Greg's Corner

Updates from September, 2024 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 6, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Human trafficking ( 97 ), job scam ( 79 ), kidnapping ( 10 ), pig butchering scam ( 14 ), Scams ( 1,363 )   

  Victim Kidnapped and Forced to Scam Others 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Victims of a cryptocurrency scam known as “pig butchering” are coming forward to share their experiences, aiming to protect others from falling into the same trap. While many focus on the financial losses suffered by victims, the human toll runs even deeper, with some individuals forced into scamming others.

  The term “pig butchering” describes how scammers gradually build trust with their targets, encouraging small investments that appear to yield quick returns. As confidence grows, victims are convinced to invest larger amounts—often their life savings—before the scammers vanish, leaving their victims devastated.

  One especially tragic aspect of this scheme involves individuals who are not only victims of fraud but also of human trafficking. One woman, believing she had secured a legitimate job abroad, was instead kidnapped and forced to work for the very scammers behind these cons. After arriving at what she thought was a job location, her passport was confiscated, her phone disabled, and she was imprisoned in a compound where she was coerced into scamming others.

  She described being trapped for months, made to impersonate different personas to convince others to invest in fake cryptocurrency schemes. Her captors monitored every move, ensuring she remained compliant. The conditions were harsh, and she was forced to work long hours, manipulating people into handing over their savings. Despite the physical and emotional strain, she was left with no choice but to continue under constant threat.

  While the financial losses from these scams are staggering, there are unseen victims like this woman, whose stories rarely make headlines. The scale of the operation is global, with money often funneled to foreign countries, making it difficult for law enforcement to recover the stolen funds or dismantle the operations behind them.

  This darker side of the crypto scam world highlights how far-reaching and damaging these schemes have become. Beyond the financial devastation experienced by victims, human trafficking and forced participation in scams add another layer of exploitation to an already harmful crime.

   

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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 5, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: corporate espionage, cryptocurrency ( 51 ), job scam ( 79 ), North Korea, Scams ( 1,363 )   

  FBI Warns of North Korean Fake Job Scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  North Korean hackers have been employing increasingly sophisticated and destructive methods to steal financial assets, as highlighted by a recent FBI warning. These malicious actors have been targeting businesses, particularly in the decentralized finance and cryptocurrency sectors, through highly tailored social engineering campaigns. By impersonating professional contacts and creating convincing fake scenarios, they lure victims into compromising situations, making it difficult for even the most cybersecurity-savvy individuals to detect the scam.

  The attacks begin with thorough pre-operational research, where hackers scour social media and professional networking platforms to gather detailed information about their targets. This enables them to craft highly personalized messages and offers, making the scams appear legitimate. Often, these include job offers from what seem to be reputable recruiting firms or technology companies, which are designed to build trust with the victim.

  Once the hackers establish rapport, they move to the next stage of their scheme—sending malware disguised as pre-employment tasks, employment offers, or even video conference invitations. When victims download these malicious files, the hackers gain access to the company’s network, allowing them to steal cryptocurrency and other digital financial products. These attacks have reportedly been ongoing for several months, though the FBI did not specify the total amount stolen.

  The FBI has emphasized that North Korean cyber actors remain a persistent threat, especially for organizations handling large volumes of cryptocurrency. The agency advises businesses to be wary of unsolicited offers, especially those promising unrealistically high compensation, and to be cautious about requests to download unfamiliar applications or move conversations to non-professional platforms.

  As the digital world continues to evolve, these tactics are likely to grow even more intricate, reinforcing the need for constant attention in the face of emerging threats.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 4, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bitcoin atm ( 25 ), hostage ( 3 ), impersonation scam ( 144 ), Scams ( 1,363 )   

  Elderly Scam Victim Held Hostage by Deceit 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In the quiet town of Covington, Louisiana, a routine welfare check by a St. Tammany Parish deputy revealed the terrifying reality of modern scams. For six hours, a 74-year-old woman found herself at the mercy of scammers who manipulated her into draining her bank account and held her as an emotional hostage, threatening her security.

  It all began when the woman, concerned about a potential fraudulent charge, contacted what she believed was a legitimate Apple Security number she found online. The call connected her to scammers who claimed that someone was attempting to purchase a $12,000 gold bar using her bank account. They offered to help prevent the transaction—but only if she followed their instructions.

  From that moment, the scammers took control of her day and life. They directed her to withdraw nearly $11,000 from her bank account and purchase gift cards, which were quickly cashed out by the criminals. To tighten their grip, they had her click on a link that allowed them to remotely access her phone, enabling them to monitor her every move. They could see, hear, and control everything, effectively cutting her off from any communication with her family. Any attempt to reach out, they warned, would endanger her loved ones.

  As the woman drove around, terrified and confused, the scammers continued to issue commands. She was directed to deposit more money into a Bitcoin machine at a gas station, despite being low on fuel, hungry, and without her medication. It was only the intervention of a concerned employee at the Bitcoin machine that finally raised the alarm. Sensing something was wrong, the employee questioned why she was trying to deposit money, and the woman began to realize the depth of the deception.

  When the deputy arrived for the welfare check, he found a woman on the brink, physically and emotionally drained. She recounted her ordeal, and the deputy quickly understood the gravity of the situation. His timely intervention saved her from losing even more than the nearly $11,000 she had already handed over to the scammers.

  The parish has seen an alarming rise in scams targeting local residents. These scams are sophisticated, often using the names of real officials to add legitimacy to their lies. The criminals exploit fear and urgency, convincing victims that they owe money for things like missed jury duty or that their bank accounts are under threat. Even those familiar with such tactics are not immune to these predatory practices.

  Unfortunately, these scams are difficult to trace and prosecute, especially when the perpetrators operate from other countries. They use fake phone numbers that appear as official government agencies on caller IDs, making it nearly impossible for victims to discern the truth.

  This woman’s story is a stark reminder that anyone can fall victim to these scams, regardless of age or experience. The emotional toll of such an encounter is profound, often leaving victims not only financially depleted but also deeply embarrassed. However, speaking out about these experiences serves as a vital warning to others.

  It’s crucial to remember that no legitimate government agency will ever ask for money over the phone. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately and verify the information through official channels. Awareness and education are the first lines of defense against criminals who prey on the vulnerable.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 3, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: real estate ( 127 ), rental scam ( 87 ), Scams ( 1,363 )   

  Avoiding Rental Scams in a Competitive Market 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Rental scams have become an increasingly troubling issue, preying on those who are often desperate to find affordable housing. Recent cases highlight the devastating impact these scams can have on individuals and families, particularly when circumstances force them into vulnerable situations.

  One victim encountered a scam while searching for a rental property in Seattle. After finding what seemed to be an ideal condo in Belltown, Washington, she engaged in what appeared to be a legitimate transaction. The scammer, posing as the owner, provided a detailed lease agreement, which appeared credible. The victim wired $3,700, only to discover that the property was not for rent but was listed for sale by a reputable real estate company. By the time the truth came to light, the money was gone, and the scammer had disappeared, leaving the victim with a financial loss and no recourse.

  A similar situation unfolded in Clayton County, Georgia, where a family was eager to secure stable housing after years of living in motels. An acquaintance connected them with someone offering a house for rent at an affordable price. The transaction felt genuine, with paperwork and a lease that seemed legitimate. The family paid $1,200 and moved in, only to be confronted by law enforcement days later. The lease was fake, and the family was forced to leave the property, losing not only the money they paid but also some of their personal belongings. The scam left them in an even more precarious situation, scrambling to find shelter each night.

  These cases illustrate how scammers exploit the current housing market, where competition for affordable rentals is fierce. Fraudsters often target properties listed for sale, posing as potential buyers to gain access, and then listing the property for rent. With access to the home, they can convincingly show it to prospective renters, who may be eager to secure a deal in a competitive market. By the time the deception is uncovered, the scammers have vanished with the money, leaving the victims with little recourse.

  In both scenarios, the scammers relied on the appearance of legitimacy to carry out their schemes. The victims were provided with what seemed like proper documentation and assurances that made the transactions feel secure. However, the scammers’ tactics, such as requesting payment before a formal in-person meeting or refusing to allow a tour of the property, were subtle red flags that could have indicated the fraudulent nature of the deals.

  The impact of these scams extends beyond financial loss. For the victims, the emotional toll of realizing they have been deceived can be profound. The process of searching for a home, especially in a tight market, is already stressful. When that search ends in a scam, the victims lose money and face the daunting task of starting over, often with fewer resources than they had before.

  As the housing market remains competitive, it’s crucial to exercise caution when searching for rental properties. Prospective renters should be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, and take steps to verify the legitimacy of the property and the person claiming to own or manage it. Trusting instincts and doing thorough research can help protect against falling victim to these increasingly common scams.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on August 30, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Election ( 21 ), Massachussetts ( 4 ), pennsylvania ( 9 ), Scams ( 1,363 ), text messaging ( 36 ), text scam ( 23 ), voting ( 4 )   

  Beware of Text Message Voter Scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  As election season heats up, voters in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts are being targeted by scam text messages designed to sow confusion and steal personal information. Officials in both states are warning citizens to stay vigilant and protect themselves from these deceptive tactics.

  In Pennsylvania, voters in key areas near Philadelphia such as Bucks, Montgomery, and Delaware Counties have reported receiving fraudulent text messages ahead of the November general election. These texts falsely claim that there are issues with the recipient’s voter registration status or that their previous votes were not counted. Some messages even direct voters to call fake numbers, allegedly belonging to local election offices.

  These messages are part of a broader attempt by bad actors to manipulate voters during a critical election period. Pennsylvania’s Department of State has emphasized that voters should not trust unsolicited messages that provide alarming or urgent information about their voting status. Instead, voters should verify any concerns by visiting the official state voter services website at vote.pa.gov or by contacting their local election office directly.

  Meanwhile, in Massachusetts, the Secretary of State’s office has issued a similar warning to voters about a potential text message scam as the state primaries approach. Some voters have reported receiving texts claiming they are not registered to vote, with a link provided supposedly to resolve the issue. The state cautions voters not to click on these links, as they may be attempts to collect sensitive information for malicious purposes.

  Massachusetts election officials will never contact voters via text message about their registration status. Voters who are unsure about their registration can check their status on the official website VoteInMA.com or by contacting their local election office directly.

  As election day draws near, it’s essential for voters in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and across the country to be cautious about unsolicited communications regarding their voter status. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and their messages may appear credible at first glance. However, by relying on official sources and reporting suspicious activity, voters can help protect themselves and ensure their voices are heard without interference.

  If you receive a suspicious text message related to voting, don’t engage with the content. Instead, report the message to your state’s consumer protection agency and verify your voter information through official channels. By staying informed, you can play a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of our elections.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on August 29, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: college ( 17 ), FTC ( 15 ), impersonation scam ( 144 ), Scams ( 1,363 ), unpaid tuition   

  Scam Calls Target Students Over Unpaid Tuition 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a warning to college students and their parents about a growing scam that targets those paying tuition. Imagine receiving a call from someone claiming to be from your school’s financial aid office, telling you that your tuition bill hasn’t been paid. The caller might threaten to drop your classes unless you send money immediately. While this may cause alarm, it’s essential to pause and think carefully, you could be dealing with a scammer.

  These scammers pose as school officials, often claiming that financial aid has fallen through or that your transcripts are being held until the balance is paid. Their goal is to create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to act without verifying the legitimacy of the claim. However, a legitimate school office would never try to scare you into making a payment over the phone.

  If you receive such a call, it’s crucial not to panic. Scammers rely on the fear of missing out on classes or having academic records withheld to trick you into making hasty decisions. Instead of responding immediately, take the time to verify the situation through secure channels. Most schools post tuition bills on secure student portals, where you can safely check your balance and make payments. If you’re still uncertain, contact the financial aid or billing office directly using a phone number you know is legitimate.

  Remember, scammers can manipulate caller ID to make it appear as if the call is coming from your campus. Don’t trust what you see on the screen, and never give out your bank or credit card information over the phone to an unknown caller. If someone pressures you to pay with cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gift cards, it’s almost certainly a scam.

  The FTC urges anyone who encounters this scam to report it. By spreading the word, you can help protect others from falling victim to these deceptive tactics. Always verify through trusted sources before making any payments, especially when it comes to something as important as education.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on August 28, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: football ( 9 ), live streaming ( 2 ), Scams ( 1,363 ), Sports ( 4 ), volleyball   

  Beware of Fake Sports Live Streams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  As the excitement of high school sports ramps up this fall, scammers are seizing the opportunity to prey on unsuspecting fans. From volleyball to football, fraudulent live stream offers are becoming a common tactic to steal personal information and money. Understanding how these scams operate can help you stay one step ahead and protect your financial security.

  In Jonesboro, Arkansas, high school volleyball fans recently fell victim to a scam involving a fake social media profile. The account, masquerading as the Arkansas Activities Association, claimed to livestream games for local schools. Fans eager to support their teams were directed to links requiring payment, only to discover that no game was being streamed. Instead, their credit card information was captured by the scammers.

  Similarly, in Birmingham, Alabama, high school football fans are being targeted with fake live stream links. Scammers are capitalizing on the enthusiasm surrounding Friday night football, advertising streams that don’t exist or are of such poor quality that they’re not worth the money. Worse, once these fans enter their payment information, they often find themselves subscribed to a service that continually charges them without delivering the promised content.

  The mechanics of these scams are alarmingly simple. Scammers create fake social media profiles that appear legitimate by mimicking official school or athletic association accounts. These profiles then post links claiming to offer live streams of sports events. Eager to watch, fans click on the links and are asked to enter their payment information. Once the payment is processed, the promised stream either doesn’t exist or is of such low quality that it’s unwatchable. Meanwhile, the scammers have already gained access to the victims’ financial information.

  As these cases illustrate, vigilance is key to avoiding sports live stream scams. Here are some tips to keep in mind. Always confirm that the live stream is being offered by an official school or athletic association account. If in doubt, contact the school’s athletic department directly.

  Most legitimate high school sports live streams are free or require minimal payment through recognized platforms. If a site requests your credit card information, it’s a major red flag.

  Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but by staying informed and cautious, you can enjoy your favorite high school sports without falling victim to their tactics. Remember, when in doubt, trust only official sources and verify before you pay.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on August 27, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Amazon ( 108 ), fake websites ( 11 ), online shopping ( 33 ), Scams ( 1,363 ), shopping ( 4 )   

  Beware the Too-Good-to-Be-True Online Deal 

  

  By Greg Collier

  According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), about 50% of people who lose money in online shopping scams do so because the deal seemed irresistible. The problem often arises when you think you’re purchasing from a trusted site, like Amazon, but you’re actually on a fake website designed to look like the real thing.

  These fake sites can be deceivingly similar to legitimate ones. Scammers know that if they can create a website that looks just like Amazon or any other well-known retailer, they can trick you into handing over your money. But there are ways to spot these fakes if you know what to look for.

  First, closely examine the URL of the site you’re on. Real Amazon’s URL is simple, it’s amazon.com. However, scammers use lookalike URLs which might look convincing at first glance but are actually traps. For legitimate websites, the brand name should be directly followed by .com or whatever the top-level domain (TLD) it is they use. If you see a hyphen, additional words, or anything else between the brand name and the TLD, you’re likely dealing with a scam.

  You might wonder how scammers manage to make these fake sites look so real. It turns out there are two main ways. Cybercriminals can buy phishing kits that allow them to replicate the look and feel of popular brands’ websites. These kits are cheap and widely available, making it easy for scammers to create convincing fakes.

  Scammers can also purchase domain names that resemble legitimate sites. They can register these names with minimal oversight, which allows them to create URLs that look legitimate but lead you straight into their traps.

  The next time you’re shopping online and come across a deal that seems too good to be true, take a moment to scrutinize the URL. Make sure it’s a legitimate site before entering any personal information. In today’s digital age, a little caution can go a long way in protecting yourself from scams.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on August 26, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: check scam ( 79 ), fake check ( 48 ), fake order, Scams ( 1,363 ), Small Business ( 4 )   

  Fake Order Scam, Targets Small Businesses 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A small Los Angeles bakery specializing in unique baked goods recently fell victim to a scam that serves as a stark reminder of the dangers facing small businesses. The bakery, known for its intricate cookies and special occasion cakes, received an unexpected order for around 1,000 cupcakes. Although the bakery is not typically associated with cupcakes, the sizable order seemed like a great opportunity to generate income.

  The payment for the order arrived via priority mail. It was a check for over $7,500. After consulting a bank representative, the bakery owner felt reassured when the funds cleared and promptly began preparations, purchasing ingredients and starting the baking process. However, the situation took a turn when the person who placed the order requested that the quantity be halved and half of the payment returned. Despite initial reassurances from the bank, the bakery owner refused the refund request due to the expenses already incurred.

  The next day, the bakery received devastating news. The check had been flagged as counterfeit, and the funds were withdrawn from the account. Further investigation revealed that the scam involved stolen checks from another company, and the bakery was not the only victim. Several other businesses, mostly bakeries and landscaping companies, had received similar fraudulent orders.

  Small business owners can protect themselves from fraud by taking the following precautions. Always verify the authenticity of large or unusual orders, especially from new or unfamiliar customers. Contact the customer directly using a verified phone number to confirm details before proceeding.

  Exercise caution with payments made by check, particularly for large sums. If accepting a check, wait for the funds to be fully cleared by the bank before fulfilling the order. Remember that initial bank verification is not always final.

  Establish and communicate clear refund policies to prevent scammers from manipulating your business. Avoid issuing refunds for orders paid by check until the payment has fully cleared.

  Be wary of customers who make unusual requests, such as rushing an order, changing the quantity, or requesting refunds before the order is fulfilled. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure businesses into quick decisions.

  If you suspect a scam, report it immediately to your bank, local authorities, and relevant fraud prevention agencies. Early reporting can help mitigate losses and prevent the scammer from targeting others.

  This scam left the bakery owner with excess ingredients, unsold products, and significant financial and emotional distress. The experience underscores the importance of vigilance for small business owners, who are often targeted by increasingly sophisticated scams. By sharing this story, the hope is to raise awareness and help prevent others from falling victim to similar schemes.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on August 23, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bank collapse ( 2 ), bank fraud ( 23 ), banks ( 6 ), embezzlement ( 2 ), pig butchering scam ( 14 ), Scams ( 1,363 )   

  Banker Who Fell Victim to Scam Gets Prison Time 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Last year, we brought you the story of a rural Kansas bank that collapsed after the Bank’s CEO fell victim to the pig butchering scam. The pig butchering scam involves a scammer persuading a victim to invest in cryptocurrency using a fake exchange. The victim is then shown that their initial investment has grown significantly. However, when they attempt to withdraw their funds, they are informed that an additional fee, often as large as the original investment, must be paid first.

  A federal judge recently sentenced the 53-year-old bank CEO to 24 years in prison after it was determined the CEO embezzled bank funds while still believing he could get the returns on his investments.

  As was mentioned in the previous post, the CEO even asked a friend and client for a $12 million loan, so the CEO could get his personal money out of the cryptocurrency investment. The friend was even assured by the CEO that the initial investment wasn’t made with the bank’s money. Since then, details have been made public where the friend warned the CEO that the investments were a scam and that he should walk away from it.

  The CEO did not take his friend’s advice, and in his pursuit of profit, continued to send money to his scammers. However, before long, he was wiring bank funds to the scammers. When the friend heard from bank employees that the CEO was wiring money overseas, the friend went to the bank’s board to try to put a stop to it. Before it was all over, the CEO had embezzled $47.1 million.

  Anyone can fall victim to a scam, regardless of their education, experience, or financial savvy. Scammers are highly skilled at exploiting vulnerabilities, preying on trust, greed, or desperation. They use sophisticated tactics to create a sense of urgency, promising quick and substantial returns on investments that seem too good to pass up. Once a victim is hooked, they are gradually drawn deeper into the scam, often believing that just one more payment will unlock the profits they were promised. The allure of easy money can cloud judgment, leading even those in trusted positions to make increasingly irrational decisions.

  These scams can easily turn a victim into a criminal. When personal funds run dry, desperation sets in, and victims may resort to unethical or illegal actions to recover their losses. They might embezzle money, falsify documents, or deceive others to gather more funds, all in the hope of finally reaping the rewards they were promised. What began as a mistake can spiral into a series of criminal acts, driven by the delusion that success is just around the corner. This transformation from victim to perpetrator highlights how dangerous and insidious these scams can be, not just financially but morally as well.