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  Geebo 8:00 am on August 29, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: AI ( 25 ), family emergency, impersonation scam ( 187 ), Scams ( 1,558 )   

  AI Phone Scam Preys on Parental Fear 

  

  By Greg Collier

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

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

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

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

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

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

   

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  Geebo 8:00 am on August 13, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: emergency scam ( 5 ), family emergency, grandparent scam ( 73 ), Scams ( 1,558 ), Uber ( 25 )   

  $5M Grandparent Scam Busted by Uber 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Federal prosecutors have charged 13 individuals in connection with what authorities describe as a large-scale “grandparent scam” operation that targeted elderly victims across the United States, resulting in millions of dollars in losses. According to investigators, the scheme operated primarily out of organized call centers in the Dominican Republic and relied on a network of people in the U.S. to collect and move the stolen funds.

  The fraud typically began with a phone call to an elderly person from someone posing as a grandchild in distress. Victims were told stories involving accidents, arrests, or other emergencies requiring immediate cash. Once convinced, the targets were connected to another caller pretending to be a lawyer who demanded large sums of money for bail or legal fees. Funds were often picked up by “runners,” who in many cases were unsuspecting Uber drivers. The drivers were contacted with fabricated stories about transporting important documents or helping family members, without knowing they were being used in a criminal operation.

  The use of Uber drivers in such scams has drawn increased attention, as drivers themselves have become secondary victims. In one tragic 2024 incident in Columbus, Ohio, a driver was killed by someone who had been targeted in a similar scheme. Uber’s security team ultimately identified suspicious activity and reported it to the FBI, leading to changes in driver training and fraud detection protocols to help prevent similar situations in the future.

  Authorities estimate that the average age of the victims in this case was 84 and that total losses exceeded $5 million. Many of the affected individuals are unlikely to recover their money, and officials believe the true number of victims is higher due to underreporting caused by embarrassment or shame. Federal investigators have urged anyone who believes they may have been targeted to contact the Justice Department for assistance and guidance on prevention resources.

  Charges in this case include conspiracy to commit mail fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and money laundering conspiracy. While several defendants are in custody, others remain at large in both the United States and the Dominican Republic. This case underscores both the vulnerability of elderly populations to high-pressure fraud tactics and the need for ongoing vigilance to protect individuals from exploitation. It also serves as a reminder that those unknowingly used as intermediaries, such as ride-hailing drivers, can suffer devastating consequences despite having no involvement in the criminal intent.

  Although this investigation focused on an operation allegedly run from the Dominican Republic and affecting many victims in Massachusetts, similar scams have been carried out from other countries and within the United States itself. Criminal groups often adapt their tactics to target vulnerable populations wherever they believe they can succeed. That means this type of fraud could just as easily affect elderly residents in any state, city, or neighborhood, particularly in communities where isolation or limited familiarity with modern communication tools makes people more susceptible.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 28, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: arrest scam ( 4 ), family emergency, grandparent scam ( 73 ), inmate scam ( 10 ), Scams ( 1,558 )   

  Scam Uses Real Arrests to Trick Parents 

  

  By Greg Collier

  An Oregon couple narrowly avoided becoming the latest victims of a scam that blends old tricks with a disturbing level of real-time sophistication. The incident highlights an almost ingenious evolution of the so-called “family emergency” or “grandparent” scam, long used by fraudsters to extract money from vulnerable individuals.

  The couple received a phone call from a man claiming to be a law enforcement officer with the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. He said their adult son had been arrested earlier that day and was in need of financial assistance to secure his release. Specifically, the caller claimed money was needed for a court-approved ankle monitor and treatment costs. The urgency, coupled with precise details, made the call seem credible.

  Moments after hanging up, the couple checked the public jail roster and discovered that their son had indeed been taken into custody for drug possession that same morning. The confirmation appeared to validate the caller’s story, nudging them closer to compliance.

  What followed was a sophisticated con that preyed on a parent’s instinct to protect. The impersonator explained that payments could not be made directly to the sheriff’s office, but instead had to be delivered in cash to a third-party vendor. He gave them a location, which turned out to be a 7-Eleven convenience store.

  Only then did the alarm bells finally ring.

  Instead of following through, the couple contacted law enforcement and reported the encounter. Investigators say this case stands out for its timing and apparent access to fresh booking information. While jail rosters are publicly accessible, they are not easily searchable by arrest date, raising questions about how the scammers identified and targeted the couple so quickly.

  Officials from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office have confirmed a handful of similar reports in recent weeks. Though the tactics vary, the consistent element is an opportunistic focus on families reeling from a recent arrest. By exploiting raw emotion and pairing it with believable details, scammers are bypassing many of the usual red flags.

  Law enforcement reiterated that they never call individuals to request money for release programs, ankle monitors, or treatment services. The agency also stressed the importance of verifying any unexpected request for money through official channels.

  This case underscores a disturbing new phase in financial fraud, one that leverages emotional vulnerability and up-to-the-minute public records. It is a stark reminder that even the savviest individuals can be manipulated when real fear intersects with convincing lies.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on January 23, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: family emergency, family impersonation scam ( 3 ), grandparent scam ( 73 ), Scams ( 1,558 )   

  The Grandparent Scam: A Costly Lesson in Trust 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Nestled in the serene community of Rossmoor in Walnut Creek, California, a gated haven for retired adults, the unthinkable happened. For the second time in just four months, a senior resident fell prey to the cruel scheme known as the ‘grandparent scam’. This deceptive tactic preys on the trust and love that grandparents hold for their family, exploiting their vulnerability in the guise of an urgent family emergency.

  The scam begins with a heart-wrenching phone call. The voice on the other end, remarkably convincing, claims to be a grandchild in dire trouble. The story is always urgent and emotionally charged. An arrest, a car accident, or another dire scenario requiring immediate financial help. This time, it was a tearful tale involving a car accident, an injured pregnant woman, and a desperate need for bail money. The imposter even enlisted an ‘attorney’ to bolster the credibility of the story, weaving a web of urgency and fear.

  One victim, caught in this web, recounted her ordeal. The voice, which mimicked her grandson’s perfectly, left no room for doubt. Following the caller’s instructions, she withdrew $7,500 in cash, wrapped it in decorative paper, and handed it over to a courier who had somehow bypassed the community’s gate security protocols. The incident didn’t end there. Hours later, the scammers called back, requesting an additional $5,000 for supposed damages.

  Banks, often the last line of defense in these scams, raised red flags. Employees asked probing questions and even verified the presence of a companion in the car, but the victim, following the scammer’s explicit instructions, deflected their concerns. Fearful of jeopardizing her grandson’s situation, she fabricated a cover story to explain the large withdrawals.

  The scam unraveled only when a family member intervened, recognizing the fraudulent nature of the calls. The realization was devastating. The victim, like many others before her, was left reeling. Not just from the financial loss, but from the emotional toll of being manipulated through love and fear.

  Such incidents underscore the importance of verification. Law enforcement officials urge caution when receiving urgent calls involving financial demands. A simple call to other family members can verify the authenticity of the claim. Creating a family-specific password for emergencies can also thwart scammers who rely on secrecy and haste.

  The grandparent scam is a poignant reminder of the lengths to which scammers will go to exploit trust. While the financial losses are significant, the emotional betrayal often cuts deeper. By fostering open communication and practicing healthy skepticism, families can protect their loved ones from falling victim to these heartless schemes.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on October 16, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: AI ( 25 ), artificial intelligence ( 3 ), BBB ( 22 ), deep fakes ( 6 ), family emergency, Scams ( 1,558 ), social media ( 87 )   

  How AI is Fueling a New Wave of Online Scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on August 12, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bail scam ( 15 ), emergency scam ( 5 ), family emergency, grandparent scam ( 73 ), Scams ( 1,558 )   

  The many faces of the emergency scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Emergency scams, often referred to as ‘grandparent scams,’ are notorious for exploiting the deep concern and affection people have for their loved ones. These scams rely on the urgency of a fabricated crisis, preying on the fear that someone close to you is in immediate danger. Traditionally, these scams have targeted older adults, but a new and unsettling twist has emerged: scammers are now going after the parents and families of college students.

  The mechanics of the scam remain deceptively simple. It begins with a call, email, or social media message from someone pretending to be a close relative or friend in distress. The scammer creates a convincing narrative, claiming to be in a dire situation, such as being arrested, involved in an accident, or facing a sudden medical emergency. To make their story more believable, they often include specific details like family names, school affiliations, or even recent travel plans.

  The classic grandparent scam follows a similar pattern, where a scammer impersonates a grandchild in trouble and begs the grandparent to quickly wire money. By the time the grandparent realizes they’ve been duped, the money is long gone. In some variations, the roles are reversed, with the scammer pretending to be a grandparent seeking help from a grandchild, adding another layer of complexity to the con.

  This newer version of the scam has specifically zeroed in on the parents of college students. In these cases, a scammer contacts the parent, posing as an authority figure or even the student themselves, claiming that their child has been arrested and needs immediate bail money. The scammer might send a fake mugshot or suggest that the child is in imminent danger of being placed in jail alongside dangerous criminals. Overcome with fear and panic, many parents rush to send money through payment apps like Venmo or PayPal, only to discover later that they have been deceived.

  What makes these scams even more insidious is the use of voice cloning technology. Scammers have begun to mimic the voices of loved ones by using audio samples found on social media or other online platforms. This technology allows them to create a convincing imitation of the person they’re impersonating, making the scam even more terrifying. While some voice clones are rudimentary, others are so sophisticated that they can easily fool even the most cautious individuals.

  To protect yourself and your family from falling victim to these scams, it’s crucial to take a moment to verify the situation, no matter how urgent it seems. If you receive a distressing call or message, resist the impulse to act immediately. Instead, contact your loved one directly using a known phone number, rather than relying on the number provided by the scammer. It’s important to be aware of what information and images your family members share online, as scammers often use these details to build a convincing story. Advising your loved ones to use privacy settings on social media can also help reduce the risk.

  If you’re ever asked to send money through a payment app or wire transfer, make sure to double-check the situation before taking any action. In the unfortunate event that you realize you’ve been scammed, it’s essential to report it to the police right away. Additionally, if a scammer claims someone will come to your home to collect money, do not answer the door; instead, contact the authorities immediately.

  Emergency scams are designed to manipulate our deepest fears and love for our family members. By staying vigilant, verifying suspicious contacts, and educating others about these scams, we can better protect ourselves and our loved ones from these cruel and deceptive tactics.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on January 12, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: AI ( 25 ), AI voice ( 12 ), family emergency, grandparent scam ( 73 ), Scams ( 1,558 ), voice cloning ( 27 ), voice spoofing ( 23 )   

  More police warn of AI voice scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  AI voice spoofing refers to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to imitate or replicate a person’s voice in a way that may deceive listeners into thinking they are hearing the real person. This technology can be used to generate synthetic voices that closely mimic the tone, pitch, and cadence of a specific individual. The term is often associated with negative uses, such as creating fraudulent phone calls or audio messages with the intent to deceive or manipulate.

  Scammers can exploit a brief audio clip of your family member’s voice, easily obtained from online content. With access to a voice-cloning program, the scammer can then imitate your loved one’s voice convincingly when making a call, leading to potential deception and manipulation. Scammers have quickly taken to this technology in order to fool people into believing their loved ones are in danger in what are being called family emergency scams.

  Family emergency scams typically break down into two categories, the virtual kidnapping scam, and the grandparent scam. Today, we’re focused on the grandparent scam. It garnered its name from the fact that scammers often target elderly victims, posing as the victim’s grandchild in peril. This scam has been happening a lot lately in the Memphis area, to the point where a Sheriff’s Office has issued a warning to local residents about it.

  One family received a phone call that appeared to be coming from their adult granddaughter. The caller sounded exactly like their granddaughter, who said they needed $500 for bail money after getting into a car accident. Smartly, the family kept asking the caller questions that only their granddaughter would know. The scammers finally hung up.

  To safeguard against this scam, it’s crucial to rely on caution rather than solely trusting your ears. If you receive a call from a supposed relative or loved one urgently requesting money due to a purported crisis, adhere to the same safety measures. Resist the urge to engage further; instead, promptly end the call and independently contact the person who is claimed to be in trouble to verify the authenticity of the situation. This proactive approach helps ensure protection against potential scams, even when the voice on the call seems identical to that of your loved one.