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  Geebo 8:00 am on May 15, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: guns ( 14 ), impersonation scam, IRS ( 26 ), Scams ( 1,429 ), 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 ( 1,429 ), 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 ( 32 ), police impersonation scam ( 71 ), Scams ( 1,429 )   

  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 ( 1,429 ), 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 ( 109 ), gold bars ( 10 ), impersonation scam, Scams ( 1,429 )   

  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.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on April 26, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: impersonation scam, Scams ( 1,429 ), smishing ( 11 ), text scam ( 26 ), tolls ( 6 )   

  Beware of smishing: The rise of text message toll scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In an era where digital communication is ubiquitous, scams have adapted to exploit every possible avenue, including text messaging. Recent reports from various states across the US indicate a surge in smishing scams, particularly targeting drivers with fake toll payment demands. These scams, a fusion of SMS (short message service) and phishing, aim to deceive recipients into sharing sensitive personal information or making fraudulent payments. Let’s delve deeper into this growing trend and explore ways to safeguard against such deceitful schemes.

  Smishing, short for SMS phishing, leverages text messages to trick individuals into divulging personal information or making payments to fraudulent entities. The recent wave of smishing scams targeting toll road users follows a similar pattern across different states.

  Victims receive text messages purporting to be from toll collection services, such as state tollway authorities or tolling agencies like E-ZPass or SunPass. The messages claim the recipient owes a specific amount for unpaid tolls, often accompanied by threats of additional late fees if not paid promptly. Scammers include links in the messages, supposedly directing recipients to settle their balances. However, these links lead to counterfeit websites designed to harvest personal and financial information. Despite variations in content and targeted states, the core strategy remains consistent, preying on the urgency and fear of incurring penalties to coerce victims into taking immediate action.

  To combat smishing attempts and protect against falling victim to these scams, it’s essential to remain vigilant and adopt proactive strategies.

  Rather than clicking on embedded links, independently verify the authenticity of any outstanding toll charges by accessing official toll service websites or contacting customer service directly. Avoid engaging with suspicious texts or providing personal information.

  Be wary of unsolicited text messages, especially those urging urgent actions or containing grammatical errors and inconsistencies. Trust your instincts and err on the side of caution when encountering unexpected requests for payment or personal details.

  Report smishing attempts to relevant authorities, such as the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker. By reporting such incidents, you safeguard yourself and contribute to efforts to combat cybercrime and protect others from falling prey to similar scams.

  The proliferation of smishing scams targeting toll road users underscores the importance of exercising caution and skepticism in today’s digital landscape. By verifying the legitimacy of messages, and promptly reporting suspicious activity, individuals can fortify their defenses against fraudulent schemes.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on April 25, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: impersonation scam, phantom hacker scam ( 4 ), pop-ups ( 26 ), Scams ( 1,429 )   

  Protecting yourself and loved ones from the Phantom Hacker scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Scams lurk around every virtual corner, preying on unsuspecting victims with cunning sophistication. Among these, the “Phantom Hacker” scam has emerged as a particularly insidious threat, targeting the elderly, and leaving devastation in its wake. Recently, the Phoenix office of the FBI shed light on this alarming scheme.

  The Phantom Hacker scam is as intricate as it is deceitful. It often commences with a seemingly innocuous pop-up message alleging a compromised computer, typically masquerading as a communication from reputable entities like Microsoft. From there, victims find themselves engaging with imposters posing as customer support representatives.

  These scammers, operating in organized groups akin to call centers, employ a range of tactics, including phone calls and email addresses sourced from the dark web. Once they gain access to a victim’s computer, they exploit their trust, coaxing them into revealing sensitive financial information under the guise of addressing purported security breaches.

  Having gained insight into their victim’s financial accounts, the scammers orchestrate a seamless transition, with a fake representative from the victim’s bank reaching out to confirm the alleged compromise. This orchestrated charade culminates in the directive for victims to empty their accounts, transferring funds to a purportedly secure “safe wallet,” often through cryptocurrency ATMs.

  Prevention remains the most effective defense against falling victim to such scams. The FBI, alongside other cybersecurity experts, offers practical tips to safeguard against phishing attempts and fraudulent schemes.

  Avoid clicking on unsolicited pop-ups or links in emails or text messages, especially from unknown sources. Refrain from dialing phone numbers provided in suspicious messages. Instead, independently verify the legitimacy of purported contacts through official channels. Never download software or grant access to your computer to unfamiliar individuals, regardless of their claims or affiliations.

  Promptly report any suspected scams to relevant authorities, such as the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), to facilitate swift intervention and potential recovery of lost funds. Although, recovery is often more the exception than the rule.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on April 4, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: impersonation scam, parole scam ( 2 ), prison ( 4 ), Scams ( 1,429 )   

  New prison scam preys on vulnerable families 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A new scam has emerged, proving successful due to its narrow focus on families with loved ones in prison. Scammers, armed with an unsettling depth of private information, reach out to individuals with incarcerated family members, offering false promises of early release through a supposed pilot program. One victim’s harrowing experience sheds light on the devastating impact of this scam.

  The victim, whose step-daughter was serving a sentence for a hit-and-run, received a call from scammers claiming she qualified for an early release program. With intricate details about the program and a veneer of legitimacy, they coerced the victim into believing that his step-daughter’s release was imminent. The emotional rollercoaster the victim and his family endured, buoyed by false hope, underscores the cruelty of these scammers.

  The scam escalated when they demanded payment, preying on the desperation and vulnerability of families eager to reunite with their loved ones. Despite his initial suspicions, the victim paid the scammers, maxing out his Zelle transfer limit and even considering the absurd request for payment in Bitcoin.

  What makes this scam particularly sinister is the depth of information the scammers possess. From personal details to seemingly confidential information, they exploit every avenue, including public databases like inmate search sites, to enhance their credibility.

  The victim revealed that the scammers had access to his driver’s license number, obtained through legitimate channels like prison visitations and video call services, highlights the sophistication of their operation.

  As authorities scramble to address the growing prevalence of this scam, it’s evident that the impact extends far beyond financial loss. Families, already grappling with the challenges of having a loved one incarcerated, are further burdened by the emotional toll of falling victim to deceit. The betrayal of trust and shattered hopes leave scars that may never fully heal.

  The victim is currently providing care for his step-daughter’s daughter while the step-daughter serves her sentence. He faced the heartbreaking task of informing the little girl that her mother’s release was not imminent after falling prey to the scam.

  Authorities suspect that inmates within the prison system are orchestrating these scams. They are said to be specifically targeting those who are nearing release, possibly facilitated by contraband cell phones smuggled into prisons.

  Parole boards at the state level are issuing stern warnings, emphasizing that they will never solicit money from families via phone calls. They strongly advise families to verify the current parole status of their incarcerated family members before engaging in any financial transactions or taking action in response to unsolicited communications.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 27, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: gift cards ( 102 ), impersonation scam, Scams ( 1,429 ), Spectrum Internet, utility scam ( 32 )   

  Utility scammers are targeting consumers 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Recently, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) issued a warning to Michigan consumers about a utility scam targeting customers of Spectrum Internet.

  According to reports, scammers are impersonating Spectrum Internet representatives, enticing customers with the promise of discounted internet services. The scheme involves leaving voicemails offering substantial discounts on future internet bills. However, the catch is customers are required to pay several months’ worth of service fees upfront, and the payment must be made using gift cards, asserting it as a component of a purported partnership.

  In a distressing incident, a Michigan resident fell victim to this scam. After receiving a voicemail offering a 50% discount on her internet service, she contacted the number provided and was told she could enjoy the discount for three years without any contracts. However, she was instructed to pay for 15 months of service in advance, amounting to $420, via gift cards.

  Spectrum, aware of the scam, has issued guidelines on its website to help customers identify such fraudulent activities. The company emphasizes that it will never request payments via gift cards, wire transfers, or payment apps, nor will it offer discounted rates for a fee.

  To avoid falling victim to utility impersonation scams like this, avoid prepaid debit or gift card payments. Legitimate companies typically accept checks or credit cards as primary payment methods. Be cautious of requests for payment via prepaid cards, as these are favored by scammers due to the difficulty in retrieving funds once they’re transferred.

  If you receive a special offer or discount, verify its authenticity by contacting the utility company directly. Obtain the customer service number from the official website or your latest bill and inquire about the offer’s validity. Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is.

  Although reports of this scam are currently surfacing in Michigan, there’s a significant likelihood that it may soon target areas beyond.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 19, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: data breach ( 33 ), health insurance ( 5 ), identity theft ( 109 ), impersonation scam, Scams ( 1,429 ), unitedhealth   

  Scammers take advantage of UnitedHealth hack 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In recent events, it has come to light that a major health insurance provider in our country fell victim to a severe cyberattack and subsequent data breach. Towards the end of February, Change Healthcare, a subsidiary specializing in pharmacy insurance under UnitedHealth, experienced a crippling intrusion into its systems. Regrettably, this breach led to the exposure of personal data belonging to Change’s customers. Reports on the repercussions of this breach for the affected customers have begun to emerge this week.

  Scammers are now impersonating healthcare representatives in attempts to obtain financial information. Reports have surfaced of individuals receiving calls from imposters claiming to represent hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. These scammers offer fake refunds or demand immediate payments, often requesting credit card numbers or other sensitive financial details.

  To combat these scams, UnitedHealth advises recipients of suspicious solicitations to refrain from responding and instead contact their healthcare provider directly. It’s not common practice for hospitals and medical facilities to request patient credit card numbers over the phone, even in cases where a patient is owed a refund. Typically, when a patient is due a credit, that amount is either refunded directly to the credit card the office has on file or issued to the patient in the form of a check.

  If you find yourself receiving such a phone call, regardless of whether you’re insured by UnitedHealth or not, it’s advisable to politely terminate the call and directly contact your doctor’s office or the hospital involved. In many cases, these healthcare providers already possess your personal information and wouldn’t require you to provide it again over the phone. Additionally, it’s essential to remember that caller ID can be manipulated by scammers to falsely appear as if the call is originating from a legitimate medical provider, so it’s unwise to rely solely on caller ID information.

  If someone suspects that their personal information has been exposed, it’s crucial to take immediate action to mitigate potential damage. Contact major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit report. This extra layer of security can help prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in your name.

  Consult with legal professionals, especially if the exposure of personal information results in financial losses or other significant consequences. They can offer guidance on potential legal recourse.

  And lastly, alert banks and credit card companies about the potential exposure of personal information. Request to monitor accounts for any suspicious activity and consider placing fraud alerts or freezes on accounts to prevent unauthorized access.