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  Geebo 8:00 am on October 28, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Cash App ( 42 ), contractors, dumpsters, home remodeling, Scams ( 1,366 ), venmo ( 28 ), Zelle ( 66 )   

  Even a Dumpster Can Become a Tool for Fraud 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In San Antonio, Texas, a new scam is taking shape, one that initially seems harmless but has serious financial consequences for unsuspecting consumers and businesses. The scheme revolves around something as seemingly innocuous as a dumpster rental. A service most people associate with home improvement, not fraud. Yet, this scam reveals how even the most mundane services can become avenues for financial deception.

  The scam preys on homeowners looking for affordable solutions for remodeling or debris removal. Online platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor provide the setting, where criminals advertise low-cost dumpster rentals. Eager to secure a good deal, homeowners send payments through apps like Venmo, Zelle, or Cash App, unaware that the transaction is part of a more elaborate scam.

  The scammer, posing as a legitimate business, orders the dumpster from an actual rental company using stolen credit card information. When the company delivers the dumpster, the homeowner assumes everything is in order. This act of delivery adds a deceptive layer of trust, leading many victims to believe they are dealing with a legitimate service.

  The fraud doesn’t end with the dumpster’s arrival. Soon, the dumpster rental company realizes the payment it received through the stolen card has been reversed, leaving the business without compensation. Banks recover the funds for the cardholder, and the business is left holding the loss.

  The homeowner, who believed they had paid for the service, now faces the possibility of additional charges. They may either need to cover the unpaid balance to avoid further issues or deal with an unexpected dispute over the service they received.

  This scam highlights how criminals can weaponize ordinary services. A dumpster, often seen as just a tool for home projects, becomes an anchor for fraudulent activity, pulling multiple victims into the deception. The scam touches every link in the chain: the person whose card is stolen, the business losing revenue, and the homeowner who is left with a service that wasn’t properly paid for.

  What makes this scam particularly deceptive is the ease with which it unfolds. Payment apps like Venmo or Zelle allow quick transfers, and the physical delivery of the dumpster creates a convincing facade of legitimacy. Once the service is delivered, it becomes more challenging for victims to recognize the fraud in time to act. The scenario demonstrates how criminals adapt familiar tools, whether it’s a payment app or a dumpster, into schemes that are difficult to detect and resolve.

  Homeowners are advised to thoroughly verify the legitimacy of any service before making a payment, while companies must remain alert to suspicious transactions that could signal fraudulent behavior. Something as routine as a dumpster rental can become the core of an elaborate scam.

  As both individuals and businesses adapt to these emerging threats, proactive measures can help limit the damage caused by schemes that use everyday services as a vehicle for fraud.

   

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  Geebo 9:00 am on January 31, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: contractors, fake check ( 48 ), home repair scam ( 3 ), overpayment scam ( 9 ), Scams ( 1,366 )   

  Contractors tricked by scammers into redoing homeowner’s driveway 

  

  By Greg Collier

  If you heard that a homeowner had their driveway worked on by contractors when they didn’t order any such work, you might assume the homeowner was the victim of a scam. Well, they were definitely a victim of a scam, but they were not the intended target.

  The homeowner from Denver had just listed their home for sale online. Typically, that can invite a number of scams in itself, such as scammers claiming they’re renting the home while the owner is trying to sell it. However, this time, something wholly unexpected happened.

  While monitoring their security camera at work, the homeowner observed contractors in their driveway. Concerned, they asked a neighbor to investigate. The contractors claimed they were there for a job ordered by someone named Gary, who allegedly bought the house and wanted the driveway redone. Fortunately, the homeowner’s intervention, with the help of the neighbor, prevented any damage as the contractors were convinced the job was not authorized and left.

  It is suspected that the contractors were targeted in the overpayment scam, commonly referred to as the fake check scam. In this scheme, a check exceeding the agreed-upon amount is provided for a purchase, and scammers request the overpayment to be returned before the victim or their bank discovers the check is fraudulent. This leaves the victim responsible for the full amount to their bank. In this instance, scammers are targeting homes that have been listed for sale that aren’t occupied.

  Business owners can take several steps to protect themselves from the overpayment or fake check scam. Before proceeding with any transaction, especially if it involves a check for an amount exceeding the agreed-upon price, verify the legitimacy of the buyer or client. Confirm their identity and the purpose of the transaction.

  Whenever possible, encourage or insist on using secure and traceable payment methods such as electronic funds transfer, credit cards, or certified checks. These methods offer more security than personal or business checks. Independently verify the authenticity of any checks received, especially if they seem unusually large or if there’s pressure to return a portion of the payment. Contact the issuing bank directly to confirm the validity of the check.

  Before releasing goods or providing services, wait for the check to fully clear. Just because a check is deposited doesn’t mean it has cleared, and it can take some time for banks to confirm its legitimacy.

  If something seems too good to be true or if a transaction feels suspicious, trust your instincts. It’s better to conduct additional checks or refuse a transaction than to fall victim to a scam.

  By implementing these precautionary measures and staying vigilant, business owners can reduce the risk of falling prey to scams like the overpayment or fake check scam.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on December 28, 2022 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: contractors, natural disasters ( 20 ), roofing ( 2 ), Scams ( 1,366 ), winter weather ( 6 )   

  Hurricane scams can help prevent snow damage scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A large part of the country just went through a major winter storm. Some homes may have received major damage, as snow can be deceptively heavy and destructive. When it comes to scams related to severe or extreme weather, they tend to follow a pattern. Take roofing for example. Roofs can be damaged in both hurricanes and snowstorms. A breach in a home’s roof is not something you can just let sit while waiting for the weather to improve. A homeowner may jump at the first offer of repair without realizing the potential consequences just to get their family safe and warm again.

  For example, take the two Florida roommates who had a whole in the roof of their home following Hurricane Ian earlier this year. One of the roommates received an unsolicited offer from a man who said he could fix the roof for $32,000. The man was even supposedly licensed by the state. The roommates gave the man a check for $32,000 and thought that was that. Except, the man disappeared for four days without doing any work on the roof. When the man finally reemerged, he asked the roommates for more money. The roommates called police and the man was arrested. It turned out he had allegedly stolen the license of a legitimate contractor.

  This scam may about to approach the parts of the country hit the hardest by the storm. Whether it’s your roof, plumbing, or some other part of your home that’s been damaged, be wary of any unsolicited offers to fix your home. Always get an estimate first and never pay up front. Also make sure that the contractor is licensed in your state. Many out of state scammers will be licensed in their own state but not yours while promising you that they’re licensed.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 7, 2022 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: business scam ( 3 ), contractors, impersonation scam ( 146 ), payment app ( 18 ), Scams ( 1,366 ), venmo ( 28 ), voicemail ( 4 )   

  Hacked phone call leads to business scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  It almost seems like anything can be turned into a scam these days. Granted, this is a blog that mainly focuses on scams. As the saying goes, when you’re a hammer, everything looks like a nail. However, there used to be a time when you could call a local business, leave them a voicemail, and expect a call back from that business. Now, it seems, that even that is at risk from scammers.

  According to the Better Business Bureau, a woman from Pennsylvania left a voicemail with a local concrete company. She needed some repair work done. Instead of getting a phone call, she received a text that claimed to be from the concrete company. The text asked for a picture of the repairs that needed to be done and a $50 deposit paid through Venmo. If you’re unfamiliar with Venmo, it’s a personal payment app on your phone that is supposed to only be used between family and friends.

  The victim then received another text asking for another $50 before she was asked to pay for 50% of the price of the job. All these payments were supposed to be paid through Venmo. It was at this point the woman called the actual concrete company, who told her that they weren’t the pones behind the text messages.

  It turned out that the concrete company’s voicemail service had been hijacked by the scammers. Who knows how many customers the scammers took advantage of in this way?

  Now, we’re not saying that this type of scam is a national crisis. This is the first we’ve heard of this type of scam. However, it is something to keep in mind if it does become a bigger problem.

  Another thing to keep in mind is when a supposed business asks for payment through an app. Whether it’s Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle, these apps are only intended for personal use and not for business. Even most local handymen and women have ways of accepting payment through credit or debit cards. Any business that asks for payment through one of these apps may not be on the up and up.

  If you feel like things aren’t on the level when dealing with a business, don’t be afraid to end communication.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on December 15, 2021 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: contractors, disaster relief ( 6 ), FEMA ( 10 ), insurance ( 8 ), natural disasters ( 20 ), Scams ( 1,366 ), tornadoes ( 5 )   

  Tornado victims could also be victims of scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The other day, we discussed how charity scams could follow in the wake of the recent tornadoes that struck the South and Midwest. We’d be remiss if we didn’t also discuss the scams that could be targeting the tornado victims. As is almost always the case, whenever disaster strikes, scammers are sure to follow. It doesn’t matter how extensive the damage or loss of life is, scammers have no qualms about preying on those who’ve already lost everything. Once again, the State of Kentucky has issued a warning to its residents about these potential scams. While you may not currently live in a disaster area, having these tips will leave you better prepared in case you are.

  Disasters like this, and others, will always bring in the shady contractors. They usually come from out of state and approach the property unsolicited. Scammers will ask you to pay in full upfront. Legitimate contractors will have licenses that you can ask to see along with their proof of insurance. Scammers will take your money and do little if any work repairing your home. The State of Kentucky has also warned its residents to be wary of any contractor who claims to be FEMA certified or FEMA referred them to you. FEMA offers no such certification or service.

  Speaking of FEMA, another popular disaster scam is when scammers pose as FEMA but claim they need a payment in order to offer you any kind of disaster relief. This is known as the advance fee scam. FEMA impersonators may also try to steal your identity by asking for personal information.

  The same goes for phone scammers who may try to impersonate your home insurance company. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from your insurance company, don’t give them any personal information. Instead, you should hang up and either call your local agent or the customer service phone number listed on your policy.

  You can find more tips on how to avoid these scams at this link.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 28, 2021 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: contractors, paving scam, Scams ( 1,366 )   

  Victim gives gun to paving scammers 

  

  By Greg Collier

  This time of year is the season for paving and contracting scammers. In many parts of the country, these scammers will go from town to town offering home or driveway repair services for relatively cheap prices. They usually offer their services by driving up to someone’s home unsolicited. Often, the scammers will say they have leftover materials from a previous job and that’s why the price appears to be so low, at first. More often than not, the scammers will either leave the work unfinished, or they’ll demand a much higher price than initially offered. Then the scammers can get very intimidating if you don’t have the money to pay them as one victim recently found out.

  A widow from Virginia fell victim to just such a group of scammers. They pulled up to her home, stating they had asphalt left over from a previous job, and gave her a low price per square foot for repaving her driveway. However, they wouldn’t give her an exact quote. After they finished the driveway, they told the woman that the total fee was $7,000. The woman didn’t have this kind of money, and the scammers started pressuring her into considering things like going to the bank to take out a loan or selling some of her personal belongings. At one point, the scammers are said to have wanted to take her dog as partial payment. She eventually gave them $2,000 and a gun that she owned, which they accepted. Police are currently investigating.

  No real contractor or paver will ever drive up to someone’s home unannounced with leftover building materials. The trucks these scammers drive are usually unmarked and could have out of state license plates. Even if you’re in the market to have home repairs done, always get a quote from any contractor you deal with. It’s also best to make sure they’re licensed in the state you reside. If they say they’re licensed but don’t say where, that could be an indication of a scam. Lastly, if you interact with one of these scammers, you may want to call your local police at the non-emergency number to let them know there are potential scammers in your area.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 9, 2021 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: charity scam ( 34 ), contractors, hurricanes, natural disasters ( 20 ), price gouging ( 8 ), Scams ( 1,366 )   

  How hurricane season scams could affect you 

  

  By Greg Collier

  With the hurricane season just underway, there are expected to be up to 20 named storms in the Atlantic this year. While not all of the named storms will make landfall, there is still potential for storm related damage to affect those in hurricane-prone areas. If the devastation from the storms aren’t bad enough, damaging storms can also bring all sorts of scammers out of the woodwork. Some of these scams can affect you even if you don’t live in the storm-ravaged area.

  If you do live in the storm area, you have to be aware of scam contractors. These are scammers claiming to be contractors who offer help to repair your home. According to the Better Business Bureau, these phony contractors travel from storm to storm, looking for victims. They’ll claim to be licensed, but they may not be licensed in your state. You should only deal with contractors that are licensed in your state. Another good way to avoid this scam is to get estimates from a few contractors. Also, you should never pay in advance as that could be an indication of a scam.

  Another act of fraud that almost inevitably happens with natural disasters is price gouging. This is when businesses will start charging outrageous prices for items or services that are in demand during a crisis. One of the biggest areas of price gouging comes from hotels when people are trying to find emergency lodging. Not only could this price gouging happen in your area, but it could also happen in areas not affected by the storm as shady proprietors could be expecting an influx of people escaping the storm.

  There are also charity scams to look out for. After every major storm, scammers will start posing as charities looking to pressure you into making a donation to them. These phony charities will often have generic sounding names like ‘Storm Relief Fund’ for example. If you want to financially help those affected by the storm it’s always a safe bet to donate to the Red Cross. You can also check the Better Business Bureau’s Give.org to see if the charity you want to donate to is legitimate or not.

  Even if you don’t live in a hurricane-prone area, the area you live in probably has its own share of natural disasters. Whether it’s blizzards, floods, wildfires, tornadoes, or what have you, these scams will move into your area if a natural disaster occurs.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on February 22, 2021 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: charity scam ( 34 ), contractors, Scams ( 1,366 ), texas ( 22 ), winter weather ( 6 )   

  The scams after the storm 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Even though temperatures are returning to normal in Texas, there is still a lot of clean-up that needs to be done in the Lone Star State. Power lines still need to be restored and many Texas residents experienced substantial home damage after frozen pipes burst in their homes. After any disaster, scavengers will descend upon the area looking to take advantage of those in need. The Texas winter storm is no different, and it’s not just Texas residents that have to look out for scammers.

  If you live in the affected areas of Texas, you might want to keep an eye out for shady or phony contractors who appear out of the blue offering to repair your home. If you receive unsolicited calls offering repair service or someone just shows up to your home, there’s a very good chance that they are a scammer. We’re obviously not saying that all contractors are scammers, however, there are many scammers who pose as contractors.

  If you were to accept one of these offers, you could be looking at unfinished work at best and loss of potential federal assistance funds at worst. The Texas Department of insurance recommends getting multiple bids from contractors before settling on one to repair your home. You might be tempted to go with the first offer since you want your home operating properly as soon as possible, but that could possibly lead to even more problems. In turn, that could potentially further delay your home from returning to normal.

  You should also avoid anyone who says they’ll waive your insurance deductible or asks for a large down payment or full payment up front. In many cases, these actions are illegal in Texas.

  For people living outside of Texas, you have to be wary of charity scams. If you receive a phone call, text, email, or social media message soliciting for donations, ignore them and delete them. Most scammers will use vague names of charities like ‘Storm Relief’. They’ll also try to pressure you into making a donation at that very moment. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t donate to a legitimate charity to help those in need in Texas. CNN has a list of legitimate charities assisting in Texas disaster relief. You can also go to Charity Navigator to make sure the charity you’re donating to will actually get help to where it’s needed most.

   
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  Geebo 8:52 am on June 27, 2018 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: contractors, craigslist ( 129 ), Facebook Marketplace ( 62 )   

  Craigslist contractors can cause calamity 

  

  A subject we don’t discuss on this blog that we really should are the hazards of hiring a contractor off of an unmoderated site like craigslist. Craigslist is rife with both unlicensed contractors and con artists posing as contractors. When a state or municipal licensing board wants to crack down on illegal contractors, craigslist is the first place they turn to.

  Recently in Bakersfield, California, one such supposed contractor was arrested for allegedly placing ads on craigslist and Facebook posing as a contractor while bilking people out of their money. The suspect is said to have collected down payments from potential customers but would pocket the money instead of doing any kind of contracting work. This is just one of the hazards of using craigslist to try to hire a contractor.

  If you allow an unlicensed contractor into your home to do major repairs or alterations, not only could you be gambling with your home improvement fund, but you could also find yourself on the hook for medical expenses if the contractor were to injure themselves without carrying the proper insurance. Many states have licensing websites where you can look up to see if the contractor is licensed. It also helps to check references and your local Better Business Bureau to see if a contractor is trustworthy. Anybody can print out a business card that says they are a contractor, but only a licensed contractor can earn your business and trust through their reputation.