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  Geebo 9:00 am on December 2, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: pyramid scheme ( 12 ), Scams ( 1,373 ), Secret SIster ( 6 ), Secret Sister Gift Exchange ( 5 ), social media   

  Secret Sister Exchange: A Holiday Scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  As the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear, a familiar scam has resurfaced on social media, preying on the festive spirit of giving and community. Known as the Secret Sister Gift Exchange scam, it entices participants with the promise of abundant gifts in exchange for sending just one. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a timely warning. While these schemes may appear harmless or even joyful, they are, in fact, illegal pyramid schemes.

  At the heart of this scam is a tantalizing offer, send one gift, and in return, receive as many as 36 from others. Variations of the scheme include exchanging small, inexpensive items such as $10 gifts, bottles of wine, or other specialty items. The mechanics of the scam involve sending a gift to someone at the top of a circulated list, moving names around, and recruiting friends to join the exchange. Participants are lured by the idea of receiving a cascade of gifts from strangers, an outcome that never materializes.

  The reality is that this scheme is structured like any other pyramid scheme. It relies on an unsustainable cycle of recruiting new participants to keep the operation going. As soon as the chain is broken, which inevitably happens, most participants are left empty-handed. What started as a seemingly fun and generous activity often ends in disappointment and regret.

  Beyond its inherent flaws, engaging in these schemes carries legal consequences. According to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, these gift exchanges violate laws designed to protect against fraudulent pyramid schemes. The illusion of harmless holiday fun does not exempt these operations from legal scrutiny.

  The BBB advises steering clear of these exchanges if they appear on your social media feeds. The best course of action is to ignore invitations to participate and report such posts to the platform to prevent further spread. This scam thrives on social networks, relying on unsuspecting users to perpetuate its cycle.

  As the season of giving unfolds, it’s important to channel generosity into legitimate and meaningful outlets. Contributing to recognized charities, helping neighbors in need, or participating in organized community events ensures your holiday spirit makes a genuine impact. While the promise of abundant gifts may seem alluring, the true joy of the holidays lies in sharing kindness and goodwill without strings attached.

   

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  Geebo 8:00 am on October 16, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: AI ( 17 ), artificial intelligence, BBB ( 20 ), deep fakes ( 6 ), family emergency ( 3 ), Scams ( 1,373 ), social media   

  How AI is Fueling a New Wave of Online Scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), the internet has become a more treacherous landscape for unsuspecting users. Once, the adage “seeing is believing” held weight. Today, however, scammers can create highly realistic images and videos that deceive even the most cautious among us. The enhanced development of AI has made it easier for fraudsters to craft convincing scenarios that prey on emotions, tricking people into parting with their money or personal information.

  One common tactic involves generating images of distressed animals or children. These fabricated images often accompany stories of emergencies or tragedies, urging people to click links to donate or provide personal details. The emotional weight of these images makes them highly effective, triggering a quick, compassionate response. Unfortunately, the results are predictable, stolen personal information or exposure to harmful malware. Social media users must be on high alert, as the Better Business Bureau warns against clicking unfamiliar links, especially when encountering images meant to elicit an emotional reaction.

  Identifying AI-generated content has become a key skill in avoiding these scams. When encountering images, it’s essential to look for subtle signs that something isn’t right. AI-generated images often exhibit flaws that betray their synthetic nature. Zooming in on these images can reveal strange details such as blurring around certain elements, disproportionate body parts, or even extra fingers on hands. Other giveaways include glossy, airbrushed textures and unnatural lighting. These telltale signs, though subtle, can help distinguish AI-generated images from genuine ones.

  The same principles apply to videos. Deepfake technology allows scammers to create videos that feature manipulated versions of public figures or loved ones in fabricated scenarios. Unnatural body language, strange shadows, and choppy audio can all indicate that the video isn’t real.

  One particularly concerning trend involves scammers using AI to create fake emergency scenarios. A family member might receive a video call or a voice message that appears to be from a loved one in distress, asking for money or help. But even though the voice and face may seem familiar, the message is an illusion, generated by AI to exploit trust and fear. The sophistication of this technology makes these scams harder to detect, but the key is context. Urgency, emotional manipulation, and unexpected requests for money are red flags. It’s always important to verify the authenticity of the situation by contacting the person directly through trusted methods.

  Reverse image searches can be useful for confirming whether a photo has been used elsewhere on the web. By doing this, users can trace images back to their original sources and determine whether they’ve been manipulated. Similarly, checking whether a story has been reported by credible news outlets can help discern the truth. If an image or video seems too shocking or unbelievable and hasn’t been covered by mainstream media, it’s likely fake.

  As AI technology continues to evolve, scammers will only refine their methods. The challenge of spotting fakes will become more difficult, and even sophisticated consumers may find themselves second-guessing what they see. Being suspicious and fact-checking are more important than ever. By recognizing the tactics scammers use and understanding how to spot AI-generated content, internet users can better protect themselves in this new digital landscape.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on August 7, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bait and switch, Facebook ( 179 ), found child, missing child ( 4 ), missing person ( 8 ), Scams ( 1,373 ), social media   

  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.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on July 30, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: artist scam, check scam ( 79 ), fake check ( 48 ), Scams ( 1,373 ), social media   

  Fake check scam hides behind ‘artist’ facade 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The fake check scam has been prevalent for decades. Scammers continually attempt to trick victims into depositing counterfeit or stolen checks into their bank accounts. After the check is deposited, the scammers request a portion of the money back, using various excuses.

  Our initial encounter with fake check scams was through the overpayment scam. In this scenario, online sellers post an item for sale on a marketplace website or app, and scammers send a counterfeit check for more than the asking price. The scammer then claims it was a mistake and asks for the ‘overpayment’ to be returned.

  In our view, the fake check scam is most commonly used in job scams. Typically, a fraudulent employer sends a check to the victim, instructing them to deposit it into their bank account. The victim is then told to use the money to buy supplies needed for the job. However, the supply vendor is also fake, resulting in the victim unwittingly giving the money back to the scammer.

  Unfortunately, most banks do not consider it their responsibility to wait for the check to fully process before making the funds available to the account holder. This often leaves scam victims owing their bank the full amount of the fake check.

  Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a warning about a new tactic scammers are using to trick victims into depositing fake payments. This alert is warning consumers about an online scam involving an ‘artist’ who offers to pay you to paint your photo.

  The scam typically starts with a direct message on social media. You receive a compliment on one of your photos, and the sender expresses interest in painting it. They promise to send you a check in exchange for permission to use your image, which might seem flattering and harmless at first glance.

  Once you agree, the scammer sends you a check and instructs you to deposit it. You’re asked to set aside a portion of the funds to send back to the “artist” for supplies, with the assurance that you’ll keep the remainder. The scammer might even promise to reimburse you for any money you send back, making the offer seem even more enticing.

  Despite appearing legitimate, the check is fake. Initially, the funds may be deposited into your bank account, giving you a false sense of security. However, once you send money back to the scammer, you’ll soon discover that the check was counterfeit. This means you’ll be out of the money you sent, and the funds from the fake check will be withdrawn from your account.

  If someone you don’t know reaches out with an offer that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of any requests involving checks and money transfers. If something feels off about the communication, trust your instincts. Scammers often use charm and flattery to gain your trust.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on July 10, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Facebook ( 179 ), missing child ( 4 ), Scams ( 1,373 ), social media   

  Disturbing misuse of missing girl’s image in scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Last year, the abduction and subsequent discovery of a 9-year-old New York girl captivated the nation. Her safe return was a relief to many, but now, months later, her photo is being exploited in a series of deceptive Facebook posts. These posts have appeared in groups from the US to Australia, and are spreading misinformation about her still being a missing person.

  The first of these misleading posts surfaced on July 4th in a US-based swap and save group, quickly amassing 28,000 shares. Identical posts have since appeared in similar Facebook groups all around the world, garnering thousands of shares and spreading the false narrative globally.

  This misuse of the girl’s image is not just a harmless mistake but part of a more sinister trend. Scammers use these emotionally charged posts to manipulate public sympathy and gain widespread attention. These posts initially attract concern and shares, but scammers later alter them into deceptive ads or links.

  So, naturally, we all want to help when a child is reported missing, and we still can. However, before sharing a post, it’s important to ensure it comes from a credible source. For instance, if the post is from a local news station, a police department, or an established organization like The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), it is likely to be legitimate.

  To avoid falling victim to these scams, the BBB advises checking the source of the post, looking for any updates or corrections, and being wary of posts that ask for personal information or direct users to click on external links. If you encounter such a post, report it to the platform to help prevent further spread.

  The story of this child’s abduction and rescue is a reminder of the power of community and media in locating missing children. However, the current misuse of her image underscores the importance of digital literacy. By staying informed and cautious, we can protect ourselves and others from falling prey to these deceitful schemes.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 4, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: cybersecurity ( 37 ), Facebook ( 179 ), phishing ( 77 ), Scams ( 1,373 ), social media   

  Protect your Facebook account from latest phishing scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Social media scams are constantly evolving, and the latest phishing scheme is a new threat targeting Facebook users. It’s designed to trick you into revealing your login credentials by exploiting your fear of losing access to your account. The Better Business Bureau has issued a warning about this scam, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and avoiding it. Here’s how you can identify this scam and safeguard your account from hackers.

  You might receive an email that seems to be from Facebook, warning about a breach of Community Standards on your page. The message might look like this: “Recently, we discovered a breach of our Community Standards on your page. Your page has been disabled for violating our Terms. If you believe this decision is incorrect, you can request a review and file an appeal at the link below.” The email could also state that if you don’t act within 24 hours, your account will be permanently deleted. The email includes a link that appears to lead to Facebook’s website.

  When faced with such a message, it’s essential to remain calm and scrutinize it closely. You will likely find telltale signs of a scam, such as, typos and grammatical errors in the message, an email sender’s address that doesn’t match Facebook’s official addresses, or you might notice that the link doesn’t actually point to Facebook’s website.

  Another variant of this phishing scam targets business pages, threatening deactivation due to a Terms of Service or Community Standards violation. This message pretends to be from Meta Business Support and asks the administrator to confirm the account by clicking a link, or face permanent deletion. Clicking the link typically leads to a fake but official-looking page that prompts you to fill out a form with your login email, phone number, name, and other details. Once submitted, you are asked to confirm your password, providing scammers the information needed to hijack your account. We have to clear out messages like this from our inbox daily just because we’re a business with a Facebook page.

  There are steps you can take to protect yourself from this scam, such as reading suspicious emails and messages carefully, looking for signs of a scam before taking any action. Remember, fake alerts are common as scammers frequently target social media accounts.

  If you receive a message similar to the one’s mentioned, you should verify its claims by logging into your Facebook account directly to check if there is an actual problem. Do not rely on the information provided in the message to make any decisions.

  Also, even if an alert seems legitimate, use the Facebook app to log in or type the URL into the browser bar yourself. Avoid clicking on links sent via email or messages.

  Lastly, never enter your login information on a third-party website or any page other than the official Facebook website. Do not send your login details via email or Facebook Messenger. If you suspect you’ve entered your credentials on a fake form, change your password immediately.

  By staying informed and cautious, you can protect your Facebook account from phishing scams and other online threats. The Better Business Bureau’s warning serves as a reminder that your security starts with a proactive approach to recognizing and avoiding these scams.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on May 20, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bitcoin ( 32 ), bitcoin atm ( 25 ), cryptocurrency ( 51 ), investment scams ( 10 ), Scams ( 1,373 ), social media   

  Couple loses $70,000 to social media crypto scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In the era of digital currencies and online investments, the allure of quick profits can sometimes overshadow the need for caution. This is a lesson painfully learned by a Durham, North Carolina, couple who found themselves scammed out of more than $70,000 over six months. The couple’s ordeal began innocently enough, with the hopes of funding home improvements and purchasing a new car, but it quickly turned into a financial nightmare.

  The story starts when they discovered a supposed investment opportunity through social media posts. These posts, which appeared to be from a relative, showcased luxurious purchases supposedly made through Bitcoin mining transactions. Intrigued and optimistic, they decided to explore this investment further, envisioning it as a pathway to achieve some of their financial goals.

  After clicking on a link in one of these posts, they were contacted via Instagram by someone claiming to be an investment coach. This individual guided them through the initial steps of investing, starting with a $3,500 investment. To their delight, the supposed profits appeared to skyrocket in a short period, jumping from $3,500 to an astounding $54,000. This seemingly successful outcome encouraged further investments.

  Throughout several months, 0they diligently deposited thousands of dollars into a Bitcoin ATM, all the while receiving messages from the investment coach indicating their funds were growing significantly. At one point, their account purportedly held over $159,000. However, when they attempted to withdraw the funds, the situation took a dark turn.

  They were informed that a cash carrier would deliver the funds in person, but this delivery never occurred. Suspicion grew, and a visit to the bank revealed even more alarming news. Scammers had gained access to the couple’s bank account, initiating numerous unauthorized transactions to Cash App accounts created in their names.

  The couple had never set up these Cash App accounts and were unaware of the transactions until the bank informed them. They traced the breach back to the information they had provided while setting up their online investment profile, which included sensitive personal and banking details. This data allowed the scammer to open the fraudulent Cash App accounts and siphon away their money.

  Despite reporting the fraud to both their bank and the police, the couple was informed that the stolen $70,000 was unrecoverable.

  They later discovered that the relative whose posts had initially inspired the investment was also a victim. Their social media account had been hacked, and the posts were part of the scammers’ strategy to deceive friends and family.

  This unfortunate experience highlights a crucial lesson: social media is no place to seek or take financial advice. The platforms are rife with misinformation, deceptive schemes, and fraudulent accounts designed to exploit the unwary. Investment opportunities touted through social media should be approached with extreme caution and thoroughly vetted through reputable financial advisors and verified sources. Always remember that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Protecting your financial well-being means staying informed, skeptical, and vigilant against the ever-evolving tactics of scammers.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on March 1, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: impersonation scam ( 146 ), Scams ( 1,373 ), social media, Zoo ( 2 ), Zoo tickets   

  Even zoos aren’t immune to scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  If you live in a part of the country that’s experiencing warmer weather, you may be thinking about taking a family trip to the zoo. If that’s the case, you’ll want to be careful where you buy your tickets, as zoos and aquariums across the country are being used in a scam that’s circulating across social media.

  Ads have been appearing on Facebook and Instagram that claim to be offering a four pack of tickets to zoos for just $6.95. Each of these listings also claim that the ticket prices are so low because the zoo is celebrating a milestone anniversary.

  For instance, the scammers allege that the zoo in Honolulu is marking its 40th anniversary, while they claim the Pittsburgh Zoo is commemorating its 125th anniversary. Comparable fraudulent listings have been reported in various locations like Jacksonville, Florida, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Wichita, Kansas, among others. None of these zoos are actually marking any significant milestone anniversaries. The claims made by the scammers regarding anniversary celebrations are entirely fabricated.

  To further entice potential victims to click on their ads, the scammers assert that there’s a limited supply of tickets available. This creates a sense of urgency and prompts individuals to act quickly without thoroughly considering the legitimacy of the offer.

  One telltale sign that these listings are scams is that the ads are not posted by the zoos themselves. Despite using the logos of various zoos, the pages hosting the ads have generic names such as ‘Zoo Promo’, ‘Wildlife Jubilee’, and ‘Jungle Celebration’.

  Based on the information collected, it appears that the scammers are not only misleading victims with false offers, but also stealing their credit and debit card information. One victim reported unauthorized charges on their card, indicating that the scammers are exploiting these transactions to commit financial fraud.

  Most, if not all, zoos emphasize that the only legitimate methods for purchasing tickets are through their official website or directly at the front gate. Experts and authorities strongly recommend flagging any of these suspicious ads encountered on social media platforms to prevent further victims from falling prey to the scam.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on February 14, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Facebook ( 179 ), OMG It worked, Scams ( 1,373 ), social media   

  Beware the eternal Facebook scam: “OMG It Worked” 

  

  By Greg Collier

  It’s the déjà vu of Facebook scams – the one that promises to rid your timeline of ads and magically restore lost friends. You know the one, the one that always starts with “OMG, it really worked!” and urges you to copy and paste it onto your own timeline. But does it really work? Spoiler alert: Absolutely not.

  Despite surfacing over a decade ago, this viral hoax is still making its rounds, and surprisingly, it’s being shared more than ever. But why? Well, for starters, some users genuinely believe there’s no harm in giving it a shot. After all, what’s the harm in trying? However, the reality is that sharing the post won’t grant you any magical Facebook powers. There’s simply no way to remove ads or regain lost friends by copying and pasting a text.

  So, if it doesn’t work, why is it still being shared? Here’s the catch – scammers thrive on the naivety of Facebook users. By encouraging people to spread the hoax, scammers can easily identify gullible individuals. With everyone copying and pasting the same post, it becomes a goldmine for scammers to pinpoint potential targets.

  A quick Facebook search for “OMG It Worked” reveals a plethora of public posts from people falling for the hoax. And guess who else is scouring these posts? Scammers. By searching for specific keywords, they can identify users who are more susceptible to their schemes.

  The bottom line? These “copy and paste” posts are more than just annoying; they’re potential traps waiting to ensnare the unsuspecting. Don’t be fooled. The post is nothing more than a hoax designed to lure in the unwitting. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and most importantly, don’t fall for the scam.

  Remember, on the vast landscape of social media, not everything is as it seems. So next time you come across a too-good-to-be-true post, think twice before hitting that share button. Your friends – and your online safety – will thank you for it.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on January 9, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Cash App ( 42 ), real estate ( 128 ), rental scam ( 87 ), Scams ( 1,373 ), social media   

  Scammer demands deposit for unauthorized home tour 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A family from Tennessee was looking to move to another part of the state, searching for better job opportunities. They made their intentions known on social media, where they were approached by someone claiming to be a realtor. The realtor told the family he has a home in the area they’re looking to move to. The family was then asked for a $750 deposit. The $750 wasn’t meant as some form of security deposit or holding cost. The realtor said the family needed to pay the $750 just to tour the home.

  Unfortunately, the family paid the realtor the $750 through Cash App. When the family went to meet the realtor at the property, the realtor never showed up. When the family contacted the realtor again, he said he would be there the next day. The next day came, but still, the realtor failed to show up. This time, the realtor claimed that he had been stopped by police and even provided the family a picture of the police officer. It later turned out the police officer in the photo was from another state.

  The family started becoming suspicious about the deal when the realtor sent the family a picture of himself with a realtor’s license. Then the realtor tried to get even more money out of the family by offering them a refund of the $750, but the family would have to pay another $100 claiming that was Cash App’s business fee for the refund. When the family contacted Cash App, they were told there was no such fee.

  If you’re getting ready to make a big life change like moving into a new home, you may want to keep that decision off social media. Sadly, there are too many scammers who are tuned into certain keywords that help them find victims. If you’re approached by a stranger on social media who claims they can help you, be very suspicious and do not give them any money, especially through payment apps like Cash App, Venmo and Zelle.

  To safeguard against rental scams, conduct thorough research on the property. Rather than relying solely on the landlord’s proof of ownership, reach out to the county’s tax assessor’s office to verify the actual property owner. Additionally, perform a Google search using the property’s address to identify any discrepancies in multiple listings, especially differing rental rates. A lower-priced listing among them is likely a fraudulent scheme.