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  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 13, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , Scams,   

    Gold bar scams are still on the rise 

    By Greg Collier

    The golden years, a time meant for relaxation and enjoyment, are being overshadowed by a growing and sinister threat in the Washington D.C. area, gold bar scams.

    These scams often start with something as innocuous as a pop-up ad online or a fraudulent phone call. Posing as law enforcement officers, scammers convince their victims to convert their life savings into gold bars, supposedly for ‘safekeeping’. Once the gold is handed over, it disappears, leaving victims with shattered finances and a sense of betrayal.

    The scale of the scam in the D.C. area alone is alarming, with victims ranging in age from 61 to 94. Some have lost their entire life savings, with individual losses reaching into the millions. The criminals behind these scams are sophisticated, preying on the trust and sensibilities of their targets, making them believe they are dealing with legitimate federal agents.

    This problem isn’t confined to one area. Across the nation, similar scams have been reported, with a significant number of complaints related to couriers collecting gold bars from unsuspecting victims. The money, once handed over, is often laundered and sent overseas, making recovery nearly impossible and leaving victims and their families to deal with the consequences.

    The emotional and financial toll on the victims and their families is profound. The sense of security and trust that should define the golden years is being eroded by these heartless schemes. Many victims are left feeling isolated and vulnerable, questioning their judgment and struggling with the loss of their financial stability.

    To protect against these scams, it’s crucial to be cautious. Recognizing that legitimate federal agents will never ask for money in the form of gold bars is key. It’s also important to be wary of unfamiliar phone calls or online ads that could be the first step in a scam. Sharing this information with elderly loved ones and encouraging open communication about any suspicious contacts can help prevent these devastating losses.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 12, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , Scams   

    The many faces of the emergency scam 

    The many faces of the emergency scam

    By Greg Collier

    Emergency scams, often referred to as ‘grandparent scams,’ are notorious for exploiting the deep concern and affection people have for their loved ones. These scams rely on the urgency of a fabricated crisis, preying on the fear that someone close to you is in immediate danger. Traditionally, these scams have targeted older adults, but a new and unsettling twist has emerged: scammers are now going after the parents and families of college students.

    The mechanics of the scam remain deceptively simple. It begins with a call, email, or social media message from someone pretending to be a close relative or friend in distress. The scammer creates a convincing narrative, claiming to be in a dire situation, such as being arrested, involved in an accident, or facing a sudden medical emergency. To make their story more believable, they often include specific details like family names, school affiliations, or even recent travel plans.

    The classic grandparent scam follows a similar pattern, where a scammer impersonates a grandchild in trouble and begs the grandparent to quickly wire money. By the time the grandparent realizes they’ve been duped, the money is long gone. In some variations, the roles are reversed, with the scammer pretending to be a grandparent seeking help from a grandchild, adding another layer of complexity to the con.

    This newer version of the scam has specifically zeroed in on the parents of college students. In these cases, a scammer contacts the parent, posing as an authority figure or even the student themselves, claiming that their child has been arrested and needs immediate bail money. The scammer might send a fake mugshot or suggest that the child is in imminent danger of being placed in jail alongside dangerous criminals. Overcome with fear and panic, many parents rush to send money through payment apps like Venmo or PayPal, only to discover later that they have been deceived.

    What makes these scams even more insidious is the use of voice cloning technology. Scammers have begun to mimic the voices of loved ones by using audio samples found on social media or other online platforms. This technology allows them to create a convincing imitation of the person they’re impersonating, making the scam even more terrifying. While some voice clones are rudimentary, others are so sophisticated that they can easily fool even the most cautious individuals.

    To protect yourself and your family from falling victim to these scams, it’s crucial to take a moment to verify the situation, no matter how urgent it seems. If you receive a distressing call or message, resist the impulse to act immediately. Instead, contact your loved one directly using a known phone number, rather than relying on the number provided by the scammer. It’s important to be aware of what information and images your family members share online, as scammers often use these details to build a convincing story. Advising your loved ones to use privacy settings on social media can also help reduce the risk.

    If you’re ever asked to send money through a payment app or wire transfer, make sure to double-check the situation before taking any action. In the unfortunate event that you realize you’ve been scammed, it’s essential to report it to the police right away. Additionally, if a scammer claims someone will come to your home to collect money, do not answer the door; instead, contact the authorities immediately.

    Emergency scams are designed to manipulate our deepest fears and love for our family members. By staying vigilant, verifying suspicious contacts, and educating others about these scams, we can better protect ourselves and our loved ones from these cruel and deceptive tactics.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 9, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , Scams   

    Protecting your new home from BEC scams 

    Protecting your new home from BEC scams

    By Greg Collier

    Finding your dream home can be exhilarating, yet fraught with unexpected challenges. For one Colorado couple, the process took a devastating turn just days before closing on their new home, highlighting a growing threat to homebuyers, the Business Email Compromise (BEC) scam.

    The couple, eager to settle into a family-friendly home, found themselves victims of a sophisticated email scam. Both working in the healthcare field, they were unfamiliar with the nuances of real estate transactions. As they prepared to close the deal, they received emails that seemed to be from their lender and title company. These emails, however, were from a hacker who had infiltrated the email chain, subtly altering the sender’s address to deceive them.

    Despite their efforts to verify the wire transfer through their financial advisor, who diligently contacted their financial institution, the funds vanished. They lost over $30,000, a sum representing years of savings. Though they managed to complete the purchase, their financial plans were put on hold.

    To safeguard against BEC scams, experts recommend maintaining open lines of communication with your realtor or title company through phone calls or in-person meetings. Verifying wire instructions by phone before transferring funds is crucial.

    Title companies often emphasize the importance of wire fraud prevention, promoting awareness of best practices, and encouraging real estate agents to educate buyers early and often.

    Following their loss, the couple filed insurance claims with both their financial institution and the title company. However, both companies denied responsibility.

    This incident should serve as a cautionary tale for anyone involved in real estate transactions. By adopting preventive measures, homebuyers can protect themselves from falling victim to similar scams. Always verify email addresses, confirm wire instructions via phone, and be wary of any unexpected changes in communication.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 8, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , Scams   

    Homeowner battles eviction after decades-old scam 

    Homeowner battles eviction after decades-old scam

    By Greg Collier

    For over fifty years, a 90-year-old man has called a Brooklyn, New York, brownstone his home. It’s a place rich with memories, where he raised his three children and imagined spending his final days. But instead of enjoying a peaceful retirement, he finds himself in a bitter legal struggle to remain in his beloved home. The root of his troubles is a scam that has left him facing imminent eviction and his name missing from the deed of the house he’s cherished for decades.

    The house, which he purchased in 1969 for just $20,000, now stands as a prized asset in a neighborhood transformed by gentrification. Its current value is close to $3 million, a testament to the dramatic changes in Brooklyn since he first moved in.

    Fraud of this nature is alarmingly common in rapidly changing neighborhoods, especially in certain areas of Brooklyn and Queens, where many people have been victims of deed theft or real estate fraud.

    The scam that ensnared this victim is a complex web of deceit, with its intricacy adding to the deception’s success. In 2006, needing funds for renovations, he was duped into signing over his home’s deed to a con artist with a criminal history. A deed was returned to him, appearing legitimate with a notarized signature from a crooked attorney, yet it was never officially recorded.

    Unbeknownst to the victim, the con man leveraged his home to secure a $700,000 line of credit, eventually leading to foreclosure and a $2 million sale by the bank. He remained in the dark about these proceedings for nearly a decade, only discovering the betrayal when the foreclosure was complete.

    To protect yourself from such scams, it’s crucial to be cautious when dealing with property-related transactions. Always verify the credentials of anyone asking you to sign over property documents, and consult a trusted legal professional before making any agreements. Regularly check public property records to ensure your property’s deed is correctly recorded in your name, and be wary of offers that seem too good to be true. By staying vigilant and informed, you can safeguard your home and financial future against fraud.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 7, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bait and switch, , found child, , , Scams,   

    Fake posts about the missing and found children 

    Fake posts about the missing and found children

    By Greg Collier

    In the digital age, social media platforms like Facebook have become prime targets for scammers looking to exploit users’ emotions and trust. Recently, two types of fraudulent posts have been making the rounds: one featuring a missing elderly woman holding a Yoda toy and the other showing ‘found child’ images. Both scams aim to manipulate users into sharing the posts, ultimately serving malicious purposes.

    The missing elderly woman scam involves posts about a woman with dementia, often seen holding a Yoda toy, circulating across Facebook, primarily in local buy-and-sell groups. These posts claim that the woman appeared at the poster’s house, supposedly taking the toy from their child. Each post urges users to flood their feeds to help find her family. However, these posts are nothing more than a bait-and-switch scam. The locations mentioned in these posts, such as Surprise, Arizona, and Cagliari, Italy, are inconsistent, which is a hallmark of such scams. A reverse image search reveals that the photo has been circulating since at least 2020, with different captions, none indicating the woman is missing. Scammers initially lure users with an emotional appeal, then change the post to contain links to malicious sites or deceptive rental ads.

    Similarly, the found child scam involves false posts appearing on Facebook, as warned by the Fort Smith Police Department (FSPD) in Arkansas. These posts use fake images of distressed or injured children, asking the public for help in sharing the post. Despite attempts to report them, many of these posts remain active due to Facebook’s reporting system limitations. Scammers aim to gather likes and shares, boosting their profiles through Facebook’s algorithms. By turning off comments, they prevent users from exposing the truth about the posts. Such posts cause unnecessary alarm and distress, prompting police to urge the public not to share them.

    To protect yourself, verify the credibility of the source before sharing any post about missing persons or found children. Check the poster’s profile for any red flags, such as recently created accounts or inconsistent location details. Conduct a reverse image search to see if the image has appeared elsewhere on the internet with different contexts or stories. Be cautious of posts containing links, especially those generated with URL shorteners, as they may lead to malicious sites. Report suspicious posts; even though reporting may not always be effective, the more reports a post receives, the higher the chance it will be reviewed and removed.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 6, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , military housing, , , Scams, US Army   

    Housing scams target incoming soldiers 

    By Greg Collier

    As soldiers prepare for a new chapter in their military careers, the excitement of moving is unfortunately being overshadowed by a wave of housing scams. Fort Carson, in Colorado, recently took to social media to alert the community about a troubling trend targeting incoming soldiers. The post warned of fraudulent online listings advertising available homes, leading to multiple reports of soldiers being scammed out of their money.

    The scam typically involves deceitful advertisements for rental properties. Soldiers, eager to secure housing, are asked to send deposit fees upfront to secure the home. However, upon arrival, they find the property is already occupied by its rightful owner, who never listed the home for rent. This distressing situation causes financial loss and creates significant stress and disruption for soldiers and their families.

    The Army emphasizes the importance of caution when searching for housing. They urge soldiers to utilize their official housing website, which offers reliable information about realtors and available housing options, both on-post and off-post. For soldiers planning a move to a new base, it’s essential to verify the legitimacy of any housing listings before making any financial commitments.

    Verify the information provided by landlords by cross-referencing with reputable real estate platforms and property management companies.

    Be wary if landlords refuse to meet in person or ask for unusual payment methods. Just because your current landlord accepts payments through an app doesn’t mean every user of that app is trustworthy. Payment apps like Cash App are meant for transactions between people you already know personally.

    If something feels off, trust your instincts and investigate further before making any agreements or payments. By reporting scams to the appropriate authorities, you protect yourself and help prevent future fraudulent activities.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 5, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Scams, ,   

    Shipping container craze brings scams 

    By Greg Collier

    In recent years, shipping containers have become a popular choice in the tiny house movement due to their affordability, durability, and eco-friendly nature. These pre-fabricated steel structures offer a sturdy and weather-resistant shell, ideal for transforming into compact living spaces. Many people are drawn to shipping containers because they repurpose existing materials, reducing the need for new construction resources and contributing to sustainable living practices. Their uniform size and shape allow for creative architectural designs and flexible housing solutions in both urban and rural settings.

    Using shipping containers for tiny homes also presents several drawbacks. One significant concern is insulation; the steel walls of a container can make it challenging to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without proper insulation, which can add to construction costs. Modifying a shipping container to include necessary amenities, such as plumbing and electricity, can be complex and may require professional assistance. Furthermore, not all areas have zoning regulations that accommodate container homes, potentially complicating the permitting process. However, if someone is still interested in converting a shipping container into a home, there is another potential pitfall to watch out for, scammers.

    As the demand for shipping containers increases, so do scams involving their sale and lease. The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) in Colorado recently issued a warning about a scam where individuals falsely pose as businesses that lease or sell shipping containers. These scammers create fake listings and websites, often using photos of containers that don’t exist. They ask for payment upfront, promising delivery that never happens, leaving victims thousands of dollars out of pocket.

    The PCSO advises the community to be cautious and conduct thorough research before engaging with any company offering shipping containers. This includes searching for information on rating sites like the Better Business Bureau and studying the company’s website carefully. If a physical address is provided, it’s wise to verify it using Google Maps to ensure it is not an empty lot or residential address. Checking customer reviews on third-party sites can also help identify potential scams or dishonest business practices.

    Additionally, it’s crucial to be skeptical of extremely low prices and non-traditional payment methods. Scammers often employ aggressive sales tactics, creating urgency to prevent potential buyers from thinking through their decisions. If the seller refuses to allow you to see the product in person or insists on upfront payment, it’s likely a scam. By taking these precautions, you can protect yourself from falling victim to shipping container scams while exploring their innovative potential in the tiny house movement.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 2, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Scams, ,   

    Bank worker foils kidnapping scam for a mother 

    Bank worker foils kidnapping scam for a mother

    By Greg Collier

    Last week, a mother from Pasco, Washington, received a call that turned her world upside down. An unknown number informed her that her daughter had been kidnapped. It was only later that she realized this call, which appeared to come from a local number, was part of a sophisticated virtual scam. The scammers even allowed her to briefly ‘speak’ with her daughter. Although it is unclear how the kidnappers mimicked her daughter’s voice, it’s more than likely they used AI voice spoofing technology.

    Adding to the mother’s terror, the scammers threatened that if she attempted to call her daughter, they would harm her. Convinced that her daughter was in danger, the mother sent the kidnappers all the money she had, $600. But the demands didn’t stop there.

    The scammers coerced her into sending an additional $5,000 and directed her to a credit union to take out a loan. Thankfully, a vigilant employee at the credit union sensed something was amiss when they noticed someone on the phone claiming to have the woman’s daughter. The employee promptly alerted the police.

    As the mother remained on the line with the supposed kidnappers, the officer collaborated with the bank employees to obtain her address. Police arrived at her home to find her daughter safe and sound. The officer drove the daughter to the bank, where she and her mother were finally reunited.

    It’s important to recognize the signs of a virtual kidnapping scam. The calls do not originate from the alleged victim’s phone. Scammers strive to keep the target on the phone for extended periods and cannot answer simple questions about the person they claim to have kidnapped, such as their appearance.

    Anytime a stranger insists on keeping you on the phone, it’s a major red flag and likely an indication of a scam. Scammers rely on creating a sense of urgency and fear, preventing you from thinking clearly or seeking outside help. If you find yourself in such a situation, hang up immediately, verify the information independently, and reach out to local authorities.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 1, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , Scams   

    Couple recovers life savings after bank scam 

    Couple recovers life savings after bank scam

    By Greg Collier

    A retired couple from Buford, Georgia, has finally regained their life savings after falling victim to a sophisticated cyber scam. Their journey to justice was fraught with frustration and dead ends, but their perseverance has paid off.

    The scam began when the couple received text messages purportedly from their bank’s fraud department, warning that a debit card had been compromised. Concerned, they called the number provided, believing they were contacting Chase Bank. Instead, they unwittingly connected with scammers who, within 20 minutes, drained their bank account of nearly $50,000.

    Despite immediately reporting the fraudulent transaction, the couple was initially met with skepticism and dismissal. The bank claimed that they had either authorized the transactions or benefited from them.

    For months, the couple faced bureaucratic roadblocks. The police hadn’t assigned a detective to their case, and a federal watchdog group offered no assistance. The bank, meanwhile, considered the case closed.

    Frustration finally caught the attention of an assistant district attorney. With help, the case was brought to detectives who accessed the crucial phone records. These records revealed that scammers had called the bank, impersonating the couple and authorizing the large money transfers.

    The new evidence prompted the bank to conduct a third-party review, leading to the reversal of their previous decision. The stolen funds were restored to the couple’s account.

    If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, obtaining your phone records and presenting them to both the police and your bank can be crucial steps toward recovery.

    However, this case also raises important questions. Why do banks often accuse victims of benefiting from scams? Why does it frequently take media involvement before banks offer refunds to the victims? The journey to justice for scam victims should be more straightforward, highlighting the need for banks to prioritize customer protection and trust.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 31, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , Scams   

    New brushing scam adds QR code component 

    New brushing scam adds QR code component

    By Greg Collier

    The brushing scam is a type of fraud where sellers on e-commerce platforms, like Amazon, send unsolicited packages to individuals to create fake positive reviews. People receive packages containing random, inexpensive items they did not order. Scammers use the recipient’s name and address to create fake accounts, making it seem as though the recipient purchased the item. They then write positive reviews under these fake accounts, boosting the product’s ratings and visibility.

    This increase in visibility makes the product appear more popular and credible, which in turn increases its sales. Although the recipients of these packages are not directly financially affected, their personal information is being misused, which can be concerning.

    A police department in Georgia has reported that some scammers have added a more malicious twist to the brushing scam. According to the Thomasville Police Department, recipients not only receive random, inexpensive items, but also a QR code instructing them to register their new product. Scanning this QR code can download a malware virus onto your phone, giving scammers access to sensitive data stored on your device.

    If you receive an unexpected package, think twice before interacting with any included instructions or QR codes. Instead, change your account passwords immediately, as your information may have been compromised. Closely monitor your accounts and credit reports for any suspicious activity. Notify the authorities to report the scam. Lastly, try to inform the retailer about the fraudulent activity.

     

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