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  Geebo 8:00 am on October 28, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Cash App ( 42 ), contractors ( 9 ), dumpsters, home remodeling, Scams ( 1,366 ), venmo, Zelle ( 66 )   

  Even a Dumpster Can Become a Tool for Fraud 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In San Antonio, Texas, a new scam is taking shape, one that initially seems harmless but has serious financial consequences for unsuspecting consumers and businesses. The scheme revolves around something as seemingly innocuous as a dumpster rental. A service most people associate with home improvement, not fraud. Yet, this scam reveals how even the most mundane services can become avenues for financial deception.

  The scam preys on homeowners looking for affordable solutions for remodeling or debris removal. Online platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor provide the setting, where criminals advertise low-cost dumpster rentals. Eager to secure a good deal, homeowners send payments through apps like Venmo, Zelle, or Cash App, unaware that the transaction is part of a more elaborate scam.

  The scammer, posing as a legitimate business, orders the dumpster from an actual rental company using stolen credit card information. When the company delivers the dumpster, the homeowner assumes everything is in order. This act of delivery adds a deceptive layer of trust, leading many victims to believe they are dealing with a legitimate service.

  The fraud doesn’t end with the dumpster’s arrival. Soon, the dumpster rental company realizes the payment it received through the stolen card has been reversed, leaving the business without compensation. Banks recover the funds for the cardholder, and the business is left holding the loss.

  The homeowner, who believed they had paid for the service, now faces the possibility of additional charges. They may either need to cover the unpaid balance to avoid further issues or deal with an unexpected dispute over the service they received.

  This scam highlights how criminals can weaponize ordinary services. A dumpster, often seen as just a tool for home projects, becomes an anchor for fraudulent activity, pulling multiple victims into the deception. The scam touches every link in the chain: the person whose card is stolen, the business losing revenue, and the homeowner who is left with a service that wasn’t properly paid for.

  What makes this scam particularly deceptive is the ease with which it unfolds. Payment apps like Venmo or Zelle allow quick transfers, and the physical delivery of the dumpster creates a convincing facade of legitimacy. Once the service is delivered, it becomes more challenging for victims to recognize the fraud in time to act. The scenario demonstrates how criminals adapt familiar tools, whether it’s a payment app or a dumpster, into schemes that are difficult to detect and resolve.

  Homeowners are advised to thoroughly verify the legitimacy of any service before making a payment, while companies must remain alert to suspicious transactions that could signal fraudulent behavior. Something as routine as a dumpster rental can become the core of an elaborate scam.

  As both individuals and businesses adapt to these emerging threats, proactive measures can help limit the damage caused by schemes that use everyday services as a vehicle for fraud.

   

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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 3, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: money transfer ( 7 ), Scams ( 1,366 ), venmo   

  Beware of the ‘accidental’ money transfer scam on Venmo 

  

  By Greg Collier

  You receive a notification from Venmo that someone has accidentally sent you money and is now asking for it back. It’s only natural to feel inclined to return the money immediately. However, Michigan’s Attorney General recently issued a critical warning to Venmo users about this scam, urging everyone to think twice before sending the money back.

  Scammers have become increasingly sophisticated in their methods. The current scheme involves using stolen credit cards to send money to unsuspecting Venmo users. Once the money is sent, the scammer quickly contacts the recipient, claiming the transfer was an accident and requesting the money to be sent back. The recipient, thinking they are helping correct an honest mistake, returns the funds.

  The catch? When Venmo eventually discovers that the original transaction came from a stolen credit card, they reverse the transaction, taking the money from the recipient’s account. Meanwhile, the scammer walks away with the money sent back, leaving the recipient at a financial loss.

  It’s crucial to exercise caution with any unexpected transaction, especially from someone you do not know. Here are a few tips to protect yourself from falling victim to this scam.

  Take a moment to think before responding to unexpected money transfers. Scammers often rely on a sense of urgency to trick their targets. If you receive money unexpectedly, reach out to Venmo’s support team to verify the legitimacy of the transaction. Avoid direct communication with the sender until you have confirmed everything. Regularly review your Venmo transactions to spot any unusual activity.

  If you suspect you are a victim of a scam or notice anything suspicious, report it to Venmo and your local authorities immediately.

  This scam is a reminder of the importance of caution in online transactions. If you find yourself in this situation, pause, verify, and report if necessary. Protecting your financial information should always be a top priority.

  Venmo is designed primarily for transactions between family and friends, making it a convenient tool for splitting bills, sharing expenses, and sending money to people you know and trust. Using Venmo for transactions with unknown parties can increase the risk of fraud and scams, as the platform lacks the same protections offered by services specifically built for business transactions. Always ensure that you are sending or receiving money from trusted individuals to maintain the security of your financial information.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on March 6, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: borrowed phone, Cash App ( 42 ), paypal ( 11 ), phone scam ( 46 ), Scams ( 1,366 ), venmo   

  Father charged with using young son in phone scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In a world where acts of kindness are meant to be cherished, there are those who exploit such generosity for their own selfish gains. The recent case of one alleged scammer from Florissant, Missouri, sheds light on a disturbing trend where a father allegedly used his young son as a pawn in a scheme to scam unsuspecting individuals out of their hard-earned money.

  According to the Florissant Police Department’s probable cause statement, the incidents unfolded in late August and late September. Victims recounted encounters where a young person, later identified as the scammer’s son, approached them under the guise of needing to use their phones to call his father. After seemingly innocuous interactions, victims later discovered unauthorized transactions in their PayPal, CashApp, or Venmo accounts, with funds transferred to the scammers online payment accounts.

  This manipulative scheme didn’t just prey on the goodwill of strangers; it exacted a significant financial toll. The total reported losses amounted to a staggering $5,870 across four incidents, leaving victims not only emotionally distraught but also facing financial hardship due to the deceitful actions of the scammer.

  This case underscores the erosion of trust within communities and the vulnerability of individuals who extend a helping hand in good faith. The exploitation of a young child to facilitate such deceit adds another layer of reprehensibility to an already egregious offense.

  If you’re still keen on lending your phone to those in need while safeguarding your financial security, there are steps you can take. Popular apps like Cash App, Venmo, and PayPal offer security features such as PIN or fingerprint authentication, ensuring that only the phone’s owner can access them. By enabling these measures, you can continue assisting others with phone calls without putting your finances at risk.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on January 18, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Detroit Lions, Facebook ( 178 ), football ( 9 ), Scams ( 1,366 ), tickets ( 17 ), venmo   

  Historic playoff win brings out ticket scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

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

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

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

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

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

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

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on November 9, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: accidental payment ( 2 ), payment app ( 18 ), Scams ( 1,366 ), venmo   

  Venmo issues its own warning about scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  As you may know, Venmo is a personal payment app, with the emphasis on personal. It’s intended to be used between friends and family to send money quickly and effortlessly. It’s not supposed to be used between strangers, but this hasn’t prevented scammers from using it as an avenue of taking money from their victims. Scammers often use Venmo because once a victim pays a scammer, the scammer can quickly block the victim, preventing any kind of refund.

  Venmo itself recently issued a warning to not only its customers, but the general public about a scam that’s been plaguing its users. In this scam, a Venmo user receives a payment from someone they don’t know. The stranger then messages the user and claims the payment was sent by mistake. Then the user is asked to make a payment back to the stranger.

  These ‘accidental’ payments are often made by scammers using stolen credit or debit cards. If a user pays back the stranger, once the initial payment is found to be fraudulent, that payment is revoked. However, the user’s payment to the scammer is not. This gives the scammer free money and leaves the victim with much less money in their account.

  Venmo stated, if you receive a payment from a stranger, do not pay them back. Instead, a customer should contact Venmo through the app to have the payment reverse the payment. Users should also block anyone who sends them unsolicited payments.

  Another way to protect your Venmo account is by changing your payment feed to private. It is set to public by default, which means anyone can see your Venmo history.

  For more information about Venmo scams, you can use their online help center.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on August 11, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: phishing ( 76 ), Scams ( 1,366 ), text scam ( 23 ), venmo   

  New scam targets Venmo users 

  

  By Greg Collier

  If you use the mobile payment app Venmo, there are already a ton of scams you have to look out for. However, most of them are about whom the user is sending money to. Remember, Venmo is only supposed to be used between friends and family. Most legitimate businesses and organizations do not request payment through Venmo.

  But now there’s a new Venmo scam that’s determined to empty your account. The Ohio Division of Financial Institutions has issued a warning about the latest scam.

  The scam starts when the victim receives a text message that appears to have come from Venmo. The text asks the victim if their Venmo account was used in another part of the country. The message also contains a link to click on if you didn’t make that transaction.

  If the victim clicks on the link, they’re taken to a website that looks like it’s Venmo, but it’s actually a fake website designed to look like it. The fake website asks for the user’s log in credentials, and if they’re entered, the scammers can easily hijack the Venmo account and drain all the funds from it.

  So, how do the scammers know their victim has a Venmo account? In most instances, they don’t know. Scammers will send out these texts randomly while hoping someone will take the bait.

  There are a couple of ways you can protect yourself from this scam. The first is to never click on any links that appear in text messages from people you don’t know personally. Instead, log in to your Venmo account and review it for any potentially fraudulent charges. The other way is to enable two-factor authentication on your account. If your device has a fingerprint reader, it’s recommended to use that as your 2FA method as the fingerprint will be tied to your device, and not something that can be easily duplicated.

  And if Venmo is being used in a scam like this, it’s only a matter of time before it comes to Zelle, PayPal, and Cash App.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on July 20, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: charity scam ( 34 ), police impersonation scam ( 64 ), rental scam ( 87 ), Scams ( 1,366 ), venmo, virtual kidnapping ( 45 ), voice cloning ( 24 ), voice spoofing ( 21 )   

  Scam Round Up: Fake cops threaten tenants and more 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Our first scam of the day comes to us from a warning from the New York City Police Department. The NYPD says they’ve seen an increase in a charity scam that involves Venmo and your phone. Scammers are approaching NYC residents while pretending they’re working for a charity.

  The scammers will ask for a donation through the personal payment app Venmo. The victim will be provided the information to make the donation, but the donation won’t go through. This is when the scammer will ask for the victim’s phone to help them make the donation. Instead, the scammers are sending the entire amount of the victim’s Venmo account to themselves.

  The NYPD is telling residents not to hand their phones over to strangers, especially if they’re asking for donations. Please keep in mind, Venmo was intended to be used between family and friends.

  ***

  We’ve been keeping a close eye on the scams that involve AI-generated voice-spoofing. Scammers will take someone’s voice either from social media or their voicemail message and run it through an AI voice program that will allow them to make someone’s voice say just about anything they want. Typically, voice-spoofing is used in the grandparent and virtual kidnapping scams. In these scams, scammers need the victim to believe they’re talking to a loved one.

  The most recent report we have on this is out of Atlanta, where a mother was confronted with this scam. She received a call she thought was from her adult daughter. She heard her daughter’s voice before someone on the call said her daughter saw something she shouldn’t have and has now been kidnapped. The caller demanded $50,000 in ransom.

  Thankfully, her husband was able to get a hold of her daughter, who was in no real danger.

  If you receive a phone call like this, always try to reach the person who has been supposedly kidnapped through other means. Even if you have a full conversation with someone who sounds just like your loved one, always verify the story. Ask them a question only they would know, or set up a family code word ahead of time that would signify who you were talking to.

  ***

  Residents of Newark, New Jersey, have reported that people posing as police have been going around to tenants and demanding multiple months worth of rent. If the phony officers don’t get the money, they threaten the tenants with eviction and arrest.

  In New Jersey, an eviction can’t be carried out until the landlord has received a judgment in court.

  If you’re renting your home or apartment, you should familiarize yourself with your state’s or county’s eviction process.

  Also, keep in mind, legitimate police will never show up at your door asking for your rent money. If someone claiming to be police does show up at your door, call the police department they’re supposedly from and verify if an officer has been dispatched to your home.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on February 3, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: check scam ( 79 ), fake check ( 48 ), job scam ( 79 ), Scams ( 1,366 ), venmo, Zelle ( 66 )   

  The Digital Trap: How Technology leaves the Young Vulnerable to Scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  When we discuss older Americans being susceptible to scams, it’s usually because of their unfamiliarity with some modern technology. However, being too familiar with tech can also make someone vulnerable to scams.

  For example, young people, who use payment apps like Cash App and Venmo regularly, could be convinced to use those apps to their own detriment.

  Recently, a college student from Louisiana fell victim to a phony check scam. She thought she was applying for a job as a nanny. The scammers sent the student checks for thousands of dollars, and told her to deposit them in her own bank account. She was then instructed to send out payments for things like appliances and cleaning supplies. These payments were sent out through the Zelle and Venmo apps.

  Afterward, the bank discovered that the checks were fraudulent, but the student had already sent out all the money. In these cases, the banks hold the account holder responsible for the lost money, even if it was lost through deceitful means.

  Statistically, younger people are just as vulnerable to scams as the elderly, if not more so. This is possibly because of their unfamiliarity with traditional banking transactions. This is not intended as a criticism of young people, but rather a reminder that not everything needs to be done digitally.

  As far as this scam goes, never deposit any checks intended for business into your personal account. Real employers will never ask you to do that. Anyone who asks you to deposit a check then asks you to make payments for them is just trying to scam you.

  Lastly, apps like Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App should only be used with friends and family. These apps make it too easy for scammers to cash out and disappear after taking your money. The companies behind the apps are typically helpless to do much after the transaction goes through, or so they say. So, if you do get scammed through these apps, a refund probably isn’t likely. Please keep in mind that while these apps may be popular in your social circles, most legitimate businesses do not accept payments through them.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on January 5, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: army, Cash App ( 42 ), military ( 12 ), pay scam, Scams ( 1,366 ), venmo   

  Pay scam targets junior military members 

  

  By Greg Collier

  For the newest members of our nation’s military, life can be rough. A bunch of 18-year-olds are embarking on their first journey into the real world while being shipped to any number of training camps states away from their homes and family. Now, imagine these fresh recruits with little life experience are being targeted in a scam designed to steal their money. You can hardly blame them for falling victim to such a scam.

  Fort Huachuca in Arizona, Fort Benning in Georgia, and West Point military academy, are all warning new recruits about a pay scam that leaves their victims without money. Scammers are posing as high-ranking military officials and calling the recruits to tell them that there is something wrong with their pay. The recruits are then instructed that in order to receive their pay and back pay, the recruit needs to first send money through Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, PayPal, or Apple Pay. Recruits who hesitate on sending the money are threatened with disciplinary action. According to one report, 74 soldiers have recently lost a total of $143,000 to pay scammers.

  According to the Army, if there really was an issue with a recruit’s pay, the matter would be handled at the recruit’s supporting military pay office. Even when serving in the military, no one should ever have to pay money to get money. Anyone who is asking a recruit to do so is more than likely a scammer. If you’ve been affected by this scam, the Army requests that you report it immediately to your chain of command. A complaint can also be filed with the Internet Crime Complaint Center.

  If you have a friend or family member who recently entered the service, no matter which branch they’re serving with, you may want to share this story with them. Serving our country is already a difficult task. Our men and women of the armed services should not have to deal with scammers like this.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on December 2, 2022 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Christmas shopping ( 22 ), gift cards ( 101 ), holiday shopping ( 15 ), puppy scam ( 37 ), Scams ( 1,366 ), venmo   

  Buying a puppy for Christmas? Watch out for these scams. 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Before we get started, we’d like to say that if anyone is thinking about adding a puppy to your family this holiday season, please keep in mind that doing so is a long-time commitment. Pets like this are not meant to be impulse buys and can live up to 20 years. Pet owners should always make sure they’re ready for that kind of dedication.

  Once that kind of decision is made, there are a number of pitfalls a prospective pet owner needs to be aware of before making their purchase, as the online world is full of puppy scams.

  For one, pet buyers should be wary of websites that claim to have puppies at below-market prices. A family in Richmond, Virginia, thought they were paying $700 to a website for a Yorkie puppy. They paid the supposed breeder with Walmart gift cards. When someone asks for payment in gift cards, that’s a major red flag that this could be a scam, as once the money is gone from the gift cards it can rarely ever be reclaimed.

  After the family paid the $700, the scammers came back and asked for more money. Typically, scammers will claim they need additional payment for things like shipping insurance or a specialty crate for transfer.

  Anybody can create a website claiming to be selling puppies using pictures stolen off the internet. To prevent yourself from being scammed by websites like this, you can do a whois search on the domain name to see how long the website has been around. If it’s only been around for a short amount of time, that’s a pretty good indication of a scam. You can also do a reverse image search to see if the pictures used on the website can be found anywhere else.

  A family from Greensboro, North Carolina befell a similar fate recently. A friend of theirs on social media said they were giving away puppies for a rehoming fee of $100. The family sent the fee through Venmo, but the friend claimed the payment didn’t go through and kept asking for the fee. It turns out that the friend’s Facebook page had been hijacked by scammers. It’s recommended, in this instance, to talk to the friend on the phone before sending any money. Like gift cards, once you send money through apps like Venmo, it’s gone.

  As always, when it comes to adding a new puppy to the family, we recommend only shopping locally and through reputable breeders. Contain your search to a reasonable driving distance, and do your due diligence when researching the breeder themselves. Check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints about the breeder.

  However, even more so than that, we ask that you consider adopting a puppy or even an adult dog from your local shelter. Shelter dogs are only there through no fault of their own and can be obtained at little to no cost.