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  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 17, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: impersonation scam, , , ,   

    States Warn of Tax Refund Text Scams 

    States Warn of Tax Refund Text Scams

    By Greg Collier

    State tax agencies are once again warning residents to be cautious about fraudulent text messages designed to steal personal and financial information. Following reports of fake texts in New Jersey earlier this year, the Michigan Department of Treasury has now issued its own alert after receiving complaints of similar activity.

    In New Jersey, scammers have been sending messages that claim to come from the Department of the Treasury’s Division of Taxation. The texts state that a refund request has been processed and approved but warn that if payment details are not submitted by a specified deadline, the refund will be permanently forfeited under the New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act. The Division of Taxation has confirmed that these messages are not legitimate and has explained that text communication is used only in limited circumstances when requested through its phone system. Officials emphasize that residents should avoid clicking links or replying to such texts, since doing so can lead to spoofed websites that mimic official branding and request sensitive financial details. Replying with a single character such as “Y” can also be an attempt by scammers to bypass cell phone security safeguards.

    The Michigan Department of Treasury has reported nearly identical tactics. Residents have received texts that falsely claim to be from the agency, with messages urging them to update payment information or risk forfeiting their refunds. The Treasury has made clear that it never sends unsolicited text messages to request sensitive information and that official correspondence with taxpayers is conducted through letters sent via the U.S. Postal Service. Officials urge residents to delete suspicious messages and to contact the department directly with any questions about refunds or tax obligations. The state’s Individual Income Tax Information Line can also be used to log these scams and verify tax information.

    Authorities in both states describe these fraudulent texts as another tool in the cybercriminal playbook. They rely on urgency and the appearance of official language to pressure recipients into surrendering personal data. Cybersecurity experts note that links embedded in such messages often lead to convincing but fraudulent websites designed to capture bank account or credit card details.

    These scams also take advantage of the psychology of tax season. Residents may already be anticipating communication about refunds or tax issues, and scammers exploit this expectation by imitating the formal language of government. References to state statutes or threats of forfeiture are designed to create an appearance of authority and urgency, making recipients more likely to respond without questioning the message’s authenticity.

    Smishing campaigns have historically focused on banks, shipping companies, and retailers, but government agencies have increasingly become the target. By impersonating tax departments or other state offices, scammers add a layer of credibility that makes their messages seem harder to dismiss. This evolution reflects a broader trend in cybercrime, where attackers adjust their tactics to exploit the most trusted institutions and the most stressful times of year.

    As tax agencies across different states continue to issue similar warnings, the pattern highlights the adaptability of smishing campaigns and the importance of public awareness. Residents who receive suspicious messages are advised to treat them with caution, verify claims directly with state agencies, and avoid engaging with any request for personal or financial information delivered by text.

     

  • Geebo 8:05 am on September 16, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Charlie Kirk, impersonation scam, , ,   

    Scammers Target Charlie Kirk Tragedy 

    By Greg Collier

    Authorities in Georgia are warning residents about a scam that has surfaced in the aftermath of the recent shooting of Charlie Kirk. Reports have circulated of fraudulent text messages being sent to cell phone users, claiming to be from Kirk’s wife, Erika, and urging people to donate in his honor. The messages are written in emotional language, suggesting that the movement Kirk built will grow stronger if people join in support, and they include a link for recipients to click.

    Law enforcement in both Effingham County and Habersham County has confirmed that the messages are not legitimate. Officials have stressed that scammers are attempting to exploit a national tragedy for financial gain. They cautioned that clicking on the links may expose victims to identity theft, malware, or fraudulent financial schemes. Instead of helping Kirk’s family or continuing his mission, the messages are designed to deceive and manipulate those who are grieving or sympathetic.

    Residents have been urged to delete the texts immediately and to report them to their carriers or local authorities. Officials also remind the public that legitimate fundraising efforts will never come through random text messages with suspicious links.

    This is not an isolated tactic. Scammers are always looking to make money out of any tragedy, whether by pretending to raise funds for victims, impersonating family members, or setting up fake charities. After natural disasters such as hurricanes or wildfires, fraudulent charity websites often appear within hours, and after the deaths of public figures, fake memorial fundraisers frequently surface. The scam tied to Kirk’s death follows the same predictable pattern, using grief and confusion as tools to steal.

    Authorities say awareness is the strongest defense, and anyone who receives such a message should recognize it for what it is, a calculated attempt to profit from pain.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 10, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Electronic Fund Transfer Act, impersonation scam, , ,   

    Scammed and Abandoned by the Bank 

    Scammed and Abandoned by the Bank

    By Greg Collier

    In Austin, Texas, a local woman believed she was safeguarding her finances from fraudsters. Instead, she unknowingly delivered her money straight into their hands, losing $25,000 in the process. Despite her efforts to act responsibly, her bank has declined to make her whole.

    The fraud began with a text message that appeared to come directly from her financial institution. She took what seemed to be the prudent step of contacting the number on the back of her card, where no irregularities were reported. Soon after, she received a call from someone posing as a senior fraud investigator. This individual already had her personal information and convinced her that criminals were using her identity at a bank branch.

    The impersonator claimed to be working with federal authorities and persuaded her to withdraw money from her account to aid in an investigation. Over two days, she removed $25,000 in cash and deposited it elsewhere as instructed. By the time she and her partner checked her account, the money was gone.

    What has added insult to injury is the lack of assistance from her bank. The institution issued a general statement expressing sympathy and confirming it investigates all fraud reports, yet it has not restored the stolen funds. The customer and her partner argue that the bank could have done much more to protect them, but instead they are now left to battle the loss alone.

    Consumer protection laws such as the Electronic Fund Transfer Act are designed to safeguard account holders against unauthorized withdrawals. However, financial institutions often argue that when a customer is deceived into moving the funds themselves, the transaction no longer qualifies as unauthorized. This distinction leaves many victims of social engineering scams without recourse, highlighting a gap in existing regulations and raising questions about how well current policies address the realities of modern financial fraud.

    Consumer advocates say cases like this are becoming increasingly common. Advances in technology make scams more sophisticated, with fraudsters able to spoof caller IDs, mimic industry language, and even clone voices. The Better Business Bureau warns that once a person is tricked into moving money themselves, it is nearly impossible to recover. The Bureau estimates that in most cases, banks only return funds in a small fraction of incidents, since customers technically authorize the transfers.

    The Better Business Bureau stresses that unsolicited calls and texts should always be treated with suspicion and that victims should report incidents promptly to help authorities track down offenders.

    While law enforcement and advocacy groups warn of the dangers, the Austin case underscores a pressing reality. For ordinary customers, the greatest frustration may not only be the criminals who carry out the fraud but also the banks that appear unwilling to step in when their clients need protection the most.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 29, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , impersonation scam,   

    AI Phone Scam Preys on Parental Fear 

    By Greg Collier

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 28, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , impersonation scam, , , , technical support scam   

    FBI: Phantom Hacker Scam Drains Life Savings 

    By Greg Collier

    The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center has issued a warning about a sharp increase in so-called “Phantom Hacker” scams that are targeting older Americans and causing many victims to lose their life savings. This scheme is a more advanced form of the traditional tech support scam, using multiple layers of deception to convince victims they must move their money in order to keep it safe.

    Reports indicate that scammers impersonate customer support representatives, financial institutions, and even U.S. government agencies. Victims are told their accounts have been compromised by foreign hackers and are pressured to transfer money into fraudulent accounts controlled by the scammers. Often, the stolen funds include retirement accounts and long-term savings.

    Between January and June 2023, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received more than 19,000 reports related to tech support scams, representing losses of more than $542 million. Nearly half of these victims were over the age of 60, and those cases accounted for two-thirds of the total reported losses. As of August 2023, the amount lost to such scams was already 40 percent higher than the total losses reported in all of 2022.

    The operation of these scams often begins with a fraudulent technical support alert that instructs the victim to call a phone number. Once contact is made, scammers gain remote access to the victim’s computer and pressure them to open financial accounts, pretending to check for fraudulent activity. From there, victims are passed to imposters posing as representatives of banks or government agencies who continue to escalate the deception until the victim transfers funds. Scammers may even use official-looking government documents or letterhead to reinforce the illusion of legitimacy.

    Beyond the financial theft, these scams often exploit social vulnerabilities. Victims are frequently told not to share details with family members or financial institutions, which creates secrecy and isolation. This manipulation makes it harder for others to intervene before the money is lost. At the same time, many of the funds stolen in these cases are routed overseas, placing them beyond the reach of U.S. law enforcement and making recovery nearly impossible. This cross-border nature of the crime underscores why prevention is far more effective than attempting to reclaim stolen assets after the fact.

    The FBI advises the public to remain cautious against unsolicited communications claiming to provide technical support or financial security. Government agencies do not ask citizens to move money to “safe” accounts, nor do they request payments through wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or prepaid cards.

    Anyone who has been targeted by such scams is encouraged to report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at http://www.ic3.gov or contact their local FBI field office. Providing details such as the methods of contact, email addresses, websites, and financial account information involved can help investigators track and combat these operations.

    The FBI stresses that raising awareness is a critical part of preventing further victimization. By recognizing the warning signs and reporting suspicious activity, the public can play a role in reducing the financial harm caused by Phantom Hacker scams.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 27, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , fake law firm, fake lawyer, impersonation scam, , ,   

    Crypto Fraudsters Masquerade as Lawyers 

    By Greg Collier

    The FBI has issued a new reminder warning people who have already fallen victim to scams that they may be targeted again. According to the agency, fraudsters often circle back to previous victims with fresh schemes designed to exploit them further.

    One of the most concerning variations involves scammers posing as representatives of fictitious law firms. These operations present themselves as “crypto recovery law firms,” claiming to work alongside government agencies or international organizations that in reality do not exist. Victims are often told they are listed in official databases of scam victims and are promised that the firm can help them recover stolen cryptocurrency.

    What makes this scheme particularly dangerous is the amount of information the fraudsters may have about past incidents. The scammers sometimes provide exact figures of losses, transaction details, and even the names of entities where money was sent. This can create the illusion of legitimacy, leading victims to believe that the outreach is genuine.

    The con typically progresses to requests for personal information or referrals to supposed foreign banks or attorneys. At that stage, victims are told that fees must be paid to prove ownership of funds before any recovery can be made. In reality, no legitimate government effort to assist scam victims requires such payments.

    This latest reminder also outlines practical ways for people to verify whether contact is genuine. Scam operations may refuse to appear on video, may use falsified legal credentials, or may impersonate real lawyers or law enforcement personnel. These impersonations endanger victims and harm the reputations of legitimate professionals.

    The FBI notes that these “double victimization” scams are particularly cruel because they exploit the emotional distress of people who have already lost money. Many victims are desperate to recover their losses, and that desperation can make them more vulnerable to false promises of restitution. By preying on hope and grief, scammers increase the likelihood that victims will comply with their demands.

    There is also a risk that scammers identify their targets through public disclosures online. People who openly post about their losses on social media may unintentionally expose themselves to renewed targeting. For that reason, it is safer not to share detailed accounts of being scammed in public forums where criminals are actively searching for vulnerable victims.

    Another place where scammers may search for targets is within online support groups for scam victims. While many of these groups exist to help people share experiences and learn from one another, they can be infiltrated by fraudsters posing as fellow victims who recommend illegitimate recovery services. This creates another layer of risk for people already seeking help and highlights the importance of verifying any advice or services offered in these spaces.

    The FBI advises anyone who believes they may have been targeted by these recovery scams to report the attempt to their local field office.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 26, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , free upgrade, impersonation scam, ,   

    The Costly Trap of ‘Free’ Phone Upgrades 

    The Costly Trap of ‘Free’ Phone Upgrades

    By Greg Collier

    What may sound like a generous offer of a free phone upgrade can sometimes be the opening move in a costly scam. A recent case in Atlanta highlights how convincing these schemes can be and how easily consumers can be drawn in when scammers present themselves as representatives of well-known companies.

    The scam begins with a call claiming to come from a customer loyalty department. The target is offered a free upgrade, often involving a phone, smartwatch, or tablet. The caller already has access to some personal details, which creates a false sense of legitimacy. To proceed, the victim is asked to provide a code sent to their device. Handing over this code is what gives the scammer access to the account.

    Once inside, the scammer can order devices, open additional lines, and manipulate shipping instructions to ensure the equipment ends up in their possession. A common tactic is to tell the victim that the wrong item was sent, then request the return of the device using a label connected to the fraudster rather than the company. This cycle may repeat until suspicions grow.

    By the time many consumers discover what has happened, their accounts have already been altered without their consent. Some find themselves responsible for unauthorized lines and unexpected charges. Addressing these issues can be difficult, as companies often interpret the shared code as proof that the customer authorized the changes.

    Telecommunications fraud has become a lucrative sector for scammers because phones are high-value items that are easy to resell. Exploiting upgrade programs allows criminals to divert expensive devices into secondary markets within days. Industry reports estimate that mobile carriers lose billions annually to this type of fraud, losses that can indirectly affect all customers.

    The scam is effective because it exploits a security system designed to protect customers. Verification codes are meant to safeguard accounts, but when scammers convince individuals to read those codes aloud, the entire layer of protection collapses. This allows fraudsters to bypass technical barriers without ever needing to break into company servers or crack encryption systems.

    In this Atlanta case, the company ultimately removed fraudulent lines after being contacted by local media. A statement acknowledged the sophistication of the scam and encouraged consumers to review fraud prevention resources and report suspicious activity immediately.

    Even if a call appears to come from a familiar company, it is best to avoid providing verification codes or personal information to anyone who initiates the contact. Legitimate representatives will not ask customers to share those codes. Letting calls go to voicemail and reaching out directly through official customer service numbers remains one of the most reliable ways to confirm whether an offer is real.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 25, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , impersonation scam,   

    Scammers Hijack Printer, Steal $17K 

    By Greg Collier

    Authorities in Orange County, North Carolina, say a woman recently lost more than $17,000 in what investigators describe as part of a wide-reaching scam that has defrauded victims in the state.

    This case began when the victim attempted to log in to her bank account and was met with technical issues. Believing she had reached her bank, she called a number saved in her phone and was connected to individuals posing as financial representatives. She was told her accounts were frozen due to a suspicious charge and was transferred multiple times, eventually being instructed to download programs to her computer. The scammers manipulated her accounts to make it appear as though a large sum had been incorrectly deposited, then pressured her to withdraw cash to resolve the situation.

    The deception escalated when fraudulent letters, complete with a recognizable bank logo, began printing directly from her home printer. The letters warned her not to discuss the matter with her local branch, claiming there were tax complications tied to an online payment service. Under continued pressure during a phone call that lasted hours, she withdrew $17,500 from her account.

    At the bank, an employee asked her directly if she was being pressured into the withdrawal. She denied it, unaware she was being scammed, and signed a document stating she was taking the money out voluntarily. That step, while part of the bank’s effort to ensure customer protection, could also complicate any attempt she makes to recover her losses. By signing a waiver, she effectively confirmed to the bank that the withdrawal was her own decision, creating a potential defense for the institution should she pursue a reimbursement claim.

    She later handed the money directly to a man who arrived at her home, believing she was returning funds to resolve the supposed error. Investigators later confirmed that the individual who collected the money is facing multiple charges, including obtaining property under false pretenses and felony conspiracy.

    The financial consequences for the victim were severe, as the stolen funds came in part from an insurance policy she intended to use for medical expenses. Investigators have advised her that recovery of the money is unlikely given the speed with which the funds were moved.

    A representative from Bank of America stated that the bank is investigating the matter but could not provide further comment until the internal review is complete.

    Under U.S. banking regulations, customers are typically protected if their funds are taken through unauthorized electronic access. However, when a victim is manipulated into moving money themselves, banks often classify it as an authorized transaction. That distinction can leave victims without recourse, particularly when they have signed documents affirming the withdrawal was voluntary, even if they were under the influence of a scam at the time.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 19, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Apple Cash, , , impersonation scam, , , transfer it to protect it   

    Scammers Push “Transfer It to Protect It” Cons 

    Scammers Push “Transfer It to Protect It” Cons

    By Greg Collier

    A troubling trend in financial fraud has been steadily growing in recent years. Known as “transfer it to protect it” scams, or more commonly as the “moving money scam,” these schemes involve criminals posing as trusted entities to convince people that their money is at risk and must be moved immediately for safekeeping. The Federal Trade Commission reports that losses tied to this scam have risen dramatically, particularly among older adults.

    Data from the FTC shows a more than a fourfold increase between 2020 and 2024 in reports from people who lost $10,000 or more after being targeted by impersonators of banks, businesses, or government agencies. Older adults are disproportionately affected, with many victims losing well over $100,000. Combined losses among those reporting six-figure losses reached $445 million in 2024, compared with $55 million in 2020.

    The methods are varied but share the same goal. Some victims receive alarming phone calls warning that their accounts have been compromised. Others encounter fake pop-up alerts on their computers or emails from senders claiming to represent their bank. Once the victim is unsettled, the fraudster pushes them to move money quickly. Common instructions involve sending funds through Bitcoin ATMs, wiring money to a so-called secure account, or even transferring money through services like Apple Cash. The FTC notes that government agencies and legitimate businesses do not request payment or money transfers in these ways.

    Younger consumers are not immune either. Reports include cases of individuals in their late teens and early twenties being manipulated into sending money through similar tactics. The scammers’ stories are always urgent and intimidating, designed to rush the victim into handing over control of their savings.

    The FTC’s latest data shows how victims are persuaded to move money: about one-third of older adults who reported losing $10,000 or more in 2024 said they transferred funds using cryptocurrency. Others reported using bank transfers or handing over cash. Once money is deposited into cryptocurrency ATMs or moved into fraudulent accounts, it is rarely recoverable.

    Another key factor in the success of the moving money scam is the psychology behind it. Scammers rely on fear and urgency to push victims into acting without thinking. They often keep people on the line for extended conversations to prevent them from double-checking information or reaching out for advice. In some cases, victims are even warned not to tell family or friends about what is happening, under the false pretense of protecting an investigation. This deliberate isolation makes the scam particularly dangerous, because it exploits both financial vulnerability and human trust.

    Officials warn that some scammers even go as far as impersonating the FTC itself or other federal agencies, adding credibility to their demands. These calls sometimes escalate to threats of frozen assets or arrest warrants, pressuring victims to comply.

    The best protection is skepticism toward unsolicited messages that urge immediate action with your finances. Instead of engaging, consumers are encouraged to verify account activity directly through their bank or credit card provider. Hanging up the phone and avoiding suspicious links are safer paths than reacting to the urgent claims of someone who may be impersonating a trusted source.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 1, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , impersonation scam, PPP Loans,   

    PPP Scam Targets Texas Bank Accounts 

    By Greg Collier

    It has been five years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the ripple effects continue to impact Americans. One troubling development is a scam that has resurfaced across the country, now affecting communities in Texas. Individuals who received Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans are being contacted by scammers posing as their bank, asking for sensitive financial information.

    These fraudulent calls have recently begun targeting residents in the Abilene area. The scammers are not operating at random. Instead, they appear to be using publicly available information released by the Small Business Administration. The list includes names, loan amounts, and financial institutions involved in distributing PPP funds. Criminals are taking this data and impersonating bank representatives in an effort to gain access to recipients’ online banking systems.

    Once contact is made, victims are pressured to hand over account details such as passwords or authentication codes. These details are then used to initiate unauthorized transactions and siphon funds. Although the scam is tailored to PPP recipients, the broader tactic of impersonating a bank and spoofing phone numbers to appear legitimate is not new. Spoofed calls can make it seem like they are coming from a trusted local number or even the recipient’s own bank.

    The situation highlights the importance of verifying who you are speaking to before sharing any personal or financial information. Financial institutions will not request passwords or secure access codes over the phone. Customers who receive such requests are encouraged to end the call and contact their bank directly using a verified phone number listed on the institution’s official website or documents.

    Local financial institutions are not taking the matter lightly. Some banks have started collaborating with trade organizations to push for the removal of sensitive PPP data from public access. This step aims to reduce the likelihood of criminals using that information to manipulate and defraud recipients.

    For individuals who may have already fallen victim to this scam, there are steps that can be taken to recover. Under federal law known as Regulation E, consumers have 60 days from the date of their bank statement to report unauthorized electronic transfers. If reported in time, banks are required to investigate and may be obligated to reverse the fraudulent transactions. Victims can also report the incident to the Small Business Administration’s Office of Inspector General or file a complaint through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s IdentityTheft.gov portal, which offers resources and action plans for dealing with financial fraud and identity theft.

    In the meantime, those who believe they have received a scam call or have been victimized are encouraged to use resources like the BBB Scam Tracker website. Sharing experiences can help others stay informed and may aid in shutting down fraudulent activity more quickly.

    Although the PPP program was designed to offer relief during a national emergency, it has unfortunately become a tool for exploitation. As long as that data remains public, scammers will continue to find ways to use it against the very people it was intended to help.

     

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