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  Geebo 8:00 am on May 17, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: healthcare ( 39 ), identity theft, insurance fraud ( 5 ), medical identity theft, Scams ( 1,366 )   

  Medical identity theft prevents crucial treatment 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Imagine receiving a cancer diagnosis, only to discover that your path to treatment is obstructed by an identity theft scam. This was the reality for a patient at a free clinic in Brevard County, Florida. She had canceled her legitimate health insurance because she couldn’t afford the copays, and was depending on the clinic’s partnership with a top-tier cancer hospital to access the necessary care through an indigent care program.

  When the clinic attempted to enroll her in the hospital’s financial assistance program, they discovered that someone had stolen her social security number and taken out a fraudulent insurance policy in her name. This policy was used by the scammer to earn a commission, with the premiums being paid using a tax credit and sent to a fake address. As a result, the hospital’s system showed she already had insurance, disqualifying her from the assistance program she desperately needed.

  The fraudulent policy cost the patient precious time. She went months without any cancer treatment, a critical period when early intervention is paramount. The volunteer-led clinic realized the extent of the problem and sought help from the cancer hospital. However, the fraudulent policy blocked this route.

  Upon uncovering the scam, the clinic’s director filed a fraud report and managed to get the fake policy canceled. They are now working diligently to expedite her access to the cancer treatment she needs. Despite this progress, the delay has already had serious implications for her health.

  Medical identity theft can be difficult to prevent entirely, especially for those who are already vulnerable. However, there are several proactive steps individuals can take to help protect themselves from such scams.

  Request a copy of your medical records annually from your healthcare providers to ensure there are no inaccuracies or unfamiliar services listed. Shred documents containing personal information, such as medical bills, insurance statements, and other records that include your SSN or medical details. If contacted by someone claiming to be from a healthcare provider or insurance company, verify their identity by calling the organization directly using a known phone number. Carefully review any Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements you receive from your insurance provider. Look for unfamiliar services or charges and report any discrepancies immediately.

  By taking these precautions, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of becoming victims of medical identity theft and be better prepared to address any issues swiftly if they arise.

   

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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 22, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: gold bars ( 10 ), identity theft, police impersonation scam ( 64 ), Scams ( 1,366 )   

  Beware the gold bar scam: Protecting the elderly from financial predators 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In the retirement communities across the nation, a disturbing trend has emerged, preying on the trust and vulnerability of its elderly residents. Recent reports reveal a harrowing scheme where criminals, cloaked in deception, lure unsuspecting victims into converting their hard-earned savings into gold bars, only to vanish into the shadows with millions of dollars in ill-gotten gains.

  The magnitude of this issue has prompted national attention, with the FBI issuing warnings to the public. The allure of gold, coupled with the anonymity afforded by online transactions, has emboldened scammers to exploit the vulnerabilities of the elderly. Unlike traditional banking transactions, which may raise red flags, wire transfers to gold bullion websites often fly under the radar, facilitating the seamless execution of fraudulent schemes.

  The intricate web of deception woven by these scammers illustrates the lengths to which they will go to exploit the innocence of their victims. Posing as officials from esteemed agencies like the Federal Trade Commission and law enforcement, they instill fear and confusion, coercing their targets into believing they are embroiled in federal investigations involving identity theft and illicit activities.

  Take, for instance, the case of a 64-year-old woman from Montgomery County, Maryland, who fell victim to the cunning ploys of a gold bar scammer. Posing as a federal investigator, the scammer exploited the victim’s fears of identity theft, coaxing her into converting a staggering $800,000 worth of assets into gold bars for purported protection. With meticulous orchestration, the scammer arranged clandestine meetings in nondescript locations, masquerading as a federal courier to abscond with the precious metal.

  The tale of deception didn’t end there. Thanks to the vigilance of a concerned relative, authorities were alerted to the scammer’s machinations. In a meticulously planned sting operation, law enforcement apprehended the scammer just as he was poised to seize another $376,000 from his unsuspecting victim. While one perpetrator has been brought to justice, the magnitude of this scam suggests that many more may still be lurking in the shadows.

  Despite concerted efforts by law enforcement, the under-reporting of such crimes remains a formidable obstacle. Victims, often plagued by feelings of embarrassment and shame, may choose to suffer in silence, exacerbating the prevalence of these scams. In Montgomery County alone, reports indicate at least a dozen victims, echoing a national trend of escalating financial exploitation targeting the elderly.

  Seniors are particularly vulnerable to these types of scams, as fraudsters capitalize on their trust and apprehensions. The appeal of gold bars lies in their perceived anonymity and universal value, making them an attractive target for criminals seeking to evade detection and maximize profits. The elderly, and anyone else, should be skeptical of unsolicited offers involving precious metals and jewelry.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 19, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: data breach ( 32 ), health insurance ( 5 ), identity theft, impersonation scam ( 146 ), Scams ( 1,366 ), unitedhealth   

  Scammers take advantage of UnitedHealth hack 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In recent events, it has come to light that a major health insurance provider in our country fell victim to a severe cyberattack and subsequent data breach. Towards the end of February, Change Healthcare, a subsidiary specializing in pharmacy insurance under UnitedHealth, experienced a crippling intrusion into its systems. Regrettably, this breach led to the exposure of personal data belonging to Change’s customers. Reports on the repercussions of this breach for the affected customers have begun to emerge this week.

  Scammers are now impersonating healthcare representatives in attempts to obtain financial information. Reports have surfaced of individuals receiving calls from imposters claiming to represent hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. These scammers offer fake refunds or demand immediate payments, often requesting credit card numbers or other sensitive financial details.

  To combat these scams, UnitedHealth advises recipients of suspicious solicitations to refrain from responding and instead contact their healthcare provider directly. It’s not common practice for hospitals and medical facilities to request patient credit card numbers over the phone, even in cases where a patient is owed a refund. Typically, when a patient is due a credit, that amount is either refunded directly to the credit card the office has on file or issued to the patient in the form of a check.

  If you find yourself receiving such a phone call, regardless of whether you’re insured by UnitedHealth or not, it’s advisable to politely terminate the call and directly contact your doctor’s office or the hospital involved. In many cases, these healthcare providers already possess your personal information and wouldn’t require you to provide it again over the phone. Additionally, it’s essential to remember that caller ID can be manipulated by scammers to falsely appear as if the call is originating from a legitimate medical provider, so it’s unwise to rely solely on caller ID information.

  If someone suspects that their personal information has been exposed, it’s crucial to take immediate action to mitigate potential damage. Contact major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit report. This extra layer of security can help prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in your name.

  Consult with legal professionals, especially if the exposure of personal information results in financial losses or other significant consequences. They can offer guidance on potential legal recourse.

  And lastly, alert banks and credit card companies about the potential exposure of personal information. Request to monitor accounts for any suspicious activity and consider placing fraud alerts or freezes on accounts to prevent unauthorized access.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on March 5, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: funeral ( 13 ), grieving ( 2 ), identity theft, Scams ( 1,366 ), utility scam ( 31 )   

  There’s yet another scam targeting grieving families 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Over the past year or so, we’ve really taken notice of the number of scams that prey on the families who have recently lost loved ones. In our opinion, these are the most reprehensible scams of all. Scammers often prey on the vulnerable, and there’s no one more vulnerable than someone who’s lost a cherished family member. Among these reprehensible tactics, scammers have posed as funeral homes, attempting to extort money from grieving families. Additionally, there have been instances of scammers trying to sell funeral plots they have no ownership over and others scheming to unlawfully claim the homes of the deceased’s family members. Unfortunately, it appears that scammers have now turned to local obituaries as a means to identify and target their victims.

  In December of last year, a Florida woman lost her father. In her moment of mourning, scammers targeted her with a sophisticated scheme designed to exploit her vulnerability and steal her money and personal information.

  The scam began innocuously enough with a letter purportedly from the local power company, expressing condolences for her loss and advising her to remove her father’s name from the account. Assuming the letter was legitimate, the victim contacted the number provided, where she spoke with a woman who claimed to represent the power company. The supposed power company rep informed the victim that she needed to open a new account rather than simply changing the name on the existing one, a request that initially raised suspicions but was rationalized as part of the process.

  Trusting the rep’s assurances and desperate for assistance during her difficult time, the victim divulged all her personal information, including her name, address, social security number, and date of birth. Believing she was following the correct procedures, the victim made a payment of $367 via credit card as instructed, relieved to have the matter seemingly resolved.

  Shortly after the fraudulent interaction, the victim found herself inundated with notices from the power company, asserting that her account was overdue and threatened with imminent termination of her power service. Alarmed, she reached out to the power company using the number provided on her bill, only to be informed that she had fallen victim to a scam.

  The scammer, cunning in their approach, not only managed to deceive the victim into divulging personal information but also swiftly closed her existing account while simultaneously opening a new one online during their conversation. This calculated move served a dual purpose, not only did it facilitate identity theft by acquiring the victim’s personal information, but it also extracted a payment from the victim.

  One can speculate that the scammer’s decision to open a new account on behalf of the victim was strategic, intended to prolong the victim’s realization of being duped. By creating this delay, the scammer likely aimed to buy themselves more time to exploit the victim’s trust and extract further financial gain.

  Always verify the legitimacy of any communication received, especially if it concerns sensitive matters like finances or personal information. When in doubt, contact the company or organization directly using verified contact information. Use the phone number provided on official documents or the company’s official website, rather than numbers provided in unsolicited communications.

  By staying informed, exercising caution, and verifying the legitimacy of communications, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to scams like this one. Remember, it’s better to be overly cautious than to become a victim of fraud.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on February 29, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: advance fee scam ( 45 ), government scams ( 6 ), grants ( 15 ), identity theft, Scams ( 1,366 ), TikTok ( 10 )   

  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.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on February 15, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bank fraud ( 23 ), bank scam ( 70 ), identity theft, impersonation scam ( 146 ), Scams ( 1,366 ), Wells Fargo ( 11 )   

  Widow outsmarts scammers who promised her free money 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In the murky world of scams and deceit, few tools wield as much power and allure as the promise of free money. Like a siren’s call, it draws in unsuspecting victims with tantalizing whispers of effortless wealth and financial freedom. Whether cloaked in the guise of a too-good-to-be-true investment opportunity or masked behind the facade of a generous giveaway, the allure of easy riches proves irresistible to many. Yet, beneath the veneer of generosity lies a web of manipulation and exploitation, leaving countless individuals ensnared in a cycle of deception and regret.

  Senior citizens, with their accumulated wealth and potentially diminished capacity to navigate the complexities of modern technology, are prime targets for these nefarious schemes. Exploiting their trust and often relying on their lack of familiarity with digital platforms, scammers deploy sophisticated tactics to deceive and defraud unsuspecting elders. From bogus lottery winnings to fake government grants, the promise of easy money preys upon the vulnerabilities of aging populations. As guardians of wisdom and experience, seniors become unwitting victims in the crosshairs of those who seek to exploit their goodwill and trust.

  An 80-year-old widow residing in Knoxville, Tennessee, recently found herself targeted by a deceptive ploy. Upon receiving a letter seemingly originating from Wells Fargo, she was informed of being entitled to a $1300 payment from an accidental death insurance mortgage policy. While such notifications are not uncommon, particularly for relatives of deceased individuals, this widow remained vigilant. Aware of the possibility that banks and insurance companies might only become aware of an account holder’s passing years later, prompting them to seek beneficiaries, she approached the situation with caution, avoiding potential exploitation.

  Despite recognizing the telltale signs of a scam, the widow chose to confront the perpetrators directly by dialing the provided customer service number—a course of action often advised against. Displaying a keen sense of skepticism, she posed a straightforward query to the first individual she encountered: “What account did it come out of?” Yet, the response proved evasive, leading to a succession of transfers to two additional individuals, none of whom could provide a satisfactory answer. In her astute interrogation, the widow thwarted the scammers’ attempts to deceive her.

  The method of such fraudulent schemes typically involves soliciting personal and financial information under false pretenses. Had an unsuspecting individual responded to the letter without discerning its fraudulent nature, they would likely have been coerced into divulging sensitive details, such as their Social Security number, bank account information, and other personal identifiers. Operating under the guise of facilitating the transfer of the purported funds, scammers would exploit this information for nefarious purposes, including identity theft and draining the victim’s bank account.

  If ever confronted with a similar letter, email, or text message regarding unexpected funds, exercising skepticism and prudence is paramount. While it’s prudent to largely ignore such correspondence, if there’s even a slight possibility of legitimacy, it’s wise to independently verify the information. Instead of relying on the contact details provided in the message, seeking out the official customer service number from the company’s website ensures direct communication with legitimate representatives, minimizing the risk of falling victim to a scammer’s tactics. By taking these precautionary measures, individuals can safeguard themselves against potential financial exploitation and identity theft.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on December 20, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: child safety ( 8 ), child safety kit ( 2 ), identity theft, Scams ( 1,366 )   

  Child safety kits can actually put your child at risk 

  

  By Greg Collier

  If you’re not acquainted with child safety kits, they serve as a means of compiling essential identifying information about your child in the unfortunate event that they go missing. These kits enable parents to promptly provide investigators with the necessary details to aid in locating their child. The information typically includes a DNA sample, such as strands of hair, recent photographs, and fingerprints, among other pertinent details. Numerous child safety organizations, such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), collaborate with local law enforcement to offer these kits to parents free of charge. Alternatively, you have the option to create your own kits at home, though it is advisable to have your children professionally fingerprinted by your local police.

  Regrettably, scammers may exploit a parent’s anxieties by attempting to peddle fake kits. These deceptive kits are essentially schemes designed to pilfer your child’s personal information for the purpose of identity theft.

  Families in Texas were recently targeted in just such a scam. During a Christmas parade, a man was approaching families and asking for their address and phone number to receive a free child safety kit. The man allegedly clammed to be associated with the local police department. When the man called the families for more information, some of the families caught on that this was a scam after being asked deeply personal information about their children.

  Children’s personal information is highly sought by identity thieves. With a child’s Social Security number, identity thieves can open many lines of credit or take out loans in the child’s name. These transgressions may not even be noticed until the child turns 18.

  To safeguard your child’s identity, exercise caution when sharing their information. Consider refraining from disclosing every detail of their lives on social media platforms. Additionally, it is advisable to routinely monitor their credit history. If you discover that your child’s identity has been stolen, it’s imperative to take swift action by freezing your child’s credit history. Freezing the credit will restrict unauthorized access to their financial information and help prevent further fraudulent activities. Contact the credit bureaus and follow their procedures to initiate a credit freeze for your child, adding an extra layer of protection against potential identity theft. Additionally, consider reporting the incident to the appropriate authorities and working closely with them to rectify the situation.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on November 29, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: identity theft, impersonation scam ( 146 ), Scams ( 1,366 ), sim swapping ( 8 )   

  Anyone can fall prey to the SIM-swapping scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  You may have head of the term SIM-swapping before. You may even know SIM-swapping is part of a larger identity theft scheme. What you may not know is that the term SIM-swapping is a type of misnomer. SIM-swapping makes it sound like someone needs physical access to your phone so they can steal your SIM card. A more appropriate term would be SIM-hijacking, since the scam itself is committed remotely.

  A SIM-swapping attack is a type of cyberattack where a malicious actor fraudulently convinces a mobile carrier to transfer a victim’s phone number to a SIM card under the attacker’s control. This is typically done by impersonating the victim or exploiting vulnerabilities in the carrier’s verification processes.

  The attacker contacts the victim’s mobile carrier, posing as the legitimate account holder. They may use gathered information to convince the carrier’s customer support representatives that they are the actual owner of the phone number.

  Once the attacker successfully convinces the carrier to transfer the phone number to a new SIM card, the victim’s phone loses network connectivity. The victim may not be aware of this until they try to make a call or use data services.

  With control of the victim’s phone number, the attacker can receive the victim’s text messages and phone calls, which may be used to bypass two-factor authentication (2FA) on various accounts linked to the phone number. This can lead to unauthorized access to email, social media, financial, or other online accounts.

  In the past, when we’ve discussed SIM-swapping attacks, we’ve heard from readers who said their phones are immune from these attacks since their phone doesn’t have a SIM card. Unless you’re still carrying a flip phone you bought from Sprint in the mid-2000s, chances are your mobile phone has a SIM card in it. You may not have placed the card in the phone yourself, but without a SIM card, your phone wouldn’t be able to communicate with your phone carrier and provide you service. There’s also what’s known as an eSIM. This is a SIM card that can be embedded in your phone, meaning it can’t be removed. In essence, if you have a reasonably modern mobile phone, it has a SIM card. And if it has a SIM card, it’s vulnerable to these attacks.

  A woman from California, recently fell victim to one of these attacks. After scammers successfully had her phone company transfer her service to the scammers’ SIM card, they were able to get access to at least one of her bank accounts. They drained her account of $49,000 before it was all said and done. The victim tried to work with both her bank and phone provider, but they denied any of her requests. As with many bank-related scams, it wasn’t until the victim contacted her local news station before she received a refund from her bank.

  There are several effective strategies to safeguard yourself from SIM-swapping. One approach is to opt for an authenticator app instead of relying on text messages for two-factor authentication. Authenticator apps are tied to a specific device rather than a phone number, enhancing their security. Additionally, it’s crucial to refrain from using easily discoverable information, such as high school mascots or pet names, for security questions on online accounts, as such details are often accessible on social media. Finally, you can enhance security by reaching out to your carrier and requesting the restriction of any device switches on your account. It’s important to note that to lift this restriction, you might need to visit a carrier store and provide identification.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on November 28, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: AI ( 17 ), health insurance ( 5 ), identity theft, medicare ( 17 ), open enrollment ( 5 ), Scams ( 1,366 )   

  AI finds its way into Medicare scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  We are currently nearing the end of Medicare’s Open Enrollment period. This is the time of year when Medicare recipients can change their plan from the traditional Medicare coverage to a Medicare Advantage plan, or change back if they so desire. This is also the time of year when scammers specifically target Medicare eligible seniors with their scams.

  When it comes to scams, identity theft poses a significant risk to seniors, especially during Open Enrollment. Scammers often employ tactics such as impersonating government officials, adopting titles like ‘health care benefits advocate,’ to deceive victims. These fraudsters make enticing promises, assuring the victim of enrollment in equivalent or superior coverage at a reduced cost. To accomplish their scheme, the fraudulent agent requests the victim’s personal information, including their Medicare number.

  The stolen Medicare number becomes a tool for these scammers to commit Medicare fraud, involving unauthorized charges for procedures or items. This fraudulent activity has the potential to impact the victim’s benefits in the future. Additionally, scammers resort to high-pressure tactics, such as claiming that the victim’s benefits may expire if immediate information is not provided. In some cases, these deceptive calls may even display Medicare’s official phone number, adding an extra layer of trickery. It is crucial for seniors to be vigilant and cautious to protect themselves from falling victim to such identity theft scams during the Open Enrollment period.

  Though not strictly a scam, certain unscrupulous insurance brokers may exert undue pressure on seniors to switch to their company’s Medicare Advantage plan. While Medicare Advantage plans can offer advantages for some individuals, they may also have limitations that may not suit everyone’s needs. The decision to switch should be based on the individual’s personal healthcare requirements, yet some insurance agents may prioritize making a sale over the well-being of the patient.

  If contemplating a transition from Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan, it is essential to conduct thorough research on the potential benefits and drawbacks. Avoid succumbing to the tactics of salespersons, who may push for a decision that could lead to regret in the following year. Taking the time to make an informed decision ensures that the chosen healthcare plan aligns with individual needs and preferences.

  There is also another potential threat with this year’s Open Enrollment, and not surprisingly, it’s related to AI. Experts are warning that scammers could be using AI-generated voice programs to make scam phone calls sound more authentic. These calls could even be used to try to record a victim’s voice, which could then be used in other voice spoofing scams.

  It’s important to be cautious when receiving calls related to your Medicare plan. Legitimate Medicare plans typically contact their members if necessary, but if you ever feel uneasy during such calls, consider calling your insurance company’s official customer service number to verify the legitimacy of the communication.

  As a general rule, exercise caution about sharing your Medicare or Social Security number over the phone. Medicare and your insurance company already have your information on file and typically don’t need you to provide it again during unsolicited calls. This precaution helps protect you from potential scams or identity theft. Always prioritize your security and verify the authenticity of any calls before sharing sensitive information.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 21, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: identity theft, mystery box, online shopping ( 33 ), Scams ( 1,366 ), social media ( 79 ), TEMU ( 3 )   

  A TEMU scam that’s not TEMU’s fault 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Last week, we gave our opinion on the online shopping platform TEMU. We advised our readers that TEMU is full of third-party vendors who are getting a reputation for selling knockoffs if an item is delivered at all. TEMU itself has been accused of stockpiling customers’ personal information for less than legitimate purposes. This is all made even more suspicious since TEMU is based in China, where laws concerning personal information are looser than those in the US. However, there’s a scam now going around using TEMU’s name where TEMU isn’t responsible.

  Across social media, ads are being placed where a $1 ‘mystery box’ appears to be offered by TEMU. The ad shows boxes full of high-end items like phones, laptops, and other pricey computer equipment. While TEMU does offer mystery boxes for sale, they’re not being sold for $1, and it’s almost a guarantee an iPhone won’t be included.

  If someone clicks on the ad, they’re taken to a third-party website that has no connection to TEMU. Once at the site, users are asked to enter personal and financial information to receive their supposed mystery box. This is an obvious ploy to use the name of the latest shopping sensation in order to steal someone’s identity and money.

  If you see ads like this that sound too good to be true on social media, they probably are. If you do click on an ad that appears to come from a well-known service, make sure the URL of the website is the correct one. If the URL doesn’t reflect the service you were looking to use, close out of that site immediately, even if it looks identical to the real thing. To best protect yourself when shopping online, use a credit card whenever possible, since credit cards offer more protection when it comes to fraudulent products.