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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 12, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Apple ( 34 ), customer service ( 54 ), gift cards, romance scam ( 76 ), Scams ( 1,510 )   

  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.

   

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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 6, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: gift cards, Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( 2 ), international students ( 4 ), police impersonation scam ( 82 ), Scams ( 1,510 )   

  ICE Scam Drains Students of Thousands 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A recent case out of Indiana highlights the growing threat of scammers impersonating federal immigration agents, specifically targeting vulnerable international students with alarming levels of detail and psychological pressure. The incident has once again raised concerns about how fraudsters exploit fear, confusion about U.S. immigration procedures, and trust in authority to steal thousands of dollars from unsuspecting victims.

  The scam began with a phone call claiming to be from Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The caller insisted that the student was in violation of immigration laws, citing vague administrative errors that required immediate resolution. The scammer provided a name, badge number, and even directed the student to the official government website to verify a spoofed office phone number, giving the call a thin veneer of credibility.

  As the call progressed, a second individual posed as a local police officer, allegedly confirming that a warrant was in place unless ICE validated the student’s case. The scammers demanded that the student remain on the phone, warning that any attempt to hang up or contact someone else would worsen the situation. Over the course of several hours, the student was emotionally manipulated and coerced into purchasing $5,000 in gift cards, believing they were bond payments to avoid deportation and arrest.

  This type of fraud is not new, but it continues to evolve in sophistication. In this case, the scammers had detailed personal information, including the student’s academic history, immigration status, and point of entry into the country. Such information is often obtained through data breaches, phishing attempts, or other illicit means, adding a layer of legitimacy that can trap even the most cautious individuals.

  Scams involving impersonation of immigration officials have become increasingly common in the United States, especially in the years following heightened immigration enforcement efforts. These scams often exploit cultural differences and unfamiliarity with American legal systems, making international students a frequent target. Victims are made to feel isolated and powerless, sometimes being told their phones are under surveillance and that contacting others could lead to further legal trouble.

  The financial loss alone can be devastating. Many international students live on tight budgets, balancing tuition, rent, and everyday expenses without local family support. In addition to the emotional toll, scams like these can create long-term financial instability, especially when the stolen funds come from borrowed money or credit cards.

  This case also underscores the need for greater awareness and education about how legitimate government agencies operate. Federal agencies do not request payment via gift cards, nor do they threaten arrest over the phone without prior written notice. Any demand for personal information, money transfers, or secrecy is a strong indicator of fraud.

  The student in this case is now speaking out to help warn others in similar situations. Her story is a stark reminder that even highly educated individuals can fall victim when fear is weaponized and authority is impersonated. As long as these scams continue to exploit systemic confusion and personal vulnerabilities, raising awareness remains the most effective line of defense.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 2, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: credit card fraud ( 5 ), ghost tap, gift cards, money laundering ( 13 ), phishing ( 82 ), Scams ( 1,510 )   

  Ghost Tap Scam Bleeds Millions 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A new form of credit card fraud, referred to as the “Ghost Tap” scam, has been identified and is currently under investigation by authorities in multiple states. The Knox County (TN) Sheriff’s Office recently issued a public warning regarding this emerging threat. According to their update, the scam involves criminal groups using digital wallet applications to make fraudulent purchases with stolen credit card data. These purchases often take the form of gift cards, which are then sold online to obscure the trail of the original transactions.

  Investigators have linked the operation to organized criminal rings primarily involving foreign nationals, who travel from states with large populations and more intense enforcement to smaller regions they perceive as less guarded. Since August 2024, law enforcement officials have apprehended over ten suspects connected to this scheme in Knox County alone. Authorities believe losses are in the millions due to these fraudulent transactions.

  The process is swift and largely invisible to the average person. Stolen credit card information is stored within a digital wallet, allowing suspects to make contactless purchases without possessing a physical card. This tactic enables them to bypass certain security checks and quickly convert the fraudulent funds into untraceable assets like gift cards. These cards are then resold through various online marketplaces, making it difficult to identify the original source of the funds.

  Officials warn that the Ghost Tap scam often operates in tandem with phishing schemes. Victims may receive text messages claiming there are problems with toll payments, package deliveries, or bank accounts. The messages typically include a link urging the recipient to enter personal or financial information. These tactics are used to collect data that may later be exploited in digital wallet fraud.

  To counteract these threats, the sheriff’s office advises the public to remain skeptical of unsolicited messages requesting sensitive information. They also stress that no legitimate agency will ever demand payment through gift cards or request private data over the phone. Any such contact should be treated as suspicious and reported to the appropriate authorities.

  The local Organized Retail Crime Unit has been central to recent enforcement actions, utilizing new investigative tools to identify suspects as soon as they arrive in the area. Officials hope that raising awareness will help deter future incidents and encourage prompt reporting of suspicious behavior. With digital wallets becoming increasingly common, scams like Ghost Tap represent a growing challenge that demands both public caution and coordinated enforcement.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 10, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: gift cards, New Hampshire ( 3 ), recovery scam ( 9 ), Scams ( 1,510 )   

  Rare Chance to Recover Gift Card Scam Losses 

  

  By Greg Collier

  For those who have fallen victim to gift card fraud in the past year and a half, there may be a rare opportunity to recover lost funds. Federal authorities have launched a restitution program targeting a global fraud operation that funneled millions of dollars through New Hampshire.

  This initiative, led by federal investigators and prosecutors, is an effort to return money to victims who unknowingly purchased fraudulent gift cards or were coerced into sending them as part of scams. While scams of this nature are unfortunately common, restitution opportunities are not. It is important to recognize this as an exception rather than the rule. In most cases, once money is lost to fraud, it is nearly impossible to retrieve.

  Authorities uncovered a sophisticated scheme in which fraudulently obtained gift cards were used to purchase high-end electronics, primarily Apple products, which were then resold overseas. Investigators linked the operation to a warehouse in Salem, New Hampshire, where millions of dollars in goods were seized. Those involved in the fraud have pleaded guilty and await sentencing, but law enforcement is now turning its attention to the victims, seeking to provide some measure of financial relief.

  Victims who had funds stolen through this scam between October 1, 2023, and January 11, 2024, may be eligible to submit claims for restitution. Specifically, those who purchased gift cards from major retailers such as Apple, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy should provide their gift card numbers and proof of purchase to federal investigators before the June 30 deadline.

  It is essential to remain cautious when dealing with scams and potential recovery offers. Outside of official government channels like this one, anyone claiming they can recover lost money is likely running a scam themselves. Fraudsters frequently target those who have already been scammed, preying on their desperation to recover funds. Legitimate restitution efforts are rare and always handled by law enforcement, not private individuals or companies offering to ‘get your money back’ for a fee.

  As fraud schemes become more sophisticated, public awareness remains one of the strongest defenses. Anyone affected by this scam is encouraged to share their experience, helping others recognize red flags before falling victim. Staying vigilant and reporting suspicious activity can make a difference in preventing further financial losses within the community.

  For those who believe they may qualify for restitution, contact Homeland Security Investigations via HSINewEnglandVictimAssistance@ice.dhs.gov with the required documentation before June 30.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on December 12, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Christmas shopping ( 23 ), gift cards, Human trafficking ( 100 ), Scams ( 1,510 )   

  Gift Cards: A Trojan Horse for Human Trafficking 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The holiday season, a time of joy and giving, is being marred by a sinister global threat: human trafficking. This insidious crime, often hidden in plain sight, is exploiting vulnerable individuals on a massive scale.

  One particularly insidious manifestation of this global crisis is the widespread tampering of gift cards. Organized crime syndicates, often with ties to international criminal networks, are infiltrating retail stores worldwide to replace legitimate gift cards with tampered versions. These tampered cards, once activated, drain funds to the criminals’ accounts, leaving unsuspecting consumers with worthless plastic.

  This deceptive practice is just one facet of the vast and complex network of human trafficking. Victims are lured with false promises of better opportunities, only to find themselves trapped in forced labor, sexual exploitation, or other forms of modern-day slavery. The scale of this global crisis is staggering, with millions of people victimized each year.

  To safeguard themselves from this growing threat, experts recommend the following precautions. Before purchasing a gift card, examine it closely for any signs of tampering, such as tears, cuts, or misaligned packaging. If possible, check the balance of the card immediately after purchase to ensure it hasn’t been compromised.

  Digital gift cards, which can be sent directly to the recipient’s email, are less susceptible to physical tampering. Finally, if you notice any suspicious activity in a store, such as individuals hoarding gift cards or acting strangely, report it to store management or local law enforcement.

  By inspecting gift cards for signs of tampering, reporting suspicious activity, and supporting organizations working to eradicate human trafficking, we can play a crucial role in disrupting these criminal networks and protecting vulnerable populations.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on November 6, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: gift cards, Google ( 33 ), Google Play Store ( 2 ), grants ( 16 ), Judy May, Scams ( 1,510 )   

  Google Cleared of Liability in Gift Card Scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A recent ruling underscores the complex legal landscape surrounding tech giants, gift cards, and consumer fraud. In a case reported by Ars Technica, a federal judge granted Google’s motion to dismiss a proposed class-action suit brought by Judy May, a consumer who fell victim to a prevalent form of fraud involving Google Play gift cards. Despite losing $1,000 to scammers in 2021, May’s claims were largely dismissed as the court found Google had no duty to refund her.

  The details of the case highlight how scammers manipulate consumers, often using gift cards as a primary ‘currency’. Victims like May are typically tricked into purchasing these cards with promises of a prize or urgent financial need. In May’s case, scammers convinced her to purchase Google Play gift cards as an upfront cost to unlock a government grant. Upon realizing she’d been defrauded, May reached out to Google, only to be informed that refunds were not possible under Google’s terms of service, terms that she felt were ‘unconscionable’.

  May’s complaint argued that Google is aware of the use of its gift cards in scams, pointing to data showing Google Play gift cards comprised a significant portion of reported scams from 2018 to 2021, with the Federal Trade Commission noting losses of over $17 million. She suggested that Google could take steps to warn customers, such as placing warnings on gift cards, but no such warning was provided.

  In court, Google contended that it did not encourage or induce May to make the purchase; rather, the scammers did. The judge agreed, ruling that Google bore no liability since the economic harm May experienced stemmed directly from the scammers, not from any action by Google itself. May argued that Google indirectly profits from these scams by taking a 15 to 30 percent commission on gift card purchases within the Play Store, but this claim did not sway the court.

  The judge noted that May had not used the gift cards “in their designed way” and that Google had no obligation to issue a refund, as May’s funds weren’t considered “stolen” when she made the purchase.

  May also claimed that Google’s technology could potentially track and prevent transactions associated with scams. However, the court found that May failed to show any duty on Google’s part to investigate or prevent such activity, particularly in her case.

  For victims like May, the ruling is a reminder of the limitations in pursuing refunds for gift card scams through legal channels. In cases where these cards are used fraudulently, it’s not uncommon for large companies to point to refund policies similar to those upheld by major retailers. Google, in this case, referenced policies from Target and Walmart, which also do not issue refunds in similar situations.

  Often, gift card scam victims are left without recourse when companies decline to reimburse fraudulent transactions. While this case reinforces Google’s lack of liability, it also spotlights the vulnerability of consumers to scams exploiting loopholes in refund policies.

  Consumers should be aware that gift cards are intended for personal use within the brand’s ecosystem, not as a payment method for debts, fines, or grants. Until systemic changes are made, consumers must stay vigilant, as tech companies may not be required to intervene or compensate for losses in these situations.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 24, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: car wrapping ( 11 ), check scam ( 80 ), fake check ( 50 ), gift cards, job scam ( 84 ), marketing ( 3 ), Scams ( 1,510 )   

  Car Wrap Scam: A Costly Tempting Offer 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A deceptive scam has been quietly circulating for years, continuing to claim unsuspecting victims. It begins with what seems like a straightforward offer, get paid for letting a company advertise on your car while you drive around. The idea of easy money might be appealing, but this so-called opportunity is actually a financial trap that could leave you thousands of dollars in debt.

  The scam typically starts with an ad online, offering to turn your vehicle into a rolling billboard. The pitch is simple: allow a company to wrap your car with their brand, and you’ll be paid weekly for just driving around as you normally would. The promise of several hundred dollars per week for a few months can seem irresistible.

  Once you respond to the offer, you receive a check for a few thousand dollars, with instructions to deposit it and wire part of the money to an installer who will wrap your vehicle. This is where the real scam begins. The check is fake, but by the time your bank realizes this, you’ve already wired the scammer the money, leaving you on the hook for the full amount. Sometimes, they even ask for payment in gift cards, a hallmark of scam operations because of the difficulty in tracing them.

  It’s easy to see how this scam claims victims. The checks are often convincing, and the idea of making quick, easy money can be appealing. However, like many scams, it preys on trust and the desire for financial gain, leaving victims not only out of pocket but potentially dealing with bounced check fees and other financial fallout.

  Avoid becoming a victim by steering clear of similar unsolicited offers, and always be cautious when asked to deposit a check and send money or gift cards in return.

  Remember, no legitimate business will ever ask you to pay for services like vehicle wrapping in advance or request payment through gift cards. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stay informed, and always verify opportunities before parting with your money.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on July 18, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: gift card draining ( 3 ), gift cards, Scams ( 1,510 )   

  State warns of gift card scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Police in New Hampshire are raising the alarm about a sophisticated gift card scam that’s preying on consumers nationwide. This crime is executed with remarkable efficiency, making it difficult for victims to detect until it’s too late.

  The scam begins in retail stores, where suspects remove hundreds of gift cards from shelves. These cards are then mailed to other conspirators, who meticulously open them to access the information inside. Once this information is documented, the cards are sent back to other conspirators who discreetly return them to store shelves, making them appear untouched.

  This sets a trap for unsuspecting shoppers. As soon as funds are added to these gift cards, the scammers, who monitor the cards closely, immediately spend the money. This leaves the consumer with a worthless gift card and an unpleasant surprise.

  During an investigation, police detectives discovered over $100,000 worth of Apple products in a New Hampshire, apartment. These items are believed to have been purchased using information from the stolen gift cards. Gift cared scammers then sell the products, making themselves a substantial profit.

  This scam is not limited to New Hampshire. It is part of a larger, nationwide problem. New Hampshire’s tax-free status makes it an especially attractive target for scammers.

  To protect yourself from gift card scams, always inspect the back of the card for signs of tampering. It’s a good idea to take a handful of cards from the rack and compare their markings. Scammers often place tampered cards at the front, so consider choosing one from the middle of the pack instead. When purchasing gift cards, use a credit card whenever possible, as it offers better protection against loss compared to cash or a debit card. If you find that a card you received has been emptied, try contacting the customer service number on the back of the card. While recovering the money or getting a refund may be difficult, it’s worth seeking assistance from customer service.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on April 1, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: arrest warrant ( 28 ), bitcoin atm ( 29 ), gift cards, jury duty scam ( 35 ), police impersonation scam ( 82 ), Scams ( 1,510 ), spoofed calls ( 9 )   

  The jury duty/arrest warrant scam never takes a holiday 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Over the Easter weekend, there really wasn’t any groundbreaking news about scams. However, we did observe a notable surge in reports about what we regard as one of the most prevalent scams, the jury duty or arrest warrant scam.

  The arrest warrant/jury duty scam is a type of phone scam where the scammer impersonates law enforcement officials or representatives from the court system.

  In this scam, the scammer typically calls the victim and informs them that there is a warrant out for their arrest due to failure to appear for jury duty or for some other alleged offense. The scammer then demands immediate payment of fines or fees to avoid arrest. They often pressure the victim to provide personal information or payment details over the phone.

  This scam is prevalent because the threat of arrest can cause individuals to panic and comply with the scammer’s demands without questioning the legitimacy of the call. As we often remark, hardly a day passes without some police department, regardless of its size, cautioning residents about this scam.

  For instance, in a recent incident in Evansville, Indiana, a victim fell prey to police impersonators, resulting in a loss of nearly $20,000. The impersonators falsely claimed to represent the local county sheriff’s office and informed the victim of an alleged open federal case against her. Following the typical pattern of this scam, the victim was coerced into believing she could evade arrest by paying a bond. The scammers directed her to a Bitcoin ATM to make the payment. After the initial payment, they deceitfully asserted that it hadn’t gone through and persuaded the victim to repeat the payment process.

  In Augusta, Georgia, there have been reports of scammers impersonating The U.S. Marshals Service. It’s a common tactic for scammers to pose as national law enforcement agencies such as the Marshals, the FBI, the DEA, or Customs and Border Protection. The idea behind impersonating federal officers is to increase the pressure on victims. In the Augusta case, the scammers are threatening victims with arrest for allegedly failing to appear in court for jury duty. In this instance, the fraudsters are demanding payment in the form of gift cards.

  In Atlantis, Florida, local police have issued warnings about scammers who are calling victims and pretending to be from an unidentified “human trafficking task force.” These scammers are going as far as spoofing the phone numbers of the local police department to appear more legitimate. Once again, victims are being threatened with arrest if they fail to make a payment. It’s likely that the scammers are posing as a human trafficking task force to instill fear in the victims, making them believe they could be labeled as predators if they don’t comply. The reports did not specify what type of untraceable payment method the scammers requested.

  Our main point is that these scams are not limited by location and can manifest in various forms. However, avoiding falling victim to them is straightforward if you remember one crucial fact. Legitimate law enforcement agencies or police departments will never request money over the phone, especially not through methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency. Moreover, it’s improbable for the police to issue warnings about warrants via phone calls when someone is wanted for arrest.

  If someone is approached by police impersonators over the phone, simply hang up the phone. You are not obligated to engage with them or provide any information. Then report the scam to your local law enforcement agency or the appropriate authorities. By reporting the incident, you can help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 27, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: gift cards, impersonation scam ( 174 ), Scams ( 1,510 ), Spectrum Internet, utility scam ( 33 )   

  Utility scammers are targeting consumers 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Recently, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) issued a warning to Michigan consumers about a utility scam targeting customers of Spectrum Internet.

  According to reports, scammers are impersonating Spectrum Internet representatives, enticing customers with the promise of discounted internet services. The scheme involves leaving voicemails offering substantial discounts on future internet bills. However, the catch is customers are required to pay several months’ worth of service fees upfront, and the payment must be made using gift cards, asserting it as a component of a purported partnership.

  In a distressing incident, a Michigan resident fell victim to this scam. After receiving a voicemail offering a 50% discount on her internet service, she contacted the number provided and was told she could enjoy the discount for three years without any contracts. However, she was instructed to pay for 15 months of service in advance, amounting to $420, via gift cards.

  Spectrum, aware of the scam, has issued guidelines on its website to help customers identify such fraudulent activities. The company emphasizes that it will never request payments via gift cards, wire transfers, or payment apps, nor will it offer discounted rates for a fee.

  To avoid falling victim to utility impersonation scams like this, avoid prepaid debit or gift card payments. Legitimate companies typically accept checks or credit cards as primary payment methods. Be cautious of requests for payment via prepaid cards, as these are favored by scammers due to the difficulty in retrieving funds once they’re transferred.

  If you receive a special offer or discount, verify its authenticity by contacting the utility company directly. Obtain the customer service number from the official website or your latest bill and inquire about the offer’s validity. Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is.

  Although reports of this scam are currently surfacing in Michigan, there’s a significant likelihood that it may soon target areas beyond.