Tagged: customer service Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 26, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: customer service, free upgrade, , ,   

    The Costly Trap of ‘Free’ Phone Upgrades 

    The Costly Trap of ‘Free’ Phone Upgrades

    By Greg Collier

    What may sound like a generous offer of a free phone upgrade can sometimes be the opening move in a costly scam. A recent case in Atlanta highlights how convincing these schemes can be and how easily consumers can be drawn in when scammers present themselves as representatives of well-known companies.

    The scam begins with a call claiming to come from a customer loyalty department. The target is offered a free upgrade, often involving a phone, smartwatch, or tablet. The caller already has access to some personal details, which creates a false sense of legitimacy. To proceed, the victim is asked to provide a code sent to their device. Handing over this code is what gives the scammer access to the account.

    Once inside, the scammer can order devices, open additional lines, and manipulate shipping instructions to ensure the equipment ends up in their possession. A common tactic is to tell the victim that the wrong item was sent, then request the return of the device using a label connected to the fraudster rather than the company. This cycle may repeat until suspicions grow.

    By the time many consumers discover what has happened, their accounts have already been altered without their consent. Some find themselves responsible for unauthorized lines and unexpected charges. Addressing these issues can be difficult, as companies often interpret the shared code as proof that the customer authorized the changes.

    Telecommunications fraud has become a lucrative sector for scammers because phones are high-value items that are easy to resell. Exploiting upgrade programs allows criminals to divert expensive devices into secondary markets within days. Industry reports estimate that mobile carriers lose billions annually to this type of fraud, losses that can indirectly affect all customers.

    The scam is effective because it exploits a security system designed to protect customers. Verification codes are meant to safeguard accounts, but when scammers convince individuals to read those codes aloud, the entire layer of protection collapses. This allows fraudsters to bypass technical barriers without ever needing to break into company servers or crack encryption systems.

    In this Atlanta case, the company ultimately removed fraudulent lines after being contacted by local media. A statement acknowledged the sophistication of the scam and encouraged consumers to review fraud prevention resources and report suspicious activity immediately.

    Even if a call appears to come from a familiar company, it is best to avoid providing verification codes or personal information to anyone who initiates the contact. Legitimate representatives will not ask customers to share those codes. Letting calls go to voicemail and reaching out directly through official customer service numbers remains one of the most reliable ways to confirm whether an offer is real.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 25, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , customer service, ,   

    Scammers Hijack Printer, Steal $17K 

    By Greg Collier

    Authorities in Orange County, North Carolina, say a woman recently lost more than $17,000 in what investigators describe as part of a wide-reaching scam that has defrauded victims in the state.

    This case began when the victim attempted to log in to her bank account and was met with technical issues. Believing she had reached her bank, she called a number saved in her phone and was connected to individuals posing as financial representatives. She was told her accounts were frozen due to a suspicious charge and was transferred multiple times, eventually being instructed to download programs to her computer. The scammers manipulated her accounts to make it appear as though a large sum had been incorrectly deposited, then pressured her to withdraw cash to resolve the situation.

    The deception escalated when fraudulent letters, complete with a recognizable bank logo, began printing directly from her home printer. The letters warned her not to discuss the matter with her local branch, claiming there were tax complications tied to an online payment service. Under continued pressure during a phone call that lasted hours, she withdrew $17,500 from her account.

    At the bank, an employee asked her directly if she was being pressured into the withdrawal. She denied it, unaware she was being scammed, and signed a document stating she was taking the money out voluntarily. That step, while part of the bank’s effort to ensure customer protection, could also complicate any attempt she makes to recover her losses. By signing a waiver, she effectively confirmed to the bank that the withdrawal was her own decision, creating a potential defense for the institution should she pursue a reimbursement claim.

    She later handed the money directly to a man who arrived at her home, believing she was returning funds to resolve the supposed error. Investigators later confirmed that the individual who collected the money is facing multiple charges, including obtaining property under false pretenses and felony conspiracy.

    The financial consequences for the victim were severe, as the stolen funds came in part from an insurance policy she intended to use for medical expenses. Investigators have advised her that recovery of the money is unlikely given the speed with which the funds were moved.

    A representative from Bank of America stated that the bank is investigating the matter but could not provide further comment until the internal review is complete.

    Under U.S. banking regulations, customers are typically protected if their funds are taken through unauthorized electronic access. However, when a victim is manipulated into moving money themselves, banks often classify it as an authorized transaction. That distinction can leave victims without recourse, particularly when they have signed documents affirming the withdrawal was voluntary, even if they were under the influence of a scam at the time.

     

  • Geebo 8:01 am on July 25, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: airlines, customer service, , , ,   

    Scammers Lurk After Travel Rants 

    By Greg Collier

    A new scam is targeting travelers who take to social media to vent frustrations about delayed or disrupted trips. What begins as a routine post tagging an airline or airport can quickly turn into a phishing attempt from imposters posing as customer service representatives.

    One recent incident occurred after a family endured extensive travel delays returning from Mexico. A flight that was expected to take just one hour turned into a 24-hour ordeal involving hours on the tarmac and an unexpected fifteen-hour drive home. After sharing the experience on social media and tagging the involved airline and airport, the traveler’s inbox was flooded with messages that appeared to come from official customer support accounts. However, the senders were scammers attempting to collect personal information such as full names, addresses, phone numbers, and flight details.

    These fraudulent messages often come from newly created accounts that mimic real customer service pages. They may use company logos and names to appear legitimate but typically lack a verified status, have few posts, and limited engagement. In contrast, authentic corporate accounts usually have a long history, substantial followings, and verified badges.

    Travelers who wish to lodge a complaint or seek a resolution should avoid replying to social media messages that arrive unsolicited. Instead, they should reach out directly through the official website or app of the airline or travel provider. Many companies now offer live chat functions or dedicated customer support sections within their platforms.

    To avoid falling victim to this type of scam, it is important to remain cautious when receiving unexpected messages after posting a complaint. Verifying the account’s history, follower count, and contact method can help determine whether the message is genuine. Travelers should never share sensitive personal details with accounts they have not independently verified.

    In this particular case, travel insurance helped the affected family recover some of their expenses. While airing frustrations online is common, it is essential to be careful about who might be watching and waiting to take advantage.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on June 20, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: customer service, , , , search parameter injection attack   

    Fake Customer Service Numbers on Real Websites 

    By Greg Collier

    We usually tell readers to visit a company’s official website when they need a customer service number. It’s long been the safest way to avoid fake listings or shady third-party services. But a new tactic used by cybercriminals may force us to rethink that advice. A recent report from Malwarebytes reveals a troubling development in search engine abuse that puts even cautious internet users at risk.

    The issue begins with a sponsored search result on Google. Cybercriminals are paying for ads that appear when users search for customer service support from trusted brands such as Apple, Bank of America, Facebook, HP, Microsoft, Netflix, or PayPal. At first glance, the ad appears legitimate. It often leads to the actual website of the company in question. But here’s the twist. The page you land on displays a fraudulent customer service phone number, not the official one.

    What makes this tactic so effective is that the browser still shows the correct web address. From the user’s perspective, everything appears to be in order. The site design is correct, the branding is familiar, and the URL is clean. But the contact information has been manipulated using what’s known as a search parameter injection attack.

    In simple terms, the attackers craft a URL that takes advantage of the company’s internal search function. That search query then gets reflected back onto the page. Because the site does not properly sanitize or validate the input, the attacker’s text, including a fake phone number, is displayed directly within the legitimate layout of the website. The result is a convincing, dangerous piece of misinformation hiding in plain sight.

    For example, someone looking for support from Netflix might be directed to a Netflix help page, complete with a scam number prominently displayed. The same applies to PayPal or Bank of America. If a victim calls that number, they are greeted by someone pretending to represent the brand. The goal is to extract sensitive information such as login credentials, banking details, or to convince the caller to install remote access software that gives the scammer control of their device.

    According to Malwarebytes, Apple was among the more deceptive examples. In that case, the page showed a message saying there were no results for the user’s search, followed by a prominently displayed number to call for help. It was all part of the same trap.

    HP’s example was slightly more obvious, as it included some visible clues like odd phrasing before the attacker’s message. But the sense of security that comes from seeing a recognizable brand URL often overpowers a user’s instinct to double-check.

    Fortunately, tools like Malwarebytes Browser Guard have started flagging these types of manipulations. When one of these scams is detected, the software displays a warning labeled “Search Hijacking Detected,” explaining that the content has been altered.

    While this is an encouraging step, it’s not a perfect solution. Many users do not use browser protection tools, and many more still place complete trust in top search results. That trust is what scammers are exploiting. They are counting on people to assume that if a website is real, the phone number must be as well.

    This trend raises important questions about the integrity of search platforms, the responsibility of large brands to safeguard their online presence, and the growing sophistication of scams. It also calls for a renewed focus on user awareness. Before calling any support number, it’s now more important than ever to verify it independently through past communication from the company or trusted contact methods.

    The rise of search parameter injection scams highlights the evolving nature of online fraud. It’s not just about tricking people into visiting a fake site. It’s about planting bad information in the spaces people already trust. And that makes it harder to know what, or who, is real.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on June 12, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , customer service, , ,   

    Apple Scam Turned Romance Scam, Costs Victim $1M 

    A troubling scam that started with a simple internet search has become a cautionary tale about how fraud can evolve from impersonation to manipulation and, ultimately, devastating financial loss. The incident began when a man attempted to send money through Apple Pay but encountered an issue. Hoping to resolve the problem, he searched online for a customer service number. Unfortunately, the number he found was fraudulent.

    He was connected to someone posing as an Apple representative. The scammer, identifying herself as a support agent, claimed that his account had been compromised and that immediate action was necessary to protect his finances. What followed was a calculated effort to gain his trust and strip him of his life savings.

    The scam began with requests for gift cards, a well-known tactic used by criminals to extract untraceable funds. The scammer offered scripted responses in case store employees became suspicious. This was followed by months of daily interaction, during which the fraudster created a false sense of companionship and intimacy, turning the financial scheme into a romance scam.

    As trust deepened, the scammer asked the man to retrieve his physical assets from a precious metals depository. He complied, believing he was safeguarding his wealth, only to turn it over to individuals sent to his home. These individuals, known as “money mules,” transport or launder money for criminal networks. Some do so knowingly, while others are themselves manipulated into participating.

    The scammer eventually vanished once the man’s resources were depleted, leaving him with over $1 million in losses.

    The emotional and financial toll is significant, especially for someone who had spent decades building a stable life. Although no arrests have been made, the incident serves as a serious reminder of how quickly trust can be weaponized when criminals take advantage of technology, loneliness, and confusion.

    This case highlights the critical need for caution when seeking customer support online. Fake support numbers often top search results due to paid advertisements or fraudulent search engine optimization tactics. It is essential to visit official websites directly when looking for contact information. Anyone who receives unexpected instructions involving gift cards or in-person exchanges should treat such communications as highly suspicious.

    The best protection remains suspicion. Never transfer money or valuables to a stranger under pressure. Always verify identities independently, especially when financial accounts are involved. While law enforcement continues to investigate, the loss already suffered cannot be undone. But if one person learns from this incident and avoids a similar fate, the story may serve a greater purpose.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on April 25, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: customer service, , , ,   

    “Federal Locker” Scam Hits PA Victim 

    "Federal Locker" Scam Hits PA Victim

    By Greg Collier

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 17, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , customer service, , ,   

    Phantom Hacker Scam: Protect Your Money 

    Phantom Hacker Scam: Protect Your Money

    By Greg Collier

    A distressing financial scam, known as ‘the phantom hacker’, is devastating lives and leaving consumers in financial ruin. The scheme, which has been gaining traction, involves scammers impersonating bank representatives and convincing victims to move their money to supposedly secure accounts. In reality, these accounts are controlled by the scammers, resulting in the loss of substantial sums.

    One heartbreaking story involves a hair stylist and mother of two who lost $20,000, money she had painstakingly saved to open her own business. It all began with a seemingly legitimate phone call claiming to be from her bank. The scammer, using sophisticated tactics, not only mimicked the bank’s official phone number but also created a sense of urgency, warning her of a supposed hacking attempt on her account. The victim was instructed to transfer her funds to a different account for protection. A move that ultimately handed her hard-earned savings directly to the scammer.

    This deceptive practice, as with most scams, preys on fear and trust. Victims are often too rattled by the immediate threat of losing their money to critically assess the situation. By the time doubts arise, the damage is already done. Financial institutions emphasize that they will never request clients to move funds in this manner, nor will they demand immediate action through wire transfers or other unusual methods.

    The FBI has highlighted the growing sophistication of such scams. Scammers can now spoof caller ID to make it appear as though they are calling from legitimate financial institutions. This adds a layer of credibility that makes it difficult for victims to recognize the deception. The agency urges the public to remain skeptical, especially when receiving unsolicited calls regarding financial matters.

    For the victims, the aftermath of such scams is devastating. Losing significant amounts of money not only disrupts financial stability but also derails life plans and dreams. Often, the funds are nearly impossible to recover, as scammers are adept at quickly moving the stolen money beyond reach.

    The emotional and psychological tolls are equally profound. Victims often grapple with feelings of shame and disbelief, wondering how they fell for the scheme. Yet, the FBI stresses the importance of reporting such incidents, no matter how embarrassing it may feel. Reporting helps authorities track these scams and work towards holding the perpetrators accountable.

    As these scams continue to evolve, public awareness remains the best defense. Verifying any suspicious communication directly with financial institutions and hesitating to act on high-pressure demands can prevent potential losses. For those impacted, reporting incidents through official channels such as the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center is a critical step in combating this growing threat.

    The phantom hacker scam serves as a grim reminder of the importance of safeguarding personal finances. As criminals become increasingly sophisticated, staying informed and cautious is essential to protecting what matters most.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on June 20, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , customer service, duplicate purchase, , ,   

    Victim falls to duplicate purchase scam 

    Victim falls to duplicate purchase scam

    By Greg Collier

    In a world increasingly dependent on digital communication, tech support scams have become alarmingly sophisticated. This was the unfortunate reality for an Orlando resident, who recently fell victim to such a scam, losing $2500 in the process. Despite the scammers not getting away with any money, the ordeal continues as he struggles to get a refund from the merchant.

    The victim was simply trying to share photos between his phone and computer when he encountered a pop-up warning about a problem with his Microsoft account. The pop-up directed him to an online chat for assistance, where things quickly took a sinister turn.

    He initially believed the support was legitimate. The online chat session led him to a supposed Microsoft specialist who called him and convinced him to allow remote access to his computer. What seemed like a routine tech support call soon escalated into a high-stress scam scenario.

    The scammer, posing as a tech support specialist, claimed that the victim’s computer and phone had been compromised, and there was likely an issue with his bank account. He was then connected with another scammer pretending to be a bank manager, who falsely claimed that $7000 had been stolen from his account through the purchase of gift cards.

    The fake bank manager suggested a dubious solution: to make a duplicate purchase of the gift cards, which would allegedly trigger an account alert and allow him to cancel both transactions. Despite feeling uncomfortable, the victim was desperate to secure his funds. He purchased ten $250 gift cards from a local store, totaling $2500.

    When the scammers asked the victim to read the numbers on the back of the gift cards, he finally realized something was amiss. Fortunately, he hadn’t scratched off the PINs or given the scammers any card numbers.

    However, the situation worsened when he sought a refund from the merchant. The company froze the cards, which he initially thought was part of the refund process. Despite this, he has been unable to get his money back or even use the cards, which remain frozen.

    If you ever receive unexpected contact from someone claiming to be from tech support or a financial institution, the best course of action is to end the call and directly contact the company using verified contact information. It’s also important to note that financial banks will never request a withdrawal of funds in such situations.

    It’s crucial to remember that legitimate banks will never ask you to make duplicate purchases or buy gift cards to resolve issues with your account. Such requests are clear red flags of a scam. Always verify any unusual instructions directly with your bank through official contact methods to protect yourself from fraud.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on March 11, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , customer service,   

    Bank app scam targets Chime users 

    Bank app scam targets Chime users

    By Greg Collier

    When we typically discuss payment app scams, we talk about one of the two biggest platforms, either Venmo or Zelle. However, there’s one app that doesn’t often come up in that conversation, but requires are attention, nonetheless, and that’s Chime.

    Chime is an online banking platform that offers a variety of financial services, including checking and savings accounts, as well as debit cards. It positions itself as a mobile-first bank, meaning that most of its services are accessible through its mobile app rather than through traditional brick-and-mortar branches.

    Chime has become popular in areas that are underserved by most banks. This is because Chime has such features as early direct deposit, and lacks many common fees associated with traditional banks, such as overdraft fees and monthly maintenance fees.

    Although Chime doesn’t seem to be as prone to scams as some other platforms, it’s important to note that it’s not entirely immune to them.

    A Chime user from Indiana recently fell victim to a scam, losing over $1300 in the process. The scam unfolded similarly to a familiar scheme. The user received a text alert claiming that someone had made a purchase on Amazon using her account. If the user had responded to the text, she might have been directed to transfer her money to a purportedly ‘secure’ account, falling prey to a scam akin to the Zelle scam.

    Despite avoiding one scam, the customer unwittingly became a victim of another. Seeking to dispute the alleged fraudulent charge, she searched the web for Chime’s customer service number. Unfortunately, she stumbled upon a number claiming to be Chime’s official customer service department. However, it turned out to be a scam call center impersonating Chime.

    The customer was informed that someone was attempting to withdraw $1200 from her account. To prevent this, she was instructed to download an app onto her phone, purportedly to thwart the scammers. However, the app granted the scammers remote access to her device. With this access, they were able to breach her Chime account and transfer $1340 out of it. Fortunately, Chime intervened and successfully refunded the customer’s money.

    No matter if it’s a traditional bank or not, if you receive a call or text urging you to transfer your money to another account for protection, it’s likely a scam. If you encounter such a call, hang up immediately and reach out to your bank using the customer service number listed on their official website or your debit card.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 11, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , customer service, , ,   

    Bank refused to stop fraudulent wire transfer 

    Bank refused to stop fraudulent wire transfer

    By Greg Collier

    A man from Utah fell victim to two different scams, which resulted in scammers taking $10,000 from his bank account.

    The first scam that targeted him was the brushing scam. He was receiving several deliveries from Amazon that he didn’t order. Third-party Amazon vendors do this to game the review system, so phony reviews can have the ‘verified purchase’ tag added to them. This scam can be relatively harmless to consumers unless their Amazon account has been compromised, which this man wanted to find out.

    The second scam he fell into was a customer service impersonation scam. He Googled the number for Amazon’s customer service department, which wasn’t Amazon at all. Instead, it was a scammer’s call center posing as Amazon. Scammers will often pay search engines to have their scam phone number placed higher than the actual company they’re imitating. The phony Amazon rep told the man that it appeared someone had wired $10,000 to New York without his permission. Amazon, and other retailers, cannot access your bank records, if you think you’re speaking with Amazon, and they ask for your banking details, the odds are you’re being scammed.

    When the phony rep asked for the man’s credit card information, he realized he was being scammed. He went to his local Wells Fargo branch, since that was who he banked with. The branch manager told him there was, in fact, a wire transfer going out to New York for $10,000. When the man asked the manager to stop the transfer, he was instead referred to Wells Fargo’s fraud department, who told him that would investigate the matter and get back to him in ten days. It only took one day for the $10,000 to disappear from the man’s account. When the fraud department finished their investigation, they denied the man’s claim, saying that someone using the man’s username and password made the transfer, which made the man responsible for the financial loss.

    Mysteriously, once the man contacted his local TV news station about the matter, Wells Fargo reimbursed his money. As we have detailed in previous stories like this one. That seems to be the only way bank scam victims can get a refund, and even then, it’s not a guarantee.

    To safeguard yourself, it’s advisable to visit the official website of a company to obtain accurate contact information for addressing any issues you may encounter. Relying on contact details obtained through online searches can be unreliable. Additionally, refrain from sharing passwords or passcodes with anyone, and avoid granting remote access to your laptop or phone unless you initiate the call using the authentic contact number. Financial institutions typically request passwords or passcodes exclusively through their official app or website.

     

← Older posts

c
Compose new post
j
Next post/Next comment
k
Previous post/Previous comment
r
Reply
e
Edit
o
Show/Hide comments
t
Go to top
l
Go to login
h
Show/Hide help
shift + esc
Cancel