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  Geebo 8:00 am on April 21, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: advance fee scam, Police ( 12 ), Publishers Clearing House ( 12 ), Scams ( 1,482 ), sweepstakes ( 26 )   

  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.

   

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  Geebo 9:00 am on February 18, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: advance fee scam, college recruiting, football ( 11 ), high school, Scams ( 1,482 ), Sports ( 5 )   

  Fake Football Offers: A Costly Scam Alert 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Recruitment season is an exciting time for high school athletes. The possibility of playing at the next level and earning a college roster spot is a dream for many. But amid the real opportunities, there are also those looking to take advantage of that excitement.

  The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has recently warned about a scam targeting high school football players. Someone posing as a recruiter from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is reaching out to athletes, requesting game footage and falsely claiming that the player has been offered a spot on the team. Shortly after, the scammer demands a fee for a supposedly mandatory camp, one that doesn’t actually exist.

  This type of scam is specific, but it serves as a reminder that scams can appear in even the most unexpected places. While this case involves high school football in Tennessee, it doesn’t mean similar schemes can’t happen elsewhere. Fraudsters are constantly looking for new ways to deceive people, and wherever there’s ambition, there’s potential for exploitation. A young athlete eager to seize an opportunity might not question an offer that seems legitimate, especially if it comes with the promise of playing at the college level.

  The methods used in this scam should raise red flags. Any request for money in exchange for a supposed roster spot should be met with skepticism. Legitimate recruiting processes don’t require upfront payments, and official offers always come through formal channels. It’s crucial for athletes and their families to verify any recruitment claims directly with the university’s athletic department before taking action.

  High school athletes, their parents, and coaches should remain cautious. If something feels off about a recruitment opportunity, it’s worth taking a step back and confirming its legitimacy. And while this particular scheme is centered in Tennessee, it’s a mistake to assume it can’t spread to other parts of the country. Wherever there’s an opportunity for deception, scammers will follow.

  Staying informed is the best way to avoid becoming a victim. Athletes should communicate directly with schools, avoid clicking on unsolicited links, and never send money to someone who reaches out through social media or email. If a recruitment opportunity is real, it will stand up to scrutiny. And if it isn’t, taking the time to verify can prevent a costly mistake.

  Scammers thrive in places where trust and excitement intersect. Whether it’s college recruitment, job offers, or financial investments, it’s always worth slowing down and making sure an opportunity is as good as it seems.

   
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  Geebo 9:17 am on November 13, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: advance fee scam, credit card fraud ( 4 ), fake check ( 49 ), lottery scam ( 13 ), Scams ( 1,482 )   

  Did a Scammer Pay a Victim’s Credit Card Debt? 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In a disheartening tale of deception and financial ruin, a lottery scam with roots in Indianapolis has surfaced, leaving victims across state lines in a wake of financial devastation. This scam, which preys on the hope and trust of unsuspecting individuals, has taken thousands of dollars from victims, including an elderly Florida resident who lost more than $40,000.

  The scam unfolds with a seemingly innocuous phone call or text message, proclaiming an improbable windfall. A lottery win, despite the recipient never purchasing a ticket. The allure of an $8 million jackpot is dangled before the victim, often with the claim that they need to pay taxes or fees upfront to secure their winnings. But behind the promise of fortune lies a sinister intent, to extract personal information or outright steal money.

  The experience of one elderly victim underscores the complex and deceptive nature of these schemes. An Indianapolis man, posing as a representative of a national lottery, convinced the victim that her prize was genuine. He even manipulated her finances in an unprecedented way, paying off her credit card debts with fraudulent checks to gain her trust. It was only after the payments were reversed that the victim realized the extent of the fraud.

  In this particular case, the use of fake checks to pay off victims’ debts is a new twist. The scammers’ ability to provide temporary financial relief gives their operation an air of legitimacy, which can lower the victim’s defenses. This deceptive strategy has not been widely reported before, highlighting the evolving methods used by fraudsters to exploit their victims.

  Adding to the distress, the victim was persuaded to send thousands of dollars in cash via courier services to an Indianapolis address. She believed the funds were covering necessary taxes on her winnings. The culprits, however, used multiple aliases and addresses, making it nearly impossible to track the stolen money.

  The victim’s ordeal has left her with significant debt, a ruined credit score, and an unrelenting quest for justice. Despite reporting the crime to multiple agencies, she remains burdened by the aftermath.

  Authorities urge anyone who receives a suspicious call or message about lottery winnings to verify the claims independently. Legitimate lotteries do not demand payment of fees or taxes upfront, nor do they contact winners without prior participation in a contest. This is commonly known as the advance fee scam.

  While the victim’s financial losses may never be recovered, her story could save others from falling victim to similar schemes. As scams grow more sophisticated, so too must our collective efforts to expose and prevent them.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on October 22, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: advance fee scam, Ina Kenoyer, inheritance ( 7 ), poison, Scams ( 1,482 ), Steven Riley Jr.   

  Scam Victim Poisoned Over Fake Inheritance 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Scams are often associated with financial loss, embarrassment, and frustration, but their impact can sometimes reach far deeper, leading to actions driven by fear, betrayal, and desperation. While most scams don’t end in tragedy, the case of Steven Riley Jr., who was fatally poisoned by his partner after falling for a fake inheritance scheme, highlights the lethal potential of deception.

  In this instance, Riley believed he was about to inherit $30 million from a distant relative, an offer presented to him through an email from someone posing as a lawyer. However, this promise of wealth was nothing more than a carefully crafted advance fee scam. Scammers behind such schemes lure victims with the promise of a large inheritance, but the payout never materializes. As the deception unfolds, the supposed lawyer or intermediary typically demands fees, often labeled as taxes, processing charges, or legal expenses, before releasing the funds. Victims who trust the scammer often make payment after payment, believing the reward is just within reach.

  Riley was poised to meet the so-called lawyer at an airport to finalize the transfer, convinced the inheritance was real. The scammer likely intended to escalate the scheme by demanding further payments once trust was established. Unfortunately, Riley never got the chance to realize he was being conned.

  The fallout from this scam took a disturbing turn when Riley’s girlfriend, Ina Kenoyer, poisoned him, believing he intended to leave her once he secured the inheritance. Their relationship had deteriorated over time, and the promise of sudden wealth acted as a final breaking point. Fueled by a sense of betrayal and entitlement, Kenoyer poisoned Riley with antifreeze, masking it in sweet tea. She delayed his access to medical care, insisting he was suffering from heat stroke, until it was too late. The scam set the stage for a tragic sequence of events that ended with Riley’s death and Kenoyer’s arrest for murder.

  Though this case may seem extreme, it serves as a powerful reminder of how scams can push people toward desperate, even deadly, actions. Scams often play on human emotions such as greed, trust, fear, or hope, drawing victims into webs of deceit. In some cases, the psychological strain can drive individuals to actions they never would have considered under normal circumstances. In Riley’s case, the lure of wealth and the belief that it was slipping away resulted in a tragic betrayal.

  The tragedy of this case is not just in the loss of life, but in the realization that scams can lead to far more than financial ruin. They can fracture relationships, erode trust, and, in rare but devastating cases, drive people to irreversible decisions. Raising awareness about the tactics used in these scams is essential to preventing future harm. Recognizing the red flags, such as unsolicited emails promising sudden wealth, can help individuals avoid falling into the same traps.

  Scams thrive in the shadows of hope, desperation, and greed. This case stands as a stark reminder that falling for them can have consequences far beyond what anyone might expect.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on October 21, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: advance fee scam, appointment setter, employment ( 38 ), job scam ( 83 ), Scams ( 1,482 )   

  Appointment Setter Job Scams: A Social Media Threat 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In today’s job market, work-from-home opportunities seem to offer the perfect solution for those seeking flexibility and financial stability. But not all of these opportunities are as promising as they appear. A new scam targeting job seekers has emerged: fake appointment setter jobs. Advertised on social media, these scams lure people with the promise of high income, only to trap them with upfront fees and deceptive promises.

  An appointment setter is a legitimate position in which employees schedule meetings between a company’s sales staff and potential clients. The job’s goal is to help close deals by organizing appointments efficiently. Typical compensation includes hourly pay with occasional bonuses for successfully setting high-quality appointments. Importantly, legitimate companies provide any necessary job training at no cost to their employees.

  While appointment setter jobs do exist, scammers have started to hijack the concept, exploiting unsuspecting job seekers. Ads promoting these roles claim you can earn significant money from home, but there are a few telltale signs that the offer might not be genuine.

  Real appointment-setting jobs offer modest pay, with potential bonuses based on performance. Ads that promise exorbitant earnings are likely too good to be true. No legitimate employer will ask you to pay for training. If the job offer requires thousands of dollars upfront for training, it’s a scam. Scammers often claim that paying for training guarantees a job, but legitimate companies never make such promises. Some scams present the position as a business opportunity, asking participants to recruit others or sell services, making it seem more like a pyramid scheme than a job.

  Before accepting any job offer, especially one found on social media, follow these steps to avoid falling into a scam. Take your time and consult someone you trust. Scammers often pressure victims to act quickly to avoid missing out.

  Search online for the company’s name along with words like ‘scam’ or ‘complaint’. Also, check with your state attorney general’s office for any complaints. A lack of complaints doesn’t necessarily mean the company is legitimate, but it’s a useful starting point. Be skeptical of success stories as they may be fabricated, with positive reviews potentially originating from fake profiles.

  The allure of easy money and flexible hours can make job seekers vulnerable to scams like fake appointment setter roles. Knowing how legitimate jobs operate and understanding the tactics scammers use are essential to protecting yourself. Do your research, and trust your instincts. If a job offer feels off, especially one that asks for money upfront, it’s probably not the opportunity it claims to be.

  Scammers are constantly evolving their schemes, but with the right knowledge and caution, you can outsmart them and avoid falling victim to fraudulent job offers.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on April 16, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: advance fee scam, lottery scam ( 13 ), Scams ( 1,482 )   

  Scam targets victims with false prize winnings 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The advance fee scam is a type of fraud that involves enticing victims with the promise of a large sum of money in exchange for a relatively small upfront payment or fee. This scheme operates under various guises and narratives, but the underlying premise remains consistent. The victim is led to believe that they will receive a substantial financial reward, typically through inheritance, lottery winnings, or a business opportunity.

  The Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office has issued a warning about this scam that preys on the hopes and dreams of unsuspecting individuals, promising them large sums of money that simply do not exist.

  The scheme unfolds with a phone call from someone claiming to represent the state office, informing the recipient that they have won a substantial cash prize. However, as one unfortunate Oklahoma resident discovered, these promises are nothing more than a cruel hoax designed to part victims from their hard-earned money.

  One Oklahoma woman, whose mother fell victim to this scam, shared her family’s ordeal. Her elderly mother, eagerly anticipating a windfall of nearly a million dollars, was instead left devastated when the promised winnings failed to materialize. The scammers, using sophisticated tactics, convinced her mother that she needed to pay a fee to claim her prize. They even went so far as to fabricate a story involving law enforcement confiscating a supposed prize check, adding a layer of deceit to their ploy.

  What makes this scam particularly nefarious is the manipulation of caller ID information, with the calls appearing as either “unknown” or originating from a local area code. In some instances, the fraudsters have gone as far as spoofing the official telephone number of the Attorney General’s Office itself, adding an air of legitimacy to their deceit.

  Tragically, the elderly victim, like many others, succumbed to the pressure and parted with her money, leaving her not only financially depleted but also deeply embarrassed by her unwitting participation in the scam. As the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office rightly emphasizes, the Attorney General’s office is committed to protecting consumers, not exploiting them for financial gain.

  To avoid falling victim to advance fee scams, it’s essential to exercise caution and skepticism when approached with unsolicited offers of financial gain. Be wary of requests for upfront payments or personal information from unknown parties, and always verify the legitimacy of any offers or claims independently. Additionally, familiarize yourself with common scam tactics and educate yourself on how to recognize and avoid fraudulent schemes.

  Scammers often demand payment via wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or payment apps, making it difficult to trace or recover funds. Be wary of any demands for payment made over the phone.

  Never divulge sensitive financial or personal details to unsolicited callers claiming to represent government agencies. If in doubt, hang up and contact the agency directly using a verified phone number.

  Caller ID can be manipulated to display false information, including legitimate government agency numbers. Treat unexpected calls with skepticism and verify their authenticity independently.

  By remaining informed and adopting proactive measures to protect personal and financial information, anyone can safeguard themselves against the predatory tactics of scammers seeking to exploit their trust and vulnerability. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on February 29, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: advance fee scam, government scams ( 8 ), grants ( 15 ), identity theft ( 113 ), Scams ( 1,482 ), TikTok ( 10 )   

  When old scams become new: TikTok scam promises free money 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A prevalent scam frequently encountered on Facebook is the government grant scam. This usually occurs when scammers gain unauthorized access to someone’s Facebook account. They then exploit this access to send messages to the victim’s friends, claiming they’ve received a significant government grant and anyone can apply. These messages include a link for recipients to purportedly apply for the grant.

  In this scam, the trick lies in scammers posing as government representatives who then request payment from victims under false pretenses, often citing processing fees or taxes. This deceptive practice is commonly referred to as the advance fee scam, where individuals are asked to pay money upfront in order to receive promised funds.

  When a social network emerges with a predominantly young audience, scammers adapt their tactics to better appeal to this demographic. They might tweak the scam’s messaging, incorporating language and content that resonates with younger users.

  According to the Better Business Bureau, scammers on TikTok are luring users with the promise of a $6,400 government grant, targeting individuals earning less than $50,000 annually. Given the economic challenges many young people face today, this offer may seem particularly appealing to a significant portion of the younger population.

  In the TikTok scam, perpetrators use videos featuring individuals who purport to have successfully applied for and received the grant. However, these individuals are often victims of the scam themselves. As part of the deception, scammers may condition the release of the promised payment on the victim creating their own video endorsing the legitimacy of the grant program.

  The BBB also reports the scam on TikTok might not necessarily be seeking payment from victims, but rather aiming to harvest their personal data.

  If a grant or financial assistance program requires payment upfront, question its legitimacy. Legitimate government grants typically do not require payment in advance. Avoid providing personal or financial information to unknown individuals or entities online, especially in response to unsolicited messages or requests. Take the time to research any offers or opportunities thoroughly before taking action. Look for reviews, feedback, or reports from trusted sources to validate the legitimacy of the offer. Lastly, Be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true, especially if they promise large sums of money for minimal effort or qualifications.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on February 5, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: advance fee scam, elder fraud ( 6 ), elderly ( 12 ), Scams ( 1,482 ), sweepstakes ( 26 )   

  Scammer made $50M in $30 scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The recent sentencing of a scammer from New Jersey by federal authorities serves as yet another case offering us a glimpse into the inner workings of various scams. His scam might even be deemed ingenious if it weren’t for the unfortunate reality that he targeted one of the most vulnerable segments of the population, stealing their hard-earned money.

  For more than a decade, the scammer diligently dispatched 750,000 letters per month to potential victims, with the majority being elderly individuals. These letters all bore promises of a cash prize, contingent on the recipient paying a $30 processing fee. This might ring a bell as the classic advance payment scam or sweepstakes scam. Essentially, victims are lured into paying a small amount with the promise of a larger prize. The scammer typically escalates the requested amounts, conjuring up various excuses for the delay in prize disbursement. In reality, there is no prize, and the scammers are simply leading their victims on for additional payments.

  Among the multitude of letters dispatched, approximately 2% of recipients reportedly took the bait. This translated to a staggering monthly income of $450,000 for the scammer. Allegedly, he had tapped into a pool of victims who had fallen prey to scams before, having purchased a list from other fraudsters. Upon a victim’s response, the scammer would send out additional letters with a similar pitch but appearing to originate from different entities. In numerous cases, the victims, often elderly and on fixed incomes, found themselves in poor health, hoping that the promised prize money would enable them to seek much-needed treatment.

  Despite facing arrest for orchestrating these scams, the scammer brazenly persisted in sending out deceptive prize letters to victims while awaiting sentencing. Just last week, the perpetrator received a federal prison sentence of five years.

  This scheme reveals that scammers are willing to cast a wide net in hopes of snaring just a few victims. Take, for instance, the mystery of how scammers pinpoint the banks their targets are affiliated within their deceptive text alerts. The truth is, they don’t. They inundate people with a barrage of messages pretending to be a prominent regional bank, knowing only a small number will take the bait. By successfully tricking a handful of respondents, scammers manage to pilfer enough to sustain their lucrative operation.

  Keeping our elderly relatives informed is crucial in safeguarding them from such heartless scams. Remind them that it’s illegal for anyone to request money for a supposed sweepstakes prize. No one’s parents or grandparents should have to endure the financial torment that these scams bring. Empowering them with knowledge is a powerful tool in the fight against these schemes.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on December 8, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: advance fee scam, check scam ( 80 ), fake check ( 49 ), Publishers Clearing House ( 12 ), Scams ( 1,482 ), sweepstakes ( 26 )   

  New twist added to sweepstakes scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Scammers have often impersonated Publishers Clearing House (PCH) due to their famous sweepstakes that award winners large sums of money from their Prize Patrol van. Typically, fraudsters will pose as PCH in order to perpetrate what’s known as an advance fee scam. In that scam, the scammers will tell their victim they won a substantial monetary prize from the PCH Sweepstakes, but to claim the prize the victim needs to pay a processing fee or taxes before they can claim the prize. This scam can go on for months, with the scammers always claiming that more money is needed from the victim before the prize can be claimed. However, there is a new PCH-related scam that builds on the advance fee scam.

  An elderly woman from Florida recently received a letter indicating she had won a prize from PCH. Included with the letter was a check for $9,450 to assist with taxes and processing fees. She was instructed to call a phone number once the check had been deposited into her account. Thankfully, she did not fall for this scam and called her local news channel instead.

  Frequent readers probably recognize this scam as the fake check scam. The scammer’s goal here was to get the woman to deposit the check into her bank account, Once she did that, she would have been instructed to send that money to a third party to pay for the ‘taxes and fees’. With the check almost assuredly being a fake, the victim would be responsible for that money once her bank discovered the check was fraudulent.

  To protect yourself from a scam like this, it’s always prudent to keep the phrase ‘no purchase necessary’ in mind. It’s illegal to be charged a fee for a sweepstakes prize, even if a check is included to help pay the fees. Also, anytime a person you don’t know asks you to deposit a check before sending someone else the money, the odds are pretty good they’re trying to scam you.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on October 25, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: advance fee scam, church ( 3 ), fake clergy, police impersonation scam ( 78 ), Publishers Clearing House ( 12 ), scam reporting, Scams ( 1,482 ), sweepstakes ( 26 ), traffic tickets ( 3 ), USA.gov   

  Scam Round Up: Where to report a scam and more 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Scammers in Modesto, California, are preying upon Spanish-speaking residents by posing as clergy from the local Catholic diocese. These scammers are allegedly charging families up to $2000 for baptisms, confirmations, and first communions.

  Some scam victims may be afraid to come forward due to their immigration status. However, police have urged residents to come forward by reassuring them they won’t be asked their current status.

  ***

  Police in Evanston, Illinois are warning residents there about a police impersonation scam happening in their area. According to the Evanston PD, scammers are calling residents and telling them they owe money for traffic tickets.

  As with all police impersonation scams, real police will never call you and ask for money over the phone, nor will they threaten you with arrest for not paying.

  If you receive a call like this, hang up, and call your local police department at their non-emergency number.

  ***

  An elderly woman from Western New York received a letter that appeared to come from Publisher’s Clearing House, telling her she won $2.6 million. Thankfully, she caught on quickly that it was a scam. The letter asked her to pay $4000 in insurance to ensure she would receive the $2.6M check.

  This is known as the advance fee scam, and PCH has always been imitated in these scams. Keep in mind, it doesn’t cost anything to enter sweepstakes like this. That’s why they always say no purchase necessary.

  ***

  Lastly, the Federal Government has set up a new website that will help consumers report scams. Anyone can go to USA.gov and answer a quick series of questions. The tool will advise the user where to report a particular type of scam.

  For example, we answered that we were inquiring about identity theft regarding our tax return, and it directed us to the proper department of both the IRS and FBI to report the scam.

  Related Video: Kenmore woman doesn’t fall for $2.6 million scam prize letter posing as Publishers Clearing House