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  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 15, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: background check, , , , Scams   

    Gift Card Twist on Rental Scam 

    Gift Card Twist on Rental Scam

    By Greg Collier

    A long-running rental scam is now circulating with a slightly different approach, and renters are being urged to proceed with caution before signing any new lease.

    The classic version of the scam begins when fraudsters copy legitimate home sale listings, complete with photos and descriptions, and then repost them on platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace as rental properties. Their goal is to collect deposits or fees from prospective tenants before the deception is uncovered.

    In the latest variation, scammers request an upfront payment for a background check before the tenant is allowed to view the property. In some cases, they insist on payment through gift cards or other non-refundable methods. These payment requests often come before any in-person meeting or property walkthrough, which should be treated as a serious warning sign.

    Victims are sometimes drawn in by unusually low rental prices in desirable areas, which can cloud judgment and create a sense of urgency to act quickly. Taking time to confirm the legitimacy of a listing can prevent financial loss. This can be done by checking public property records and confirming ownership before providing personal information or making any payment.

    Once the victim pays the background check fee or deposit, the scammer may attempt to gather even more money or personal data, such as employment details and contact information, putting the victim at risk of both financial loss and identity theft.

    In some cases, scammers do not even bother with fake online listings. Instead, they search for people who have posted “looking for housing” ads on social media or classifieds and contact them directly with an offer. This tactic can make the scam feel more personal and convincing, which increases the likelihood of the victim following through with payment.

    Prospective tenants are advised never to send funds until they have verified the property is truly available for rent and met the owner or manager in person. Any suspicious rental activity should be reported to the Better Business Bureau, the state attorney general’s office, and relevant consumer protection outlets.

     

  • Geebo 8:18 am on August 14, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , Scams   

    BBB Warns of Double-Scam Tactics 

    BBB Warns of Double-Scam Tactics

    By Greg Collier

    Recently, the Better Business Bureau has issued a warning about a scheme known as the Recovery or Refund Scam. This tactic specifically targets individuals who have previously fallen victim to other frauds. In these situations, criminals impersonate government representatives or financial institutions, claiming they can help victims recover lost funds in exchange for an upfront fee. Once the payment is made, the perpetrators vanish, leaving the victim defrauded yet again.

    These scammers often obtain their target lists by purchasing leaked databases from previous scams, scraping complaint boards, or monitoring online discussions where victims describe their experiences. This means their approach is rarely random and is instead aimed at individuals already known to have suffered financial loss, increasing the likelihood of exploitation.

    The scheme often begins with unsolicited contact. Those behind it may present themselves as being affiliated with a government agency or law enforcement but are unable to provide valid proof of such credentials. Victims are pressured to act quickly, discouraged from speaking to anyone else about the matter, and told that payment is required before any recovery process can begin. These hallmarks should be treated as serious warning signs.

    Individuals who believe they are being targeted are urged to report the incident to the Better Business Bureau and to the Federal Trade Commission. It is also advisable for victims to avoid posting details of their experience on social media, as doing so can attract additional scams. Even when legitimate organizations post information about scams online, there are instances where recovery scammers attempt to make contact through those channels. This underscores the importance of exercising caution in any public discussion of financial loss.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 13, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , Scams,   

    $5M Grandparent Scam Busted by Uber 

    By Greg Collier

    Federal prosecutors have charged 13 individuals in connection with what authorities describe as a large-scale “grandparent scam” operation that targeted elderly victims across the United States, resulting in millions of dollars in losses. According to investigators, the scheme operated primarily out of organized call centers in the Dominican Republic and relied on a network of people in the U.S. to collect and move the stolen funds.

    The fraud typically began with a phone call to an elderly person from someone posing as a grandchild in distress. Victims were told stories involving accidents, arrests, or other emergencies requiring immediate cash. Once convinced, the targets were connected to another caller pretending to be a lawyer who demanded large sums of money for bail or legal fees. Funds were often picked up by “runners,” who in many cases were unsuspecting Uber drivers. The drivers were contacted with fabricated stories about transporting important documents or helping family members, without knowing they were being used in a criminal operation.

    The use of Uber drivers in such scams has drawn increased attention, as drivers themselves have become secondary victims. In one tragic 2024 incident in Columbus, Ohio, a driver was killed by someone who had been targeted in a similar scheme. Uber’s security team ultimately identified suspicious activity and reported it to the FBI, leading to changes in driver training and fraud detection protocols to help prevent similar situations in the future.

    Authorities estimate that the average age of the victims in this case was 84 and that total losses exceeded $5 million. Many of the affected individuals are unlikely to recover their money, and officials believe the true number of victims is higher due to underreporting caused by embarrassment or shame. Federal investigators have urged anyone who believes they may have been targeted to contact the Justice Department for assistance and guidance on prevention resources.

    Charges in this case include conspiracy to commit mail fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and money laundering conspiracy. While several defendants are in custody, others remain at large in both the United States and the Dominican Republic. This case underscores both the vulnerability of elderly populations to high-pressure fraud tactics and the need for ongoing vigilance to protect individuals from exploitation. It also serves as a reminder that those unknowingly used as intermediaries, such as ride-hailing drivers, can suffer devastating consequences despite having no involvement in the criminal intent.

    Although this investigation focused on an operation allegedly run from the Dominican Republic and affecting many victims in Massachusetts, similar scams have been carried out from other countries and within the United States itself. Criminal groups often adapt their tactics to target vulnerable populations wherever they believe they can succeed. That means this type of fraud could just as easily affect elderly residents in any state, city, or neighborhood, particularly in communities where isolation or limited familiarity with modern communication tools makes people more susceptible.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 12, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , Scams   

    Eviction Scam Hits Las Vegas Neighborhoods 

    Eviction Scam Hits Las Vegas Neighborhoods

    By Greg Collier

    Las Vegas officials are urging residents to be cautious after reports of scammers going door-to-door claiming they can stop eviction proceedings in exchange for upfront payments and personal information. The scheme specifically targets tenants in vulnerable housing situations across the Las Vegas Valley, preying on those facing instability and urgent financial stress.

    The fraudulent operation typically involves individuals approaching residents who may be behind on rent or already facing eviction. These scammers present themselves as representatives of organizations capable of halting legal proceedings before an alleged deadline. They request immediate payment along with personal details, including identification and financial information, under the pretense that such information is needed to intervene. Officials have stressed that no legitimate eviction assistance group conducts business in this manner.

    Beyond the immediate financial loss, victims face other serious risks. Under Nevada law, individuals posing as eviction assistance providers and collecting money or personal information under false pretenses could be charged with fraud, theft, or identity theft. For residents, sharing sensitive data such as Social Security numbers or banking details can lead to long-term consequences, including unauthorized withdrawals, fraudulent loans, and stolen benefits. In some cases, the damage from identity theft can take years to resolve, costing victims far more than the initial payment.

    Real help for tenants facing eviction is available only through established legal channels and trusted nonprofit organizations. The Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada offers guidance and representation, with in-person support available at the Civil Law Self-Help Center in the Regional Justice Center. Free resources, including forms and instructions, can also be accessed online. The organization can be reached by phone for verified assistance.

    Housing-related fraud is not new to the area. Past cases have shown how easily renters can be targeted through schemes involving illegal side payments and exploitation of housing voucher programs. The current door-to-door scam reflects a continued pattern of criminal activity aimed at those least able to withstand financial loss. While this warning focuses on the Las Vegas Valley, such scams are not bound by geography. Any community experiencing high eviction rates or widespread financial hardship could become a target, particularly neighborhoods where residents may be desperate for immediate relief.

    Authorities advise residents to be immediately suspicious of unsolicited visitors promising to stop evictions. Those in need should contact verified organizations directly and avoid giving money or personal details to unverified individuals. Protecting personal information and seeking assistance only from trusted sources remain the most effective defenses against these schemes.

     

  • Geebo 8:01 am on August 11, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: dark web, , , scam hunters, Scams, trauma bonding   

    Even Scam Experts Can Get Scammed 

    Even Scam Experts Can Get Scammed

    By Greg Collier

    A recent report from The Guardian highlights how even those who are knowledgeable about scams can still fall victim. The subject of the report is a woman from the UK who has spent years warning others about online fraud, only to later find herself targeted in a sophisticated identity theft scheme.

    Her journey began with an online presence built after serious health challenges, which she shared publicly to connect with others. This openness attracted the attention of a romance scammer who attempted to exploit her by using a fabricated story to create a sense of connection. Recognizing the signs, she ended contact and began using her social media platform to educate others about such tactics, especially a method known as trauma bonding, where scammers exploit a victim’s personal hardships to gain trust.

    Over time, she gained thousands of followers and actively worked to track and expose fraudsters. Her growing public role in anti-scam advocacy made it seem unlikely that she would fall victim herself. However, she later received a letter, appearing to come from HMRC, requesting identification documents for a tax rebate. HMRC, short for Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, is the UK’s equivalent to the Internal Revenue Service in the United States, responsible for collecting taxes and administering certain government programs. The letter was convincing enough that she sent the requested information.

    It soon became clear that the letter was fraudulent. Criminals used her details to create a fake business in her name, which was likely involved in money laundering. Multiple fraudulent loan applications followed, damaging her credit score and leading to legal threats over debts she never incurred. Police were able to shut down the fake business, but her personal details were found to be for sale on the dark web. Stolen information is often traded in bulk on these underground marketplaces, where criminals purchase it to commit identity theft, open fraudulent accounts, or conduct financial scams. Once data appears there, it can circulate for years, being reused by different groups for various schemes.

    While she was able to prove she was the victim of fraud, preventing further financial loss, the incident demonstrates that experience and awareness do not make someone immune to scams. Even individuals who deal with scams on a regular basis can be caught off guard by convincing tactics and realistic forgeries.

    Her decision to share her experience publicly was driven by the hope that it might prevent others from suffering the same fate. As her story shows, anyone can be targeted, and anyone can fall victim, regardless of how prepared or informed they believe themselves to be.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 8, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , Scams,   

    Amazon Refund Text Scam Alert 

    Amazon Refund Text Scam Alert

    By Greg Collier

    Scammers are once again impersonating Amazon in an effort to steal money and personal information from unsuspecting consumers. This warning comes from the Federal Trade Commission, which reports that fraudulent text messages are claiming there is a problem with a recent purchase and offering a refund.

    The messages appear to come from Amazon and state that a “routine quality inspection” has determined that an item recently purchased does not meet the company’s standards or has been recalled. The text promises a full refund without the need to return the product but instructs the recipient to click a link to claim the money. In reality, there is no refund, and the link leads to a phishing site designed to obtain financial or personal information.

    Amazon is a frequent target for impersonation in scams because of its large customer base and the high volume of orders placed each day. Many recipients of these texts will have made a purchase recently, which makes the scam seem more believable and increases the likelihood they will interact with the message.

    Legitimate companies do not issue refunds through unsolicited text messages, and consumers should be cautious when receiving unexpected communications. Rather than clicking any links or replying to the message, shoppers concerned about the authenticity of such a notice should contact the retailer directly using verified channels. Checking an account through the official website or app can confirm whether a product recall or quality issue actually exists.

    Suspicious texts can be reported to mobile carriers by forwarding them to 7726, which spells “SPAM” on most devices, or by using the built-in junk reporting feature on a smartphone. After reporting, the message should be deleted to prevent accidental interaction. Consumers who believe they have been targeted by this type of scam can file a report with the Federal Trade Commission to help stop fraudulent activity.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 6, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , Scams,   

    Student Aid and Housing Scams Surge 

    Student Aid and Housing Scams Surge

    By Greg Collier

    August marks the beginning of scholarship application season for many students, but it also signals an increase in scams targeting those seeking financial aid. Fraudulent offers often arrive through email, social media, or phone calls, claiming to represent government agencies, universities, or nonprofit organizations. In some cases, students are told they have been awarded a scholarship or grant they never applied for but must pay a processing or application fee before receiving the funds. These offers may use official-sounding names and professional-looking websites to appear legitimate. One recently reported case involved a website designed to mimic the official federal financial aid portal but that requested credit card information to complete an application. The official application process for federal student aid never requires payment.

    Similar schemes can be found in the housing market as students prepare for the fall semester. Rental scams are particularly common among younger renters and can be costly. Fraudulent listings often use copied photos and descriptions from legitimate advertisements, replacing the real contact information with that of the scammer. Victims are typically asked to send a deposit and the first month’s rent before seeing the property in person, sometimes with the explanation that the owner is out of town. In other cases, the property in question may actually be for sale rather than for rent. Payments are frequently requested through non-secure methods such as wire transfers or gift cards, which make recovery of lost funds nearly impossible.

    Both scholarship and rental scams exploit the urgency and financial pressure that students face at the start of the academic year. While the specific methods vary, the underlying strategy remains the same. Scammers create a false sense of opportunity, push for quick action, and request money in advance. Students can reduce their risk by taking time to verify any offers or listings through official channels, avoiding any that request payment before services are rendered, and seeking assistance from school guidance counselors or financial aid offices.

    Conducting a reverse image search on rental photos can help determine whether the images were taken from another listing, and running a web search on the rental property’s address can reveal conflicting or suspicious information. For scholarship opportunities, contacting the sponsoring organization directly and confirming details on its official website can help ensure that the offer is legitimate. Careful research and skepticism can make a significant difference in avoiding financial losses at a time when resources are already stretched thin.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 5, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , Scams   

    Jury Duty Scam Gets a Tech Upgrade 

    By Greg Collier

    The jury duty scam has been a persistent threat for years, often beginning with a phone call from someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer. The caller accuses the recipient of failing to report for jury duty and threatens immediate arrest unless a fine is paid. These calls can be very convincing, with scammers using spoofed caller IDs to make it appear as if the call is coming from a local police department. Victims are often pressured into making quick payments using gift cards, wire transfers, or mobile payment apps. The urgency and fear created by the call are intended to override a person’s judgment, making them more likely to comply.

    A new variation of this scam is now emerging, according to a warning from the Federal Trade Commission. Instead of instructing targets to make a payment directly over the phone, scammers are directing them to visit a fraudulent website. This site is designed to mimic an official government page, complete with realistic-looking seals and professional design elements. The individual is asked to enter sensitive personal information, including their date of birth and Social Security number, under the pretense of verifying their identity or calculating a fine. In some cases, the site demands payment through non-traditional methods such as cryptocurrency or through so-called government kiosks, which do not actually exist.

    This approach allows scammers to collect personal data as well as money, potentially leading to both financial loss and identity theft. The presence of a convincing website may give the impression of legitimacy, especially to individuals who are unfamiliar with how official government sites operate.

    Once this personal information is collected, the consequences can extend far beyond the initial scam. Scammers may use the data to open fraudulent credit accounts, file false tax returns, or even commit medical identity theft. Victims often do not realize their identity has been compromised until they receive collection notices, are denied credit, or encounter issues with government agencies. The damage can take years to fully resolve.

    Anyone who receives such a call should avoid engaging with the caller or visiting the provided website. If there is any concern about jury duty status, the appropriate course of action is to contact the local court directly using a verified phone number or official website.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 4, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , Scams   

    Home Lost After Church Scam 

    By Greg Collier

    As the new school year begins and summer temperatures peak in the Las Vegas Valley, one local family is enduring a far more personal crisis that serves as a sobering warning about real estate scams targeting the elderly.

    According to a recent report from 8 News Now, a Southern Nevada family is speaking out after their elderly father lost his home to what they describe as a long-running and devastating fraud. The situation reportedly began several years ago when the man, hoping to lower his mortgage payments, was approached by someone at church who claimed to be an attorney offering help with a loan modification.

    Religious communities are often built on trust and mutual support, which unfortunately makes them attractive hunting grounds for scammers. Many bad actors intentionally target places of worship because they know people are more likely to let their guard down around someone who appears to share their faith and values.

    In this case, the homeowner trusted the man’s assurances and ultimately signed a quitclaim deed and paid thousands of dollars, believing this would help him stay in his home. Instead, it left him vulnerable to financial and legal exploitation. Despite his family’s efforts to intervene, the home was foreclosed on and sold at auction.

    Quitclaim deeds are commonly used to transfer property between family members or trusted parties, as they allow an owner to give up their interest in a property quickly and with minimal paperwork. However, they do not offer any warranty or protection for the grantor, making them a favorite tool in real estate fraud. Once the deed is signed and recorded, the transfer is legally binding, even if the property was essentially taken under false pretenses. Reversing such a transfer typically requires a costly and time-consuming legal process.

    Court records indicate that the individual who orchestrated the scheme currently has a warrant out for his arrest, and the family believes he has used similar tactics in other states. Their father remains in the home for now, but with new ownership in place, eviction could happen at any time. The case remains under investigation.

    This incident underscores the importance of public awareness surrounding mortgage assistance fraud and deed-related scams. Older homeowners, in particular, should be cautious of anyone offering unsolicited help with financial matters, especially in informal or familiar settings such as churches. Verifying credentials, consulting licensed professionals, and understanding the legal implications of real estate documents are critical steps in protecting one’s home.

    As the legal case proceeds, the family’s hope is that their story will help others recognize the warning signs before it’s too late. The emotional and financial fallout from fraud can be devastating, particularly when it strips someone of the home they worked a lifetime to secure.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 1, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , PPP Loans, Scams   

    PPP Scam Targets Texas Bank Accounts 

    By Greg Collier

    It has been five years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the ripple effects continue to impact Americans. One troubling development is a scam that has resurfaced across the country, now affecting communities in Texas. Individuals who received Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans are being contacted by scammers posing as their bank, asking for sensitive financial information.

    These fraudulent calls have recently begun targeting residents in the Abilene area. The scammers are not operating at random. Instead, they appear to be using publicly available information released by the Small Business Administration. The list includes names, loan amounts, and financial institutions involved in distributing PPP funds. Criminals are taking this data and impersonating bank representatives in an effort to gain access to recipients’ online banking systems.

    Once contact is made, victims are pressured to hand over account details such as passwords or authentication codes. These details are then used to initiate unauthorized transactions and siphon funds. Although the scam is tailored to PPP recipients, the broader tactic of impersonating a bank and spoofing phone numbers to appear legitimate is not new. Spoofed calls can make it seem like they are coming from a trusted local number or even the recipient’s own bank.

    The situation highlights the importance of verifying who you are speaking to before sharing any personal or financial information. Financial institutions will not request passwords or secure access codes over the phone. Customers who receive such requests are encouraged to end the call and contact their bank directly using a verified phone number listed on the institution’s official website or documents.

    Local financial institutions are not taking the matter lightly. Some banks have started collaborating with trade organizations to push for the removal of sensitive PPP data from public access. This step aims to reduce the likelihood of criminals using that information to manipulate and defraud recipients.

    For individuals who may have already fallen victim to this scam, there are steps that can be taken to recover. Under federal law known as Regulation E, consumers have 60 days from the date of their bank statement to report unauthorized electronic transfers. If reported in time, banks are required to investigate and may be obligated to reverse the fraudulent transactions. Victims can also report the incident to the Small Business Administration’s Office of Inspector General or file a complaint through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s IdentityTheft.gov portal, which offers resources and action plans for dealing with financial fraud and identity theft.

    In the meantime, those who believe they have received a scam call or have been victimized are encouraged to use resources like the BBB Scam Tracker website. Sharing experiences can help others stay informed and may aid in shutting down fraudulent activity more quickly.

    Although the PPP program was designed to offer relief during a national emergency, it has unfortunately become a tool for exploitation. As long as that data remains public, scammers will continue to find ways to use it against the very people it was intended to help.

     

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