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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 27, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: gift cards, impersonation scam ( 187 ), Scams ( 1,558 ), Spectrum Internet, utility scam ( 34 )   

  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.

   

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  Geebo 9:00 am on March 8, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: check scam ( 82 ), fake check ( 52 ), gift cards, job scam ( 89 ), mystery shopper ( 5 ), Scams ( 1,558 ), secret shopper ( 15 )   

  A warning about the mystery shopper scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In the world of scams and fraudulent schemes, there are some that lurk in the shadows, waiting for unsuspecting victims to fall into their traps. One such scam that continues to circulate, albeit not as commonly known as others, is the mystery shopper scam.

  A mystery shopper, also known as a secret shopper, is someone who is hired by a company to pose as a regular customer and evaluate the quality of service, products, or overall experience provided by a business. Mystery shoppers typically visit retail stores, restaurants, hotels, banks, or other service-based establishments and then provide detailed feedback on various aspects such as customer service, cleanliness, product knowledge, adherence to company policies, and overall satisfaction. While the role of a mystery shopper is a legitimate position within many retail establishments, it unfortunately serves as a guise for scammers to target unsuspecting victims.

  The scenario typically begins innocuously enough. An individual receives an email offering them an opportunity to become a mystery shopper. Intrigued by the prospect of earning some extra income while performing simple tasks, the recipient responds to the email and awaits further instructions.

  In one instance, a potential victim received two letters in the mail, each seemingly from reputable companies. One was purportedly from Walmart and the other from American Express. Enclosed within these letters were checks, one for almost $3,500 and the other for $2,900, respectively.

  This is where the mystery shopper scam quickly reveals itself. The recipient is instructed to deposit the checks into their personal bank account, a seemingly harmless step in the process. However, the plot thickens as they are then directed to immediately withdraw a portion of the deposited funds and use it to purchase money orders or gift cards.

  For instance, in the case of the Walmart letter, the recipient is instructed to purchase three $1,000 money orders, while the American Express letter directs them to buy $2,500 worth of gift cards. The final twist comes when the victim is asked to relay the serial numbers on the back of the gift cards or money orders to their supposed supervisors.

  This is where the trap snaps shut. Unbeknownst to the victim, the checks they deposited into their bank account are counterfeit, and the funds they withdrew and sent away are irretrievable. The victim is left facing the consequences, liable for the full amount of the fraudulent checks.

  No legitimate employer will ever request you to deposit funds into your personal account that are intended for business purposes. If such a request is made, it’s a strong indicator of a fraudulent check. Additionally, anything involving gift cards should raise suspicion. Unless the cards are intended as a gift, refrain from sharing their numbers over the phone or with anyone else.

  To protect yourself from falling victim to the mystery shopper scam, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited offers, especially those promising large sums of money for minimal effort.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on January 8, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Apple ( 34 ), gift cards, lawsuit ( 47 ), Scams ( 1,558 )   

  Apple settles lawsuit over gift card scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  There’s a phrase we often use when discussing gift card scams, and that is gift cards are the currency of scammers. What we mean by that is, unless you’re presenting someone with a gift card as an actual gift, if someone asks you for payment in gift cards, you’re more than likely being scammed. However, it’s not just scammers who make money from gift card scams. The issuers of these cards make money as well.

  Apple Computers were one of the pioneers in modern gift card sales. The company introduced its first gift card, the iTunes Gift Card, in 2003. Initially, it was designed for users to purchase and download music, movies, TV shows, and other digital content from the iTunes Store.

  Over the years, as Apple expanded its product and service offerings, the gift cards evolved to cover a broader range of Apple services and products. The iTunes Gift Card was eventually rebranded as the Apple Gift Card to reflect its versatility across various Apple platforms.

  Apple gift cards can be used to purchase not only music and movies but also apps, games, books, iCloud storage, and even hardware products like iPhones, iPads, Macs, and accessories.

  Since Apple hardware can be purchased, the gift cards have become highly coveted among scammers. They’ll purchase the high-end items before selling them for a substantial profit.

  According to a recent lawsuit, Apple is also allegedly making money from these scams. When an Apple gift card is purchased, Apple keeps 30% of that purchase price. Like many gift card issuers, Apple has been reluctant to assist victims who have lost money to Apple gift card scams.

  That lawsuit was recently settled, although a settlement amount has yet to be disclosed. However, the settlement affects anyone who lost money to an Apple gift card scam from 2015 to July 31, 2020, and did not receive a refund from Apple.

  Unless you’re actually giving someone a gift, gift cards should never be used as a form of payment to people you don’t know. No legitimate company, agency, or online seller, will ever ask for gift cards as payment. Another reason we call them the currency of the scammer is they’re virtually untraceable once the card is depleted.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on December 13, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Christmas shopping ( 23 ), gift card draining ( 3 ), gift cards, Scams ( 1,558 )   

  How common is gift card draining? 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Recently, we made a post about how scammers can drain the value of a gift card as soon as you buy one. The scam has been dubbed “gift card draining” by law enforcement. While it may seem like a new scam due to the news coverage it’s been garnering lately, it’s been around since stores started selling gift cards on racks and kiosks. We don’t like to repeat subjects too often on this blog, but gift card draining has been so prevalent in the news, we thought we’d take another look at it.

  In the gift card draining scam, scammers may tamper with physical gift cards available for purchase in stores. They may discreetly scratch off or expose the card’s activation code without alerting the store staff. Once the scammer obtains the activation code, they redeem the value on the card once it’s activated by an unsuspecting shopper. This makes it useless for the person who eventually purchases it.

  If you’re wondering how widespread this scam is, you may want to take precautions while doing your holiday shopping this year. In Northern California, police were patrolling a Target store when they noticed a man allegedly taking gift cards from their racks and doing something to the cards before putting them back. When police officers approached the man outside the store, they discovered the man had thousands of gift cards inside his car. The cards were taken from 54 Target stores in 12 different California counties. The cards were stolen at stores from Los Angeles to the San Francisco Bay Area.

  To protect yourself from potential gift card scams, consider implementing the following precautions. When purchasing gift cards, choose those from the middle of the pack, as they are less likely to have been tampered with. Conduct a thorough inspection of the card for any signs of alteration, especially if the security strip appears wrinkled or crooked, as these may indicate tampering. Keep the receipt when acquiring a gift card, as it can be valuable for assistance if the card is later found to be empty.

  In the unfortunate event that you detect a tampered card, promptly contact the issuing company using the customer service number provided on the back of the card. Although there’s no guarantee of recovering your funds, taking this step can significantly expedite the resolution process.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on December 6, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Christmas shopping ( 23 ), gift card draining ( 3 ), gift cards, holiday shopping ( 16 ), Scams ( 1,558 )   

  Police warn of gift card draining scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Gift cards are a great idea when shopping during the holiday season. If you have someone on your Christmas list who is difficult to shop for or lives far away, a gift card can be the ideal present. However, it should be known that gift cards are also prone to fraud. The fraud doesn’t come from the companies who issue the cards, nor does it come from the stores who carry them. Instead, it comes from scammers who are looking to make a quick buck at the shoppers’ expense.

  While most scams are perpetrated online these days, this gift card scam requires the scammer to have physical access to the card. This requires the scammers to shoplift the gift cards. After leaving the store, the scammers engage in a scheme where they extract the security strip from the card and capture its number. Subsequently, they affix adhesive strips to replace the security strips before strategically returning the cards to the store rack. Upon a customer loading money onto the compromised gift card, the scammers receive notifications and promptly deplete the card of its funds. Typically, customers remain oblivious to the fraud until an attempt to use the gift card is made, often weeks or even months after the initial purchase. Recovering the funds is exceedingly uncommon once the card has been emptied.

  Police in the Philadelphia suburbs recently issued a warning about this scam, as they have recently received reports of hundreds of prepaid debit cards and Apple gift cards being tampered with at a local supermarket chain.

  To safeguard yourself from falling victim to this gift card scam, consider taking the following precautions. When purchasing gift cards, opt for one from the middle of the pack, as they are less likely to have been tampered with. Thoroughly inspect the card for any signs of alteration, particularly if the security strip appears wrinkled or crooked, as these may indicate tampering. Retain the receipt when acquiring a gift card, as it can prove valuable in assisting you later if the card is found to be emptied.

  In the unfortunate event that you discover a tampered card, promptly contact the issuing company using the customer service number provided on the back of the card. While there is no guarantee of recovering your funds, taking this step can significantly expedite the resolution process.

  How common is gift card draining? is discussing. Toggle Comments

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on October 20, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: gift cards, Scams ( 1,558 )   

  Arrest shows how gift card scam works 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Gift cards are used in so many scams, they should be called red flag cards. Typically, scammers will try to get their victims to pay them in gift cards for something that normally isn’t paid for in that way. Gift cards cannot be used to pay your utility bill, a legal fine, or as a rental deposit. As soon as someone gets asked by a stranger to pay for something with gift cards, they should know that’s a surefire sign of a scam. However, there is another scam that anyone can fall victim to, and it targets the gift cards themselves.

  Recently, in a suburb of Columbus, Ohio, a man was arrested for allegedly stealing gift cards from a CVS store. After police apprehended the man, they searched his car and found 30 lb. boxes filled with gift cards. Police also found heat guns, blow dryers, adhesive strips, and other tools used to alter the cards.

  After scammers steal the gift cards, they remove the security strip from the card and record the card’s number. The security strips are replaced with the adhesive strips before the scammers place the cards back on the rack at the store. Once a customer puts money on the gift card, the scammers are notified, and they drain the card of all funds. Customers usually don’t find out until someone goes to use the gift card, which could be weeks or months after the date of purchase. When the card is emptied, it’s very rare for a customer to get their money back.

  There are steps you can take to protect yourself from this gift card scam. When buying gift cards, take one from the middle of the pack, as they are less likely to have been tapered with. Check the card for signs of alteration. If the security strip appears wrinkled or crooked, there’s a good chance it’s been tampered with. When buying a gift card, keep the receipt, as this could assist you later if the card has been emptied.

  If you do get stuck with a tampered card, call the issuing company immediately at the customer service number on the back of the card. While this isn’t a guarantee your funds will be recovered, it will go a long way in expediting that process.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 5, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: gift cards, romance scam ( 78 ), Scams ( 1,558 )   

  Both rich and poor can fall for romance scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Within the past year or so, when it comes to romance scams, all the talk has been around the pig butchering scam. This is when romance scammers get their victims to invest in a phony cryptocurrency exchange. Victims of the pig butchering scam tend to be on the more wealthy side, with victims losing tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of dollars each. This may lull people who don’t make as much money into a false sense of security. But believe us when we say scammers don’t care how much or little you make. They’ll try to take it anyway.

  For example, a man from Tulsa, Oklahoma, recently came forward to his local media about being the victim of a romance scam. The scammers claimed to be a woman in the military stationed in Iraq, and they were lonely and just needed someone to talk to. It quickly became a romantic relationship.

  As with every romance scam, the requests for money eventually happened. The scammer claimed their bank account was frozen, and they needed money to pay for internet in Iraq, so they could keep communicating. Before the man knew it, he was sending gift cards of $100 a month to the scammer. This relationship went on for about 18-months.

  We’re pretty sure the victims of pig butchering scams wish they only lost $100 a month to their scams. However, the victim in today’s story is a man who is disabled and living on a fixed income. To him, this could be the equivalent of the other victims losing six figures to the scammers. He was also probably not the scammer’s only victim. There could be dozens of other victims the scammers are taking $100 a month from. This could add up to thousands of dollars a month very quickly. No matter how much or how little someone makes, scammers will look to take a big chunk of it, if not all of it.

  If you have doubts about someone’s identity, do some research. You can use reverse image searches to check if their profile picture appears elsewhere on the internet. Scammers often use stolen photos. Never send money or gifts to someone you’ve only met online, regardless of their sob story or urgent requests. Scammers often ask for money for emergencies, travel expenses, or to help with various crises. Discuss your online relationships with trusted friends and family members. They can provide valuable perspective and help you stay grounded in reality.

  Remember that scammers are skilled at manipulating emotions and creating elaborate stories. They can be very convincing, so it’s essential to stay vigilant and prioritize your safety when forming online relationships. If you’re unsure about someone’s intentions, seek advice from trusted sources before taking any further steps.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on August 25, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: gift cards, Scams ( 1,558 )   

  Can you get your gift card money back after a scam? 

  

  By Greg Collier

  We’ve often said gift cards are the currency of scammers. This is because once scammers get the funds from the card, that money is typically gone forever. Victims usually had little to no recourse once scammers emptied the cards. However, a recent news report claims that better protections are coming for gift card buyers.

  There was a time when gift cards were used in just about any scam. A scammer would pose as some business or authority and demand payment in gift cards. The victim would be asked to read the numbers from the cards to the scammer. From there, the scammers would make immediate purchases using the cards, then sell the essentially stolen items.

  Now, according to CBS News, companies that issue gift cards are stepping up efforts to combat gift card scams. Large companies are named in this report, such as Amazon, Apple, Target, and Walmart. The report states that companies are now flagging or freezing transactions used with stolen gift cards.

  While that may be true, it seems the directions for a victim to get their money back is nothing new. According to the FTC, who was quoted by CBS News, the first thing a victim should do is contact the card’s issuer to notify them of the stolen cards. Then the FTC goes on to state if the scammer has not drained the card yet, the victim may get their money back.

  The problem with this procedure is there is a tiny window between the time the card numbers are given to the scammer, and the time the cards are emptied. Unfortunately, some victims don’t even realize they’ve been scammed until days later, if at all. If a victim isn’t calling a card issuer within minutes after being scammed, their money will probably never be recouped.

  The best protection against a gift card scam is to recognize it before it happens. Gift cards should only be used as gifts and should only be redeemed at the outlets they’re intended for. They can’t be used to pay police or any other law enforcement agency. They can’t be used for any kind of debt that someone is trying to collect. If someone asks you for gift cards, and they’re not intended as gifts, the odds are you’re talking to a scammer.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on July 19, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Facebook ( 182 ), gift cards, puppy scam ( 37 ), Scams ( 1,558 )   

  Grandmother falls prey to puppy scam while gifting grandson 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A grandmother in North Carolina took in her grandson after the boy’s mother passed away. To give him a better sense of belonging, she decided to buy him a puppy. The grandmother found someone on Facebook who claimed to be selling Yorkshire Terrier puppies. These puppies were even said to be registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC).

  The puppies were being sold for $525, which should have been the first red flag. Purebred Yorkies that are registered with the AKC tend to go for anywhere between $1000 and $3000. The next red flag came in the form of payment the seller requested. She was asked to make the payment in gift cards. The seller instructed her to take pictures of the front and back of the gift cards along with the receipts.

  Then, like in most scams, once the victim makes an initial payment, the scammers try to get more money out of them. In this case, the scammers told the grandmother she needed to pay for a special shipping crate for the puppy, along with insurance and other fees. Before it was all over, she had sent the scammers $5000.

  She received an email that contained information on when the puppy would arrive, but no puppy was ever delivered.

  If you’re thinking about buying a puppy online, this statistic may make you reconsider that. According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), more than 80% of social media posts that list puppies for sale are scams.

  When seeking a specific breed, opt for reputable breeders conveniently located within driving distance for an in-person visit. Prioritize meeting the puppy before finalizing the purchase. Before dealing with any local breeder, conduct thorough research to avoid potential risks. Steer clear of puppy mills or backyard breeders, as they often house sick animals with severe health issues.

  But as always, we urge our readers to consider adopting a puppy from your local shelter. Typically, puppies can be obtained from shelters at little to no expense.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on July 10, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Facebook Marketplace ( 66 ), gift cards, real estate ( 138 ), rental scam ( 90 ), rently ( 4 ), Scams ( 1,558 )   

  Another family homeless after rental scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  After mistakenly believing they had legitimately rented a home, a Florida family finds themselves homeless and forced to live on the streets. Tragically, stories like this are becoming far too common, as rental scammers continue to prey on families who are just looking for a roof over their heads.

  This family found a home for rent in their price range on Facebook Marketplace. The person who listed the home on Marketplace then directed the family to tour the home using an app called Rently. For those unfamiliar with Rently, it’s a service that allows prospective tenants to view and access rental properties without the need for a leasing agent or property manager to be present. Lockboxes are put on the doors of homes for rent or sale, and people who want to tour the home are given a combination to the lockbox, which has the keys in it.

  To get access to these homes, scammers will pose as prospective renters or buyers just so they can get the lockbox combination. Many realtors aren’t very good about changing the lockbox combinations, so scammers can use them repeatedly if need be.

  After the family toured the home and said they were interested in renting, the supposed landlord asked them for four months rent in advance, which came to an eye-watering $7000. Part of the payment was even asked for in eBay gift cards.

  After they moved in to the home, a sheriff’s deputy showed up at the door to inform the family they were trespassing and needed to leave.

  The home was available for rent, but was being rented out by a property management company.

  To add insult to injury, the family’s trailer that they were towing broke just a few feet after leaving the property.

  Just because an ad is listed on a multi-billion dollar platform like Facebook Marketplace doesn’t guarantee the listing is legitimate. Facebook was a haven for scammers long before Marketplace was implemented. Another red flag in this story is the landlord not being present during the home’s tour, or at any other time at all. And the biggest red flag was when partial payment was asked for in gift cards. As we are fond of saying, gift cards are the currency of scammers.

  We understand there are times when someone needs to find a new home quickly as possible. But no matter the reason, prospective renters should always take the time to research a property before paying any money. Research the going rate for rental homes in that area. If the home you’re looking at seems like a bargain, be suspicious. Do a web search on the address to see if other listings appear with different realtor names and rental prices, as scammers often copy legitimate real estate listings. And as always, you can check with the county’s tax assessor office or website to see who the true owner of the home really is.