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  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 29, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: AI, , ,   

    AI Phone Scam Preys on Parental Fear 

    By Greg Collier

    Scammers continue to evolve their tactics, and families in Idaho are now being targeted by a scheme designed to generate panic. Boise Police are alerting the public about phone calls in which fraudsters pretend to be medical professionals, claiming that a child has been injured. The calls often include background noise meant to simulate distress and may use artificial intelligence to enhance the deception.

    Authorities describe this as a variation of the family emergency scam, where criminals exploit parental fears to push victims into quick decisions. These callers may research their targets in advance, sometimes knowing a child’s name or school, which makes the claim appear more convincing. By creating a sense of urgency, they aim to pressure parents into sending money immediately.

    One factor that makes this scam particularly troubling is the role of technology. Criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to generate convincing voices, sometimes even imitating the sound of a family member. This capability makes it harder for victims to recognize the deception, especially in moments of panic. The sophistication of these tools allows scammers to bypass many of the traditional warning signs people were once told to look for.

    Investigators emphasize the importance of preparation and awareness as defenses against these manipulations. Families are encouraged to consider strategies such as creating unique identifiers that can verify a caller’s identity. Police also advise that pausing, questioning, and carefully assessing any suspicious call can prevent costly mistakes. The key factor in these scams is fear, and resisting that initial emotional reaction can often be enough to stop the fraud in its tracks.

    Authorities further recommend that anyone targeted by a suspicious call report the incident, even if no money was lost. Contacting local law enforcement and filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission provides investigators with valuable information and helps strengthen public awareness of ongoing threats.

    Boise Police are urging parents to remain vigilant and to treat any unexpected phone call about a family emergency with caution. By planning ahead, staying alert to new forms of deception, and reporting attempted fraud, families can reduce their risk of becoming the next victims.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 20, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: AI, , , ,   

    AI Romance Scam Costs Senior $47K 

    By Greg Collier

    A Florida resident recently fell victim to a romance scam that highlights how criminals continue to exploit both technology and human emotion to steal money.

    What began as a simple Facebook friend request from someone claiming to be an interior decorator quickly escalated into an elaborate scheme. The relationship was fostered through frequent online conversations, phone calls, and even video chats, which were later revealed to have been AI-generated. The scammer eventually fabricated a story about traveling overseas for work and needing money for documentation. Trusting the story, the victim sent thousands of dollars, first through traditional transfers and later through cryptocurrency, ultimately losing nearly $50,000.

    When the financial demands became more frequent and severe, the case was turned over to local authorities. Investigators traced the activity not to the United States, as the scammer had claimed, but overseas, making recovery of the funds unlikely.

    The toll of these scams is not only financial but also deeply emotional. Many victims struggle with feelings of shame, betrayal, and depression after realizing they were manipulated. Experts warn that this combination of financial and psychological harm is why romance scams are among the most devastating forms of fraud.

    One reason scammers push for payment through cryptocurrency is that digital transactions are difficult to trace and nearly impossible to reverse once completed. Unlike bank transfers, where investigators may be able to follow the money, cryptocurrency allows criminals to move funds quickly through anonymous wallets.

    These scams also rely on the careful recycling of fake identities. Criminals frequently use stolen photographs from social media, professional sites, or modeling portfolios to create convincing personas. The same fictitious character can appear on multiple platforms at once, luring several victims simultaneously.

    Scammers often pose as successful businesspeople with international ties, which gives credibility to requests for money tied to supposed overseas projects. This narrative can make fabricated expenses like travel, customs paperwork, or business emergencies sound more believable.

    Law enforcement agencies caution that these schemes are becoming more advanced, with scammers now deploying artificial intelligence to create convincing fake personas. Older adults are often targeted because of loneliness or vulnerability, and once money is transferred through cryptocurrency or wire services, it is rarely recovered.

    Authorities stress the importance of vigilance when forming online relationships. Verifying identities, avoiding financial transactions with people only known online, and seeking input from trusted friends or family can help prevent fraud. Victims are encouraged to report these crimes to federal agencies so investigators can track patterns and attempt to disrupt organized networks behind them.

    Romance scams remain a serious and growing problem, and cases like this one serve as a reminder of the importance of caution when personal and financial trust is built online.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 18, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: AI, , , Swatting,   

    Scam Call Sparks SWAT Standoff 

    By Greg Collier

    An incident in Austin, Texas, this week highlighted the growing sophistication of scam calls that can both frighten families and divert police resources.

    Two sisters were targeted in what authorities believe may have been either a swatting attempt or a complex scam. One received a call that appeared to come from her sibling’s phone number. On the line, however, was a man claiming to have abducted her sister. The caller threatened violence if immediate action was not taken, creating a situation designed to provoke panic.

    Alarmed, the woman contacted 911. Within minutes, the Austin Police Department’s SWAT team responded to the address where her sister lived. Officers arrived prepared for a potential hostage situation, only to quickly determine that no threat existed. Authorities confirmed the call was a hoax and are investigating whether it was part of a broader scam operation.

    The situation fits a pattern known as a “virtual kidnapping.” In these scams, criminals falsely claim to have abducted a loved one in order to demand money or force compliance. Technology makes these schemes more convincing, with scammers now able to spoof caller IDs and even use artificial intelligence to mimic the voices of family members. By combining threats with what appears to be proof that a relative is in distress, the calls can feel terrifyingly real.

    Experts also warn that swatting calls, whether financially motivated or not, carry serious risks. Across the country, there have been incidents where false reports led to armed police responses that resulted in injuries and even deaths. By convincing authorities that a violent crime is underway, callers not only terrorize their victims but also put residents and officers in immediate danger.

    Authorities recommend that residents protect themselves by setting up family code words, avoiding oversharing personal information on social media, and remaining calm if they receive such a call. They stress that legitimate emergencies will never require immediate payments or secrecy and that anyone who receives a threatening or urgent call should contact police immediately.

    While this incident ended without injury, it underscores the risks posed by these schemes. In addition to terrifying individuals, such calls draw heavily on emergency resources. The Austin case serves as a reminder that scammers are increasingly blending old tactics with new technology to manipulate their targets.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on June 11, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: AI, community colleges, , ,   

    AI Scammers Exploit Student Loans 

    AI Scammers Exploit Student Loans

    By Greg Collier

    A troubling new report from the Associated Press has shed light on a growing form of fraud that exposes how vulnerable and broken the U.S. student loan system truly is. In what has become an increasingly common scheme, criminals are using stolen identities and artificial intelligence to enroll in community college courses, trigger federal student aid disbursements, and disappear with the money. Real people are left with debt, damaged credit, and a grueling bureaucratic fight to clear their names.

    The scams often begin with unsuspecting victims learning they are “enrolled” at colleges they’ve never heard of, with student aid already distributed in their name. Some only discover the fraud after police or school officials question suspicious applications. Others only find out when checking their credit reports or receiving overdue payment notices. Victims have included people who never attended college at all.

    Criminals are exploiting weaknesses in the verification process, especially at community colleges, where tuition is lower and more of the financial aid is returned directly to the “student.” Scammers target asynchronous online classes, where AI-generated bots can enroll, submit generic homework assignments, and claim aid with minimal human oversight. Some colleges have reported entire classes populated by bots. Real students then struggle to register for needed courses, which fill up quickly because of fake enrollments.

    The problem is not limited to one region. In California alone, over a million fraudulent applications were filed in 2024, leading to hundreds of thousands of suspected fake enrollments. The state’s community college system, with its extensive online offerings and large number of campuses, has become a prime target. At least $11.1 million in aid was stolen from California schools in just one year, with no realistic chance of recovery.

    The federal government has acknowledged the scale of the problem. A new temporary rule requires first-time student aid applicants to provide government-issued identification, impacting roughly 125,000 students during the summer term. More permanent and advanced verification systems are said to be in development for future terms. But some worry these steps are too late, and possibly too little.

    Meanwhile, the system intended to help people access education continues to be manipulated. Criminal networks have used names of prison inmates and dead individuals, sometimes coordinating scams across multiple states. Convictions in Texas and New York have revealed fraud rings pursuing millions of dollars. Victims must navigate a slow and confusing process involving schools, loan servicers, and federal agencies, often without clear answers.

    Adding to the concern, the federal office charged with investigating aid fraud has been weakened. Hundreds of staffers were recently laid off or retired from the Federal Student Aid office and the Inspector General’s division. As federal oversight thins, fraudsters may find it even easier to exploit the system.

    The human cost goes beyond financial loss. Some victims, after years of effort, have only just had their fraudulent loans removed. Others are still trapped in the appeals process or seeing their credit scores drop. Some simply wanted to return to school to better their lives, only to find themselves blocked by full classrooms occupied by bots.

    The emergence of artificial intelligence and the increase in online education have opened new doors for opportunity, but also for abuse. What this crisis reveals is not just a failure of cybersecurity or oversight, but a fundamental question about the system itself. If fake students can apply, enroll, and receive aid undetected, how secure or fair is the student loan infrastructure? And if identity theft can leave people burdened with years of debt for schools they never attended, who is the system really serving?

    These scams are not just exploiting financial aid. They are exposing just how fragile the scaffolding of higher education financing has become.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on June 9, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: AI, , , ,   

    TikTok Cat Shelter Scam Exposed 

    TikTok Cat Shelter Scam Exposed

    By Greg Collier

    A deceptive new charity scam has emerged on TikTok, once again proving how scammers adapt old tactics to modern platforms. The Better Business Bureau is warning users to be cautious, especially when appeals appear heartwarming and urgent.

    A recent report to the BBB involved a TikTok account using stolen or AI-generated videos of an elderly couple selling novelty items like cat toys or slippers. These products were marketed as part of a fundraiser to help save a struggling cat shelter. A link in the video directed viewers to a website offering the items for purchase. Unfortunately, buyers reported that nothing ever arrived. More troubling, their credit card and personal information were likely compromised.

    This kind of scheme relies heavily on emotional triggers. The scammers design content to make the viewer feel sympathy or guilt. By showing cute animals, pairing videos with sentimental music, and begging viewers not to scroll past, they hope to elicit a fast emotional reaction that leads to an impulsive purchase.

    The BBB recommends skepticism toward online charities that do not clearly explain how donations are used. They also advise checking organizations through resources like Give.org and Charity Navigator to verify legitimacy.

    Those who suspect they’ve been scammed should contact their credit card provider to request a chargeback and take extra precautions by enabling multifactor authentication on their digital accounts. This situation is another reminder that emotional manipulation is a powerful tool in the hands of bad actors, and that caution is always necessary before clicking on links or making online purchases.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on February 12, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: AI, , ,   

    AI Scam Calls: When Voices Lie 

    AI Scam Calls: When Voices Lie

    By Greg Collier

    A terrifying new scam is targeting families across Georgia and beyond, leaving parents in a state of panic. It starts with a phone call, an urgent plea from a loved one, their voice unmistakable, filled with fear. But law enforcement is issuing a warning. It’s all a hoax.

    One Georgia father experienced this horror firsthand. The call came unexpectedly, his son’s voice screaming, “Dad!” Before he could even process what was happening, the voice on the other end was begging for help, claiming to be in serious trouble. The panic set in immediately, his son’s voice, tone, and mannerisms were all perfect. There was no reason to doubt it.

    As the conversation continued, the situation became more sinister. When he began to question what was happening, the person on the other end turned aggressive, making terrifying threats. They claimed they would harm him, break into his home, and even kill his family. In those moments, fear and confusion took over, making it nearly impossible to think logically.

    It wasn’t until he managed to confirm that his son was safe that the awful truth became clear, he had been scammed. Though no money was lost, the emotional impact was lasting. Even after the call ended, he found himself on edge, constantly aware of his surroundings, shaken by the experience.

    Law enforcement officials confirm that cases like this are becoming more common. Scammers are now using advanced artificial intelligence to replicate voices with chilling accuracy. All they need is a small voice sample, often taken from social media or public videos, and they can create a near-perfect imitation of a loved one.

    What makes these scams even more dangerous is how difficult they are to trace. Investigators say that tracking down the criminals is nearly impossible due to their use of spoofed phone numbers and encrypted communication methods. Despite this, authorities are urging people to take precautions.

    One of the best ways to protect yourself is to have a secret code word with family members, something only they would know. If you receive a distressing call, try reaching out to the person in question through another method before reacting. Police also advise against sharing too much personal information online, as scammers often piece together details from social media to make their stories more convincing.

    This type of fraud preys on emotions, aiming to create fear so victims act before thinking critically. Staying cautious and prepared is the best defense against these increasingly sophisticated scams.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on February 3, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: AI, , , , , , Golden Eagle,   

    AI Deepfake Scam Uses Celebrities to Defraud 

    AI Deepfake Scam Uses Celebrities to Defraud

    By Greg Collier

    The rise of artificial intelligence has brought remarkable advancements, but it has also given scammers a powerful tool to deceive unsuspecting victims. One recent case illustrates how fraudsters used AI-generated videos to impersonate prominent figures, including the sitting U.S. president, the CEO of a major bank, and tech mogul Elon Musk. The scheme revolved around an alleged investment opportunity known as the “Golden Eagles Project,” which falsely promised financial prosperity to those willing to purchase collectible coins.

    Victims were lured in with AI-generated videos that appeared to feature well-known public figures endorsing the scheme. These deepfake-style videos claimed that purchasing a $59 “golden eagle” coin would yield an astronomical return of over $100,000. To make the scam seem even more legitimate, the videos falsely stated that major banks and businesses were participating, allowing people to trade the coins for cash or high-value assets like Tesla cars or stock.

    Despite the seemingly legitimate nature of the endorsements, victims who fell for the scam soon realized the painful truth. The coins were virtually worthless. Even a detailed analysis by precious metal experts confirmed that the items contained no real gold or silver, making them valueless beyond their novelty appeal. One victim, a military veteran, invested thousands of dollars into the scam, believing he was on the path to becoming a millionaire. Instead, he found himself left with nothing but frustration and regret.

    The scam plays on a tactic that has become increasingly common, exploiting public trust in celebrities and high-profile figures. With AI-generated content becoming more convincing, fraudsters have seized the opportunity to create fake videos that appear legitimate to the average viewer. These scams thrive in online spaces where misinformation spreads rapidly, particularly on social media sites where content can circulate without much oversight.

    Beyond the financial losses suffered by individuals, this case also raises broader ethical concerns about the responsibilities of high-profile figures in preventing their likenesses from being misused. While the real individuals behind these fake endorsements had no connection to the scheme, their widely recognized images and voices were weaponized against vulnerable consumers. The damage caused by AI-generated fraud highlights the need for increased digital literacy, as well as stronger regulations around AI-manipulated media.

    Another critical aspect of this scam is the implication that a sitting U.S. president was personally endorsing an investment opportunity. This alone should have been a red flag, as federal law is supposed to prohibit a president from conducting personal business while in office. The position carries enormous influence, and rules exist to prevent any potential conflicts of interest that might arise from commercial endorsements. The idea that a government leader would actively promote a coin-based financial opportunity should have raised immediate skepticism. However, fraudsters took advantage of the public’s trust, crafting a deception convincing enough to ensnare even cautious individuals.

    Scams of this nature serve as a reminder that if an investment opportunity sounds too good to be true, it probably is. While AI technology is advancing rapidly, its potential for deception is growing just as fast. Consumers must remain vigilant, question sensational claims, and verify financial opportunities through reputable sources before making any commitments.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 27, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: AI, , , , , , ,   

    AI Voice Scams: The Ransom Threat 

    AI Voice Scams: The Ransom Threat

    By Greg Collier

    In a chilling evolution of traditional scams, a new wave of ransom schemes is targeting families with advanced technology, creating fear and financial loss. These scams, which have been reported in Westchester County, New York, and Chatham County, Georgia, use artificial intelligence (AI) to replicate the voices of loved ones and phone number spoofing to make calls appear authentic. The alarming frequency and realism of these incidents leave victims shaken and desperate.

    In Peekskill, New York, families in a local school district were targeted with calls claiming their child had been kidnapped. Using AI-generated voice replication, scammers made the calls sound as though they were coming directly from the child. The calls included cries for help and demands for ransom, creating a terrifying sense of urgency for the families. Similarly, in Chatham County, Georgia, law enforcement received reports of scam calls where the voices of loved ones were mimicked, and their phone numbers were spoofed. Victims believed they were speaking directly with their family member, further convincing them of the alleged kidnapping.

    This type of scam, known as the virtual kidnapping scam, is made possible by the proliferation of digital tools capable of replicating a person’s voice with only a few audio samples. These samples are often taken from social media, where individuals frequently share videos and voice recordings. Additionally, phone number spoofing allows scammers to manipulate caller IDs, making it seem as though the call is originating from the victim’s own phone or from a familiar contact.

    Authorities have noted that these scams exploit advanced technology and human psychology to maximum effect. The sense of urgency created by threats of violence and the apparent authenticity of the call make it difficult for victims to pause and assess the situation critically. Victims often feel immense pressure to act quickly, believing that hesitation could lead to harm for their loved ones.

    In both Peekskill and Chatham County, authorities have emphasized the importance of verifying the safety of family members independently and resisting the temptation to provide personal or financial information over the phone. Families are being encouraged to create unique verification methods, such as secret passwords or phrases, to quickly confirm the legitimacy of a call. Law enforcement in both areas continues to investigate these cases and spread awareness to prevent further victimization.

    While the technological tools enabling these scams are growing more sophisticated, education remains a powerful defense. By understanding how these scams operate and staying cautious about unfamiliar links or calls, individuals can protect themselves and their loved ones from falling victim to these disturbing schemes.

    With the rise of these incidents, it’s clear that continued efforts to promote awareness and implement preventative strategies will be key in combating this alarming trend.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on November 5, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: AI, , , , ,   

    A Mother’s Close Call with AI Voice Cloning 

    A Mother's Close Call with AI Voice Cloning

    By Greg Collier

    Imagine the terror of receiving a phone call with a familiar voice in distress, only to realize it was a cruel, high-tech scam. This harrowing experience recently befell a mother in Grand Rapids, Michigan, who nearly lost $50,000 over a weekend due to a sophisticated AI-driven scam. This scam, called ‘voice cloning’ mimicked the voice of her daughter so convincingly that it bypassed her natural skepticism and sent her scrambling to respond to what seemed like an emergency.

    It started with a phone call from an unknown number, coming from a town her daughter often frequented. With her daughter’s faint, panicked voice on the other end, she felt an instant urgency and fear that something was gravely wrong. Then, as she listened, the tone shifted; a stranger seized control of the call, asserting himself as a captor and demanding an immediate ransom. Her daughter’s supposed voice—distorted, mumbled, and terrified—amplified the mother’s fears. Desperation began to cloud her judgment as she debated how to produce such a vast sum on short notice.

    In her fear and confusion, she was prepared to do whatever it took to ensure her daughter’s safety. She was ready to withdraw cash, find neighbors who might accompany her, and meet the caller, who had directed her to a local hardware store for the exchange. But her instincts were seconded by her husband, who, while she negotiated, placed a call to the local police department. They advised him to contact their daughter directly, which they did, only to find she was safe and sound, unaware of the horrifying call her mother had just endured.

    This unsettling experience highlights a chilling reality of today’s world: the power of artificial intelligence to manipulate emotions, creating distressing scenarios with fabricated voices. These AI scams work by exploiting easily accessible samples of people’s voices, often found in social media videos or recordings. Voice cloning technology, once a futuristic concept, is now accessible and advanced enough to replicate a person’s voice with unsettling accuracy from just a brief clip.

    The Better Business Bureau advises those targeted by similar scams to resist the urge to act immediately. The shock of hearing a loved one’s voice in peril can push us to respond without question, but taking a pause, verifying the caller’s claims, and contacting the loved one directly are critical steps to prevent falling victim.

    Protecting yourself from AI-driven voice cloning scams requires both awareness and a proactive approach. Start by being mindful of what you share online, especially voice recordings, as even brief audio clips on social media can provide the material needed for cloning. Reducing the number of public posts containing your voice limits potential exposure, making it harder for scammers to replicate.

    Establishing a safe word with family members is also an effective precaution. A unique, shared phrase can act as a verification tool in emergency calls. If you ever receive a call claiming a loved one is in distress, use this word to confirm their identity. By doing so, you create a reliable check against scams, especially when emotions run high.

    It’s essential to take a moment to verify information before reacting. Scammers count on people’s tendency to act on instinct, especially when fear and urgency are involved. If you receive an alarming call, try to reach the person directly using a familiar number. Verifying information before sending money or following instructions can prevent falling victim to such fraud.

    In the end, a calm, measured approach, grounded in verification and pre-established safety measures, can make all the difference in staying protected against AI-driven threats.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 16, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: AI, , , , , ,   

    How AI is Fueling a New Wave of Online Scams 

    How AI is Fueling a New Wave of Online Scams

    By Greg Collier

    With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), the internet has become a more treacherous landscape for unsuspecting users. Once, the adage “seeing is believing” held weight. Today, however, scammers can create highly realistic images and videos that deceive even the most cautious among us. The enhanced development of AI has made it easier for fraudsters to craft convincing scenarios that prey on emotions, tricking people into parting with their money or personal information.

    One common tactic involves generating images of distressed animals or children. These fabricated images often accompany stories of emergencies or tragedies, urging people to click links to donate or provide personal details. The emotional weight of these images makes them highly effective, triggering a quick, compassionate response. Unfortunately, the results are predictable, stolen personal information or exposure to harmful malware. Social media users must be on high alert, as the Better Business Bureau warns against clicking unfamiliar links, especially when encountering images meant to elicit an emotional reaction.

    Identifying AI-generated content has become a key skill in avoiding these scams. When encountering images, it’s essential to look for subtle signs that something isn’t right. AI-generated images often exhibit flaws that betray their synthetic nature. Zooming in on these images can reveal strange details such as blurring around certain elements, disproportionate body parts, or even extra fingers on hands. Other giveaways include glossy, airbrushed textures and unnatural lighting. These telltale signs, though subtle, can help distinguish AI-generated images from genuine ones.

    The same principles apply to videos. Deepfake technology allows scammers to create videos that feature manipulated versions of public figures or loved ones in fabricated scenarios. Unnatural body language, strange shadows, and choppy audio can all indicate that the video isn’t real.

    One particularly concerning trend involves scammers using AI to create fake emergency scenarios. A family member might receive a video call or a voice message that appears to be from a loved one in distress, asking for money or help. But even though the voice and face may seem familiar, the message is an illusion, generated by AI to exploit trust and fear. The sophistication of this technology makes these scams harder to detect, but the key is context. Urgency, emotional manipulation, and unexpected requests for money are red flags. It’s always important to verify the authenticity of the situation by contacting the person directly through trusted methods.

    Reverse image searches can be useful for confirming whether a photo has been used elsewhere on the web. By doing this, users can trace images back to their original sources and determine whether they’ve been manipulated. Similarly, checking whether a story has been reported by credible news outlets can help discern the truth. If an image or video seems too shocking or unbelievable and hasn’t been covered by mainstream media, it’s likely fake.

    As AI technology continues to evolve, scammers will only refine their methods. The challenge of spotting fakes will become more difficult, and even sophisticated consumers may find themselves second-guessing what they see. Being suspicious and fact-checking are more important than ever. By recognizing the tactics scammers use and understanding how to spot AI-generated content, internet users can better protect themselves in this new digital landscape.

     

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