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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 14, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: CISA, impersonation scam, police impersonation scam ( 68 ), Scams ( 1,406 ), U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency   

  Why do scammers pose as the CISA, and what is it? 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Scammers are never above impersonating any branch of the government. Most commonly, they pose as the IRS, the Social Security Administration, or the FBI. Now, it appears scammers are posing as an obscure office of the government to further their fraudulent schemes.

  The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is a federal agency within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responsible for enhancing the security, resilience, and reliability of the nation’s cybersecurity and critical infrastructure. Overall, the CISA plays a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure and ensuring that the United States can effectively prevent, respond to, and recover from diverse threats and hazards.

  In a recent notice on its site, the CISA is warning Americans that phone scammers have begun impersonating the agency. Just like with other similar scams, this one involves the person pretending to be from CISA asking the caller to send cash, cryptocurrency, or gift cards to them.

  The CISA’s warning does not go into detail how exactly their agency is being used in scams, but it’s not difficult to imagine what scammers might try. For example, the scammers may claim that the victim has a warrant out for their arrest for supposedly accessing illicit content on the internet. Then the scammers could tell the victim the warrant could be resolved if the victim makes a payment. As mentioned above, this is usually requested through non-traditional means like gift cards or cryptocurrency.

  Like all law enforcement impersonation scams, the CISA wants to remind everyone that no legitimate government agency will ever ask for payment in cash, cryptocurrency, or gift cards over the phone. If you receive such a request, it’s a scam.

  For more information on how to stay safe from scams and to report suspicious activity, visit the official CISA website.

   

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  Geebo 8:03 am on June 11, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: BEC scam ( 7 ), business email compromise ( 13 ), impersonation scam, Scams ( 1,406 )   

  Town loses half a million to scammers 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In a stark reminder of the ever-present threat of cybercrime, Arlington, Massachusetts, a picturesque town located just six miles northwest of Boston, recently fell victim to a sophisticated cyberattack, resulting in the loss of nearly half a million dollars from the town’s coffers.

  The town, home to approximately 46,000 residents, was targeted in what is known as a business email compromise (BEC). Perpetrators used phishing, spoofing, social engineering, and compromised email accounts to facilitate wire fraud totaling close to $450,000.

  The cybercriminals orchestrated their attack by impersonating a vendor the town often does business with. Town employees received legitimate emails from this vendor concerning issues with processing payments. Unbeknownst to the town, cybercriminals had compromised some town employee user accounts and were closely monitoring email communications. They seized this opportunity to impersonate the vendor using a deceptively genuine-looking email domain, requesting a switch in payment method from check to electronic funds transfer.

  Upon discovering the fraud, the town immediately alerted law enforcement agencies and its banking institution. A digital forensics investigation was launched. The town’s banking institution managed to recoup a mere $3,308, roughly 6% of the total stolen amount.

  Town governments are not the only targets of BEC scams. Any business can fall victim if their emails are compromised, potentially impacting not only the businesses themselves, but also the residents of these towns and the customers of these companies.

  One of the preferred targets of BEC scammers is mortgage lenders. In these cases, scammers will email home buyers using the lender’s email address. The home buyers are then instructed to wire their down payment or closing costs to the scammers, believing they are communicating with their legitimate lender.

  However, recipients of compromised emails can protect themselves.

  Always double-check the sender’s email address for any discrepancies or unusual characters. Scammers often use email addresses that closely resemble legitimate ones.

  Contact the sender directly using a known, trusted phone number or email address to confirm the authenticity of any requests, especially those involving financial transactions.

  As the town of Arlington takes steps to enhance its cybersecurity defenses, other municipalities and organizations should heed this incident as a cautionary tale and proactively bolster their own measures to safeguard against potential cybercriminal activities.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 7, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bank scam ( 74 ), couriers ( 5 ), impersonation scam, Scams ( 1,406 )   

  More scammers show up at the doors of the elderly 

  

  By Greg Collier

  An elderly North Las Vegas resident recently fell victim to a sophisticated scam, resulting in the loss of thousands of dollars within minutes. The scam began with a call from what appeared to be her bank. The resident noticed suspicious activity in her account after receiving the call. Upon checking her online banking account, she discovered two fraudulent charges amounting to thousands of dollars. The caller, pretending to be a bank representative, informed her that immediate action was needed to secure her account.

  The caller explained that due to increased fraud, they would send a courier to collect her card. Within ten minutes, a supposed courier arrived at her front door with a fictitious access code. Believing the situation to be legitimate, she handed over her card. The scammer, captured on video, cut the card in half and placed it in an envelope.

  The scammers had all her information, including her address, which they confirmed with her. She remained on the phone with the initial caller throughout the exchange. However, moments after handing over her card, she was locked out of her online bank account. Realizing something was amiss, she promptly hung up the call.

  She immediately contacted her real bank, closed her accounts, and changed her passwords. Despite her quick response, nearly $9,000 had already been stolen. The bank confirmed that the scammers had already infiltrated her account when they first made contact. Obtaining her card’s chip was merely the final step in their elaborate scheme. She remains hopeful that her bank will reimburse the stolen $9,000, but has yet to receive the funds.

  Protecting yourself from scams, especially sophisticated ones like the one described, requires a combination of awareness, skepticism, and proactive measures. Here are some steps to safeguard against such scams.

  Always verify the identity of the caller by hanging up and calling your bank directly using a phone number from their official website or your bank statement. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to prompt hasty decisions. Be wary of any call that requires immediate action, especially if it involves your financial information.

  If someone shows up at your door claiming to be from your bank or any other service, do not hand over any personal items or information. Verify their identity by contacting the organization directly.

  By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of scams and protect your personal and financial information.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on May 29, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bitcoin atm ( 26 ), impersonation scam, pop-ups ( 26 ), Scams ( 1,406 ), tech support scam ( 51 )   

  Victim loses $1 million to pop-up scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  An intricate scam is currently affecting residents in Kansas City, Missouri, leading to significant financial losses. The local police department has issued a public warning after at least one individual lost over $1 million due to this fraudulent scheme.

  The scam initiates with a deceptive pop-up message appearing on a computer screen. This message falsely claims that the device is malfunctioning and provides a phone number for supposed tech support. When the number is dialed, the person on the other end asserts that the victim’s computer and financial information have been compromised.

  To make the situation appear legitimate, another scammer impersonates a government official. This imposter instructs the victim to liquidate their assets into gold bars or transfer funds to a Bitcoin ATM. Adding another layer of deception, the scammers offer to send a courier to collect the gold, claiming it is for asset safeguarding.

  The reported victims of this scam are all between the ages of 65 and 80, making seniors particularly vulnerable to such schemes.

  Local detectives are not working in isolation. They are collaborating with various law enforcement agencies across the country to identify and apprehend those responsible for this scam.

  If you encounter this fraudulent activity but have not experienced financial loss, it is crucial to report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at https://ic3.gov. Those who have fallen victim to this scam and lost funds should immediately contact their local police department for assistance.

  Be cautious of unexpected pop-up messages claiming that your computer is facing issues. Avoid calling phone numbers or following instructions provided in such pop-ups. Always verify the information through official or known channels. Never transfer money or assets based on instructions from unsolicited messages or calls. Before taking any action suggested by unexpected alerts, consult a trusted friend or family member who is more technically knowledgeable.

  By understanding the details of this scam and taking appropriate preventive measures, residents can protect themselves from falling prey to such deceptive tactics. Reporting any suspicious activity helps law enforcement agencies track and shut down these fraudulent operations, safeguarding the community from further harm.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on May 22, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: impersonation scam, Microsoft ( 21 ), pop-ups ( 26 ), Scams ( 1,406 ), tech support scam ( 51 )   

  A Microsoft employee is not coming to your home to collect money 

  

  By Greg Collier

  For years, scams thrived in the digital shadows, but the landscape is shifting. Traditionally safe havens like our homes are no longer immune, with a troubling rise in scammers taking a physical approach. Preying on the vulnerable and unsuspecting, these fraudsters are turning up on doorsteps, demanding cash or valuables under false pretenses. This aggressive tactic adds a frightening new layer to the ever-evolving world of scams. These personal invasions intensify the financial impact and significantly heightens the emotional distress experienced by the victims.

  For example, a new and particularly insidious fraud scam has emerged in Asheville, North Carolina, catching the attention of both local law enforcement and cybersecurity experts. According to the Asheville Police Department (APD), suspects are now posing as Microsoft employees after hacking into victims’ personal computers. This scam stands out due to its in-person element, which is becoming less of a rarity in the realm of fraud.

  The scheme typically begins with a pop-up message on the victim’s computer, falsely claiming that the system has been locked or frozen. The message prompts the victim to call a number purportedly linked to Microsoft. Once contact is made, the scammers, posing as Microsoft representatives, instruct the victims to withdraw cash from their bank accounts. In a bold escalation, an individual claiming to be a Microsoft employee then arrives at the victim’s residence to collect the money, setting this scam apart from more common remote fraud tactics.

  Microsoft, along with other large technology companies, does not send representatives to individuals’ homes to collect payments or resolve technical issues. These companies operate through official communication channels such as verified emails, phone calls from authenticated support centers, and secure online platforms. Any request for personal information, financial details, or payments through home visits is not a legitimate practice of these companies.

  Never trust unsolicited tech support calls or pop-ups. Verify company representatives directly. If someone claims to be from Microsoft (or any other company), don’t give out personal information or money. Look up the company’s official contact details and reach out directly.

  The emergence of scammers coming directly to victims’ homes introduces a new level of danger and urgency in combating fraud. This approach not only threatens financial security, but also poses significant personal safety risks. Allowing an unknown individual into one’s home under false pretenses can lead to confrontational or even violent encounters. It is crucial to remain cautious and skeptical of any unexpected visitors claiming to represent companies or requesting personal information.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on May 15, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: guns ( 14 ), impersonation scam, IRS ( 25 ), Scams ( 1,406 ), tax scam ( 12 )   

  Armed IRS scammer meets victim in parking lot 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In recent years, scammers have grown increasingly bold in their efforts to extort money. While many scams continue to be executed online or over the phone, a new and more audacious group of scammers is now showing up at meetings with victims to collect their illicit gains in person. This brazen approach significantly heightens the danger for victims, particularly when firearms are involved.

  This week, a 51-year-old Michigan woman was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. She was allegedly involved in an elaborate scam aimed at intimidating victims into believing they were under investigation for tax fraud.

  The mastermind behind the scam was a man the suspect met online. He initiated the scheme by sending a text message to the victim, purportedly from the IRS, claiming the victim was under investigation for filing a fraudulent tax return. The victim was then threatened with a federal arrest.

  The scammer provided the suspect with fake documents, including an FBI arrest warrant and an IRS receipt. She delivered these documents to a parking lot, where she was tasked with collecting $60,000 from the victim. In return, she was promised $2,500 of the proceeds.

  To make the charade seem more convincing, the suspect carried an authentic police badge issued to someone else in Michigan. Most alarmingly, she was armed with a fully loaded firearm, which she kept in a holster.

  Whenever a firearm is involved in a situation like this, the outcome can be highly unpredictable and potentially violent. The best protection against such scenarios is to recognize the typical signs of a scam.

  In this particular scenario, it’s important to remember that the IRS will never call, text, or email you. If there is an issue with a tax return, the IRS will only communicate through a letter sent by mail. Additionally, they will never send someone to meet you to collect a payment, especially not in a parking lot. Anyone claiming to be from the government and arranging to meet you for money is a scammer.

  It is recommended that anyone who engages with a message like this should contact their local police immediately.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on May 14, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: FTC ( 17 ), impersonation scam, impostor scam ( 16 ), Scams ( 1,406 ), social security ( 29 ), SSA ( 4 )   

  FTC issues Social Security impersonation scam warning 

  

  By Greg Collier

  One of the most sensitive pieces of personal information is a Social Security number. If a malicious individual were to obtain someone’s Social Security number through illegal means, it could lead to financial devastation due to identity theft. While identity theft is a serious crime, it is important to note, as per the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), that no one can commit a crime using your Social Security number alone. This might sound perplexing, so let us clarify.

  The FTC recently issued a warning about impersonation scams. As the name suggests, these scams involve scammers pretending to be a government agency to extort money from their victims. In this case, scammers are impersonating the Social Security Administration (SSA).

  Scammers will call their victims, claiming to be from the SSA, while spoofing the SSA’s phone number on caller ID. They tell the victim that their Social Security number has been used in a crime, such as money laundering or drug trafficking, and that an arrest warrant has been issued for the Social Security cardholder.

  However, the scammers will pretend to want to help the victim. They advise the victims to protect their money from being seized by law enforcement by withdrawing it from the bank and converting it to gold. Then, an “agent” of the SSA will come by to collect the gold for safekeeping.

  In the FTC’s latest warning, they emphasize that this is nothing more than a scam. They clarify that no one can use your Social Security number to commit crimes in your name. They also stress that anyone who instructs you to buy gold, withdraw cash, and give it to someone is a scammer.

  If someone receives a call like this, the FTC advises them to hang up and report it on the FTC’s Report Fraud webpage. They also recommend that if someone is coming to your home to collect money or gold, you should contact your local police department.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on May 8, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: arrest warrant ( 26 ), impersonation scam, jury duty scam ( 31 ), police impersonation scam ( 68 ), Scams ( 1,406 )   

  The jury duty scam is more dangerous than it seems 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Typically, in a jury duty or arrest warrant scam, fraudsters adopt the guise of law enforcement or judicial authorities to coerce their victims into parting with their money. The common narrative involves the perpetrators informing their targets of an outstanding warrant for their arrest, often fabricated under the pretext of missed jury duty obligations. Typically, these scams unfold over the phone, with the scammers demanding payment through channels that are difficult to trace, such as gift cards or cryptocurrency.

  What sets these scams apart is the absence of direct physical interaction between the victim and the scammer, creating an illusion of safety despite the financial loss incurred. However, scammers are now employing more aggressive intimidation tactics to extract larger sums from their victims.

  In Iowa, three individuals stand accused of orchestrating a fraudulent jury duty scheme that has reportedly victimized numerous residents in The Hawkeye State. In a chilling instance, a victim recounted receiving a call from three men who claimed she was the subject of a federal warrant for failure to appear and contempt of court. Purporting to be deputies from the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office, two of the men, along with a third posing as a bail bonds agent, pressured the victim into believing she needed to surrender herself immediately to prove that the courts had not served her.

  Under the guise of urgency, the scammers insisted she pay $5,000 promptly. They further deceived her by asserting that payment could not be made at the bail bonds office due to its location on federal property, a restriction purportedly tied to her warrant status. Succumbing to the pressure, the victim met one of the men behind the bail bonds office and handed over $5,000. She was then directed to the Pottawattamie County Jail to validate her bond payment. However, upon arrival, she realized she had fallen prey to a scam.

  Although the victim emerged physically unscathed from this ordeal, it’s crucial to recognize that situations like these have the potential to escalate into violence with alarming ease. Fortunately, education serves as a potent antidote to such scams, offering individuals the tools they need to protect themselves from falling prey to deceitful tactics.

  First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand that legitimate police departments or law enforcement agencies will never contact individuals by phone regarding an outstanding warrant. Protocol dictates that individuals with active arrest warrants will be approached in person by law enforcement officers. Secondly, it’s essential to recognize that law enforcement personnel or agents will never solicit money over the phone. Any such request is a clear indicator of a scam. Lastly, it’s important to debunk the misconception that bail bonds offices are situated on federal property. While they are commonly located in close proximity to courthouses, bail bonds offices typically operate on private property.

  If anyone receives a suspicious call fitting the description of these scams, the best course of action is to terminate the call immediately. Legitimate law enforcement agencies do not arrest individuals for simply hanging up on a phone call. After ending the call, it’s advisable to reach out to your local police department and inform them of the incident. They are equipped to provide guidance and can confirm whether the call was indeed a scam, offering reassurance and potentially taking steps to investigate further.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on May 7, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: impersonation scam, ipad, pop-ups ( 26 ), Scams ( 1,406 ), tech support scam ( 51 )   

  iPad scam costs victim $58,000 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Scams have become increasingly sophisticated, preying on the unsuspecting and vulnerable. A recent incident in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, serves as a reminder of the dangers lurking online. A 68-year-old woman found herself ensnared in a scam, where she lost a staggering $58,000 to cunning fraudsters. What began innocuously with a pop-up message on her iPad spiraled into a nightmare orchestrated by individuals masquerading as federal agents.

  The victim received a pop-up message regarding security on her device. Concerned, she dialed the provided number. She unwittingly set off a chain of events that would leave her financially devastated.

  The woman was coerced into believing she was implicated in illicit activities, including money laundering. The fraudulent caller, posing as a federal agent, employed intimidation tactics to manipulate her into compliance. With calculated precision, the scammer instructed her to withdraw substantial sums of money from her bank accounts under the guise of safeguarding her finances. To evade suspicion, she was advised to fabricate plausible explanations for the large withdrawals, such as purchasing a car or furniture.

  The Better Business Bureau of South Dakota, shed light on the way these scammers operate. By employing threats and intimidation, they exploit psychological vulnerabilities, leaving victims feeling defenseless and coerced. The BBB likened the experience to facing a metaphorical gun pointed at one’s head, highlighting the sheer ruthlessness of these criminals.

  Amidst the distressing narrative, there emerged crucial lessons and insights for safeguarding against such schemes. The BBB emphasizes the importance of caution when encountering pop-ups or unsolicited messages online. Rather than succumbing to the allure of quick fixes, individuals should exercise discernment and seek assistance from reputable sources within their community for technical support.

  Furthermore, victims should seek guidance from trusted sources in the event of suspicious phone calls or encounters. Whether reaching out to a friend, contacting law enforcement, or consulting one’s bank, swift action can mitigate potential harm and prevent irreversible financial loss.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on May 3, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Amazon ( 108 ), gold bars ( 10 ), impersonation scam, Scams ( 1,406 )   

  Gold increasingly demanded as payment in scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In a time when digital transactions dominate, gold, the age-old symbol of wealth and stability, seems like a relic of the past. However, recent trends suggest otherwise. Surprisingly, gold is making a comeback, not on the trading floors of Wall Street, but in the shadowy realms of online scams. From fraudulent investment schemes to sophisticated phishing tactics, scammers are increasingly demanding gold as payment.

  An 80-year-old woman from Cherokee County, Georgia, found herself embroiled in a sophisticated fraud scheme that cost her more than $150,000. It all began with a seemingly innocuous call from an individual posing as an Amazon employee, expressing concern about a purported unauthorized purchase.

  Initially, when the victim received the call, she was eventually redirected to an individual claiming to be an employee of the U.S. Treasury Department. This imposter persuaded the woman to procure $1,500 worth of gift cards and disclose their details over the phone. Subsequently, after the gift card funds were transferred, the caller instructed the woman to wire $50,000 to a bank in New York.

  Following the suspect’s directives, the woman was later instructed to purchase 40 ounces of gold from a nearby distributor. She complied, acquiring the gold valued at approximately $100,000, and handed it over to an individual she believed to be a Treasury employee at a local establishment, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.

  The extent of the deception became apparent when the victim finally confided in a family member, prompting swift action from authorities. In a meticulously planned sting operation, investigators apprehended a 27-year-old suspect from Ontario, Canada. However, the suspect’s arrest only scratched the surface of a larger criminal network spanning across continents, with ties to India and the United Kingdom.

  With older Americans increasingly becoming targets of financial exploitation, law enforcement agencies stress the importance of skepticism when dealing with unsolicited requests for money or personal information. Remember, legitimate organizations will never request payment in the form of cash, gold, cryptocurrency, or gift cards over the phone. All of these forms of payment are largely untraceable once they leave your possession. If someone you don’t know personally asks for any of these as a type of payment over the phone, it should raise immediate suspicion.