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  Geebo 8:00 am on October 24, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: job scam, repackaging ( 22 ), reshipping ( 22 ), Scams ( 1,366 ), work from home ( 9 )   

  The Hidden Dangers of Reshipping Scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Reshipping scams have surfaced as a deceptive scheme, preying on individuals seeking flexible, work-from-home opportunities. These scams often begin with a seemingly simple email or text message offering a job involving the reshipping of packages. Victims are promised payment or shipping fees in exchange for their participation, making the offer appear legitimate. However, these operations often conceal significant risks beneath their surface.

  The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has recently issued a warning about this scam, alerting consumers to the potential dangers involved. Once participants accept the job, packages begin arriving at their homes. They are instructed to remove the original shipping labels, replace them with new ones, and forward the items to various addresses. In some cases, participants may also be asked to repackage contents or separate items for individual shipment, unknowingly becoming a part of a broader fraudulent operation.

  Many of the packages involved contain stolen or illegal merchandise, turning participants into unintentional couriers of contraband. Even more concerning is the possibility that scammers may direct participants to falsify shipping documents to bypass U.S. customs. Anyone who willingly alters or forges documentation faces the risk of criminal prosecution, as these actions are viewed as a violation of federal law. Authorities often hold individuals accountable for such involvement, regardless of whether they were fully aware of the scam’s true nature.

  These scams exploit the trust and goodwill of unsuspecting individuals, leaving many not only unpaid but also vulnerable to legal repercussions. The risks extend beyond financial loss, as law enforcement may view participants as complicit in criminal activities.

  The BBB urges consumers to be cautious when receiving unexpected job offers, especially those sent through text messages or emails. Verifying the legitimacy of these offers and avoiding requests for personal information or upfront payment can protect individuals from falling victim to these schemes. Those who believe they have been targeted by a reshipping scam should report the incident to the BBB and contact their financial institution to mitigate any potential losses.

  Reshipping scams are more than just empty promises, they are dangerous schemes that can have lasting legal and financial consequences. Early detection is essential to avoid becoming entangled in these deceptive operations.

   

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  Geebo 8:00 am on October 21, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: advance fee scam ( 45 ), appointment setter, employment ( 36 ), job scam, Scams ( 1,366 )   

  Appointment Setter Job Scams: A Social Media Threat 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In today’s job market, work-from-home opportunities seem to offer the perfect solution for those seeking flexibility and financial stability. But not all of these opportunities are as promising as they appear. A new scam targeting job seekers has emerged: fake appointment setter jobs. Advertised on social media, these scams lure people with the promise of high income, only to trap them with upfront fees and deceptive promises.

  An appointment setter is a legitimate position in which employees schedule meetings between a company’s sales staff and potential clients. The job’s goal is to help close deals by organizing appointments efficiently. Typical compensation includes hourly pay with occasional bonuses for successfully setting high-quality appointments. Importantly, legitimate companies provide any necessary job training at no cost to their employees.

  While appointment setter jobs do exist, scammers have started to hijack the concept, exploiting unsuspecting job seekers. Ads promoting these roles claim you can earn significant money from home, but there are a few telltale signs that the offer might not be genuine.

  Real appointment-setting jobs offer modest pay, with potential bonuses based on performance. Ads that promise exorbitant earnings are likely too good to be true. No legitimate employer will ask you to pay for training. If the job offer requires thousands of dollars upfront for training, it’s a scam. Scammers often claim that paying for training guarantees a job, but legitimate companies never make such promises. Some scams present the position as a business opportunity, asking participants to recruit others or sell services, making it seem more like a pyramid scheme than a job.

  Before accepting any job offer, especially one found on social media, follow these steps to avoid falling into a scam. Take your time and consult someone you trust. Scammers often pressure victims to act quickly to avoid missing out.

  Search online for the company’s name along with words like ‘scam’ or ‘complaint’. Also, check with your state attorney general’s office for any complaints. A lack of complaints doesn’t necessarily mean the company is legitimate, but it’s a useful starting point. Be skeptical of success stories as they may be fabricated, with positive reviews potentially originating from fake profiles.

  The allure of easy money and flexible hours can make job seekers vulnerable to scams like fake appointment setter roles. Knowing how legitimate jobs operate and understanding the tactics scammers use are essential to protecting yourself. Do your research, and trust your instincts. If a job offer feels off, especially one that asks for money upfront, it’s probably not the opportunity it claims to be.

  Scammers are constantly evolving their schemes, but with the right knowledge and caution, you can outsmart them and avoid falling victim to fraudulent job offers.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 24, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: car wrapping ( 11 ), check scam ( 79 ), fake check ( 48 ), gift cards ( 101 ), job scam, marketing ( 3 ), Scams ( 1,366 )   

  Car Wrap Scam: A Costly Tempting Offer 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A deceptive scam has been quietly circulating for years, continuing to claim unsuspecting victims. It begins with what seems like a straightforward offer, get paid for letting a company advertise on your car while you drive around. The idea of easy money might be appealing, but this so-called opportunity is actually a financial trap that could leave you thousands of dollars in debt.

  The scam typically starts with an ad online, offering to turn your vehicle into a rolling billboard. The pitch is simple: allow a company to wrap your car with their brand, and you’ll be paid weekly for just driving around as you normally would. The promise of several hundred dollars per week for a few months can seem irresistible.

  Once you respond to the offer, you receive a check for a few thousand dollars, with instructions to deposit it and wire part of the money to an installer who will wrap your vehicle. This is where the real scam begins. The check is fake, but by the time your bank realizes this, you’ve already wired the scammer the money, leaving you on the hook for the full amount. Sometimes, they even ask for payment in gift cards, a hallmark of scam operations because of the difficulty in tracing them.

  It’s easy to see how this scam claims victims. The checks are often convincing, and the idea of making quick, easy money can be appealing. However, like many scams, it preys on trust and the desire for financial gain, leaving victims not only out of pocket but potentially dealing with bounced check fees and other financial fallout.

  Avoid becoming a victim by steering clear of similar unsolicited offers, and always be cautious when asked to deposit a check and send money or gift cards in return.

  Remember, no legitimate business will ever ask you to pay for services like vehicle wrapping in advance or request payment through gift cards. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stay informed, and always verify opportunities before parting with your money.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 6, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Human trafficking ( 97 ), job scam, kidnapping ( 10 ), pig butchering scam ( 14 ), Scams ( 1,366 )   

  Victim Kidnapped and Forced to Scam Others 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Victims of a cryptocurrency scam known as “pig butchering” are coming forward to share their experiences, aiming to protect others from falling into the same trap. While many focus on the financial losses suffered by victims, the human toll runs even deeper, with some individuals forced into scamming others.

  The term “pig butchering” describes how scammers gradually build trust with their targets, encouraging small investments that appear to yield quick returns. As confidence grows, victims are convinced to invest larger amounts—often their life savings—before the scammers vanish, leaving their victims devastated.

  One especially tragic aspect of this scheme involves individuals who are not only victims of fraud but also of human trafficking. One woman, believing she had secured a legitimate job abroad, was instead kidnapped and forced to work for the very scammers behind these cons. After arriving at what she thought was a job location, her passport was confiscated, her phone disabled, and she was imprisoned in a compound where she was coerced into scamming others.

  She described being trapped for months, made to impersonate different personas to convince others to invest in fake cryptocurrency schemes. Her captors monitored every move, ensuring she remained compliant. The conditions were harsh, and she was forced to work long hours, manipulating people into handing over their savings. Despite the physical and emotional strain, she was left with no choice but to continue under constant threat.

  While the financial losses from these scams are staggering, there are unseen victims like this woman, whose stories rarely make headlines. The scale of the operation is global, with money often funneled to foreign countries, making it difficult for law enforcement to recover the stolen funds or dismantle the operations behind them.

  This darker side of the crypto scam world highlights how far-reaching and damaging these schemes have become. Beyond the financial devastation experienced by victims, human trafficking and forced participation in scams add another layer of exploitation to an already harmful crime.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 5, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: corporate espionage, cryptocurrency ( 51 ), job scam, North Korea, Scams ( 1,366 )   

  FBI Warns of North Korean Fake Job Scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  North Korean hackers have been employing increasingly sophisticated and destructive methods to steal financial assets, as highlighted by a recent FBI warning. These malicious actors have been targeting businesses, particularly in the decentralized finance and cryptocurrency sectors, through highly tailored social engineering campaigns. By impersonating professional contacts and creating convincing fake scenarios, they lure victims into compromising situations, making it difficult for even the most cybersecurity-savvy individuals to detect the scam.

  The attacks begin with thorough pre-operational research, where hackers scour social media and professional networking platforms to gather detailed information about their targets. This enables them to craft highly personalized messages and offers, making the scams appear legitimate. Often, these include job offers from what seem to be reputable recruiting firms or technology companies, which are designed to build trust with the victim.

  Once the hackers establish rapport, they move to the next stage of their scheme—sending malware disguised as pre-employment tasks, employment offers, or even video conference invitations. When victims download these malicious files, the hackers gain access to the company’s network, allowing them to steal cryptocurrency and other digital financial products. These attacks have reportedly been ongoing for several months, though the FBI did not specify the total amount stolen.

  The FBI has emphasized that North Korean cyber actors remain a persistent threat, especially for organizations handling large volumes of cryptocurrency. The agency advises businesses to be wary of unsolicited offers, especially those promising unrealistically high compensation, and to be cautious about requests to download unfamiliar applications or move conversations to non-professional platforms.

  As the digital world continues to evolve, these tactics are likely to grow even more intricate, reinforcing the need for constant attention in the face of emerging threats.

   
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  Geebo 8:01 am on August 15, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bank scam ( 70 ), job scam, Scams ( 1,366 ), Zelle ( 66 )   

  Zelle wouldn’t help until the media got involved 

  

  By Greg Collier

  When digital payments are becoming the norm, it’s easy to assume that services like Zelle offer the same protections as credit cards. But one Tucson resident learned the hard way that this isn’t always the case.

  It all started with a text message from a recruiter claiming to represent a prominent international technology company. The offer seemed legitimate, with a formal interview conducted via text. But there was a catch. The jobseeker was asked to send $950 for remote work equipment. Trusting the process, he transferred the money through Zelle, expecting to start his new job soon after.

  However, as the days passed, it became clear that the job wasn’t real. He had fallen victim to a scam, losing nearly a thousand dollars in the process.

  Realizing he had been scammed, the man contacted his bank, hoping they could help him reverse the transaction. To his dismay, the bank declined his request. Their reasoning? The payment had been authorized, meaning it was processed exactly as he intended. Because he had willingly sent the money through Zelle, they claimed there was nothing they could do.

  Feeling frustrated and out of options, the man decided to reach out to a local news station. He shared his story, hoping that public attention might help his case. The news team took up the challenge and contacted the bank on his behalf, pushing for a resolution.

  The involvement of the media made a difference. After further review, the bank reconsidered its position. They reversed the transaction and credited the man’s account with the full $950 he had lost.

  To protect yourself, always be wary of any situation that involves sending money to someone you don’t personally know. If something feels off, trust your instincts. And if you find yourself in a similar situation, remember that persistence, and sometimes public attention, can be key to resolving the issue.

  This story underscores a troubling reality. It shouldn’t take the involvement of the media or public pressure to get Zelle or a bank to take action in cases of fraud. Digital payment services should prioritize protecting their users and have mechanisms in place to address scams swiftly and fairly. While this Tucson man was fortunate to recover his funds, it’s a reminder that more robust consumer protections are needed to ensure that others don’t have to fight so hard to reclaim what was wrongfully taken from them.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on August 14, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: employment ( 36 ), job scam, job search ( 9 ), Scams ( 1,366 ), work from home ( 9 )   

  Protecting yourself from work-from-home fraud 

  

  By Greg Collier

  As people search for job opportunities this summer, con artists have been exploiting those looking for work, particularly in the realm of work-from-home jobs. The allure of a high-paying, flexible job can sometimes lead to financial loss or identity theft, as criminals use increasingly sophisticated methods to deceive jobseekers.

  Recently, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has received numerous reports of employment scams. These scams often involve phony job postings that appear legitimate, luring unsuspecting individuals into sharing sensitive information or even paying money upfront.

  One person from Central Texas recently fell victim to such a scam. She was looking for a part-time work-from-home job and came across a promising listing on a popular employment site. The job seemed legitimate, offering positions in customer service, data input, and administrative assistance. After going through an interview process conducted via email and text, she was informed that she had secured a data processing position.

  The scammers provided her with an offer letter, payroll information, and even access to an employee portal. These elements gave the position an appearance of legitimacy. However, as the conversation shifted to setting up her home office, the red flags began to appear. The scammers requested that she purchase office equipment through a specific portal and assured her that she would be reimbursed later. Alarm bells rang when they asked her to photocopy her credit card and send it to them. Fortunately, she trusted her instincts and cut off communication before any financial damage was done.

  The BBB warns that work-from-home scams are on the rise, with some fraudsters impersonating real companies, while others create entirely fake ones. A key warning sign is being asked to pay for equipment or other expenses upfront. No legitimate employer will require you to spend your own money before starting a job.

  Another common tactic involves sending a check for you to purchase office supplies, only to later claim that they overpaid you and request a refund. This is a classic scam designed to trick victims into sending money before the fraudulent check bounces.

  To protect yourself from job scams, be cautious of high-pressure offers that promise quick cash, and be wary of situations where the employer contacts you first. Always research the company thoroughly, and if anything feels off, trust your gut and walk away.

  Jobseekers should stay informed and cautious, especially during times of economic uncertainty when scams tend to spike. If you encounter a suspicious job offer, report it to the BBB or the appropriate authorities to help protect others in your community.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on May 23, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: college ( 17 ), fake check ( 48 ), job scam, Scams ( 1,366 ), Zelle ( 66 )   

  Fake job offers targeting college students 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In the heart of North Carolina, a college student’s promising summer opportunity turned into a financial nightmare. The student, nearing the completion of her junior year at North Carolina A&T, received what seemed to be a golden opportunity via email. She was offered a paid research position with a weekly salary of $450. The email appeared legitimate, even mentioning a real professor’s name and containing the university’s logo, which made the offer seem trustworthy.

  Despite her attempts to verify the legitimacy of the opportunity, the student fell victim to an elaborate scam. After being “hired,” she received a check for $2,400, purportedly for office supplies necessary for the remote research role. Following instructions, she deposited the check and transferred the money through the payment app Zelle to a supposed sales representative who would provide the supplies. It wasn’t until her bank notified her that the check was fake that she realized she had been swindled. Now, she faces a $2,400 debt to the bank, with no recourse to recover the funds.

  This incident highlights a recurring issue that continues to affect students not only at North Carolina A&T but across the nation. The scam, which impersonates faculty members and advertises too-good-to-be-true job offers, preys on students’ aspirations and financial vulnerabilities.

  To protect against such scams, there are several key warning signs to watch for.

  Genuine job opportunities typically require a formal application process, including interviews. Be wary of offers that come out of the blue, especially if they promise high pay with minimal effort.

  Scrutinize the sender’s email address. In the student’s case, the scammer used a generic email provider rather than an official university address ending in .edu. This is a significant red flag.

  If a job offer involves sending money to a third party or purchasing supplies upfront, it’s likely a scam. Legitimate employers provide the necessary resources directly or reimburse expenses through official channels.

  Scammers often create a sense of urgency, pushing targets to act quickly without due diligence. Take your time to verify any offer thoroughly before committing.

  Students should also be aware of resources available to them for verifying job offers. Universities often provide career services that can help students validate employment opportunities. Additionally, students can report suspicious job offers to their university’s IT department or the Better Business Bureau.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on April 5, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Amazon ( 108 ), job scam, product tester ( 2 ), Scams ( 1,366 )   

  The truth about Amazon product testing opportunities 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Social media platforms and even physical mailings are rife with advertisements promising the chance to become an Amazon product tester, but not all of these opportunities are what they seem.

  Recently, a potential victim of this scam received a postcard inviting them to test a new remote-control car, purportedly from Amazon. At first glance, the invitation seemed exciting, but upon closer inspection, several red flags emerged. The email address provided had no affiliation with Amazon, and the domain name associated with the offer, raised suspicions as it was flagged as having a risk of being a scam site. Furthermore, the return address belonged to a shoe warehouse with no ties to Amazon whatsoever.

  It’s crucial to understand that while Amazon does indeed have a legitimate product testing program known as Amazon Vine, it operates by invitation only. Participants are selected based on their history of writing insightful reviews, typically those who have contributed a significant number of reviews. Unlike the enticing promises of monetary compensation and freebies from dubious sources, Amazon Vine members are not paid for their participation and are solely provided with the opportunity to order items for free in exchange for their reviews.

  Moreover, it’s essential to exercise caution when encountering non-official product testing sites. These platforms are not affiliated with Amazon and often make grandiose claims of guaranteed income for testing products. However, such promises should be met with skepticism, as they are frequently veils for scams designed to exploit individuals seeking to earn extra income or receive free goods.

  In scams of this nature, perpetrators generally have two primary objectives: acquiring personal information and obtaining payment details. When individuals attempt to claim offers on fraudulent websites, they are often prompted to input their mailing information to receive the promised product. However, the catch is that the applicant must cover shipping costs. This seemingly innocuous step is where scammers seize the opportunity to extract payment information, alongside the individual’s name and address, and potentially even their Social Security number.

  Just like with any online job opportunity, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research before applying. Whether you come across a listing on social media or receive an enticing offer through the mail, if it seems too good to be true, take the time to visit the official company’s website to verify the legitimacy of the job being advertised.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on March 8, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: check scam ( 79 ), fake check ( 48 ), gift cards ( 101 ), job scam, mystery shopper ( 5 ), Scams ( 1,366 ), secret shopper ( 15 )   

  A warning about the mystery shopper scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In the world of scams and fraudulent schemes, there are some that lurk in the shadows, waiting for unsuspecting victims to fall into their traps. One such scam that continues to circulate, albeit not as commonly known as others, is the mystery shopper scam.

  A mystery shopper, also known as a secret shopper, is someone who is hired by a company to pose as a regular customer and evaluate the quality of service, products, or overall experience provided by a business. Mystery shoppers typically visit retail stores, restaurants, hotels, banks, or other service-based establishments and then provide detailed feedback on various aspects such as customer service, cleanliness, product knowledge, adherence to company policies, and overall satisfaction. While the role of a mystery shopper is a legitimate position within many retail establishments, it unfortunately serves as a guise for scammers to target unsuspecting victims.

  The scenario typically begins innocuously enough. An individual receives an email offering them an opportunity to become a mystery shopper. Intrigued by the prospect of earning some extra income while performing simple tasks, the recipient responds to the email and awaits further instructions.

  In one instance, a potential victim received two letters in the mail, each seemingly from reputable companies. One was purportedly from Walmart and the other from American Express. Enclosed within these letters were checks, one for almost $3,500 and the other for $2,900, respectively.

  This is where the mystery shopper scam quickly reveals itself. The recipient is instructed to deposit the checks into their personal bank account, a seemingly harmless step in the process. However, the plot thickens as they are then directed to immediately withdraw a portion of the deposited funds and use it to purchase money orders or gift cards.

  For instance, in the case of the Walmart letter, the recipient is instructed to purchase three $1,000 money orders, while the American Express letter directs them to buy $2,500 worth of gift cards. The final twist comes when the victim is asked to relay the serial numbers on the back of the gift cards or money orders to their supposed supervisors.

  This is where the trap snaps shut. Unbeknownst to the victim, the checks they deposited into their bank account are counterfeit, and the funds they withdrew and sent away are irretrievable. The victim is left facing the consequences, liable for the full amount of the fraudulent checks.

  No legitimate employer will ever request you to deposit funds into your personal account that are intended for business purposes. If such a request is made, it’s a strong indicator of a fraudulent check. Additionally, anything involving gift cards should raise suspicion. Unless the cards are intended as a gift, refrain from sharing their numbers over the phone or with anyone else.

  To protect yourself from falling victim to the mystery shopper scam, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited offers, especially those promising large sums of money for minimal effort.