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  • Geebo 9:00 am on November 5, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , government scams, , ,   

    Fake Traffic Ticket Text Scam Alert! 

    Fake Traffic Ticket Text Scam Alert!

    By Greg Collier

    If your phone buzzed with a text claiming you owe an “outstanding traffic ticket” and need to pay immediately—stop right there. This isn’t a real notice from the state. It’s a phishing scam designed to steal your money and personal information, and it’s making another round through Illinois after spreading nationwide earlier this year.

    These messages pretend to come from the “Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles” (which doesn’t actually exist) and try to scare you with words like “final notice,” “enforcement,” and “credit score impact.” In reality, they’re just digital bait—complete with typos like “November 5rd” and “November 4nd.”

    What’s Going On:

    The scam follows a familiar pattern: a fake text threatens registration suspension, prosecution, or fines if you don’t pay within 24 hours. It urges you to click a link to resolve your “ticket.” Officials across Illinois have confirmed these messages are not legitimate, and similar versions have hit phones across the U.S. in recent months.

    Why It Works:

    Scammers know that fear makes people act fast. A sudden threat to your license or credit score can make even cautious people click before they think. That single tap can lead to a spoofed site that captures your driver’s license number, banking details, or other private information.

    Red Flags:

    • References to the “Illinois DMV”—a department that doesn’t exist.
    • Typos and awkward grammar, like “5rd” or “4nd.”
    • Urgent threats of suspension or legal action within 24 hours.
    • Links to unknown websites asking for payment or verification.

    Quick Tip: Traffic tickets are handled through local courts, not through the state’s DMV or Secretary of State. You’ll always receive legitimate notices by mail, not by text message.

    What You Can Do:

    • Do not click any links.
    • Delete the message immediately.
    • Report it to the FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov) or FBI’s IC3 (ic3.gov).
    • If you’re unsure, check your record through your state’s Secretary of State website.

    If You’ve Been Targeted:

    If you already clicked the link or entered personal information, act fast:

    • Contact your bank or credit card company to freeze or monitor your accounts.
    • Change any passwords that might have been compromised.
    • Run a malware scan on your phone or computer.
    • Report the scam to the FTC and FBI so others don’t fall for it. Even if you didn’t enter any information, deleting and reporting the message helps prevent scammers from targeting others.

    Final Thoughts:

    These scammers are recycling an old nationwide con—now dressed up with bad grammar and fake urgency. Don’t take the bait. The government won’t text you demanding money, and “November 5rd” isn’t a real date.

    Stay smart, stay skeptical, and keep your personal info out of scammers’ hands.

    Further Reading:

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on November 4, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: government scams, , , ,   

    Scammers Exploit SNAP Delays Amid Shutdown Confusion 

    Scammers Exploit SNAP Delays Amid Shutdown Confusion

    By Greg Collier

    A new scam warning out of Abilene, Texas, could soon spread nationwide. With the ongoing federal government shutdown disrupting SNAP benefits, scammers are using the moment to strike vulnerable families from coast to coast. What started as a local warning has the potential to become a nationwide scam targeting anyone who depends on SNAP to feed their family.

    What’s Going On:

    As the shutdown continues, millions of households relying on SNAP benefits are facing uncertainty about when their assistance will arrive. Scammers are jumping at the opportunity, posing as SNAP representatives to “verify” personal information—but their real goal is identity theft.

    The Better Business Bureau in Abilene says families are getting phone calls, emails, or texts from imposters pretending to be from the government. They claim they need details like your Social Security number or driver’s license to “restore” benefits. Once they get that data, they can open credit accounts, drain funds, or steal your identity entirely.

    Why It’s Effective:

    When food benefits are on the line, fear makes people act fast. Scammers know this. They tailor their calls and emails to sound official, even citing real headlines about SNAP delays caused by the shutdown. BBB President John Riggins says these “government imposters” rely on trust and confusion—making victims believe they’re helping fix a problem when, really, they’re creating one.

    Red Flags:

    • Unsolicited calls, texts, or emails claiming to be from SNAP or any government office.
    • Requests for personal data such as SSNs, bank info, or driver’s license numbers.
    • Threats or urgency, saying your benefits will be cut off if you don’t comply.
    • Refusal to provide proof by mail or official documentation.

    No government agency will ever call or text to request your personal information.

    How to Protect Yourself:

    • Never share personal data unless you initiated the contact.
    • Ask for proof by mail and verify it directly with your local SNAP office.
    • Hang up immediately if the caller becomes aggressive or demands sensitive information.
    • Block unknown numbers through your carrier or phone settings.
    • Report scams to the BBB’s Scam Tracker so others can be warned.

    Each report helps build a bigger picture—allowing investigators to connect dots across state lines and stop similar scams before they spread.

    If You’ve Been Targeted:

    • If you think you’ve already shared information with a scammer, act fast:
    • Contact your bank or credit union immediately. Explain that you may have been a victim of a scam and ask them to monitor or freeze your accounts if needed.
    • Report identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov
      to get a recovery plan and official documentation.
    • Change passwords and PINs on any accounts you believe may be compromised.
    • Alert your state SNAP office so they can note your account and prevent fraudulent activity.
    • Keep records of any calls, texts, or emails from the scammer—they could help investigators track the operation.

    Even if you didn’t lose money, reporting the attempt helps others stay safe. Scammers often hit multiple people in the same area, so your report could be the missing puzzle piece.

    Final Thoughts:

    Scammers are exploiting fear and confusion at a time when millions are simply trying to put food on the table. Whether you live in Texas or anywhere else in the country, stay alert and don’t share your information. If someone claims to be from SNAP, hang up, verify, and report it.

    Further Reading:

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 6, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: government scams, , , , , ,   

    Shutdown Fuels Federal Impostors 

    Shutdown Fuels Federal Impostors

    By Greg Collier

    With the federal government shutdown creating uncertainty across the country, consumers are being urged to stay alert for scams that exploit the disruption. Officials in North Carolina recently issued a warning after seeing signs that criminals are using the shutdown to impersonate federal agencies and obtain personal or financial information. The concern is not limited to one state, since the agencies being mimicked operate nationwide and shutdown-related confusion affects people in every region.

    Past shutdowns have shown that scammers quickly adjust their tactics to match the moment. During previous funding lapses, people reported fraudulent claims about suspended Social Security checks, frozen food assistance, or threats that Medicare coverage would end unless immediate action was taken. In some instances, callers falsely offered help to federal workers or contractors struggling with missed paychecks, using the shutdown as cover to push loans or collect personal data.

    These schemes commonly arrive by phone, text message, or email and rely on pressure and urgency rather than credibility. Scammers often use caller ID spoofing or fake email domains to make their messages appear to come from federal agencies. That technology can make it difficult for people to immediately recognize that the communication is fraudulent.

    Government officials are emphasizing that legitimate agencies will not make unsolicited requests for sensitive information or demand payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or similar methods. Any unexpected outreach from someone claiming to represent a federal program should be treated with caution. People are encouraged to end the communication and reach out directly to the agency using verified contact information if there is reason to confirm anything.

    In North Carolina, the Consumer Protection Division of the state Department of Justice is continuing to accept fraud complaints during the shutdown. Other states have similar channels for reporting suspicious activity. Remaining cautious, especially when receiving messages that appear urgent or threatening, is one of the most effective ways to prevent financial or identity theft while the shutdown continues to create opportunities for exploitation.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on April 17, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: government scams, , ,   

    Tariff Confusion Opens the Door to Scams 

    By Greg Collier

    A new scam is capitalizing on growing confusion around tariffs, and it was only a matter of time. With talk of new trade measures circulating again under The White House’s proposed economic policies, fraudsters have found a fresh angle. The latest scheme pretends to be official communication from federal agencies and demands that consumers pay money for tariffs. These messages often arrive by email or text, look convincingly official, and direct people to fraudulent websites designed to look like government portals.

    The problem is compounded by the fact that many people are not entirely sure what tariffs are, or how they actually work. Tariffs are taxes placed on imported goods. They are paid by the companies importing the products, not by the consumer directly. However, if the added cost cuts into a company’s profit margin, the company might pass that cost along by raising the price of the product. In that case, the consumer feels the effect of the tariff through higher prices at the store, not through a separate payment to the government.

    That key distinction is precisely what scammers are exploiting. By claiming consumers must pay tariffs directly, they use the complexity of the issue to create a false sense of urgency and confusion. The messages often include links to websites that mimic real government domains, sometimes even using visual tricks to make the addresses appear legitimate at a glance. But real U.S. government websites always end in “.gov” and they do not initiate unsolicited payment requests.

    Increased media coverage of possible tariff hikes creates fertile ground for misinformation. These scams thrive when the public is unclear about how policies work or whether something like a direct tariff bill might be plausible. That fog of uncertainty is undoubtedly where cybercriminals like to operate.

    Anyone receiving unexpected requests for money linked to tariffs should treat them with skepticism. Government agencies do not communicate in that way, and no tariff policy, proposed or enacted, requires private citizens to pay directly in response to a text or email. The only real impact consumers might feel comes later, when goods become more expensive due to changes in trade policy. However, that happens at the register, not through surprise digital invoices.

    As tariff discussions continue, these kinds of scams are likely to persist. Understanding how tariffs work is the first step in avoiding exploitation. And for now, the only tariff threat the average person needs to worry about is the fake one sitting in their inbox.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on March 17, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , government scams, , ,   

    Posing as Feds: A $125K Amazon Scam 

    Posing as Feds: A $125K Amazon Scam

    By Greg Collier

    In early March, a 71-year-old resident of Sequim, Washington, fell prey to a calculated and manipulative scheme, losing $125,000 to individuals posing as federal agents. What began as a simple phone call spiraled into a series of orchestrated encounters, ultimately leading to a substantial financial loss.

    The deception started when the victim was contacted by someone claiming to represent Amazon’s fraud department. The caller alleged that her account had been compromised and, in a carefully crafted escalation, connected her with another individual who introduced himself as a federal investigator. The so-called agent presented an alarming scenario. The victim was accused of being entangled in a money laundering operation and needed to prove her innocence by transferring money to the government.

    Under the weight of fear and urgency, the woman was directed to withdraw large sums of cash and place them into a lockbox. Over three separate meetings at a local business, she handed over the money to an individual she believed to be a government agent. Each time, she was given a single dollar bill as supposed confirmation of the exchange. It wasn’t until her bank manager noticed the unusual withdrawals that the scam unraveled. Law enforcement was alerted, and detectives launched an investigation.

    On March 12, authorities set up a sting operation. With the victim’s cooperation, another delivery of $40,000 was planned. This time, when the money was set to change hands, law enforcement intervened. A 35-year-old woman from Tacoma, identified as the driver involved in the scheme, was arrested. Through an interpreter, she was questioned and later booked on charges of extortion and attempted theft. The case remains open as investigators work to identify additional suspects.

    To avoid falling victim to such scams, caution is crucial. Government agencies and legitimate organizations will never demand cash payments, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to resolve alleged legal issues. If someone claims to be an official investigator and pressures you to send money, it’s a red flag. Independently verifying claims by contacting the agency directly, rather than through provided phone numbers, can prevent costly mistakes. When in doubt, consulting a trusted financial institution or law enforcement agency before taking action can make all the difference.

    Local authorities continue to warn residents about these deceptive practices, urging anyone who suspects fraudulent activity to seek immediate guidance. In an era where technology makes scams more convincing than ever, awareness and skepticism remain the best defenses against financial exploitation.

     

  • Geebo 9:02 am on November 19, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , government scams, , ,   

    New Phishing Scam Uses .GOV Emails 

    New Phishing Scam Uses .GOV Emails

    By Greg Collier

    In an unsettling turn of events, cybercriminals are exploiting trust in government systems to target businesses. Using stolen government email credentials, these criminals send fraudulent emails that appear legitimate, aiming to trick companies into sharing sensitive information. According to federal authorities, this tactic has escalated to a new level of sophistication, with attackers leveraging official-looking communications to gain access to confidential company data.

    Once considered a hallmark of trustworthiness, emails from .gov addresses are no longer a guaranteed sign of authenticity. These addresses are now being sold and misused on dark web forums, enabling criminals to pose as federal agencies. In one case, a known cybercriminal openly advertised their collection of high-quality .gov email credentials, boasting that they could assist buyers in impersonating law enforcement officers, even providing fake subpoena documents to make their ruse more convincing.

    The implications are serious. Businesses that fall for these scams may inadvertently expose customer data, internal documentation, or trade secrets. The fraudulent emails often include urgent requests, claiming an investigation or legal matter requires immediate action. Under the guise of government authority, companies are pressured into complying without verifying the legitimacy of the request.

    The FBI has issued warnings, urging businesses to remain vigilant and adopt stringent cybersecurity practices. Key recommendations include monitoring connections with third-party vendors, maintaining secure backups of critical data, and scrutinizing every aspect of any supposed emergency data request. Special attention should be given to details such as logos, legal references, and formatting, which may reveal subtle inconsistencies.

    One critical piece of advice is if you receive an email from a government address requesting sensitive information, do not respond immediately. Instead, contact the office directly through a verified phone number to confirm the request. Cybercriminals are adept at social engineering, using their knowledge of a company’s operations to craft emails that seem authentic. It’s essential to adopt a ‘trust but verify’ approach, even when the sender appears legitimate.

    The growing prevalence of these attacks highlights the evolving threat landscape. Companies must stay informed, invest in robust security measures, and foster a culture of skepticism toward unexpected or urgent requests. By doing so, they can protect themselves and their customers from falling victim to these sophisticated scams.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on February 29, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , government scams, , , ,   

    When old scams become new: TikTok scam promises free money 

    By Greg Collier

    A prevalent scam frequently encountered on Facebook is the government grant scam. This usually occurs when scammers gain unauthorized access to someone’s Facebook account. They then exploit this access to send messages to the victim’s friends, claiming they’ve received a significant government grant and anyone can apply. These messages include a link for recipients to purportedly apply for the grant.

    In this scam, the trick lies in scammers posing as government representatives who then request payment from victims under false pretenses, often citing processing fees or taxes. This deceptive practice is commonly referred to as the advance fee scam, where individuals are asked to pay money upfront in order to receive promised funds.

    When a social network emerges with a predominantly young audience, scammers adapt their tactics to better appeal to this demographic. They might tweak the scam’s messaging, incorporating language and content that resonates with younger users.

    According to the Better Business Bureau, scammers on TikTok are luring users with the promise of a $6,400 government grant, targeting individuals earning less than $50,000 annually. Given the economic challenges many young people face today, this offer may seem particularly appealing to a significant portion of the younger population.

    In the TikTok scam, perpetrators use videos featuring individuals who purport to have successfully applied for and received the grant. However, these individuals are often victims of the scam themselves. As part of the deception, scammers may condition the release of the promised payment on the victim creating their own video endorsing the legitimacy of the grant program.

    The BBB also reports the scam on TikTok might not necessarily be seeking payment from victims, but rather aiming to harvest their personal data.

    If a grant or financial assistance program requires payment upfront, question its legitimacy. Legitimate government grants typically do not require payment in advance. Avoid providing personal or financial information to unknown individuals or entities online, especially in response to unsolicited messages or requests. Take the time to research any offers or opportunities thoroughly before taking action. Look for reviews, feedback, or reports from trusted sources to validate the legitimacy of the offer. Lastly, Be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true, especially if they promise large sums of money for minimal effort or qualifications.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 16, 2022 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: government scams, , , , , ,   

    A good change in Social Security brings out the scammers 

    A good change in Social Security brings out the scammers

    By Greg Collier

    The most impersonated government agencies are the IRS, Social Security, and Medicare. Scammers often use these three offices to intimidate their victims into doing what they want. I mean, who wants to be contacted by the IRS? They typically use the other two offices to intimidate older Americans or the disabled into thinking they’re either going to lose their benefits, or they make benefit promises that are better than what the government is offering. Whenever the law or policy changes happen within one of these offices, the scammers are right on top of it, looking to use it to take advantage of their victims.

    At the end of this year, millions of Social Security beneficiaries will be receiving an almost 9% cost of living increase in their benefits. If a beneficiary is eligible for this increase, there is nothing they have to do. They will receive it automatically. Scammers will contact their victims posing as the SSA. They’ll tell their victims they need their personal information, a payment, or both to receive the increase. This could lead to the victim’s identity being stolen, or the loss of hundreds if not thousands of dollars.

    To better protect yourself or someone you know from this scam, the best thing to do is keep in mind that government agencies like this will not reach out to citizens first. Unless you already have an ongoing matter with Social Security, they will not just call someone out of the blue. Most government agencies will contact someone by postal mail if they need to be notified. Also, no one should have to give their personal information to the SSA, as they should already have it if you’re a beneficiary. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the SSA, hang up and contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213, or their contact page at SSA.gov.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on June 10, 2022 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , government scams, ,   

    Gas relief scam sweeps nation 

    Gas relief scam sweeps nation

    By Greg Collier

    Recently, we’ve been discussing how scammers will take any tragedy in the headlines and try to use it to their advantage. That’s not just limited to disasters and other tragedies. Scammers can also take advantage of ongoing crises. For example, there seemed to be no end to the number of scams related to the pandemic in the past few years. Now, scammers have turned their greedy eyes to the gas crisis. With the price of gas skyrocketing because of inflation, scammers are looking to take advantage of consumers who are desperate for an economic break.

    In one scam, scammers are calling consumers telling them that the government is offering a gas relief program for qualifying individuals. However, what the scammers are really after is your financial information. One victim from Oklahoma said she signed up for the phony program and lost a lot of money out of her checking account to the scammers.

    A spokesperson for the Federal Trade Commission has stated that the government is not offering any gas relief program.

    If this scam sounds a little familiar, that’s because it sounds a lot like the government grant scam. In that scam, victims receive an unsolicited call or message telling them they qualify for a government grant that the victim can use for any purpose. It’s often pitched to the victim as a way they can pay their bills. The scammers tell their victims they just need to pay a processing fee in order to receive the grant. Once the victim pays, the scammers disappear with the money, while the grant never existed in the first place. This is also known as an advance fee scam.

    These approaches are not just limited to phone calls. They can appear in almost any form of communication, whether it’s calls, texts, direct messages, or emails. If there was such a government program for gas relief, the government wouldn’t be calling you. You would have to reach out to them first.

    While we could all use some relief at the pump, almost any offer to discount gas prices will probably be a scam.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 28, 2021 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , government scams, , , U.S. Trading Commission   

    New scam tries to take advantage of scam victims 

    New scam ties to take advantage of scam victims

    The Federal Trade Commission is usually the office of the government that deals with online scammers and returns money to victims. Ironically, the FTC has issued a warning about a website that is impersonating them to scam consumers.

    The scam website claims to be the U.S. Trading Commission. There is no such division of the U.S. Government, but the site fake uses the FTC’s seal and street address. The site claims that it is distributing a ‘personal data protection fund’ to victims of identity theft. It promises that you can receive money instantly on top of it.

    If you click on the link to obtain the money, you’re asked for your banking information, so you can receive the payment. Of course, this is just a ruse to gain access to your bank account, so the scammers can drain it. The FTC also says there’s a potential chance that going to the phony site could download malware to your device. Scammers could not only gain access to your personal information this way, but they could also spread the malware to people in your contacts list.

    Surprisingly, this phony website has claimed victims from all over the world and not just the US.

    If you were a victim of a scam that the FTC reclaimed money from, they would send you a check in the mail. They would not have a link that anybody could click on to try to claim money. The FTC would also not ask for personal identifying information like bank account information, credit card number, or Social Security number before they could deliver their payment.

    If you come across a phony FTC lookalike site, you’re asked to please report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

     

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