In the ever-evolving world of online crime, a new scam has emerged, targeting unsuspecting individuals under the guise of helping them. The FBI has recently highlighted the Phantom Hacker scam, a sophisticated three-pronged attack designed to trick people into handing over their money voluntarily.
It all begins with a simple email or pop-up ad. The message alerts you to an issue with your computer and provides a phone number for tech support. When you call, a scammer on the other end will ask you to download a remote access program so they can ‘assist’ with the issue.
Once you’ve allowed remote access, the scammer doesn’t address any problems. Instead, they create new ones. They claim your bank account has been compromised and instruct you to take steps to safeguard your money. This is where the scam shifts into its second phase. You receive a second phone call from someone posing as your bank’s security department, urging you to move your funds into a ‘crypto wallet’ for safekeeping.
In the final phase, a third call comes from someone claiming to represent the government. This imposter will tell you that your crypto wallet is also compromised, but they can help by transferring your funds into a ‘safe wallet’. In reality, this so-called safe wallet belongs to the scammer, and your money is now gone.
The name Phantom Hacker fits because victims believe they’ve been hacked, when in fact, they’ve been manipulated into transferring their money to the scammers. The scam doesn’t rely on advanced hacking techniques, just deception and social engineering.
Unfortunately, this scam disproportionately targets older individuals, particularly those over 60. If you encounter unexpected pop-ups or emails, avoid engaging with them. Instead, contact your bank or tech support directly using verified phone numbers. Awareness is your best defense against falling victim to these tactics.
In the wake of any major hurricane, such as Hurricane Helene, communities come together, eager to offer help. It’s during these critical times that victims rely on charitable donations for essentials like food, water, shelter, and medical aid. Unfortunately, natural disasters also create opportunities for scammers to exploit that goodwill. Before opening your wallet, it’s important to take extra precautions to ensure your donation is truly helping those affected.
The Rise of Donation Scams During Disasters
Every time a disaster strikes, fraudulent fundraising efforts spike. Scammers will go to great lengths, posing as legitimate organizations or setting up fake crowdfunding campaigns to deceive generous individuals. The FBI has noted a significant increase in phishing scams after hurricanes, often involving impersonation of trusted organizations like the Red Cross. These fake appeals can come via email, social media, or even text messages.
To protect yourself and ensure your contribution goes where it’s needed, follow these steps before making a donation.
Verify the Charity’s Legitimacy
One of the easiest ways to protect yourself from fraud is to verify the charity you’re donating to. Scammers often send fake emails or text messages with slight variations in the names of well-known organizations, like “Red Cros” instead of “Red Cross.” They may also direct you to private payment platforms like PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo, which legitimate charities rarely use.
Before donating, check if the charity is recognized and reputable by visiting websites such as Give.org or Charity Navigator. These platforms provide ratings and reviews of charitable organizations, helping you confirm that your donation will reach those in need.
Be Skeptical of Email and Text Requests
Legitimate charities will not cold-email or text you asking for donations. If you receive such requests, especially if they ask for quick payment through private platforms or cryptocurrency, consider it a red flag. It’s best to donate directly through the charity’s official website.
If you’re unsure about a donation request, go directly to the charity’s website by typing the URL into your browser instead of clicking on links in unsolicited emails or messages. This ensures you’re visiting the correct site and not a phishing attempt.
Check Crowdfunding Campaigns Carefully
Crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe light up with requests for help after hurricanes. While many are legitimate, it’s essential to ensure you’re contributing to verified campaigns. GoFundMe has a “verified” feature for campaigns that have been confirmed to reach the intended recipients, but even with verification, be cautious if you don’t know the person running the campaign.
If you’re moved to help an individual, research their story carefully. Look for details, follow-up posts, and proof that the campaign is legitimate. Whenever possible, it’s better to give to well-established organizations that specialize in disaster relief and have a track record of success.
Avoid Door-to-Door or Phone Solicitation
Scammers often take advantage of disaster situations by going door-to-door, claiming to be from a legitimate charity. While this might seem like a direct way to contribute, it’s also one of the most common methods used by fraudsters.
If someone approaches you with a solicitation, ask for identification and any materials related to the organization they claim to represent. It’s always safer to donate through the organization’s website rather than handing over cash or personal information to a stranger.
Donate Directly to Major Organizations
To avoid the risk of fraud entirely, it’s always a good idea to donate directly to major, well-known organizations that have a long history of hurricane and disaster relief. Organizations like the Red Cross are transparent about where your dollars go and have extensive systems in place to ensure donations reach those who need them most.
Give Generously, But Wisely
The desire to help in the aftermath of a hurricane is natural, and your generosity can make a real difference in the lives of victims. However, taking a few extra steps to verify where your money is going can prevent scammers from capitalizing on your good intentions. By carefully vetting the charities you support, avoiding unsolicited emails or texts, and sticking to trusted organizations, you can ensure that your donation is reaching those who need it the most.
Hurricanes can bring out the best in people, but they also attract those looking to exploit. Stay alert, do your research, and give wisely.
Text message scams are evolving, and children are now becoming unintended targets. One recent incident in Lafayette, Louisiana, highlights how scammers send random texts, often addressing the recipient by the wrong name, in hopes of starting a conversation. For example, a teenager received a message intended for ‘Rose’, a name that was unfamiliar to her. While this might seem like a simple mistake, responding with something like “Sorry, wrong number” is precisely what scammers want. Once engaged, they can continue the conversation, pretending to befriend the child by asking casual questions like their name or school.
Although these scams don’t specifically target children, the random nature of the messages means kids are just as likely to receive them. It’s crucial for parents to stay aware of who is contacting their children. In this case, the teen was able to block the number, but it serves as a reminder for parents to monitor their children’s messages and have open conversations about the dangers of engaging with unknown contacts.
Identity thieves are increasingly drawn to a child’s personal information because it is often untapped and unmonitored. Since children haven’t established credit yet, their Social Security numbers and other identifying details provide a blank slate for criminals to exploit. Scammers can use this clean credit history to open fraudulent accounts, apply for loans, or commit other forms of financial fraud, all while the child, and their parents, remain unaware for years. By the time the child becomes old enough to establish their own credit, they may discover a damaged credit history. This is why scammers, who might initially seem harmless or casual in their approach, can pose a serious risk if they gain access to personal details through seemingly innocent interactions like text messages. Parents must remain vigilant to protect their child’s identity from being compromised in these scams.
Children may not always recognize the risks, which is why it’s essential to teach them to be cautious about sharing any personal information with strangers, especially through text. Adjusting phone settings to block unknown numbers and being vigilant about their online interactions can help reduce the chances of children falling victim to these scams. While this may seem like a harmless exchange at first, the underlying goal of scammers is to extract personal or family information, and early intervention can prevent any further risks.
In Rossmoor, California, an 83-year-old woman found herself the victim of a devastating scam, losing nearly $50,000. It all started with a late-night phone call she believed was from her distraught grandson, setting off a chain of events that would drain her savings. Now, she shares her story to warn others about the dangers of emotional manipulation and the irreversible nature of cryptocurrency transactions.
The woman was at home when her phone rang. On the other end, a man claiming to be her grandson was crying and distressed. He told her he had been arrested after driving the wrong way on a one-way street and hitting another car. He begged her not to tell anyone and to help with his bail. Caught up in the emotion and urgency of the call, she promised to help.
What followed were multiple trips to Coinstar machines at local supermarkets. Coinstar machines, once limited to exchanging loose change for cash or store credit, now also allow customers to purchase various cryptocurrencies. The woman withdrew cash from her bank and fed thousands of dollars into the machines, following instructions from the person on the phone, who guided her through the process of converting the cash into cryptocurrency. Over several days, she was manipulated into sending nearly $50,000.
Scammers rely on emotional manipulation, and this case was no different. The initial call wasn’t enough. Each time the woman thought she had done enough to help, she received another call demanding more money, first for bail, then for additional charges related to the accident, and finally for attorney’s fees and court costs.
At each step, she ignored warnings from well-meaning bank managers, a shopper, and even the Coinstar machine itself, which prompted her to stop if she thought she was being defrauded. The fear of abandoning her grandson and the emotional manipulation kept her going.
It wasn’t until the woman finally texted her actual grandson that the truth hit her. He responded casually, unaware of any accident, and she realized she had been scammed. By then, it was too late. The funds had already been transferred, and because cryptocurrency transactions are virtually irreversible, there was no way to recover the money.
As more scams involve cryptocurrency, it’s important to understand the risks associated with these transactions. Companies like Coinstar have safeguards in place, such as multiple warnings during the transaction process, but once funds are sent, they can’t be retrieved. The irreversible nature of cryptocurrency is one of its defining features, and it’s why extreme caution is necessary when sending money this way.
In situations where a loved one is supposedly in legal trouble, always verify the information through official channels. Rather than acting on the word of the caller, contact the family member directly, or speak with local authorities to confirm the story. If someone claims bail or legal fees must be paid in an unusual manner, like cryptocurrency or through a Coinstar machine, it’s almost certainly a scam. Legitimate legal processes don’t involve such methods of payment.
Being cautious of unknown phone numbers is another key step. If a call comes in from an unfamiliar number, especially one claiming urgency, consider hanging up and calling the loved one directly to verify their safety.
For anyone who finds themselves in a situation where they believe they’ve been contacted by a scammer, it’s crucial to report the incident to authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the FBI. Quick reporting can assist in preventing further losses and help authorities track these criminal activities.
As Hurricane Helene approaches or makes landfall, the safety of those in the affected areas remains the top priority. This Category 4 storm is expected to bring significant damage to the Florida Panhandle and Southern Georgia. Amid the focus on recovery and well-being, it’s important to also be mindful of potential scams that often surface in the aftermath of natural disasters. Unfortunately, some individuals will exploit these vulnerable times, posing as helpful contractors or service providers. We want to take this opportunity to remind storm victims on how to protect themselves from these con artists.
After severe weather strikes, it’s not just the damage to homes and properties that residents need to worry about, scammers often take advantage of the chaos, looking to make a quick profit. These opportunists, often referred to as ‘storm chasers’, are not local contractors but individuals who travel from out of state to target areas affected by storms. With legitimate contractors overwhelmed by the sudden demand for repairs, these scammers see a chance to prey on vulnerable homeowners.
Storm chasers typically present themselves as roofers, tree trimmers, or public adjusters, going door to door in damaged neighborhoods offering their services. While their offers might seem convenient in the wake of a storm, it’s crucial to take a few precautionary steps to ensure you’re dealing with a legitimate professional.
First, always ask for identification and proof of a business license before agreeing to any work. It’s essential to verify their credentials to ensure they are who they claim to be. Additionally, it’s important to contact your insurance company before proceeding with any repairs. Familiarize yourself with your policy to understand what is covered, so you can avoid any unnecessary expenses or scams.
While it may seem like a relief to hear someone offer quick fixes, it’s vital to get any agreements in writing. Be extremely cautious when signing anything, especially documents related to your insurance coverage. Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to convince homeowners to sign on the spot, claiming that immediate action is needed. This is often a red flag, as reputable contractors will not rush you into a decision.
It’s also important to take the time to research the company offering repairs. A great starting point is the Better Business Bureau, which can provide information on the credibility and reliability of the contractor. Doing your due diligence now can save you from much larger headaches down the road.
In preparation for future storms, one proactive step you can take is to document the current state of your property. Walking around your home or business and taking photos or videos of your windows, roof, and other key areas can help you compare conditions after a storm, making it easier to spot genuine damage and avoid being misled by fraudulent contractors.
In times of disaster, it’s natural to want to restore normalcy as quickly as possible. However, taking these precautions can prevent you from falling victim to the scammers who look to exploit these situations for personal gain.
An Indiana resident recently faced an all-too-common frustration, scam calls disguised as legitimate business interactions. It began with what appeared to be a call from a collection agency regarding an unpaid medical bill. The call seemed convincing at first, especially considering recent blood work, but doubts surfaced when the agent refused to provide specific details, such as the doctor’s name or the date of service. Instead, the agent demanded immediate payment, threatening legal action if the bill wasn’t settled.
Despite the pressure, the man and his wife took the right steps. They paused and double-checked with their insurance company and doctors, only to find no record of an outstanding bill. The situation escalated when the collection agency asked for a credit card number or check, to be mailed to a post office box in Florida. This raised significant red flags, as it became increasingly clear that the situation was a scam.
Scammers are growing more sophisticated, often adopting the names of legitimate businesses. In this case, a reputable diagnostics company had its name misused by fraudsters. Medical billing scams are designed to exploit the complexity of healthcare systems, preying on people who are understandably confused by their bills. These fraudsters often apply pressure by threatening legal action, hoping to catch their victims off guard.
Thankfully, the family never sent the payment. Instead, they did their research, verifying with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and finding that this was a known medical billing scam. Scammers can use tactics like spoofing phone numbers and mimicking local area codes to make their calls seem more legitimate.
If you receive a call about an unfamiliar medical bill, take time to verify the details. Contact your doctor, insurance company, or hospital directly, rather than engaging with the caller. Legitimate collection agencies will provide clear information about the debt, and you should never be rushed into making a payment without confirmation. Debt collectors are required to provide what’s known as a debt verification letter. These letters are supposed to detail exactly where the supposed debt originated.
As scammers continue to evolve, so must our defenses. Verifying claims, not giving in to scare tactics, and guarding personal information remain key to protecting yourself from fraud. Keep in mind that even though these scams can be frustrating and concerning, staying informed and cautious can make all the difference in avoiding financial loss.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently issued a warning about a new scam. Imagine you’re going through your usual online shopping routine, selecting items and preparing to check out. But when you attempt to finalize your purchase, you receive an alert saying your card was declined. Confused, but thinking it might be a glitch, you try a different card. To your dismay, the same message pops up again.
What many don’t realize at that moment is that they’ve just fallen victim to a well-crafted scam. The website you’re shopping on isn’t legitimate. It’s designed to trick you into handing over your credit card information. Every time you try a new card, you’re simply feeding the scammers more details. Within minutes, unauthorized charges can appear on the accounts linked to the cards you’ve used, leaving you scrambling to contact your bank.
The key to avoiding this situation is understanding that the scam works by exploiting urgency and confusion. When a card is declined unexpectedly, people naturally want to resolve the issue by trying another card. But that’s precisely what the scammers want. The more cards you enter, the more access they have to your financial information.
The BBB advises that before entering any payment information, it’s important to verify the legitimacy of the site. A well-known retailer like Amazon will not typically ask you to re-enter stored payment details. Look for signs that the site is secure, such as the “https” in the URL, and avoid inputting sensitive data if the site doesn’t feel right.
Scammers also use fake emails, texts, and ads that imitate legitimate businesses, so be cautious of unsolicited messages, especially those that lead to unusual payment pages. It’s always a good idea to directly visit a retailer’s website rather than following links from emails or ads, which can be manipulated to look genuine.
Research the business before making a purchase, particularly if you’re shopping somewhere unfamiliar. Customer reviews and trusted sources like the BBB can provide insight into whether a site is legitimate. Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Compare prices with other retailers to gauge the true value of the product you want to buy.
Another crucial step in protecting yourself is to use a credit card for online purchases. Credit cards offer added protection against fraudulent charges, and you can dispute unauthorized transactions more easily than with debit cards. It’s also a good time to speak with your bank and credit card company about what measures they offer to protect your accounts, such as purchase limits or notifications for every transaction.
The ‘card declined’ scam serves as a reminder that online shopping, though convenient, requires vigilance. By verifying website security, avoiding unsolicited messages, and staying informed about your card protections, you can avoid becoming the next victim of this frustrating and costly scheme.
A deceptive scam has been quietly circulating for years, continuing to claim unsuspecting victims. It begins with what seems like a straightforward offer, get paid for letting a company advertise on your car while you drive around. The idea of easy money might be appealing, but this so-called opportunity is actually a financial trap that could leave you thousands of dollars in debt.
The scam typically starts with an ad online, offering to turn your vehicle into a rolling billboard. The pitch is simple: allow a company to wrap your car with their brand, and you’ll be paid weekly for just driving around as you normally would. The promise of several hundred dollars per week for a few months can seem irresistible.
Once you respond to the offer, you receive a check for a few thousand dollars, with instructions to deposit it and wire part of the money to an installer who will wrap your vehicle. This is where the real scam begins. The check is fake, but by the time your bank realizes this, you’ve already wired the scammer the money, leaving you on the hook for the full amount. Sometimes, they even ask for payment in gift cards, a hallmark of scam operations because of the difficulty in tracing them.
It’s easy to see how this scam claims victims. The checks are often convincing, and the idea of making quick, easy money can be appealing. However, like many scams, it preys on trust and the desire for financial gain, leaving victims not only out of pocket but potentially dealing with bounced check fees and other financial fallout.
Avoid becoming a victim by steering clear of similar unsolicited offers, and always be cautious when asked to deposit a check and send money or gift cards in return.
Remember, no legitimate business will ever ask you to pay for services like vehicle wrapping in advance or request payment through gift cards. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stay informed, and always verify opportunities before parting with your money.
Scammers have ramped up their efforts once again, this time targeting drivers across the United States with a deceptive tactic aimed at toll road users. Whether you’re in North Carolina, Louisiana, Kansas, or any state with a toll program, you might receive a fraudulent text message falsely claiming that you owe money for using toll roads. This scam, referred to as smishing, tricks recipients into clicking on malicious links by pretending to be official communications from toll agencies. These messages often insist that payment is overdue and pressure you to act quickly to avoid additional fees.
In these fraudulent texts, scammers impersonate toll agencies like NC Quick Pass or GeauxPass. They provide a link that appears legitimate but directs users to a fake website, where personal and financial information is harvested. One tactic involves using slightly altered versions of the official website’s domain name, something as small as omitting a letter or switching ‘.com’ to ‘.net’, to create the illusion of legitimacy. In one instance, a scam directed Louisiana drivers to a domain that had only a minor misspelling of GeauxPass, a change easy to overlook in a moment of urgency.
The reach of this scam has expanded, initially affecting a few states, but now spreading nationwide. Whether you’ve used a toll road recently or not, receiving such a message is increasingly common. The scammers use randomly selected phone numbers, casting a wide net in the hope that someone will fall for the ploy. Even if you’ve never been on a toll road, you could still receive one of these fraudulent texts.
One clear indicator of the scam is the text’s request for payment. Legitimate toll agencies do not ask for money via text message. This is a significant red flag, signaling that the message is a scam. Scammers often attempt to create a sense of urgency, threatening additional fees if the supposed balance isn’t settled immediately.
If you receive one of these texts, it’s essential to delete it right away and avoid clicking on any links or responding to the message. The FBI is actively investigating this series of smishing scams, and anyone who receives one of these texts is encouraged to report it through the Internet Crime Complaint Center. While it can be unsettling to receive such a message, it’s always better to verify the legitimacy of any toll charges by contacting the official toll agency directly or checking your account on their verified website.
Accidentally clicking on the link or providing personal information can lead to further complications, but quick action can help mitigate the damage. Secure your accounts immediately and report any suspicious activity to your bank or credit card provider. If unfamiliar charges appear, it’s crucial to dispute them as soon as possible.
As the scam continues to spread, staying alert is the best defense. Many local law enforcement agencies and toll authorities are issuing warnings to the public. By recognizing the signs of the scam and reporting suspicious messages, individuals can help limit the success of these fraud attempts. Keeping a close eye on the details and avoiding any message that seems off will go a long way in protecting your personal and financial information.
This scam isn’t just an isolated problem in a few states; it has grown into a nationwide issue. As scammers continue to evolve their methods, staying informed and sharing awareness is key to preventing more victims from falling into their trap.
Across the United States, a new scam is making waves, capitalizing on modern technology and targeting unsuspecting victims in their homes. This scam, which revolves around unsolicited packages and QR codes, has been reported in multiple regions, from Ohio to Mississippi, and is showing no signs of slowing down.
The scam starts innocently enough as an unexpected package arrives at your door, often containing an item like jewelry, gadgets, or other small electronics. There’s no return address or clear indication of who sent it. Inside, a small QR code invites you to scan it for more information about the ‘gift’ or to register the item. But beneath this seemingly harmless gesture lies a potentially dangerous ploy.
When scanned, the QR code can deliver malicious software directly to your smartphone or computer. The goal is often to steal sensitive data, such as banking information, personal details, or passwords, allowing scammers to access your financial accounts or even your identity. The damage can be swift and severe, with victims reporting emptied bank accounts and compromised personal data.
This scam is a more dangerous variation of the traditional brushing scam. In the original version, companies would send unsolicited packages to generate fake positive reviews. However, this new version takes it a step further, using technology to infiltrate personal devices and steal valuable information. The unsolicited items may now come with the hidden threat of malware or identity theft, making this a serious issue nationwide.
What makes this scam particularly concerning is how easy it is to fall for. QR codes have become increasingly common in everyday life, used for everything from restaurant menus to product registration. Scammers exploit this familiarity by enticing victims to scan the code, unaware of the potential risks.
Reports of this scam have surfaced in various states, signaling that this is not a localized issue but a national problem. As the scam spreads, its potential to cause widespread harm grows, especially when the holiday season approaches and package deliveries increase. During this time, people are more likely to receive unexpected packages and might be less cautious when interacting with them, which plays right into the scammers’ hands.
To protect yourself from this scam, there are a few important steps to keep in mind. First and foremost, if you receive a package you didn’t order, resist the temptation to scan any QR codes included with it. Even if the item seems harmless or intriguing, interacting with these codes could lead to severe consequences.
Reporting these packages is also crucial in alerting authorities and preventing future victims. Whether through online retail platforms or local consumer protection agencies, flagging suspicious packages can help others stay informed and protected.
As scams like these evolve, the need for public awareness becomes even more critical. With the rise of QR codes as a convenient tool for consumers, scammers are finding new ways to exploit technology and manipulate people into handing over their private information. Educating others, and spreading the word about potential dangers, can make a significant difference in combating this growing national threat.
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