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  • Geebo 9:00 am on November 7, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , tech support scam, US Treasury Department   

    A Vietnam Veteran’s Battle Against Cyber Fraud 

    A Vietnam Veteran’s Battle Against Cyber Fraud

    By Greg Collier

    In a quiet Massachusetts town, a Vietnam Veteran found himself facing an unexpected and devastating challenge. What began as an ordinary day of browsing the internet spiraled into a financial catastrophe. A seemingly routine virus notification appeared on his computer screen, warning of urgent threats to his device. Trusting its legitimacy, he called the hotline provided, unknowingly stepping into a carefully crafted trap.

    On the other end of the line was someone posing as a representative from Microsoft. What followed was an elaborate scheme, involving a transfer to a supposed US Treasury Department agent who warned him of a fabricated money laundering investigation tied to his name. The veteran was coerced into withdrawing large sums of cash, believing it was necessary to protect himself and assist in the investigation.

    Over several months, the scammers managed to extract his life savings, amounting to $500,000. They went as far as visiting his home to collect the money directly, exploiting his trust and isolation.

    This tragic series of events left him not only without his savings but also burdened with debt, as the perpetrators convinced him to take out a substantial home equity loan. Throughout the ordeal, he was sworn to secrecy, further isolating him from those who could have offered guidance or intervention.

    Despite the financial devastation, the local community has stepped in to support him. Neighbors and friends, moved by his plight, organized a fundraising effort to help him regain some of what was lost. Although the funds raised cannot fully replace his savings, they serve as a powerful reminder of the compassion and solidarity that can emerge in times of crisis.

    The investigation has led to the indictment of one individual connected to the scheme, but the majority of the stolen funds remain unrecovered. While authorities continue their pursuit of justice, the veteran’s focus now shifts to rebuilding his financial stability and finding solace in the support of those around him.

    This incident highlights the pervasive threat of cyber fraud and the sophisticated tactics used by scammers. Unsolicited pop-ups or urgent messages should always be treated with caution. Verifying claims through official channels and seeking advice from trusted individuals can act as critical safeguards.

    The veteran’s experience serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities that exist in an increasingly connected world. Yet, it also showcases the resilience of the human spirit and the strength found in community support during even the darkest of times.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 11, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , tech support scam   

    Impostor Scams at Your Door 

    Impostor Scams at Your Door

    By Greg Collier

    Impostor scams have taken a bold and alarming turn, with criminals now appearing at victims’ homes to collect cash or gold payments. This troubling trend, observed recently in Portland, Oregon, is part of a larger international fraud scheme that primarily targets seniors. The scammers use increasingly audacious and manipulative tactics, leaving their victims financially devastated and emotionally shaken.

    The scam typically starts with a computer pop-up or a phone call, usually from someone claiming to be tech support. Once the victim is drawn in, the scammers pretend to transfer the call to a federal agency, such as the FBI. They use official-sounding jargon, fabricated documents, and scare tactics, making victims believe their assets are at risk of being frozen or that they are implicated in a serious crime. The goal is to instill a sense of urgency, prompting the victim to liquidate their assets as a so-called protective measure.

    A common element in these schemes is the false assurance that ‘moving’ money or converting savings into cash or gold is necessary to keep accounts safe. Scammers often spin an elaborate narrative, claiming that transferring funds or purchasing gold is essential for safeguarding against identity theft or other threats. However, there is no legitimate circumstance where converting assets or handing over cash will actually protect a bank account. This is simply a ploy used by criminals to trick victims into parting with their money.

    In Oregon, recent cases have highlighted the extent of the problem. Over the past six months, several incidents have resulted in losses exceeding $3.3 million. Seniors are especially vulnerable due to their trusting nature and the effectiveness of fear-based manipulation. The tactics used can be relentless, ranging from phone threats to fabricated documents that appear legitimate, all aimed at persuading victims to give up their savings.

    The evolution of these scams to include in-person payment collection marks a disturbing escalation. Victims may be instructed to meet a ‘courier’ at their home and hand over cash or gold. In some cases, the exchange is as simple as the scammer pulling up in a car, rolling down the window, and quickly driving off with the package. The rushed nature of these encounters leaves little time for victims to question the legitimacy of the situation or seek advice.

    To avoid falling prey to such schemes, it is crucial to recognize the signs of potential fraud. Understanding that no legitimate agency or financial institution will ever require cash withdrawals or gold purchases is key. Financial institutions have secure procedures for handling account issues and do not involve doorstep collections. Moreover, allowing someone remote access to your computer opens the door to further exploitation, as scammers can manipulate accounts and gather sensitive information.

    If someone does come to your home under suspicious circumstances, it’s vital not to engage. Instead, contact the authorities to verify their identity and report the incident. Sharing this knowledge can help protect others from becoming victims of these scams. The more people understand the tactics used and the potential risks, the harder it will be for scammers to succeed.

    The emergence of impostor scams involving doorstep collections signals a shift in criminal tactics, underlining the importance of remaining skeptical of unsolicited calls or online pop-ups. There is no such thing as ‘protecting’ assets by moving them around or paying oneself back. Once cash or valuables are handed over to a scammer, the money is essentially gone, with little chance of recovery.

    Raising awareness and taking precautions are vital steps toward preventing future losses. Recognizing the signs of fraud, understanding the tactics used, and promptly reporting suspicious activity can make a significant difference in protecting oneself and loved ones from financial harm.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 3, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , tech support scam   

    Phantom Hacker Scam is a Threat to Your Finances 

    Phantom Hacker Scam is a Threat to Your Finances

    By Greg Collier

    In the ever-evolving world of online crime, a new scam has emerged, targeting unsuspecting individuals under the guise of helping them. The FBI has recently highlighted the Phantom Hacker scam, a sophisticated three-pronged attack designed to trick people into handing over their money voluntarily.

    It all begins with a simple email or pop-up ad. The message alerts you to an issue with your computer and provides a phone number for tech support. When you call, a scammer on the other end will ask you to download a remote access program so they can ‘assist’ with the issue.

    Once you’ve allowed remote access, the scammer doesn’t address any problems. Instead, they create new ones. They claim your bank account has been compromised and instruct you to take steps to safeguard your money. This is where the scam shifts into its second phase. You receive a second phone call from someone posing as your bank’s security department, urging you to move your funds into a ‘crypto wallet’ for safekeeping.

    In the final phase, a third call comes from someone claiming to represent the government. This imposter will tell you that your crypto wallet is also compromised, but they can help by transferring your funds into a ‘safe wallet’. In reality, this so-called safe wallet belongs to the scammer, and your money is now gone.

    The name Phantom Hacker fits because victims believe they’ve been hacked, when in fact, they’ve been manipulated into transferring their money to the scammers. The scam doesn’t rely on advanced hacking techniques, just deception and social engineering.

    Unfortunately, this scam disproportionately targets older individuals, particularly those over 60. If you encounter unexpected pop-ups or emails, avoid engaging with them. Instead, contact your bank or tech support directly using verified phone numbers. Awareness is your best defense against falling victim to these tactics.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on June 20, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , duplicate purchase, , , tech support scam   

    Victim falls to duplicate purchase scam 

    Victim falls to duplicate purchase scam

    By Greg Collier

    In a world increasingly dependent on digital communication, tech support scams have become alarmingly sophisticated. This was the unfortunate reality for an Orlando resident, who recently fell victim to such a scam, losing $2500 in the process. Despite the scammers not getting away with any money, the ordeal continues as he struggles to get a refund from the merchant.

    The victim was simply trying to share photos between his phone and computer when he encountered a pop-up warning about a problem with his Microsoft account. The pop-up directed him to an online chat for assistance, where things quickly took a sinister turn.

    He initially believed the support was legitimate. The online chat session led him to a supposed Microsoft specialist who called him and convinced him to allow remote access to his computer. What seemed like a routine tech support call soon escalated into a high-stress scam scenario.

    The scammer, posing as a tech support specialist, claimed that the victim’s computer and phone had been compromised, and there was likely an issue with his bank account. He was then connected with another scammer pretending to be a bank manager, who falsely claimed that $7000 had been stolen from his account through the purchase of gift cards.

    The fake bank manager suggested a dubious solution: to make a duplicate purchase of the gift cards, which would allegedly trigger an account alert and allow him to cancel both transactions. Despite feeling uncomfortable, the victim was desperate to secure his funds. He purchased ten $250 gift cards from a local store, totaling $2500.

    When the scammers asked the victim to read the numbers on the back of the gift cards, he finally realized something was amiss. Fortunately, he hadn’t scratched off the PINs or given the scammers any card numbers.

    However, the situation worsened when he sought a refund from the merchant. The company froze the cards, which he initially thought was part of the refund process. Despite this, he has been unable to get his money back or even use the cards, which remain frozen.

    If you ever receive unexpected contact from someone claiming to be from tech support or a financial institution, the best course of action is to end the call and directly contact the company using verified contact information. It’s also important to note that financial banks will never request a withdrawal of funds in such situations.

    It’s crucial to remember that legitimate banks will never ask you to make duplicate purchases or buy gift cards to resolve issues with your account. Such requests are clear red flags of a scam. Always verify any unusual instructions directly with your bank through official contact methods to protect yourself from fraud.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on May 29, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , tech support scam   

    Victim loses $1 million to pop-up scam 

    Victim loses $1 million to pop-up scam

    By Greg Collier

    An intricate scam is currently affecting residents in Kansas City, Missouri, leading to significant financial losses. The local police department has issued a public warning after at least one individual lost over $1 million due to this fraudulent scheme.

    The scam initiates with a deceptive pop-up message appearing on a computer screen. This message falsely claims that the device is malfunctioning and provides a phone number for supposed tech support. When the number is dialed, the person on the other end asserts that the victim’s computer and financial information have been compromised.

    To make the situation appear legitimate, another scammer impersonates a government official. This imposter instructs the victim to liquidate their assets into gold bars or transfer funds to a Bitcoin ATM. Adding another layer of deception, the scammers offer to send a courier to collect the gold, claiming it is for asset safeguarding.

    The reported victims of this scam are all between the ages of 65 and 80, making seniors particularly vulnerable to such schemes.

    Local detectives are not working in isolation. They are collaborating with various law enforcement agencies across the country to identify and apprehend those responsible for this scam.

    If you encounter this fraudulent activity but have not experienced financial loss, it is crucial to report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at https://ic3.gov. Those who have fallen victim to this scam and lost funds should immediately contact their local police department for assistance.

    Be cautious of unexpected pop-up messages claiming that your computer is facing issues. Avoid calling phone numbers or following instructions provided in such pop-ups. Always verify the information through official or known channels. Never transfer money or assets based on instructions from unsolicited messages or calls. Before taking any action suggested by unexpected alerts, consult a trusted friend or family member who is more technically knowledgeable.

    By understanding the details of this scam and taking appropriate preventive measures, residents can protect themselves from falling prey to such deceptive tactics. Reporting any suspicious activity helps law enforcement agencies track and shut down these fraudulent operations, safeguarding the community from further harm.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on May 22, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , tech support scam   

    A Microsoft employee is not coming to your home to collect money 

    A Microsoft employee is not coming to your home

    By Greg Collier

    For years, scams thrived in the digital shadows, but the landscape is shifting. Traditionally safe havens like our homes are no longer immune, with a troubling rise in scammers taking a physical approach. Preying on the vulnerable and unsuspecting, these fraudsters are turning up on doorsteps, demanding cash or valuables under false pretenses. This aggressive tactic adds a frightening new layer to the ever-evolving world of scams. These personal invasions intensify the financial impact and significantly heightens the emotional distress experienced by the victims.

    For example, a new and particularly insidious fraud scam has emerged in Asheville, North Carolina, catching the attention of both local law enforcement and cybersecurity experts. According to the Asheville Police Department (APD), suspects are now posing as Microsoft employees after hacking into victims’ personal computers. This scam stands out due to its in-person element, which is becoming less of a rarity in the realm of fraud.

    The scheme typically begins with a pop-up message on the victim’s computer, falsely claiming that the system has been locked or frozen. The message prompts the victim to call a number purportedly linked to Microsoft. Once contact is made, the scammers, posing as Microsoft representatives, instruct the victims to withdraw cash from their bank accounts. In a bold escalation, an individual claiming to be a Microsoft employee then arrives at the victim’s residence to collect the money, setting this scam apart from more common remote fraud tactics.

    Microsoft, along with other large technology companies, does not send representatives to individuals’ homes to collect payments or resolve technical issues. These companies operate through official communication channels such as verified emails, phone calls from authenticated support centers, and secure online platforms. Any request for personal information, financial details, or payments through home visits is not a legitimate practice of these companies.

    Never trust unsolicited tech support calls or pop-ups. Verify company representatives directly. If someone claims to be from Microsoft (or any other company), don’t give out personal information or money. Look up the company’s official contact details and reach out directly.

    The emergence of scammers coming directly to victims’ homes introduces a new level of danger and urgency in combating fraud. This approach not only threatens financial security, but also poses significant personal safety risks. Allowing an unknown individual into one’s home under false pretenses can lead to confrontational or even violent encounters. It is crucial to remain cautious and skeptical of any unexpected visitors claiming to represent companies or requesting personal information.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on May 7, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , ipad, , , tech support scam   

    iPad scam costs victim $58,000 

    iPad scam costs victim $58,000

    By Greg Collier

    Scams have become increasingly sophisticated, preying on the unsuspecting and vulnerable. A recent incident in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, serves as a reminder of the dangers lurking online. A 68-year-old woman found herself ensnared in a scam, where she lost a staggering $58,000 to cunning fraudsters. What began innocuously with a pop-up message on her iPad spiraled into a nightmare orchestrated by individuals masquerading as federal agents.

    The victim received a pop-up message regarding security on her device. Concerned, she dialed the provided number. She unwittingly set off a chain of events that would leave her financially devastated.

    The woman was coerced into believing she was implicated in illicit activities, including money laundering. The fraudulent caller, posing as a federal agent, employed intimidation tactics to manipulate her into compliance. With calculated precision, the scammer instructed her to withdraw substantial sums of money from her bank accounts under the guise of safeguarding her finances. To evade suspicion, she was advised to fabricate plausible explanations for the large withdrawals, such as purchasing a car or furniture.

    The Better Business Bureau of South Dakota, shed light on the way these scammers operate. By employing threats and intimidation, they exploit psychological vulnerabilities, leaving victims feeling defenseless and coerced. The BBB likened the experience to facing a metaphorical gun pointed at one’s head, highlighting the sheer ruthlessness of these criminals.

    Amidst the distressing narrative, there emerged crucial lessons and insights for safeguarding against such schemes. The BBB emphasizes the importance of caution when encountering pop-ups or unsolicited messages online. Rather than succumbing to the allure of quick fixes, individuals should exercise discernment and seek assistance from reputable sources within their community for technical support.

    Furthermore, victims should seek guidance from trusted sources in the event of suspicious phone calls or encounters. Whether reaching out to a friend, contacting law enforcement, or consulting one’s bank, swift action can mitigate potential harm and prevent irreversible financial loss.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 18, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , tech support scam   

    Scam victim sues bank over pop-up scam 

    By Greg Collier

    Before we get started with today’s story, we wanted to share an article with you from the New York Times. The article shows that many overseas scammers are victims themselves. According to the Times, English speakers in East Asia are being offered translation jobs. In reality, the victims are being kidnapped and trafficked to forced labor camps, where they’re coerced into committing pig butchering scams to gain their freedom. It seems scams have even more victims than you may have originally thought.

    But speaking of overseas scams, today’s story involves an elderly woman who wired $120,000 to scammers in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, she fell victim to the pop-up scam, also known as a tech support scam.

    The victim was using her computer when she received a pop-up telling her that her computer had been hacked. The pop-up contained a phone number for the victim to call immediately. While the news report does not specify, in many of these cases, the scammers will mention to their victims that since their computer has been hacked, their bank accounts are at risk from hackers. Then the victim is instructed to move their money to protect it. In this instance, the victim wired her money overseas.

    The victim is now suing her bank, claiming the bank should have at least questioned the transactions before allowing them to go through. According to the victim’s attorney, the victim never made a wire transfer before, let alone one for such a large amount that was going overseas. Typically, when bank scams like this happen, the banks try to wash their hands of the matter by saying since the victim authorized the transaction so it’s not the bank’s responsibility.

    What do you think? Do you believe the banks share some responsibility for failing to prevent these transactions, or is the elderly woman simply an unfortunate victim?

    If you do receive one of these pop-ups, do not click on anything within the pop-up. Instead, close the browser or restart your computer. Avoid providing any personal information or following any instructions in the pop-up. Consider running a reputable antivirus or anti-malware scan to ensure your system’s security.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 31, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , tech support scam   

    Gold bar scammers scammed by police 

    Gold bar scammers scammed by police

    By Greg Collier

    When it comes to collecting money from their victims, scammers prefer instant and untraceable forms of payment. In that vein, scammers frequently ask for payment in gift cards, cryptocurrency, money transfers, or through payment apps like Zelle and Venmo. Some scammers even try to coax cold hard cash out of their victims. While cash is largely untraceable, it presents problems when trying to collect it. When a scammer asks for cash, they usually ask for it to be sent through courier services like UPS.

    Then, every once in a while, there are scammers who demand payment in one of the most conspicuous ways possible, gold bars. While technically untraceable, not only does the movement of gold attract a lot of attention, most people wouldn’t know how to convert their cash into gold in a short amount of time.

    That didn’t stop some scammers from trying their hands at getting some gold out of an elderly couple from Georgia. The couple received one of those infamous pop-ups on their computer that said their computer had been hacked. They called the number included in the message, and talked to a phony tech support call center.

    The fake support representative told the couple they definitely had a virus, then asked if they ever used their computer for online banking. They said they did, and the scammer asked which bank they used. After telling the scammer, the couple was told they were being transferred to their bank’s fraud department, which was just another member of the scam ring.

    The scammer posing as the fraud department told the couple their accounts had been compromised, and close to $200,000 in fraudulent transactions could leave them penniless. Then they were transferred to someone claiming to be an agent of the Federal Trade Commission. Again, this was just another scammer. However, the phony federal agent told the couple that in order to protect their money, they would need to withdraw their savings and convert into gold bars. The gold bars would need to be sent to Washington, D.C., where the FTC would issue a check to the couple. A courier would have to come to the couple’s home to pick up the gold.

    Currently, gold is around $2000 per ounce. For $200,000 that would be 100 ounces, which is 6.25 lbs of gold, or roughly 3 kilograms. The couple purchased the gold from a legitimate gold seller in Texas, but before they gave the gold to the scammers, they went to their local police.

    Knowing this was a scam, police set up a sting operation and waited for the courier to show up. Once he did, police were quick to apprehend him. It’s believed the scammer flew from Southern California to Georgia just to steal from the couple.

    This couple should be commended for following their gut when they did. Too often, we’ve seen elderly victims lose their life savings to less convoluted scams.

    Anytime someone you don’t know is telling you that you need to move your money to protect it, or pay yourself, they are trying to scam you. Moving your money is not a thing, and it doesn’t matter if you’re being told this by someone claiming to be from your bank, law enforcement, or any other position of authority, the person telling you this is an impostor.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 16, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , tech support scam   

    Fake federal agents go to victim’s house to clean money 

    By Greg Collier

    When it comes to today’s scams, most scammers will try to take your funds electronically. Then there are those who want your cash and want it immediately. This has led some scammers to employ ‘couriers’ who will go to a victim’s home to pick up the cash. Sometimes the couriers are unwitting participants, such as rideshare drivers. Other times, they’re either working for the scammer or they’re the scammer themselves. Since scammers tend to target the elderly, it’s disturbing to think of scammers going to the home of an elderly loved one.

    In Western Pennsylvania, an elderly couple were in the process of falling victim to the pop-up scam. They received a message on their computer it had been hacked, and they called the number from the message. The couple was told their bank accounts were compromised, and they needed to withdraw their money from the bank. A federal agent would come by to pick up the money to have it ‘cleaned’, before they would get their money back.

    The federal agent was actually a 22-year-old student from Penn State. When he showed up at the couple’s home, they did not believe he was a federal agent and asked to see some ID. The student was unable to produce any identification, so the couple did not give him any of their money and called police. The student was arrested shortly after the encounter.

    While most victims of these scams are physically unharmed, there is a possibility of danger. Not every scammer or ‘courier’ is going to accept walking away empty-handed.

    For whatever reason scammers may claim, no legitimate law enforcement officer or agent will come to your home to protect your money. If that’s what they’re telling you, they are trying to scam you.

    If you receive a message on your computer telling you it’s been hacked, the odds are it hasn’t been hacked at all. If you can’t close out the message, try doing a hard rest on your device by holding down the power button until it shuts off. If the message continues to appear, run a malware scan on your device.

     

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