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  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 19, 2025 Permalink | Reply
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    Lottery Winner Texts Are a Scam 

    By Greg Collier

    A new wave of fraudulent text messages has been reported in North Carolina and across the country, with scammers posing as generous lottery winners offering to share their supposed jackpot fortunes. The Federal Trade Commission warns that these messages are not legitimate and advises consumers to exercise caution when receiving such unexpected communications.

    One example circulating now claims that the recipient has been chosen at random to receive one million dollars in cash and a new car. The message explains that the selection was made by an automated system and provides a number to contact a so-called managing director with a special claimant code. When reporters attempted to follow the instructions, the call could not be completed, but the text line produced a swift response. Soon after, the sender requested detailed personal information, including name, address, marital status, occupation, age, income, and even a photograph.

    To test the claim further, reporters tried to initiate a video call, but the call went unanswered. Instead, another message arrived from a foreign number containing a picture of a duffel bag stuffed with cash. The elaborate performance only underscored the deceptive intent.

    According to the Better Business Bureau, the very nature of unsolicited text messages promising money is an immediate red flag. Experts emphasize that responding only confirms to scammers that a real person is at the other end, which encourages them to continue targeting the victim. The goal is almost always to obtain enough personal information to commit identity fraud or to manipulate the target into paying money under false pretenses.

    The Federal Trade Commission stresses the importance of deleting and reporting these texts rather than engaging. Responding can expose recipients to identity theft or malware, especially if links are clicked. Scammers are adept at creating a sense of urgency and legitimacy, but regulators urge people to verify any extraordinary claim through trusted channels rather than through the contact information provided in suspicious messages.

    This type of fraud is not rare. The FTC estimates that Americans lose tens of millions of dollars every year to prize and sweepstakes scams, with older adults among the most frequent targets. The tactics vary, but the pitch is nearly always the same. A promise of sudden wealth, accompanied by requests for personal details or money. A critical fact to keep in mind is that legitimate lottery organizations do not notify winners by text message or through social media, and they do not ask for photographs, income details, or banking information in order to release winnings.

    For anyone who has already replied to one of these messages, experts recommend taking immediate steps to protect personal security. This can include contacting your mobile carrier to block further messages, checking your credit report for unusual activity, and notifying your bank if financial details were shared. It may also be wise to change passwords associated with accounts that could be linked to the information provided. Even if no money was lost, reporting the interaction to the FTC and the BBB helps create a clearer picture of the scam’s reach and may prevent others from becoming victims.

    While these scams are persistent, their effectiveness lies in exploiting the universal hope of financial relief and good fortune. By mimicking the thrill of winning, criminals draw people into sharing information or parting with money. Recognizing the warning signs and taking quick protective measures can turn a potential loss into an important lesson. The safest response remains simple. Treat unexpected lottery offers not as opportunities, but as clear warnings to protect yourself and your information.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 18, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , CFPB, , money glitch, ,   

    TikTok’s Fake Payout Promise 

    TikTok’s Fake Payout Promise

    By Greg Collier

    Social media users are being lured by a new wave of videos that promise free money through popular peer-to-peer payment apps such as Zelle and Cash App. The pitch is presented as a simple process of filling out a government form, but the claims have no basis in reality. What is being pushed is not a legitimate way to recover lost funds. It is a misleading scheme that has already convinced many people to waste their time and money in pursuit of a payout that does not exist.

    The idea preys on those who have been victims of online payment fraud and are searching for ways to be reimbursed. Some online personalities are claiming that a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will automatically generate compensation, even for those who were never victims in the first place. This false promise has been paired with the sale of templates and financial guides that add yet another layer of exploitation.

    Consumer advocates have made clear that the tactic has no legitimacy. Zelle has stated that consumers were misled into filing complaints based on a fabricated settlement, while Cash App has said it has improved how it identifies and responds to customer issues. Reports also note that with reduced oversight of federal consumer protection agencies, opportunists are taking advantage of the situation to target those who are already financially strained.

    There is also a legal risk that has gone largely unspoken in the videos encouraging people to try this method. Filing a false complaint with a government agency can rise to the level of fraud. While many viewers may see it as a harmless trick, in reality submitting knowingly inaccurate claims could have criminal consequences.

    The situation echoes a familiar pattern on TikTok and other platforms where so-called “money glitches” are promoted as a quick and easy path to financial gain. Not long ago, similar videos circulated claiming that hidden glitches in Cash App or other services could be exploited to receive free transfers. Those claims, too, were proven false and left behind a trail of disappointed users. The latest version of this scam follows the same formula. It dangles the promise of effortless money before viewers who are encouraged to act quickly before the supposed opportunity disappears.

    Consumer protection experts urge anyone who has been defrauded through a payment app to pursue legitimate channels of recourse. Filing a proper complaint with full documentation can help build a case, but there is no shortcut to a payout and certainly no promise of free money for those who were never affected. In the end, the only people profiting from these social media claims are those selling false hope.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 17, 2025 Permalink | Reply
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    States Warn of Tax Refund Text Scams 

    States Warn of Tax Refund Text Scams

    By Greg Collier

    State tax agencies are once again warning residents to be cautious about fraudulent text messages designed to steal personal and financial information. Following reports of fake texts in New Jersey earlier this year, the Michigan Department of Treasury has now issued its own alert after receiving complaints of similar activity.

    In New Jersey, scammers have been sending messages that claim to come from the Department of the Treasury’s Division of Taxation. The texts state that a refund request has been processed and approved but warn that if payment details are not submitted by a specified deadline, the refund will be permanently forfeited under the New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act. The Division of Taxation has confirmed that these messages are not legitimate and has explained that text communication is used only in limited circumstances when requested through its phone system. Officials emphasize that residents should avoid clicking links or replying to such texts, since doing so can lead to spoofed websites that mimic official branding and request sensitive financial details. Replying with a single character such as “Y” can also be an attempt by scammers to bypass cell phone security safeguards.

    The Michigan Department of Treasury has reported nearly identical tactics. Residents have received texts that falsely claim to be from the agency, with messages urging them to update payment information or risk forfeiting their refunds. The Treasury has made clear that it never sends unsolicited text messages to request sensitive information and that official correspondence with taxpayers is conducted through letters sent via the U.S. Postal Service. Officials urge residents to delete suspicious messages and to contact the department directly with any questions about refunds or tax obligations. The state’s Individual Income Tax Information Line can also be used to log these scams and verify tax information.

    Authorities in both states describe these fraudulent texts as another tool in the cybercriminal playbook. They rely on urgency and the appearance of official language to pressure recipients into surrendering personal data. Cybersecurity experts note that links embedded in such messages often lead to convincing but fraudulent websites designed to capture bank account or credit card details.

    These scams also take advantage of the psychology of tax season. Residents may already be anticipating communication about refunds or tax issues, and scammers exploit this expectation by imitating the formal language of government. References to state statutes or threats of forfeiture are designed to create an appearance of authority and urgency, making recipients more likely to respond without questioning the message’s authenticity.

    Smishing campaigns have historically focused on banks, shipping companies, and retailers, but government agencies have increasingly become the target. By impersonating tax departments or other state offices, scammers add a layer of credibility that makes their messages seem harder to dismiss. This evolution reflects a broader trend in cybercrime, where attackers adjust their tactics to exploit the most trusted institutions and the most stressful times of year.

    As tax agencies across different states continue to issue similar warnings, the pattern highlights the adaptability of smishing campaigns and the importance of public awareness. Residents who receive suspicious messages are advised to treat them with caution, verify claims directly with state agencies, and avoid engaging with any request for personal or financial information delivered by text.

     

  • Geebo 8:05 am on September 16, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Charlie Kirk, , , ,   

    Scammers Target Charlie Kirk Tragedy 

    By Greg Collier

    Authorities in Georgia are warning residents about a scam that has surfaced in the aftermath of the recent shooting of Charlie Kirk. Reports have circulated of fraudulent text messages being sent to cell phone users, claiming to be from Kirk’s wife, Erika, and urging people to donate in his honor. The messages are written in emotional language, suggesting that the movement Kirk built will grow stronger if people join in support, and they include a link for recipients to click.

    Law enforcement in both Effingham County and Habersham County has confirmed that the messages are not legitimate. Officials have stressed that scammers are attempting to exploit a national tragedy for financial gain. They cautioned that clicking on the links may expose victims to identity theft, malware, or fraudulent financial schemes. Instead of helping Kirk’s family or continuing his mission, the messages are designed to deceive and manipulate those who are grieving or sympathetic.

    Residents have been urged to delete the texts immediately and to report them to their carriers or local authorities. Officials also remind the public that legitimate fundraising efforts will never come through random text messages with suspicious links.

    This is not an isolated tactic. Scammers are always looking to make money out of any tragedy, whether by pretending to raise funds for victims, impersonating family members, or setting up fake charities. After natural disasters such as hurricanes or wildfires, fraudulent charity websites often appear within hours, and after the deaths of public figures, fake memorial fundraisers frequently surface. The scam tied to Kirk’s death follows the same predictable pattern, using grief and confusion as tools to steal.

    Authorities say awareness is the strongest defense, and anyone who receives such a message should recognize it for what it is, a calculated attempt to profit from pain.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 15, 2025 Permalink | Reply
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    Fake Jury Duty Sites Steal Your Identity 

    By Greg Collier

    Scam artists continue to adapt their methods, and one of the most common schemes circulating today is the jury duty scam. This long-running tactic has seen many variations over the years, but a new twist has emerged in Wisconsin that raises the stakes by targeting both money and personal identity.

    Traditionally, this scam involves a phone call from someone pretending to be an authority figure. The caller claims the recipient has missed jury duty and now faces arrest or a significant fine. The tone is often urgent, creating fear and confusion that push victims into making quick decisions. While these calls are not new, recent reports show scammers are now supplementing their threats with fake websites. These sites are designed to look official and can trick people into sharing sensitive personal information. Victims are sometimes told to enter details such as their birth date or Social Security number in order to determine the amount they supposedly owe. In some cases, the scammers claim that thousands of dollars are due for failing to appear for jury service.

    The persistence of the jury duty scam is tied to its ability to exploit trust in legal institutions and fear of legal consequences. Reports of this fraud have surfaced in many states over the years, showing that no region is immune. Scammers target a wide range of people, from younger adults who may not yet understand jury procedures to older individuals who may be more inclined to believe a caller claiming to represent the courts. Beyond the immediate demand for payment, the risks extend to long-term identity theft. Victims may later discover fraudulent credit accounts opened in their names, complications with tax filings, or even false criminal records, all of which can create years of stress and financial damage.

    The addition of fraudulent websites makes the scam especially dangerous. While previous versions largely focused on extracting immediate payments, this variation introduces the risk of long-term identity theft. Once personal information is provided, it can be used or sold, leading to problems that may linger for years. That kind of damage goes far beyond the loss of money, forcing individuals into the ongoing burden of monitoring and protecting their identity.

    It is important to remember that legitimate jury summonses or failure-to-appear notices are always sent through the mail. Courts do not issue arrest threats over the phone or demand payment through unconventional means such as cryptocurrency kiosks. Anyone receiving a suspicious call should avoid engaging, hang up, and independently verify information by contacting the local court using official contact details. Above all, consumers should never visit websites provided in unsolicited calls, texts, or emails.

    This latest twist underscores how scams evolve in order to stay effective. Raising awareness within families and communities is a critical step toward reducing the number of victims. By sharing knowledge of these tactics, people can recognize the warning signs and resist high-pressure demands. The jury duty scam remains one of the most widespread frauds in circulation today, and knowledge is the best defense against its changing forms.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 12, 2025 Permalink | Reply
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    Cartel Phone Scam Targets Families 

    By Greg Collier

    Police in Rio Rancho have issued a warning after reports of frightening phone calls from individuals pretending to be members of a criminal cartel. The callers claimed to have abducted children and demanded payment for their safe return. Parents who received these calls described hearing screams in the background, leading them to believe their children were in danger. Investigators later confirmed that all of the children thought to have been taken were safe and accounted for.

    This type of fraud is also sometimes known as the virtual kidnapping scam. In these cases, scammers create the illusion of a kidnapping by using background noise such as screaming, combined with pressure tactics that demand immediate payment. They rely on fear to convince their targets to send money before realizing that no abduction has actually occurred. Scammers also frequently disguise their phone numbers to make them appear local or even spoof numbers belonging to schools or government agencies. This tactic makes the call more believable and increases the chance that victims will panic and respond.

    While Rio Rancho police are warning their community, virtual kidnapping scams have been reported across the United States for years. Criminals have targeted travelers, college students, and bilingual families, often tailoring their approach to maximize fear and urgency. The trend shows that these calls are not confined to one location and can affect almost anyone.

    Authorities are reminding the public that these calls are designed to manipulate and terrorize victims into acting quickly without verifying the claims. Families are urged to remain calm, attempt to contact their loved ones directly, and notify law enforcement if they receive such a call. Experts also recommend that families establish code words or prearranged signals that can help confirm safety in an emergency. They further advise avoiding wire transfers, prepaid cards, or cryptocurrency transactions in response to demands, since these payment methods are difficult to trace and are frequently used in fraud schemes.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 11, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , ,   

    Overpayment Scam Targets Online Sellers 

    Overpayment Scam Targets Online Sellers

    By Greg Collier

    The Williamson County Tax Assessor’s Office in Texas has alerted the public to a new scheme designed to defraud unsuspecting victims. Fraudulent checks made to look as if they originated from the county are being used in attempts to purchase expensive items, including vehicles.

    The method involves sending a check that exceeds the sale price of the item, followed by instructions for the seller to return the excess funds. While the check may appear legitimate at first glance, it has no real value and is part of a coordinated scam. Anyone depositing such a check risks financial loss once the fraud is uncovered.

    This is a scam we have covered many times before, but it bears repeating as it continues to find new victims. Known as the overpayment scam, it remains a common tactic used against people selling items online. In reality, every check should be viewed with suspicion, especially in private transactions where verification can be difficult.

    What makes the scam particularly effective is the way banks process deposits. Funds from a check may appear in an account quickly, sometimes within a day, but it can take weeks for the bank to confirm whether the check is legitimate. By the time the fraud is discovered and the deposit reversed, many victims have already sent the supposed extra money back to the scammer, leaving them with the financial loss.

    There are common warning signs that sellers should keep in mind. A check written for more than the agreed price, requests to wire or return money to the buyer, and pressure to complete the transaction quickly are all indicators of fraud. Any check received under those circumstances should be treated as highly suspicious.

    Reports of fraudulent checks should be directed to law enforcement. This ensures that potential crimes are properly documented and that investigators can track ongoing scams.

    This warning highlights the importance of caution when conducting private sales. Fraudulent tactics continue to evolve, and vigilance remains one of the best defenses against financial exploitation. Scammers often use the names of trusted institutions to give their schemes credibility, which makes it all the more vital to verify every transaction before acting.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 10, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Electronic Fund Transfer Act, , , ,   

    Scammed and Abandoned by the Bank 

    Scammed and Abandoned by the Bank

    By Greg Collier

    In Austin, Texas, a local woman believed she was safeguarding her finances from fraudsters. Instead, she unknowingly delivered her money straight into their hands, losing $25,000 in the process. Despite her efforts to act responsibly, her bank has declined to make her whole.

    The fraud began with a text message that appeared to come directly from her financial institution. She took what seemed to be the prudent step of contacting the number on the back of her card, where no irregularities were reported. Soon after, she received a call from someone posing as a senior fraud investigator. This individual already had her personal information and convinced her that criminals were using her identity at a bank branch.

    The impersonator claimed to be working with federal authorities and persuaded her to withdraw money from her account to aid in an investigation. Over two days, she removed $25,000 in cash and deposited it elsewhere as instructed. By the time she and her partner checked her account, the money was gone.

    What has added insult to injury is the lack of assistance from her bank. The institution issued a general statement expressing sympathy and confirming it investigates all fraud reports, yet it has not restored the stolen funds. The customer and her partner argue that the bank could have done much more to protect them, but instead they are now left to battle the loss alone.

    Consumer protection laws such as the Electronic Fund Transfer Act are designed to safeguard account holders against unauthorized withdrawals. However, financial institutions often argue that when a customer is deceived into moving the funds themselves, the transaction no longer qualifies as unauthorized. This distinction leaves many victims of social engineering scams without recourse, highlighting a gap in existing regulations and raising questions about how well current policies address the realities of modern financial fraud.

    Consumer advocates say cases like this are becoming increasingly common. Advances in technology make scams more sophisticated, with fraudsters able to spoof caller IDs, mimic industry language, and even clone voices. The Better Business Bureau warns that once a person is tricked into moving money themselves, it is nearly impossible to recover. The Bureau estimates that in most cases, banks only return funds in a small fraction of incidents, since customers technically authorize the transfers.

    The Better Business Bureau stresses that unsolicited calls and texts should always be treated with suspicion and that victims should report incidents promptly to help authorities track down offenders.

    While law enforcement and advocacy groups warn of the dangers, the Austin case underscores a pressing reality. For ordinary customers, the greatest frustration may not only be the criminals who carry out the fraud but also the banks that appear unwilling to step in when their clients need protection the most.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 9, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Athena Bitcoin, , Brian Schwalb, , , , , Washington DC   

    D.C. Sues Bitcoin ATM Firm Over Scams 

    By Greg Collier

    District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb has filed a lawsuit against Athena Bitcoin, accusing the company of profiting from scams that overwhelmingly targeted older adults through its cryptocurrency ATMs. The case follows reports that one victim lost nearly $100,000 in less than a week by using these machines.

    According to the Office of the Attorney General, scams conducted through Athena’s seven Bitcoin ATMs in Washington, D.C., accounted for 93 percent of all deposits. Victims lost a median of $8,000 per transaction, while Athena allegedly collected hidden fees as high as 26 percent, generating millions in revenue.

    Investigators say the scams often began with phone calls from individuals posing as government or bank officials. Victims were pressured into depositing cash into Bitcoin ATMs after being told their funds were under threat or that they were assisting with a government investigation. Scammers typically remained on the phone throughout the process to maintain urgency and discourage victims from seeking outside advice.

    Assistant Attorney General Jason Jones explained that cryptocurrency is attractive to fraudsters because transactions are irreversible and there is no intermediary to stop or reverse payments. Unlike traditional banks, which may be able to intervene, once money is deposited into a crypto wallet, it is immediately transferred to the scammer. The approach has similarities to gift card scams but is faster and more direct.

    The lawsuit alleges that Athena failed to act on evidence of widespread fraud, allowed wallets tied to scams to remain active, and continued to profit from fraudulent transactions. The company is also accused of charging hidden fees far above typical cryptocurrency exchange rates and denying refunds even when fraud was reported. In some cases, customers were required to waive their rights to pursue future claims.

    Nearly half of all deposits during Athena’s first five months of operating in the District were flagged as fraudulent, according to the lawsuit. Officials also reported that the median age of victims was 71, underscoring how older residents have been disproportionately affected. Many older adults may be less familiar with cryptocurrency and less likely to report financial exploitation, making them particularly vulnerable targets.

    The District’s lawsuit accuses Athena of violating consumer protection and elder abuse laws. Schwalb’s office has stated that the goal of the case is to recover lost funds for victims and to put an end to practices that have enabled scammers to exploit residents through cryptocurrency ATMs.

    The issue is not limited to Washington, D.C. Federal agencies, including the FBI and Federal Trade Commission, have issued repeated warnings about scammers using cryptocurrency ATMs to defraud victims nationwide. Consumer complaints of crypto-related fraud have surged in recent years, with billions of dollars lost across the country. Unlike traditional financial institutions, Bitcoin ATMs often operate under looser regulatory frameworks, with fewer safeguards in place to detect or block fraudulent activity. Some states have begun moving toward stricter oversight, including licensing requirements, caps on transaction amounts, and clearer consumer disclosures.

    Authorities continue to emphasize that no government agency, financial institution, or legitimate business will ever ask someone to use a Bitcoin ATM to make a payment or transfer money. Any such request should be treated as an immediate red flag for fraud.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 8, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , lottery, , Powerball,   

    Lottery Fever Fuels Scam Surge 

    By Greg Collier

    The latest Powerball drawing produced a jackpot worth nearly 1.8 billion dollars, with winning tickets sold in Texas and Missouri. While these wins bring an end to weeks without a grand prize winner, the attention surrounding such a large drawing has also created an opportunity for fraudsters.

    Authorities have cautioned that lottery and sweepstakes scams often spike when jackpots reach record levels. These scams usually begin with a message telling someone they have won a prize. The communication is designed to build excitement before the scammer introduces supposed fees, taxes, or duties that must be paid upfront. Victims are often asked to provide bank details, wire money, or send gift card numbers. The result is always the same. Instead of gaining a prize, the target loses money and often faces repeated attempts by the scammer to extract even more.

    Scammers have no knowledge of whether someone actually bought a lottery ticket. Instead, they cast a wide net during high-profile jackpots, sending out thousands of messages in the hope that even a small number of recipients will take the bait. The sheer scale of outreach, combined with the excitement surrounding massive prize announcements, increases the chances that at least some individuals will be convinced they are winners.

    The Federal Trade Commission has identified lottery scams as one of the most common consumer frauds. Reports continue to show that many victims are older individuals, but no one is immune to convincing and persistent claims of sudden wealth. The FBI recorded billions of dollars in total financial losses from malicious activity in the past year, with lottery and sweepstakes scams representing a significant portion.

    Even though the top jackpot has now been claimed, the drawing also produced a series of substantial secondary prizes. Tickets worth one million or two million dollars were sold across multiple states. The existence of these smaller prizes keeps scammers in business because it becomes easier to convince someone that they may have overlooked a win. The combination of large advertised jackpots and genuine smaller prizes creates fertile ground for deception.

    Consumers are urged to treat any unsolicited message claiming a lottery win with suspicion. Official lotteries do not ask winners to pay fees upfront or to provide payment through wire transfers or gift cards. The safest approach is to check tickets through legitimate lottery outlets or official websites and to report suspicious messages to regulators.

    The excitement of a record jackpot can easily turn into financial loss for those caught in fraudulent schemes. Remaining cautious and skeptical is essential as long as lotteries continue to draw the attention of both players and criminals alike.

     

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