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  Geebo 8:00 am on May 29, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: dmv ( 3 ), impersonation scam, phishing ( 82 ), Scams ( 1,500 ), traffic tickets ( 4 )   

  Fake DMV Texts Are the New Nationwide Scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A new phishing scam is spreading across the country, targeting drivers with fraudulent text messages that appear to come from official motor vehicle departments. These messages claim the recipient has unpaid traffic fines and threaten license suspension or other penalties unless immediate action is taken. In reality, these texts are not from any legitimate agency and are designed to steal personal and financial information.

  In Georgia, the messages reference a nonexistent Department of Motor Vehicles and warn about suspended driving privileges unless payment is made. Officials in that state have clarified that there is no state DMV and that real agencies, like the Department of Driver Services, do not use text messages for these purposes.

  In Illinois, the scam texts include specific legal codes, threatening prosecution and credit score damage. The messages cite fake administrative laws and demand payment through a fraudulent link. State officials have warned that such texts are not a legitimate form of communication for any action involving traffic violations or license status.

  Louisiana drivers have received similar texts claiming they owe fines. The state’s Office of Motor Vehicles confirmed these messages are not legitimate and has issued warnings advising residents not to click on any links. Officials say these scams are part of a broader phishing campaign that could also lead to malware infections or identity theft.

  This wave of fake DMV text messages appears to be the latest version of the toll scam texts that circulated widely earlier this year. In those cases, scammers pretended to represent toll agencies and used a similar strategy of creating urgency to push recipients into making fake payments. The transition to impersonating motor vehicle departments suggests that scammers are adapting their tactics to stay ahead of public awareness.

  These scams exploit common anxieties about driving privileges, legal consequences, and unpaid fines. By mimicking the language and tone of government agencies, the messages aim to pressure individuals into quick action before they have time to verify the source. In each case, the fraudulent messages include links to sites that harvest sensitive data or install harmful software.

  As this scam continues to appear in multiple states, it highlights the importance of being cautious with any unsolicited message, especially those requesting immediate payment or personal information. Motor vehicle agencies generally communicate through secure channels and do not use text messages to issue threats or collect fines. Drivers are encouraged to verify any suspicious message by contacting their local agency directly.

   

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  Geebo 8:00 am on May 28, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: impersonation scam, LinkedIn ( 4 ), Scams ( 1,500 ), social engineering ( 4 ), social media ( 86 )   

  Scammers Are Sliding Into LinkedIn 

  

  LinkedIn is often considered one of the safer corners of social media, a place where professionals share career milestones, expand their networks, and connect with future colleagues. But even platforms aimed at career growth are not immune to deception. As one recent incident illustrates, scammers are watching just as closely as potential employers.

  A newly hired employee at a North Carolina television station had shared a standard career update on LinkedIn to mark the beginning of a new role. It was a common post, the kind many professionals make to celebrate career changes. But shortly after connecting with colleagues, the employee received a suspicious text message. The sender claimed to be a manager at the new job, asking if she was available. The message came from an unfamiliar number. Rather than responding right away, she verified the sender through official work channels. That quick check confirmed her instincts that the message was a scam.

  This incident is part of a broader trend of social engineering schemes that target people through LinkedIn and similar platforms. Security experts have long warned that scammers often impersonate employers, recruiters, or co-workers. While some of these messages are after money or personal information, others aim to pull unsuspecting users into criminal activity without their knowledge. Fake job offers, especially ones promising remote work for easy pay, can sometimes serve as fronts for money laundering operations. Scammers may ask victims to transfer funds, purchase gift cards, or engage in other seemingly legitimate tasks, all designed to disguise the origin of illicit gains.

  The growing capabilities of artificial intelligence and deepfake technology are only making these scams harder to detect. Fraudsters can now use fabricated audio and video content to mimic real people and sound convincingly professional. As technology advances, even savvy internet users may struggle to identify what is real and what has been manipulated.

  It’s important to remember that even platforms built for professional engagement are not immune from manipulation. LinkedIn’s focus on career development can create a false sense of security, but scammers thrive in these environments because they know people often let their guard down. Users should be cautious about what they share publicly and consider reviewing their privacy settings. Reducing the visibility of personal details can be one way to limit exposure.

  There are also tools available to help manage your digital footprint. Some online services allow users to request the removal of personally identifiable information from search results. Taking advantage of these features may reduce the risk of being targeted.

  If anything seems off, whether it’s a job offer that feels too good to be true or a message from someone you don’t recognize, verify through a trusted channel before engaging. In today’s digital landscape, vigilance remains one of the most reliable defenses.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on May 16, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: identity theft ( 116 ), impersonation scam, process server ( 3 ), Scams ( 1,500 )   

  Fake Process Servers Exploit Legal Fears 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A process server has a simple but important job. Their role is to deliver legal documents, such as court summonses or subpoenas, to individuals involved in a legal proceeding. This delivery must follow legal procedures to ensure the recipient is properly notified. Real process servers do not make threats, demand personal information, or call ahead with demands.

  The Better Business Bureau has issued a warning about a growing scam involving fake process servers. Scammers are contacting people by phone and falsely claiming to be process servers attempting to deliver legal papers. In many cases, the callers allege there is a lien against the victim’s home or that legal action is being taken for unpaid medical bills. The intent is to create panic, pushing the person to give up sensitive information.

  In some instances, these callers go beyond the initial target. They may contact relatives or friends, claiming those individuals could face consequences if they do not help reach the original target. These tactics are designed to amplify fear and force quick action. However, no actual legal documents are involved. The goal is identity theft or financial fraud.

  There are ways to identify a real process server from a scammer. A legitimate process server does not ask for Social Security numbers or banking information. They typically do not call ahead with warnings, nor do they try to verify private details over the phone. Most importantly, they serve papers in person and do not threaten arrest for noncompliance. Anyone concerned about potential lawsuits or liens can search court records directly through official court websites.

  Recognizing these signs can help prevent falling victim to this scam. As with many forms of fraud, the key is to stay calm, verify independently, and never give away personal information under pressure.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on May 8, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Gmail ( 3 ), Google ( 31 ), impersonation scam, phishing ( 82 ), Scams ( 1,500 ), subpoena ( 2 )   

  Google Spoof Scam Exposes Flaws 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Phishing has evolved far beyond clumsy scams riddled with typos and generic threats. It now wears the mask of legitimacy, often cloaked in branding and technical language convincing enough to fool even savvy users. A recent example of this growing trend involves an especially deceptive attack using Google’s own infrastructure as a weapon.

  Cybercriminals have been exploiting Google Sites and other services to distribute phishing emails that appear to originate from Google’s own domain. In this case, a message disguised as a legal request from law enforcement was sent to users, complete with references to subpoenas and the need to review case materials. The message urged the recipient to click on a link to a Google support page, which in reality led to a page designed to harvest login credentials.

  The trap is insidious. The phishing page is hosted on a subdomain of Google.com, lending a false sense of trust to unsuspecting users. Because the site is built with Google Sites, it carries the appearance of a legitimate Google interface. The attackers further muddy the waters by ensuring the phishing email lands in the same thread as previous legitimate security alerts, increasing the likelihood that users will trust it.

  The deeper issue lies in how Google has allowed this vulnerability to persist. The legacy version of Google Sites, still accessible today, permits anyone to publish content on a Google.com subdomain. This opens the door to abuses like malicious scripts and fake credential portals. Google has been warned about this gap in security, yet the core issues remain unresolved. While some reactive measures have been taken, the architecture still leaves room for repeat abuse.

  This raises a broader concern about corporate responsibility in digital security. Google has positioned itself as a cornerstone of online identity and infrastructure, and with that status comes the obligation to protect its users proactively. Allowing these phishing schemes to exploit the trust associated with the Google name creates not just a security risk, but an erosion of that trust.

  Google’s statement suggests users enable two-factor authentication and passkeys as a defense. While this is sound advice, it shifts the burden onto individuals to compensate for shortcomings in the platform’s safeguards. The more sustainable solution would be for Google to close the loopholes that allow bad actors to operate under its umbrella in the first place.

  As phishing continues to mimic trusted entities more convincingly, users must remain cautious. But the companies whose tools are being weaponized also bear responsibility. Until tech giants like Google take these exploits seriously and move swiftly to harden their platforms, the digital wolves will keep getting in, dressed in ever more convincing sheep’s clothing.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on April 17, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: government scams ( 8 ), impersonation scam, Scams ( 1,500 ), tariffs ( 2 )   

  Tariff Confusion Opens the Door to Scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

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

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

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

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

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

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

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on April 9, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: impersonation scam, Scams ( 1,500 ), sim swapping ( 11 ), tax return ( 6 ), TurboTax   

  SIM Swap Fraud During Tax Season 

  

  By Greg Collier

  With millions of Americans filing their taxes between January and mid-April, this period becomes fertile ground for digital deception. One particularly insidious tactic gaining traction is SIM swap fraud, a type of identity theft that can occur without a scammer ever touching your phone.

  A recent case in Wisconsin highlights how easily a seemingly routine moment can spiral into a security breach. A consumer had just begun the tax filing process in early February when she received a message claiming to be from a TurboTax. The message included a security code and instructions not to share it with anyone. Although she had not completed her filing with TurboTax, the timing and branding appeared legitimate, prompting her to interact with the message.

  What followed was a total loss of cellular function. Phone calls, text messages, and all forms of communication stopped working. After reaching out to her wireless provider, she learned that her phone number had been transferred to another device entirely. This is the essence of SIM swap fraud, a scam that allows criminals to reroute your phone number to their device without needing physical access to yours.

  This tactic enables scammers to intercept text messages, including those containing security codes used for two-factor authentication. Once they’re in control of your number, they can attempt to access your financial accounts, email, or even social media, often using brute force or previously stolen credentials.

  In this particular case, the victim’s credit union was contacted by someone impersonating her, attempting to guess account passwords. Fortunately, the breach was detected in time and no funds were lost. However, the emotional toll was significant. The sense of violation left the victim unable to feel secure, questioning whether every online interaction was truly safe.

  While this incident happened soon after she began filing taxes through TurboTax, it is important to note that the platform itself was not compromised. The timing was purely coincidental. Scammers often cast a wide net, sending messages disguised as major companies to thousands of random numbers, hoping that even a few people will take the bait.

  Preventing this type of fraud requires preparation. Consumers should ensure that all software on their devices is up-to-date and avoid reusing passwords across accounts. Writing down passwords and storing them in a secure location is preferable to saving them on digital devices, which can be more easily compromised. Contact information for banks or financial institutions should be sourced independently, rather than trusted from unsolicited messages.

  One of the most effective steps consumers can take to prevent SIM swap fraud is to contact their mobile phone provider and request that a personal identification number be added to their account. This PIN acts as an additional layer of security, making it significantly harder for scammers to transfer your phone number without your permission.

  Without the correct PIN, even a scammer who has obtained some of your personal information will be blocked from making changes to your account. Setting up this PIN typically takes just a few minutes but can offer long-term protection against one of the most dangerous forms of digital identity theft.

  When in doubt, it is always safer to pause before acting. Messages that demand immediate action or contain subtle grammatical errors are red flags. Even if a message appears to come from a trusted source, verifying it through official channels can prevent irreversible damage.

  Scammers are persistent and adaptive, but so are the tools and strategies available to stay ahead of them. Awareness, skepticism, and a methodical approach to digital security remain the strongest defense against schemes like SIM swap fraud, especially during high-risk seasons like tax time.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 25, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: artificial intelligence ( 3 ), impersonation scam, Scams ( 1,500 ), voice cloning ( 26 )   

  Scammers Are Still Cloning You 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A new type of scam is becoming more common, and more convincing, thanks to rapidly evolving artificial intelligence. The Better Business Bureau has issued a warning about voice-cloning scams that are impacting individuals and families across the country.

  These scams rely on technology that can mimic someone’s voice with alarming accuracy. With just a few seconds of audio, sometimes lifted from voicemail greetings, casual conversations, or even online videos, scammers can generate a voice that sounds nearly identical to that of a loved one. This makes it incredibly difficult to distinguish between a real call and a fake one, especially when the voice on the other end is claiming to be in trouble, asking for money, or offering a too-good-to-be-true opportunity.

  In one case recently reported, an individual spent nearly a week performing tasks for what appeared to be a remote job, unaware that the employer’s true intent was to capture voice recordings. The concern is that these recordings may later be used in scams that impersonate the individual or manipulate others into sharing sensitive information.

  Scammers are becoming more strategic. They’re using AI not just to imitate voices, but also to weave those voices into emotional scenarios that cause panic or urgency, situations where someone might act quickly without verifying the call. This emotional manipulation is what makes these scams so dangerous. A familiar voice saying it’s an emergency can override our instincts and judgment in a matter of seconds.

  To protect yourself, take steps that make it harder for these scams to succeed. If you receive a call that seems suspicious, even if the voice sounds familiar, don’t respond right away. Take a moment to pause. Hang up and call the person directly using a known number. This simple step can often expose the scam for what it is.

  Securing your digital presence is also key. Enable multifactor authentication on your accounts whenever possible. It adds an extra layer of protection that can prevent scammers from accessing your information, even if they manage to imitate your voice or steal your password. At work, businesses should invest in cybersecurity training for employees. Building a culture of awareness and caution can prevent data breaches and manipulation.

  AI voice scams are still a developing threat, and organizations like the BBB are working to find solutions and increase public awareness. Until then, staying skeptical, careful, and informed is the best defense. In this new era where hearing a familiar voice doesn’t guarantee safety, taking a second to verify can make all the difference.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 24, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bank scam ( 76 ), impersonation scam, phantom hacker scam ( 5 ), Scams ( 1,500 )   

  Scammed and Drained in a Single Day 

  

  By Greg Collier

  It started with a simple text. A “fraud alert” popped up on a phone, seemingly from a well-known bank, asking if a purchase had been made. With a quick reply of ‘No’, a chain of events unfolded that would upend a family’s sense of safety and drain their entire savings.

  What followed was a carefully staged performance. A caller claimed to represent her longtime bank and spoke with unsettling familiarity, addressing her by name, reciting her address, even referencing account details. According to him, fraudsters were attempting to wire tens of thousands of dollars out of her accounts. The message was urgent, serious, and disturbingly convincing.

  Under the guise of protection, he urged immediate action. Her money, he insisted, needed to be moved to a ‘safe’ account. One he would establish at another bank. A new debit card was remotely added to her digital wallet, making the ruse feel even more legitimate. When a snowstorm delayed her response, the next morning brought more pressure, heightened threats, added urgency, and fresh instructions.

  She was warned not to trust her own bank, and was told her accounts had been frozen. Access to her online login was supposedly locked. She was instructed to keep the call going while entering the bank and even while standing at the ATM. Every step was scripted, from what to say if questioned, to what must be kept hidden.

  Over the course of the day, she withdrew $44,000 in cash from two bank branches. She followed instructions to the letter, depositing the full amount into a new ATM account that she believed would protect her savings. The reality, however, was far more devastating, her money was gone, funneled into the hands of a stranger who had earned her trust through deception and fear.

  What makes this story even more painful is how deeply targeted it was. The caller didn’t just affect her finances. Two linked accounts belonging to her daughter were also wiped out, including the daughter’s entire savings. The emotional toll hit just as hard as the financial loss.

  After the scam became clear, so did the broader consequences. Shaken, anxious, and overwhelmed, she no longer feels safe doing basic tasks online. She questions everything and everyone. And when a data breach notification arrived just a day later, tied to a massive cyberattack on a major healthcare company, it only deepened the sense that this might not be over. Her information may have been stolen, sold, passed from one criminal hand to the next.

  What makes scams like this so dangerous is how much they’ve evolved. Gone are the days of clumsy, misspelled emails. Today’s scammers use real names, familiar logos, and cloned phone numbers. They build credibility before dismantling it. They construct elaborate narratives, carefully crafted to isolate and confuse. And they prey heavily on older adults, individuals more likely to pick up a call, more likely to trust a voice claiming to be from a bank, and more likely to feel a sense of obligation to act quickly in the face of danger.

  This story, painful as it is, is being shared with a purpose. To warn others. To protect others. To remind people that any unexpected communication involving urgent requests for money, especially from someone claiming to be from a trusted institution, deserves extra scrutiny. Always verify these claims independently. Never give in to pressure, and if something feels off, take a moment to stop and check with a friend, a family member, or directly with your bank using a trusted number.

  The truth is, anyone can be targeted. Scammers are skilled manipulators, and no one should feel ashamed for being caught in a moment of fear or confusion. What matters now is spreading awareness, strengthening protections, and supporting those who come forward, not just with empathy, but with action.

  If this happened to you or someone you love, would you know what to do? Now is the time to talk about it with your parents, with your neighbors, with your community. A single conversation could save someone’s life savings. And that’s something none of us can afford to ignore.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 14, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: FBI ( 27 ), impersonation scam, Scams ( 1,500 ), smishing ( 13 ), tolls ( 7 )   

  FBI Warns: Toll Text Scam Sweeping the U.S. 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The latest wave of scams preying on unsuspecting Americans has taken the form of fraudulent road toll collection texts, prompting the FBI to issue a public warning. These deceptive messages claim that recipients have outstanding toll balances, threatening fines or even suspension of driving privileges if they fail to make immediate payment. But rather than being legitimate notices from state toll authorities, these texts are part of a growing cybercrime operation designed to steal personal and financial information.

  This type of scam falls under ‘smishing’, a variant of phishing that relies on SMS messages rather than emails. The scammers’ approach is alarmingly effective. Messages appear authentic, often using official-sounding language and formatting that mirrors legitimate toll collection agencies. The scam is spreading rapidly, shifting from state to state with nearly identical wording in each new location.

  Authorities are urging recipients not to engage with these messages. The FBI recommends reporting them through its Internet Crime Complaint Center and then deleting them without responding. Unfortunately, the fraudsters behind this scheme have refined their methods to circumvent certain smartphone security features. For example, while Apple restricts clickable links in texts from unknown senders, these scammers prompt users to reply with ‘Y’ to re-establish communication, bypassing this safeguard.

  A cybersecurity analysis revealed that bad actors have registered over 10,000 domains to facilitate these scams, targeting toll services and package delivery systems across multiple states and even into Canada. The scale of this operation suggests a level of coordination that goes beyond the typical small-scale scam.

  Historically, the most frequently reported phone scam involved fraudulent jury duty claims, where scammers would impersonate court officials and demand immediate payment under the threat of arrest. However, at least anecdotally, the toll text scam appears to have surpassed it in prevalence. With so many Americans accustomed to electronic toll payments, these fraudulent messages often seem credible at first glance, increasing the likelihood of engagement.

  The unfortunate reason this scam is becoming so common is simple, it’s working. Scammers wouldn’t keep running these schemes if they weren’t succeeding in tricking victims into handing over their personal and financial information. Every person who falls for the scam encourages criminals to expand their operations, making it even more widespread.

  The best defense remains skepticism. State agencies do not request payments through unsolicited text messages, and any demand for financial information via text should be treated with extreme caution. As the scam continues to evolve, staying informed is key to avoiding falling victim to these deceptive tactics.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on March 7, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: DOGE ( 2 ), impersonation scam, Scams ( 1,500 ), smishing ( 13 ), text scam ( 27 )   

  New $5K Scam Uses DOGE & Gov’t Promise 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A new scam is making the rounds via text message, luring victims with the promise of a $5,000 federal subsidy. Authorities in Crawford County, Kansas, are warning residents to stay vigilant as scammers attempt to trick recipients into handing over personal information under the guise of government assistance.

  The fraudulent message claims that recent budget cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency have freed up money for distribution. It instructs recipients to reply with a confirmation, reopen the message, and click a provided link. This is an attempt to bypass security settings and increase engagement. The scammers promise that after submitting personal details, a check will be deposited directly into the recipient’s bank account or mailed within days.

  Officials have confirmed that this is a scam. Legitimate government agencies do not distribute funds in this manner, nor do they request sensitive information via unsolicited text messages. Anyone receiving such a message should delete it immediately and block the sender if possible. If there’s any uncertainty about a suspicious message, local law enforcement agencies can provide guidance, and reports can also be filed through official fraud reporting channels.

  This scam is just one example of how fraudsters exploit official-sounding names to appear legitimate. By invoking the ‘Department of Government Efficiency’, scammers create a sense of credibility, making their scheme more convincing. Similar tactics have been used in the past, and it’s likely that more scams will emerge using fabricated agencies or misleading government affiliations. Staying cautious of unsolicited financial offers, especially those that pressure quick action or request personal information, is essential in avoiding these ever-evolving threats.