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  Geebo 8:00 am on July 19, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: arrest warrant ( 26 ), gag order ( 3 ), jury duty scam ( 30 ), police impersonation scam, Scams ( 1,386 )   

  Why ‘gag orders’ are red flags to a scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In many scams, perpetrators attempt to isolate their victims from friends and family, often virtually. Scammers frequently keep their victims on the phone while guiding them through the payment process. This tactic is particularly common in police impersonation scams, such as the jury duty scam or the grandparent scam. To prevent victims from contacting others, these impostors may threaten arrest, falsely claiming a ‘gag order’ is in place. While most people have heard of gag orders, this is not how they actually work.

  A gag order in US courts is a legal directive that restricts individuals, typically those involved in a legal proceeding, from discussing or disclosing certain information related to the case. These orders are issued by judges to ensure a fair trial by preventing the potential for prejudicial pretrial publicity and protecting the privacy and rights of the parties involved.

  Gag orders are issued by a court, typically signed by a judge and bearing official court insignia or letterhead. Official court orders are usually delivered through formal channels such as registered mail, a court official, or legal representative. If a gag order is delivered via email, text message, by phone call or any informal method, it’s likely fake.

  For example, in Northern Kentucky, police have issued a warning about scammers posing as law enforcement officers who extort money from victims under the pretense of legal fines. These scammers claim that a gag order is in place, threatening that discussing the matter with anyone else could worsen the victim’s legal situation.

  Scammers often rely on fear and urgency. Once a gag order is mentioned over the phone, there’s an overwhelming chance the caller is a scammer. Do not make any payments or provide personal information. Gag orders are not communicated or enforced over the phone. Politely hang up the phone. Engaging further could give the scammer more opportunities to manipulate you. Contact your local law enforcement agency or a legal professional to verify the legitimacy of the claim. Use official contact information, not the numbers provided by the caller. If possible, take note of the caller’s number, any names they use, and specific details of the conversation.

  By taking these steps, you can protect yourself and help authorities combat these fraudulent activities.

   

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  Geebo 8:00 am on July 12, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: jury duty scam ( 30 ), police impersonation scam, scam awareness, Scams ( 1,386 )   

  Police erect billboards about jury duty scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  As we frequently note, the jury duty scam appears to be the most prevalent scam in America today. Every day, we encounter news stories from various municipalities alerting their residents about scammers impersonating police officers to extort money from their victims.

  As you may be aware, the jury duty scam involves criminals posing as law enforcement officers who contact individuals claiming they have missed jury duty and face immediate arrest. The scammers typically demand that the victims pay a fine immediately, often through untraceable methods such as gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, to avoid arrest.

  However, one city has decided to take a stand against the jury duty scam by implementing an innovative approach to curb this fraudulent activity. The Norfolk, Virginia, Sheriff’s Office is issuing a stern warning to residents about an ongoing jury duty scam targeting unsuspecting individuals.

  The Norfolk Sheriff’s Office explained that while this scam isn’t new, its frequency is increasing. Scammers are targeting everyone, but the elderly are particularly vulnerable. The reason for the uptick is the scam’s success, with scammers extorting thousands of dollars from people.

  In response to numerous reports, the Sheriff’s Office has developed a proactive action plan. This includes placing warnings on billboards and posters at local businesses to alert people about the scam. Locations such as pharmacies, grocery stores, and kiosks now feature posters reminding residents that they won’t be arrested for missing jury duty and that the Sheriff’s Office would never call asking for money.

  The Sheriff’s Office advises anyone receiving a jury duty scam call to take a simple step: hang up and report it to the police department.

  According to Virginia Code, if a juror fails to appear, the penalty is a fine ranging from $50 to $200. Most states have similar laws.

  Please remember, no legitimate authority will demand immediate payment or threaten arrest over the phone.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 28, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: gold bars ( 10 ), impersonation scam ( 148 ), police impersonation scam, Scams ( 1,386 )   

  More scammers force victims to buy gold 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In a concerning incident highlighting the ongoing threat of financial scams, two college students from Ohio were recently arrested in Bourbon County, Kentucky, after allegedly scamming an elderly woman out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the FBI, uncovered the elaborate scheme and apprehended the suspects.

  According to the victim, she had been contacted via email and phone by individuals posing as IRS agents and representatives from her financial organization. The scammers convinced her that her account had been hacked, prompting her to withdraw hundreds of thousands of dollars from her bank under the pretext of home remodeling plans.

  Under the scammers’ instructions, the woman deposited a substantial sum at a bitcoin location. But the deception didn’t end there. The perpetrators also persuaded her to wire additional funds to New York to purchase gold bars valued at nearly a quarter of a million dollars. The gold bars were then shipped to her home in Bourbon County, where the scammers intended to collect them.

  Acting swiftly, the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the FBI, intercepted the scammers. Authorities listened to multiple phone conversations that detailed the scheme. When the suspects arrived to retrieve the gold bars, law enforcement officers were ready and took them into custody.

  During questioning, the suspects admitted to committing similar scams in the past, including a case in Ohio where they stole a significant amount of cash from another victim. Both suspects have been charged with conspiracy to commit theft by deception over $10,000.

  Protecting yourself from scams like the one described requires awareness, and proactive measures. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself.

  If you receive a call, email, or message claiming to be from a government agency (such as the IRS) or a financial institution, do not provide any personal information. Instead, independently verify the contact by calling the official number listed on the agency’s or institution’s official website.

  Scammers often create a sense of urgency to prompt hasty actions. Be suspicious of any unsolicited communication that demands immediate action or payment.

  Notify your financial institution immediately if you believe your account has been compromised or if you have been instructed to make unusual transactions.

  If you suspect you have been targeted by a scam, report it to local law enforcement or the appropriate federal agency, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the FBI.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 14, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: CISA, impersonation scam ( 148 ), police impersonation scam, Scams ( 1,386 ), 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 8:00 am on May 21, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: car crash ( 2 ), payment app ( 18 ), police impersonation scam, Scams ( 1,386 ), traffic accident   

  Police impersonators target new victims 

  

  By Greg Collier

  As we’ve mentioned before, scams can be likened to living organisms, constantly evolving into more sophisticated schemes. One prime example is the police impersonation scam. The most common variant of this is the jury duty scam, where scammers pose as local police officers and inform victims of a supposed arrest warrant for missing jury duty. The victims are then coerced into making payments to avoid arrest. Recently, a new iteration of the police impersonation scam has emerged, targeting a very specific group of individuals.

  In the aftermath of car accidents, the last thing one expects is to become a target for scammers. Yet, this is a stark reality for many unsuspecting individuals. A recent scam has surfaced in Wake Forest, North Carolina, preying on those involved in car crashes, exploiting their desire to settle matters quickly and lawfully.

  The scam is simple yet effective. One victim received a call claiming to be from the Wake Forest Police Department. Scammers obtain personal details, possibly from public records, about recent car accidents.
  They then contact victims, referencing the accident and using stolen information to appear genuine.
  The scammer invents a story, like a missed court date, and pressures the victim to send money immediately to resolve the issue.

  The most alarming aspect of this scam is the request for payment through cash apps to settle supposed missed court dates or fines. This should raise immediate red flags, as no legitimate law enforcement agency would ever solicit fines or warrant payments via such methods. In this instance, the victim lost $400 to the scammers.

  If you receive a call about a supposed legal issue related to a car accident, be cautious. If unsure, ask for the caller’s name, badge number, and department. Verify the information by calling the police department directly, not using any numbers provided by the caller.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on May 8, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: arrest warrant ( 26 ), impersonation scam ( 148 ), jury duty scam ( 30 ), police impersonation scam, Scams ( 1,386 )   

  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 April 18, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: moving money ( 4 ), police impersonation scam, Scams ( 1,386 )   

  How a phone call scam robbed a man of his dreams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In the pursuit of the American dream, many immigrants come to the United States with aspirations of success and prosperity. However, for a software engineer residing in Ohio, his dreams turned into a nightmare when he fell victim to a sophisticated scam that robbed him of his life savings and shattered his hopes of financial security.

  Having worked tirelessly for years, saving nearly $180,000 with the goal of returning to his family in India as a successful and affluent individual, the victim was blindsided when he received a call on that fateful afternoon.

  The voice on the other end purported to be from his local police department, escalating the charade by transferring him to supposed FBI agents and representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. What followed was a chilling narrative of false accusations, including drug distribution and involvement in terrorist activities, designed to instill fear and coerce compliance.

  In a state of panic and desperation, the victim was led to believe that his only recourse was to cooperate with the scammers’ demands. Faced with threats of imminent arrest and promises of protection, he was instructed to fill out fabricated paperwork and transfer his entire savings, which included stocks, cash, and company shares, into designated bank accounts under the guise of government oversight.

  The aftermath of the ordeal was devastating. Despite his frantic efforts to seek help from local authorities, financial institutions, and even political representatives, the victim was powerless to halt the irreversible transfer of his hard-earned money. The dream he had worked so diligently to achieve was mercilessly shattered, leaving him emotionally shattered and financially destitute.

  Hindsight reveals the telltale signs of a scam—coercive tactics, urgency, and isolation, yet in the moment, the allure of hope or the specter of fear can cloud judgment and lead individuals down a perilous path.

  As the victim grapples with the harsh reality of his situation, his story serves as a stark reminder to us all. In an age where technology enables deception to masquerade as legitimacy, caution must be exercised, and skepticism must be embraced. The promise of a brighter future should never come at the expense of one’s hard-earned security and peace of mind.

  As highlighted in earlier discussions, transferring your funds to another person’s bank account for purported protection is never a valid protocol under any circumstance. Similarly, legitimate law enforcement agencies do not engage in demanding money over the phone under the threat of arrest. In the event of any potential legal involvement, law enforcement typically opts for a personal visit rather than resorting to coercive phone calls.

  If individuals find themselves on the receiving end of such suspicious calls, the best course of action is to immediately terminate the call and independently contact the agency the caller claims to represent or reach out to local law enforcement for verification and guidance.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on April 17, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: gold bars ( 10 ), malware ( 26 ), moving money ( 4 ), police impersonation scam, pop-ups ( 26 ), Scams ( 1,386 )   

  Another gold scam claims $115,000 from elderly couple 

  

  By Greg Collier

  An elderly Nebraska couple recently fell victim to a particularly elaborate and harrowing fraud scheme, losing a staggering $115,000 in the process. The couple’s computer abruptly shut down, signaling the beginning of their descent into a web of deceit. Upon rebooting, a distressing message purportedly warning of a malware issue flashed on their screen, accompanied by a phone number. Little did they know, this was the first step in an intricate ploy orchestrated by heartless scammers.

  The voice on the other end of the line spun a tale of theft and false accusations, claiming that the FBI was investigating the couple for heinous crimes they hadn’t committed. Fueled by fear and confusion, the couple was coerced into believing they were facing imminent legal repercussions and that their bank accounts were in jeopardy.

  As the days passed, the manipulative tactics intensified, culminating in the demand to purchase gold bars purportedly for safekeeping. Entrusted with a significant sum of $115,000, the couple obediently complied, only to hand over their life savings to a stranger who promised to safeguard their wealth in a distant bank. Men showed up at their door in official looking vehicles claiming to be government agents.

  Tragically, their trust was misplaced, and the promised security was nothing more than an illusion. Days later, when reality came crashing down, it was too late. The realization that they had been duped dawned upon them, leaving them not only financially devastated but also emotionally shattered.

  This story sheds light on two troubling patterns in the realm of scams. Firstly, scammers are exhibiting a growing audacity by dispatching individuals to the residences of their victims. These individuals may either be complicit in the scam or unwittingly drawn into it. Regardless, such occurrences pose a significant risk to the safety and well-being of many.

  The rationale behind sending scammers to victims’ homes lies in the increasing preference for gold as a form of payment. Unlike gift cards or cryptocurrency, which can be transacted electronically, gold necessitates physical retrieval from the victims. Consequently, scammers exploit this requirement, manipulating victims into surrendering their valuables in person.

  Regrettably, gold, much like other forms of payment demanded by scammers, remains largely untraceable. This exacerbates the difficulty of apprehending and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.

  Should your computer or any internet-connected device display a virus or malware warning prompting you to call a phone number, refrain from doing so. Most prominent tech companies eschew traditional customer service phone lines, with some even dissuading phone inquiries altogether. Thus, if you encounter such a phone number on your device, avoid calling it, as it’s highly likely to be a scam.

  Transferring your funds from one financial institution to another as a means of safeguarding them from hackers, thieves, or any other threat is not a viable strategy. Legitimate law enforcement agencies never solicit money from individuals over the phone, and reputable banks never advise customers to relocate their funds to a supposedly “protected” account.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on April 2, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: gold bars ( 10 ), police impersonation scam, Scams ( 1,386 ), social security ( 29 )   

  Social Security number scam leads to loss of $500K 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A resident of central Ohio, fell victim to a Social Security number scam, losing hundreds of thousands of dollars and upending her life’s plans. Her harrowing experience serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of vigilance and awareness in the face of fraudulent activities.

  It all started innocently enough for the victim. A phone call in March 2023, purportedly from the Social Security Administration, set off a chain of events that would change her life forever. Caller ID seemed to confirm the legitimacy of the call, but little did she know, she was being drawn into a web of deceit.

  As the victim recounted, the scammers were incredibly convincing, posing as federal agents and spinning a tale of her social security number being linked to criminal activities. Fearful and trusting in their authority, she complied with their demands, draining her retirement savings and investments to purchase gold under the guise of clearing her name from an alleged investigation. In all total, the victim paid around $500,000 to the scammers.

  What makes the victim’s story particularly alarming is the level of sophistication employed by the scammers. They manipulated her emotions, instilling fear and urgency to prevent her from seeking help or questioning their demands.

  Perhaps the most unsettling aspect of the victim’s ordeal was the physical intrusion into her life. On two occasions, individuals associated with the scam entered her home to collect the gold, further exacerbating her sense of violation and helplessness.

  Despite the traumatic nature of her experience, the victim is determined to turn her pain into purpose. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can prevent others from falling victim to similar schemes. Education, she believes, is key to empowering individuals to recognize and resist fraudsters’ tactics.

  Whether it’s a suspicious phone call, email, or unexpected visitors at your door, trust your instincts and seek verification before divulging personal information or parting with your hard-earned money.

  The victim’s story should serve as a sobering reminder that anyone can fall victim to scams, but by staying informed and cautious, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from becoming the next target. Let her experience serve as a warning of awareness, guiding others away from the treacherous waters of deception and towards a safer, more secure future.

  Transferring your funds to clear your name isn’t a legitimate practice, even if instructed by someone purporting to represent a government agency. It’s crucial to recognize that no reputable law enforcement or government entity will ever request that you move money from your personal accounts as part of an investigation. Additionally, while investing in gold can be a viable option depending on market conditions, it’s essential to be wary if an unfamiliar individual pressures you to convert your assets into gold. Such demands are often indicative of fraudulent schemes aimed at deceiving unsuspecting individuals.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on April 1, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: arrest warrant ( 26 ), bitcoin atm ( 25 ), gift cards ( 102 ), jury duty scam ( 30 ), police impersonation scam, Scams ( 1,386 ), spoofed calls ( 8 )   

  The jury duty/arrest warrant scam never takes a holiday 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Over the Easter weekend, there really wasn’t any groundbreaking news about scams. However, we did observe a notable surge in reports about what we regard as one of the most prevalent scams, the jury duty or arrest warrant scam.

  The arrest warrant/jury duty scam is a type of phone scam where the scammer impersonates law enforcement officials or representatives from the court system.

  In this scam, the scammer typically calls the victim and informs them that there is a warrant out for their arrest due to failure to appear for jury duty or for some other alleged offense. The scammer then demands immediate payment of fines or fees to avoid arrest. They often pressure the victim to provide personal information or payment details over the phone.

  This scam is prevalent because the threat of arrest can cause individuals to panic and comply with the scammer’s demands without questioning the legitimacy of the call. As we often remark, hardly a day passes without some police department, regardless of its size, cautioning residents about this scam.

  For instance, in a recent incident in Evansville, Indiana, a victim fell prey to police impersonators, resulting in a loss of nearly $20,000. The impersonators falsely claimed to represent the local county sheriff’s office and informed the victim of an alleged open federal case against her. Following the typical pattern of this scam, the victim was coerced into believing she could evade arrest by paying a bond. The scammers directed her to a Bitcoin ATM to make the payment. After the initial payment, they deceitfully asserted that it hadn’t gone through and persuaded the victim to repeat the payment process.

  In Augusta, Georgia, there have been reports of scammers impersonating The U.S. Marshals Service. It’s a common tactic for scammers to pose as national law enforcement agencies such as the Marshals, the FBI, the DEA, or Customs and Border Protection. The idea behind impersonating federal officers is to increase the pressure on victims. In the Augusta case, the scammers are threatening victims with arrest for allegedly failing to appear in court for jury duty. In this instance, the fraudsters are demanding payment in the form of gift cards.

  In Atlantis, Florida, local police have issued warnings about scammers who are calling victims and pretending to be from an unidentified “human trafficking task force.” These scammers are going as far as spoofing the phone numbers of the local police department to appear more legitimate. Once again, victims are being threatened with arrest if they fail to make a payment. It’s likely that the scammers are posing as a human trafficking task force to instill fear in the victims, making them believe they could be labeled as predators if they don’t comply. The reports did not specify what type of untraceable payment method the scammers requested.

  Our main point is that these scams are not limited by location and can manifest in various forms. However, avoiding falling victim to them is straightforward if you remember one crucial fact. Legitimate law enforcement agencies or police departments will never request money over the phone, especially not through methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency. Moreover, it’s improbable for the police to issue warnings about warrants via phone calls when someone is wanted for arrest.

  If someone is approached by police impersonators over the phone, simply hang up the phone. You are not obligated to engage with them or provide any information. Then report the scam to your local law enforcement agency or the appropriate authorities. By reporting the incident, you can help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.