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  • Geebo 8:00 am on November 1, 2024 Permalink | Reply
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    Florida Warning Travelers of Wi-Fi Scam 

    Florida Warning Travelers of Wi-Fi Scam

    By Greg Collier

    Connecting to free Wi-Fi has become second nature for many of us. Airports, coffee shops, and even auto repair shops offer Wi-Fi as a convenience. But beneath the convenience, cyber experts are issuing warnings. These open networks may be prime hunting grounds for hackers. In fact, the State of Florida has, once again, recently spotlighted a particularly insidious type of cyber scam known as the ‘evil twin’ attack, bringing to light just how easily criminals can turn public Wi-Fi networks against users.

    The allure of free Wi-Fi is clear, but as more places provide it, cybercriminals are getting creative in exploiting it. Hackers can create evil twin networks, which are Wi-Fi connections that look like familiar and trusted networks but are impostors set up to deceive unsuspecting users. Hackers will make their phony network names to match those of common public spaces. As soon as users connect to one of these evil twin networks, they open the door for attackers to access their devices and data.

    Many people’s smartphones and laptops remember networks they’ve previously connected to and will automatically reconnect to them. When a device sees a network with a familiar name, it connects without asking the user, assuming it’s safe. Hackers exploit this feature, setting up networks with identical names to those commonly found in airports or popular venues, tricking devices into connecting automatically. Once connected, the hacker has a direct line to the user’s device, allowing them to redirect traffic to fraudulent sites, install spyware, or even steal passwords and other personal information.

    With incidents of this scam occurring globally, law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity experts are urging the public to exercise extreme caution when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. For those who need internet access on the go, using a personal mobile hotspot or a trusted VPN connection is a safer alternative. As tempting as it may be to tap into that free Wi-Fi, it’s important to weigh the risks. Accessing a network without verifying its authenticity could lead to significant compromises in privacy and data security.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 31, 2024 Permalink | Reply
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    Costly Lessons from a Pigeon Drop Scam 

    Costly Lessons from a Pigeon Drop Scam

    By Greg Collier

    In District Heights, Maryland, a recent case has highlighted the dangers of ‘pigeon drop’ scams, a type of fraud where unsuspecting victims are convinced to hand over money with promises of an even larger reward. This classic confidence scheme has left one elderly woman nearly $40,000 poorer, serving as a reminder of how easily trust can be exploited by scammers.

    The incident in Prince George’s County began when the victim was approached by two individuals outside of a business. They lured her in by claiming they had found a bag of money and wondered if it belonged to her. When she confirmed it wasn’t hers, they proposed an unusual solution. Rather than taking the money to the police, they suggested that she could donate it to charity. Convincing her of this fabricated opportunity, they managed to pressure her into withdrawing thousands from her bank account over a period of two days.

    In a pigeon drop scam, scammers claim they can’t donate the money themselves to add an air of plausibility and urgency to their scheme, which helps manipulate the victim into action. They often tell the victim they’re unable to make the donation because of practical or logistical reasons, like being from out of town, lacking a bank account, or needing to leave quickly. By presenting these reasons, the scammers deflect suspicion and make the target feel they’re the only one who can ‘do the right thing’, pushing them further into the scam’s fabricated narrative. To make matters worse, the supposed ‘found money’ is counterfeit.

    As luck would have it, the scheme didn’t continue unchecked. The Financial Crimes Unit of the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) launched an investigation, using various techniques to track down the suspects. Within days, they located the group at a shopping center, catching them just as they were attempting to approach yet another potential victim. This quick intervention led to their arrest, preventing further harm.

    Despite these arrests, authorities remain concerned that more people may have fallen prey to similar scams but haven’t come forward. The nature of a pigeon drop scheme, which often plays on individuals’ generosity or sense of duty, makes it particularly insidious; victims may feel embarrassed, reluctant, or even uncertain about reporting their experience. Yet law enforcement emphasizes that there’s no need for shame in being targeted by such a well-rehearsed ploy.

    The PGPD urges the community to remain cautious and mindful, as these types of scams can happen to anyone. They recommend avoiding giving money or sharing financial information with strangers, especially when promises or situations appear unusually generous or urgent. Residents are reminded that legitimate charities never operate through unsolicited street interactions or unverified contacts.

    Ultimately, the case in District Heights serves as a stark reminder, in our interactions with strangers, especially those involving money, it pays to be wary. Skepticism isn’t cynicism, it’s protection. And while charity is noble, genuine donations should always be routed through trustworthy, verified channels to prevent these exploitative schemes from succeeding.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 30, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , dna test, , ,   

    DNA Test Hoaxes Are The New Jury Duty Scam 

    DNA Test Hoaxes Are The New Jury Duty Scam

    By Greg Collier

    The Idaho State Police (ISP) is warning residents about a new phone scam targeting individuals with alarming claims related to DNA testing. Callers impersonate law enforcement officers, falsely asserting that recipients must undergo DNA testing to avoid arrest. These scammers use fear and urgency to coerce victims into making payments, often leaving them distressed and confused.

    This scam follows a familiar pattern seen in other fraudulent schemes, such as the long-standing jury duty and arrest warrant scams. In those versions, scammers tell victims they have missed jury duty or have outstanding warrants, demanding immediate payment to avoid jail time. The DNA test hoax mirrors these tactics by introducing the false narrative of a missed appointment, further heightening the sense of alarm.

    One victim reported receiving a voicemail stating they needed to submit a DNA sample in response to certified mail, with instructions to contact the ISP Bureau of Criminal Investigation for clarification. Soon after, the victim received another call alleging they had missed the required DNA appointment, leading to a supposed arrest warrant. Payment was demanded to ‘resolve’ the fabricated situation. In a separate incident, a scammer impersonated a law enforcement officer, telling a woman that her son had failed to complete a mandatory DNA test. This false claim was used to justify an arrest warrant, and the scammer requested funds under the guise of a bond payment.

    These scams exploit fear and undermine public trust in legitimate programs like the ISP’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), which lawfully collects DNA from convicted offenders to support investigations. Misleading calls like these can deter cooperation with real law enforcement efforts and create confusion about proper DNA collection procedures.

    The ISP reminds the public that legitimate law enforcement agencies will never demand payment or threaten arrest over the phone. Scammers commonly request payment via gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or money transfer apps, clear indicators of fraudulent intent.

    Though these calls have been reported in Idaho, similar scams could emerge in other parts of the country. Scammers often use different variations of these schemes to target people in multiple regions. Questioning unexpected calls and reporting suspicious activities to local authorities are key steps in protecting yourself and others from fraud. Public awareness is essential to disrupt these operations and maintain trust in law enforcement and legitimate investigative programs.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 29, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , isolation, , ,   

    Scam Victim Loses $800K in a Year 

    Scam Victim Loses $800K in a Year

    By Greg Collier

    Scams are evolving into more sophisticated, emotionally manipulative schemes, exploiting trust and fear over extended periods. A recent heartbreaking case in Lincoln, Nebraska, highlights the alarming extent to which scammers can operate undetected, draining not just financial resources but also the emotional well-being of their victims.

    A 79-year-old woman fell prey to a scam that began innocuously, an attempt to dispute an unauthorized PayPal transaction. This simple act, meant to protect her finances, set off a catastrophic series of events. In what is becoming an increasingly familiar tactic, a scammer contacted the woman, posing as someone investigating her claim. Rather than offering help, this individual ensnared her in an elaborate scheme that lasted over a year.

    Throughout this time, the scammer slowly but methodically isolated the woman, ensuring she stayed dependent on them for resolution. Each interaction with the fraudster appeared necessary, a means to resolve what seemed like an escalating crisis. The scammer convinced the victim that ongoing payments, ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 at a time, were essential for the supposed investigation to continue.

    Payment methods like Bitcoin and gift cards were deliberately chosen to make the transactions difficult to trace and recover. By the end of 2023, the woman had already lost $400,000. But the deception did not end there. By the time police were involved, her losses had reached a staggering $800,000.

    What makes this story especially tragic is not only the financial loss, but the psychological isolation the scammer imposed. Over the course of a year, the victim became more and more reliant on the scammer, cut off from potential sources of support and advice. The scammer’s tactics ensured that any skepticism or outside intervention was avoided, perpetuating the cycle of deceit. Scammers often exploit vulnerabilities, including the fear of embarrassment or distrust in official channels, to keep victims silent.

    Lincoln Police underscored the importance of quick action in such situations, urging those who suspect fraud to report it immediately and break all contact with scammers. This case is a reminder that even seemingly legitimate inquiries, like disputing a PayPal charge, can become a gateway to complex scams. PayPal itself emphasizes that it will never ask for sensitive personal information, such as passwords or SMS codes, through unofficial channels like emails or phone calls.

    This story also highlights the critical need for loved ones to stay engaged, especially with elderly family members, who are often targeted due to their trusting nature and unfamiliarity with new forms of financial fraud. Recognizing the signs of isolation and frequent unexplained financial transactions can make the difference between preventing further loss and enduring the emotional toll that follows such scams.

    As scams become increasingly sophisticated, fostering open conversations about fraud is essential. Victims should know they are not alone and that help is available. Early intervention can save not just money but also prevent the devastating isolation that allows these fraudsters to operate for months, or even years.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 28, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , dumpsters, home remodeling, , ,   

    Even a Dumpster Can Become a Tool for Fraud 

    Even a Dumpster Can Become a Tool for Fraud

    By Greg Collier

    In San Antonio, Texas, a new scam is taking shape, one that initially seems harmless but has serious financial consequences for unsuspecting consumers and businesses. The scheme revolves around something as seemingly innocuous as a dumpster rental. A service most people associate with home improvement, not fraud. Yet, this scam reveals how even the most mundane services can become avenues for financial deception.

    The scam preys on homeowners looking for affordable solutions for remodeling or debris removal. Online platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor provide the setting, where criminals advertise low-cost dumpster rentals. Eager to secure a good deal, homeowners send payments through apps like Venmo, Zelle, or Cash App, unaware that the transaction is part of a more elaborate scam.

    The scammer, posing as a legitimate business, orders the dumpster from an actual rental company using stolen credit card information. When the company delivers the dumpster, the homeowner assumes everything is in order. This act of delivery adds a deceptive layer of trust, leading many victims to believe they are dealing with a legitimate service.

    The fraud doesn’t end with the dumpster’s arrival. Soon, the dumpster rental company realizes the payment it received through the stolen card has been reversed, leaving the business without compensation. Banks recover the funds for the cardholder, and the business is left holding the loss.

    The homeowner, who believed they had paid for the service, now faces the possibility of additional charges. They may either need to cover the unpaid balance to avoid further issues or deal with an unexpected dispute over the service they received.

    This scam highlights how criminals can weaponize ordinary services. A dumpster, often seen as just a tool for home projects, becomes an anchor for fraudulent activity, pulling multiple victims into the deception. The scam touches every link in the chain: the person whose card is stolen, the business losing revenue, and the homeowner who is left with a service that wasn’t properly paid for.

    What makes this scam particularly deceptive is the ease with which it unfolds. Payment apps like Venmo or Zelle allow quick transfers, and the physical delivery of the dumpster creates a convincing facade of legitimacy. Once the service is delivered, it becomes more challenging for victims to recognize the fraud in time to act. The scenario demonstrates how criminals adapt familiar tools, whether it’s a payment app or a dumpster, into schemes that are difficult to detect and resolve.

    Homeowners are advised to thoroughly verify the legitimacy of any service before making a payment, while companies must remain alert to suspicious transactions that could signal fraudulent behavior. Something as routine as a dumpster rental can become the core of an elaborate scam.

    As both individuals and businesses adapt to these emerging threats, proactive measures can help limit the damage caused by schemes that use everyday services as a vehicle for fraud.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 25, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , StubHub,   

    Taylor Swift Tickets Still Prone to Scams 

    By Greg Collier

    Concert tickets to see Taylor Swift are often more than just a purchase, they’re part of a larger dream experience. From elaborate travel plans to carefully chosen outfits, fans invest significant time and money to make these moments unforgettable. Unfortunately, scammers have also recognized the high demand for Taylor Swift’s tours, turning them into prime opportunities for fraud. One recent case exemplifies the heartbreak that can come from relying on third-party vendors for tickets, underscoring how easily dreams can turn into nightmares.

    A devoted fan planned a special trip with her niece to attend a Swift concert in New Orleans, securing tickets through the popular resale platform StubHub. All arrangements were made, including flights, hotels, and custom outfits, in preparation for the event. However, as the concert date neared, she received devastating news from Ticketmaster. Her tickets were canceled due to a violation of their terms of use. Further investigation revealed that the tickets had been stolen by someone trying to resell them fraudulently, leaving her out thousands of dollars with no immediate way to fix the situation.

    Despite contacting StubHub daily, she encountered delays and uncertainty, raising concerns about whether she would receive any assistance before the concert took place. Eventually, a media outlet intervened, prompting the platform to offer her replacement tickets that were even better than the originals. But the situation raises a serious question. Why should it take media involvement for a major ticket vendor to step up and help a scammed customer?

    Taylor Swift’s tours have long been a target for scammers, given the overwhelming demand and limited availability of tickets. Fraudsters exploit the emotional investment fans have in the experience, preying on those willing to pay significant amounts to secure their place at a show. The rise of third-party resale platforms has only compounded the issue, offering both legitimate and fraudulent sellers the same space. These platforms are often marketed as safe, yet when issues arise, buyers can find themselves facing a frustrating lack of support.

    The burden of verifying the legitimacy of tickets should not fall entirely on customers, especially when platforms like StubHub profit from facilitating these transactions. While the company eventually resolved this case, the response came far too late, leaving the buyer in distress for days. Concertgoers deserve timely, proactive support, especially when a situation involves clear evidence of fraud. The experience serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in ticket resale and the need for stronger protections for consumers.

    As long as high-profile events remain a lucrative target for scammers, buyers will need to stay alert. But the onus should also be on resale platforms to ensure that fraudulent transactions are prevented or swiftly addressed (no pun intended). Customers shouldn’t have to rely on media investigations to get the help they need. Companies must act quickly and transparently when fraud occurs to maintain trust. While the dream of attending a Taylor Swift concert was ultimately salvaged in this case, the emotional toll and uncertainty serve as a stark warning about the risks of buying tickets in today’s resale market.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 24, 2024 Permalink | Reply
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    The Hidden Dangers of Reshipping Scams 

    The Hidden Dangers of Reshipping Scams

    By Greg Collier

    Reshipping scams have surfaced as a deceptive scheme, preying on individuals seeking flexible, work-from-home opportunities. These scams often begin with a seemingly simple email or text message offering a job involving the reshipping of packages. Victims are promised payment or shipping fees in exchange for their participation, making the offer appear legitimate. However, these operations often conceal significant risks beneath their surface.

    The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has recently issued a warning about this scam, alerting consumers to the potential dangers involved. Once participants accept the job, packages begin arriving at their homes. They are instructed to remove the original shipping labels, replace them with new ones, and forward the items to various addresses. In some cases, participants may also be asked to repackage contents or separate items for individual shipment, unknowingly becoming a part of a broader fraudulent operation.

    Many of the packages involved contain stolen or illegal merchandise, turning participants into unintentional couriers of contraband. Even more concerning is the possibility that scammers may direct participants to falsify shipping documents to bypass U.S. customs. Anyone who willingly alters or forges documentation faces the risk of criminal prosecution, as these actions are viewed as a violation of federal law. Authorities often hold individuals accountable for such involvement, regardless of whether they were fully aware of the scam’s true nature.

    These scams exploit the trust and goodwill of unsuspecting individuals, leaving many not only unpaid but also vulnerable to legal repercussions. The risks extend beyond financial loss, as law enforcement may view participants as complicit in criminal activities.

    The BBB urges consumers to be cautious when receiving unexpected job offers, especially those sent through text messages or emails. Verifying the legitimacy of these offers and avoiding requests for personal information or upfront payment can protect individuals from falling victim to these schemes. Those who believe they have been targeted by a reshipping scam should report the incident to the BBB and contact their financial institution to mitigate any potential losses.

    Reshipping scams are more than just empty promises, they are dangerous schemes that can have lasting legal and financial consequences. Early detection is essential to avoid becoming entangled in these deceptive operations.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 23, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: call forwarding, , ,   

    A Modern Scam Using Classic Phone Technology 

    A Modern Scam Using Classic Phone Technology

    By Greg Collier

    There was a time when dialing a few numbers on your landline could activate all kinds of convenient features. Remember *69? It was the go-to for identifying the last caller. *67 was every prankster’s friend, temporarily blocking your number from showing up on caller ID. Those star codes were an early taste of what we now take for granted with smartphones, quick shortcuts to control how our calls worked. Although landlines may have largely faded from daily use, some of these codes remain, quietly embedded into mobile networks today. But what was once a helpful feature is now being exploited in a way few would expect.

    Among the lingering * codes are *72 and **21, both still active in many cellular services. They allow users to forward calls from their phone to another number. It’s a practical function if you’re traveling or temporarily want another person to handle your calls. However, what was designed for convenience has become a tool for deception. Scammers have found ways to manipulate these codes to steal personal information and commit financial fraud, taking advantage of the trust we place in what feels familiar.

    Imagine receiving a phone call from someone posing as a representative from your bank, with just enough personal details to sound legitimate. They warn you about an urgent issue with your account and offer a quick solution: dial *72, followed by a ten-digit number, to ‘secure’ your line from suspicious activity. It sounds easy enough, and in the moment, with alarm bells ringing in your head, you might not think twice. But what actually happens when you follow those instructions?

    That simple string of numbers forwards all your incoming calls to a number controlled by the scammer. This means every call you receive, whether it’s a friend checking in or your bank calling to verify a suspicious transaction, gets rerouted. Worse still, if a scammer intercepts a call that contains a two-factor authentication code or a password reset link, they can easily access your financial accounts, email, or other sensitive platforms. The process is invisible to the victim, who only realizes too late that they’ve been locked out of their own information.

    If you find yourself in this situation, the good news is that turning off call forwarding is straightforward. On Verizon, dialing *73 disables it, while T-Mobile users can enter ##21#. But as with most scams, prevention is key. Awareness of these old * codes and how they can be abused today is essential to avoiding trouble.

    The lingering presence of these codes on modern networks serves as a reminder that even outdated technology can become a liability. Just as those old landline tricks once helped us control our phones, they now provide a pathway for modern criminals. The tools may be familiar, but the way they’re being used today is anything but.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 22, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Ina Kenoyer, , poison, , Steven Riley Jr.   

    Scam Victim Poisoned Over Fake Inheritance 

    Scam Victim Poisoned Over Fake Inheritance

    By Greg Collier

    Scams are often associated with financial loss, embarrassment, and frustration, but their impact can sometimes reach far deeper, leading to actions driven by fear, betrayal, and desperation. While most scams don’t end in tragedy, the case of Steven Riley Jr., who was fatally poisoned by his partner after falling for a fake inheritance scheme, highlights the lethal potential of deception.

    In this instance, Riley believed he was about to inherit $30 million from a distant relative, an offer presented to him through an email from someone posing as a lawyer. However, this promise of wealth was nothing more than a carefully crafted advance fee scam. Scammers behind such schemes lure victims with the promise of a large inheritance, but the payout never materializes. As the deception unfolds, the supposed lawyer or intermediary typically demands fees, often labeled as taxes, processing charges, or legal expenses, before releasing the funds. Victims who trust the scammer often make payment after payment, believing the reward is just within reach.

    Riley was poised to meet the so-called lawyer at an airport to finalize the transfer, convinced the inheritance was real. The scammer likely intended to escalate the scheme by demanding further payments once trust was established. Unfortunately, Riley never got the chance to realize he was being conned.

    The fallout from this scam took a disturbing turn when Riley’s girlfriend, Ina Kenoyer, poisoned him, believing he intended to leave her once he secured the inheritance. Their relationship had deteriorated over time, and the promise of sudden wealth acted as a final breaking point. Fueled by a sense of betrayal and entitlement, Kenoyer poisoned Riley with antifreeze, masking it in sweet tea. She delayed his access to medical care, insisting he was suffering from heat stroke, until it was too late. The scam set the stage for a tragic sequence of events that ended with Riley’s death and Kenoyer’s arrest for murder.

    Though this case may seem extreme, it serves as a powerful reminder of how scams can push people toward desperate, even deadly, actions. Scams often play on human emotions such as greed, trust, fear, or hope, drawing victims into webs of deceit. In some cases, the psychological strain can drive individuals to actions they never would have considered under normal circumstances. In Riley’s case, the lure of wealth and the belief that it was slipping away resulted in a tragic betrayal.

    The tragedy of this case is not just in the loss of life, but in the realization that scams can lead to far more than financial ruin. They can fracture relationships, erode trust, and, in rare but devastating cases, drive people to irreversible decisions. Raising awareness about the tactics used in these scams is essential to preventing future harm. Recognizing the red flags, such as unsolicited emails promising sudden wealth, can help individuals avoid falling into the same traps.

    Scams thrive in the shadows of hope, desperation, and greed. This case stands as a stark reminder that falling for them can have consequences far beyond what anyone might expect.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 21, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , appointment setter, , ,   

    Appointment Setter Job Scams: A Social Media Threat 

    By Greg Collier

    In today’s job market, work-from-home opportunities seem to offer the perfect solution for those seeking flexibility and financial stability. But not all of these opportunities are as promising as they appear. A new scam targeting job seekers has emerged: fake appointment setter jobs. Advertised on social media, these scams lure people with the promise of high income, only to trap them with upfront fees and deceptive promises.

    An appointment setter is a legitimate position in which employees schedule meetings between a company’s sales staff and potential clients. The job’s goal is to help close deals by organizing appointments efficiently. Typical compensation includes hourly pay with occasional bonuses for successfully setting high-quality appointments. Importantly, legitimate companies provide any necessary job training at no cost to their employees.

    While appointment setter jobs do exist, scammers have started to hijack the concept, exploiting unsuspecting job seekers. Ads promoting these roles claim you can earn significant money from home, but there are a few telltale signs that the offer might not be genuine.

    Real appointment-setting jobs offer modest pay, with potential bonuses based on performance. Ads that promise exorbitant earnings are likely too good to be true. No legitimate employer will ask you to pay for training. If the job offer requires thousands of dollars upfront for training, it’s a scam. Scammers often claim that paying for training guarantees a job, but legitimate companies never make such promises. Some scams present the position as a business opportunity, asking participants to recruit others or sell services, making it seem more like a pyramid scheme than a job.

    Before accepting any job offer, especially one found on social media, follow these steps to avoid falling into a scam. Take your time and consult someone you trust. Scammers often pressure victims to act quickly to avoid missing out.

    Search online for the company’s name along with words like ‘scam’ or ‘complaint’. Also, check with your state attorney general’s office for any complaints. A lack of complaints doesn’t necessarily mean the company is legitimate, but it’s a useful starting point. Be skeptical of success stories as they may be fabricated, with positive reviews potentially originating from fake profiles.

    The allure of easy money and flexible hours can make job seekers vulnerable to scams like fake appointment setter roles. Knowing how legitimate jobs operate and understanding the tactics scammers use are essential to protecting yourself. Do your research, and trust your instincts. If a job offer feels off, especially one that asks for money upfront, it’s probably not the opportunity it claims to be.

    Scammers are constantly evolving their schemes, but with the right knowledge and caution, you can outsmart them and avoid falling victim to fraudulent job offers.

     

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