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  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 22, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , Scams   

    Real Estate Wire Fraud on the Rise 

    Real Estate Wire Fraud on the Rise

    By Greg Collier

    A new scam is making its way through the housing market, taking advantage of buyers at their most vulnerable moment: the closing process. At a time when large sums of money are being transferred under tight deadlines, criminals are finding ways to insert themselves into the transaction and divert funds.

    The scheme often begins with compromised communications. Fraudsters gain access to emails between buyers, lenders, and title companies by using stolen credentials or other cyber intrusion methods. With access to real conversations and timelines, scammers can convincingly pose as legitimate contacts. Once they know the lender, the amount owed, and the expected timing, they send instructions that appear authentic, tricking buyers into wiring funds to fraudulent accounts.

    What makes this particularly concerning is how widespread it has become. Losses tied to real estate wire fraud have multiplied dramatically over the last decade, reflecting both the growing sophistication of cybercriminals and the continued reliance on electronic communications in the homebuying process. Current estimates suggest that as many as one in four homebuyers entering closing are being targeted.

    Public records and property listings make it easy for scammers to identify potential victims. Artificial intelligence has only accelerated the problem, giving criminals tools to refine their impersonations and increase the likelihood of success. The complexity of buying a home, coupled with emotional pressure and looming deadlines, creates an environment where buyers may act quickly without questioning sudden changes.

    For those who fall victim, recovery is rarely straightforward. Once funds are wired to fraudulent accounts, they are often transferred multiple times or sent overseas, making it nearly impossible for banks to reverse the transaction. Victims can spend months pursuing reimbursement through their financial institutions or law enforcement, but many never recover the full amount. Beyond the immediate financial blow, this can derail home purchases entirely and leave buyers facing both financial and emotional hardship.

    The most common point of attack is the transfer of closing funds. Buyers should treat any unexpected communication about wiring instructions with extreme caution. Even subtle alterations, such as a new account number or a last-minute change in procedure, can be an indication of fraud. Beyond the financial risk, victims often face delays in securing their homes and lengthy battles to recover lost funds.

    Protecting against this type of fraud requires heightened vigilance. Questioning unusual requests, verifying account details through trusted channels, and contacting real estate professionals directly before making any transfer can help reduce the risk. By slowing down the process and confirming instructions in person or by phone, buyers can create an extra layer of defense against a crime that continues to evolve with technology.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 21, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: baggage tags, boarding pass, , Scams, ,   

    The Baggage Tag Scam You Didn’t Expect 

    By Greg Collier

    A recent report from Moneywise highlights how something as simple as a discarded airline baggage tag can open the door to fraud and identity theft. The adhesive tags that airlines place on luggage are meant to ensure that bags are routed correctly, but they also contain more personal information than many travelers realize.

    These tags often display details such as the passenger’s name, flight number, date of travel, and destination. Some may also include the booking reference, place of origin, and even the weight of the bag. With that much data available, scammers are finding ways to exploit travelers who carelessly toss away their tags after a flight.

    The issue arises when fraudsters collect tags from trash bins at airports or hotels. Using the information, they attempt to impersonate travelers by filing false baggage claims, requesting reimbursement for items that were never theirs. This creates fraudulent payouts and complicates the process for genuine passengers who need to be compensated for legitimate losses.

    Boarding passes present similar risks. Both paper and digital versions can reveal key information that criminals can use to hijack accounts, steal frequent flyer miles, or commit broader identity theft. A simple scan of the barcode with a mobile app, or even a quick glance over someone’s shoulder while in line, can give a scammer access to sensitive details.

    What makes this even more concerning is how interconnected today’s travel systems have become. Many airline loyalty accounts are linked to hotel programs, rental car memberships, and even stored credit cards. That means one compromised boarding pass or baggage tag could provide a scammer with enough information to move beyond false baggage claims and into broader identity theft or account takeovers. Once inside a loyalty account, criminals can drain accumulated points, make unauthorized bookings, or harvest more personal data to use in phishing schemes.

    This type of fraud underscores the importance of treating baggage tags and boarding passes as personal documents. Careless disposal or public sharing, including posting photos on social media, can expose travelers to unnecessary risks. Instead, travelers are advised to keep these items secure until they are home and then properly shred or destroy them.

    While the threat of identity theft may feel like one more thing to worry about when traveling, it is a reminder that security extends beyond passports and credit cards. A few simple precautions with items that might seem harmless can make the difference between a safe trip and one complicated by fraud.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 20, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , Scams,   

    AI Romance Scam Costs Senior $47K 

    By Greg Collier

    A Florida resident recently fell victim to a romance scam that highlights how criminals continue to exploit both technology and human emotion to steal money.

    What began as a simple Facebook friend request from someone claiming to be an interior decorator quickly escalated into an elaborate scheme. The relationship was fostered through frequent online conversations, phone calls, and even video chats, which were later revealed to have been AI-generated. The scammer eventually fabricated a story about traveling overseas for work and needing money for documentation. Trusting the story, the victim sent thousands of dollars, first through traditional transfers and later through cryptocurrency, ultimately losing nearly $50,000.

    When the financial demands became more frequent and severe, the case was turned over to local authorities. Investigators traced the activity not to the United States, as the scammer had claimed, but overseas, making recovery of the funds unlikely.

    The toll of these scams is not only financial but also deeply emotional. Many victims struggle with feelings of shame, betrayal, and depression after realizing they were manipulated. Experts warn that this combination of financial and psychological harm is why romance scams are among the most devastating forms of fraud.

    One reason scammers push for payment through cryptocurrency is that digital transactions are difficult to trace and nearly impossible to reverse once completed. Unlike bank transfers, where investigators may be able to follow the money, cryptocurrency allows criminals to move funds quickly through anonymous wallets.

    These scams also rely on the careful recycling of fake identities. Criminals frequently use stolen photographs from social media, professional sites, or modeling portfolios to create convincing personas. The same fictitious character can appear on multiple platforms at once, luring several victims simultaneously.

    Scammers often pose as successful businesspeople with international ties, which gives credibility to requests for money tied to supposed overseas projects. This narrative can make fabricated expenses like travel, customs paperwork, or business emergencies sound more believable.

    Law enforcement agencies caution that these schemes are becoming more advanced, with scammers now deploying artificial intelligence to create convincing fake personas. Older adults are often targeted because of loneliness or vulnerability, and once money is transferred through cryptocurrency or wire services, it is rarely recovered.

    Authorities stress the importance of vigilance when forming online relationships. Verifying identities, avoiding financial transactions with people only known online, and seeking input from trusted friends or family can help prevent fraud. Victims are encouraged to report these crimes to federal agencies so investigators can track patterns and attempt to disrupt organized networks behind them.

    Romance scams remain a serious and growing problem, and cases like this one serve as a reminder of the importance of caution when personal and financial trust is built online.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 19, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Apple Cash, , , , , Scams, transfer it to protect it   

    Scammers Push “Transfer It to Protect It” Cons 

    Scammers Push “Transfer It to Protect It” Cons

    By Greg Collier

    A troubling trend in financial fraud has been steadily growing in recent years. Known as “transfer it to protect it” scams, or more commonly as the “moving money scam,” these schemes involve criminals posing as trusted entities to convince people that their money is at risk and must be moved immediately for safekeeping. The Federal Trade Commission reports that losses tied to this scam have risen dramatically, particularly among older adults.

    Data from the FTC shows a more than a fourfold increase between 2020 and 2024 in reports from people who lost $10,000 or more after being targeted by impersonators of banks, businesses, or government agencies. Older adults are disproportionately affected, with many victims losing well over $100,000. Combined losses among those reporting six-figure losses reached $445 million in 2024, compared with $55 million in 2020.

    The methods are varied but share the same goal. Some victims receive alarming phone calls warning that their accounts have been compromised. Others encounter fake pop-up alerts on their computers or emails from senders claiming to represent their bank. Once the victim is unsettled, the fraudster pushes them to move money quickly. Common instructions involve sending funds through Bitcoin ATMs, wiring money to a so-called secure account, or even transferring money through services like Apple Cash. The FTC notes that government agencies and legitimate businesses do not request payment or money transfers in these ways.

    Younger consumers are not immune either. Reports include cases of individuals in their late teens and early twenties being manipulated into sending money through similar tactics. The scammers’ stories are always urgent and intimidating, designed to rush the victim into handing over control of their savings.

    The FTC’s latest data shows how victims are persuaded to move money: about one-third of older adults who reported losing $10,000 or more in 2024 said they transferred funds using cryptocurrency. Others reported using bank transfers or handing over cash. Once money is deposited into cryptocurrency ATMs or moved into fraudulent accounts, it is rarely recoverable.

    Another key factor in the success of the moving money scam is the psychology behind it. Scammers rely on fear and urgency to push victims into acting without thinking. They often keep people on the line for extended conversations to prevent them from double-checking information or reaching out for advice. In some cases, victims are even warned not to tell family or friends about what is happening, under the false pretense of protecting an investigation. This deliberate isolation makes the scam particularly dangerous, because it exploits both financial vulnerability and human trust.

    Officials warn that some scammers even go as far as impersonating the FTC itself or other federal agencies, adding credibility to their demands. These calls sometimes escalate to threats of frozen assets or arrest warrants, pressuring victims to comply.

    The best protection is skepticism toward unsolicited messages that urge immediate action with your finances. Instead of engaging, consumers are encouraged to verify account activity directly through their bank or credit card provider. Hanging up the phone and avoiding suspicious links are safer paths than reacting to the urgent claims of someone who may be impersonating a trusted source.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 18, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Scams, , Swatting,   

    Scam Call Sparks SWAT Standoff 

    By Greg Collier

    An incident in Austin, Texas, this week highlighted the growing sophistication of scam calls that can both frighten families and divert police resources.

    Two sisters were targeted in what authorities believe may have been either a swatting attempt or a complex scam. One received a call that appeared to come from her sibling’s phone number. On the line, however, was a man claiming to have abducted her sister. The caller threatened violence if immediate action was not taken, creating a situation designed to provoke panic.

    Alarmed, the woman contacted 911. Within minutes, the Austin Police Department’s SWAT team responded to the address where her sister lived. Officers arrived prepared for a potential hostage situation, only to quickly determine that no threat existed. Authorities confirmed the call was a hoax and are investigating whether it was part of a broader scam operation.

    The situation fits a pattern known as a “virtual kidnapping.” In these scams, criminals falsely claim to have abducted a loved one in order to demand money or force compliance. Technology makes these schemes more convincing, with scammers now able to spoof caller IDs and even use artificial intelligence to mimic the voices of family members. By combining threats with what appears to be proof that a relative is in distress, the calls can feel terrifyingly real.

    Experts also warn that swatting calls, whether financially motivated or not, carry serious risks. Across the country, there have been incidents where false reports led to armed police responses that resulted in injuries and even deaths. By convincing authorities that a violent crime is underway, callers not only terrorize their victims but also put residents and officers in immediate danger.

    Authorities recommend that residents protect themselves by setting up family code words, avoiding oversharing personal information on social media, and remaining calm if they receive such a call. They stress that legitimate emergencies will never require immediate payments or secrecy and that anyone who receives a threatening or urgent call should contact police immediately.

    While this incident ended without injury, it underscores the risks posed by these schemes. In addition to terrifying individuals, such calls draw heavily on emergency resources. The Austin case serves as a reminder that scammers are increasingly blending old tactics with new technology to manipulate their targets.

     

  • 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.

     

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