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  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 31, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: impersonation scam, , , Tariff Rebate Check,   

    The “$2,000 Tariff Rebate Check” Text Scam Is Back 

    By Greg Collier

    If you’re getting urgent text messages claiming you’re owed a $2,000 tariff rebate check, stop right there. This isn’t free money. It’s a scam and a very familiar one.

    Idaho’s Attorney General is warning residents about a wave of fraudulent texts telling people they must act immediately or risk losing a supposed rebate check. The messages often use bold or capitalized language, include a link, and pressure recipients to respond right away.

    Sound familiar? It should.

    This scam follows the exact same playbook used during the COVID lockdowns, when scammers flooded phones with fake messages about stimulus checks, unemployment payments, and emergency relief funds.

    Different crisis. Same con.

    What’s Going On

    Scammers are sending texts claiming:

    You qualify for a $2,000 tariff rebate

    Your check will be withheld unless you respond immediately

    You must click a link or reply to “confirm” your eligibility

    The hook is current political chatter about possible rebate or dividend checks tied to tariffs. The details are vague, and that’s the point. Scammers thrive on uncertainty, not clarity.

    As Idaho officials made clear, no government agency requires a text response to receive money. Ever.

    Why This Scam Works

    This scheme succeeds for the same reasons stimulus scams worked in 2020:

    • People expect money
      When relief checks were discussed during COVID, scammers exploited that expectation. Today, they’re doing the same with tariff and dividend talk.
    • Details are unclear on purpose
      If a real program doesn’t exist yet or hasn’t been finalized, scammers can fill in the gaps with lies.
    • Urgency short-circuits logic
      “Act now or lose your money” is designed to keep people from verifying anything.
    • Texts feel informal and personal
      People are used to banks, stores, and delivery services texting them, so scammers exploit that comfort.

    Red Flags

    According to consumer protection officials, these warning signs mean you’re dealing with a scam:

    • Government agencies do not text you offering money or rebates
    • Any message saying you must respond to receive payment is fraudulent
    • Urgent deadlines are a major red flag
    • Links sent via text claiming to unlock government funds are never legitimate
    • Threats that your money will be “withheld” if you don’t act immediately

    If it feels rushed, it’s probably rigged.

    This Isn’t Just an Idaho Problem

    While Idaho officials issued the warning, this scam can and likely will appear nationwide.

    During COVID, fake stimulus scams spread from state to state within days. The same thing is happening now. Once scammers find a message that works, they reuse it everywhere.

    Different state. Same script.

    If you’re seeing these texts outside Idaho, don’t assume it’s a local program you just haven’t heard about yet. That uncertainty is exactly what scammers are counting on.

    If You’ve Been Targeted

    • Do not click the link
    • Do not reply
    • Delete the message
    • Verify any claim by contacting the agency directly using official contact information
    • Report scam texts to your state’s consumer protection office or attorney general

    If money is real, it will come through official channels and not a rushed text message.

    Final Thoughts

    The “$2,000 tariff rebate” text scam is just the latest remix of an old fraud strategy.

    We saw it with stimulus checks.
    We saw it with unemployment benefits.
    We saw it with disaster relief.

    Anytime there’s talk of government money, scammers rush in first.

    Remember the rule that hasn’t changed: the government doesn’t text you free money; scammers do.

    Further Reading

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 30, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , impersonation scam, ,   

    Amazon + FBI Imposter Scam Costs Nebraska Couple $250,000 

    Amazon + FBI Imposter Scam Costs Nebraska Couple $250,000

    By Greg Collier

    Location: Hickman, Nebraska
    Victims: Couple, ages 82 and 84
    Reported by: Local authorities
    Loss: $250,000
    Timeline: August–October 2025

    A devastating scam out of Lancaster County shows, once again, how professional, patient, and psychologically manipulative modern fraud operations have become—especially when they target older adults.

    According to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, an elderly Hickman couple lost their life savings after scammers impersonated Amazon representatives and later escalated the scheme by posing as agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    There is no chance of recovering the money.

    What’s Going On

    The scam began in August with what looked like a legitimate Amazon email.

    The message claimed:

    • A package had been delivered to the wrong address
    • The couple’s Amazon account was compromised
    • A duplicate account had been opened in their name
    • That account allegedly owed $200,000

    The scammers reassured the couple that they would not charge interest if payments began immediately—creating urgency while pretending to be “helpful.”

    Once the victims were engaged, the scammers escalated the pressure.

    They introduced a second layer: fake FBI agents.

    The Fake “FBI” Hook

    The imposters claimed:

    • There was a ‘mole’ at the couple’s local bank
    • Bank employees could not be trusted
    • The couple must not contact the bank or law enforcement
    • All instructions must be followed exactly to avoid “legal consequences”

    This is a classic authority + isolation tactic: convince victims that everyone except the scammer is dangerous.

    How the Money Was Taken

    Over the course of several weeks, the couple was directed to send money using methods that are:

    • Difficult to trace
    • Nearly impossible to reverse

    They paid using:

    • Bitcoin ATMs
    • Western Union transfers
    • Apple gift cards

    Worse, the scammers also convinced the couple to:

    • Grant remote access to their computers
    • Expose banking and financial account information

    By the time the scheme ended:

    • The couple had sent approximately $213,000
    • The scammers drained the remaining funds directly from their accounts
    • The last transaction occurred October 29
    • Law enforcement was not notified until December 17

    Why This Scam Worked

    This was not a single mistake—it was a layered psychological attack.

    Key manipulation tactics included:

    • Impersonation of trusted institutions
    • Fear of massive financial liability
    • Urgency (“act now or it gets worse”)
    • Isolation from real help
    • Step-by-step grooming over months

    These scams are designed to bypass logic by overwhelming victims emotionally.

    Red Flags

    According to Lancaster County officials, these warning signs should immediately end any conversation:

    • Being told to use a Bitcoin ATM
    • Requests for gift cards or wire transfers
    • Claims that law enforcement needs payment
    • Instructions not to talk to your bank
    • Remote access requests to your computer
    • Threats combined with promises of “fixing” the problem

    Chief Deputy Houchin emphasized a key rule:

    Legitimate businesses and law enforcement will never ask you to pay with cryptocurrency.

    Never.

    What to Do Instead

    If you receive a message like this:

    1. Stop responding immediately
    2. Do not click links or call provided numbers
    3. Contact the company directly using a verified website or phone number
    4. Call your bank using the number on your card
    5. Report the incident to local law enforcement right away

    Time matters, but silence only helps scammers.

    Final Thoughts

    This case is a painful reminder that scams are no longer clumsy or obvious. They are professional operations that combine branding, fake authority, and emotional manipulation to extract everything victims have.

    If someone tells you:

    • The FBI wants payment
    • Amazon needs Bitcoin
    • Your bank can’t be trusted

    You are not in trouble.

    You are being scammed.

    Talk to someone you trust, and stop engaging immediately.

    Further Reading

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 26, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , impersonation scam, ,   

    Scammers Are Mailing Fake Inheritances 

    Scammers Are Mailing Fake Inheritances

    By Greg Collier

    As families gathered during the holiday season, scammers were taking advantage of the distractions and emotions that come with it. A new warning out of Iowa highlights how fraudsters are once again reviving a familiar scheme: the “long-lost relative” inheritance scam.

    According to a recent alert, Iowa residents have been receiving letters claiming they are entitled to a large inheritance from a relative they never knew existed. The pitch sounds formal, official, and even comforting until victims realize it’s designed to drain their personal information and money.

    What’s Going On

    The Iowa Insurance Division (IID) says these scams often begin with a letter or email stating that the recipient is the only surviving heir of a deceased relative. The message typically directs the recipient to contact a law firm, often supposedly based in another country, such as Canada, to begin the inheritance process.

    Once contact is made, scammers gradually extract sensitive personal details, including banking information and Social Security numbers. Eventually, victims are asked to send money to cover “taxes,” “legal fees,” or other costs required to release the inheritance.

    Of course, there is no actual inheritance.

    How the Scam Works

    This scheme relies on a mix of curiosity, trust in legal-sounding language, and the hope of unexpected financial relief, something scammers know is especially tempting during the holiday season.

    The process usually follows a predictable pattern:

    • An unsolicited letter or email claims a distant relative left behind a large sum of money
    • The recipient is told they must act quickly to claim it
    • Personal information is requested “to verify identity”
    • Fees or taxes are demanded before the funds can be released

    Once money or personal data is sent, it’s typically impossible to recover.

    Red Flags

    The IID has outlined several warnings that should immediately raise concern:

    • Messages from unknown senders, often based in another country
    • Claims of large inheritances from relatives you’ve never heard of
    • Requests for sensitive personal information, including bank details or Social Security numbers
    • Demands for upfront payments to cover taxes, fees, or legal costs

    It’s worth remembering that legitimate law firms do not request fees upfront or solicit sensitive personal information through unsolicited letters or emails.

    How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

    If you receive a message like this, do not respond. Do not provide any personal information, and do not send money no matter how official the letter appears.

    The IID strongly encourages people to talk with family members about inheritance scams, especially older relatives who may be more likely to receive physical letters and take them at face value.

    Final Thoughts

    Scammers thrive on timing, and the holiday season gives them plenty of opportunities. If an inheritance offer appears out of nowhere, promises large sums of money, and asks for personal details or upfront fees, it’s almost certainly a scam.

    When it comes to unexpected windfalls, skepticism is your best protection.

    Further Reading

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 23, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , impersonation scam, , , ,   

    AI-Generated “IRS” Phone Calls Are Back and Smarter Than Ever 

    By Greg Collier

    Scammers are once again exploiting fear around taxes, but this time they’re using artificial intelligence to sound more convincing than ever.

    A recent consumer report describes a new wave of AI-generated phone calls impersonating tax officials, designed to scare people into handing over sensitive personal information.

    This is not a robocall problem. It’s a credibility problem.

    What’s Going On

    One example of the scam involves a voicemail that begins:

    “Hello, this is George from the tax resolution unit…”

    The caller claims the recipient’s tax file has been flagged due to either an unpaid balance or missing returns following the 2025 extension deadline, then urges the recipient to press one to speak with a “tax officer.”

    Nothing about this call is legitimate.

    Scam Breakdown

    This scam relies on three core tactics:

    Authority by implication
    The caller strongly implies a connection to the Internal Revenue Service without ever explicitly stating it. This is deliberate. It creates fear while avoiding clear claims that could be easily disproven.

    Fear and urgency
    Phrases like “flagged file,” “missing returns,” and “deadline” are carefully chosen to provoke panic and push recipients into acting before thinking.

    AI voice generation
    The call is likely created or enhanced using AI, allowing scammers to produce natural-sounding voices at scale and deploy the same message nationwide with minimal effort.

    This identical message has been reported by consumers across the country to the Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker.

    Red Flags

    Several warning signs stand out immediately:

    • The caller never addresses the recipient by name
    • A nonexistent “tax resolution unit” is referenced
    • The caller never explicitly claims to be from the IRS
    • Immediate action is demanded through keypad prompts
    • Consequences or refunds are implied without documentation

    Most importantly:

    The IRS does not contact individuals by phone about missing returns, balances, or refunds. Initial contact is always made by official mail.

    Why This Scam Works

    AI has lowered the barrier for impersonation.

    Scammers no longer need obvious robocalls or poorly written scripts. AI-generated voices can sound calm, professional, and authoritative—exactly what people expect from a government agency.

    Once someone responds, the goal is simple: obtain Social Security numbers, banking details, or direct payments under the threat of legal action or the promise of a refund that does not exist.

    What to Do If You Receive This Call

    • Do not press any buttons
    • Hang up immediately
    • Do not return the call
    • Report the incident to consumer protection agencies and the IRS impersonation reporting page

    If you are genuinely concerned about your tax status, check your account directly through official IRS channels or consult a licensed tax professional. Never rely on a phone number left in a voicemail.

    Final Thoughts

    AI has not just made scams more efficient; it has made them more believable.

    If a tax-related call:

    • Comes out of the blue
    • Creates urgency
    • Demands immediate action

    It is almost certainly a scam.

    The IRS does not operate this way. Scammers do.

    Further Reading

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 10, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , bomb threat, impersonation scam,   

    Scam Alert: When a Scam Goes Sideways, Scammers Will Burn You Without a Second Thought 

    By Greg Collier

    This week in Reno, Nevada, a financial scam didn’t just steal money; it nearly turned an innocent victim into the center of a police bomb response.

    And that’s the part people need to understand. When scammers lose control of a situation, they don’t retreat; they escalate.

    They do not pause. They do not care. And they absolutely do not care what happens to you.

    What Happened

    On the afternoon of December 8, Reno police were dispatched to a Wells Fargo branch after reports that a person inside might be carrying a bomb. Officers secured the scene, evacuated customers and employees, and detained the individual involved.

    What police later discovered is far more disturbing than a routine false threat.

    The detained person wasn’t a suspect. They were a victim.

    According to authorities, the victim had been targeted by a scammer impersonating a Wells Fargo employee. The scammer instructed the victim to physically go to the bank and withdraw money, a classic move used to keep victims isolated and compliant.

    Crucially, the scammer stayed on the phone the entire time.

    When the victim tried to verify the caller’s identity by handing the phone to a real Wells Fargo employee, the scammer instantly pivoted.

    Instead of backing off, the scammer told the employee that the person standing in front of them was carrying a bomb.

    That single lie triggered a full emergency response.

    The Scam Escalation Playbook

    This incident perfectly illustrates how modern scams work and how quickly scammers adapt when threatened.

    Scammers rely on:

    • Constant contact (staying on the phone so victims can’t think clearly)
    • Authority impersonation (bank employees, law enforcement, government agencies)
    • Urgency and fear (withdraw money now, or else)

    But when verification threatens the scam, the mask comes off.

    The scammer didn’t argue. They didn’t hang up. They didn’t retreat.

    Instead, they weaponized the victim.

    A single sentence of “That person has a bomb” protected the scammer and pushed the victim directly into danger.

    The Part No One Likes to Talk About

    This could have gone much worse.

    Police responding to an active bomb threat have seconds to make decisions. Officers train for worst-case scenarios. In countless prior incidents nationwide, false reports, misunderstandings, or poor communication have ended with innocent people injured or killed.

    This scam didn’t just risk the victim’s finances. It risked their life.

    And that’s the point worth underlining:

    • Scammers do not care if you get arrested.
    • They do not care if police draw guns on you.
    • They do not care if you get hurt or killed.

    Once the scam is in jeopardy, your safety is irrelevant.

    Why “Just Go to the Bank” Isn’t Always Safe Advice

    We often tell scam victims: Hang up and contact the bank directly.

    That advice is still correct, but this case shows why scammers fight so hard to prevent it.

    By staying on the phone, scammers:

    • Control the narrative
    • Prevent independent verification
    • Can instantly escalate with threats if exposed

    The moment the victim sought confirmation, the scammer detonated the situation, figuratively speaking, to escape accountability.

    The Only Safe Move

    If you’re told:

    • to withdraw money immediately
    • to stay on the phone
    • not to hang up
    • that something terrible will happen if you don’t comply

    Hang up anyway.

    End the call. Put the phone down. Then contact the business using a number you find yourself, or involve local police before the scammer forces the situation.

    Final Thoughts

    This wasn’t just a financial scam or a bomb hoax. It was a real-world demonstration of how scammers turn victims into disposable shields.

    The victim in Reno was lucky. Next time, someone might not be.

    Further Reading

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 5, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , impersonation scam,   

    Grief, Trust, and a Bill That Never Existed 

    By Greg Collier

    Every loss brings heartbreak, and scammers are now exploiting that heartbreak for cash.

    A Moment of Mourning and a Lie You Never Saw Coming

    When a loved one passes, families lean on funeral homes to help guide them through the worst week of their lives. Arrangements get made. Plans are finalized. Payments are settled. It’s one of the few moments where certainty feels possible.

    And that’s exactly when fraudsters strike.

    Across Southwest Virginia, grieving families are receiving fraudulent phone calls from criminals impersonating funeral directors—claiming there’s a sudden problem with the arrangements and demanding immediate payment to “avoid cancellation.”

    It’s financial abuse disguised as urgency.

    Three funeral homes have reported these fake calls, including Simpson Funeral Home & Crematory. One family hung up, sensed something was off, and canceled their cards just in time. Another family wasn’t so lucky—they lost $1,200 to the scam.

    “It’s a horrible, horrible situation,” co-owner Bradley Simpson said. “You’ve already lost a loved one, and then you’re being taken advantage of. It’s just piling on.”

    The calls feel legitimate. The pressure sounds real. But the demands?
    They’re pure fiction.

    What’s Going On

    A family arranges a funeral. They believe everything is settled.

    Within hours—or even days—scammers insert themselves into the process.

    • Fraudsters call pretending to be the funeral home, sometimes even referencing real arrangements.
    • They claim an “unexpected deposit” or “processing error” has occurred.
    • They threaten to delay or cancel services unless immediate payment is made.
    • Payments are routed through credit cards or direct transfers and vanish instantly.
    • Meanwhile, real funeral homes never made these calls at all—they learn about the scam only after the damage is done.

    As Trey Finch of the Virginia Funeral Directors Association explains:

    “Payment arrangements… are generally discussed face-to-face. You should not be receiving calls hours or days later.”

    Roanoke County Police have now opened an investigation.

    Why It Works

    • Emotional vulnerability: Families in mourning are overwhelmed, exhausted, and trying to honor a loved one. Scammers exploit that moment.
    • Borrowed authority: Funeral directors are trusted figures. When a caller imitates one, people rarely question it.
    • Urgency and fear: Threats to “cancel” or “delay” a funeral weaponize pressure. No one wants disruption during a memorial.
    • Payment confusion: Many families aren’t familiar with funeral billing processes, making surprise charges feel plausible.
    • Private arrangements: Because funerals are not public events, families often assume they must quietly resolve unexpected issues.

    Red Flags

    • Any request for payment over the phone after arrangements are already completed.
    • A caller claiming there’s an “urgent problem” with your service contract.
    • Threats to cancel or postpone funeral services.
    • Pressure to act immediately or provide credit card details.
    • Calls from phone numbers that don’t match your funeral home’s official listing.
    • Requests for payment methods funeral homes never use, such as digital transfers or prepaid cards.

    Quick Tip: Funeral homes do not add last-minute charges by phone. If someone is pressuring you for payment, hang up and call your funeral home directly using the number on your paperwork—not the number that called you.

    What You Can Do

    • Verify first. Contact your funeral home directly to confirm any claim.
    • Trust your instincts. If the call feels off, it probably is.
    • Document everything. Save the phone number, the time of the call, and what was said.
    • Alert local law enforcement. Roanoke County Police are already investigating cases.
    • Warn family members involved in the arrangements so they don’t fall for the scam.

    If You’ve Been Targeted

    • Contact your bank or credit card company immediately to dispute fraudulent charges.
    • File a police report—this helps investigators track patterns.
    • Notify your funeral home so they can alert other families.
    • Keep all documentation, including call logs and receipts.
    • Warn your community, especially older relatives or those handling arrangements alone.

    Final Thoughts

    Losing someone is hard enough. Scammers know that—and they’re weaponizing grief to steal money while families are at their most vulnerable. These calls aren’t just financial fraud; they’re emotional exploitation.

    In moments of mourning, the best protection is clarity. Verify every request. Slow down the pressure. Call the funeral home directly.

    Grief deserves compassion, not manipulation.

    Further Reading

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on November 6, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: disaster, impersonation scam, plane crash, , UPS   

    Scammers Exploit UPS Crash Victims 

    By Greg Collier

    Every time tragedy makes headlines, scammers swoop in like vultures. They exploit heartbreak, confusion, and fear—turning moments of grief into opportunities for greed. The deadly UPS plane crash in Louisville is no exception.

    What’s Going On:

    Just days after the crash, Louisville Metro Police warned that fraudsters are contacting victims’ families, pretending to have information about their loved ones. Then they demand thousands of dollars in exchange for those supposed details.

    It’s an unconscionable tactic, but not a new one. From natural disasters to violent crimes, scammers know that shock and sorrow make people vulnerable.

    How the Scam Works:

    The con is simple and cruel. Someone calls, emails, or messages a family member claiming to be from the police, airline, or another “official” source. They say they can provide critical information—but only after payment.

    They may pressure victims to act fast, threaten to withhold information, or claim, “This is your only chance.” They’ll often request payment through untraceable means like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

    But here’s the truth: law enforcement and government officials will never ask for money for information. Ever.

    Why It’s Effective:

    Scammers understand human emotion. In times of tragedy, people want answers, not logic. These criminals prey on grief, spinning believable stories and false hope to extract money. It’s psychological manipulation at its worst—calculated, cold, and heartless.

    Red Flags:

    • Calls or texts from unfamiliar numbers claiming insider information.
    • Demands for immediate payment or “processing fees.”
    • Urgent or emotional language meant to force quick decisions.
    • Vague credentials or refusal to provide verifiable identification.

    If You’ve Been Targeted:

    If you receive one of these messages, do not respond, do not pay, and do not panic.
    Instead:

    1. Report the message to the Louisville Metro Police Department.
    2. File a complaint with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
    3. Alert your bank if you’ve already made a payment.

    Even one report could help prevent someone else from becoming a victim.

    Final Thoughts:

    This scam is proof that no tragedy is too sacred for con artists. They’ll exploit anything—from plane crashes to pandemics—to make a profit. Staying skeptical, verifying sources, and pausing before you pay can keep heartbreak from becoming financial ruin.

    Further Reading:

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on November 4, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , impersonation scam, ,   

    Scammers Exploit SNAP Delays Amid Shutdown Confusion 

    Scammers Exploit SNAP Delays Amid Shutdown Confusion

    By Greg Collier

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

    What’s Going On:

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

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

    Why It’s Effective:

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

    Red Flags:

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

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

    How to Protect Yourself:

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

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

    If You’ve Been Targeted:

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

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

    Final Thoughts:

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

    Further Reading:

     

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

    Double-Billed and Deceived: A Travel Scam 

    By Greg Collier

    A Tennessee man thought he was booking a dream trip to Prague through Expedia. Instead, he was talking to a scammer pretending to be from the travel site and ended up paying $722 twice for the same flight.

    What’s Going On:

    David, who asked that his last name not be used, booked his trip online and even signed up for a new “One Key” credit card offer to get a travel bonus. Everything looked legitimate until he received an email claiming his payment was denied. The sender? Supposedly Expedia.

    When he called the number in the email, a woman claiming to be an Expedia representative told him he needed to repay the $722 to secure his flight. To avoid losing his vacation, he complied. What she didn’t say: he was paying PCM Travels, a company later flagged for deceptive practices and scam alerts.

    Why It’s Effective:

    This scam works because it piggybacks on real bookings. Victims like David have already made a legitimate purchase, so follow-up emails referencing the same dollar amounts appear trustworthy. The scammers add pressure by implying your booking is at risk unless you act immediately, a classic manipulation tactic.

    By the time the second payment is made, the money is gone. To make matters worse, scammers often insert legal-sounding language like “non-refundable” and “non-disputable” to discourage victims from contacting their credit card companies.

    Red Flags:

    • Emails claiming payment failure right after a successful booking
    • Customer service numbers in emails instead of on the company’s official website
    • Requests for payment by phone or through a new company name (like PCM Travels)
    • Statements that charges are “non-refundable” or “can’t be disputed”

    How to Protect Yourself:

    • Always verify contact info. Don’t use numbers or links from emails; instead, go directly to the airline or booking site’s official page.
    • Check your billing statements closely after booking. If you see double charges or unfamiliar company names, dispute them immediately.
    • Avoid offers that sound too generous. Legitimate travel rewards don’t require on-the-spot payments or new credit cards to redeem.
    • Freeze your card the moment you suspect a scam.

    The Aftermath:

    David is still fighting to get his $722 back. Despite showing his credit card company the proof, the scammers had documentation showing he “agreed” to the charge, technically true, but under false pretenses. He’s now submitting a letter of intent in hopes the dispute can be reopened.

    Final Thoughts:

    Travel scams like this are growing more sophisticated, exploiting real company names, official-looking emails, and victims’ excitement about upcoming trips. Always book directly through official airline or hotel websites, and never let urgency override your instincts.

    Have you been targeted by a fake travel agent or booking site? Share your experience below or send this post to someone planning their next vacation. Awareness is the best passport against scams.

    Further Reading:

     

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