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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 19, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: 411, airline tickets ( 4 ), funeral ( 16 ), impersonation scam ( 161 ), Scams ( 1,438 )   

  Ticket scam keeps widow from husband’s funeral 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A 79-year-old widow from Central Florida missed her husband’s funeral due to a sophisticated scam. She had cherished 59 wonderful years with her late husband.

  Her husband passed away in March, and the family had planned to lay him to rest in their family cemetery in Wisconsin. The widow, along with her son and grandson, was scheduled to fly from Orlando-Sanford International Airport to Appleton, Wisconsin, on June 1. However, a medical emergency forced her to miss the initial flight. Determined to attend her husband’s funeral, she had to book a last-minute ticket on her own.

  Admittedly, not being tech-savvy, she dialed 411 to get the contact details for the airline. She was connected to a man who claimed to be from the airline, and explained her urgent need for a flight. The man quoted an exorbitant price of $988 for a roundtrip flight, citing the funeral as a reason for the inflated cost. He even provided what seemed to be a legitimate airline boarding pass with a confirmation code.

  She arrived at the airport with her confirmation code. The ticket counter accepted the code, issued her a boarding pass, checked her luggage, and even provided wheelchair assistance through TSA. Yet, when it was time to board, she was left at the gate.

  An airline supervisor broke the devastating news that her ticket was not valid. The supervisor claimed the widow was not the first of their customers to be scammed in this way. Additionally, the scammers had charged her card over a dozen times in small amounts, totaling roughly $2,000. Although her luggage made it to Appleton, Wisconsin, she missed her husband’s funeral.

  Airline customers should book directly through the airline’s official website to avoid falling victim to such scams. To ensure you have the correct customer service number, visit the airline’s website and obtain the number directly from there.

  If you rely solely on a web search for the airline’s phone number, there’s a high probability you could end up calling a scammer, as they often place ads on search engines to pose as airlines. Additionally, while calling 411 used to be a reliable way to get correct phone information, this service has largely been phased out by most phone providers.

  To protect yourself from scams, always verify the identity of who you are calling before providing any personal or financial information. Double-check phone numbers directly on the airline’s official website, and be cautious of search engine ads and outdated services like 411. Taking these extra steps can help ensure your safety and peace of mind when making travel arrangements.

   

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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 18, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: backyard breeders ( 3 ), craigslist ( 129 ), puppy scam ( 37 ), Scams ( 1,438 ), sick puppy ( 3 )   

  Another reminder not to get pets from Craigslist 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Online marketplaces offer endless possibilities, but they also come with risks, especially when it comes to pet adoption. One family learned this lesson firsthand when they set out to bring home a new dog. The stepfather, convinced by a Craigslist ad for a $100 dog, persuaded the family to welcome Mason into their home. Little did they know, they were stepping into a world of deception.

  Craigslist has become notorious for pet scams, where unsuspecting buyers are misled about the age, health, and background of the animals they adopt. In this case, the family believed they were getting a young, vibrant dog. Mason, however, was far from the three-year-old pup they were promised. Soon after Mason joined their family, they noticed he spent an unusual amount of time sleeping. Concerned, they took him to the vet and received shocking news: Mason was actually ten years old and suffering from major heart problems. The vet estimated he had only about nine months to live.

  The realization that they had been scammed was disheartening. The family had hoped to share many active years with a young dog, but instead, they were faced with the impending loss of an elderly pet. Despite the initial shock and disappointment, they decided to make Mason’s remaining time as happy and comfortable as possible.

  Mason’s story is not just one of love and resilience; it also highlights the risks and heartbreak that can come with pet scams. Many families fall victim to these deceptions, ending up with pets that are older or sicker than advertised. The emotional and financial toll can be significant, as families must adjust their expectations and provide care for animals with unexpected health issues.

  Unfortunately, Craigslist is notorious for harboring backyard breeders. These individuals breed puppies with little concern for the animals’ health and well-being. Often, the animals are raised in deplorable conditions without proper medical care. The term “backyard breeder” refers to these unscrupulous breeders who lack certification and professional standards. Although Mason’s situation likely didn’t stem from a backyard breeder, it underscores the mistreatment pets sold on Craigslist can suffer.

  To ensure you’re buying a healthy pet from a reputable breeder, it’s best to avoid platforms like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. These sites are often where backyard breeders post their advertisements. This is why Geebo.com, for example, doesn’t allow pet listings. Legitimate breeders typically welcome visitors to their facilities and provide health certifications for their animals.

  Moreover, we strongly encourage adopting a pet from your local shelter. Many wonderful dogs are in need of loving homes, and adoption is both a responsible and humane choice.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 17, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: California ( 21 ), craigslist ( 129 ), Facebook Marketplace ( 65 ), geebo ( 22 ), government ( 2 ), legislation, Nancy Skinner, SB 1144   

  Proposed law punishes classifieds users 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The State of California, like many others nationwide, faces a significant retail theft problem. Shoplifting incidents now frequently make headlines, unlike in the past. Instead of addressing the root causes of this issue, a California State Senator has proposed legislation targeting classified sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Geebo.com, along with their users.

  California State Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) introduced SB 1144 to the state assembly last week. This bill aims to deter the sale of stolen items on online marketplaces by requiring these platforms to collect personal and financial information from frequent users. This includes bank account credentials, copies of valid driver’s licenses, and Social Security numbers.

  Although we at Geebo.com often critique the practices of Craigslist and Marketplace, we oppose this legislation. We believe it is both misguided and an overreach of government authority.

  Senator Skinner may think these proposals will stop the sale of stolen goods on online marketplaces, but in reality, everyday users will suffer the most. Many users have established businesses on these platforms, selling goods they bought wholesale from retailers going out of business or simply reducing inventory. These individuals will be unfairly targeted by SB 1144.

  Under this law, they would have to submit their personal and financial information just to sell a few used iPhones online. This puts users’ data at risk, especially given Facebook’s poor track record for protecting user information. We doubt Craigslist would fare any better.

  Furthermore, these proposals are unlikely to affect the sale of stolen goods from retail thefts online. Major theft rings would simply use information obtained from identity theft victims. Given the frequency of major data breaches, it wouldn’t be difficult for thieves to acquire such information.

  In conclusion, while addressing retail theft is crucial, SB 1144 imposes burdensome requirements on legitimate users of online marketplaces without effectively tackling the core issue. By shifting the focus from root causes to excessive data collection, the proposed legislation risks compromising user privacy and security. It’s essential to find balanced solutions that protect both consumers and businesses without overreaching government authority or jeopardizing personal information. We urge lawmakers to reconsider and develop more effective strategies that genuinely address retail theft without placing undue strain on everyday users and small businesses.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 14, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: CISA, impersonation scam ( 161 ), police impersonation scam ( 72 ), Scams ( 1,438 ), U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency   

  Why do scammers pose as the CISA, and what is it? 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Scammers are never above impersonating any branch of the government. Most commonly, they pose as the IRS, the Social Security Administration, or the FBI. Now, it appears scammers are posing as an obscure office of the government to further their fraudulent schemes.

  The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is a federal agency within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responsible for enhancing the security, resilience, and reliability of the nation’s cybersecurity and critical infrastructure. Overall, the CISA plays a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure and ensuring that the United States can effectively prevent, respond to, and recover from diverse threats and hazards.

  In a recent notice on its site, the CISA is warning Americans that phone scammers have begun impersonating the agency. Just like with other similar scams, this one involves the person pretending to be from CISA asking the caller to send cash, cryptocurrency, or gift cards to them.

  The CISA’s warning does not go into detail how exactly their agency is being used in scams, but it’s not difficult to imagine what scammers might try. For example, the scammers may claim that the victim has a warrant out for their arrest for supposedly accessing illicit content on the internet. Then the scammers could tell the victim the warrant could be resolved if the victim makes a payment. As mentioned above, this is usually requested through non-traditional means like gift cards or cryptocurrency.

  Like all law enforcement impersonation scams, the CISA wants to remind everyone that no legitimate government agency will ever ask for payment in cash, cryptocurrency, or gift cards over the phone. If you receive such a request, it’s a scam.

  For more information on how to stay safe from scams and to report suspicious activity, visit the official CISA website.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 13, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: income tax ( 14 ), IRS ( 26 ), Scams ( 1,438 ), tax debt relief, tax scam ( 12 )   

  Tax debt relief scams return 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Tax debt relief scams are on the rise, targeting vulnerable individuals with promises of settling tax obligations for mere pennies on the dollar. These scammers are exploiting the reputation of legitimate businesses to deceive people into handing over their money.

  One potential victim from Tennessee, for instance, was sitting on her front porch when she received an unsolicited call. Despite her poor vision, she quickly recognized the call for what it was, a scam. The caller claimed to be from the IRS Tax Relief Program. She knew better than to fall for the ploy and promptly hung up.

  Thanks to information from trustworthy sources, she knew that the IRS and Social Security never make unsolicited calls. They communicate through letters. This knowledge protected her from becoming a victim.

  It’s crucial to understand that the IRS will never call you out of the blue. There is no IRS Tax Relief Program that will contact you by phone. Scammers are simply dialing random numbers, hoping to find someone with a tax issue.

  To avoid tax debt relief scams, remember these key points. The IRS will never call you unsolicited. They only send letters. If you receive a letter from the IRS, attempt to resolve the issue directly with the agency. The IRS may offer a monthly payment plan or a way to pay less than you owe, but you must engage with them directly. Do not trust any company that claims you have ‘qualified’ or are ‘eligible’ for an IRS program. Only the IRS can make such determinations.

  By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself and your savings from these fraudulent schemes.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 12, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: home buying ( 6 ), real estate ( 131 ), Scams ( 1,438 ), zillow ( 16 )   

  $1M home offered for $10K in scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A Kansas City couple recently discovered that their luxurious 5,300-square-foot ranch home had been fraudulently listed for sale on Zillow. The scam became evident when friends began inquiring if they were selling their nearly million-dollar home for a mere $10,200.

  Despite the home’s actual market value being around $1.2 million, the fraudulent listing presented a too-good-to-be-true offer, claiming it was part of a charitable gesture to help first-time buyers. The listing further attempted to restrict access to real estate professionals, lenders, and attorneys, aiming to scam potential buyers directly.

  Unfortunately, this scam is not new. Real estate scammers often list high-value homes for sale online at a fraction of their actual price. They typically claim to own multiple properties and present the low price as a way to assist first-time homebuyers, purportedly for tax benefits. However, these scammers specifically target first-time buyers without representation from a realtor, bank, investor, or attorney. They also request payments through platforms like Venmo or Cash App, adding to the fraudulent nature of the scheme.

  In this instance, in Kansas City, the fraudulent listing invited interested buyers to contact a phone number associated with a Las Vegas area code and requested a $200 advance payment through an online banking app, just to take a tour of the home.

  This led to scam victims knocking on their door, expecting a home tour. The couple’s attempts to resolve the issue included providing proof of ownership to Zillow, yet responses from the site were slow. After the local newspaper became involved, Zillow removed the listing.

  If you’re a first-time homebuyer, remember that a homeowner offering a home at a steep discount for a tax write-off is not a legitimate practice. Anyone making such claims in a real estate listing is likely trying to scam you. Avoid making any payments through platforms like Venmo, Cash App or Zelle, as recovering funds from these platforms is nearly impossible once the payment is made.

  To protect yourself from deceptive property listings, verify information with the county’s tax assessment office. This resource will provide you with the necessary details to identify the legitimate homeowner, ensuring a secure and informed home buying process.

   
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  Geebo 8:03 am on June 11, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: BEC scam ( 7 ), business email compromise ( 13 ), impersonation scam ( 161 ), Scams ( 1,438 )   

  Town loses half a million to scammers 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In a stark reminder of the ever-present threat of cybercrime, Arlington, Massachusetts, a picturesque town located just six miles northwest of Boston, recently fell victim to a sophisticated cyberattack, resulting in the loss of nearly half a million dollars from the town’s coffers.

  The town, home to approximately 46,000 residents, was targeted in what is known as a business email compromise (BEC). Perpetrators used phishing, spoofing, social engineering, and compromised email accounts to facilitate wire fraud totaling close to $450,000.

  The cybercriminals orchestrated their attack by impersonating a vendor the town often does business with. Town employees received legitimate emails from this vendor concerning issues with processing payments. Unbeknownst to the town, cybercriminals had compromised some town employee user accounts and were closely monitoring email communications. They seized this opportunity to impersonate the vendor using a deceptively genuine-looking email domain, requesting a switch in payment method from check to electronic funds transfer.

  Upon discovering the fraud, the town immediately alerted law enforcement agencies and its banking institution. A digital forensics investigation was launched. The town’s banking institution managed to recoup a mere $3,308, roughly 6% of the total stolen amount.

  Town governments are not the only targets of BEC scams. Any business can fall victim if their emails are compromised, potentially impacting not only the businesses themselves, but also the residents of these towns and the customers of these companies.

  One of the preferred targets of BEC scammers is mortgage lenders. In these cases, scammers will email home buyers using the lender’s email address. The home buyers are then instructed to wire their down payment or closing costs to the scammers, believing they are communicating with their legitimate lender.

  However, recipients of compromised emails can protect themselves.

  Always double-check the sender’s email address for any discrepancies or unusual characters. Scammers often use email addresses that closely resemble legitimate ones.

  Contact the sender directly using a known, trusted phone number or email address to confirm the authenticity of any requests, especially those involving financial transactions.

  As the town of Arlington takes steps to enhance its cybersecurity defenses, other municipalities and organizations should heed this incident as a cautionary tale and proactively bolster their own measures to safeguard against potential cybercriminal activities.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 10, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: car theft ( 4 ), identity theft ( 109 ), Scams ( 1,438 ), used car ( 37 )   

  How does this car dealer scam affect you? 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Driving a new car is a thrill, but what if you end up unknowingly paying for someone else’s joyride? A concerning scam is targeting unsuspecting individuals and leaving them on the hook for cars they never intended to buy.

  One car dealership in Traverse City, Michigan, has encountered this disturbing scam that preys on both car dealers and buyers. Recently, the dealership experienced a close call with a scam that appeared legitimate. Here’s how it typically unfolds: scammers pose as legitimate buyers, providing all necessary contact details and expressing interest in purchasing a vehicle online. They often request that the car be delivered to an offsite location. Everything seems above board until the credit application process begins.

  The dealership conducts due diligence, asking many questions. These questions are crucial because, more often than not, the supposed buyers are using stolen identities to complete the purchase. Once the deal is done, the scammer drives away in a new car, leaving the real person whose identity was stolen to deal with the fallout. Despite these efforts, there are still many potential victims—dealerships, identity theft victims, and even lenders.

  It’s emphasized to stay on top of your credit. Monitoring credit inquiries can alert individuals to any unauthorized activity, allowing them to act quickly. Locking your credit with all three major bureaus is a recommended step. This measure makes it impossible for the financing paperwork to go through and stops the scam in its tracks. Many financial institutions also offer services that monitor social security numbers and alert individuals to any suspicious activity.

  While dealerships and lenders are increasingly aware of this scam, it’s crucial for everyone to stay informed. The digital nature of these transactions can leave a traceable footprint, aiding law enforcement in tracking down perpetrators. However, even with these tools, convictions remain challenging due to the scammers’ adeptness at covering their tracks.

  The convenience of online car shopping is undeniable, but taking precautions can ensure that you’re not inadvertently paying for someone else’s ride.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 7, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bank scam ( 74 ), couriers ( 5 ), impersonation scam ( 161 ), Scams ( 1,438 )   

  More scammers show up at the doors of the elderly 

  

  By Greg Collier

  An elderly North Las Vegas resident recently fell victim to a sophisticated scam, resulting in the loss of thousands of dollars within minutes. The scam began with a call from what appeared to be her bank. The resident noticed suspicious activity in her account after receiving the call. Upon checking her online banking account, she discovered two fraudulent charges amounting to thousands of dollars. The caller, pretending to be a bank representative, informed her that immediate action was needed to secure her account.

  The caller explained that due to increased fraud, they would send a courier to collect her card. Within ten minutes, a supposed courier arrived at her front door with a fictitious access code. Believing the situation to be legitimate, she handed over her card. The scammer, captured on video, cut the card in half and placed it in an envelope.

  The scammers had all her information, including her address, which they confirmed with her. She remained on the phone with the initial caller throughout the exchange. However, moments after handing over her card, she was locked out of her online bank account. Realizing something was amiss, she promptly hung up the call.

  She immediately contacted her real bank, closed her accounts, and changed her passwords. Despite her quick response, nearly $9,000 had already been stolen. The bank confirmed that the scammers had already infiltrated her account when they first made contact. Obtaining her card’s chip was merely the final step in their elaborate scheme. She remains hopeful that her bank will reimburse the stolen $9,000, but has yet to receive the funds.

  Protecting yourself from scams, especially sophisticated ones like the one described, requires a combination of awareness, skepticism, and proactive measures. Here are some steps to safeguard against such scams.

  Always verify the identity of the caller by hanging up and calling your bank directly using a phone number from their official website or your bank statement. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to prompt hasty decisions. Be wary of any call that requires immediate action, especially if it involves your financial information.

  If someone shows up at your door claiming to be from your bank or any other service, do not hand over any personal items or information. Verify their identity by contacting the organization directly.

  By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of scams and protect your personal and financial information.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 6, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: cryptocurrency ( 52 ), hi how are you, Scams ( 1,438 ), text messaging ( 37 ), text scam ( 26 )   

  Innocent text leads to scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Scams have become increasingly sophisticated and widespread, often disguising themselves in the most innocent-looking forms. Recently, a North Carolina sheriff’s office issued a crucial warning to the public about one such tactic that scammers are using to deceive unsuspecting victims.

  Imagine receiving a message from an unknown number that simply says, “Hi! How are you?” Your first instinct might be to respond, perhaps thinking it’s someone you know or someone who has mistakenly texted you. However, it’s strongly advised against responding to these types of messages. Scammers are using this tactic as a conversation starter, so don’t text back.

  If you were to respond, the conversation may unfold in a seemingly innocent manner. The scammer, pretending to be friendly, will likely apologize for the mistake and try to keep the conversation going. This gradual process of befriending you is a calculated move. Once they have gained your trust, the scammer will typically steer the conversation toward offering advice on cryptocurrency investments or other money-making advice. The scammer will prompt you to pay for their “valuable” information, but in reality, it’s all a ploy to steal your money.

  Even a simple reply to such messages can put you at risk. By responding, you confirm that your phone number is active, making you a target for further scam attempts. This can lead to an influx of more scam calls and texts. To avoid these situations, it’s recommended to not reply to unknown numbers at all. Instead, delete and report the messages using your phone’s report junk option or forward them to 7726 (SPAM).

  To safeguard against these scams, there are some key precautions to take. If you receive a message from an unknown number, it’s best to ignore it. Delete and report it instead. Be wary of anyone promising quick and easy money with zero risk. Every legitimate investment comes with risks, and only scammers guarantee big returns with no effort.