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  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 7, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bait and switch, Facebook, found child, , , ,   

    Fake posts about the missing and found children 

    Fake posts about the missing and found children

    By Greg Collier

    In the digital age, social media platforms like Facebook have become prime targets for scammers looking to exploit users’ emotions and trust. Recently, two types of fraudulent posts have been making the rounds: one featuring a missing elderly woman holding a Yoda toy and the other showing ‘found child’ images. Both scams aim to manipulate users into sharing the posts, ultimately serving malicious purposes.

    The missing elderly woman scam involves posts about a woman with dementia, often seen holding a Yoda toy, circulating across Facebook, primarily in local buy-and-sell groups. These posts claim that the woman appeared at the poster’s house, supposedly taking the toy from their child. Each post urges users to flood their feeds to help find her family. However, these posts are nothing more than a bait-and-switch scam. The locations mentioned in these posts, such as Surprise, Arizona, and Cagliari, Italy, are inconsistent, which is a hallmark of such scams. A reverse image search reveals that the photo has been circulating since at least 2020, with different captions, none indicating the woman is missing. Scammers initially lure users with an emotional appeal, then change the post to contain links to malicious sites or deceptive rental ads.

    Similarly, the found child scam involves false posts appearing on Facebook, as warned by the Fort Smith Police Department (FSPD) in Arkansas. These posts use fake images of distressed or injured children, asking the public for help in sharing the post. Despite attempts to report them, many of these posts remain active due to Facebook’s reporting system limitations. Scammers aim to gather likes and shares, boosting their profiles through Facebook’s algorithms. By turning off comments, they prevent users from exposing the truth about the posts. Such posts cause unnecessary alarm and distress, prompting police to urge the public not to share them.

    To protect yourself, verify the credibility of the source before sharing any post about missing persons or found children. Check the poster’s profile for any red flags, such as recently created accounts or inconsistent location details. Conduct a reverse image search to see if the image has appeared elsewhere on the internet with different contexts or stories. Be cautious of posts containing links, especially those generated with URL shorteners, as they may lead to malicious sites. Report suspicious posts; even though reporting may not always be effective, the more reports a post receives, the higher the chance it will be reviewed and removed.

     
  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 16, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Facebook, , ,   

    The costly safe in a romance scam 

    The costly safe in a romance scam

    By Greg Collier

    A 75-year-old widow from Las Vegas has shared her harrowing experience of losing more than a million dollars to a romance scammer.

    The seasoned performer who spent many years singing background vocals for renowned artists and even toured with a legendary band faced a life-altering turn of events after the loss of her husband in 2020. She wasn’t looking for a relationship but posted on Facebook about her husband’s passing and her new status as a widow.

    Soon after, a man who bore a striking resemblance to her late husband started messaging her on Facebook. He wrote to her every day for about four months, despite her initial reservations about the timing. Eventually, he sent a photograph of himself, and an online relationship began around the summer of 2021.

    The scammer’s requests started innocuously, asking for gift cards to load up his phone with pre-paid calls so they could talk. But soon, the demands escalated. He claimed to be sending her a safe and requested $140,000 to transport it from Australia to her house in Nevada. The requests for money continued to grow over the next two years, with messages professing love and a sense of destiny together.

    Ultimately, she lost $758,000, which included her retirement fund, inheritance from her husband, and her house, which was valued at over $600,000. The financial strain led to her power being turned off twice, and she lost weight due to lack of money for food.

    The man in the photos was actually a spiritual teacher based in Germany, who had no connection to the scam.

    Falling victim to a scam, especially one as emotionally manipulative as a romance scam, can happen to anyone. However, there are several measures that can help a potential victim avoid the scam.

    Be cautious about sharing personal information online, as scammers can use it to manipulate and exploit you. Romance scammers often monitor changes in relationship status, so consider sharing major life updates, like becoming a widow, only with close friends rather than making them public.

    Before engaging deeply in any online relationship, especially if financial transactions are involved, use reverse image search tools to verify the person’s identity. Scammers often use stolen photos.

    Discuss the online relationship with trusted friends or family members. They can offer an outside perspective and may notice red flags that the victim might overlook.

    Also, genuine relationships don’t typically involve early or frequent requests for money. Any request for large sums of money, gift cards, or bank account information should be met with extreme caution.

    And as always, if something feels wrong or too good to be true, trust your instincts. It’s better to be cautious and investigate further than to fall victim to a scam.

     
  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 10, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Facebook, , ,   

    Disturbing misuse of missing girl’s image in scam 

    Disturbing misuse of missing girl's image in scam

    By Greg Collier

    Last year, the abduction and subsequent discovery of a 9-year-old New York girl captivated the nation. Her safe return was a relief to many, but now, months later, her photo is being exploited in a series of deceptive Facebook posts. These posts have appeared in groups from the US to Australia, and are spreading misinformation about her still being a missing person.

    The first of these misleading posts surfaced on July 4th in a US-based swap and save group, quickly amassing 28,000 shares. Identical posts have since appeared in similar Facebook groups all around the world, garnering thousands of shares and spreading the false narrative globally.

    This misuse of the girl’s image is not just a harmless mistake but part of a more sinister trend. Scammers use these emotionally charged posts to manipulate public sympathy and gain widespread attention. These posts initially attract concern and shares, but scammers later alter them into deceptive ads or links.

    So, naturally, we all want to help when a child is reported missing, and we still can. However, before sharing a post, it’s important to ensure it comes from a credible source. For instance, if the post is from a local news station, a police department, or an established organization like The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), it is likely to be legitimate.

    To avoid falling victim to these scams, the BBB advises checking the source of the post, looking for any updates or corrections, and being wary of posts that ask for personal information or direct users to click on external links. If you encounter such a post, report it to the platform to help prevent further spread.

    The story of this child’s abduction and rescue is a reminder of the power of community and media in locating missing children. However, the current misuse of her image underscores the importance of digital literacy. By staying informed and cautious, we can protect ourselves and others from falling prey to these deceitful schemes.

     
  • Geebo 8:00 am on June 4, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Facebook, , ,   

    Protect your Facebook account from latest phishing scam 

    By Greg Collier

    Social media scams are constantly evolving, and the latest phishing scheme is a new threat targeting Facebook users. It’s designed to trick you into revealing your login credentials by exploiting your fear of losing access to your account. The Better Business Bureau has issued a warning about this scam, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and avoiding it. Here’s how you can identify this scam and safeguard your account from hackers.

    You might receive an email that seems to be from Facebook, warning about a breach of Community Standards on your page. The message might look like this: “Recently, we discovered a breach of our Community Standards on your page. Your page has been disabled for violating our Terms. If you believe this decision is incorrect, you can request a review and file an appeal at the link below.” The email could also state that if you don’t act within 24 hours, your account will be permanently deleted. The email includes a link that appears to lead to Facebook’s website.

    When faced with such a message, it’s essential to remain calm and scrutinize it closely. You will likely find telltale signs of a scam, such as, typos and grammatical errors in the message, an email sender’s address that doesn’t match Facebook’s official addresses, or you might notice that the link doesn’t actually point to Facebook’s website.

    Another variant of this phishing scam targets business pages, threatening deactivation due to a Terms of Service or Community Standards violation. This message pretends to be from Meta Business Support and asks the administrator to confirm the account by clicking a link, or face permanent deletion. Clicking the link typically leads to a fake but official-looking page that prompts you to fill out a form with your login email, phone number, name, and other details. Once submitted, you are asked to confirm your password, providing scammers the information needed to hijack your account. We have to clear out messages like this from our inbox daily just because we’re a business with a Facebook page.

    There are steps you can take to protect yourself from this scam, such as reading suspicious emails and messages carefully, looking for signs of a scam before taking any action. Remember, fake alerts are common as scammers frequently target social media accounts.

    If you receive a message similar to the one’s mentioned, you should verify its claims by logging into your Facebook account directly to check if there is an actual problem. Do not rely on the information provided in the message to make any decisions.

    Also, even if an alert seems legitimate, use the Facebook app to log in or type the URL into the browser bar yourself. Avoid clicking on links sent via email or messages.

    Lastly, never enter your login information on a third-party website or any page other than the official Facebook website. Do not send your login details via email or Facebook Messenger. If you suspect you’ve entered your credentials on a fake form, change your password immediately.

    By staying informed and cautious, you can protect your Facebook account from phishing scams and other online threats. The Better Business Bureau’s warning serves as a reminder that your security starts with a proactive approach to recognizing and avoiding these scams.

     
  • Geebo 8:00 am on May 24, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Facebook, ,   

    Navigating the rise in puppy scams 

    By Greg Collier

    The joy of welcoming a new furry friend into the family can quickly turn to heartbreak when faced with deceitful online puppy scams. These fraudulent schemes are on the rise across the nation, leading to significant financial and emotional losses for countless hopeful pet owners. According to the Better Business Bureau, nearly $2 million was lost to these scams in 2022 alone, with an average loss of $850 per family or individual.

    The tactics used by these scammers are particularly insidious, as they prey on the emotional bonds prospective pet owners form with the animals they believe they are purchasing. A recent incident involving a Louisiana family highlights the devastating impact of these scams and underscores the importance of being cautious when searching for a new pet online.

    After losing their beloved pet, the family decided it was time to bring a new puppy into their lives. They turned to an online breeder they found in a Facebook group, drawn by positive reviews and an attractive price of $500. Initially, everything seemed legitimate. The breeder communicated regularly and provided testimonials from other satisfied customers.

    However, the situation quickly changed. The breeder informed the family that the puppy needed to be transported from Houston with a personal pet nanny, requiring an additional $150. Then, the story shifted again. The breeder claimed the dog needed to be flown in a climate-controlled aircraft, a significantly more expensive option. As the demands for more money grew, the breeder’s communication became increasingly uncooperative, sending only blurry photos and videos that raised further suspicions.

    Realizing they had been scammed, the family ultimately lost $650. This experience is, unfortunately, all too common. Scammers rely on the emotional investment of their victims, using it to manipulate and extract more money.

    To help others avoid falling victim to similar schemes, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers some practical advice. Whenever possible, work with local breeders you can visit in person or consider adopting from local animal organizations. This reduces the risk of falling for an online scam and allows you to see the living conditions and care provided to the animals.

     
  • Geebo 9:00 am on February 14, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Facebook, OMG It worked, ,   

    Beware the eternal Facebook scam: “OMG It Worked” 

    By Greg Collier

    It’s the déjà vu of Facebook scams – the one that promises to rid your timeline of ads and magically restore lost friends. You know the one, the one that always starts with “OMG, it really worked!” and urges you to copy and paste it onto your own timeline. But does it really work? Spoiler alert: Absolutely not.

    Despite surfacing over a decade ago, this viral hoax is still making its rounds, and surprisingly, it’s being shared more than ever. But why? Well, for starters, some users genuinely believe there’s no harm in giving it a shot. After all, what’s the harm in trying? However, the reality is that sharing the post won’t grant you any magical Facebook powers. There’s simply no way to remove ads or regain lost friends by copying and pasting a text.

    So, if it doesn’t work, why is it still being shared? Here’s the catch – scammers thrive on the naivety of Facebook users. By encouraging people to spread the hoax, scammers can easily identify gullible individuals. With everyone copying and pasting the same post, it becomes a goldmine for scammers to pinpoint potential targets.

    A quick Facebook search for “OMG It Worked” reveals a plethora of public posts from people falling for the hoax. And guess who else is scouring these posts? Scammers. By searching for specific keywords, they can identify users who are more susceptible to their schemes.

    The bottom line? These “copy and paste” posts are more than just annoying; they’re potential traps waiting to ensnare the unsuspecting. Don’t be fooled. The post is nothing more than a hoax designed to lure in the unwitting. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and most importantly, don’t fall for the scam.

    Remember, on the vast landscape of social media, not everything is as it seems. So next time you come across a too-good-to-be-true post, think twice before hitting that share button. Your friends – and your online safety – will thank you for it.

     
  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 18, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Detroit Lions, Facebook, , , ,   

    Historic playoff win brings out ticket scams 

    By Greg Collier

    This past weekend, The Detroit Lions won their first playoff game in 32 years. It probably took about 32 seconds after the game was over before scammers were promising tickets to the next Lions game. The game is being played in Detroit against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with ticket prices starting at $500. To say tickets are in high demand would be an understatement.

    A Detroit area man fell victim to a ticket scam in his quest for playoff seats. He responded to a post on Facebook where a woman was supposedly selling two tickets to this Sunday’s game. After the man and the seller agreed on a price, the man paid the seller through Venmo. Then the seller asked the man for more money to transfer the tickets into his name. It was at this point the man realized he’d been scammed. It’s unknown how much the man paid the scammer, but it’s safe to assume it was probably hundreds of dollars, if not at least a thousand dollars.

    To avoid being scammed when buying tickets to the NFL Playoffs, please consider the following. Buy tickets directly from the official NFL website, authorized ticket vendors, or the official website of the hosting venue. If purchasing from a secondary market, only use well-known and reputable ticket platforms.

    If the ticket prices seem too low compared to the average market value, be cautious. Scammers often use enticing prices to lure buyers. Use secure payment methods when purchasing tickets. Credit cards offer more protection than other payment options. Avoid buying tickets from unsolicited emails, social media messages, or random sellers. Stick to well-established channels for ticket purchases. Lastly, if something feels off or too good to be true, trust your instincts and reconsider the purchase.

    These tips aren’t just applicable to the Lions game on Sunday. They can also be applied to any sporting or entertainment event where tickets are in high demand.

    By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to ticket scams and ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.

     
  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 29, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Denver International Airport, Facebook, lost luggage, , unclaimed baggage   

    Lost luggage scam lands on social media 

    By Greg Collier

    Denver International Airport is famous for many things. Not only is it the largest airport in the United States, but it’s also renowned for having one of the most advanced baggage handling systems in the world. Even with such a technological marvel, some bags still end up becoming unclaimed property. Many airports, including Denver, will auction off the items if they remain unclaimed for a certain amount of time. Denver International even donates the luggage itself to people experiencing homelessness in their area. What the Denver International Airport doesn’t do is sell unclaimed baggage on Facebook for $10.

    According to The Denver Post, a Facebook page was recently created that claims to be selling unclaimed baggage from Denver International along with its contents for $10 a piece. The Facebook page claims to be the Denver Airport, but just about anyone can make a Facebook page claiming to be whatever they want.

    The page only has one post, and it’s a picture of supposedly unclaimed luggage that’s being sold by the airport for $9.95. If that wasn’t enough of a red flag, the order process seems suspect at best. One commenter on the post left the following message…

     “I just followed the link, answered 3 questions, and managed to guess the box correctly on my second attempt; after that, I filled in a short form and paid 10 dollars. Later received an email confirmation and indicated the delivery address.”

    That just sounds like a scam with extra steps. More than likely, the scammers are out to obtain the personal and financial information of their victims.

    The post also has several comments that contain pictures of luggage that are full of various items, with the commenters claiming the process is legitimate. However, the post was only made on Wednesday, and we highly doubt the $9.95 covers overnight shipping of heavy luggage. Many of the commenters aren’t even from the Denver area, with one commenter who supposedly got their luggage loot box commenting from the UK. We suspect the comments that claim to have received items are coming from either newly created accounts or accounts that have been compromised.

    A spokesperson for Denver International has stated the Facebook page in question has no association with the airport.

    Now, while this scam is taking place in Denver, it could be only a matter of time before scammers pose as your regional airport, if they haven’t already.

     
  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 28, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Facebook, ,   

    Deceased man’s social media used in crypto scam 

    Deceased  man's social media used in crypto scam

    By Greg Collier

    In today’s technological world, social media is crucial in helping us keep in touch with friends and family, even if they’re scattered across the globe. In some cases, social media also helps us keep the memories alive of a loved one that we’ve lost. However, with almost all things digital, not only can those memories be taken from us in an instant, but they can also be used to harm others, as today’s story shows.

    A US Army veteran from California passed away around this time last year. Since then, hackers hijacked one of his social media accounts and blocked the accounts of his relatives. While posing as the deceased vet, the hackers started using the account to ask people to send money through a cryptocurrency scam. To make matters worse, the hackers have also erased all previous posts made by the veteran.

    The veteran’s brother has tried contacting the platform where his brother’s account was, but so far, has not had any kind of official response. Now, the brother has filed a lawsuit against the platform since they allegedly haven’t responded to his requests.

    Preserving a deceased family member’s social media presence can be a meaningful way to honor their memory. Here are some general steps you can take, but keep in mind that specific processes may vary depending on the platform.

    Reach out to the social media platform’s support or customer service. Many platforms have a process for handling accounts of deceased individuals. This might involve providing proof of death, your relationship to the deceased, and other relevant information.

    Facebook allows you to memorialize an account, turning it into a memorial page where friends and family can share memories. To do this, you can submit a memorialization request on Facebook.

    Consider saving and archiving content from the deceased person’s social media accounts, such as photos, posts, and messages. This can be done by taking screenshots or using specific tools designed for this purpose.

    The specific steps and features may change over time, so it’s a good idea to refer to the latest guidelines provided by the social media platforms in question.

     
  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 25, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Facebook, , ,   

    Facebook Account Hijacking: How Scammers Exploit Lost Control 

    By Greg Collier

    For some, losing control of your Facebook account may not seem like a big deal. You may only use Facebook sparingly to keep in touch with a handful of friends and relatives. If you lose access to your account, you can just open a new one and send new friend requests while telling your friends list you got hacked. However, letting your Facebook account remain in the hands of hackers can not only leave your friends and family vulnerable to scams, it could also lead to frustrated strangers showing up at your door.

    For example, a woman from Alabama lost control of her Facebook account. Before she knew it, hackers took over her account and changed the password, locking her out of her own account. Then, the hackers posed as the woman and listed several items for sale on Facebook Marketplace. Once other Facebook users started responding to the listings, the hacker told the other users they were out of town, but would hold the item for them if they paid a deposit.

    As you can probably guess, the Facebook users who paid deposits never received the items they thought they were purchasing. Victims of this scam started showing up at the home of the woman who had her account hacked. Thankfully, those who did show up at her home were reasonable when they found out they were scammed. However, it’s no stretch of the imagination to think things may have taken a wrong turn if the wrong person got scammed.

    The woman stated that she’s trying to get Facebook to suspend her original account, but the hacked account is still active.

    Scammers like this love to get their hands on existing Facebook accounts because it makes their Marketplace scams appear legitimate since an active and older account is attached to the listings.

    In conclusion, safeguarding your Facebook account from potential hackers is not only crucial for your personal data but also for your online security. By following these tips and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to malicious activities. Remember to regularly update your password, enable two-factor authentication, review your privacy settings, and be cautious about the information you share online. Your Facebook account holds a treasure trove of personal information, and taking these proactive steps will help ensure that it remains secure.

     
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