Greg's Corner

Updates from August, 2024 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

• 

  Geebo 8:00 am on August 22, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: blackmail ( 3 ), Cheating ( 3 ), college ( 17 ), extortion ( 14 ), Scams ( 1,363 ), tutor ( 2 )   

  Fraudulent Tutors Become Blackmailers 

  

  By Greg Collier

  If you’re a college or high school student seeking help with homework or test preparation, be cautious. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is sounding the alarm about a rising number of scams involving fraudulent tutors. Instead of providing academic assistance, these scammers exploit students who hire them to complete assignments, using the situation to engage in extortion.

  The scam begins when a student enlists a tutor to handle their assignments or help them cheat on tests. Rather than delivering the promised services, the scammer demands payment upfront, only to later threaten the student with exposure unless additional money is paid. After the initial payment, the scammer often continues to demand more, citing bogus reasons like extra research needs. As a result, students can end up losing thousands of dollars, while receiving no academic help whatsoever.

  The BBB stresses that hiring someone to complete your schoolwork constitutes cheating. For students who need legitimate tutoring to understand their class material, there are ways to avoid falling prey to these cons. First, consider asking friends, family, or teachers for recommendations. Schools often have resources, including other students, who offer tutoring at little to no cost, making them a reliable place to start.

  Additionally, it’s wise to verify the credentials of any potential tutor by asking for references. Contacting those references provides insight into their experiences and the results they’ve seen, helping you make an informed decision. Before starting any tutoring sessions, it’s also essential to agree on availability and rates upfront. While fees might increase for extra sessions ahead of a big test, these should be discussed in advance to avoid unexpected demands, which are often signs of a scam.

  In your quest for academic support, it’s important to be cautious. Taking the time to find a trustworthy tutor helps you learn and ensures that you won’t be taken advantage of by scammers looking to profit from your education.

   

  Leave a ReplyCancel reply
• 

  Geebo 8:00 am on August 21, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: brushing scam ( 22 ), identity theft ( 107 ), Scams ( 1,363 )   

  BBB Warns of Nationwide Scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In recent months, consumers across the nation have been encountering a troubling trend, mysterious packages arriving at their doorsteps without being ordered. These unsolicited deliveries are part of a growing scam known as the brushing scam, which involves third-party sellers sending items to random addresses to boost their products’ online ratings with fake reviews. While the packages may seem harmless, the underlying scam has concerning implications for those involved.

  The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning about this scam, emphasizing its potentially scary downside. The products received through brushing scams are typically lightweight and inexpensive to ship, such as ping pong balls, face masks, or small gadgets. In some cases, recipients have found more unusual items, like a humidifier or a Bluetooth speaker. The common thread is that none of these items were ordered by the recipient, and the packages often arrive without a clear return address, making it difficult to identify the sender.

  The motivation behind these deliveries is simple but effective, scammers are trying to manipulate online marketplaces. By sending these unsolicited items, they can falsely claim that a verified purchase was made, allowing them to post glowing reviews under the guise of legitimate buyers. These fake reviews help boost the product’s visibility and sales, all while the unsuspecting recipient remains unaware of their involvement in the scheme.

  The most unsettling aspect of this scam, as highlighted by the BBB, is that it suggests the sender has access to some of the recipient’s personal information, such as their name, address, and potentially even their phone number. This information, once obtained, can be exploited in various ways by those with malicious intent.

  To protect yourself from this scam, the BBB recommends taking proactive steps if you receive an unsolicited package. First, notify the retailer about the situation and attempt to identify the sender if possible. Check your online accounts for any unauthorized orders, and change your passwords to secure your information. While you are legally allowed to keep the items, it’s crucial to remain vigilant about protecting your identity and monitoring for any suspicious activity.

   
• 

  Geebo 8:00 am on August 20, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: gold, investment scams ( 10 ), Investors ( 2 ), precious metals, Scams ( 1,363 ), silver   

  Gold Investment: Not as Safe as It Seems 

  

  By Greg Collier

  For months, we’ve alerted our readers to gold bar scams, where criminals posing as law enforcement trick victims into converting their savings into gold, only to steal it. Today, we’re shifting focus to another type of gold scam, fraudulent gold investments.

  Recently, a couple from San Diego, like many others, sought financial stability through gold investments. Enticed by frequent radio advertisements, they decided to transfer a significant portion of their retirement savings into precious metals with a firm they believed was trustworthy. Unfortunately, this decision would soon prove disastrous.

  The firm in question had assured its clients that their assets would be safely held with a well-known trust company specializing in alternative investments, including precious metals. But earlier this year, investors began receiving alarming letters from the trust company. The correspondence indicated that the assets supposedly transferred to the precious metals firm had not been properly recorded, leaving many investors in a precarious situation.

  These letters revealed that not only were some investors’ purchases of gold and silver unfulfilled, but also that funds from the sale of these metals had not been credited to their accounts. As concerns grew, the trust company announced that it was severing ties with the precious metals firm, leaving investors to deal with the fallout.

  For the investors, the reality of their situation hit hard. The firm had closed its doors, and attempts to contact them were met with silence. With millions of dollars in retirement savings unaccounted for, the investors felt they had been left in the lurch. Now, they are part of a proposed class-action lawsuit alleging fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and other violations.

  Investing in precious metals can be a wise decision, but it requires a thoughtful and cautious approach. It’s essential to work with dealers who have a strong reputation and a proven track record. Verifying their credentials and researching any past complaints or legal issues is a crucial first step.

  Understanding the associated costs, including premiums, storage fees, and transaction expenses, is key to making an informed investment. Additionally, it’s important to maintain a diversified portfolio rather than committing all your savings to precious metals. This reduces overall risk and provides more stability.

  As with any investment, it’s important to only invest what you can comfortably risk, as no investment is ever fully guaranteed.

  Investors should remain cautious when encountering advertisements on radio and podcasts, as these platforms often promote investment opportunities that may not be as secure as they seem. While such ads can sound persuasive, they shouldn’t replace thorough research and due diligence. It’s vital to verify the legitimacy of any investment, regardless of how credible the source may appear. Remember, even well-known personalities endorsing a product or service doesn’t guarantee its safety or success. Making informed decisions, rather than relying on marketing pitches, is the key to protecting your financial future.

   
• 

  Geebo 8:00 am on August 16, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: check fraud, check washing ( 16 ), identity theft ( 107 ), mail theft ( 11 ), Scams ( 1,363 )   

  The resurgence of check fraud 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Writing physical checks might seem like an outdated practice. However, despite the decline in check usage, check fraud is not only persisting, it’s on the rise. Many victims of this crime may not even realize they’ve been targeted until it’s too late.

  Imagine receiving a notification from your bank that a check you wrote for a small amount was cashed for a staggering sum. Or worse, that multiple checks you never wrote are now linked to your account. Unfortunately, scenarios like this are becoming more common.

  Criminals have found new ways to profit from stolen checks, with social media platforms like Telegram becoming a marketplace for these illicit transactions. In one recent case, dozens of stolen checks from a specific area were found for sale online. The checks, all pilfered from the same vicinity, were bundled with personal information that was brazenly displayed for potential buyers.

  Once checks are stolen, they are often undergo a process called check washing. This process involves removing the original ink, allowing fraudsters to alter the payee’s name and the amount. These doctored checks are then sold to the highest bidder, often along with other stolen information such as driver’s licenses, and debit cards. The sheer volume of stolen checks has allowed criminals to operate openly, with little need to conceal their activities.

  To protect against check fraud, limiting the use of checks is advisable. If writing a check is unavoidable, it’s wise to avoid dropping it in public mailboxes, where criminals often strike. Instead, taking the check directly to the post office provides a safer alternative. Tracking the check’s progress can also offer peace of mind, ensuring that it reaches its destination without issue. Staying alert and monitoring bank accounts closely can help catch any unusual activity early, allowing for a quicker response if something goes wrong.

  Check fraud may seem like a relic of the past, but its resurgence reminds us that even in a digital world, old threats can still cause significant harm. By taking a few extra precautions, you can help protect yourself from becoming the next victim.

   
• 

  Geebo 8:01 am on August 15, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bank scam ( 70 ), job scam ( 79 ), Scams ( 1,363 ), Zelle ( 66 )   

  Zelle wouldn’t help until the media got involved 

  

  By Greg Collier

  When digital payments are becoming the norm, it’s easy to assume that services like Zelle offer the same protections as credit cards. But one Tucson resident learned the hard way that this isn’t always the case.

  It all started with a text message from a recruiter claiming to represent a prominent international technology company. The offer seemed legitimate, with a formal interview conducted via text. But there was a catch. The jobseeker was asked to send $950 for remote work equipment. Trusting the process, he transferred the money through Zelle, expecting to start his new job soon after.

  However, as the days passed, it became clear that the job wasn’t real. He had fallen victim to a scam, losing nearly a thousand dollars in the process.

  Realizing he had been scammed, the man contacted his bank, hoping they could help him reverse the transaction. To his dismay, the bank declined his request. Their reasoning? The payment had been authorized, meaning it was processed exactly as he intended. Because he had willingly sent the money through Zelle, they claimed there was nothing they could do.

  Feeling frustrated and out of options, the man decided to reach out to a local news station. He shared his story, hoping that public attention might help his case. The news team took up the challenge and contacted the bank on his behalf, pushing for a resolution.

  The involvement of the media made a difference. After further review, the bank reconsidered its position. They reversed the transaction and credited the man’s account with the full $950 he had lost.

  To protect yourself, always be wary of any situation that involves sending money to someone you don’t personally know. If something feels off, trust your instincts. And if you find yourself in a similar situation, remember that persistence, and sometimes public attention, can be key to resolving the issue.

  This story underscores a troubling reality. It shouldn’t take the involvement of the media or public pressure to get Zelle or a bank to take action in cases of fraud. Digital payment services should prioritize protecting their users and have mechanisms in place to address scams swiftly and fairly. While this Tucson man was fortunate to recover his funds, it’s a reminder that more robust consumer protections are needed to ensure that others don’t have to fight so hard to reclaim what was wrongfully taken from them.

   
• 

  Geebo 8:00 am on August 14, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: employment ( 36 ), job scam ( 79 ), job search ( 9 ), Scams ( 1,363 ), work from home ( 9 )   

  Protecting yourself from work-from-home fraud 

  

  By Greg Collier

  As people search for job opportunities this summer, con artists have been exploiting those looking for work, particularly in the realm of work-from-home jobs. The allure of a high-paying, flexible job can sometimes lead to financial loss or identity theft, as criminals use increasingly sophisticated methods to deceive jobseekers.

  Recently, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has received numerous reports of employment scams. These scams often involve phony job postings that appear legitimate, luring unsuspecting individuals into sharing sensitive information or even paying money upfront.

  One person from Central Texas recently fell victim to such a scam. She was looking for a part-time work-from-home job and came across a promising listing on a popular employment site. The job seemed legitimate, offering positions in customer service, data input, and administrative assistance. After going through an interview process conducted via email and text, she was informed that she had secured a data processing position.

  The scammers provided her with an offer letter, payroll information, and even access to an employee portal. These elements gave the position an appearance of legitimacy. However, as the conversation shifted to setting up her home office, the red flags began to appear. The scammers requested that she purchase office equipment through a specific portal and assured her that she would be reimbursed later. Alarm bells rang when they asked her to photocopy her credit card and send it to them. Fortunately, she trusted her instincts and cut off communication before any financial damage was done.

  The BBB warns that work-from-home scams are on the rise, with some fraudsters impersonating real companies, while others create entirely fake ones. A key warning sign is being asked to pay for equipment or other expenses upfront. No legitimate employer will require you to spend your own money before starting a job.

  Another common tactic involves sending a check for you to purchase office supplies, only to later claim that they overpaid you and request a refund. This is a classic scam designed to trick victims into sending money before the fraudulent check bounces.

  To protect yourself from job scams, be cautious of high-pressure offers that promise quick cash, and be wary of situations where the employer contacts you first. Always research the company thoroughly, and if anything feels off, trust your gut and walk away.

  Jobseekers should stay informed and cautious, especially during times of economic uncertainty when scams tend to spike. If you encounter a suspicious job offer, report it to the BBB or the appropriate authorities to help protect others in your community.

   
• 

  Geebo 8:00 am on August 13, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: elder scam ( 7 ), gold bars ( 9 ), impersonation scam ( 144 ), Scams ( 1,363 ), seniors ( 9 )   

  Gold bar scams are still on the rise 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The golden years, a time meant for relaxation and enjoyment, are being overshadowed by a growing and sinister threat in the Washington D.C. area, gold bar scams.

  These scams often start with something as innocuous as a pop-up ad online or a fraudulent phone call. Posing as law enforcement officers, scammers convince their victims to convert their life savings into gold bars, supposedly for ‘safekeeping’. Once the gold is handed over, it disappears, leaving victims with shattered finances and a sense of betrayal.

  The scale of the scam in the D.C. area alone is alarming, with victims ranging in age from 61 to 94. Some have lost their entire life savings, with individual losses reaching into the millions. The criminals behind these scams are sophisticated, preying on the trust and sensibilities of their targets, making them believe they are dealing with legitimate federal agents.

  This problem isn’t confined to one area. Across the nation, similar scams have been reported, with a significant number of complaints related to couriers collecting gold bars from unsuspecting victims. The money, once handed over, is often laundered and sent overseas, making recovery nearly impossible and leaving victims and their families to deal with the consequences.

  The emotional and financial toll on the victims and their families is profound. The sense of security and trust that should define the golden years is being eroded by these heartless schemes. Many victims are left feeling isolated and vulnerable, questioning their judgment and struggling with the loss of their financial stability.

  To protect against these scams, it’s crucial to be cautious. Recognizing that legitimate federal agents will never ask for money in the form of gold bars is key. It’s also important to be wary of unfamiliar phone calls or online ads that could be the first step in a scam. Sharing this information with elderly loved ones and encouraging open communication about any suspicious contacts can help prevent these devastating losses.

   
• 

  Geebo 8:00 am on August 12, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bail scam ( 15 ), emergency scam ( 4 ), family emergency ( 3 ), grandparent scam ( 69 ), Scams ( 1,363 )   

  The many faces of the emergency scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Emergency scams, often referred to as ‘grandparent scams,’ are notorious for exploiting the deep concern and affection people have for their loved ones. These scams rely on the urgency of a fabricated crisis, preying on the fear that someone close to you is in immediate danger. Traditionally, these scams have targeted older adults, but a new and unsettling twist has emerged: scammers are now going after the parents and families of college students.

  The mechanics of the scam remain deceptively simple. It begins with a call, email, or social media message from someone pretending to be a close relative or friend in distress. The scammer creates a convincing narrative, claiming to be in a dire situation, such as being arrested, involved in an accident, or facing a sudden medical emergency. To make their story more believable, they often include specific details like family names, school affiliations, or even recent travel plans.

  The classic grandparent scam follows a similar pattern, where a scammer impersonates a grandchild in trouble and begs the grandparent to quickly wire money. By the time the grandparent realizes they’ve been duped, the money is long gone. In some variations, the roles are reversed, with the scammer pretending to be a grandparent seeking help from a grandchild, adding another layer of complexity to the con.

  This newer version of the scam has specifically zeroed in on the parents of college students. In these cases, a scammer contacts the parent, posing as an authority figure or even the student themselves, claiming that their child has been arrested and needs immediate bail money. The scammer might send a fake mugshot or suggest that the child is in imminent danger of being placed in jail alongside dangerous criminals. Overcome with fear and panic, many parents rush to send money through payment apps like Venmo or PayPal, only to discover later that they have been deceived.

  What makes these scams even more insidious is the use of voice cloning technology. Scammers have begun to mimic the voices of loved ones by using audio samples found on social media or other online platforms. This technology allows them to create a convincing imitation of the person they’re impersonating, making the scam even more terrifying. While some voice clones are rudimentary, others are so sophisticated that they can easily fool even the most cautious individuals.

  To protect yourself and your family from falling victim to these scams, it’s crucial to take a moment to verify the situation, no matter how urgent it seems. If you receive a distressing call or message, resist the impulse to act immediately. Instead, contact your loved one directly using a known phone number, rather than relying on the number provided by the scammer. It’s important to be aware of what information and images your family members share online, as scammers often use these details to build a convincing story. Advising your loved ones to use privacy settings on social media can also help reduce the risk.

  If you’re ever asked to send money through a payment app or wire transfer, make sure to double-check the situation before taking any action. In the unfortunate event that you realize you’ve been scammed, it’s essential to report it to the police right away. Additionally, if a scammer claims someone will come to your home to collect money, do not answer the door; instead, contact the authorities immediately.

  Emergency scams are designed to manipulate our deepest fears and love for our family members. By staying vigilant, verifying suspicious contacts, and educating others about these scams, we can better protect ourselves and our loved ones from these cruel and deceptive tactics.

   
• 

  Geebo 8:00 am on August 9, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: BEC scam ( 5 ), business email compromise ( 11 ), home buying ( 5 ), real estate ( 127 ), Scams ( 1,363 )   

  Protecting your new home from BEC scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Finding your dream home can be exhilarating, yet fraught with unexpected challenges. For one Colorado couple, the process took a devastating turn just days before closing on their new home, highlighting a growing threat to homebuyers, the Business Email Compromise (BEC) scam.

  The couple, eager to settle into a family-friendly home, found themselves victims of a sophisticated email scam. Both working in the healthcare field, they were unfamiliar with the nuances of real estate transactions. As they prepared to close the deal, they received emails that seemed to be from their lender and title company. These emails, however, were from a hacker who had infiltrated the email chain, subtly altering the sender’s address to deceive them.

  Despite their efforts to verify the wire transfer through their financial advisor, who diligently contacted their financial institution, the funds vanished. They lost over $30,000, a sum representing years of savings. Though they managed to complete the purchase, their financial plans were put on hold.

  To safeguard against BEC scams, experts recommend maintaining open lines of communication with your realtor or title company through phone calls or in-person meetings. Verifying wire instructions by phone before transferring funds is crucial.

  Title companies often emphasize the importance of wire fraud prevention, promoting awareness of best practices, and encouraging real estate agents to educate buyers early and often.

  Following their loss, the couple filed insurance claims with both their financial institution and the title company. However, both companies denied responsibility.

  This incident should serve as a cautionary tale for anyone involved in real estate transactions. By adopting preventive measures, homebuyers can protect themselves from falling victim to similar scams. Always verify email addresses, confirm wire instructions via phone, and be wary of any unexpected changes in communication.

   
• 

  Geebo 8:00 am on August 8, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: deed transfer ( 13 ), real estate ( 127 ), real estate fraud ( 2 ), Scams ( 1,363 )   

  Homeowner battles eviction after decades-old scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  For over fifty years, a 90-year-old man has called a Brooklyn, New York, brownstone his home. It’s a place rich with memories, where he raised his three children and imagined spending his final days. But instead of enjoying a peaceful retirement, he finds himself in a bitter legal struggle to remain in his beloved home. The root of his troubles is a scam that has left him facing imminent eviction and his name missing from the deed of the house he’s cherished for decades.

  The house, which he purchased in 1969 for just $20,000, now stands as a prized asset in a neighborhood transformed by gentrification. Its current value is close to $3 million, a testament to the dramatic changes in Brooklyn since he first moved in.

  Fraud of this nature is alarmingly common in rapidly changing neighborhoods, especially in certain areas of Brooklyn and Queens, where many people have been victims of deed theft or real estate fraud.

  The scam that ensnared this victim is a complex web of deceit, with its intricacy adding to the deception’s success. In 2006, needing funds for renovations, he was duped into signing over his home’s deed to a con artist with a criminal history. A deed was returned to him, appearing legitimate with a notarized signature from a crooked attorney, yet it was never officially recorded.

  Unbeknownst to the victim, the con man leveraged his home to secure a $700,000 line of credit, eventually leading to foreclosure and a $2 million sale by the bank. He remained in the dark about these proceedings for nearly a decade, only discovering the betrayal when the foreclosure was complete.

  To protect yourself from such scams, it’s crucial to be cautious when dealing with property-related transactions. Always verify the credentials of anyone asking you to sign over property documents, and consult a trusted legal professional before making any agreements. Regularly check public property records to ensure your property’s deed is correctly recorded in your name, and be wary of offers that seem too good to be true. By staying vigilant and informed, you can safeguard your home and financial future against fraud.