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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 27, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: hurricane ( 8 ), Hurricane Helene ( 4 ), natural disasters ( 20 ), Scams, storm chasers, storm damage ( 2 )   

  Beware of Scammers After Severe Weather Strikes 

  

  By Greg Collier

  As Hurricane Helene approaches or makes landfall, the safety of those in the affected areas remains the top priority. This Category 4 storm is expected to bring significant damage to the Florida Panhandle and Southern Georgia. Amid the focus on recovery and well-being, it’s important to also be mindful of potential scams that often surface in the aftermath of natural disasters. Unfortunately, some individuals will exploit these vulnerable times, posing as helpful contractors or service providers. We want to take this opportunity to remind storm victims on how to protect themselves from these con artists.

  After severe weather strikes, it’s not just the damage to homes and properties that residents need to worry about, scammers often take advantage of the chaos, looking to make a quick profit. These opportunists, often referred to as ‘storm chasers’, are not local contractors but individuals who travel from out of state to target areas affected by storms. With legitimate contractors overwhelmed by the sudden demand for repairs, these scammers see a chance to prey on vulnerable homeowners.

  Storm chasers typically present themselves as roofers, tree trimmers, or public adjusters, going door to door in damaged neighborhoods offering their services. While their offers might seem convenient in the wake of a storm, it’s crucial to take a few precautionary steps to ensure you’re dealing with a legitimate professional.

  First, always ask for identification and proof of a business license before agreeing to any work. It’s essential to verify their credentials to ensure they are who they claim to be. Additionally, it’s important to contact your insurance company before proceeding with any repairs. Familiarize yourself with your policy to understand what is covered, so you can avoid any unnecessary expenses or scams.

  While it may seem like a relief to hear someone offer quick fixes, it’s vital to get any agreements in writing. Be extremely cautious when signing anything, especially documents related to your insurance coverage. Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to convince homeowners to sign on the spot, claiming that immediate action is needed. This is often a red flag, as reputable contractors will not rush you into a decision.

  It’s also important to take the time to research the company offering repairs. A great starting point is the Better Business Bureau, which can provide information on the credibility and reliability of the contractor. Doing your due diligence now can save you from much larger headaches down the road.

  In preparation for future storms, one proactive step you can take is to document the current state of your property. Walking around your home or business and taking photos or videos of your windows, roof, and other key areas can help you compare conditions after a storm, making it easier to spot genuine damage and avoid being misled by fraudulent contractors.

  In times of disaster, it’s natural to want to restore normalcy as quickly as possible. However, taking these precautions can prevent you from falling victim to the scammers who look to exploit these situations for personal gain.

   

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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 26, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: debt collectors ( 11 ), impersonation scam ( 146 ), medical bills ( 3 ), Scams   

  Protect Yourself From Medical Billing Scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  An Indiana resident recently faced an all-too-common frustration, scam calls disguised as legitimate business interactions. It began with what appeared to be a call from a collection agency regarding an unpaid medical bill. The call seemed convincing at first, especially considering recent blood work, but doubts surfaced when the agent refused to provide specific details, such as the doctor’s name or the date of service. Instead, the agent demanded immediate payment, threatening legal action if the bill wasn’t settled.

  Despite the pressure, the man and his wife took the right steps. They paused and double-checked with their insurance company and doctors, only to find no record of an outstanding bill. The situation escalated when the collection agency asked for a credit card number or check, to be mailed to a post office box in Florida. This raised significant red flags, as it became increasingly clear that the situation was a scam.

  Scammers are growing more sophisticated, often adopting the names of legitimate businesses. In this case, a reputable diagnostics company had its name misused by fraudsters. Medical billing scams are designed to exploit the complexity of healthcare systems, preying on people who are understandably confused by their bills. These fraudsters often apply pressure by threatening legal action, hoping to catch their victims off guard.

  Thankfully, the family never sent the payment. Instead, they did their research, verifying with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and finding that this was a known medical billing scam. Scammers can use tactics like spoofing phone numbers and mimicking local area codes to make their calls seem more legitimate.

  If you receive a call about an unfamiliar medical bill, take time to verify the details. Contact your doctor, insurance company, or hospital directly, rather than engaging with the caller. Legitimate collection agencies will provide clear information about the debt, and you should never be rushed into making a payment without confirmation. Debt collectors are required to provide what’s known as a debt verification letter. These letters are supposed to detail exactly where the supposed debt originated.

  As scammers continue to evolve, so must our defenses. Verifying claims, not giving in to scare tactics, and guarding personal information remain key to protecting yourself from fraud. Keep in mind that even though these scams can be frustrating and concerning, staying informed and cautious can make all the difference in avoiding financial loss.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 25, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: card declined scam, credit card ( 8 ), debit cards ( 13 ), online shopping ( 33 ), Scams   

  How to Spot and Avoid The Card Declined Scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently issued a warning about a new scam. Imagine you’re going through your usual online shopping routine, selecting items and preparing to check out. But when you attempt to finalize your purchase, you receive an alert saying your card was declined. Confused, but thinking it might be a glitch, you try a different card. To your dismay, the same message pops up again.

  What many don’t realize at that moment is that they’ve just fallen victim to a well-crafted scam. The website you’re shopping on isn’t legitimate. It’s designed to trick you into handing over your credit card information. Every time you try a new card, you’re simply feeding the scammers more details. Within minutes, unauthorized charges can appear on the accounts linked to the cards you’ve used, leaving you scrambling to contact your bank.

  The key to avoiding this situation is understanding that the scam works by exploiting urgency and confusion. When a card is declined unexpectedly, people naturally want to resolve the issue by trying another card. But that’s precisely what the scammers want. The more cards you enter, the more access they have to your financial information.

  The BBB advises that before entering any payment information, it’s important to verify the legitimacy of the site. A well-known retailer like Amazon will not typically ask you to re-enter stored payment details. Look for signs that the site is secure, such as the “https” in the URL, and avoid inputting sensitive data if the site doesn’t feel right.

  Scammers also use fake emails, texts, and ads that imitate legitimate businesses, so be cautious of unsolicited messages, especially those that lead to unusual payment pages. It’s always a good idea to directly visit a retailer’s website rather than following links from emails or ads, which can be manipulated to look genuine.

  Research the business before making a purchase, particularly if you’re shopping somewhere unfamiliar. Customer reviews and trusted sources like the BBB can provide insight into whether a site is legitimate. Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Compare prices with other retailers to gauge the true value of the product you want to buy.

  Another crucial step in protecting yourself is to use a credit card for online purchases. Credit cards offer added protection against fraudulent charges, and you can dispute unauthorized transactions more easily than with debit cards. It’s also a good time to speak with your bank and credit card company about what measures they offer to protect your accounts, such as purchase limits or notifications for every transaction.

  The ‘card declined’ scam serves as a reminder that online shopping, though convenient, requires vigilance. By verifying website security, avoiding unsolicited messages, and staying informed about your card protections, you can avoid becoming the next victim of this frustrating and costly scheme.

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

  Car Wrap Scam: A Costly Tempting Offer 

  

  By Greg Collier

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

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

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

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

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

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

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 23, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Scams, smishing ( 5 ), text messaging ( 36 ), text scam ( 23 ), tolls ( 3 )   

  Nationwide Scam Targets Toll Road Users 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Scammers have ramped up their efforts once again, this time targeting drivers across the United States with a deceptive tactic aimed at toll road users. Whether you’re in North Carolina, Louisiana, Kansas, or any state with a toll program, you might receive a fraudulent text message falsely claiming that you owe money for using toll roads. This scam, referred to as smishing, tricks recipients into clicking on malicious links by pretending to be official communications from toll agencies. These messages often insist that payment is overdue and pressure you to act quickly to avoid additional fees.

  In these fraudulent texts, scammers impersonate toll agencies like NC Quick Pass or GeauxPass. They provide a link that appears legitimate but directs users to a fake website, where personal and financial information is harvested. One tactic involves using slightly altered versions of the official website’s domain name, something as small as omitting a letter or switching ‘.com’ to ‘.net’, to create the illusion of legitimacy. In one instance, a scam directed Louisiana drivers to a domain that had only a minor misspelling of GeauxPass, a change easy to overlook in a moment of urgency.

  The reach of this scam has expanded, initially affecting a few states, but now spreading nationwide. Whether you’ve used a toll road recently or not, receiving such a message is increasingly common. The scammers use randomly selected phone numbers, casting a wide net in the hope that someone will fall for the ploy. Even if you’ve never been on a toll road, you could still receive one of these fraudulent texts.

  One clear indicator of the scam is the text’s request for payment. Legitimate toll agencies do not ask for money via text message. This is a significant red flag, signaling that the message is a scam. Scammers often attempt to create a sense of urgency, threatening additional fees if the supposed balance isn’t settled immediately.

  If you receive one of these texts, it’s essential to delete it right away and avoid clicking on any links or responding to the message. The FBI is actively investigating this series of smishing scams, and anyone who receives one of these texts is encouraged to report it through the Internet Crime Complaint Center. While it can be unsettling to receive such a message, it’s always better to verify the legitimacy of any toll charges by contacting the official toll agency directly or checking your account on their verified website.

  Accidentally clicking on the link or providing personal information can lead to further complications, but quick action can help mitigate the damage. Secure your accounts immediately and report any suspicious activity to your bank or credit card provider. If unfamiliar charges appear, it’s crucial to dispute them as soon as possible.

  As the scam continues to spread, staying alert is the best defense. Many local law enforcement agencies and toll authorities are issuing warnings to the public. By recognizing the signs of the scam and reporting suspicious messages, individuals can help limit the success of these fraud attempts. Keeping a close eye on the details and avoiding any message that seems off will go a long way in protecting your personal and financial information.

  This scam isn’t just an isolated problem in a few states; it has grown into a nationwide issue. As scammers continue to evolve their methods, staying informed and sharing awareness is key to preventing more victims from falling into their trap.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 20, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: brushing scam ( 23 ), identity theft ( 107 ), malware ( 26 ), qr codes ( 8 ), Scams   

  The Evolving QR Code Scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Across the United States, a new scam is making waves, capitalizing on modern technology and targeting unsuspecting victims in their homes. This scam, which revolves around unsolicited packages and QR codes, has been reported in multiple regions, from Ohio to Mississippi, and is showing no signs of slowing down.

  The scam starts innocently enough as an unexpected package arrives at your door, often containing an item like jewelry, gadgets, or other small electronics. There’s no return address or clear indication of who sent it. Inside, a small QR code invites you to scan it for more information about the ‘gift’ or to register the item. But beneath this seemingly harmless gesture lies a potentially dangerous ploy.

  When scanned, the QR code can deliver malicious software directly to your smartphone or computer. The goal is often to steal sensitive data, such as banking information, personal details, or passwords, allowing scammers to access your financial accounts or even your identity. The damage can be swift and severe, with victims reporting emptied bank accounts and compromised personal data.

  This scam is a more dangerous variation of the traditional brushing scam. In the original version, companies would send unsolicited packages to generate fake positive reviews. However, this new version takes it a step further, using technology to infiltrate personal devices and steal valuable information. The unsolicited items may now come with the hidden threat of malware or identity theft, making this a serious issue nationwide.

  What makes this scam particularly concerning is how easy it is to fall for. QR codes have become increasingly common in everyday life, used for everything from restaurant menus to product registration. Scammers exploit this familiarity by enticing victims to scan the code, unaware of the potential risks.

  Reports of this scam have surfaced in various states, signaling that this is not a localized issue but a national problem. As the scam spreads, its potential to cause widespread harm grows, especially when the holiday season approaches and package deliveries increase. During this time, people are more likely to receive unexpected packages and might be less cautious when interacting with them, which plays right into the scammers’ hands.

  To protect yourself from this scam, there are a few important steps to keep in mind. First and foremost, if you receive a package you didn’t order, resist the temptation to scan any QR codes included with it. Even if the item seems harmless or intriguing, interacting with these codes could lead to severe consequences.

  Reporting these packages is also crucial in alerting authorities and preventing future victims. Whether through online retail platforms or local consumer protection agencies, flagging suspicious packages can help others stay informed and protected.

  As scams like these evolve, the need for public awareness becomes even more critical. With the rise of QR codes as a convenient tool for consumers, scammers are finding new ways to exploit technology and manipulate people into handing over their private information. Educating others, and spreading the word about potential dangers, can make a significant difference in combating this growing national threat.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 19, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: affiliate marketing, get rich quick, multi-level marketing ( 2 ), pyramid scheme ( 11 ), Scams   

  Is Affiliate Marketing Just a Scam in Disguise? 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Affiliate marketing has been hailed as a win-win strategy for both businesses and individuals looking to make passive income online. The basic idea sounds harmless enough. Marketers earn a commission by promoting a company’s product through unique affiliate links. But beneath this seemingly simple setup lies a darker reality, one that preys on vulnerable individuals while perpetuating misleading promises and questionable ethics.

  At first glance, affiliate marketing looks like a quick path to financial freedom. The pitch is always the same, minimal effort, zero startup costs, and the ability to earn while you sleep. Influencers and online gurus eagerly tout their six-figure incomes, luring thousands into signing up for affiliate programs. What they fail to mention is the steep learning curve, the saturated market, and the risk of losing money before seeing any meaningful return.

  Many affiliate marketers spend thousands on courses and software just to learn the ropes. These expenses are often brushed aside as “necessary investments,” but they leave countless individuals deeper in debt, all while the so-called experts who sold them the dream are laughing their way to the bank.

  Affiliate marketing shares more than a passing resemblance to pyramid schemes. Just like in multi-level marketing (MLM), top-tier affiliates benefit the most, often by recruiting other marketers rather than selling actual products. Affiliate marketers are frequently incentivized to push high-priced programs, courses, or software with commissions of up to 50%. But the real product being sold isn’t the company’s service or item, it’s the dream of becoming the next affiliate success story.

  The success of a few top earners depends on a revolving door of new affiliates at the bottom, many of whom will fail and drop out after investing time and money into paid ads or content creation. The business model thrives on volume, with only a select few benefiting while the rest are left scrambling for scraps.

  The predatory nature of affiliate marketing also extends to vulnerable populations. People desperate for financial stability, stay-at-home parents, college students, and retirees are frequently targeted. These groups are lured in with the promise of ‘easy money’ from affiliate marketing, but often end up exploited, left to deal with mounting expenses and little to no return.

  One of the most glaring issues with affiliate marketing is the lack of transparency. Many affiliate links are disguised using URL shorteners or embedded within the content, making it difficult for consumers to know they’re being sold to. This blurs the line between genuine recommendations and paid promotions, creating an environment ripe for consumer distrust.

  Moreover, businesses running affiliate programs bear little responsibility for the tactics used by their affiliates. This means marketers can employ unethical methods like false advertising, exaggerated claims, or even clickbait to push sales without repercussions. The blame often falls solely on the affiliate, allowing companies to maintain their image while profiting from dishonest marketing.

  While not every affiliate marketing program is outright fraudulent, the broader industry operates on a predatory model that often leaves participants worse off than when they started. Affiliate marketing preys on people’s hopes for financial freedom, promising rewards that only a small fraction will ever see. The truth is, most people who enter affiliate marketing will fail, not because they lack effort, but because the system is designed to benefit the few at the expense of the many.

  For those considering affiliate marketing, it’s crucial to approach the industry with caution. Understand that it’s far from a get-rich-quick scheme, and be wary of anyone claiming otherwise. Transparency, honesty, and ethical practices are rare in this space, and that’s what makes affiliate marketing, for many, little more than a scam in disguise.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 17, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: airport ( 5 ), cybersecurity ( 37 ), evil twin attack ( 2 ), identity theft ( 107 ), Scams, traveling ( 15 ), wifi ( 2 )   

  What Is the Evil Twin Attack Targeting Travelers? 

  

  By Greg Collier

  You might feel safe and relaxed while cruising at 35,000 feet, but there’s something you should be on the lookout for, even mid-flight. It’s a sneaky Wi-Fi scam known as the Evil Twin Attack. This old trick has resurfaced, now targeting airline passengers.

  Recently, news outlets in Australia reported an arrest involving this very scam. Authorities claim that a man stole passengers’ personal information using a fake Wi-Fi network while they were on a flight. How did this happen? Let’s break it down.

  Evil Twin Wi-Fi is a fake network that copies the name of a Wi-Fi you’ve used before and trust. Think of places like airports, hotels, or coffee shops where your phone or laptop automatically reconnects to the Wi-Fi without you even thinking about it. Scammers take advantage of this by creating a Wi-Fi network with the same name to trick your phone into connecting to their network instead.

  In the Australian case, the alleged scammer took it a step further. He boarded multiple flights with a portable Wi-Fi hotspot that mimicked the name of the airport’s Wi-Fi. When the plane took off and passengers switched to airplane mode, their phones unknowingly connected to the imposter Wi-Fi, thinking they were back on the airport’s trusted network.

  Once passengers connected, they were asked to log in using their social media or email passwords. If they did, they handed over sensitive information like usernames and passwords, which could easily be used for identity theft. Essentially, the scammer could pretend to be them online and access their accounts.

  This may sound alarming, but there are simple ways to avoid falling victim to an Evil Twin Wi-Fi attack. One effective method is to delete any public networks your phone automatically reconnects to, such as those from airports, cafes, or libraries. By going into your Wi-Fi settings and removing these unnecessary networks, you can prevent your phone from connecting to potentially fake ones in the future.

  Another smart precaution is to keep your Wi-Fi turned off when you’re not using it. Rather than leaving it on by default, only activate it when you are certain you’re connecting to a trusted network. This small habit can greatly reduce your risk.

  Adding security software, like a virtual private network (VPN), is another protective measure. A VPN will encrypt your data, helping to ensure that even if you accidentally connect to a rogue network, your personal information most likely remains secure.

  These adjustments are simple but can go a long way in keeping your data safe. As scams like this one become more common, especially in places like airports, staying alert and taking these precautions will help protect you, even at 35,000 feet!

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 16, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: donation scam, funeral home scam ( 5 ), impersonation scam ( 146 ), Scams   

  Scammers Target Families with Funeral Scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Recently, two separate incidents have highlighted a disturbing trend: scammers are targeting grieving families, preying on their vulnerability during times of profound loss. These scams, which involve either phone calls or fake social media accounts, have surfaced in different parts of the country, exploiting the emotional weight of funeral arrangements to steal money.

  In one case, a fake Facebook account was created in the name of a recently deceased Georgia police officer, falsely offering a livestream of the funeral service and soliciting donations. Investigators believe the scammer gathered information from the funeral home’s website to make the fraudulent account seem legitimate.

  Another scam involved phone calls to families in Alabama who had recently lost a loved one. Posing as representatives of a funeral home, the callers demanded payment for services. In one instance, the scammer almost managed to steal a large sum before the family became suspicious and contacted the funeral home. Fortunately, no money was lost in this case, but the situation underscores the importance of vigilance during emotionally difficult times.

  These incidents reveal how scammers manipulate personal information easily accessible online to exploit grieving families. Funeral homes have been quick to respond, ensuring that their clients know they will never request payment by phone or through social media. Unfortunately, tracking the culprits behind these scams is difficult, particularly when the calls or accounts originate from outside the country.

  Families dealing with loss are encouraged to be cautious and report any suspicious activity to authorities immediately. Funeral homes are also reminding families to verify any communication they receive related to payments and to rely on established, secure methods for handling financial transactions.

  These scams are not only financially damaging, but also emotionally devastating for families already coping with profound grief. It is essential to raise awareness about this troubling trend and to help protect those who may be at risk.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 13, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bank scam ( 70 ), bitcoin atm ( 25 ), elderly ( 12 ), impersonation scam ( 146 ), robbery ( 11 ), Scams   

  Elderly Victim Robbed During Scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A recent incident in Houston, Texas, highlights the growing threat of scams targeting the elderly, leaving victims vulnerable to devastating financial losses. In July, an 80-year-old woman fell prey to a sophisticated scheme that ended with her losing $76,000.

  The scam began with a phone call from an individual posing as a bank employee, warning the woman that her bank had been hacked. This person instructed the victim to transfer her funds to a cryptocurrency kiosk for safekeeping. To further the scam, the victim was convinced to download an app that allowed the scammer to take control of her phone remotely.

  Following these instructions, the victim went to a convenience store to deposit $19,000 into a cryptocurrency kiosk. Sadly, while at the location, she was robbed of the cash by two unidentified males who grabbed the envelope and ran off. It remains unclear whether they were directly connected to the scam or simply taking advantage of the situation.

  What makes this case particularly alarming is that, even after the robbery, the scammer contacted the victim again. Despite having just lost a significant amount of money, the victim was manipulated into returning to the same location to deposit another $19,000. Over the course of four days, the elderly woman withdrew a total of $76,000 under the scammer’s instructions.

  In addition to the direct theft, the scammer provided coaching on what to tell bank employees when questioned about the large withdrawals. The victim was advised to claim the money was needed for home repairs, with the implication that even the bank staff couldn’t be trusted.

  There were several key warning signs in this scam that others should be mindful of to avoid falling victim. The scam began with an unsolicited phone call from someone posing as a bank employee, which is a common tactic used to catch victims off guard. Legitimate financial institutions typically don’t initiate calls out of the blue regarding account issues, making this the first red flag. The scammer then created a sense of urgency, pressuring the victim to transfer her money into a cryptocurrency kiosk under the guise of protecting her funds. It’s important to remember that banks or financial institutions will never ask customers to make transfers like this to safeguard their accounts.

  Another critical sign of deception was the request for the victim to download a remote access app, which allowed the scammer full control of her phone. No credible business or bank would ever ask for such invasive access to a personal device. Additionally, the scammer coached the victim to lie to bank employees if questioned about the withdrawals, further isolating her and fostering distrust in those who could have helped. When someone advises lying to a financial institution, it’s a clear indication of foul play.

  The repeated demands for large cash withdrawals over a short period should have also raised concern. Such behavior is unusual and suspicious, particularly when accompanied by the insistence that even bank employees couldn’t be trusted. This sowing of mistrust is a classic scam tactic, used to manipulate victims into relying solely on the scammer’s instructions.

  Recognizing these signs, unexpected calls, urgent financial requests, remote access demands, secrecy, and isolation, can help prevent falling prey to similar schemes. Always take the time to verify claims through trusted channels before taking any action.