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  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 18, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: charity scam, , , ,   

    Watch for Tiny Charges on Your Bank Cards 

    Watch for Tiny Charges on Your Bank Cards

    By Greg Collier

    The holiday season is a time for generosity and joy, but it can also be a time when scammers take advantage of the season’s goodwill. If you spot a small, unexpected charitable donation on your credit card statement, it might not be a simple mistake, it could be a red flag.

    Small, unrecognized charges, especially to charitable organizations, can indicate that your credit or debit card has been compromised. When scammers obtain stolen card information, one of the first things they do is test the card. They accomplish this by making tiny transactions, often through charities. These small charges tend to fly under the radar, especially during the holidays when charitable giving surges. If the payment goes through successfully, it confirms to the scammers that the card is still valid and ready for larger, fraudulent purchases.

    The timing of this tactic is no coincidence. Around 20% of all charitable donations occur in December, making small, unfamiliar charges feel more plausible this time of year. A $2 or $5 donation might seem insignificant or even well-meaning, but that’s precisely what makes these transactions effective for scammers. People are less likely to dispute such small amounts, especially if they believe it’s an innocent oversight or a forgotten holiday contribution.

    To stay ahead of scammers, vigilance is key. Rather than waiting for your monthly statement, make it a habit to check your accounts online regularly. Weekly reviews can help you catch suspicious activity quickly before it escalates. Many card providers also offer transaction notifications via text or email, alerting you whenever a purchase is made. Enabling these alerts adds an extra layer of security, helping you identify unauthorized charges the moment they occur.

    If you do spot a charge you don’t recognize, act quickly. Contact your card provider right away to report the fraudulent activity. Taking immediate steps to lock or replace the card can stop scammers in their tracks and prevent further misuse.

    This season of giving should be one of joy and goodwill—not frustration. By staying proactive and mindful of your accounts, you can protect yourself from scammers who may try to take advantage of the holiday spirit. Don’t let a small charge turn into a big headache. Keep a watchful eye, and let your generosity this season be on your own terms.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on November 21, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: charity scam, , funeral livestream,   

    The Unthinkable World of Funeral Scams 

    By Greg Collier

    In a world where we often lean on shared humanity during moments of grief, it’s difficult to imagine anything more sacred than a funeral. These ceremonies offer solace, remembrance, and a chance for loved ones to honor the departed. Yet, even in these deeply personal moments, scammers have found a way to intrude, exploiting sorrow and generosity for their gain.

    Two particular schemes have emerged as glaring examples of how nothing is off-limits to those driven by greed. Both prey on vulnerability and compassion, capitalizing on the chaos and emotion that accompany loss.

    The first scam, increasingly prevalent online, targets grieving families and friends through fake funeral livestream invitations. Leveraging the widespread use of social media, fraudsters mimic the profiles of deceased individuals or create fake tribute pages. These pages invite friends and acquaintances to view a funeral service livestream, but accessing the supposed stream requires entering credit card information. The charges, often disguised as small verification fees, evolve into recurring payments buried in fine print. Once victims realize the deception, they are left not only out of pocket, but also grappling with anger and betrayal during an already fragile time.

    Equally troubling is a scam that plays out in person at busy intersections. Individuals hold signs featuring a child’s photograph, accompanied by desperate pleas for funeral donations. These images and stories tug at the heartstrings, compelling passersby to give what they can. But these narratives, like the signs themselves, are fabricated. The supposed grieving family doesn’t exist, and the money collected goes straight into the pockets of the scammers.

    Both scams reveal a grim reality that even the most sacred moments are not immune to exploitation. These schemes prey on our best intentions, weaponizing grief and compassion to serve selfish ends. They target not only those who are mourning but also those who, in an act of kindness, attempt to help. Those who fall victim to these schemes may feel ashamed, but the blame lies entirely with the perpetrators who engineered the fraud.

    In combating these scams, awareness can be a powerful deterrent, as knowledge of these tactics makes them less likely to succeed. By staying informed and supporting others in recognizing these schemes, communities can protect themselves and preserve the sanctity of moments that should remain untouched by deceit.

    No corner of life is too sacred for scammers, it seems. But while their greed knows no bounds, neither does the potential for people to stand together, informed and resolute, against such exploitation. Grief may be universal, but so too is the resolve to safeguard our most cherished moments from those who would defile them for profit.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 31, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: charity scam, , ,   

    Costly Lessons from a Pigeon Drop Scam 

    Costly Lessons from a Pigeon Drop Scam

    By Greg Collier

    In District Heights, Maryland, a recent case has highlighted the dangers of ‘pigeon drop’ scams, a type of fraud where unsuspecting victims are convinced to hand over money with promises of an even larger reward. This classic confidence scheme has left one elderly woman nearly $40,000 poorer, serving as a reminder of how easily trust can be exploited by scammers.

    The incident in Prince George’s County began when the victim was approached by two individuals outside of a business. They lured her in by claiming they had found a bag of money and wondered if it belonged to her. When she confirmed it wasn’t hers, they proposed an unusual solution. Rather than taking the money to the police, they suggested that she could donate it to charity. Convincing her of this fabricated opportunity, they managed to pressure her into withdrawing thousands from her bank account over a period of two days.

    In a pigeon drop scam, scammers claim they can’t donate the money themselves to add an air of plausibility and urgency to their scheme, which helps manipulate the victim into action. They often tell the victim they’re unable to make the donation because of practical or logistical reasons, like being from out of town, lacking a bank account, or needing to leave quickly. By presenting these reasons, the scammers deflect suspicion and make the target feel they’re the only one who can ‘do the right thing’, pushing them further into the scam’s fabricated narrative. To make matters worse, the supposed ‘found money’ is counterfeit.

    As luck would have it, the scheme didn’t continue unchecked. The Financial Crimes Unit of the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) launched an investigation, using various techniques to track down the suspects. Within days, they located the group at a shopping center, catching them just as they were attempting to approach yet another potential victim. This quick intervention led to their arrest, preventing further harm.

    Despite these arrests, authorities remain concerned that more people may have fallen prey to similar scams but haven’t come forward. The nature of a pigeon drop scheme, which often plays on individuals’ generosity or sense of duty, makes it particularly insidious; victims may feel embarrassed, reluctant, or even uncertain about reporting their experience. Yet law enforcement emphasizes that there’s no need for shame in being targeted by such a well-rehearsed ploy.

    The PGPD urges the community to remain cautious and mindful, as these types of scams can happen to anyone. They recommend avoiding giving money or sharing financial information with strangers, especially when promises or situations appear unusually generous or urgent. Residents are reminded that legitimate charities never operate through unsolicited street interactions or unverified contacts.

    Ultimately, the case in District Heights serves as a stark reminder, in our interactions with strangers, especially those involving money, it pays to be wary. Skepticism isn’t cynicism, it’s protection. And while charity is noble, genuine donations should always be routed through trustworthy, verified channels to prevent these exploitative schemes from succeeding.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 2, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , charity scam, , , ,   

    Ensure Your Donations Reach Hurricane Victims 

    Ensure Your Donations Reach Hurricane Victims

    By Greg Collier

    In the wake of any major hurricane, such as Hurricane Helene, communities come together, eager to offer help. It’s during these critical times that victims rely on charitable donations for essentials like food, water, shelter, and medical aid. Unfortunately, natural disasters also create opportunities for scammers to exploit that goodwill. Before opening your wallet, it’s important to take extra precautions to ensure your donation is truly helping those affected.

    The Rise of Donation Scams During Disasters

    Every time a disaster strikes, fraudulent fundraising efforts spike. Scammers will go to great lengths, posing as legitimate organizations or setting up fake crowdfunding campaigns to deceive generous individuals. The FBI has noted a significant increase in phishing scams after hurricanes, often involving impersonation of trusted organizations like the Red Cross. These fake appeals can come via email, social media, or even text messages.

    To protect yourself and ensure your contribution goes where it’s needed, follow these steps before making a donation.

    Verify the Charity’s Legitimacy

    One of the easiest ways to protect yourself from fraud is to verify the charity you’re donating to. Scammers often send fake emails or text messages with slight variations in the names of well-known organizations, like “Red Cros” instead of “Red Cross.” They may also direct you to private payment platforms like PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo, which legitimate charities rarely use.

    Before donating, check if the charity is recognized and reputable by visiting websites such as Give.org or Charity Navigator. These platforms provide ratings and reviews of charitable organizations, helping you confirm that your donation will reach those in need.

    Be Skeptical of Email and Text Requests

    Legitimate charities will not cold-email or text you asking for donations. If you receive such requests, especially if they ask for quick payment through private platforms or cryptocurrency, consider it a red flag. It’s best to donate directly through the charity’s official website.

    If you’re unsure about a donation request, go directly to the charity’s website by typing the URL into your browser instead of clicking on links in unsolicited emails or messages. This ensures you’re visiting the correct site and not a phishing attempt.

    Check Crowdfunding Campaigns Carefully

    Crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe light up with requests for help after hurricanes. While many are legitimate, it’s essential to ensure you’re contributing to verified campaigns. GoFundMe has a “verified” feature for campaigns that have been confirmed to reach the intended recipients, but even with verification, be cautious if you don’t know the person running the campaign.

    If you’re moved to help an individual, research their story carefully. Look for details, follow-up posts, and proof that the campaign is legitimate. Whenever possible, it’s better to give to well-established organizations that specialize in disaster relief and have a track record of success.

    Avoid Door-to-Door or Phone Solicitation

    Scammers often take advantage of disaster situations by going door-to-door, claiming to be from a legitimate charity. While this might seem like a direct way to contribute, it’s also one of the most common methods used by fraudsters.

    If someone approaches you with a solicitation, ask for identification and any materials related to the organization they claim to represent. It’s always safer to donate through the organization’s website rather than handing over cash or personal information to a stranger.

    Donate Directly to Major Organizations

    To avoid the risk of fraud entirely, it’s always a good idea to donate directly to major, well-known organizations that have a long history of hurricane and disaster relief. Organizations like the Red Cross are transparent about where your dollars go and have extensive systems in place to ensure donations reach those who need them most.

    Give Generously, But Wisely

    The desire to help in the aftermath of a hurricane is natural, and your generosity can make a real difference in the lives of victims. However, taking a few extra steps to verify where your money is going can prevent scammers from capitalizing on your good intentions. By carefully vetting the charities you support, avoiding unsolicited emails or texts, and sticking to trusted organizations, you can ensure that your donation is reaching those who need it the most.

    Hurricanes can bring out the best in people, but they also attract those looking to exploit. Stay alert, do your research, and give wisely.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 12, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: charity scam, , , , ,   

    Charity scammers wasted no time after TN tornadoes 

    By Greg Collier

    Over this past weekend, a series of tornadoes touched down in Tennessee that destroyed hundreds of homes and tragically took lives. According to the Better Business Bureau, reports have already come in saying scammers are posing as charities to try to make a quick buck. This is nothing new, as scammers can almost always be found trying to take advantage of a natural disaster, regardless of the heartbreak it brings.

    The most prevalent scam that emerges in the aftermath of a natural disaster involves individuals offering cleanup or repair services at discounted rates. Fraudsters typically request full upfront payment, and instead of delivering on their promises, they often perform minimal work or none at all. It’s crucial to verify the legitimacy of contractors by asking for their licenses and proof of insurance before engaging in any transactions.

    Another scam related to disasters occurs when fraudsters claim to assist in qualifying for FEMA relief assistance. Notably, FEMA does not impose any application fees. If someone purporting to be from FEMA demands money, it is highly likely to be a fraudulent scheme.

    Similar caution should be exercised with scammers posing as representatives of your insurance company. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from your insurance provider, refrain from disclosing personal information. Instead, hang up and independently contact your local agent or the customer service number specified on your policy.

    Even for those residing outside disaster-stricken areas, vigilance against scams is paramount. While charitable intentions are commendable, exercise caution when donating to unfamiliar organizations purporting to support disaster relief. Legitimate charities never solicit donations through gift cards, money orders, or wire transfers. Additionally, be wary of scammers employing high-pressure tactics to coerce swift donations.

    The Better Business Bureau is also warning that charity scammers may be using names similar to real charities. The BBB gives the example of scammers using a name like Red Cross of the United States instead of the American Red Cross.

    To guarantee that your charitable donation has a meaningful impact, it’s essential to take specific steps to confirm the legitimacy of the intended charity. Resources such as Charity Navigator and Give.org offer a reliable platform to verify the authenticity of various charitable organizations. Furthermore, confirming the charity’s registration with the IRS serves as a trustworthy indicator of its legitimacy. These precautionary measures ensure that your contribution goes towards reputable organizations dedicated to making a positive difference.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 15, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: charity scam, , , , ,   

    Maui wildfires bring out the scammers 

    Maui wildfires bring out the scammers

    By Greg Collier

    In case you haven’t been following the news, the island of Maui in Hawaii has been experiencing the worst wildfires in over a century. And whenever there is a natural disaster of this scale, the scammers are sure to follow. In that vein, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is trying to get ahead of the scammers and has issued a warning not only to the residents of Maui, but also those looking to help the victims of the fires.

    The first type of scam the FTC is warning residents about is the FEMA impersonation scam. After natural disasters, scammers will often impersonate the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to try to get personal information or money from victims of the disaster.

    Fraudsters masquerade as FEMA representatives and contact individuals, offering aid related to disaster relief or financial support.

    These impostors deploy a variety of tactics to target potential victims, utilizing means like phone calls, emails, text messages, or social media posts. They might assert that the person has been granted financial aid, or insist on the need for personal particulars to facilitate aid distribution.

    After winning the victim’s confidence, the scammers proceed to request sensitive personal and financial data, including Social Security numbers, bank account specifics, or credit card particulars. Additionally, they might solicit funds or persuade the victim to acquire gift cards under the guise of receiving assistance.

    In actuality, authentic FEMA representatives never solicit personal or financial details through phone calls or emails, nor do they ask for monetary contributions or gift cards as prerequisites for disaster relief. Should you receive a suspicious communication purporting to be from FEMA, it’s advisable to directly contact the agency to authenticate the legitimacy of the message.

    Then there are the charity scams, which almost always appear following a disaster like this. Individuals seeking to contribute to a relief fund should exercise caution when encountering phone or email solicitations from entities with generic names such as ‘Disaster Relief Fund’. If a charitable organization seems to be exerting undue pressure on you to donate, whether via phone conversations or online platforms, there’s a strong likelihood that they are operating as scammers.

    You have the option to verify a charity’s authenticity by visiting platforms like Charity Navigator and Give.org. These resources can provide insights into which charities are genuine and which ones should be approached with skepticism. Additionally, you can cross-check with the IRS to determine whether a charity is officially registered with them; this step significantly contributes to establishing the legitimacy of the charity.

    And please keep in mind, you can always donate money or blood to the Red Cross. This will not only help the people of Maui but the victims of other disasters as well.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 20, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: charity scam, , , , , , ,   

    Scam Round Up: Fake cops threaten tenants and more 

    Scam Round Up: Fake cops threaten tenants and more

    By Greg Collier

    Our first scam of the day comes to us from a warning from the New York City Police Department. The NYPD says they’ve seen an increase in a charity scam that involves Venmo and your phone. Scammers are approaching NYC residents while pretending they’re working for a charity.

    The scammers will ask for a donation through the personal payment app Venmo. The victim will be provided the information to make the donation, but the donation won’t go through. This is when the scammer will ask for the victim’s phone to help them make the donation. Instead, the scammers are sending the entire amount of the victim’s Venmo account to themselves.

    The NYPD is telling residents not to hand their phones over to strangers, especially if they’re asking for donations. Please keep in mind, Venmo was intended to be used between family and friends.

    ***

    We’ve been keeping a close eye on the scams that involve AI-generated voice-spoofing. Scammers will take someone’s voice either from social media or their voicemail message and run it through an AI voice program that will allow them to make someone’s voice say just about anything they want. Typically, voice-spoofing is used in the grandparent and virtual kidnapping scams. In these scams, scammers need the victim to believe they’re talking to a loved one.

    The most recent report we have on this is out of Atlanta, where a mother was confronted with this scam. She received a call she thought was from her adult daughter. She heard her daughter’s voice before someone on the call said her daughter saw something she shouldn’t have and has now been kidnapped. The caller demanded $50,000 in ransom.

    Thankfully, her husband was able to get a hold of her daughter, who was in no real danger.

    If you receive a phone call like this, always try to reach the person who has been supposedly kidnapped through other means. Even if you have a full conversation with someone who sounds just like your loved one, always verify the story. Ask them a question only they would know, or set up a family code word ahead of time that would signify who you were talking to.

    ***

    Residents of Newark, New Jersey, have reported that people posing as police have been going around to tenants and demanding multiple months worth of rent. If the phony officers don’t get the money, they threaten the tenants with eviction and arrest.

    In New Jersey, an eviction can’t be carried out until the landlord has received a judgment in court.

    If you’re renting your home or apartment, you should familiarize yourself with your state’s or county’s eviction process.

    Also, keep in mind, legitimate police will never show up at your door asking for your rent money. If someone claiming to be police does show up at your door, call the police department they’re supposedly from and verify if an officer has been dispatched to your home.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on February 15, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , charity scam, , , , Syria, , Turkey,   

    When Disaster Strikes: Beware of Earthquake Charity Scams 

    When Disaster Strikes: Beware of Earthquake Charity Scams

    By Greg Collier

    As you may be aware of, devastating earthquakes struck the countries of Turkey and Syria. As with any natural disaster that garners headlines, scammers are already trying to take advantage of the world’s generosity. While the traditional charity scams are being used, new scams have appeared in the wake of the catastrophes.

    Charity scammers often resort to cold-calling or sending unsolicited messages to target unsuspecting individuals. They may adopt deceptive names that sound legitimate or even masquerade as reputable organizations such as the Red Cross. It is essential to exercise caution and refrain from responding to any unsolicited communication, as this has emerged as the primary means of operation for such fraudulent entities.

    It is advisable to steer clear of making donations to charities with ambiguous names, such as “Disaster Relief Fund”. Such names do not clearly indicate the purpose of the organization, and it may not be apparent how your donation will be utilized.

    The situation has further worsened with the emergence of social media scammers on TikTok, where users can tip content creators. Fraudulent individuals are taking advantage of this platform by posting generic videos of disaster aftermaths, and falsely claiming that the tips will go towards relief efforts.

    Similarly, Twitter has not remained immune to these fraudulent activities. Scammers are posting AI-generated images of rescue workers holding children who appear to have been affected by the disaster, and soliciting donations to a Bitcoin wallet. It is worth noting that the pictures may appear real as they are generated using AI art programs, as in the example image above.

    To ensure that your charitable contribution makes a genuine impact, there are several steps you can take to verify the legitimacy of the charity you intend to donate to. Websites like Charity Navigator and Give.org provide a platform to verify the authenticity of various charitable organizations. Additionally, you can check if the charity is registered with the IRS, as this serves as a reliable indicator of its authenticity.

    In case of unsolicited contact, it is best to refrain from divulging any personal or financial information to unknown individuals. Exercise caution when considering crowdfunding campaigns initiated by anonymous individuals, as these may also be fraudulent schemes. By remaining vigilant and verifying the legitimacy of the charity, you can ensure that your donation goes towards the cause you intend to support.

     

  • Geebo 9:02 am on January 4, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: charity scam, Damar Hamlin, ,   

    Beware of fake charities in injured NFL player’s name 

    Beware of fake charities in injured NFL player's name

    By Greg Collier

    By now, most of us have heard about the devastating injury that happened to Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin during Monday night’s game. For those who may not know, Damar collapsed on the field during the Bills’ game at Cincinnati. Damar was attempting to tackle a Bengals player when he took a helmet to the chest. While the hit didn’t appear to be that hard, it had enough of an impact to send Damar into cardiac arrest. He rose from the field after the hit before collapsing. As of the time of this writing, Damar Hamlin remains in critical condition and is on a ventilator.

    Prior to his injury, Damar had set up a GoFundMe that would help children affected by the pandemic in his Pennsylvania hometown of McKees Rocks to get toys for Christmas. However, Damar’s GoFundMe has now been set up to help Damar fight his current battle, as his family put it. Thanks to the generosity of the American public, Damar’s GoFundMe has raised over $5 million.

    His family has also stated that Damar’s GoFundMe is the only fund being used by his family. To that end, a representative for Damar has said that scam accounts have shown up claiming to collect money for Damar. There is also a warning to avoid donating money to any Venmo or Cash App accounts that are claiming to be collecting money for Damar Hamlin.

    We here at Geebo.com would like to offer our thoughts to Damar Hamlin’s family at this time, and we’re hoping for his recovery.

    If you’d like to donate to Damar’s GoFundMe, you can do so here.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 28, 2022 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: charity scam, , ,   

    Grim donation scam plagues intersections 

    Grim donation scam plagues intersections

    By Greg Collier

    If you’ve driven any amount of time in the US, you’ve undoubtedly seen roadside donations taking place at a certain intersection. Often you’ll see the local fire department out collecting donations to help combat childhood diseases. They’re usually easy to identify since it’s clear who they are from their uniforms. Sometimes you might see a local civic group having a collection drive for any number of reasons. Again, they usually have plenty of signage identifying their organization and what they’re collecting for. But what if you saw a group of people collecting donations for a child’s funeral? Would you toss them a couple of bucks? If you answered yes, you may want to reconsider that donation.

    Recently, we’ve seen reports from various parts of the country where scammers are allegedly setting up shop in busy intersections. They’re said to be holding signs asking for donations to help pay for a teenage girl’s funeral. Or it could also be for the funeral of a young boy. However, the constant theme among all of the scams is the scammers have claimed they need money for a child’s funeral.

    And when we say, it’s happening in different parts of the country, we mean it. We have reports from Western Massachusetts, Southern California, Missouri, and another report from Southern California. While we don’t think the scammers are connected, it can’t be coincidence that these scams have sprung up all around the same time. It’s reminiscent of all the fake violinists who started appearing in parking lots across the country.

    Scammers will use every dirty trick in the book to either lull you into a sense of panic or pull on your heartstrings to try to get your money. And there’s nothing sadder than a funeral for a child to elicit a few donations on the street. However, a funeral scam is probably one of the lowest scams that someone can pull.

     

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