Frauds & Scams

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Meet Barbara, LCSO's Chief ScamBuster

Who are you going to call if you get a call from someone wanting your hard earned money? Why, ScamBusters, that’s who.

All joking aside, over my last 13 years with LCSO, scams and frauds have become part of our everyday lives. My passion for being a huge pain in the ankle to criminals and scammers works well in my role as the coordinator of our Sheriff’s Auxiliary/Crime Prevention Unit. I love sharing ways that our citizens can become more in charge of their safety by knowing what is suspicious and what to do with that knowledge.

As scammers have become more sophisticated in targeting their prey and using human behavior techniques to make you think they are credible, we have to become more street smart and beat them at their own game. We do that by recognizing their tactics and learning how to build a safety wall around our personal information and finances. Knowledge is power - and it is easier to prevent scammers from taking advantage of our inherent trust in people than to try recovering after they have taken our hard earned money.

These criminal scammers can only be stopped by being aware that they are out there, understanding how they work, and being smarter than they are. This webpage has been established to provide information on what the scams are, how to recognize a scammer and how to be smarter than the scammer. If they can’t get our money - they have to give up. Let’s stop them in their tracks. Let’s all be ScamBusters!

Barbara EJ Bennett
970-682-0597
bennetbe@co.larimer.co.us
Coordinator - Sheriff's Auxiliary/Crime Prevention Unit
Larimer County Sheriff’s Office

P.S. If your group would like a scam presentation, give us a call or email to set it up. We love spreading the word! Also, feel free to send out this link to friends and family!

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Amazon Prime Scam

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Overview

The scammer is targeting a wide audience to see who bites (phishing scam). Whether you get a phone call or an email, they want the same thing - your money and your credit card information. In the case of the caller sending you to a web page, it is very easy to assume it is legitimate - the logo is the same, the page layout looks authentic. In reality, it is the scammer’s web page and when you insert your personal information you are giving them access to your money, If they request you to download their app so they can fix your security flaw, they then ask you to log in to your banking or credit card site so they now have access to your funds.

Target Audience

All ages.

 

Emotional Play

Especially during Covid, people depend on ordering items online so want to ensure they can still get prime delivery.

 

Resources

Report to Amazon Security and Privacy page. Also monitor your Amazon charges very closely and your other credit cards and banking information for any suspicious activity.

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Bank & Credit Card Scam

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Overview

In this scam, someone will contact you, either by email or a text message, to let you know there is something wrong with your bank account or credit card. It may or may not be a company you do business with. They will give you a link to click or a phone number to call in order to fix the problem, and from there try to gather your personal information.

Target Audience

All ages.

 

Emotional Play

Like most scammers, these scammers will prey on your fear that something is wrong with your bank account or credit card. They will also try to scare you into thinking your money is at risk.

 

Resources

Look up your bank or credit card companies' phone number independently, and call them to confirm the status of your account.

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Bitcoin Scam

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Overview

● Scammers have some favorite methods of collecting your money. Bitcoin or other crypto currencies that are said to be secure but once you exchange your currency for these currencies you cannot change it back. In addition, the scammer takes the money you have converted and they cannot be traced! Your money is gone.
● Cash apps - Venmo, Zelle, CashApp, etc. are great ways to transfer money directly out of your bank account to CLOSE FRIENDS, FAMILY AND TRUSTED BUSINESS. They are not safe for you to pay any stranger with any of these methods - you have no protection.
● Money or Gift cards - scammers love these - you give them the code on the back over the phone - they take the money and run. You have lost your money.

Target Audience

All ages - These are phishing scams.

Emotional Play

Fear of getting in trouble. Fear of losing your power. Fear of getting arrested.

Examples

● Your name and information has been used to launder money and transport
drugs.
● Your social security number has been used for nefarious activities.
● Missed jury duty - warrant for your arrest.
● You owe the IRS.
● Your energy bill is overdue - we are turning it off in the next 30 minutes if
you don’t pay with money or gift cards.
● Asking for a refund on a trip - but they tell you to pay via bitcoin a portion of
the fees/charges.

Resources

Report to law enforcement and file a fraud report.

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Business Financial Scam

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Overview

The email looks legit - it’s from a high level manager in your firm. The email sender has the right name but the email account address looks strange. Maybe from their personal account? Your first thought is to proceed with the request but STOP! Go to the manager and ask in person if this email is legit. Chances are good that it is a scam.

 

Emotional Play

Following direction from your management.

 

Target Audience

Small to medium sized businesses.

 

Resources

After this business described the scam to us, they installed some additional software that enabled them to catch incoming email as a potential phishing scam. Definitely a good tip for businesses!

FBI Bulletin - https://www.ic3.gov/Media/Y2022/PSA220504

 

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Census Scam

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Overview

Scammers use the phone, email or texts to ask you to give them your personal information for the Census.  This is not how the Census is being handled and they are just trying to get your personal info.  The official Census has sent out a printed letter telling you where to go to fill in the census online.  They will send you a second letter as well.  They will never call you, text you or email you for this info.

 

Emotional Play

Wanting to "do my part" and be a good citizen.

 

Target Audience

All ages.

 

Additional Resources

www.census.gov

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Charity Scam

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Overview

We all have our particular passions - maybe its animal welfare, supporting law enforcement or firefighters, fighting medical challenges, etc.  Scammers capitalize on these passions and use them to fraudulently take your money.  Usually it’s a call asking you to donate online via credit card. If  you request they send you info through the mail and you can send them a check, they indicate they can’t do that.  What they really want is your credit card or bank info.  If you want to support your charity of choice, go to their official website to donate safely - never on the phone.

 

Emotional Play

Love for a cause, supporting your passion, willingness to give to others.

 

Target Audience

All ages. Seniors are at particular risk because they are more trusting.

Additional Resources

United Way Guide to Charitable Giving

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Computer Scam

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Overview

Hearing all these warnings and alarms on your computer is certainly attention getting and very startling. That’s what the scammer wants. They don’t want you to turn off your computer because their scam pop-up’s will disappear and they can’t hook you. They want you to believe if you shut off your computer it will be devastating but the opposite is true. Just recently I had this happen to my computer twice in one week while I was doing research online. It startled me. I shut off my computer and restarted and all was fine. However, I got a call from someone that got the same alert and pop-ups and called the number. He was then told to go to Best Buy, purchase $2,000 in BB gift cards and give the caller the numbers on the phone. He did. The caller had already asked him to get on his computer – which he allowed. The scammer then downloaded banking and credit card info and got into the person’s bank accounts. In this case there is no way to get the money back. It is untraceable and the scammer has access to your banking and credit card.

 

Emotional Play

Fear of losing access to your computer.

 

Target Audience

All ages - the scammers don't know who's receiving their calls or pop-ups until you interact with them.

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Computer Phone Scam

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Overview

You get a pop-up on your screen that locks it up.  It says you have a virus and you need to call a number to get it removed.  When you call, they want anywhere from $299 to $899 to fix your computer.  WAIT.  There is nothing wrong with your computer.  DO NOT call the number.  Just shut down your computer for a few minutes and when you turn it back on the pop-up will be gone.  

Or you get a phone call from “Microsoft” or “Windows” or “Apple” saying your computer has a virus and they need to get on your computer remotely to fix it.  They will charge you for this AND when you give them access they will download ALL your personal information such as credit cards, banking info, contacts, etc.  In the case of the phone call - hang up.  No one at these legitimate companies knows what is going on with your computer and would never call you to get access to your computer.

 

Emotional Play

Fear of losing access to your computer.

 

Target Audience

All ages - the scammers don't know who's receiving their calls or pop-ups until you interact with them.

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COVID-19 Scam

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Overview

The last few months have brought unprecedented challenges for each person across our world,  This virus has kept people in their homes, closed businesses and schools, and has permeated the news waves with constant fear of being exposed to this devastating virus.  There are no known preventative medicines, vaccines or therapies, yet  scammers have used this as an opportunity  to sell you tests, preventative medicines,PPE’s,  miracle cure therapies, or the opportunity to be the  first in line to get the vaccine.  This is all bogus. When any legitimate remedies are available, the CDC will let citizens know. They also have developed  malware emails - one  saying it’s from John Hopkins University with a map of COVID-19 patients.  JHU does have such a map but they don’t send it out.  The scammer is spoofing the return address as JHU and gives you a link to click to see the map.  If you click on the link, they deposit malware on your computer to download all your personal information (bank, credit cards, etc.) We need to be very skeptical during this unsettling time and not fall for these scams.

Emotional Play

Fear, wanting to stay informed, curiosity.

Target Audience

All ages.

Additional Resources

Larimer County Department of Health and Environment

Centers for Disease Control

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Craig's List Scam

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Overview

When you post an ad on Craig’s list with a price determined for the item, the scammer will contact you with an offer of more than you are asking, but telling you the item will be picked up by someone else.  They will send you a check, could be a cashier’s check, and tell you to deposit the check in your bank, keep your asking price and give the overage to the person picking it up for transportation cost.  The bank may not discover the check is fraudulent for a few days so you will have already given the item and overage amount to the person picking up the item, then find out from your bank that the check is no good, you are out the item you were selling plus the overage cash.  Best way to avoid these scams is never do business with someone offering you more than you are asking, or indicates they are out of state and will send someone to pick up the item.

Emotional Play

Financial motivation.

Target Audience

All ages.

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Craig's List Rental Scam

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Overview

You see an ad on Craig’s List for a house or apartment for rent, a vacation home for rent, a mountain get away  --- sounds wonderful. They post pictures of the property.  They tell you they are out of the state or country so can’t show it to you.  Or that they are the property manager and are representing the owners. The price is really good.  They tell you many others want it so if you don’t get your deposit wired to them right away you will lose out.  No credit cards accepted.  Just wire them or use Cash app -- “wire transfer,” “money order,” “Western Union,” “Prepaid Visa,” and “Moneygram,” are all absolute red flag words. When you send money through these forms of payment, it is essentially impossible to get your money back. That’s why these forms of wire transfers are a scammer’s method of choice.  Except in some cases - the renter placing the ad is a scammer and doesn’t have the right to rent this out.  The real owner of the property doesn’t know what is going on until someone shows up on their doorstep to move in --- what a surprise for both of you. .  The owner is in the dark so they aren’t responsible for your loss.

Another case is where the scammer says s/he is the property manager and actually shows you the property. This is made possible by the property actually being on a legitimate property management website where you can “show yourself” property where you can register and get info to let yourself in to view the property.

The Craig's List scammer doesn’t have you fill in an application but you must get your deposit in right away via CashApp.

Emotional Play

Great offer (good location, good price), fear of missing out on the deal.

Target Audience

All ages.

Resources

Report to Craig's List, local law enforcement, and file a complaint with the FTC.

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Delivery Scam

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Overview

You may receive a text, email or phone call indicating there is a delivery scheduled.  This could be from FED-X, UPS, USPS or Amazon.  They may say that before the package can be delivered, you need to pay the shipping or the price of the item.  You may not even remember ordering anything.  Or they give you a link to click on to get more information.  Since spoofing a legitimate company logo is easy to do, you should not rely on the message being legitimate if its asking you to pay for shipping or the price of the item.  If legit, these charges have already been paid when you ordered the item.

Emotional Play

Curiosity, material and/or financial gain.

Target Audience

All ages.

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Distraint Warrant Scam

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EXAMPLES:

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Overview

This is an attempt to defraud you with an official looking letter.

Target Audience

All ages.

Emotional Play

Fear.

Resources

When in doubt, call the LCSO Crime Prevention Unit to discuss a suspicious letter.

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Door to Door Scam

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Overview

Someone comes to your door and offers to check your roof for damage from the recent storm.  When they tell you about the damage, they offer you a great deal for them to fix it for you.  Pay them half (or full) upfront and they will do the work for you.  STOP!  Even if they have a sign on their truck indicating they are a contractor, it is very easy to get a magnetic sign saying any company name.  These scammers go door to door after a weather incident to see if they can con you into believing you have damage.  If you think you might, you should call a reputable company to come out and check your roof.  Most cases, there is no damage but the scammer just wants your money.

Emotional Play

Fear of damage to property.

Target Audience

All ages, seniors often targeted.

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EBay Scam

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Overview

Typically EBay sellers are legitimate sellers and when you order through EBay you have a purchase protection that comes with the purchase.  Some bad actors are posting something for sale on EBay and then when you order it they call you directly and give you a better deal on the item if you go around EBay.  This of course leaves you high and dry should the seller be a bad actor.  You not only give them your credit card number which they can use however they want, but you will not get your item and have no recourse through EBay.

Target Audience

All ages.

Emotional Play

We love a better deal! Save money.
 

Resources

Report to EBay, FTC, credit reporting companies.  Watch your credit transactions for any suspicious charges.

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Email Scam

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Overview

An email hits your inbox from a seemingly legitimate company.  Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, credit card  company, a bank, or a high ranking official from another country.  They might say there is a problem with your account and you need to click on the link they provide, or the high ranking official or other overseas person has a lot of money they would like to give you (you are deserving, they are dying and want to share their wealth, etc.). Company names are easy to spoof and the scammer really wants your credit card number or your banking information (so they can deposit millions in your account.)  Remember - never click on a link and if it sounds too good to be true (like a stranger wanting to give you millions of dollars) it is not true.

Emotional Play

Fear of fraudulent use of your accounts, or financial benefit.

 

Target Audience

All ages.

Examples and Additional Info

Emails can look very official from companies you might have done business with in the past.  Company logos can be easily copied as can information from a legitimate business’ website.  There are typically little red flags to alert you to possible suspicious activity, as shown on the examples.  The sender gives you a link, website, or phone number to call.  Links can provide the scammer with your personal information from your computer as well as a virus to your computer.  The phone number and website are the scammer's – not the official ones, so when you call you are speaking to the scammer’s call center

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Extortion Scam

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Overview

These emails are very disturbing, threatening, accusatory and disgusting.  The scammer has a password you may have used in the past or makes one up to bluff.  Tells you s/he has access to all our contacts, social media sites and websites.  If you don’t comply s/he will post disgusting things on all your sites and to your contacts about you using porn and other things.  They tell you they have access to all your internet usage and they know you are watching porn.  They also give you a timeframe to provide them their ransom (typically $2,000 in bit coins) or they will unleash their destruction on you.

Emotional Play

Fear, embarrassment.

 

Target Audience

All ages.

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Facebook Ad Scam

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Overview

Facebook and other social media sites typically have sponsored advertising on their sites. Some of these are legit and many are not. Export distributors represent many overseas companies and take orders for them. It may take months for your product to arrive - during Covid, overseas products will be sent by ship due to flight restrictions, which can then sit in customs for weeks after weeks of transit time. It could be 3 months before you get the product and the company will tell you it’s on the way. In many cases, the product you see on the ad is a really nice picture - but the product you receive is junk and not worth anywhere near what you paid. When you try to get a refund - they say you have to pay to return the product overseas and when they receive it they will refund. Or they say no refund just because you don’t like what they sent.

Emotional Play

Emotional purchase, unique product or discounted price.

Target Audience

All ages.

Resources

If you pay by PayPal, go through the escalation process if the company balks. If by credit card, dispute the charge and give your reasons. If you never receive the product, also report as fraud.

 

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Google Voice Authentication Scam

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Overview

There are many different selling/buying sites such as marketplace, facebook, ebay and craig’s list.  Buyers will not have any reason to ask for your phone number when they are inquiring about the item you are posting for sale.  Scammers, however, will ask to get your phone number for verification to the potential buyer that you are legitimate.  Then they send you a google 6 digit code and ask them to give it to them for authentication that you are legit and then they will call you to set up a meeting time.  They will not call you because all they want is your phone number and the verification code so they can set up a phony google voice account to post fraudulent items for sale under your phone number.  In essence, they will use your phone number to scam other people.  

Emotional Play

You want to sell this item!

Target Audience

Anyone selling items on these sites.

Resources

You will have to go through a process to regain your phone number from the scammer.  Go to https://www.idtheftcenter.org/about-us/ for information on how to do this.  Also report to the FTC.  

 

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Grandparent Scam

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Overview

Using the very strong devotion to grandchildren, scammers will pretend to be your grandchild (Hi, grandma/pa - and you respond with “is that you Jimmy?”) They spin a tale about getting pulled over with dope in the car, running out of money, or other stories about being arrested.  They also will ask you not to tell their parents.  In some cases, they will even pass the phone over to the “police officer” so he can tell you what happened and how much the grandparents need to pay to get their grandchild released.  They also will stay on the line while you go to the bank or money card location to put the money on a card and provide the “officer” the code from the money card.  They won’t let you hang up because they don’t want you to call the parents and find out the grandchild is not in trouble.

 

Emotional Play

Love for grandchildren, protective, concern for their safety.

 

Target Audience

Seniors with grandchildren.

Additional Resources

Larimer County Office on Aging

 

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ID Theft

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Overview

Once a fraudster gets your personal information, they can use it to access your finances, open credit card accounts in your name, and other nefarious acts with your info. Once you suspect you might be a target of ID theft, please take  immediate action (under Resources below) to ensure the fraudster cannot continue to have access to your accounts.

Target Audience

Anyone.

Emotional Play

Fear is the root. Threat of a virus on your computer, false charges of money.

Resources

1. File a report and develop a recovery plan at https://www.identitytheft.gov/#/
2. Place a free, one-year fraud alert by contacting one of the three credit bureaus. That company must tell the other two:
   • Experian.com/help 888-EXPERIAN (888-397-3742)
   • TransUnion.com/credit-help 888-909-8872
   • Equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services 800-685-1111
3. File a police report to your local law enforcement (in unincorporated Larimer County, report to 970-416-1985).
4. Complete the online form on the FTC website or call 1-877-438-4338. Include as many details as possible.
5. Contact your bank and other businesses that fraud has occurred.
6. Close out any accounts opened fraudulently.
7. Change all your login and passwords.

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IRS Scam

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Overview

You owe the IRS back taxes!  Or so the caller says - either in person or by robocall.  Who wants to be guilty of that!  The problem with this is that the IRS never uses a phone call to let you know you owe back taxes,  They send you a letter through the US Post Office.  And they never ask you to pay through money cards or other sketchy methods.

Emotional Play

Fear of arrest, desire to be law abiding.

 

Target Audience

All ages.

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Law Enforcement Scam

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Overview

A very official person calls you telling you his name is James XXXXX from XXXX law enforcement agency.  He tells you that your ID has been used in a drug trafficking operation and the federal attorney on the case needs you to pull out a large amount of funds for the federal attorney to hold until the case is resolved.   While the scammer is still on the phone (THEY ALWAYS STAY ON THE PHONE because if you hang up they have lost you!)  they send you to your bank to withdraw the funds in a cashier’s check.  If the teller asks why you need the large sum, the scammer tells you to say you are buying property with it.  They then tell you to go directly to the FedEx office and overnight it to them.  You are instructed NOT to say anything to anyone about this for at least 48 hours.  They also tell you that when the case is resolved they will return your money.  Why 48 hours?  Because your check will arrive in 24 hours, they will cash it and be gone before you tell anyone and find out its a scam.  Will they return the money?  Not a chance.  

Emotional Play

Fear of getting in trouble. Following directions from an authority figure (law enforcement officer).

Target Audience

More vulnerable and trusting population.

Resources

https://ftc.gov and local law enforcement crime prevention.  

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Lottery Scam

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Overview

You have won!  Money!  Vacation!  Free lodging!  Sweepstake! Lottery!  WOW.  But guess what - you only have to pay a handling and shipping fee!  What a deal!  It’s like Christmas!  Oh wait - my Christmas presents don’t come with a shipping and handling fee.  These are just scammers trying to get money from you.  The old saying, “if it’s too good to be true, it isn’t true.”  If you won any of these prizes, it would be free.

 

Emotional Play

Excitement of getting a prize.

 

Target Audience

All ages.

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Medicare Card Scam

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Overview

Someone calls you (with an accent) and
wants to know if you got your brand new
medicare card yet. They let you know it's
totally free and they won’t ask you for any
money. If you say you haven’t received it
they will put their “supervisor” on the phone
who asks you if you have your medicare card
in front of you. They need some information
from your card (your red flag should be
waving at 100 mph by now) – what they are
trying to get is your personal info from your
card. The supervisor actually told me he
would wait until I got my card in front of me.
If you say you got it, they will want to verify
the info from the card. They may even
threaten you with canceling your medicare if
you don’t give them the information. They
are not sending you a new one, nor are they
from Medicare. New medicare cards were
automatically sent out when they replaced the
old cards with your social security number on
the cards to protect you from scammers. So
now the scammers have to get the new ID
number from you so they can scam you.

Target Audience

Anyone of Medicare age.

 

Emotional Play

Fear - "I need to get my new or updated Medicare card. I don't want to lose my Medicare!"

 

Resources

Just hang up. NEVER give out your personal information to anyone over the phone. These callers are from a call center off-shore. Real Medicare employees NEVER call you. If you have questions on Medicare - call their number directly at 800-633-4227.

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Medical Office Extortion Scam

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Overview

Scammer calls you stating you have an unpaid warrant.
They use a spoofed number from the Sheriff's Office
(or police department) and identify themselves as a Deputy,
Officer, Sergeant, etc. If you don't pay with a money/gift
card, or other unusual form of payment, they will "destroy"
your reputation, and you will be arrested.

Target Audience

Medical practices (but this scam can be used on other
businesses that have clients and rely on a good reputation).

 

Emotional Play

Fear of damage to your practices' reputation. Fear of arrest.

 

Resources

Report to your local law enforcement. In Larimer County, if you have not lost money, contact Barbara Bennett
at 970-498-5146 to report the scam.

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Online Dating Scam

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Overview

These scammers prey on the human need for companionship.  They develop a nice profile and use one photo depicting a nice looking person (male or female) and place it on the various dating sites.  Sometimes you will notice awkward grammar when they start chatting with you.  They always have a reason for not meeting in person. They may say they are in the military and are going out of the country for a few months,  They may spend a month or two “courting”  you before they ask for money. They count on you being too embarrassed to report them when you figure out they are scammers.  Typically they are from overseas locations.

Emotional Play

Loneliness, romance, companionship, reluctance to report (embarrassment).

 

Target Audience

All ages. Seniors and grieving people most vulnerable.

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Police Impersonation Scam

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Overview

These scammers prey on the targets they feel are vulnerable and use law enforcement names to scare the target into paying in lieu of whatever the scammer is accusing the target of. This could be missing jury duty, warrants for arrest, or any other reason for the target to be afraid of being arrested - whether they broke the law or not. Most citizens are law abiding so are horrified to think that they have broken the law and might be arrested. 

Please remember - law enforcement does not call anyone to request money or payment for any type of activity over the phone. NEVER give funds or personal information over the phone. If you have questions about a call like this, call the crime prevention number (970-498-5159) to ask if the call is legitimate or not.

Emotional Play

Fear of being in trouble, protecting your good name.

 

Target Audience

All ages.

Additional Resources

Call your local law enforcement agency to verify any contact received by phone:

• LCSO 970-416-1985
• Fort Collins Police Services 970-221-6540
• Loveland Police Department 970-667-2151
• Estes Park Police Department 970-586-4000

 

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Robocall Scam

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Overview

You answer your phone or get a voice mail indicating your credit card, bank account have been used fraudulently and you must call back or hit a number on your keypad to speak to someone to help you.  They also indicate, if a sales call, that you can be taken off the call list by pressing a certain key.  The best way to deal with these calls is to not call back and do not press any number.  Just delete.

Emotional Play

Fear, they want you to act quickly without thinking.

Target Audience

All ages.

Examples

• We need to speak to you about a warrant for your arrest

• We need to speak to you about a person in your family missed court

• We need to speak to you about fraudulent use of your credit card, or bank account

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Seeds and Stuff Scam

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Overview

People have been receiving packages of seeds from China. They were never ordered - they just showed up. Or they receive some item that they never ordered. As much as we love planting things - be aware that these seeds could have bugs or other things we don’t want here in the US. Please use the process stated in the bulletin for taking care of these seeds. Don’t throw them away because they can still spread whatever they have. If you received some item you didn’t order - you do not have to return it. Nor do you have to pay for it.

Emotional Play

Free stuff. Curiosity (What will the seed sprout?).

Target Audience

All ages.

 

Resources

Watch your credit  card and bank statements for any transaction that you didn't make to ensure you are not getting billed for something you didn't order.

 

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Sex Offender Scam

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Overview

These scammers prey on the targets they feel are vulnerable and use law enforcement names to scare the target into paying in lieu of whatever the scammer is accusing the target of. Sometimes they will target registered sex offenders due to the public record of their information. The scammer will tell the victim that they missed some administrative supervision requirement and will be arrested unless they pay money.

Please remember - law enforcement does not call anyone to request money or payment for any type of activity over the phone. NEVER give funds or personal information over the phone. If you have questions about a call like this, call the crime prevention number (970-498-5159) to ask if the call is legitimate or not.

Emotional Play

Fear of being in trouble, protecting your good name.

Target Audience

All ages.

Additional Resources

Call your local law enforcement agency to verify any contact received by phone:

• LCSO 970-416-1985
• Fort Collins Police Services 970-221-6540
• Loveland Police Department 970-667-2151
• Estes Park Police Department 970-586-4000

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Share My Winnings Scam

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Overview

There are many wonderful people in the world that are willing to share their fortune with others.  BUT there are more scammers who say they will share but need your personal information to do it.  You don’t know this person and even if you know you are special, this stranger isn’t really giving you this share of his winnings because he thinks you are special.  This really could be the name of the winner, and his picture might even be legit - but the person sending it and the link are not legit - they are just using his name and picture.  They want your personal info and maybe even a payment in order to process this.

Target Audience

Anyone with a cell phone.

Emotional Play

Free money / windfall / economic relief. "Wow, I can get caught up!"

Resources

Report the message to your cellular provider and delete it.

Example

I'm Mr. Manuel Franco, the Powerball winner of  768  Million in Powerball Millions Jackpot, click here to see my winning interview *https://www.youtuxe.com/watbh?v=sT--2y1G7zC0 I'm donating to 200 random individuals. If you get this message then your number was selected after a spin ball. I have spread most of my wealth over a number of charities and Organisations. I have voluntarily decided to donate the sum of  50,000 USD to you as one of the selected 200, to verify your winnings send a text to the agent in charge. Here is the number of the agent Donald Creed in charge (+13302577558), text him for confirmation and delivery of your winning.

*link changed to avoid someone clicking  on it.

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Social Security Scam

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Overview

You receive a call or email alerting you to the fact that your social security number has been used in fraudulent activities and has been placed on hold.  They want you to contact them to provide your personal information and money since you could be arrested or have legal action taken against you.  This is a scam.

Target Audience

All ages, focused on people receiving Social Security benefits.

Resources

Social Security Fraud Hotline 1-800-269-0271

Example

Scammer message: Department of the Social Security Administration. The reason of this call is to inform you that your Social Security number has been suspended for suspicion of illegal activity. If you do not contact us immediately, your account will be deactivated. For more information about this case file, press 1 or call immediately our department number XXX-XXX-XXXX.

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Stimulus Scam

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Overview

The pandemic has created many emotions - fear, unrest, isolation, financial worries, helplessness and many other feelings that typically are not as strong or active as they are during this time.  Many people are depending on the recovery/stimulus check that was promised by the Federal Government.  Scammers saw a way to capitalize on this to offer a way to get your stimulus check faster by giving them your bank details.

Emotional Play

Financial worries, fear, frustration.

Target Audience

All ages. Seniors and those who do not use direct deposit most vulnerable.

Additional Resources

Internal Revenue Service

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Threatening Text Message Scam

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Overview

This threatening scam has been happening in other parts of the US but is now popping up in Northern Colorado.  Using public information, it attempts to make you think you have messed with someone related to the cartel and now you are being fined $2,500 or other amount.  If you don’t pay, they threaten to hurt your family and they include gory pictures of mutilated /murdered bodies to make sure you know they mean business.  They say they have researched you and know everything about you - but they really only have the public information.

Emotional Play

Fear

Target Audience

All Ages

Resources

Send any documentation to  LCSO - Barbara Bennett.  Do not respond,  Make a fraud report on ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

 

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Example

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Trial Offer Scam

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Overview

There is a TV ad, a phone call or an email offering you a fabulous product for free - just pay a small amount for  shipping/handling. You have 30 days to try it! Sounds great, right? Well, in the really small print, it says you must return the product within 30 day otherwise you will be billed for the full amount. In addition, you will be signed up for a monthly subscription for a product every month and you will be billed at full price. The full price of the product is quite expensive and the 30 day window starts when you order, not when you receive the product. It could take up to two weeks to receive the product. The company has your credit card so will bill you continuously.

Emotional Play

Hope that the product will help you look younger, the product will help you lose weight, help prevent you from getting sick, etc.  Embarrassment to report.

Target Audience

All ages.

 

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Unemployment Benefits Scam

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Overview

This scam has really hit during the COVID 19 pandemic to take advantage of those that have not applied for unemployment benefits. The scammer has and is misusing your personal information, including your Social Security number and date of birth. 

The unemployment payments usually are deposited to accounts the imposters control. But sometimes payments get sent to the real person’s account, instead. If this happens to you, the imposters may call, text, or email to try to get you to send some or all of the money to them. They may pretend to be your state unemployment agency and say the money was sent by mistake. This a money mule scam and  participating in one could cause you more difficulties.

ADDITIONAL INFO

If you have received a 1099 for unemployment you have not applied for, please ensure you follow the recommended action in the Unemployment Benefits Scam card to protect yourself.  In addition, the Colorado dept of Labor and Employment provides the following info:

If you have received a 1099-G document from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment but did not file a claim for unemployment benefits, you may be a victim of identity theft. Unfortunately, fraudsters steal or purchase private information from illicit data brokers and use that information to file fraudulent unemployment claims. While we have a sophisticated multi-factor program in place to flag suspected fraud, no system is perfect.

Here’s what you should do if you’ve received a 1099-G document from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment but did not file a claim for unemployment benefits:

1. Report it using the Report Invalid 1099 form. https://co.tfaforms.net/f/Report_Invalid_1099  

2. For more info on the scam - https://cdle.colorado.gov/tax-form-1099-g    

3. Contact the three consumer credit bureaus and put a fraud alert on your name and Social Security Number (SSN). Credit Bureau Contact Info: Equifax: 1-800-525-6285 | Experian: 1-888-397-3742 | TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289  

For more information from the IRS, go to https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-offers-guidance-to-taxpayers-on-identity-theft-involving-unemployment-benefits

 

Emotional Play

Fear of negative impact.

Target Audience

Anyone who hasn't applied for emergency unemployment benefits.

 

Resources

Colorado Department of Labor - Report Fraud Here

Federal Trade Commission - Unemployment Benefits

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Unemployment Text Message Scam

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Overview

This is a variation of the Unemployment Benefits Scam, just using a different way of reaching you. Clicking on the link will allow the scammer to take your personal information and perhaps even drop a virus as a token of their appreciation.

Emotional Play

It must be official - I am curious if I didn't make an unemployment claim and if I did this must be important.

Target Audience

Anyone with a smartphone.

 

Resources

If you made an unemployment claim, go directly to the CDLE website and check on your claim. Never click links.

Colorado Department of Labor - Report Fraud Here

Federal Trade Commission - Unemployment Benefits

 

Examples

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USBank Relia Scam

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Overview

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment uses a debit Visa card (USBANK RELIA) to deposit unemployment benefits to those that apply for unemployment benefits. If you have NOT applied for unemployment, and receive this visa card, it possibly could be a scam.

Target Audience

Those that haven't applied for unemployment benefits. This is part of the Unemployment Benefits scam that has been going viral across the country. In some cases, a number of cards in different names could appear in your mailbox.

Resources

De-activate the card and monitor your credit cards and bank accounts for anything suspicious.

Also review the Unemployment Benefits Scam card for additional details.

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Utility Bill Scam

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Overview

Scammers (bad actors) have used this phishing scam for quite awhile but during this time of Covid, it is especially alarming to many citizens that have had a tough time paying all their bills, including their electric bill. It is alarming to hear your electricity will be turned off within a few minutes so many are willing to do whatever they need to do to keep their power on. The scammer may also ask for payment in untraceable methods such as wire transfer, money cards, etc.

 

Target Audience

All ages.

 

Emotional Play

Alarm, fear.
 

Resources

If you want to assure your bill is current, or if you are overdue, contact the phone number on your utility bill. NEVER give your payment on the phone to the caller.

 

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VISA Switch Scam

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Overview

A ring of scammers have been targeting grocery stores (and possibly other stores) to steal some unactivated Visa cards. They then carefully replace the legitimate barcode with their own barcode that goes to a Visa card the  scammer has.

When the buyer activates and pays for the card, instead of the funds being placed on the Visa card the buyer purchases, it goes directly to the scammer's Visa card. When the recipient tries to use the card, it shows that it hasn’t been activated. This ring has hit multiple grocery stores in our area. It is very difficult for the buyer to know if this is real or fake by just looking at the Visa card since the scammers are very careful about replacing the barcode and sealing the card back up.

Target Audience

Anyone purchasing a gift for someone.

Emotional Play

Purchasing a gift.

Resources

When purchasing these cards, try to pull one from toward the back. You can also look at the receipt and if the Visa card you purchased is a Happy Birthday card and the receipt says Get Well - that might indicate it is a fraudulent card. If you notice this, have the store check before you leave the store.

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Wildfire Damage Scam

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Overview

Sadly, when a disaster hits, scammers figure out how to capitalize on the tragedy to bilk you out of your money. It is up to you to be very alert to uninvited offers to fix your damage especially at a “great deal” and all you have to do is pay up front. Then they take your money and are gone.

Target Audience

All ages.

Emotional Play

We are emotionally drained, our home is damaged, and someone offers a great deal and they will give you the help you need.

 

Resources

Do your homework and if you need a contractor to help you - check out the reputable local contractors with a solid history and references and initiate the call yourself. Roving contractors looking for business is a huge red flag.

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Will You Do Me a Favor Scam

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Overview

Somehow the scammer has access to your contacts and is pretending to be your real friend.  Real friends don’t ask you to buy gift cards even if they are out of town.  Nor do they ask you to peel off the silver and give them the access numbers.  Only scammers ask you to do that.  Keep in mind that even if your friend is out of town they can buy their own gift cards anywhere and not ask you. 

 

Emotional Play

We always want to help our friends.  We just have to know which are real friends and which are real scammers.

 

Target Audience

Anyone who uses email.

 

Resources

If you ever fall victim to something like this and lose money, please file a police report and monitor your banking and credit card information. 

 

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FAQs

1. Scambusters Newsletter #2023-10 - October

   October ScamBusters Newsletter

   We are approaching Halloween, and the bad goblins (scammers) are still knocking on our doors wanting “treats.”  Guess we will have to perch our “big bad witch” on our doors to scare them away!

    

   In addition to all the other scams we have talked about, here are the ones  to be especially alert for:

    

   ONLINE JOB OFFERS

   Be cautious when applying for an online job offer. You never know who is on the other end of the offer. If they want your bank account number to deposit your earnings directly, do not give your account number out. If they will not pay you by check, then it is a scam, and they just want your bank account number.  Mystery shopping scams send you a cashier’s check to cash and purchase various gift cards at different stores and provide the company with the code on the back. Turns out the cashier’s check is bogus, and you lost your money.

    

   CHARITY SCAMS

   With two humanitarian crises in progress right now, there are a lot of scammers setting up places for you to donate. Always check out the charity on BBB, Charity Navigator or Candid. You can also google the charity followed by “scam,” “reviews,” “complaints.”  Also check how much of your donation goes to paying salaries of the charity to see how much actually gets to the intended people it is supposed to help. Go straight to the charity website to confirm the number of the charity. Never donate by cryptocurrency, wire transfer, money or gift cards or cash apps. These are the scammers' method of payment since it is hard to trace. Be cautious about donating to crowdfunding sites.

    

   ONLINE EVENT TICKET PURCHASES

   Trying to buy tickets to a concert via text or social media? If you do not know the person you are buying from, chances are it is a scam. In a  recent case, the scammer promises to provide the tickets to the buyer, asks for Zelle payment since she cannot figure out other methods like PayPal (which has buyer protection), so the buyer sends the payment, and never gets the ticket – and the scammer stops all communication. It is really best to either buy from someone you know and trust or buy through regular channels with a credit card or PayPal which affords buyer protection. Use cash apps like Zelle or Venmo with trusted friends and trusted family only.

    

   GEEK SQUAD/BEST BUY

   A citizen tried to cancel his Geek Squad subscription and have them remove the virus protection as he purchased a new  virus software. He called the number found on the  Best Buy webpage under Questions and Answers. The person answering said someone would call him back to arrange a refund. When the gentleman called back, the citizen had to give him his banking number and birth date to get his refund. The scammer then made fraudulent charges on his credit card and put imaging software on his computer. The phone numbers on the Question and Answers Page on Best Buy were fraudulent, placed on the page by the scammer pretending to be the Geek Squad. We have alerted Best Buy to the illegitimate information on their website. If you need to contact Geek Squad, use the published number on the website, not under Q and A.

    

   PAYPAL

   An email stating the person is from PayPal and tells the citizen that $31,000 was mistakenly placed  in his bank account by the caller, and will be fired if he does not get the money returned. When the citizen checks his bank account, there is $31,000 in there. The citizen is then instructed to withdraw the $31,000 in cash and deposit into an ATM with a QR code. He then discovered that the $31,000 appearing in his checking was actually fraudulently moved from one of his other accounts into the checking to appear that this PayPal representative had indeed deposited the money.

    

   ALPINE BANK TEXT

   Your account is on hold for security reasons. Click this link to  restore access. This is a scam.

    

   LAW ENFORCEMENT IMPERSONATORS

   A law enforcement impersonator called and told the citizen he had missed an appointment for a DNA collection and had a warrant for his arrest with a bond of $15,000. Law enforcement never calls and asks for bond money.

    

   FACEBOOK MESSAGE ASKING FOR HELP

    A scammer sends you a Facebook message pretending to be a friend of yours asking you for money to get bonded out of jail. Always  directly with your friend before you do anything. This is a scam.

    

   US BANK CALL

   Caller  he is from US Bank and sends her a code for her to read back to the caller. When she did, the call locked her out of her US Banking app, added a Zelle account, and withdrew $5,000 from her bank accounts. Banks will not call you, and never provide anyone with any codes.

    

   Here are some interesting facts about the origins of internet scams. According to Analytics Insight, the top ten internet scamming  countries  in 2023 are –

   ·Nigeria

   ·Ghana

   ·India

   ·Indonesia

   ·Philippines

   ·Romania

   ·Russia

   ·South Africa

   ·Ukraine

   ·United States

    

   According to the Federal Trade Commission, adults over sixty have reported more than $1.6 billion in losses to scammers. This really represents a fraction of all the losses since the majority of fraud is never reported. FTC estimates that the loss could be as high as $48 billion. Some of the scams that seniors lose money to are investment scams, business impersonation, and tech support scams. Scammers reach out to seniors via phone, social media, and the internet.

     

   REMEMBER:  If you are reacting to an email, phone call, text, or social media offering, and feel fear, excitement, sense of urgency, curiosity, etc.– please do NOT act - it is a scam. If you were in your rational thinking mode, rather than an emotional reaction, you would see the red flags. Scammers want you to be compliant so you will give them what they want. Always keep in mind – if it seems too good to be true – it is! Listen to your instincts. And if you are asked to pay by cryptocurrency (bitcoin, etc.), wire transfer, cash apps (Venmo, Zelle), or gift/money cards – it is definitely a SCAM!

    

   Stay safe and thank you to all the contributors for sending me scams you are hearing about. I really appreciate hearing from you and getting the information on trending scams – and am so happy to hear that you are recognizing a scam and are taking the appropriate measures!

    

   Please share this information everywhere, and I am always willing to come to your group for a scam presentation.

2. Scambusters Newsletter #2023-09 - September

   Happy almost fall!  Even though some leaves are falling, everything is still green and beautiful!  We are very fortunate to be enjoying both fall and green at the same time.

    

   Now let’s address the scams that have been prevalent during the last month, but please know that all the scams we have shared in the past are still happening, so please don’t let your guard down. 

    

   SOCIAL SECURITY EMAIL – Telling you that “your social security number is going to be de-activated soon as they (scammer) have uncovered suspicious and unlawful activities”.   Do not respond – it is a scam.  It comes from a strange email -  OFFICIAL__!!!!ed434  herminiajorphyshj76@gmail.  It uses poor grammar which is another red flag.

    

   HOME WARRANTY IS EXPIRING – They send you a letter and a “check” with a FINAL NOTICE saying your home warranty is expiring. And gives you a phone number to call.  The check is made out to you, in the amount of $199, but in small print on the bottom of this “check” is a note saying, “this is not a check”.  It doesn’t say what this bogus check is for – I guess you have to call the number to find out.  DO NOT call the number – it is the scammer.  Just shred this.

    

   GEEK SQUAD RENEWAL – Email letting you know the Geek Squad is renewing your subscription.  It gives you a number to call to cancel.  JUST DELETE THIS – it is a scam.  Don’t call the number – it’s the scammer.

   BORDER PATROL CALLING – the caller said he intercepted a box with a dead body inside and wants you to pay to have it sent to you.  (Honestly, I couldn’t make this stuff up.)  Hang up.  Scam.

   COMPUTER SCREEN LOCK UP – Pop up indicates you have a virus.  Now, the scammer has added a voice yelling at you to not turn off your computer.  They want you to call the number, pay them a fee, let them on your computer and they will fix the virus.  NEWSFLASH – you do NOT have a virus, it is a scam, and if you give them permission to get on your computer, they will download all your personal info (credit card, banking, contacts, etc.) and help themselves to your money while they are “working on your computer.”  Please remember – NEVER let anyone on your computer.  If you get this pop up  -- just turn off your computer, wait a few minutes and turn it back on.  Pop up – disappears.

    

   TEXT TO WRONG NUMBER – You get a text from someone you don’t know.  If you respond that the texter has the wrong number, they will try to start up a conversation with you any way.  They may push you to continue the chat.  DO NOT respond to any of these unknown wrong number texts.  They could want you to click on a link at some point which opens you up to nefarious activities.  They could use the information from the link to steal financial information and make you a target for future scams.  Even responding that they have the wrong number makes you a target since you answered.

    

   USPS SCAM – If you get this smishing text – just delete.  Never click on the link.

    

   ZELLE or VENMO deposits – Are you receiving notices that someone you don’t know is depositing money in your Zelle or Venmo account?  It is probably a phishing scheme pretending to be your bank letting you know that you have a new deposit.  This is a scam – at  point, the scammer will contact you and say they have deposited a lot of money into the wrong account and to please reimburse them.  If you check with your bank, you will find out that those funds were never put into your Zelle or Venmo account.  It is just a way for them to take your money.  Keep your documentation, don’t reply to the phone number in the email, and don’t click on a link, or respond in any way.

   Another version of this one – you get contacted by “your bank” saying there is a problem with your Zelle account.  To fix it, you need to transfer money from your bank account into a new account in your name.  STOP!  Actually, this isn’t the bank, and this new account is the scammer’s, so you will be out the money you transfer.  ZELLE and Venmo are linked directly to your bank account, so protect it by only using these cash apps with trusted friends and family.

    

   AMERICAN DREAM CONTEST – you have a chance to win huge prizes if you pay them each month – it is definitely a scam and you will not get your money back, nor will you get any of the huge prizes they lure you with.

    

   SURPRISE IN YOUR INBOX – Congratulations!  Complete this 30 second survey and receive an exclusive reward offer for participating.  START NOW. This email has come from Xfinity, Best Buy, and many other businesses.  This is a phishing scam, and they want you to get your personal information.  Just delete!

    

   EVENT HOSTING/DOG WALKING/etc.  – Someone may try to reserve your business, band, or other service for an event, or want to hire you for dog walking or other service.  They will send you a deposit check for over the amount you are charging and request you pay another 3rd party the additional funds or ask you to send the overage back via Zelle or Venmo.  Anytime someone pays you more than you have asked and wants you to pay a third party or return some of the money, it is always a scam.

    

   DATA BREACH LETTERS -  There have been a plethora of letters sent out indicating that there has been a data breach and your information could be compromised.  They will offer you a year or 24 months of data monitoring.  So far, these have been legitimate, but if you receive one, please send me a copy so I can check to make sure scammers haven’t decided to make a scam out of this.

   LEGAL AID/ATTORNEY/ETC. CALLING – your relative has been in an accident and was responsible for the injuries to the other person.  This caller made a great deal to keep your relative from getting charged – just pay $6,500 bail via cash sent in FEDX.  SCAM!  HANG UP.

    

   US BANK CALLING – The caller says he is from US Bank and sends you a code to read back to them.  Then they lock you out of your US bank app, opens a Zelle account, and withdraws $5,000 from your bank account.  Never read back any code, and always check by calling the legitimate bank number to check if it’s a scam (it is!).

    

   STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS – You should never have to pay a 3rd party to help you manage your student loans.  Only a scammer can offer you quick loan forgiveness! 

    

   GOOD NEWS – Several people have been convicted of Covid fraud schemes, Unemployment fraud (during Covid), misuse of pandemic funds, etc.  They have been sentenced to any where from one year to six years in prison for their bad acts.

    

   REMEMBER:  If you are reacting to an email, phone call, text, or social media offering, and feel fear, excitement, sense of urgency, curiosity, etc.– please do NOT act - it is a scam. If you were in your rational thinking mode, rather than an emotional reaction, you would see the red flags. Scammers want you to be compliant so you will give them what they want. Always keep in mind – if it seems too good to be true – it is! Listen to your instincts. And if you are asked to pay by cryptocurrency (bitcoin, etc.), wire transfer, cash apps (Venmo, Zelle), or gift/money cards – it is definitely a SCAM!

    

   Stay safe and thank you to all the contributors for sending me scams you are hearing about. I really appreciate hearing from you and getting the information on trending scams – and am so happy to hear that you are recognizing a scam and are taking the appropriate measures!

    

   https://www.larimer.org/sheriff/services/information/frauds-scams

   Please share this information everywhere, and I am always willing to come to your group for a scam presentation.

   Barb

   Chief Scambuster

3. Scambusters Newsletter #2023-08 - August

   Bright side of all the rain is the beautiful green that is still vibrant even in August!  Typically, it looks pretty brown about now, so I am thrilled with all the green!

    

   If you have other topics, you would like covered, please send me an email.  I love hearing from you on scams you are seeing and any other areas of interest you have.

    

   BEWARE:  Law enforcement scams are still happening; remember, law enforcement never calls and asks for money over the phone for warrants, missed jury duty, or any other reason.  Even if the number they are calling from looks like the actual law enforcement agency – it is not.  Please just hang up!!!

    

   FACEBOOK SPONSORED ADS

   On Facebook, the ad says “CLARKS” hoping you will think these are Clarks shoes.  They are not Clarks – they are a no brand shoe.  The website is called “Shopclank” – note they want you to think it is “Shopclark”.  This website also is listed as potentially a scam and very suspicious.  If you get on their website, they use “reduced price and limited supply and last day” emotions to get you to fall for this.  BUYER BEWARE.  This is not the only sponsored ad that does this – always be very cautious about sponsored ads – always check on google or Amazon to see if you can get the same or similar product from a reputable business,  I have found I can get the item with a good return policy and at a cheaper price typically.  Check their URL and see if you can spot these sneaky bait and switch.

    

   Note – this example indicates that it is QVC RECOMMENDED and shows the CLARK brand logo.  If you get on the website ARSHOES.WRIDIE.COM you will find the shoes are not Clark and not QVC recommended.  Also note they use “urgency” to get you to buy. 

   

    

   Last Minute - Sale end in 11:34 Limited stock!  5405 people are viewing this and 2418 purchased it.

    

    

   XFINITY/TARGET 50% OFF DEAL

   You get a voicemail (or text) saying Xfinity has a 50% discount offer with Target that cuts your bill in half and you still get the same service you currently have.  They know your monthly payment, address, etc. but it sounds like they are from India if you call their number listed.  They then say you have to pay for four months up front, so your bill won’t start again until month 5.  To pay, you have to get Target gift cards for the amount (it was $400 in my case) and give them the code.  THIS IS A SCAM.

    

   2023 BENEFIT INFORMATION FOR COLORADO CITIZENS ONLY

   This is really just a way to give permission for an insurance agent to call you to sell you insurance.  It is not government sponsored – it is mail phishing.  Just shred.

    

    

   

    

   TEXT SCAMS

   BEWARE!  This is a scam.  They want you to call the number so they can either get your personal information or have you pay to get this negated.  Just delete!

   They want you to call the number (which is the scammer’s number) so they can spider web you into working with them to get this reversed while they take your money.

   

    

    

   CRAIG’S LIST AD SCAM

   You respond to an ad on Craig’s list.  The scammer responds asking for you to send him/her the google verification code to ensure them you are not a bot. 

   

    

   The scam is to get you to share the google voice verification with them.  The scammer might use that number to rip off other people and conceal their identity. Sometimes these scammers are after a Google Voice verification code and other information about you. If they get enough of your information, they could pretend to be you to access your accounts or open new accounts in your name.  No matter what the story is, don’t share your Google Voice verification code — or any verification code — with someone if you didn’t contact them first. That’s a scam, every time. Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

    

   PHONE CALL SCAM

   Someone with a foreign accent calls and says they are from Amazon and there were fraudulent charges made to your account.  They then transfer you to the bank person who confirms the fraud and asks for your banking info.  The scammer then transfers you to someone at the Federal Trade Commission who asks for a copy of your driver’s license.  Then he asks you where your retirement funds and bank accounts are.  The scammer then tells you he is going to take money from your personal account to pay the Amazon charge.   If you hang up when you realize it’s a scam – they will continue to call you from various numbers, including spoofed numbers such as “Johnstown Polic Department” (no – that isn’t my typo – it is the scammers not knowing how to spell police.)   These are scams!   Just hang up!

    

   FINANCIAL HARDSHIP LOAN

   They tell you they can resolve your debt, have the debt eliminated, write a cease-and-desist letter, etc.  Scam alert – they just want you to pay them to supposedly do all this.

    

   LONG TERM CARE COVERAGE FOR CSU EMPLOYEES

   This is an email sent to teachers offering long term care coverage.  According to CSU, it is not legit. 

    

   REMEMBER:  If you are reacting to an email, phone call, text, or social media offering, and feel fear, excitement, sense of urgency, curiosity, etc.– please do NOT act - it is a scam. If you were in your rational thinking mode, rather than an emotional reaction, you would see the red flags. Scammers want you to be compliant so you will give them what they want. Always keep in mind – if it seems too good to be true – it is! Listen to your instincts. And if you are asked to pay by cryptocurrency (bitcoin, etc.), wire transfer, cash apps (Venmo, Zelle), or gift/money cards – it is definitely a SCAM!

    

   Stay safe and thank you to all the contributors for sending me scams you are hearing about. I really appreciate hearing from you and getting the information on trending scams – and am so happy to hear that you are recognizing a scam and are taking the appropriate measures!

    

   https://www.larimer.org/sheriff/services/information/frauds-scams

   Please share this information everywhere, and I am always willing to come to your group for a scam presentation.

4. Scambusters Newsletter #2023-07 - July

   Summer has definitely arrived with a vengeance.  Since I complain about the cold and snow, I cannot complain about the heat, so let’s just say I am so looking forward to the next rainy, cool day!

    

   Going forward, these newsletters will continue to highlight the scams that have been hitting Larimer County, some scams that may be on their way, and also highlighting some areas of concern such as the impact of artificial intelligence on scams and cryptocurrency.  If you have other topics you would like covered, please send me an email.  I love hearing from you on scams you are seeing and any other areas of interest you have.

    

   IRS EMAIL SCAM

   Email comes from ‘IRS NEWS TAX” but the email address is a long and very strange email which is the first red flag.  The letter uses an IRS logo

   (copied from the actual IRS logo) and tells you of a third round of economic impact payments available to you.  It says you are going to receive a tax refund of $976.00  as soon as you send us the documents they need. They give you ID number and a link to complete the information.  They also give you phone numbers to call.  PLEASE DO NOT CLICK ON THE LINK .  THIS IS A SCAM.  DO NOT CALL THE PHONE NUMBERS – IT IS THE SCAMMER’S NUMBER.  According to the IRS –

   The Economic Impact Payment scheme

   This is currently the highest volume email scheme the IRS is seeing. Emails messages are hitting inboxes with titles like: "Third Round of Economic Impact Payments Status Available." The IRS routinely sees hundreds of taxpayers forwarding these messages each day; the IRS has seen thousands of these emails reported since the July 4 holiday period.

   The third round of Economic Impact Payments occurred in 2021, more than two years ago. And this particular scheme, which plays off this real-world tax event, has been around since then. But while the stimulus payments ended long ago, the related scheme has evolved and changed as scam artists look for new ways to adjust their message to trick people.

    

    

   LAW ENFORCEMENT IMPERSONATION

   This scam was hitting our medical offices a few months back but now is targeting everyone saying they are a LE officer and you missed jury duty or have a warrant for something else so you must pay $750 via Zelle so you won’t be arrested or a $2,000 wire transfer from Walmart.   PLEASE NEVER USE ANY CASH APP LIKE ZELLE, VENMO, ETC. (OR WIRE TRANSFER) TO PAY SOMEONE YOU DO NOT KNOW.  Also remember – Law enforcement will NEVER call you and ask for money over the phone no matter how legitimate or authoritative they sound.

    

   EMAILS WITH LINKS AND PHONE NUMBERS

   If you receive any email with a link and phone number to call saying you should click on the link for whatever reason, NEVER click on a link or call the number in the email.  If you are in doubt, call the actual business referred to and check to see if it is legitimate.  If you click on a

   link, you could be compromised or receive a malware on your computer.

    

   EMAIL SUBJECT “HEY, YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN SOMETHING”

   The email is from a very strange email and lets you know he has some bad news to share with you.  He gained access to all your devices and started tracking your internet browsing.  He also purchased access to your email account.  He has installed some fancy  to access your devices.  He has all the “dirty “stuff” you have done and will make them all available to the public if you don’t transfer $600 (sometimes $1,400) to him.  Then he will delete the dirty stuff and leave you alone.  Send the money to his bitcoin wallet within 2 days.  Warns you not to contact him – he is monitoring every move you make.  This could also come from someone saying they are a private investigator warning you that a scammer is going to extort you.  If you pay the private investigator $650 via bitcoin he will protect your data.  SCAM ALERT.  Remember – paying anyone by bitcoin or other cryptocurrency ensures your money cannot be traced or retrieved. 

    

   EMAIL - FROM INTERPOL OFFICER

   The email says it is the fraud investigating international police (Interpol London) and they have arrested the people that defrauded me.  They are going to pay me 99% of what I lost ($5.8 million) and all I have to do is give them my personal information so they can deposit this for me.  It is from an Interpol Special Agent named Mr. Rodel Michael rgrosales.  First, I don’t have $5.8 million to lose.  Second, their grammar is pretty bad.  Third, I wonder what the “rgrosales” stands for – perhaps growing their “sales” also known as scams?, And last, but not least, I never give out my personal information.  This scammer has a gmail address and is emailed from a totally different person at an msn address.  Nice try, scammer.

    

   EMAIL  IRS RETENTION CREDIT (ERC)

   This is “free” money for up to $5,000 per employee for 2020 and $7,000 per employee for 2021.  All you have to do is provide financial documents to prove your business was impacted negatively.   According to the IRS –

   The IRS reminded businesses and tax-exempt groups to watch out for telltale signs of misleading claims about the Employee Retention Credit (ERC), sometimes called the Employee Retention Tax Credit or ERTC. The IRS and tax professionals continue to see aggressive broadcast advertising, direct mail solicitations and online promotions involving the ERC. While the credit is real, aggressive promoters are misrepresenting and exaggerating who can qualify for the credit.

   The IRS has issued many warnings about ERC schemes from third party promoters that charge large upfront fees or a fee based on the amount of the refund. And the promoters may not tell taxpayers that wage deductions claimed on the business' federal income tax return must be reduced by the amount of the credit.

   Businesses, tax-exempt organizations and others thinking about applying for the ERC need to carefully review the official requirements for this credit before they claim it.

    

   PUBLISHER’S CLEARINGHOUSE SWEEPSTAKES

   The Federal Trade Commission has investigated the tactics of this sweepstakes which give the impression that you have to buy something in their sales catalog in order to be eligible to win.  In small letters, they post that no purchase is necessary, but they continually send the person trying to enter back to purchase something before they can submit.  Publisher’s tactics typically target older individuals on fixed incomes.  Best to remember “if it seems too good to be true, it is”.

                               

   ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) SCAMS

   A snippet of a voice from the internet can be used by a scammer with AI software to sound like your grandchild in trouble (grandparents’ scam).

   Now, a new twist is taking the voice on your answering machine and with AI software, can create  a fake request from one of your friends asking for money.  One recent example, a “friend” contacts you indicating he was arrested and needed $900 for bail money.  You are to take the money out of your bank and go to a local bail shop to pay the bail.  Your “friend” then tells you to call his public defender to get the docket number to verify that the friend is really in jail.  The number of the public defender is in another state – and if you ask why, the scammer will tell you it’s because he recently moved to our area and hasn’t changed his number.   It really sounds just like your friend so you might be tempted to do as requested – but STOP!  This is a scam using AI software to sound just like your friend.  You might consider changing your voicemail to one of the robotic answering voices. 

    

   Have you noticed the ads for products and services that have celebrity endorsements?  That may be an AI deep fake scam.  The AI chatbots can even provide positive reviews (fake) and suppress any negative reviews. 

    

   One of the red flags we use to know it’s a scam is improper grammar and misspelled words.  With AI, the chatbots can clean up these errors, thus making this red flag invalid.

    

   Another AI scam – online ads telling you to access AI tools software free.  This can take you to a fake website that can download malware on your computer.

    

   AI will definitely add more complexity to “phishing emails” (email-based attack intended to trick individuals into performing an action beneficial to the attacker by clicking a link or divulging personal information.)  Our common red flags will have to be updated to provide ways to assess whether the email is valid or a scam.  Remember never to click on a link or call the number in the email – they both belong to the scammer. 

    

   ELDER FRAUD

   In 2022, 82,000 victims over 60 (12,000 in Colorado alone) reported about $3.1billion loss to the Internet Crime Complaint center (IC3).  Top scams against elders were romance, tech support grandparent, LE impersonation, sweepstakes,  investment, charity, family/caregiver, and online shopping scams.  These are a vulnerable population, and we must get the word out to seniors you know what to look for and how to protect themselves against scams.

    

   2023 SCAMS ON THE HORIZON

   ·Cryptocurrency-romance scams

   ·Student loan forgiveness

   ·Puppy online purchase

   ·Check washing

   ·Bank impersonator

   ·Social media

   ·Impersonators – law enforcement, social security, IRS,  Medicare and other government agencies.

   ·AI scams – voice and video cloning

   ·On-line shopping

    

    

   REMEMBER:  If you are reacting to an email, phone call, text, or social media offering, and feel fear, excitement, sense of urgency, curiosity, etc.– please do NOT act - it is a scam. If you were in your rational thinking mode, rather than an emotional reaction, you would see the red flags. Scammers want you to be compliant so you will give them what they want. Always keep in mind – if it seems too good to be true – it is! Listen to your instincts. And if you are asked to pay by cryptocurrency (bitcoin, etc.), wire transfer, cash apps (Venmo, Zelle), or gift/money cards – it is definitely a SCAM!

    

   Stay safe and thank you to all the contributors for sending me scams you are hearing about. I really appreciate hearing from you and getting the information on trending scams – and am so happy to hear that you are recognizing a scam and are taking the appropriate measures!

    

   https://www.larimer.org/sheriff/services/information/frauds-scams

   Please share this information everywhere, and I am always willing to come to your group for a scam presentation.

5. Scambusters Newsletter #2023-06 - June

   Rain, rain, and more rain!  Never greener!  Or wetter!  Or more scammers growing!  I wish Roundup worked on scammers!

    

   In addition to the top scams of last month, I want to share some info about data breaches and shopping online.

    

   DATA BREACH

   Did you get a letter from “Reventics” saying they had a data security incident that exposed your personal information?  It is legit.  Reventics is a medical billing service that indeed had a data breach.  The letter gives you information on the data monitoring service they are providing you free from IDX. 

    

   Data breaches are experienced in small and large companies, gleaning personal information they can sell or use in ransom for money.  Here are just some of the companies that have experienced a data breach –

   Microsoft 2021

   ·Facebook 2021

   ·First American Financial Corp 2019

   ·LinkedIn 2021

   ·Marriott International 2018

   ·Equifax 2017

   ·Capital One 2019

   ·Zynga 2019

   ·Cash App 2022

   ·T-Mobile 2021

   ·Ikea  2022

    

     

   ON-LINE SHOPPING

   If you see sponsored ads on Facebook, or Marketplace ads, be very cautious.  Many of these looks like they are here in the US, but the actual company is from China.  Your product, if you get it, will take much longer (since it is shipped from China) – may not be the quality the website suggests, or the correct size.  They will ship it from a US address (after received from China) and if you want to return or exchange it – they will make you pay a huge amount to ship back to China.  BUYER BEWARE!

                                                                                                   

   TEMU

   We are hearing a lot about this company.  It sells lots of merchandise at a really low price.  This is another BUYER BEWARE.  This is a Chinese company selling very cheap items, but they also are collecting lots of data on you as you are shopping on their website.  They say they are in Boston but that is not where any of the merchandise is – since the products will come from various Chinese vendors.  Mixed reviews as to quality of item, shipping times, customer service.  Also remember that reviews can be faked so don’t rely on them as you make your choice. 

    

    

    TOP SCAM –

   The top scam for the last month is STILL the law enforcement impersonator – but now it is targeting everyone saying you missed jury duty,  missed federal court as a material witness, you are under surveillance by the FBI for purchasing chemicals online to make meth, or some other reason you have a warrant for your arrest.  The emotions they are targeting are a) fear of arrest or reputation damage; b) trust in authority (law enforcement).

   Please remember – law enforcement NEVER calls you and asks or money over the phone. This is a scam, and we ask that you do NOT continue talking to the scammer. Scammers will always ask you to pay with cryptocurrency (bitcoin), money wires, cashier check, Venmo or Zelle or money/gift cards. 

    

   PHONE SCAMS - 

   Your mortgage company calls and indicates you owe money to your escrow account.  STOP!  Call your mortgage company directly (not the number the caller is using) and check before you send any money.  If anyone calls you requesting money, even if it is a bank, credit card, business, etc., do not call the number the caller gives you – call the business directly with their legit phone number.  NEVER pay over the phone.

    

   COMPUTER SCAMS –

   Your computer screen freezes and a voice from your computer says your have a fraud alert and to call this number.  STOP!  If you call the number, the scammer will use an app (like Ultraviewer which is a remote-control app) to download all your personal info from your computer.  One scammer actually identified their title and employee number as a Microsoft employee,  got on the computer to “fix the problem”, also transferred the victim to her bank contact (but not the location of his bank), and then gave her the balance of her bank account (which they had gleaned when they were on the person’s computer) and when the victim was suspicious they even transferred her to the “Federal Trade Commission” office to confirm they were legit (please note, this was the scammer she was transferred to – not the FTC).  Although no money was lost, the victim had to have the computer cleaned since they also left malware in addition to taking all her personal info and contacts, and change bank accounts, credit cards, etc., and file reports of ID theft and fraud.  Very time consuming at best if you don’t lose money, but some victims have lost up to $15,000 in one of these scams.  How can you fix the frozen screen?  Just turn your computer off for a few minutes than turn it back on. 

    

   EMAIL SCAMS –

   Geek Squad, Amazon, PayPal, etc. saying you have been charged for something and if you didn’t make this charge, to call or click link.  Please never call or click the link in the email – it is directly to the scammer.  This is a phishing scam.  If you want to be certain, call the company directly at their legitimate number.

    

   BUSINESS SCAMS –

   A high-level manager in the business requests a new vendor be set up and paid via wire transfer to the vendor’s bank.  The request is sent from an email (although the email is not the same as the manager’s email) and is sent to finance or directly to the controller.  Always check directly with the manager requesting this – it is probably a scam.

    

    

   REMEMBER:  If you are reacting to an email, phone call, text, or social media offering, and feel fear, excitement, sense of urgency, curiosity, etc.– please do NOT act - it is a scam. If you were in your rational thinking mode, rather than an emotional reaction, you would see the red flags. Scammers want you to be compliant so you will give them what they want. Always keep in mind – if it seems too good to be true – it is! Listen to your instincts.

    

   Stay safe and thank you to all the contributors for sending me scams you are hearing about. I really appreciate hearing from you and getting the information on trending scams – and am so happy to hear that you are recognizing a scam and are taking the appropriate measures!

6. Scambusters Newsletter #2023-03 - March

   Welcome to spring in Colorado! It is still in the crazy stage with sun and snow, but at least it is spring. Scammers are getting more sophisticated every day – so we have to be that much more vigilant every day! Here we go –

    

   GRANDPARENT SCAM – NEW TWIST!

   According to the FTC, scammers are using voice cloning programs to fool you into thinking it is your family member. If you get a call from your family member saying they are in trouble and need money, especially if they ask you to wire transfer, use crypto currency or get money/gift cards, HANG UP and call your family member directly.

    

   DEPUTY OR POLICE OFFICER CALLING

   You missed jury duty; you have a warrant. You must pay or get arrested. Sounds authoritative and official. This is NOT legitimate – law enforcement never asks for money over the phone – and they don’t make appointments to arrest you!

    

   TAX SEASON!

   Beware of scammers filing tax return in your name. Also, beware of messages telling you about a tax rebate or refund – (never click a link or call the number in this text. If you find out someone has stolen your identity and filed in your name, check out the IRS website for details on how and where to report this.

   https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/taxpayer-guide-to-identity-theft

    

   FACEBOOK

   Please be cautious when interacting with posts with strange fonts – 

   Example - Rescυeɗ Hυskу Sυrνiνes Extɾeme Heαt in Cαr and Finɗs Lσѵe in a Neɯ Hσme. ЅEƝD thеᴍ sσɱe lσvҽ 

    

   And be cautious about “celebrities” sponsoring products – Oprah doesn’t sell weight loss gummies that can take off 100 lbs. in 3 weeks. 

    

   XFINITY MOBILE

   “We had an issue processing your account”. Then the email asks you to update your payment method on your account and gives you a link to click. Looks legit – but it is a SCAM. This same scam can come from any business, so be alert.

    

   PAYING WITH CRYPTO CURRENCY

   Legitimate businesses do not ask you to pay with crypto currency (or money card, wire transfer), and if you are looking to invest in crypto – be very, very cautious. This is a scammer’s dream area and getting your money back if scammed is almost nil. Do your research very carefully when moving into crypto and if you are asked to pay in crypto – that is a huge red flag that it is a scam.

    

   INVESTING IN CRYPTO CURRENCY

   If you meet a “friend” online that you start trading with and invest money into a crypto.com account, you could be heading to a big loss. The trading friend has you start a crypto.com account, then tells you to put it into a trading account called Sunbitz.com (or CoinlistOBT.com) for a great return on your investment. When you see your investment increase seven-fold, you try to transfer the money back to your crypto account. Before they can release the funds, you must pay 110% of your initial investment as “taxes” and then they will release your funds. If you don’t pay this tax, they will freeze your account. Once you pay the tax, your account disappears and you have lost your original investment, plus the tax. Typically, these trades are large dollar amounts, so your losses will be substantial, even if you realize it’s a scam and don’t pay the “tax”.

    

   SWEEPSTAKES WINNER!

   These are scams to get money from you in order to get your prize.

    

   FACEBOOK/MARKETPLACE ADS

   If you are purchasing something from Marketplace, please don’t use Venmo or Zelle to pay someone you don’t know. Also, be cautious about putting a deposit on an item prior to getting the item. There are a lot of scammers using this venue to get your money then deleting the post before you can pick up the item.

    

7. Scambusters Newsletter #2023-02 - February

   Although spring is only about a month away, we have a bit more snow and frigid temps to get through before we can bathe in the beautiful springtime. 

   This last month has shown a rise in crypto scams along with most of the other ones we experience, some just with a new little twist. Crypto scams can lead to large financial losses, and due to the architecture of crypto digital assets, and can be impossible to get any money back. The promise of making high profits is a big lure to invest in crypto. But if it is a scam, you might incur high losses. In some of our local crypto scams, it starts out with meeting someone online and developing a rapport. They then share a great opportunity for you by investing in crypto with them. Or it could be someone you meet on a meeting app - whatever the method of communication – be very skeptical. Here is a brief overview of crypto from the FTC.

    

   What is cryptocurrency?

   Cryptocurrency is a type of digital currency that generally exists only electronically. You usually use your phone, computer, or a cryptocurrency ATM to buy cryptocurrency. Bitcoin and Ether are well-known cryptocurrencies, but there are many different cryptocurrencies, and new ones keep being created.

    

   Paying With Cryptocurrency?

   There are many ways that paying with cryptocurrency is different from paying with a credit card or other traditional payment methods.

   • Cryptocurrency payments do not come with legal protections. Credit cards and debit cards have legal protections if something goes wrong. For example, if you need to dispute a purchase, your credit card company has a process to help you get your money back. Cryptocurrencies typically do not come with any such protections.
   • Cryptocurrency payments typically are not reversible. Once you pay with cryptocurrency, you can usually only get your money back if the person you paid sends it back. Before you buy something with cryptocurrency, know the seller’s reputation, by doing some research before you pay.
   • Some information about your transactions will likely be public. People talk about cryptocurrency transactions as anonymous. But the truth is not that simple. Cryptocurrency transactions will typically be recorded on a public ledger, called a “blockchain.” That’s a public list of every cryptocurrency transaction — both on the payment and receipt sides. Depending on the blockchain, the information added to the blockchain can include details like the transaction amount, as well as the sender’s and recipient’s wallet addresses. It’s sometimes possible to use transaction and wallet information to identify the people involved in a specific transaction. And when you buy something from a seller who collects other information about you, like a shipping address, that information can also be used to identify you later on.

    

   How To Avoid Cryptocurrency Scams

   • Scammers are always finding new ways to steal your money using cryptocurrency. To steer clear of a crypto con, here are some things to know.
   • Only scammers demand payment in cryptocurrency. No legitimate business is going to demand you send cryptocurrency in advance – not to buy something, and not to protect your money. That’s always a scam.
   • Only scammers will guarantee profits or big returns. Don’t trust people who promise you can quickly and easily make money in the crypto markets.
   • Never mix online dating and investment advice. If you meet someone on a dating site or app, and they want to show you how to invest in crypto, or asks you to send them crypto, that’s a scam. 

   https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-cryptocurrency-and-scams

    

   ****

   Here are some other hot scams this last month to be wary of:

    

   IMPERSONATING A PEACE OFFICER 
   Calls from someone saying they are Sgt., Captain, Detective, etc. So-and-S0 and you have a warrant or your arrest. (missed jury duty, missed subpoena, etc.) Please remember that law enforcement does NOT call and ask for money to pay a warrant, etc. Just hang up. 

    

   OVERPAYMENT FOR AN ITEM YOU ARE SELLING 
   If someone offers you an amount over what your asking price is, this is a scam. The method of their payment will turn out to be bogus, and you will be out your money. In a recent case, a cattle seller was contacted by a buyer that sent a check for the amount plus an overage amount for the cattle hauling. The seller was to deposit the check and send the overage ($2,000) to the hauler. The check for the cattle was bogus and the money sent to the “hauler” was a scam.

    

   FACEBOOK ADS FOR POLICE, SHERIFF, LARIMER RETIRED K9 FOUNDATION, ETC.
   They comment on a comment you have made on a post and offer you sweatshirts with official logo on them. First, they do not have the rights to the logo, and second, if you click on the link (remember – never click on a link!) or order from them – you will lose your money.

    

   FACEBOOK SPONSORED ADS 
   The ad may say the product is made in USA – but it is not. It is made and shipped from overseas and if you even get the product, it will take a long time since it has to go through various customs, or it will not be what they claimed (e.g., real leather – but it is fake leather. Always check locally or on Amazon for the product to see if you can get it without going through a deceitful seller.

    

   SHARK TANK CELEBRITY APPROVED PRODUCTS
   Scammers are using fake photos and celebrity endorsements for products from Shark Tank. Scam!!!

    

   VENMO ALERT OF LIMIT FOR FUNDS PAID 
   You receive an alert from Venmo saying there was a problem with crediting your account with a larger payment than your limit. It shows they asked the paying party to submit more funds to increase your limit – then they can credit you. In reality, this is not legitimately Venmo, and the entire transaction is a scam.

    

   CHARITY SCAMS 
   With the earthquake relief efforts In Turkey and Syria, scam charities will arise. If you want to donate to help in these relief efforts, please research the charity before you donate. It is best if you initiate the search for the charity and then check with the Federal Trade Commission to see if it is legitimate. You can also put the name of the charity in the search bar with added words like “scam” “complaint” to see if others have experienced it as a scam.

    

   TAX SEASON 
   Please remember that the IRS will never call you and ask for money. If you owe them, they will send you a letter in the mail! And they may even text you about a tax rebate, tax refund or benefit – just delete!!!!

    

   EMAILS, EMAILS, EMAILS
   Here's an example of a scam email – be on the lookout because they are filling our inboxes constantly. 

    

   From: USA-Billing_Status <greta.marv68ip@icloud.com>
   Subject: New Soft-Copy Of Your INV eReceipt#PQ482564 Is Successfully Generated on 22 feb.

    

   You have an outstanding refund:Your Unclaime Funds!!!   David Eddie Baggett ldk@epix.net via toyotaastra.onmicrosoft.com 

   ʃ Claim 8 Covid Tests, at no COST TO YOU

    

   Please remember these tips to help protect you from scammers 

   • Scammers favorite ways to have you pay – crypto currency, Venmo, Zelle, wore transfer, money, or gift cards
   • Never click on links or call the number in an email, text message or voicemail.
   • Never give personal info over the phone
   • Never pay by cash apps, bitcoin, money/gift cards, etc. (Always use credit cards or PayPal for buyer protection)
   • “Buyer beware” on sponsored ads in Facebook –
   • Never pay for something prior to receiving it on Craig’s List/Marketplace or other venue
   • Never accept an offer over what you are asking
   • Let your calls go to voicemail
   • Change your passwords frequently

   We will never be able to stop the scammers from trying to scam us, but we can stop them by keeping our Spidey senses up, educating ourselves on how scammers work, and staying in our rational thinking state, rather than our emotions. Fear, excitement, sense of urgency, curiosity, etc. are natural responses – but also can lead us into actions based on the emotions rather than rational thinking. The scammer is depending on you going into an emotional state. Please stay alert and keep letting me know when you see a scam!

8. Scambusters Newsletter #2023-01 - January

   Happy 2023 to each of you!  We wish you good health, lots of laughter, joy, peace, and a scammer-free new year.  (I am not holding my breath on that last wish, however.)

    

   It has been a very active month, and this newsletter will focus on the scammer and how s/he operates.  All the scams from previous newsletters and the website are still very active, however, I think we should focus more on the scammer’s modus operandi to help spot them before they can spin their yarn. I am also going to touch on doing business locally and some tips on what to be cautious of.  We have had a number of issues reported about business practices so it might be helpful to cover this as well. 

    

   What tactics does a scammer use?

   Scammers do not want you to be in your “logical thinking and rational reasoning’ mode.  They want to tap into your emotions.  Here are some of their tactics - 

    

   EMOTION                                 

   Excitement - offering free trial, free product, or service, monetary gain lucrative investment opportunities, deposit this check and give me the overage

   Fear - your account has been compromised, threats of arrest or lawsuits, grandchild is in trouble, subscription or purchase in your name

   Urgency - First 100 can claim one, you have 24 hours to recover your account,  your electricity will be turned off in 30 minutes, law enforcement on their way to arrest you 

    Trust - Establishes legitimacy through fake reviews, recommendations, social media sites, fake websites, “I have made a lot of money through this investment”, fake profiles for on-line dating sites,  authority figures (law enforcement), “this crypto investment is solid”

   Need for companionship - On-line profiles of people reaching out for companionship.  Scammer “grooms” you and gains your trust to get money/personal information from you.

   Limited supply - Act fast – not many available, this is a one-day offer

   Authority - Respect for law and authority, credibility associated with law enforcement, government officials, others in position of authority

   REMEMBER:  If you are reacting to an email, phone call, text, or social media offering, and feel any of these feelings/emotions – please do NOT act as it is probably a scam.  If you were in your rational thinking mode, rather than an emotional reaction, you would see the red flags.  Scammers want you to be compliant so you will give them what they want.

    

   How do scammers get your information?

   ·Data breaches -   No matter how hard the security is with large corporations, data breaches can happen.  Data from these breaches are used for ID fraud, phishing/smishing scams, and trading/selling the information on the dark web for other scammers.  Some breaches contain names, addresses, phone number and date of birth.  Others can also include banking and credit card information, social security number, passwords, pins, and government IDs.  Any of this information can be used in a scam.  T-Mobile just had a data breach last November with names, addresses, phone numbers and date of birth information being breached.  They also have had breaches in 2018, 2019, and two in 2021.  They had planned to invest $150m through this year to harden their security further. 

   ·Social media -  Posting your birthday picture on social media (they now have your birthday), pictures of your new home (now have or can find your address), children’s pictures and information (children’s names, activities, etc.), homes for sale (scammers can use this information to rent out your home.)

   ·Throwing your mail in the trash showing your address.

   ·Obituaries – lists family members.

   ·Personal updates on social media

   ·Warranty cards (many companies sell lists to others)

   ·Surveys

   ·Entering contests

   ·Public records

   ·Unsecured websites

   ·Public Wi-Fi (not secured) when ordering online

   ·Bots getting emails from posts

   ·Downloading malicious apps

   ·Not changing passwords frequently or using the same password across various accounts

    

   But it looks legitimate!

   Scammers can easily spoof local phone numbers and names (even your own), use fake logos to make you think they are actually that company. 

   Can you tell the difference? One is legit – one is fake

                                                                                                   

     

   

   The one on the right is legitimate – the one on the left is fake.  See the dots in the star and symbol on the left?

    

   How do scammers get paid?

   Scammers will only use the following for payments due to the lack of buyer protection, inability to stop payment, and payment can’t be tracked back to the scammer.

   ·Bitcoin/crypto

   ·Venmo

   ·Zelle

   ·Cash apps

   ·Money or gift cards

   ·Wire transfer

   ·Fake check for you to deposit and refund some of the money to scammer

    

   BUSINESS ALERTS

    

   We all want to support our local businesses, and that’s a good thing.  Most of our local businesses strive to give you great products and services.  We have had reports of a few local businesses, however,  either not providing the product or service they were contracted to do, or not providing a refund in the case of them not delivering.   One customer rented an air BnB online and  when they arrived the unit was moldy and dirty.  They called and asked for a refund, were told yes, and then found out they were not going to get a refund.  Unfortunately, they did not take pictures or get anything about the refund in writing.  Another instance is a business taking deposits  or full payment for a custom product and never delivers or provides refunds.  Typically requests funds via Venmo.

    

   Here are a few tips to hopefully prevent these isolated incidents from happening to you.

   ·Always check references of actual clients and BBB for any possible issues with the business

   ·Always pay with credit card (not debit, Venmo, Zelle, cash apps, wire transfer, cash, money card or crypto currency like Bitcoin.  Only credit cards or PayPal have buyer protection.)

   ·Never pay in full before you receive the product

   ·Be suspicious if the delivery date keeps creeping out with excuses

   ·Take pictures of any problems with the product or service (i.e., quality of product, not what was promised)

   ·Document your interactions with the business

   ·Read your contract carefully for refund policies

    

   Please remember these tips to help protect you from scammers --

   ·Never click on links or call the number in an email, text message or voicemail.

   ·Never give personal info over the phone

   ·Never pay by cash apps, bitcoin, money/gift cards, etc.  (Always use credit cards or PayPal for buyer protection)

   ·“Buyer beware” on sponsored ads in Facebook –

   ·Never pay for something prior to receiving it on Craig’s List/Marketplace or other venue

   ·Never accept an offer over what you are asking

   ·Let your calls go to voicemail

   ·Change your passwords frequently

   We will never be able to stop the scammers from trying to scam us, but we can stop them by keeping our Spidey senses up, educating ourselves on how scammers work,  and staying in our rational thinking state, rather than our emotions.  Fear, excitement, sense of urgency, curiosity, etc. are natural responses – but also can lead us into actions based on emotions rather than rational thinking.  The scammer is depending on you going into an emotional state.  Please stay alert. 

   Stay safe and thank you to all the contributors for sending me scams you are hearing about.  I really appreciate hearing from you and getting the information on trending scams – and am so happy to hear that you are recognizing a scam and are taking the appropriate measures!

   Please share this information and I am always willing to come to your group for a scam presentation. 

   Enjoy this sparkling snow, use caution on the roads and have a wonderful beginning of the new year!

   Barb