Ozempic sales pose a threat to consumers 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Ozempic is a brand name medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is typically used in conjunction with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

  During clinical trials for Ozempic’s approval for diabetes treatment, researchers noted that participants experienced weight loss as a side effect. This observation prompted further investigation into the potential use of Ozempic specifically for weight management.

  Some healthcare professionals may prescribe medications off-label, meaning for a purpose other than what the drug was initially approved for. This has led to a rush on Ozempic prescriptions for patients who do not have diabetes, and only want the medication for quick weight loss. However, Ozempic has not been officially approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration for weight loss. This has led to a shortage of the medication, which is negatively affecting diabetes patients.

  When a drug like this becomes popular, especially for the sake of vanity, scammers and counterfeiters will try to separate those seeking the drug for its off-label effects from their money. This is a scam that is as old as the internet. If you were online during the late 1990s and early 2000s, you probably had your spam folder flooded with offers for cheap Viagra. While we haven’t seen offers for Ozempic in our inboxes, they have been posted all over social media and less reputable online marketplaces.

  If someone were trying to buy Ozempic from a fraudulent service, the odds are they would pay their money and get nothing in return. In a worst-case scenario, consumers could receive any kind of concoction they would end up injecting into their systems.

  Some of these phony services even go as far as having the buyer undergo a virtual consultation with one of the scammers posing as a doctor.

  Even if someone were to receive an actual shipment of Ozempic, if they’re not using it under a real doctor’s care, the effects could be devastating. Using too much Ozempic could lead to hypoglycemia, pancreatitis, and kidney injuries, just to name a few.

  These scam services are also having their customers pay through some of the usual avenues preferred by scammers, such as payment apps like Venmo and cryptocurrency.

  Ozempic, like any prescription medication, should only be used under the direction of your physician. Using medications without proper medical supervision can be risky and may lead to adverse effects.

  Self-prescribing or obtaining Ozempic without a prescription can pose serious health risks and is not recommended. Always consult a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable and safe approach to weight management.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on January 3, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: exchange students, international students ( 2 ), Scams ( 1,363 ), virtual kidnapping ( 45 )   

  Missing student victim of kidnapping scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Over the weekend, you may have heard the story about the 17-year-old exchange student who was reported missing in Utah. He was found in a tent in the freezing Utah wilderness. Thankfully, he had not been abducted, nor had he been physically harmed. Instead, he was told to isolate himself by scammers while they tried to extort money from his family back home in China.

  This is a variation of the typical virtual kidnapping scam. In that fraudulent scheme, individuals are targeted with a phone call from scammers who falsely assert that they have abducted a family member or loved one. Frequently, these scammers employ unsettling tactics, such as having someone simulate distress in the background to create the illusion that the alleged kidnap victim is in danger. Alternatively, the scammers may utilize an AI-generated voice clone of the victim’s loved one. These manipulative techniques are designed to induce an emotional state in the actual victim, impairing their ability to think clearly. Subsequently, the scammers proceed to demand a ransom payment. It is important to note that the person supposedly kidnapped by the scammers is typically safe and unaware of being exploited in this deceitful scheme.

  This emerging scam specifically preys on college students with international visas. Victims receive a deceptive call that appears to originate from their home country. The scammer falsely claims that the student is entangled in legal issues back home, purportedly due to identity theft. Subsequently, the student is coerced into making a payment to prevent their arrest.

  Following the initial deception, scammers employ tactics to isolate their victims further. They instruct the targeted individuals not to disclose the matter to anyone and emphasize the importance of maintaining secrecy. Victims are warned against using social media and are even instructed to power off their phones. This isolation strategy aims to limit the victim’s access to external assistance or verification, thereby increasing the likelihood of compliance with the scammer’s demands.

  While the student in Utah was isolating himself in an unheated tent in the woods, his family in China was being told their son had been kidnapped. The scammers were able to con the teen’s parents out of $80,000.

  A common red flag in many scams involves attempts to isolate individuals from their friends and family. Legitimate authorities or organizations typically do not enforce secrecy to such an extent. When someone on the phone insists that you can’t discuss the matter with others, especially friends and family, it often indicates an attempt to manipulate and deceive. In such situations, it’s crucial for individuals to be skeptical, maintain open communication with trusted contacts, and verify the authenticity of any alarming claims before taking any further actions. This awareness can be a crucial defense against falling victim to scams that exploit isolation as a tactic.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on January 2, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: arrest warrant ( 26 ), police impersonation scam ( 64 ), Scams ( 1,363 )   

  New arrest warrant scam shocks police 

  

  By Greg Collier

  There’s a new version of the arrest warrant scam going around in Florida that local police say is so advanced they may not ever catch the scammer. In a typical arrest warrant scam, the scammer calls their victim to tell them they have a warrant out for their arrest, but the victim can resolve the warrant by making a payment over the phone. These scammers will often spoof the phone number of the local police department to make the scam more convincing. Now, at least one scammer has virtually perfected the scam.

  In this instance, the scammer is posing as a county sheriff’s office when calling their victims, including the spoofed phone number. Victims are told they have a warrant out for their arrest, which carries a $50,000 bond. But for $5000 the victim can avoid arrest and be given a court date instead. Then, their $5000 will be refunded to them.

  The best scams have a kernel of truth to them, and this one is no exception. When someone is arrested, and needs to post bail, a bail bondsman will often accept 10% of the bond as payment.

  However, the scammer didn’t stop there. Not only did the scammer use the name of an actual police officer from that sheriff’s department, but they also sent victims realistic looking arrest warrants. The scammer also had a police scanner playing in the background.

  One potential victim, who is a former sheriff’s office employee, told the scammer to have the dispatch desk call him back. The scammer called back, spoofing the number of the dispatcher desk.

  As with most police impersonation scams, a little bit of knowledge can keep you from losing money. No legitimate law enforcement agency, department, or office will ever ask for money over the phone. Police do not call people who have an arrest warrant. Instead, they will go to see the suspect in person before making an arrest.

  If you ever receive a phone call like this, no matter how realistic it might sound, hang up, and call your local police department at their non-emergency number. They’ll be able to tell you if you’re being scammed.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on December 29, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Denver International Airport, Facebook ( 178 ), lost luggage, Scams ( 1,363 ), unclaimed baggage   

  Lost luggage scam lands on social media 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Denver International Airport is famous for many things. Not only is it the largest airport in the United States, but it’s also renowned for having one of the most advanced baggage handling systems in the world. Even with such a technological marvel, some bags still end up becoming unclaimed property. Many airports, including Denver, will auction off the items if they remain unclaimed for a certain amount of time. Denver International even donates the luggage itself to people experiencing homelessness in their area. What the Denver International Airport doesn’t do is sell unclaimed baggage on Facebook for $10.

  According to The Denver Post, a Facebook page was recently created that claims to be selling unclaimed baggage from Denver International along with its contents for $10 a piece. The Facebook page claims to be the Denver Airport, but just about anyone can make a Facebook page claiming to be whatever they want.

  The page only has one post, and it’s a picture of supposedly unclaimed luggage that’s being sold by the airport for $9.95. If that wasn’t enough of a red flag, the order process seems suspect at best. One commenter on the post left the following message…

   “I just followed the link, answered 3 questions, and managed to guess the box correctly on my second attempt; after that, I filled in a short form and paid 10 dollars. Later received an email confirmation and indicated the delivery address.”

  That just sounds like a scam with extra steps. More than likely, the scammers are out to obtain the personal and financial information of their victims.

  The post also has several comments that contain pictures of luggage that are full of various items, with the commenters claiming the process is legitimate. However, the post was only made on Wednesday, and we highly doubt the $9.95 covers overnight shipping of heavy luggage. Many of the commenters aren’t even from the Denver area, with one commenter who supposedly got their luggage loot box commenting from the UK. We suspect the comments that claim to have received items are coming from either newly created accounts or accounts that have been compromised.

  A spokesperson for Denver International has stated the Facebook page in question has no association with the airport.

  Now, while this scam is taking place in Denver, it could be only a matter of time before scammers pose as your regional airport, if they haven’t already.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on December 28, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: cryptocurrency ( 51 ), Facebook ( 178 ), hacking ( 31 ), Scams ( 1,363 )   

  Deceased man’s social media used in crypto scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In today’s technological world, social media is crucial in helping us keep in touch with friends and family, even if they’re scattered across the globe. In some cases, social media also helps us keep the memories alive of a loved one that we’ve lost. However, with almost all things digital, not only can those memories be taken from us in an instant, but they can also be used to harm others, as today’s story shows.

  A US Army veteran from California passed away around this time last year. Since then, hackers hijacked one of his social media accounts and blocked the accounts of his relatives. While posing as the deceased vet, the hackers started using the account to ask people to send money through a cryptocurrency scam. To make matters worse, the hackers have also erased all previous posts made by the veteran.

  The veteran’s brother has tried contacting the platform where his brother’s account was, but so far, has not had any kind of official response. Now, the brother has filed a lawsuit against the platform since they allegedly haven’t responded to his requests.

  Preserving a deceased family member’s social media presence can be a meaningful way to honor their memory. Here are some general steps you can take, but keep in mind that specific processes may vary depending on the platform.

  Reach out to the social media platform’s support or customer service. Many platforms have a process for handling accounts of deceased individuals. This might involve providing proof of death, your relationship to the deceased, and other relevant information.

  Facebook allows you to memorialize an account, turning it into a memorial page where friends and family can share memories. To do this, you can submit a memorialization request on Facebook.

  Consider saving and archiving content from the deceased person’s social media accounts, such as photos, posts, and messages. This can be done by taking screenshots or using specific tools designed for this purpose.

  The specific steps and features may change over time, so it’s a good idea to refer to the latest guidelines provided by the social media platforms in question.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on December 27, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: embezzlement ( 2 ), romance scam ( 70 ), Scams ( 1,363 )   

  Romance scam victim accused of embezzling $3.75M 

  

  By Greg Collier

  While we often believe ourselves to be savvy navigators in the online world, the truth is that anyone can become entangled in the intricate web of a romance scam. The illusion of connection, coupled with the emotional vulnerability inherent in seeking love, renders even the most cautious individuals susceptible to deception. In this age of interconnectedness, the line between genuine affection and calculated deceit has blurred, leading unsuspecting hearts down a perilous path. Individuals from all walks of life can unwittingly fall victim to the allure of a virtual romance, sometimes at the cost of their own well-being.

  For example, a woman from Minnesota was recently charged with felony theft for allegedly stealing millions from her employer, so she could send the money to a scammer she thought was her romantic partner. The scammer told her he was in Dubai and was owed $7 million for work he did there. Romance scammers often pose as businessmen who work overseas so they can have a convenient reason for not meeting their supposed romantic partners in person. The scammer claimed he needed to borrow money in order to access the money he said he was owed.

  From here, the woman is suspected of embezzling money from the company she worked for. Her duties within the company were working remotely handling the company’s payroll, accounts payable, and general bookkeeping, meaning she had access to the company’s money.

  Eventually, the company noticed irregularities in their books and hired an outside financial investigator. The woman was fired for allegedly embezzling $3.75 million from the company. When she was interviewed by state investigators, she allegedly told them she had permission to borrow the money from the company.

  It has become increasingly evident that vulnerability knows no boundaries. Regardless of educational background or socioeconomic status, the human desire for connection and companionship remains a universal force. Romance scams, with their sophisticated tactics and emotional manipulation, can ensnare individuals across the spectrum of society. The misconception that only the gullible or uninformed are susceptible is debunked as we recognize that these scams prey on fundamental human emotions, transcending educational achievements or financial standing.

  The red flags of a romance scam should never be ignored. If the person you’re communicating with constantly gives excuses for not meeting face to face, they’re hiding something, which typically is the fact they’re not who they say they are. Requests for money before ever meeting face to face are also a dead giveaway of a romance scam. Keep in mind that scammers will foster relationships with their victims for months while showering them with affection before asking for money. If you feel like you may be talking to a scammer, don’t be afraid to reach out to someone close to you to get their opinion.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on December 26, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bank fraud ( 23 ), impostor scam ( 15 ), Scams ( 1,363 ), USAA, veterans ( 8 )   

  A fusion of bank scams target veteran’s widow 

  

  By Greg Collier

  We hope all our readers had a safe, joyous, and scam-free Christmas. Don’t forget to keep an eye on your gift card balances before using them.

  Over the past year, we’ve seen several new ways in which scammers have lured their victims into a financial trap. None has been more disturbing than scams that target the families who have recently lost a loved one. Scammers scan the obituaries looking for victims who may not be thinking clearly since they’re grieving. At best, you have a scammer posing as the funeral home trying to squeeze money out of you, at worst you have a real estate scammer trying to steal a family’s home with a phony deed scam. Now, we’re seeing scammers using the obituaries to gain access to the bank accounts of those in mourning.

  Back in November, a US Army Veteran who had been awarded the Purple Heart passed away. According to his widow, a week after the soldier’s memorial, she was targeted in a bank scam. The scammers posed as USAA, a bank whose customer base is largely members of the military, veterans, and their families. Like most bank scams these days, the soldier’s widow received a text message that appeared to come from USAA warning her of fraudulent activity on her account.

  The text message included a customer service number to call, but the number didn’t go to USAA. Instead, it went to a scammer call center impersonating USAA. According to the victim, the scammers even used USAA’s customized hold music while she was on the phone with the scammers.

  The victim was talked into giving the scammers enough personal information where the scammers gained access to her bank account. At this point, scammers typically drain the account of its funds. However, this time, the scammers took the scam even further. A phony check was deposited into the account for $4500. Before the check was discovered to be fraudulent, the scammers withdrew not only the $4500 from the phony check, but the remaining funds in the account as well.

  The victim reported the scam to the police and USAA, but the bank initially denied her claim for a refund, stating they determined the transactions were not fraudulent. That was until she went to a local TV news station with her story. After the news station got involved, USAA returned the lost money to her.

  If you receive a text message from your bank about any questionable activity on your account, stop for a moment. Do not call any number included in the text message or click any links the message may contain. Instead, call your bank directly at the customer service number listed on the back of your bank card.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on December 22, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bail scam ( 15 ), grandparent scam ( 69 ), impersonation scam ( 144 ), Scams ( 1,363 )   

  Scammers are master emotional manipulators 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Scammers like to find victims who are in an emotional state. This allows scammers to take advantage of people who aren’t in the right mindset to assess a potentially fraudulent situation. Of course, scammers are not going to wait around to find vulnerable victims, so the scammers themselves will often put their victims in just such an emotional state.

  For example, scammers will frequently try to make it sound like a victim’s loved one is in some kind of peril. To achieve this, scammers will pose as the victim’s loved one and claim they’ve been arrested. Most of us wouldn’t hesitate to try to help get a close friend or family member out of jail. That’s exactly what happened when scammers recently contacted a Virginia man.

  The scammers posed as the man’s 40-year-old nephew when they called him. The phony nephew claimed her had been in a car accident and broke his nose. Scammers will say that in order to explain away why they don’t sound like the actual person they’re imitating.

  The ‘nephew’ went on to say they got into the accident with a pregnant woman who was injured in the wreck. Again, this is done to get the victim into a worse emotional state. The victim was also told not to tell the nephew’s parents out of embarrassment. But, with all that said, the nephew claimed to need $6500 cash for bail. The victim was instructed to go to a specific ATM inside a grocery store to deposit the money. A security guard noticed the victim, but the victim was told by the scammers not to divulge to anyone what he was doing. Typically, scammers claim that a gag order has been placed on the victim. In actuality, that’s not how gag orders work.

  Once scammers convince a victim to pay them once, they’ll almost always try to get the victim to pay again. In this case, the victim was told the pregnant woman’s baby died and an additional $5000 was needed, which the victim paid in the same fashion.

  Then the scammers really twisted the emotional knife in their victim. This time, they asked for $16,000, which the victim didn’t have. It was at this point, the phony nephew claimed they were going to take their own life if the victim didn’t pay the $16,000.

  The victim felt horrible and called his nephew a few days later. That’s when he found out the whole thing had been a hoax. Luckily, the victim was able to get some of his money back from the bank where he deposited the money.

  There are no depths scammers won’t sink to try to get your money. This is what they do for a dishonest living, and they’re very goof at what they do. If you receive a distressing request for money, no matter who it comes from, always verify their story. If you’re being told not to tell anyone, that’s the scammers trying to discourage you from finding out the truth.