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  • Geebo 8:00 am on March 18, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , impostor scam, , Veteran's Affairs   

    Scammers Target Grieving Veteran’s Family 

    Scammers Target Grieving Veteran's Family

    By Greg Collier

    In a time of mourning, when families should be focused on honoring and remembering their loved ones, financial predators are finding new ways to take advantage of their vulnerability. A recent case in Georgia has prompted state officials to remind the public to be extra cautious when handling funeral arrangements and memorial services.

    Authorities were alerted to a troubling incident involving a widow who was deceived by an individual posing as a representative of a Veterans Affairs cemetery. The scammer falsely claimed that she needed to purchase an insurance policy during the burial process. When she hesitated, the imposter used high-pressure tactics to push for immediate payment. Including threatening to prevent the burial from taking place.

    Initially, her attempt to transfer money through Zelle was blocked due to fraud detection, but she was eventually convinced to send $1,200 via PayPal. It was only after her family learned of the transaction that they reported the scam, leading to an investigation by state officials and law enforcement.

    This is not a new scheme, nor is it confined to VA cemeteries. Funeral homes and memorial services have long been a target for fraudsters looking to exploit grieving families. In many cases, scammers claim that immediate payment is required to prevent delays, upsell services that should be provided at no cost, or demand money for non-existent debts related to the deceased.

    Officials urge families to remain vigilant and take precautions when arranging funeral services. Verifying the legitimacy of any financial request before making a payment is crucial. Direct engagement with cemetery or funeral home representatives, rather than relying on unsolicited calls or messages, can help ensure that all services and costs are legitimate. Families are also encouraged to document end-of-life plans in advance and discuss them with trusted relatives to prevent confusion and susceptibility to fraud.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 16, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , impostor scam, ,   

    Celebrity Impersonation Scams: A Cruel Deceit 

    Celebrity Impersonation Scams: A Cruel Deceit

    By Greg Collier

    Scams are not a reflection of intelligence or sophistication. They are meticulously crafted traps that prey on human vulnerability, trust, and sometimes, loneliness. A recent incident in Marysville, Washington, underscores the devastating impact such schemes can have on unsuspecting individuals and their families. It is a sobering reminder that anyone, regardless of age or life experience, can fall victim to these malicious tactics.

    The story involves a 73-year-old grandmother who became the target of an elaborate scam involving a fake social media profile impersonating a well-known cable news anchor. Drawn into the scheme by a seemingly innocuous online interaction, she was manipulated into sending tens of thousands of dollars under the guise of helping a beloved pet and maintaining a fabricated romantic relationship. The financial loss was substantial, but the emotional toll on her and her family was just as profound.

    This case reveals a critical truth about scams: they thrive on emotional manipulation. By targeting feelings of trust, love, or even fear, scammers bypass rational thought and exploit their victims’ inherent goodness. For older adults, especially those who may experience loneliness or isolation, the risk is even greater. A scammer’s attention can fill a void, making the fabricated relationship feel real and meaningful.

    Loneliness among seniors is a pervasive issue that extends beyond financial fraud. Social isolation can lower defenses, making individuals more susceptible to manipulation. When someone feels unseen or undervalued, a scammer’s feigned affection or friendship can provide a dangerous sense of connection. Unfortunately, this bond is nothing more than a tool for exploitation.

    The incident in Marysville also challenges stereotypes about scam victims. The woman involved was intelligent, with a successful career spanning decades. Yet, even her sharp instincts were dulled by the careful, persistent efforts of the scammer. This reminds us that no one is immune. Scammers adapt their tactics to each victim, creating narratives that resonate deeply and feel believable, no matter how absurd they may seem in hindsight.

    Family members often face the heartbreaking challenge of intervening. Despite two attempts to dissuade the victim in this case, the emotional hold of the scammer proved difficult to break. Families should approach these situations with empathy and understanding, recognizing that victims often feel a mix of shame, embarrassment, and continued loyalty to the scammer. Open, non-judgmental conversations about financial safety and online behavior are essential to preventing such incidents.

    Law enforcement and advocacy organizations are working to combat these schemes, but the responsibility also lies with society to better protect vulnerable populations. Awareness and education are crucial. Friends and family members can play a pivotal role by staying connected, fostering open communication, and regularly discussing the realities of online fraud.

    This is not just about safeguarding money, it’s also about protecting dignity and emotional well-being. Scams don’t just drain bank accounts, they fracture trust and leave lasting scars. By addressing the root causes, like loneliness and isolation, and promoting vigilance, we can help shield our loved ones from falling into these traps.

    To anyone reading this, let the Marysville case be a reminder. Scams are an equal-opportunity threat. They exploit what makes us human, our capacity for trust, love, and empathy. The best defense is staying informed, connected, and supportive of one another. Together, we can close the door on those who prey on vulnerability and ensure that stories like this become less common in the future.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 11, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , impostor scam, , , ,   

    Impostor Scams at Your Door 

    Impostor Scams at Your Door

    By Greg Collier

    Impostor scams have taken a bold and alarming turn, with criminals now appearing at victims’ homes to collect cash or gold payments. This troubling trend, observed recently in Portland, Oregon, is part of a larger international fraud scheme that primarily targets seniors. The scammers use increasingly audacious and manipulative tactics, leaving their victims financially devastated and emotionally shaken.

    The scam typically starts with a computer pop-up or a phone call, usually from someone claiming to be tech support. Once the victim is drawn in, the scammers pretend to transfer the call to a federal agency, such as the FBI. They use official-sounding jargon, fabricated documents, and scare tactics, making victims believe their assets are at risk of being frozen or that they are implicated in a serious crime. The goal is to instill a sense of urgency, prompting the victim to liquidate their assets as a so-called protective measure.

    A common element in these schemes is the false assurance that ‘moving’ money or converting savings into cash or gold is necessary to keep accounts safe. Scammers often spin an elaborate narrative, claiming that transferring funds or purchasing gold is essential for safeguarding against identity theft or other threats. However, there is no legitimate circumstance where converting assets or handing over cash will actually protect a bank account. This is simply a ploy used by criminals to trick victims into parting with their money.

    In Oregon, recent cases have highlighted the extent of the problem. Over the past six months, several incidents have resulted in losses exceeding $3.3 million. Seniors are especially vulnerable due to their trusting nature and the effectiveness of fear-based manipulation. The tactics used can be relentless, ranging from phone threats to fabricated documents that appear legitimate, all aimed at persuading victims to give up their savings.

    The evolution of these scams to include in-person payment collection marks a disturbing escalation. Victims may be instructed to meet a ‘courier’ at their home and hand over cash or gold. In some cases, the exchange is as simple as the scammer pulling up in a car, rolling down the window, and quickly driving off with the package. The rushed nature of these encounters leaves little time for victims to question the legitimacy of the situation or seek advice.

    To avoid falling prey to such schemes, it is crucial to recognize the signs of potential fraud. Understanding that no legitimate agency or financial institution will ever require cash withdrawals or gold purchases is key. Financial institutions have secure procedures for handling account issues and do not involve doorstep collections. Moreover, allowing someone remote access to your computer opens the door to further exploitation, as scammers can manipulate accounts and gather sensitive information.

    If someone does come to your home under suspicious circumstances, it’s vital not to engage. Instead, contact the authorities to verify their identity and report the incident. Sharing this knowledge can help protect others from becoming victims of these scams. The more people understand the tactics used and the potential risks, the harder it will be for scammers to succeed.

    The emergence of impostor scams involving doorstep collections signals a shift in criminal tactics, underlining the importance of remaining skeptical of unsolicited calls or online pop-ups. There is no such thing as ‘protecting’ assets by moving them around or paying oneself back. Once cash or valuables are handed over to a scammer, the money is essentially gone, with little chance of recovery.

    Raising awareness and taking precautions are vital steps toward preventing future losses. Recognizing the signs of fraud, understanding the tactics used, and promptly reporting suspicious activity can make a significant difference in protecting oneself and loved ones from financial harm.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on May 14, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , impostor scam, , ,   

    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.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 26, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , impostor scam, , USAA,   

    A fusion of bank scams target veteran’s widow 

    A fusion of bank scams target veteran's widow

    By Greg Collier

    We hope all our readers had a safe, joyous, and scam-free Christmas. Don’t forget to keep an eye on your gift card balances before using them.

    Over the past year, we’ve seen several new ways in which scammers have lured their victims into a financial trap. None has been more disturbing than scams that target the families who have recently lost a loved one. Scammers scan the obituaries looking for victims who may not be thinking clearly since they’re grieving. At best, you have a scammer posing as the funeral home trying to squeeze money out of you, at worst you have a real estate scammer trying to steal a family’s home with a phony deed scam. Now, we’re seeing scammers using the obituaries to gain access to the bank accounts of those in mourning.

    Back in November, a US Army Veteran who had been awarded the Purple Heart passed away. According to his widow, a week after the soldier’s memorial, she was targeted in a bank scam. The scammers posed as USAA, a bank whose customer base is largely members of the military, veterans, and their families. Like most bank scams these days, the soldier’s widow received a text message that appeared to come from USAA warning her of fraudulent activity on her account.

    The text message included a customer service number to call, but the number didn’t go to USAA. Instead, it went to a scammer call center impersonating USAA. According to the victim, the scammers even used USAA’s customized hold music while she was on the phone with the scammers.

    The victim was talked into giving the scammers enough personal information where the scammers gained access to her bank account. At this point, scammers typically drain the account of its funds. However, this time, the scammers took the scam even further. A phony check was deposited into the account for $4500. Before the check was discovered to be fraudulent, the scammers withdrew not only the $4500 from the phony check, but the remaining funds in the account as well.

    The victim reported the scam to the police and USAA, but the bank initially denied her claim for a refund, stating they determined the transactions were not fraudulent. That was until she went to a local TV news station with her story. After the news station got involved, USAA returned the lost money to her.

    If you receive a text message from your bank about any questionable activity on your account, stop for a moment. Do not call any number included in the text message or click any links the message may contain. Instead, call your bank directly at the customer service number listed on the back of your bank card.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 11, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: home shopping channels, impostor scam, , ,   

    Scammers pose as home shopping channels 

    By Greg Collier

    While the majority of shopping from home is done online, home shopping channels are still wildly popular in our digital age. They’re popular enough to the point where scammers are said to be imitating them on social media.

    The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning about this new scam that is plaguing social media users. According to the BBB, these scammers have taken to various social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, where they’ve taken out ads that appear to sell many of the same items you’ll find on home shopping channels. In some instances, the scammers are using footage from these channels to make their scam seem more legitimate.

    If someone were to click on the ad, they would be taken to a website that is an imitation of the official websites for the shopping channels. While a customer thinks they’re making a purchase at a great deal, they’re actually giving their personal and financial information to the scammers. Many victims who fell for this scam, never received the product they ordered nor did they receive a refund.

    The BBB advises when shopping online to make sure you check the URL of the website where you’re shopping to make sure it’s not an impostor site. If the website belongs to a company you’re not familiar with, do a web search with the company’s name along with the phrases ‘reviews’, ‘complaints’, and ‘scams’ before you make a purchase. Lastly, if the ad is on social media, check the comments for complaints.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 4, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , impostor scam, ,   

    New delivery scam in time for the holidays 

    By Greg Collier

    By now, many of us should be familiar with the text message delivery scam. In that scam, scammers send out text messages posing as popular delivery services such as UPS, FedEx, and even the United States Postal Service. The text message claims a delivery can’t be made to the recipient’s address, and asks the recipient to click on a link provided in the message for further instructions. Once the link is clicked, the recipient is taken to a malicious website that asks for personal and financial information, so the delivery could be made. In reality, the scammers are looking for this information to commit identity and financial theft.

    This is a popular scam throughout the year, but incredibly popular during the holiday season, when most people are expecting deliveries to their homes. Now, scammers are taking a more straightforward approach by calling their potential victims directly. The callers are identifying themselves as drivers for the various delivery services. The phony drivers claim they have a delivery for you, but can’t find your home. Then, like the text message scam, the scammers start asking for personal and financial information so they can supposedly make their delivery. If you tell them you’re not expecting a delivery, the scammers will try to tell you that you’re being sent a gift from a friend or family.

    The best way to protect yourself from this scam is to keep track of your deliveries and who they’re being delivered by. Most vendors will provide you with a tracking number from that delivery service. If you receive one of these scam calls, but still have concerns, hang up and call the delivery service customer service number from their website. They’ll be able to let you know if you’re receiving a legitimate delivery and its status. Never give out your personal or payment information, even if someone is claiming to be from a company you trust.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on November 14, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , impostor scam, ,   

    Is Zelle issuing refunds to scam victims? 

    By Greg Collier

    Since this past June, thousands of banks that use the Zelle payment app have been issuing refunds. Why are these banks issuing refunds? For at least the past two years, Zelle has been a boon to scammers. Zelle has been instrumental in allowing scammers to take money from their victims.

    Primarily, Zelle is used in bank impersonation scams. They start out when a victim receives a text message that appears to have come from their bank. The message asks the victim if they recently made a large purchase or transfer and to reply with yes or no. Once the victim replies, the scammers call the victim while posing as the bank’s fraud department. The victim is told their bank account has been compromised, and they need to move their money to a safe account to protect it. The scammers walk the victim through instructions on how to transfer the money to the safe account on Zelle. Then the victim unknowingly transfers their money to the scammer’s account.

    The banks that implement Zelle have been hesitant to issue any refunds to customers. They typically claim that since the customer authorized the payment, there are no grounds for a refund. The banks also claim if they start issuing refunds, then scammers will try to work their way into the refund process.

    In that vein, Zelle has been pretty quiet about how consumers can go about requesting a refund. Nor has it given any indications on any kind of timeline for refunds or whether refunds can be requested retroactively. However, in their defense, Zelle has enacted new prompts within the app that are supposed to warn users if the app feels like the user is making a risky transfer. Zelle claims this has significantly cut down on scams.

    But the best way to protect yourself is to not take the scammer’s bait. Your bank will never tell you that you need to move your money to protect it. That’s just not a thing. If you receive a text message or phone call that claims to be coming from your bank, do not respond. Instead, call your bank at the customer service number from your debit or credit card, and they’ll be able to advise you on if there is anything wrong with your account. And also keep in mind that Zelle is only supposed to be used between friends and family. Anyone else who is asking for payment through Zelle could be trying to scam you.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 31, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , impostor scam, , ,   

    Gold bar scammers scammed by police 

    Gold bar scammers scammed by police

    By Greg Collier

    When it comes to collecting money from their victims, scammers prefer instant and untraceable forms of payment. In that vein, scammers frequently ask for payment in gift cards, cryptocurrency, money transfers, or through payment apps like Zelle and Venmo. Some scammers even try to coax cold hard cash out of their victims. While cash is largely untraceable, it presents problems when trying to collect it. When a scammer asks for cash, they usually ask for it to be sent through courier services like UPS.

    Then, every once in a while, there are scammers who demand payment in one of the most conspicuous ways possible, gold bars. While technically untraceable, not only does the movement of gold attract a lot of attention, most people wouldn’t know how to convert their cash into gold in a short amount of time.

    That didn’t stop some scammers from trying their hands at getting some gold out of an elderly couple from Georgia. The couple received one of those infamous pop-ups on their computer that said their computer had been hacked. They called the number included in the message, and talked to a phony tech support call center.

    The fake support representative told the couple they definitely had a virus, then asked if they ever used their computer for online banking. They said they did, and the scammer asked which bank they used. After telling the scammer, the couple was told they were being transferred to their bank’s fraud department, which was just another member of the scam ring.

    The scammer posing as the fraud department told the couple their accounts had been compromised, and close to $200,000 in fraudulent transactions could leave them penniless. Then they were transferred to someone claiming to be an agent of the Federal Trade Commission. Again, this was just another scammer. However, the phony federal agent told the couple that in order to protect their money, they would need to withdraw their savings and convert into gold bars. The gold bars would need to be sent to Washington, D.C., where the FTC would issue a check to the couple. A courier would have to come to the couple’s home to pick up the gold.

    Currently, gold is around $2000 per ounce. For $200,000 that would be 100 ounces, which is 6.25 lbs of gold, or roughly 3 kilograms. The couple purchased the gold from a legitimate gold seller in Texas, but before they gave the gold to the scammers, they went to their local police.

    Knowing this was a scam, police set up a sting operation and waited for the courier to show up. Once he did, police were quick to apprehend him. It’s believed the scammer flew from Southern California to Georgia just to steal from the couple.

    This couple should be commended for following their gut when they did. Too often, we’ve seen elderly victims lose their life savings to less convoluted scams.

    Anytime someone you don’t know is telling you that you need to move your money to protect it, or pay yourself, they are trying to scam you. Moving your money is not a thing, and it doesn’t matter if you’re being told this by someone claiming to be from your bank, law enforcement, or any other position of authority, the person telling you this is an impostor.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 13, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , impostor scam,   

    New bank scam has scammers collecting your debit card 

    New bank scam has scammers collecting your debit card

    By Greg Collier

    Bank impersonation scams are nothing new. The typical banking scam starts off with a text message asking if you have made a large purchase or transfer. The text message asks you to reply with either a yes or a no. Once the victim replies ‘no’, they’ll receive a phone call from the scammers, posing as their bank’s fraud department. The victim will be told there is fraudulent activity in their bank account, and they need to ‘move’ their money to protect it. From here, the scammers walk the victim through moving their money to a supposed protected account. However, this account belongs to the scammers, who disappear with the victim’s money.

    In that version of the scam, the scammers have the victim move their money electronically. Now, a new scam has developed, where the scammers are physically collecting their bounty. This new scam starts out the same way with the text message and the phone call. Instead of being told to move their money, victims are now being told that a courier will be by to pick up their compromised debit card. Some victims were even told to leave their debit cards in their mailbox for the courier to pick up. From there, the scammers take the victim’s money from nearby ATMs.

    Thankfully, the ways to protect yourself are still the same. If you receive a text message claiming to be from your bank, do not respond to it. Instead, call the bank directly to see if there is an actual issue with your account. If someone calls you claiming to be from your bank, politely end the conversation, and again, call your bank directly to ask about any issues. Lastly, don’t give any personal information to a caller claiming to be from the bank. Your bank should have all the information they need and shouldn’t be requesting information like your PIN or account number.

     

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