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  • Geebo 9:06 am on January 25, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , Scams   

    The romance scammer who posed as a CIA agent 

    By Greg Collier

    We’ve consistently advised our readers that once you’ve been targeted by a scammer, the likelihood of further exploitation increases significantly. Take, for instance, falling victim to a sweepstakes scam – the scammer often concocts additional reasons for the victim to continue paying. Furthermore, scammers trade the information of their victims among themselves, leading to potential multiple scams on the same individual. In some instances, the same scammer may return with an entirely new scheme, using any means necessary to manipulate the victim’s trust, and they are doggedly persistent.

    A few years ago, a Massachusetts woman found herself ensnared in the web of a romance scam. Believing she was in a genuine relationship with a man purportedly working on an overseas oil pipeline, she unwittingly sent a staggering $150,000 over time to the scammer. Although she eventually became aware of the deception, the ordeal did not conclude there.

    After severing communication with the romance scammer, the victim found herself confronted with a new and alarming tactic. Months later, she began receiving emails allegedly originating from the CIA. These messages took an ominous turn, threatening her with arrest and asserting that the individual she had sent money to in the romance scam was now being labeled as a terrorist. The victim was explicitly warned against discussing the matter with anyone, including family, friends, or attorneys, under the ominous threat of immediate arrest.

    When pressed to identify himself, the scammer resorted to sending the victim a picture of a novelty CIA badge and ID, easily obtainable online. The deceptive tactics persisted until the victim asserted her boundaries, insisting that any meeting with the purported agent would only take place at her local police station. It was only at this point that the relentless harassment from the scammer finally ceased.

    Indeed, falling victim to a scam and suffering significant financial losses is distressing on its own. However, the added layer of enduring verbal abuse and facing threats of arrest exacerbates the trauma.

    In addition to the initial romance scam, the scammer tried to ensnare the victim in another layer of deception known as the police impersonation scam. Scammers frequently adopt the guise of law enforcement officers or agents, utilizing intimidation tactics to manipulate victims into complying with their demands. A common element of this scheme involves warning victims that they are prohibited from discussing the matter with anyone, threatening arrest for non-compliance. The underlying objective is to isolate the victim, preventing them from seeking assistance or confiding in others who might recognize the scam. This calculated tactic aims to maintain control and prolong the deception without external interference.

    In safeguarding against the unsettling threat of police impersonation scams, vigilance and skepticism are paramount. Authentic law enforcement agencies do not make unsolicited calls demanding immediate action or payments. Verify the legitimacy of any communication by independently contacting the supposed agency using official contact information. Never share personal or financial information over the phone unless certain of the caller’s authenticity. If faced with coercive demands and threats of arrest, remain calm and seek advice from trusted individuals or law enforcement directly. By staying informed, questioning unexpected communications, and maintaining open lines of communication with trusted contacts, individuals can fortify themselves against the manipulative tactics employed by police impersonators and other scammers.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 24, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , Scams, , ,   

    Tax season scams have already started 

    Tax season scams have already started

    By Greg Collier

    This coming Monday, January 29th, is the first day you can file your income tax return. Scammers are aware of this, and will spend the next three months trying to steal from you using your tax return as bait. One report even states that scammers have already started sending out emails impersonating the IRS. The unsolicited emails state you can check the status of your return by clicking on a link. The link will more than likely take you to a website where you’ll be asked to enter your personal information in order to steal your identity. But, that isn’t the only tax scam you should be on the lookout for.

    The IRS impersonation scam stands out as the most prevalent fraudulent activity. In this scheme, perpetrators pretend to be representatives of the IRS when contacting their targets. Usually, these fraudulent callers inform their victims that they are delinquent in their taxes and insist on an immediate payment. Alternatively, some scammers falsely claim that the target is owed a refund and request bank account information. It’s important to note that the IRS typically does not communicate with individuals over the phone regarding tax matters. Any issues with a tax return would be addressed through the mail.

    During tax season, there’s an influx of transient tax preparers who may not have a reliable and long-term presence. If you plan to enlist the services of a professional to file your taxes, it’s crucial to thoroughly research the individual or company beforehand. Exercise caution if a tax preparer indicates an intention to close operations immediately after the filing deadline. In the event of an audit, having a tax preparer who can provide assistance is essential.

    Additionally, be cautious of tax preparers who link their fees to your tax refund. Fees should be determined based on the complexity of your tax return, not the refund amount. Ensure that the fee structure aligns with the effort required to complete your tax filing accurately.

    The most devastating tax scam involves scammers attempting to file a tax return using your identity. This underscores the importance of filing your return promptly. If a scammer successfully files a return in your name, you will likely receive a letter from the IRS indicating the receipt of duplicate returns. In the unfortunate event that you fall victim to this scam, it’s crucial to contact the IRS immediately.

    Delaying your response can complicate the process of rectifying the situation and recovering your tax return. Swift action is essential to minimize the impact of identity-related tax scams. Stay vigilant, file your return as early as possible, and promptly address any suspicious activity with the IRS if you suspect fraudulent filings in your name.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 23, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , Scams,   

    Is it even safe to mail checks anymore? 

    By Greg Collier

    When we discuss the check washing scam, or the newer check cooking scam, we recommend mailing your checks from inside your local post office. But what happens when your checks are being stolen from within the postal system? That’s what one county in Maryland discovered happening in their community.

    If you’re not familiar with check washing, it’s a fraudulent scheme where criminals tamper with a check by altering or erasing information to gain unauthorized access to funds. The term ‘check washing’ specifically refers to the process of removing or modifying the ink on a written check, typically using chemicals or solvents. This allows the perpetrator to change details such as the payee’s name, the amount, or other information on the check.

    Once the check is altered, it can be used by the fraudster to withdraw money from the victim’s account or make unauthorized purchases. Criminals involved in check washing often focus on outgoing mail or checks left in vulnerable locations, such as home mailboxes, where they can easily intercept and manipulate the checks.

    In Prince George’s County, Maryland, investigators discovered a multi-million dollar check washing ring. One of the alleged ring members was a USPS mail handler assistant. This position allowed them to steal checks while on the job.

    From there, the checks would be sent to the ring leader, who allegedly would alter the checks. Then the checks were made out to money mules, who would deposit the checks into their own bank accounts until they cleared. Money was withdrawn or transferred from these accounts into other accounts used by the scammers.

    Each member of the ring is facing a potential sentence of 30 years in federal prison.

    While this is most definitely an edge case scenario, the chance of your check being stolen in the manner is not zero. So, what can you do to prevent your check from being stolen? If you’re insistent on writing checks, we recommend using an indelible ink like a gel pen or Sharpie. These inks are said to be difficult to wash off the checks. However, checks written with these inks are still vulnerable to the new check cooking scam, which alters checks digitally.

    For situations like recurring monthly bills, we recommend setting up automatic payments with your providers. Typically, recurring bills such as utilities, rent/mortgage, and insurance premiums are good candidates for automation.

    While paper checks have been a traditional method of payment, the risks associated with scams like check washing highlight the vulnerabilities in this outdated system. With the advent of secure and convenient digital payment options, it’s time to seriously consider abandoning paper checks. Embracing electronic transactions enhances security and streamlines financial processes, making it a practical choice for the modern era.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 22, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Scams, ,   

    Winter weather towing scam leaves drivers stranded 

    By Greg Collier

    The past few weeks have blanketed a large part of the country in snow. Along with the snow came single digit and even negative temperatures, which kept snow and ice on the roads even longer. As you might expect, this has been a nightmare for drivers. Even the most experienced drivers can find themselves stuck in the snow, or stranded with a car that won’t start. This can be made even more difficult if the driver is in an area they are unfamiliar with. To make matters worse, these stranded drivers can find themselves sitting ducks for scammers.

    This past week in Iowa, authorities discovered a towing scam ring. Scammers there have copied the Google listings of legitimate towing companies but have added their phone number instead. As we’ve mentioned in the past, scammers will often pay platforms like Google to have their listing placed in the search rankings above the legitimate companies. When drivers find themselves in need of a tow truck, they might call one of these fake towing companies out of desperation. The scammers collect a payment over the phone, but no tow truck ever arrives. With this kind of extreme weather, that could leave the driver and any passengers in grave danger.

    However, there are a few ways to protect yourself from this scam. The best way is to sign up for a roadside assistance plan. This way, you can rely on the service to find a legitimate towing service for you. You can also find a legitimate towing company in your area and add their number to your phone in case you may need their services.

    But if you’re stuck in the snow and haven’t taken precautions lie those mentioned above, there’s still hope. If a towing company wants payment up front, there’s a very good possibility they’re trying to scam you. Also, be wary of any towing company that answers your call with a generic name like ‘Towing’. Scammers like this are often imitating several different towing companies simultaneously. You may want to call the local police at their non-emergency number to see if there’s a garage or company they recommend.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 19, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Google Pay, , Scams,   

    Real Estate Scam: First-Time Homebuyers Offered Houses at a Fraction of the Cost 

    By Greg Collier

    The county tax assessor’s office in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, is warning potential homebuyers of a scam that’s recently hit their area. Oklahoma County, includes the capital of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City. According to the assessor’s office, scammers are listing homes for sale that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars for just a few thousand. For example, a home valued at $400,000 was listed for sale on Zillow at just $6000. That price wasn’t meant to be a deposit or down payment, but the full price of the home.

    These scammers are preying on people who have little experience of buying a home. In fact, the ads claim the home prices are so low because the seller is rewarding first-time homebuyers. Typically, scammers who list properties like this claim it’s a tax write-off for them while playing the good Samaritan to their victims. These scammers usually insist the buyer be a first-time home buyer who has no representation such as a realtor, bank, investor, or attorney. The buyers are asked to make their payments through platforms like Venmo, or in the Oklahoma County instance, Google Pay.

    As you may have surmised, the scammers don’t own these homes, and often the homes are not for sale in the first place. Residents have reported prospective buyers and realtors showing up at their home because of the fraudulent listings.

    The Oklahoma County Assessor even called the phone number in one of the phony listings. The person on the other end of the call told them that they’re making a lot of money with this scam, and they can’t be stopped. The County Assessor’s Office said the main problem they’re having is that no victims of the scam have come forward yet. This would assist them greatly in trying to prosecute the scammers.

    If you’re a first-time homebuyer, please keep in mind that a homeowner offering a home at such a steep discount for a tax write-off is not a legitimate practice. Anyone claiming this in their real estate listing is trying to scam you. Also, you should avoid making any payments through platforms like Venmo and Google Pay, as once the payment goes through, it’s almost impossible to reclaim your lost funds.

    Finally, to safeguard yourself from deceptive property listings, it is advisable to verify information with the county’s tax assessment office. This resource will provide you with the necessary details to identify the legitimate homeowner and ensure a secure and informed home buying process.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 18, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Detroit Lions, , , Scams, ,   

    Historic playoff win brings out ticket scams 

    By Greg Collier

    This past weekend, The Detroit Lions won their first playoff game in 32 years. It probably took about 32 seconds after the game was over before scammers were promising tickets to the next Lions game. The game is being played in Detroit against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with ticket prices starting at $500. To say tickets are in high demand would be an understatement.

    A Detroit area man fell victim to a ticket scam in his quest for playoff seats. He responded to a post on Facebook where a woman was supposedly selling two tickets to this Sunday’s game. After the man and the seller agreed on a price, the man paid the seller through Venmo. Then the seller asked the man for more money to transfer the tickets into his name. It was at this point the man realized he’d been scammed. It’s unknown how much the man paid the scammer, but it’s safe to assume it was probably hundreds of dollars, if not at least a thousand dollars.

    To avoid being scammed when buying tickets to the NFL Playoffs, please consider the following. Buy tickets directly from the official NFL website, authorized ticket vendors, or the official website of the hosting venue. If purchasing from a secondary market, only use well-known and reputable ticket platforms.

    If the ticket prices seem too low compared to the average market value, be cautious. Scammers often use enticing prices to lure buyers. Use secure payment methods when purchasing tickets. Credit cards offer more protection than other payment options. Avoid buying tickets from unsolicited emails, social media messages, or random sellers. Stick to well-established channels for ticket purchases. Lastly, if something feels off or too good to be true, trust your instincts and reconsider the purchase.

    These tips aren’t just applicable to the Lions game on Sunday. They can also be applied to any sporting or entertainment event where tickets are in high demand.

    By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to ticket scams and ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.

     

  • Geebo 9:01 am on January 17, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: check baking, check cooking, , , Scams   

    New version of check washing scam emerges 

    New version of check washing scam emerges

    By Greg Collier

    In case you’re unfamiliar with check washing, it’s a scam where criminals alter or erase information on a check to gain unauthorized access to funds. The term ‘check washing’ refers to the act of removing or altering the ink from a written check, typically using chemicals such as acetone or other solvents. This allows the fraudster to modify the payee’s name, the amount, or other details on the check.

    The altered check can then be used to withdraw money from the victim’s account or make unauthorized purchases. Criminals engaged in check washing often target outgoing mail or checks left in unsecured locations, such as home mailboxes, where they can easily intercept and modify the checks.

    Now, according to the FBI, there’s a new check scam where the washing part is done electronically. In a new process called ‘check cooking’ or ‘check baking’, a scammer only needs a digital photograph of a check. From there, the scammer can use software to remove any writing that’s on the check. Then, the scammer can print out as many counterfeit checks as they need. Instead of writing one big check like a scammer would with check washing, they can now write out several small checks to stay under the radar. However, by the time the scam is caught, the victim could still lose thousands of dollars to the scammer.

    A scammer would still need to possess a physical copy of one of your checks to commit this scam. To protect yourself from such scams, you may want to consider switching to a different method of payment other than checks. You can always pay your bills through a debit or credit card, or have an automatic payment taken from your bank account.

    If there is a situation where you absolutely have to send a physical check, mail the payment from the inside of your local post office. Whatever you do, don’t leave bills in your outgoing mail at home. Scammers have no hesitation about taking the mail out of your mailbox if there is any hint of a check being in there.

    Additionally, monitoring bank statements regularly for any unauthorized transactions can help detect and report fraudulent activities promptly.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 16, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , Scams,   

    Reshipping scam lands victim in jail 

    By Greg Collier

    For some time, we’ve been warning our readers about the reshipping or repackaging scam, and how victims of the scam can run afoul of the law. But first, let’s explain how the scam works.

    The reshipping scam is a type of fraud where scammers recruit individuals, often unwittingly, to receive and reship packages to a different location. The scammers use various tactics to convince people to participate in this scheme, such as fake job offers or work-from-home opportunities.

    Scammers may post job ads or send emails offering individuals the chance to work from home. These offers often promise high salaries and flexible working hours. The job description often details how reshippers receive goods at their home address and act as a quality control agent.

    The scammers provide instructions on how to repackage and forward the received items to another address, often located in a different country. They may claim that it’s part of a global shipping or distribution network, or that they represent a major retailer.

    Unbeknownst to the reshipper, the items they receive and forward are often purchased using stolen credit card information or other fraudulent means. This helps the scammers cover their tracks.

    Victims of the reshipping scam never receive any kind of reimbursement from their supposed employers.

    The real danger of the reshipping scam is that even if the reshipper is unaware of being part of a scam, they can still be arrested for their involvement. One of the ways victims can find themselves in hot water is if they willingly falsify shipping documentation as directed by the scammers to bypass US customs.

    A woman from Toledo, Ohio, was recently arrested for her alleged involvement in a reshipping scam, and she was unaware it was a scam at all. As expected, she applied to a work from home job listing. She was ‘hired’ immediately in an over the phone interview.

    After a month of reshipping, Toledo police officers showed up at her door. It’s unclear what laws she is said to have specifically broken, but she was never paid by her supposed employer. She could have her name cleared and charges dropped later in the investigation, but she did have to post bail. Now, the victim is out of money when she was just trying to provide for her family.

    It’s important for individuals to be cautious about unsolicited job offers, especially those that involve receiving and reshipping packages. Legitimate employers typically do not require employees to use their personal addresses for receiving and forwarding goods. If someone suspects they are involved in a reshipping scam, it’s crucial to cease any involvement immediately and report the incident to authorities.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 15, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Scams, , ,   

    Deep freeze scam chills victims 

    Deep freeze scam chills victims

    By Greg Collier

    Recently, a large part of the country has experienced extreme winter weather in some form or another. Whether it’s a major winter storm, or sub-zero temperatures, many Americans are struggling to deal with the winter extremes. With the fear of potentially losing power or heat front in the minds of many, this has been a perfect opportunity for scammers.

    One scam that becomes immediately prevalent during extreme weather emergencies is the shut-off scam. Shut-off scams typically involve fraudsters posing as representatives of a utility company, such as electricity, water, or gas providers. Typically, scammers contact individuals by phone, claiming to be from the utility company. The scammer will create a sense of urgency by stating that the individual’s utility service is about to be disconnected immediately due to an unpaid bill or some other issue. To avoid the supposed disconnection, the scammer will demand immediate payment. They may instruct the victim to pay using unconventional methods, such as prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

    It’s not just individuals who are targeted in this scam. Essential businesses also find themselves victims of shut-off scams. For example, a daycare in Texas recently lost $5000 to a shut-off scammer while worrying about the families who depend on their service.

    Scammers always want to instill a feeling of fear into their victims. This allows them to dictate the situation with a panicked victim. However, it only takes a little bit of knowledge to thwart shut-off scammers. No legitimate utility company will ever threaten termination of service within an extremely short amount of time, like 15 minutes. Legitimate utility companies typically provide reasonable time for bill payment. Be suspicious if the caller insists on immediate payment using unconventional methods.

    In some parts of the country there are winter or cold weather disconnect moratoriums, also known as “winter protection” or “cold weather rule,” which prohibit utility disconnections during specified periods, often during the winter months. These rules are designed to prevent potential health and safety hazards associated with lack of heating in extreme weather. It’s crucial to check the specific regulations and laws in your locality, as they can differ.

    If you suspect a utility shut-off scam, report it to your utility company and local law enforcement. Additionally, you can inform consumer protection agencies, like the Better Business Bureau, to help prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 12, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , Scams, ,   

    More police warn of AI voice scams 

    More police warn of AI voice scams

    By Greg Collier

    AI voice spoofing refers to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to imitate or replicate a person’s voice in a way that may deceive listeners into thinking they are hearing the real person. This technology can be used to generate synthetic voices that closely mimic the tone, pitch, and cadence of a specific individual. The term is often associated with negative uses, such as creating fraudulent phone calls or audio messages with the intent to deceive or manipulate.

    Scammers can exploit a brief audio clip of your family member’s voice, easily obtained from online content. With access to a voice-cloning program, the scammer can then imitate your loved one’s voice convincingly when making a call, leading to potential deception and manipulation. Scammers have quickly taken to this technology in order to fool people into believing their loved ones are in danger in what are being called family emergency scams.

    Family emergency scams typically break down into two categories, the virtual kidnapping scam, and the grandparent scam. Today, we’re focused on the grandparent scam. It garnered its name from the fact that scammers often target elderly victims, posing as the victim’s grandchild in peril. This scam has been happening a lot lately in the Memphis area, to the point where a Sheriff’s Office has issued a warning to local residents about it.

    One family received a phone call that appeared to be coming from their adult granddaughter. The caller sounded exactly like their granddaughter, who said they needed $500 for bail money after getting into a car accident. Smartly, the family kept asking the caller questions that only their granddaughter would know. The scammers finally hung up.

    To safeguard against this scam, it’s crucial to rely on caution rather than solely trusting your ears. If you receive a call from a supposed relative or loved one urgently requesting money due to a purported crisis, adhere to the same safety measures. Resist the urge to engage further; instead, promptly end the call and independently contact the person who is claimed to be in trouble to verify the authenticity of the situation. This proactive approach helps ensure protection against potential scams, even when the voice on the call seems identical to that of your loved one.

     

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