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  • Geebo 8:00 am on April 30, 2025 Permalink | Reply
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    Romance Scam Hits Small-Town Wyoming 

    By Greg Collier

    A recent incident in the small town of Lovell, Wyoming, underscores a sobering truth. Online scams do not just target those in bustling cities or tech-heavy regions. Even in close-knit rural communities, no one is immune to digital deception.

    In this case, a local woman became the target of a romance scam after a well-meaning family member signed her up for a dating site. Although she was not seeking a relationship, she soon found herself fielding message after message from strangers claiming to be lonely widowers. Many of them followed a script, asking the same questions and offering similar life stories. With no prior experience on dating platforms, she did her best to proceed carefully, but the patterns went unnoticed at first.

    Eventually, one online suitor stood out. He presented himself as a hardworking professional traveling abroad, someone grounded, warm, and seemingly sincere. Over time, he built trust without immediately asking for money. He sent flowers, shared music, and made her feel seen. The emotional connection grew, and when a crisis arose, she stepped in to help, believing she was supporting a friend in need.

    What she did not realize until much later was that the crisis was invented. The requests for help were part of a well-crafted manipulation. She ended up sending funds she could not afford to lose. Thankfully, with the help of family and a trusted financial institution, the damage was limited. But the emotional toll was real.

    Scams like these are often underreported, partly due to embarrassment and shame. Victims may blame themselves, but experts stress that anyone can be fooled. The emotional tactics used by scammers are calculated and convincing. Once they succeed, victims may be flagged as potential targets and find themselves approached by other scammers. These operations are organized, profitable, and often shielded by international jurisdictions, making recovery of funds nearly impossible.

    Local law enforcement officials say they are limited in how much they can do unless they are contacted before money changes hands. Once a scam progresses, jurisdictional challenges and international laundering schemes make intervention difficult. This highlights the need for early reporting and open dialogue between the public and authorities.

    In rural areas like Lovell, the belief that “it can’t happen here” can create a false sense of security. But the internet has changed the landscape. Scammers are no longer limited by geography. An internet connection is all it takes for a fraudster to virtually slip through the front door of any home.

    Authorities urge people to remain vigilant when interacting online, especially in emotionally vulnerable spaces like dating platforms. Building trust with someone online should never happen at the expense of common sense. Verification is key, and friends, family, banks, and law enforcement are valuable resources when things feel off.

    This story is a reminder that while technology connects us, it also opens doors for exploitation. Even in the most peaceful towns, the threat is real.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on April 29, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , Real ID,   

    Real ID Deadline Nears Amid Scam Risks 

    By Greg Collier

    The May 7th deadline to upgrade a driver’s license or state ID to a Real ID is approaching quickly. With that deadline looming, the Better Business Bureau is warning that scammers are actively trying to take advantage of individuals eager to meet the requirement.

    A Real ID will be necessary to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities and military bases. On official websites, images of a Real ID feature a gold star in the upper right-hand corner, distinguishing it from licenses that do not meet federal standards.

    Obtaining a Real ID requires providing several sensitive documents. These include proof of identity such as a birth certificate or U.S. passport, proof of residency through items like a utility bill or credit card statement, a social security number, and documentation of any name changes since birth, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Individuals who hold a permanent resident card or employment authorization card will also need to present those.

    Because these documents contain all the information necessary for identity theft, the risk of falling victim to scams is elevated during this period. One of the most common scams involves fake websites that falsely claim to offer Real ID upgrades completely online. In reality, the Real ID application must be completed in person at an authorized location. Although many DMVs are offering Real ID services, it is important to confirm that the specific location you plan to visit participates.

    Individuals are often more vulnerable to scams when they are rushing, and the approaching deadline may lead some to fall for fraudulent offers. It is important to remember that the Real ID process cannot be completed solely online.

    For those who already possess a valid U.S. passport, the May 7 deadline poses less urgency. A passport can also be used for boarding domestic flights and accessing federal buildings or military bases.

    Travelers should keep in mind that it may take several weeks for a Real ID to arrive by mail after applying. To avoid travel disruptions, it is recommended to schedule an appointment at a local tag agency or visit the appropriate government website to find an authorized location.

    Applicants should be aware that while there are many legitimate resources available, fraudulent websites posing as government agencies are also common. Official information will always make clear that in-person verification is required.

    It is also important to note that obtaining a Real ID is not necessary to continue driving, voting, or applying for federal benefits. However, after May 7th it will be required for air travel and entry into certain federal facilities unless a valid passport is presented.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on April 28, 2025 Permalink | Reply
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    FBI Warns Homeowners of Title Theft 

    FBI Warns Homeowners of Title Theft

    By Greg Collier

    The FBI is alerting homeowners to a growing threat known as “title theft,” where fraudsters steal property owners’ identities and attempt to sell their land without their knowledge. Officials report that these scams are on the rise, particularly targeting elderly individuals who are more likely to own vacant land or homes that are fully paid off.

    According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, from 2019 through 2023, real estate fraud cost victims across the United States approximately $1.3 billion.

    Authorities emphasize that timing is critical when addressing title theft. Reporting suspected fraud within 24 hours can significantly increase the chances of recovering stolen funds. Title pirates often operate quickly, attempting to finalize fraudulent sales before property owners even realize their homes or land have been targeted.

    Recent cases have illustrated how these scams unfold. Criminals often create forged deeds using publicly available information and submit them electronically to legitimate attorneys to initiate property sales. Many contracts today are completed online, making it easier for scammers to slip fraudulent documents past busy professionals. Once the forged documents are accepted, scammers often secure loans against the stolen property, taking the money and disappearing before the fraud is discovered.

    In one case, a homeowner was alerted to the fraud only because an attorney verified a suspicious sale. Without that early warning, the homeowner might have faced months of legal battles and tens of thousands of dollars in fees to reclaim their property.

    The FBI warns that scammers tend to focus on properties that are vacant, mortgage-free, or second homes. They use fake identification that often closely mimics genuine government documents, making detection difficult. Criminals usually insist on handling transactions remotely, refusing video calls and in-person meetings, and push for quick sales at below-market prices to expedite the fraud.

    Real estate professionals are encouraged to be especially vigilant. The National Association of Realtors advises taking additional precautions, such as verifying seller identities through multiple methods. Homeowners are also urged to register for notification alerts with their local registry of deeds. These alerts notify owners whenever a document is recorded against their property, helping to catch fraudulent activity early.

    Title theft is a serious and evolving threat, and both homeowners and real estate professionals must remain proactive to guard against it. The FBI continues to investigate these crimes and work to prevent future victims from losing their homes and life savings.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on April 25, 2025 Permalink | Reply
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    “Federal Locker” Scam Hits PA Victim 

    "Federal Locker" Scam Hits PA Victim

    By Greg Collier

    Authorities in Chester County, Pennsylvania, are alerting residents to a concerning scam that has already claimed at least one local victim. The deceptive scheme involves impersonators who threaten individuals with arrest by federal law enforcement if they do not immediately comply with demands for money.

    The scam, now being referred to as the “Federal Locker Scam,” follows a familiar pattern of fear-based manipulation. In the incident reported, a victim was tricked after searching online for a subscription service’s contact number. The number she dialed appeared legitimate, but instead connected her to a scammer who falsely claimed her account had been compromised and needed federal intervention.

    Scammers are increasingly using online advertising to add a layer of credibility to their schemes. By purchasing ads on popular search engines like Google, they can impersonate legitimate companies and services. These fraudulent listings often appear at the very top of search results, even outranking the actual businesses they are pretending to represent. This tactic makes it more likely for unsuspecting individuals to call a scammer instead of the real customer service line, setting the stage for sophisticated fraud attempts like the one described in this case.

    Once trust was established, the caller urged her to withdraw large sums of money and convert them into gold, cryptocurrency, and gift cards. The fraudsters assured her these assets would be safely stored in a so-called government locker and later returned by federal agents. Over the course of eight days, the victim lost $100,000. The ruse only came to an end after a concerned family member intervened and helped her contact law enforcement.

    Officials say this case is not an isolated incident. Similar scams have emerged in neighboring jurisdictions, often involving impersonations of federal agencies. These scams frequently cite agencies such as the U.S. Marshals Service or Social Security Administration and attempt to obtain personal banking details or alternative forms of untraceable payment.

    Victims range widely in age, from young adults to senior citizens, demonstrating that the scam does not target one particular demographic. Police emphasize that real federal agencies will never request payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, nor will they threaten arrest over the phone.

    In the case reported, the victim was fortunate to recover a portion of the funds. Law enforcement encourages anyone who receives suspicious calls of this nature to reach out to their local police department before taking any action.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on April 24, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , tap to-pay   

    Tap-to-Pay Funeral Scam Drains $5K in Seconds 

    Tap-to-Pay Funeral Scam Drains $5K in Seconds

    By Greg Collier

    This story may sound like an urban legend, but it is very real and has affected multiple people across Chicago. It begins with what appears to be a plea for help. A young man approaches a passerby and says his younger brother has died. He claims the family cannot afford a funeral and asks for a small donation. The appeal is emotionally charged and convincing. Most people just want to help.

    But this isn’t about helping. It’s about stealing.

    The scam has surfaced at well-trafficked locations, including major intersections and shopping centers. The setup is nearly identical each time. A grieving sibling, a tragic backstory, and a refusal to accept cash. Instead, the victim is asked to donate using tap-to-pay on a cell phone. The unsuspecting donor thinks they are sending ten or twenty dollars. In reality, thousands are being drained in seconds.

    Victims have reported being hit with two back-to-back charges totaling nearly $5,000. Notifications often arrive after the scammers have fled in waiting vehicles. In one case, a man even chased the suspects down and briefly wrestled with one in a moving car. He recovered his money. Others have not been so lucky.

    Card issuers have responded by emphasizing the importance of their fraud review processes. Some victims have been offered provisional credits while investigations proceed. Others are still waiting, stuck in limbo as banks review their claims.

    This scam works because it hijacks empathy. It relies on the human impulse to help those in need. It manipulates emotion, bypassing the critical thinking that might otherwise make someone pause before tapping a phone.

    The best way to avoid this kind of scam is to never hand your device or payment method to a stranger. If someone is truly in need, there are safer ways to donate or support them. Suggest giving through a known charity or offering food, not funds. Be cautious when asked to pay directly on another person’s phone. If something feels off, trust that instinct.

    A legitimate cause will not pressure you to bypass safer methods of donation. Any story, no matter how heartbreaking, does not justify the theft of thousands of dollars.

    Helping others should not leave you in financial ruin.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on April 23, 2025 Permalink | Reply
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    FBI Warns of Scam Recovery Scam Surge 

    FBI Warns of Scam Recovery Scam Surge

    By Greg Collier

    The FBI’s Denver office has issued a public warning about a new wave of fraud cases involving impersonators claiming to work for the Internet Crime Complaint Center. Between December 2023 and February 2025, over one hundred reports were filed from individuals who were contacted by scammers pretending to be affiliated with the FBI’s online crime division.

    The scammers typically reach out via email, phone, social media, or encrypted messaging apps. Their targets are often people who have already lost money to fraud. In some cases, the fraudsters embed themselves in online communities designed to support scam victims, using fake identities to pose as fellow victims. From there, they gain trust and recommend contacting someone they claim is a high-ranking IC3 official.

    The end goal is always the same. Once trust is established, victims are guided to send personal and financial information through private messaging platforms. The promise is that their stolen funds can be recovered. Instead, they are defrauded again, sometimes for even greater amounts.

    It is important to understand that there is no such thing as a scam recovery service. No legitimate agency will offer to retrieve lost funds in exchange for payment. The Internet Crime Complaint Center does not contact victims directly via social media, private messages, or encrypted apps. It does not request payment or refer victims to third-party entities promising financial recovery. Any outreach claiming to do so is a scam in itself.

    People who have experienced a scam or suspect fraudulent contact are encouraged to report the incident through the official IC3 website. Reports should include details about the individual or entity that initiated contact, the means of communication, any financial transaction records, and a description of what occurred.

    Above all, if someone claims they can help you get your money back for a fee, they are part of the scam. Do not give them money, and do not give them your trust.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on April 22, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: $20 bill, ,   

    The $20 Scam Draining Bank Accounts 

    By Greg Collier

    It starts with a stranger offering a smile and a surprise windfall. A crisp $20 bill appears out of nowhere, handed to you with compliments and flattery. But instead of a lucky day, you could be walking straight into a financial trap.

    This is exactly what happened to a shopper at a Ralph’s grocery store in Van Nuys, California. While entering her PIN at checkout, she was approached by a man claiming she dropped a twenty. He insisted it was hers, pushing it toward her wallet and crowding her personal space. She tried to decline, sensing something was off, but the interaction didn’t end there.

    Outside the store, the same man, now with a woman, followed her to her car, still trying to press the bill into her hands. They stayed uncomfortably close, creating confusion and distraction. Moments later, after getting into her car, she realized her debit card was gone.

    The theft wasn’t just an isolated loss. In less than an hour, thousands of dollars had been siphoned from her account, and from her daughter’s, due to their linked bank accounts. Just like that, a paycheck meant for essentials was wiped out by someone else’s deceit.

    This type of scam is far from new, but it continues to evolve. Known as a distraction scam, it relies on psychological tactics more than brute force. Scammers create a scene that feels both random and urgent, using props like money or dropped items to divert attention from wallets and card readers. In busy places like grocery stores, they blend in easily and work in pairs to make the act more convincing.

    The aftermath is more than financial. Victims often report a lingering sense of vulnerability, scanning their surroundings in fear that someone else might try to take advantage again. What makes it worse is the realization that the same scheme has affected many others, often without public warning.

    In cases like this, police are urging anyone with information to come forward. So far, no suspects have been identified, and no security footage has been made public. But awareness is key.

    To avoid falling victim, it is important to stay focused when using a debit card in public. Cover the keypad when entering a PIN and be wary of people who insert themselves into your space without a clear reason. If someone insists you dropped money, step back, take a breath, and double-check your belongings before engaging. Even a small distraction could be the cover for a larger theft.

    The $20 trick might seem harmless in the moment, but in the wrong hands, it’s not a gesture of luck, it’s bait.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on April 21, 2025 Permalink | Reply
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    PCH Scam Foiled by 84-Year-Old Victim 

    PCH Scam Foiled by 84-Year-Old Victim

    By Greg Collier

    An 84-year-old woman from Unity Township, Pennsylvania, became the unlikely key to unraveling a scam after realizing she was being targeted by criminals posing as representatives of Publisher’s Clearing House. With her cooperation, police launched a sting operation that ended with a high-speed chase and the arrest of two men accused of orchestrating the scheme.

    The scam began with a phone call informing the woman that she had won $5 million and a Mercedes-Benz through Publisher’s Clearing House. In order to claim her supposed winnings, she was told she needed to pay $30,000 in taxes. A check for that amount soon arrived at her home, and the caller instructed her to deposit it and withdraw a portion in cash. She complied, withdrawing $9,500 and handing it over to a man who came to her door. The same thing happened the following day, and she lost a total of $19,000 before realizing she had been deceived.

    Once she understood what was happening, she contacted Pennsylvania State Police. Investigators worked with her to set up a controlled drop. Officers waited in unmarked vehicles outside her home as the suspects arrived to collect more money. Instead of cooperating, the suspects fled at high speed, driving recklessly toward Lincoln Highway and nearly causing a head-on crash. Police ended the pursuit but issued a regional alert.

    The vehicle was later spotted by troopers along the Pennsylvania Turnpike. It only stopped after spike strips were deployed. Both suspects fled on foot, dropping bags as they ran, but were eventually captured. Inside the discarded bags, officers found evidence linking the men to the scam, including a driver’s license from New Jersey that matched the name on the $30,000 check.

    This case highlights a familiar tactic in financial fraud, particularly those targeting older adults. Scammers often impersonate well-known companies like Publisher’s Clearing House to lend legitimacy to their claims. The promise of enormous prizes is designed to build trust quickly and create urgency, while the demand for upfront tax payments serves as the hook.

    To avoid falling victim to this kind of fraud, people should remember that real prize organizations, including Publisher’s Clearing House, never ask winners to pay money to claim their prizes. Any demand for payment in advance is a red flag. Unsolicited calls announcing large winnings should be treated with skepticism, and no personal or financial information should be shared. If someone believes they are being targeted, they should contact law enforcement or a consumer protection agency immediately.

    Thanks to the quick thinking and cooperation of the victim in this case, the suspects were arrested before they could strike again. But the broader threat of sweepstakes scams remains, and awareness is one of the best defenses.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on April 18, 2025 Permalink | Reply
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    Jury Scam Costs Houston Victim $12K 

    Jury Scam Costs Houston Victim $12K

    By Greg Collier

    A growing scam in Texas is proving that education and common sense are no match for professional manipulation. A woman working at her downtown Houston office recently fell victim to a scheme that continues to evolve in both sophistication and psychological pressure. This wasn’t a case of someone being naive. It was a calculated crime that preyed on trust, fear, and the illusion of authority.

    It began with a phone call that appeared to come from a legitimate source, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. The caller claimed the victim had missed jury duty and now had an arrest warrant. He claimed to be a sheriff’s deputy and spoke with the precision and confidence of someone in law enforcement. He even spoofed the phone number so it looked like the call came from a known non-emergency line. This tactic erased what little doubt she might have had. And that is what made the next few hours so dangerous.

    The victim followed instructions to avoid what she believed would be a swift arrest. She was told to withdraw money to pay a bond and meet a supposed bail bondsman at a nearby parking garage. Surveillance footage later confirmed her account. A man dressed to appear official approached her car with a clipboard. She handed over twelve thousand dollars in cash. He walked away and never returned.

    The call didn’t end there. Once the first handoff was complete, the scammer escalated the con, insisting on a second round of money for a different, higher bond. He kept control by telling her to ignore her husband’s calls, suggesting he could be charged for interfering with a federal investigation. The victim, still shaken, proceeded to another bank. This time, the teller sensed something was wrong. Through written notes, the victim learned the truth. She had been scammed.

    What makes this case particularly chilling is not just the amount of money lost. It’s how meticulously the scam was constructed. From the spoofed number to the psychological tactics, this was not a random phishing attempt. This was a performance. It was executed by someone who understood how to create fear and who to imitate to make it believable.

    This scam has become a clear threat not just to the vulnerable, but to anyone who believes they could spot a con when it starts. The reality is that criminals who rehearse their scripts, tailor their personas, and study the systems they exploit can trick anyone. Law enforcement warns that these individuals are persuasive and convincing, often targeting people at their most distracted or anxious moments.

    The illusion of authority is powerful. When that illusion is weaponized, even the most cautious person can be caught off guard. And in cases like this, the consequences are more than financial. The emotional toll is immense. The sense of violation and humiliation that follows can linger far longer than the sting of a missing bank balance.

    Scams like this are not just clever crimes. They are dangerous. They erode trust in public institutions. They use the symbols of safety and order as a disguise for exploitation, and they are only growing bolder. Recognizing that no one is immune is the first step in defending against them.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on April 17, 2025 Permalink | Reply
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    Tariff Confusion Opens the Door to Scams 

    By Greg Collier

    A new scam is capitalizing on growing confusion around tariffs, and it was only a matter of time. With talk of new trade measures circulating again under The White House’s proposed economic policies, fraudsters have found a fresh angle. The latest scheme pretends to be official communication from federal agencies and demands that consumers pay money for tariffs. These messages often arrive by email or text, look convincingly official, and direct people to fraudulent websites designed to look like government portals.

    The problem is compounded by the fact that many people are not entirely sure what tariffs are, or how they actually work. Tariffs are taxes placed on imported goods. They are paid by the companies importing the products, not by the consumer directly. However, if the added cost cuts into a company’s profit margin, the company might pass that cost along by raising the price of the product. In that case, the consumer feels the effect of the tariff through higher prices at the store, not through a separate payment to the government.

    That key distinction is precisely what scammers are exploiting. By claiming consumers must pay tariffs directly, they use the complexity of the issue to create a false sense of urgency and confusion. The messages often include links to websites that mimic real government domains, sometimes even using visual tricks to make the addresses appear legitimate at a glance. But real U.S. government websites always end in “.gov” and they do not initiate unsolicited payment requests.

    Increased media coverage of possible tariff hikes creates fertile ground for misinformation. These scams thrive when the public is unclear about how policies work or whether something like a direct tariff bill might be plausible. That fog of uncertainty is undoubtedly where cybercriminals like to operate.

    Anyone receiving unexpected requests for money linked to tariffs should treat them with skepticism. Government agencies do not communicate in that way, and no tariff policy, proposed or enacted, requires private citizens to pay directly in response to a text or email. The only real impact consumers might feel comes later, when goods become more expensive due to changes in trade policy. However, that happens at the register, not through surprise digital invoices.

    As tariff discussions continue, these kinds of scams are likely to persist. Understanding how tariffs work is the first step in avoiding exploitation. And for now, the only tariff threat the average person needs to worry about is the fake one sitting in their inbox.

     

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