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  • 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.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 30, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , impersonation scam, , , ,   

    Fake IRS Letters Target Military Families 

    Fake IRS Letters Target Military Families

    By Greg Collier

    Military families in metro Atlanta are being warned about a tax-related scam that appears to target the loved ones of active-duty service members deployed overseas. The scheme involves fraudulent letters claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service. These letters demand payment for supposed back taxes and threaten the loss of property if the amount is not paid.

    The letters look official and often arrive via certified mail, which adds to their deceptive appearance. Families, already under emotional stress while their loved ones are deployed, may feel pressured to act quickly without verifying the source. This creates an ideal environment for scammers who rely on fear and confusion to extract money or personal information.

    Some families have reported difficulty confirming whether the tax debt is legitimate, especially with the added complication of time zone differences and limited communication during deployment. In at least one case, repeated calls to the IRS were required to confirm that no taxes were owed. Such scams can create unnecessary financial anxiety and emotional stress for those trying to support deployed relatives from afar.

    Organizations that monitor scams affecting military personnel say these individuals are often more vulnerable due to the nature of their service. Deployed members may not have regular access to email or financial accounts, and physical mail may go unchecked for long periods. This makes it easier for fraudulent claims to go unnoticed or unchallenged until significant damage is done.

    The most common types of scams targeting this group are impostor scams and identity theft. Fraudsters often pose as government agencies or financial institutions to gain trust and pressure victims into taking immediate action. Military families are encouraged to be skeptical of unsolicited communications demanding money and to verify all claims directly through official government channels.

    To confirm whether a tax debt is legitimate, individuals can check directly with the IRS by using the official IRS website or by calling the phone number listed on IRS.gov. The agency does not demand immediate payment using methods such as gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, and it typically initiates contact through prior notices before escalating collection efforts.

    It may also be helpful for families to be aware of protections available under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. This law provides financial and legal safeguards to active-duty service members, including protections against certain debt collection actions. Understanding these rights can be an important step in identifying and resisting fraudulent threats.

    As scams continue to evolve, staying informed remains a critical line of defense. Families should consider placing fraud alerts on financial accounts and monitoring credit activity, especially during periods of deployment. Prompt reporting of suspicious activity to the proper authorities can also help prevent further harm and assist in identifying patterns that lead to enforcement action.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 29, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , impersonation scam, , , State Code 15C-16.003,   

    Fake DMV Texts Cite Bogus Laws 

    By Greg Collier

    A phishing scam that has been circulating in multiple states is continuing to evolve, with a new variation citing a fictitious state code to lend credibility to fraudulent messages. The scam targets drivers by sending official-looking texts that claim the recipient owes traffic fines or faces legal penalties, such as license suspension or damage to their credit score.

    The latest version of the scam has appeared in Illinois, California, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Tennessee. In each instance, recipients receive alarming messages that appear to come from a state motor vehicle agency. The messages often claim that an outstanding traffic ticket needs to be paid immediately or that the ticket will be referred to a toll agency for an additional fee. A recent variation includes a fabricated code, such as “State Code 15C-16.003,” to make the warning seem more legitimate. This code has no basis in any actual state law.

    These text messages usually contain a link that, when clicked, leads to a fake website designed to steal personal or financial information. In some cases, the scam also involves spoofed phone numbers that appear to come from law enforcement agencies or government offices. These tactics are intended to pressure recipients into taking immediate action without verifying the source.

    State agencies across the country have issued warnings to residents, clarifying that they do not send text messages demanding payment or threatening legal action. Official notices regarding traffic violations or unpaid fines are typically sent by mail. Payments are usually made through secure state websites, not through third-party links sent via text.

    To avoid falling victim to this scam, drivers are advised not to respond to unexpected text messages, especially those that include suspicious links or legal threats. Instead, they should verify the legitimacy of any message by contacting their state’s department of motor vehicles or public safety office directly. Residents who believe they have received a fraudulent message are encouraged to report it to the Federal Trade Commission or their state’s consumer protection office.

    This scam has persisted for months and continues to adapt. The inclusion of a fictitious legal code is the latest effort to deceive and pressure recipients. Remaining cautious and informed is essential to protecting personal information and avoiding financial loss.

     

  • Geebo 8:01 am on July 25, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: airlines, , impersonation scam, , ,   

    Scammers Lurk After Travel Rants 

    By Greg Collier

    A new scam is targeting travelers who take to social media to vent frustrations about delayed or disrupted trips. What begins as a routine post tagging an airline or airport can quickly turn into a phishing attempt from imposters posing as customer service representatives.

    One recent incident occurred after a family endured extensive travel delays returning from Mexico. A flight that was expected to take just one hour turned into a 24-hour ordeal involving hours on the tarmac and an unexpected fifteen-hour drive home. After sharing the experience on social media and tagging the involved airline and airport, the traveler’s inbox was flooded with messages that appeared to come from official customer support accounts. However, the senders were scammers attempting to collect personal information such as full names, addresses, phone numbers, and flight details.

    These fraudulent messages often come from newly created accounts that mimic real customer service pages. They may use company logos and names to appear legitimate but typically lack a verified status, have few posts, and limited engagement. In contrast, authentic corporate accounts usually have a long history, substantial followings, and verified badges.

    Travelers who wish to lodge a complaint or seek a resolution should avoid replying to social media messages that arrive unsolicited. Instead, they should reach out directly through the official website or app of the airline or travel provider. Many companies now offer live chat functions or dedicated customer support sections within their platforms.

    To avoid falling victim to this type of scam, it is important to remain cautious when receiving unexpected messages after posting a complaint. Verifying the account’s history, follower count, and contact method can help determine whether the message is genuine. Travelers should never share sensitive personal details with accounts they have not independently verified.

    In this particular case, travel insurance helped the affected family recover some of their expenses. While airing frustrations online is common, it is essential to be careful about who might be watching and waiting to take advantage.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 16, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , impersonation scam,   

    Fake AMBER Alert Kits Are a Scam 

    By Greg Collier

    Authorities in Orlando, Florida, are warning residents about a troubling scam that falsely claims to be associated with the AMBER Alert program. Scammers have been contacting families both by phone and in person, claiming that parents must register their children for an AMBER Alert kit. In reality, no such registration or payment is required for a child to be eligible for an AMBER Alert.

    The genuine AMBER Alert system is a public safety tool activated only when law enforcement confirms that a child has been abducted and specific criteria are met. Once issued, alerts are distributed through a wide-reaching network that includes radio, television, highway signs, mobile phones, and digital platforms. The system is designed to mobilize communities quickly, not to require any kind of pre-registration or participation in a kit program.

    Scammers are preying on parental fears and using this false narrative to gain trust. In some cases, they have been reported as highly persistent and even appear to possess personal information about the families they target. These tactics are not only designed to extract sensitive data but may also be used to gain physical access to people’s homes under false pretenses.

    The underlying goal of these scams is not just theft of personal data for immediate use. Scammers are particularly interested in obtaining children’s personal information because it can be used to open new lines of credit. Since children are unlikely to check their credit reports, fraudulent accounts may remain undetected for years, sometimes only discovered once the child becomes an adult and applies for credit for the first time.

    Residents are urged to stay cautious and not to share any personal information with individuals claiming to offer or sell AMBER Alert kits. Anyone approached in this way should contact local law enforcement to report the incident. Public awareness is one of the most effective tools in shutting down these deceptive and invasive schemes.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 15, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , impersonation scam, ,   

    Gold Bar Scam Is Still a Risk 

    By Greg Collier

    Although reports of the gold bar scam have become less frequent in recent months, this does not mean the scam has vanished. On the contrary, these types of schemes continue to claim new victims across the country, often targeting older adults and those unfamiliar with the tactics scammers use to manipulate their targets.

    A recent case out of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, highlights the ongoing danger. A man from New York allegedly stole over half a million dollars in gold bars from a local resident after convincing the victim their finances were under threat. The scam began with remote access to the victim’s computer, followed by claims that their bank accounts were at risk. The scammers pressured the victim to convert their savings into gold and then hand it over to individuals posing as federal employees. The gold, of course, was never protected; it was stolen.

    The reason gold remains a key element in these schemes is simple. Gold is valuable, portable, and difficult to trace once in the hands of a criminal. It can be melted down, sold overseas, or moved through shadowy markets without leaving a digital footprint. For scammers, gold offers an attractive alternative to traditional wire fraud and digital theft.

    Despite law enforcement efforts and public warnings, scammers continue to use fear and urgency to push victims into making hasty financial decisions. These schemes often involve impersonating trusted institutions, such as government agencies or financial services. The underlying message is always the same. Your money is in danger, and the only way to save it is to move it, typically into a form that the scammers can easily steal.

    Anyone who tells you to “move” your money for safekeeping, especially into gold, is not trying to protect you. They are trying to steal from you. No legitimate agency or institution will ever ask you to buy gold, withdraw large sums of cash, or hand over your assets to a stranger who shows up at your door.

    The key to avoiding these scams lies in staying calm, verifying information through official channels, and never acting on financial instructions from unsolicited calls or messages. The gold bar scam may not dominate the headlines like it once did, but it remains a very real and evolving threat.

     

  • Geebo 12:02 pm on July 11, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , impersonation scam, , ,   

    Scammers Target Texas Flood Victims 

    By Greg Collier

    The recent floods in Central Texas have left behind a trail of destruction and heartbreak. With more than 100 lives lost, including several children at a summer camp, communities are now faced with the long and difficult road to recovery. As families grieve and begin rebuilding, authorities are urging residents to be vigilant against opportunistic scams that often follow in the wake of natural disasters.

    One major concern involves individuals posing as contractors offering to repair flood-damaged homes. These scammers frequently approach victims by phone, email, mail, or even door-to-door. They may demand payment upfront and then disappear without completing any work. Others may perform substandard repairs or use unlicensed labor, leaving homeowners in worse shape than before. Officials have also warned that during a disaster declaration, price gouging laws are in effect, and vendors are not permitted to charge excessive prices for basic goods and services.

    Another area of concern involves fraud related to FEMA. While the agency’s current role in disaster relief may be subject to change, fraudsters have historically used its name to gain access to victims’ personal information. Scammers may call, email, or visit flood victims pretending to be FEMA officials. They often ask for Social Security numbers, banking details, or other sensitive information under the guise of offering aid. It is important to remember that filing a FEMA claim is always free. Anyone who asks for payment to file or expedite a FEMA application is not legitimate.

    Charity scams are also a growing threat. After any disaster, fraudulent organizations often emerge, claiming to raise money for relief efforts. These fake charities may use emotional appeals and professional-looking websites to appear legitimate. In some cases, scammers have targeted the families of victims directly, falsely claiming to have information about missing loved ones in order to extort money. Others may solicit donations through crowdfunding platforms without any real connection to those affected by the disaster.

    Authorities have emphasized the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any organization before donating. If a group is not a registered nonprofit with tax-exempt status, donations may not be deductible and could ultimately end up in the hands of bad actors. Consumers are advised to rely on well-established resources such as the Better Business Bureau, GuideStar, and Charity Navigator to confirm whether an organization is a recognized nonprofit. These platforms provide public records, ratings, and financial details to help donors make informed decisions.

    In a time of widespread loss, generosity can make a meaningful difference. But staying informed and cautious can help ensure that support reaches those who truly need it and prevents further harm in the aftermath of an already devastating event.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on June 19, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , impersonation scam, ,   

    Scammers Clone Celebrity Voices 

    Scammers Clone Celebrity Voices

    By Greg Collier

    A growing number of scams now involve the use of artificial intelligence to impersonate well-known individuals, including local news personalities and potentially even national celebrities. A recent example in Cincinnati highlights the sophistication of these tactics, as scammers used AI-generated audio to mimic the voice of a local TV meteorologist.

    The scheme involves the creation of fake social media accounts, complete with copied profile photos and fabricated usernames that closely resemble legitimate ones. These impersonators send friend requests to unsuspecting individuals and later initiate private conversations in which they use voice messages to convince the target of their identity. The scammers then ask for large sums of money, exploiting the trust built through this artificial familiarity.

    What makes this scam particularly effective is the use of AI voice cloning. With only a few seconds of publicly available audio, such as from a news broadcast or social media post, malicious actors can create a nearly perfect replica of a person’s voice. This technology is readily accessible through free or inexpensive software tools available online.

    While this incident involved a local media figure, the same approach can be used to mimic actors, musicians, and other public figures. It can also extend to impersonations of family members, as seen in other frauds where a cloned voice is used to trick victims into believing a loved one is in distress.

    Social media companies and cybersecurity experts continue to warn the public about these emerging threats. Verifying the legitimacy of messages or profiles, particularly when they involve requests for money, is critical. Fake accounts often use slight misspellings, have minimal engagement, or were created recently. In many cases, a quick search can reveal the existence of the real account, helping to identify the fraudulent one.

    The rise of AI-powered impersonation poses significant challenges to online safety. It underscores the importance of skepticism, especially when requests come through unofficial or unexpected channels. Awareness and caution remain the first lines of defense against this evolving form of digital deception.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on June 16, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , impersonation scam,   

    Scammers Target Families in Mourning 

    A deeply troubling scam has emerged in Georgetown County, South Carolina, where criminals are preying on grieving families by impersonating funeral home staff. This fraudulent scheme involves callers contacting individuals who have recently lost a loved one, demanding immediate payment for fabricated funeral expenses. Law enforcement officials are now warning the public about the scam’s growing presence.

    The scheme is designed to exploit people in a moment of emotional vulnerability. Scammers are reportedly calling family members of the deceased, claiming to be from local funeral homes, and insisting that a payment is overdue. The calls often come shortly after a death has occurred, when families are still in shock and final arrangements are fresh in their minds. The scammers typically urge the victim to pay over the phone using a credit or debit card, often with aggressive or time-sensitive language.

    Authorities have confirmed that several families in the area have already fallen victim to the ruse. In some cases, victims had already paid for funeral services in full, but the emotional toll of grief and confusion left them susceptible to the convincing and urgent-sounding phone calls. Legitimate funeral homes in the area are reporting that they have never seen anything like this before and are now working with law enforcement to alert the public.

    To avoid falling victim to this type of scam, it is important to remain cautious when receiving unexpected calls involving money, especially during times of personal loss. Funeral homes do not typically demand payment over the phone without prior documentation or a formal billing process. If a call feels suspicious, individuals are advised to hang up and contact the funeral home directly using a verified number. Any payment concerns should be addressed in person or through official, traceable communication channels.

    Criminals will exploit any opportunity, even the death of a loved one. Families are urged to remain cautious and report any suspicious activity to their local authorities. Taking a moment to verify a claim could be the difference between protecting one’s financial security and falling victim to a cruel and calculated deception.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on June 10, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , impersonation scam,   

    Scam Exploits Grant Program Promises 

    By Greg Collier

    A scam reported in Greenville, South Carolina, is drawing attention for its use of fake Community Development Block Grant offers to steal money from unsuspecting victims. The scam appears to rely on impersonation through social media and persuasive tactics that exploit the trust people place in government programs and familiar online contacts.

    The fraud begins when a scammer contacts a potential victim on a platform like Instagram while pretending to be an old friend or acquaintance. The impersonator shares what appears to be good news about a government grant program offering large amounts of money to individuals over the age of 50. They claim the funds do not need to be repaid and suggest reaching out to a so-called grant agent. Once contact is made, the victim is told they qualify for an unusually high payout but must first pay a fee for validation or delivery, typically using Apple gift cards.

    After initial compliance, the scammers escalate the deception by introducing further obstacles, such as fake delivery arrangements and fabricated tax debts. Each new demand involves more money and continues until the victim becomes suspicious or runs out of resources. In this case, the scam led to a financial loss of $1,200 before the victim realized the truth and reported it to law enforcement.

    Officials from the South Carolina Department of Commerce, which oversees legitimate Community Development Block Grant funding in the state, have made clear that no individual is required to pay money upfront to receive such assistance. Legitimate grant programs do not involve personal agents, third-party couriers, or gift card transactions.

    Though this scam was reported in South Carolina, the tactics used are not limited by geography. Similar schemes have surfaced in other states, often adapting to target local programs and demographics. Social media continues to be a key tool for these scams, as impersonation of friends and family members makes it easier to build trust quickly.

    To avoid falling for such scams, it is important to verify any claims of government assistance directly through official websites or agencies. If contacted by someone promising large sums of money in exchange for fees or gift cards, stop and investigate before responding. Confirm identities independently and never rely solely on social media messages for verification. Reporting suspicious activity to local authorities and consumer protection agencies can help prevent others from falling victim to the same scheme.

    As these scams evolve and become more sophisticated, public awareness and skepticism remain the strongest defenses against financial exploitation.

     

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