Scam Newsletters

Happy heart month and leap year! So far, our spring-like weather is amazing. 20 days until the real spring – but who is counting!

Here is an overview of the scams that have popped up this last month (not tulips):

FYI – CAUTION NOTE
Once someone has been scammed with losses, the scammers share a list of targets for other scammers to prey on the target with another scam. It is so important for extra vigilance if you have lost money in a scam going forward. These scammers are continually getting more sophisticated and sneakier so please be very vigilant.

SPIDER WEB THEORY
After discussing so many scams with victims, I realized that not only does each scam have an “emotion” tied to it that pulls you in – but the scammer’s process of gaining your trust, grooming, etc., is like the layers of a spider web. The first layer is just very innocent, the next layer continues to build up trust, and each layer brings you deeper into the web until you are ensnared into the scammer’s web, and it is too late. Please keep this in mind if you are contacted by someone and you start feeling these layers – jump out of the web as quick as you can.

FACEBOOK FRIEND
It starts innocently enough – someone contacts you on Facebook – may have a common friend of yours (starting to building that trust – first layer of the web) – you become friends and then you link up on Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, etc. to continue the friendship – person claims to be an important person, military officer, United Nations doctor, or other title - can lead into a romantic friendship as you move into the layers  (although you will never meet in person because he is out of the country or state) – may send flowers, or other gifts (grooming and gaining trust) – then pops up with the need for money (investment, partnership, or some other excuse for you to pay) – requests money by  bitcoin or wire transfer (scammers’ preferred methods of payment) – may have you pay others to get him out of trouble – and the scam continues as long as you continue to pay.  In addition, if you say no at some point, the scammer may ghost you (even after he professed his undying affection.)  But – as mentioned earlier, the scammers have a “target list of vulnerable people that have lost money to a scam. The “target” is now contacted by a different scammer and a new scam starts all over.

You may think it is easy to see through this type of scam – but I assure you, it is most difficult since there is an emotion and a web tied to it that is very believable, very sophisticated,  and the scammer is very patient with leading you through the various web layers of grooming and developing your trust.    

This particular scam can result in an extremely high loss for the target – in money and emotionally.

SCAM LOSS RECOVERY SCAM
This is a doozey. You have been scammed with losses, and you are then contacted by someone that offers to help you get your losses back. The someone could be an agency (fake) set up to get your money back (for a fee). Or it could be someone pretending to be an officer, an FBI agent, or someone else in authority that is going to investigate and get your losses back to you. This is a total scam. You are being re-scammed by scammers and will lose even more of your hard-earned finances.

USPS CANNOT DELIVER YOUR PACKAGE
The message requests you to click on the link to put in your address to have it delivered. This is a phishing scam – just delete.

REMOTE ACCESS TO YOUR COMPUTER
Scammers call to fix a virus on your computer, or a phony alert from a bank indicating there was fraud on your account and they needed to have remote access to your computer. If you agree, the scammer can download all your personal banking, contacts, credit cards, etc. from your computer and clean out your bank accounts and/or leave malware on your computer. PLEASE never give anyone access to your computer unless it is a reputable computer repair firm like Geek Squad or other approved computer firms.

VOTING RECORDS BLOCKING
Public voting records are available which include your name address, phone, gender, political affiliation. The Secretary of State has other personal information such as social security, DL #, etc. but does not make that public. If you wish to become a “confidential voter” to protect your information, you can go to the Larimer County offices on W. Oak to fill out the forms for this. It must be done in person and does not allow you as the voter to access whether your ballot has been received. You can, however, call the office to find out this information after you have voted.

200 W Oak St, Suite 5100, Fort Collins, CO 80521
PO Box 1547, Fort Collins CO  80522

WHY FILE A FRAUD REPORT ON FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC) OR THE FBI’S INTERNET CRIME COMPLAINT (IC3)?
The power of ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Your report is shared with more than 2,800 law enforcers.

We cannot resolve your individual report, but we use reports to investigate and bring cases against fraud, scams, and bad business practices.

The information you submit to IC3 makes all the difference. 

Combined with other data, it allows the FBI to investigate reported crimes, track trends and threats, and, in some cases, even freeze stolen funds. Just as importantly, IC3 shares reports of crime throughout its vast network of FBI field offices and law enforcement partners, strengthening our nation’s collective response both locally and nationally.

You still need to report to your local law enforcement agency, but in addition, these two reporting sites are invaluable to share key information across agencies to spot trends and help stop fraud and bad business practices.

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), 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 so we can share the information to as many citizens as possible – 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.

I hope you had a wonderful heart month and are ready to celebrate the St. Pat’s month!

My wish for this new year is that the world rights itself, our people come together rather than apart, and that the scammers realize we are closing our ranks so they can just get a real job. Alas, one can always hope.

Scammers are ramping up their game, so we have to be even more wary as we move into this new year. Here are the scams that have bubbled up to the top for this last month. Please stay vigilant.

TOP SCAM AGAIN –

Law enforcement impersonation – you missed appearing in court, you missed jury duty, you have a warrant for contempt of court, etc. The person identifies as Detective so and so from LCSO. The scammer indicates that you can go directly to LCSO and they will arrest you immediately for 72 hours, or you can pay over the phone. The scammer also tells you that LCSO moved to a third-party collection so that is why they can take your money on the phone.

GRANDPARENT SCAM

Your grandchild is really not in danger when s/he calls and asks for money to get out of jail. Just hang up. If you want to confirm after you hang up – call them.

HOME TITLE

Although not prevalent in Larimer County, we have seen someone try to falsify deeds to take over a property. This type of fraud is where someone forges a deed to steal your home. The scammer can apply for a home equity loan or line of credit in the homeowner’s name or even sell  the home without the owner’s knowledge. Larimer County has started a notification program called RAN (Recording Activity Notification) to be one tool to help prevent title fraud. It is by no means the end all, but it will be one thing you can do to protect yourself.  It is extremely easy – I have signed up with every version of my name to be sure.  Here is more info on this resource –

Recording Activity Notification

The Recording Activity Notification Service allows community members to create an alert to receive an email notification when a document is recorded in their name. This service is provided by the Larimer County Clerk and Recorder at no charge. 

To protect your home title, there are some ways you can prevent this from happening, in addition to purchasing title protection. Here are some tips:

 How does the scammer get your information?

• Data breaches
• Unsecured Wi-Fi network
• Mail theft
• Document loss/giving out your personal information.

Prevention tips

• Watch your mail – if your bills and normal mail are not being delivered it may be a sign that someone has changed your address to the scammer’s.
• Keep track of your important documents – store safely away
• Monitor your credit report regularly to catch suspicious activity, new accounts being opened or changes to your existing accounts.
• Guard your personal information. Shred documents with your information on it, leave your social security card, birth certificate safely stored at home, and never give out your personal information via phone or internet unless you are certain to whom you are providing it.
• Check out “owner’s title insurance.”  If you do not have this or you cannot get it, do your research before purchasing title protection services.
   

PHISHING EMAILS

There are so many of these hitting your inbox daily. Here is what to look for –

From: L͏a͏s͏t͏ C͏a͏l͏l͏ :S͏i͏r͏i͏u͏s͏-X͏M͏ <szjignysonwihsosmadxl@edspyvllruvyz.com>    NOT A LEGIT EMAIL                                                             

Subject:  A͏l͏e͏r͏t͏:Y͏o͏u͏r͏ S͏i͏r͏i͏u͏s͏X͏M͏ M͏e͏m͏b͏e͏r͏s͏h͏i͏p͏ h͏a͏s͏ E͏x͏p͏i͏r͏e͏d͏...! E

From: Credit Bureau Reporting-Alert <clara@greenindias.com>   NOT A LEGIT EMAIL

Subject: Your New January 2024 Scores are in, and you might be surprised

From: DocuSign via Documents <johnamos2723@gmail.com>     NOT A LEGIT EMAIL

Subject: Contract

REVIEW YOUR DOCUMENTS AND CLICK HERE…..

From: Dicks Sporting Goods Department <limitedrwnanrpiyjoaljy@hongguxc.com> NOT A LEGIT EMAIL

Subject:  Congratulation ! You have won a Stanley Tumbler

ANSWER FOR FREE! You have been chosen to participate in our Loyalty Program for FREE! It will take you only a minute to receive this fantastic prize. CLICK HERE TO BEGIN!

FACEBOOK NOTIFICATIONS

You get an important notice regarding your Facebook account – from various names like MARKUS BECK, ORLINO SUMPTER, INGELBERT MOCZYGEMBA, REMONIA MILLIMAN, KATJA METHES, ALERT SHIELD, FACEBOOK USER

It notifies you that -

“Your Facebook page is scheduled for permanent deletion due to a post that infringed upon our trademark rights. “

And to contact them if this is inaccurate. SCAM!

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE – VOICE CLONING

Now that we are in an election year, be especially careful about messages you receive. Read this article below about President Biden’s voice cloned message.

BY ALI SWENSON AND WILL WEISSERT

Updated 9:32 PM MST, January 22, 2024

The New Hampshire attorney general’s office on Monday said it was investigating reports of an apparent robocall that used artificial intelligence to mimic President Joe Biden’s voice and discourage voters in the state from coming to the polls during Tuesday’s primary election. Attorney General John Formella said the recorded message, which was sent to multiple voters on Sunday, appears to be an illegal attempt to disrupt and suppress voting. He said voters “should disregard the contents of this message entirely.”

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), 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 so we can share the information to as many citizens as possible – 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.

I hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s day and are enjoying the winter weather – especially when it is not fifteen below. We appreciate all of you.

Barb

Barbara EJ Bennett

Chief Scambuster  Larimer County Sheriff’s Office  970-498-5146

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Scammers, right down Santa Claus lane! Personally, I wish Santa would throw the scammers right off his sled on the way. But alas, they are blazing their way into our lives.

Here is the last month’s highlight of active scammers. Be very alert as we move into the Christmas season.

TOP SCAM – LAW ENFORCEMENT IMPERSONATOR!!!
This scam has really hit a lot of our residents. This scammer calls and identifies himself as Sgt. Kevin Johnston from LCSO. He has an urgent legal matter to discuss, you missed a court hearing, or failed to appear as an expert witness. We do have Sgt. Kevin Johnston working at the SO, but he is NOT the one calling. These scammers might give you a badge number, or other identification to make them seem more legitimate. Just hang up. It is actually a ring of scammers hitting many locations across the US. They always use the actual name of an officer. They will also ask you to pay via cash app (Zelle, Venmo, CashApp), wire transfer, or bitcoin to an address or at a kiosk.

FACEBOOK SPONSORED ADS – These are sponsored ads, which means the company pays Facebook to place an ad on other posts or just as a sales ad. Some have brand names on the product – some say that a well-known company has endorsed this product(s). If you hit “Shop Now” it will take you to a website that has nothing to do with the brand or company, they used to make it look legitimate. Other ads may tell you that a well-known “Doctor” or a well-known “celebrity,” or “Shark Tank” has endorsed a supplement or medical device that will change your life.

Do not believe these ads – most of the products are from China, using sneaky marketing practices to make you think you will get the product that they show. If you order the product, you may never receive it, or if you do, it will be a cheap version of what was shown on their ad. If you see a product advertised, go to Google or Amazon to search where you can buy that product from a legitimate company – with a good refund policy, usually a better price, and better product, and order it from that business. When a “Doctor” or “celebrity” sponsors a product that promises results, it really is not a doctor. Modern  technology allows scammers to make up a phony video from a well-known doctor or celebrity endo. ng their product.

FREE GIFTS OR PRIZES ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Red flag – you won but they need your credit card info to give you the prize. Never give out your personal information.

EVENT TICKET PURCHASES THROUGH 3RD PARTIES Beware!  Some of these companies charge way over the actual ticket price.  Always go directly to the event center or theater for tickets.  Sometimes you just pay too much, and other times you may not get the tickets at all.

YOUR ORDER IS BEING HELD AT THE POST OFFICE

Do not be fooled – they are just trying to get your personal information.

ONLINE SHOPPING

·Always ensure you are on a protected network – not public network – when ordering online

·Check website of sponsored ads on social media – scammers may promote products by using well-known companies but are not representing them. They use the brand name to entice you to their website to purchase.

·If you see something on sponsored ads you really would like, google the product, or check on Amazon for the same product. Purchase only from a reputable company that has a great refund policy. Typically, you can find the product elsewhere (and cheaper with a money back guarantee.)

·Scammers set up fake websites – buyers beware.

·Only use safe payment methods – no debit cards, money cards, wire transfers, bitcoin, or cash apps. A credit card ensures you can dispute a fraudulent charge.

AI (Artificial Intelligence)

This technology is used to create fake ads for products using  famous celebrities as promoters (without their permission). Products include weight loss supplements, products from the Shark Tank TV program, and other various products. They will show a picture of a celebrity who just lost tons of weight, or built muscles without exercising, etc. Do not fall for these ads. AI is capable of creating fake pictures, fake websites, and fake endorsements.

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), 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 so we can share the information to as many citizens as possible – 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.

Wishes for a joyous holiday season. We appreciate all of you.

Barb

Barbara EJ Bennett

Chief Scambuster  Larimer County Sheriff’s Office                 

970-498-5146

As we approach this holiday season, we wish each of you peace and joy going forward. Goblins are gone – but scammers are not! We will need to be very vigilant about the pitfalls of falling for scammers’ nefarious schemes to have us “gift” them our money and personal information!

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

ONLINE SHOPPING

• Always ensure you are on a protected network – not public network – when ordering online

• Check website of sponsored ads on social media – scammers may promote products by using well-known companies but are not representing them. They use the brand name to entice you to their website to purchase.

• If you see something on sponsored ads you really would like, google the product, or check on Amazon for the same product. Purchase only from a reputable company that has a great refund policy. Typically, you can find the product elsewhere (and cheaper with a money back guarantee.)

• Scammers set up fake websites – buyers beware.

• Only use safe payment methods – no debit cards, money cards, wire transfers, bitcoin, or cash apps. A credit card ensures you can dispute a fraudulent charge.

BTC INVESTMENTS

Beware of the online investor that wants to share great investments in Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency. You will never meet in person. You will be investing in the scammer’s Bitcoin account. You are only able to pull money out after you have paid a minimum amount, and then you must pay a  “fee – or taxes” (which goes directly to the scammer), and you will not get any money back from the fee or your initial investment.

Know any investment advisor you deal with – check his credentials – meet in person. Beware of these investment scammers! They might even use a well-known investor or CEO’s name. Do not believe them.

NEW PHANTOM HACKER

• Scammers may contact you via phone, email, text, or pop-up window on your computer and give you a number to call.

• Scammer tricks you into thinking foreign hackers have gained access to your financial accounts.

• Scammer instructs you to move all your money into a US Government account to protect your money from these scammers.

• They have you download software so they can get on your computer to “check for viruses” and to see if you have been hacked.

• They ask you to open your financial accounts to determine which account is most vulnerable to hackers (while they have control of your computer).

• You then get a call from someone from a financial institution giving you instructions on how to move your money via money transfer, cash,  or wire conversion to cryptocurrency, to a safe government account.

• You are told not to tell anyone.

• You might also then get a call from an imposter from the government to make sure you are transferring your accounts to their ”safe” account.

Tips to remember – the US government never asks for money via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift/prepaid cards. Never let anyone access your computer, never call the number provided in any message, never download any software on your computer or click on any links.

 AI (Artificial Intelligence)

This technology is used to create fake ads for products using  famous celebrities as promoters (without their permission). Products include weight loss supplements, products from the Shark Tank TV program, and other various products. They will show a picture of a celebrity who just lost tons of weight, or built muscles without exercising, etc. Do not fall for these ads.  AI is capable of creating fake pictures, fake websites, and fake endorsements.

POSTAL LETTER FOR NEXT OF KIN FUNDS

A postal letter from overseas hits your mailbox. The administrative manager at a Vault of a Financial and Security Institute found $26m funds in their safety deposit vault that belongs to someone that could be related to you. This person offers you 40% of the money, she will keep 50% and 10% goes to charity if you accept their offer and cooperate. They also do not want you to tell anyone. Obviously, this is a scam.

DATA BREACHES

There have been various data breaches of large companies recently. One of the types of data leaks includes the collection of passwords. Since many of us use the same password and username across different websites or services, hackers can use these across other sites to gain entry. Password tips to reduce this risk – use two-factor authentication, use unique passwords across different systems and accounts, and make passwords complex.

LAW ENFORCEMENT IMPOSTERS AND FTC IMPOSTERS

Our citizens are still getting calls from law enforcement imposters indicating a bond is out for their arrest due to missing jury duty or other reasons. You also might get a call from someone impersonating an employee of the Federal Trade Commission demanding a payment, give you their badge number, or may say you won a prize, but you have to pay. The FTC never demands money, does not identify with a badge number, and never offers prizes. Law enforcement never asks for bond money on the phone.

SOCIAL SECURITY STATEMENT REVIEW

Email from a random sender telling you that your new social security statement is now available and to visit their link to review it. They even give you a password for your “protected” file. Please remember – never click on the link. This is not from the social security office.

EMAIL FROM FRIEND – DO ME A FAVOR

The latest twist is a “friend” asking if you could make an order from Amazon for her. She needed a gift card for her sick friend and her phone did not work. This is a new twist on the “do me a favor” scam circulating in the past.

YOU HAVE AN IMPORTANT DOCUMENT

Email from DocuSign (but the sender’s name is suspicious) wanting you to login with your email to check a document. They give you a link and a password to open the document.  Total scam.

UPDATE PRIME PAYMENT INVALID INFORMATION

Another phishing scam to get you to click on the link.

YOUR SBA BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GRANT IS APPROVED

Email from the  US Small Business Administration (SBA) telling you of the approval of your business development grant. You just need to click the “Document Preview” link. This really isn’t from the SBA and they want you to click on the link for nefarious purposes.

SCAM VICTIMS’ COMPENSATION PAYMENTS

Gracie Hughes from London tells you the United Nations delegated her to pay 150 victims of scams $2.5m. She just needs your personal information to get you the ATM card with all this money on it. Dear Gracie – thanks but no thanks.

PAYPAL FRAUDULENT CHARGE/GEEK SQUAD RENEWAL/AVAST ANTI-VIRUS RENEWAL

These are all just phishing scams. Do not click and do not call their number.

FREE GIFTS!

Any email saying  the company selected you for free gifts and to click here. Please remember – if it seems too good to be true – it is.  What they really want is your personal information.

MILITARY SCAMS

Military members are targets for calls, emails, or texts from “officials in the VA” trying to get your personal information. Or they may offer free or discounted services for veterans, investment advice to help grow your retirement, or offer ways to get quick cash through a buyout of your pension benefits. Be aware that the VA will never call you for personal information or request payment. Only use vetted financial advisors and check with the VA directly for confirmation of the legitimacy of the caller.

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), 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 so we can share the information to as many citizens as possible – 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.

Wishes for a joyous holiday season. We appreciate all of you.

Barbara EJ Bennett

Chief Scambuster  Larimer County Sheriff’s Office  970-498-5146

As we approach this holiday season, we wish each of you peace and joy going forward. Goblins are gone – but scammers are not! We will need to be very vigilant about the pitfalls of falling for scammers’ nefarious schemes to have us “gift” them our money and personal information!

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

ONLINE SHOPPING

• Always ensure you are on a protected network – not public network – when ordering online

• Check website of sponsored ads on social media – scammers may promote products by using well-known companies but are not representing them. They use the brand name to entice you to their website to purchase.

• If you see something on sponsored ads you really would like, google the product, or check on Amazon for the same product. Purchase only from a reputable company that has a great refund policy. Typically, you can find the product elsewhere (and cheaper with a money back guarantee.)

• Scammers set up fake websites – buyers beware.

• Only use safe payment methods – no debit cards, money cards, wire transfers, bitcoin, or cash apps. A credit card ensures you can dispute a fraudulent charge.

BTC INVESTMENTS

Beware of the online investor that wants to share great investments in Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency. You will never meet in person. You will be investing in the scammer’s Bitcoin account. You are only able to pull money out after you have paid a minimum amount, and then you must pay a  “fee – or taxes” (which goes directly to the scammer), and you will not get any money back from the fee or your initial investment.

Know any investment advisor you deal with – check his credentials – meet in person. Beware of these investment scammers! They might even use a well-known investor or CEO’s name. Do not believe them.

NEW PHANTOM HACKER

• Scammers may contact you via phone, email, text, or pop-up window on your computer and give you a number to call.

• Scammer tricks you into thinking foreign hackers have gained access to your financial accounts.

• Scammer instructs you to move all your money into a US Government account to protect your money from these scammers.

• They have you download software so they can get on your computer to “check for viruses” and to see if you have been hacked.

• They ask you to open your financial accounts to determine which account is most vulnerable to hackers (while they have control of your computer).

• You then get a call from someone from a financial institution giving you instructions on how to move your money via money transfer, cash,  or wire conversion to cryptocurrency, to a safe government account.

• You are told not to tell anyone.

• You might also then get a call from an imposter from the government to make sure you are transferring your accounts to their ”safe” account.

Tips to remember – the US government never asks for money via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift/prepaid cards. Never let anyone access your computer, never call the number provided in any message, never download any software on your computer or click on any links.

 AI (Artificial Intelligence)

This technology is used to create fake ads for products using  famous celebrities as promoters (without their permission). Products include weight loss supplements, products from the Shark Tank TV program, and other various products. They will show a picture of a celebrity who just lost tons of weight, or built muscles without exercising, etc. Do not fall for these ads.  AI is capable of creating fake pictures, fake websites, and fake endorsements.

POSTAL LETTER FOR NEXT OF KIN FUNDS

A postal letter from overseas hits your mailbox. The administrative manager at a Vault of a Financial and Security Institute found $26m funds in their safety deposit vault that belongs to someone that could be related to you. This person offers you 40% of the money, she will keep 50% and 10% goes to charity if you accept their offer and cooperate. They also do not want you to tell anyone. Obviously, this is a scam.

DATA BREACHES

There have been various data breaches of large companies recently. One of the types of data leaks includes the collection of passwords. Since many of us use the same password and username across different websites or services, hackers can use these across other sites to gain entry. Password tips to reduce this risk – use two-factor authentication, use unique passwords across different systems and accounts, and make passwords complex.

LAW ENFORCEMENT IMPOSTERS AND FTC IMPOSTERS

Our citizens are still getting calls from law enforcement imposters indicating a bond is out for their arrest due to missing jury duty or other reasons. You also might get a call from someone impersonating an employee of the Federal Trade Commission demanding a payment, give you their badge number, or may say you won a prize, but you have to pay. The FTC never demands money, does not identify with a badge number, and never offers prizes. Law enforcement never asks for bond money on the phone.

SOCIAL SECURITY STATEMENT REVIEW

Email from a random sender telling you that your new social security statement is now available and to visit their link to review it. They even give you a password for your “protected” file. Please remember – never click on the link. This is not from the social security office.

EMAIL FROM FRIEND – DO ME A FAVOR

The latest twist is a “friend” asking if you could make an order from Amazon for her. She needed a gift card for her sick friend and her phone did not work. This is a new twist on the “do me a favor” scam circulating in the past.

YOU HAVE AN IMPORTANT DOCUMENT

Email from DocuSign (but the sender’s name is suspicious) wanting you to login with your email to check a document. They give you a link and a password to open the document.  Total scam.

UPDATE PRIME PAYMENT INVALID INFORMATION

Another phishing scam to get you to click on the link.

YOUR SBA BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GRANT IS APPROVED

Email from the  US Small Business Administration (SBA) telling you of the approval of your business development grant. You just need to click the “Document Preview” link. This really isn’t from the SBA and they want you to click on the link for nefarious purposes.

SCAM VICTIMS’ COMPENSATION PAYMENTS

Gracie Hughes from London tells you the United Nations delegated her to pay 150 victims of scams $2.5m. She just needs your personal information to get you the ATM card with all this money on it. Dear Gracie – thanks but no thanks.

PAYPAL FRAUDULENT CHARGE/GEEK SQUAD RENEWAL/AVAST ANTI-VIRUS RENEWAL

These are all just phishing scams. Do not click and do not call their number.

FREE GIFTS!

Any email saying  the company selected you for free gifts and to click here. Please remember – if it seems too good to be true – it is.  What they really want is your personal information.

MILITARY SCAMS

Military members are targets for calls, emails, or texts from “officials in the VA” trying to get your personal information. Or they may offer free or discounted services for veterans, investment advice to help grow your retirement, or offer ways to get quick cash through a buyout of your pension benefits. Be aware that the VA will never call you for personal information or request payment. Only use vetted financial advisors and check with the VA directly for confirmation of the legitimacy of the caller.

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), 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 so we can share the information to as many citizens as possible – 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.

Wishes for a joyous holiday season. We appreciate all of you.

Barbara EJ Bennett

Chief Scambuster  Larimer County Sheriff’s Office  970-498-5146

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

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.

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.

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!