NABI newsroom
Articles shown here are for public awareness and are by no means all inclusive. They are sourced from public records, searches, and information sent by our membership across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
May 27, 2023
Bunco - Lottery Scams
Jamaican residing in US gets prison time for lottery fraud
Just over a year after a Jamaican living in Ohio was charged for his role in a conspiracy that allegedly stole more than $250,000 from victims and targeted older Americans, he has been sentenced.
The Jamaican—Javon Jonathan Spencer, 32—was sentenced to 18 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and mail fraud.
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The Jamaican—Javon Jonathan Spencer, 32—was sentenced to 18 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and mail fraud.
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Lotto scam mastermind says he started scamming to help mother
Jamaican man accused of masterminding a lottery scam that defrauded dozens of mostly elderly Americans out of millions of dollars says he started the illegal scheme to help his cash-strapped mother, adding that it was difficult to get a job in Jamaica.
Lavrick Willocks, who has a bachelor's degree in hospitality administration from Southern New Hampshire University in the United States, pleaded guilty to conspiracy after reaching an agreement with US federal prosecutors in North Dakota earlier this month.
Dahlia Hunter, the mother of lottery scam mastermind Lavrick Willocks, has also been charged.
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Lavrick Willocks, who has a bachelor's degree in hospitality administration from Southern New Hampshire University in the United States, pleaded guilty to conspiracy after reaching an agreement with US federal prosecutors in North Dakota earlier this month.
Dahlia Hunter, the mother of lottery scam mastermind Lavrick Willocks, has also been charged.
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May 26, 2022
Organized Crime
Police arrest 4 allegedly involved in 1,400-member crime organization
Four people believed to be involved in organized crime and accused of stealing $1 million in jewelry in Florida earlier this month were arrested in St. Charles [Missouri] this week {week of April 24, 2023].
According to a press release from the Walton County, Florida, Sheriff's Office, George Paun, Stela Sava, Terca Tarnovan and Vasile Lacatus, all Romanian nationals, were arrested Monday and charged with grand theft in connection with a 2022 theft.
The press release said three of the people arrested, Sava, Tarnovan and Lacatus, were also charged in connection with the April theft of more than $1 million of jewelry.
On April 11, two women and a man entered a jewelry store on Florida State Road 30A in Walton County and stole "numerous pieces of jewelry with a retail value of more than $1 million," according to the sheriff's office.
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According to a press release from the Walton County, Florida, Sheriff's Office, George Paun, Stela Sava, Terca Tarnovan and Vasile Lacatus, all Romanian nationals, were arrested Monday and charged with grand theft in connection with a 2022 theft.
The press release said three of the people arrested, Sava, Tarnovan and Lacatus, were also charged in connection with the April theft of more than $1 million of jewelry.
On April 11, two women and a man entered a jewelry store on Florida State Road 30A in Walton County and stole "numerous pieces of jewelry with a retail value of more than $1 million," according to the sheriff's office.
GO TO ARTICLE
May 22, 2023
New twist to Grandparent Scam - Kidnapping
Imagine receiving a call from a stranger in the middle of the night who threatens to kidnap your loved ones if you don't pay. It's the latest twist on the so-called "grandparent scam."
This happened on Sunday [May 14, 2023] when officers of the Boston Police Department received a call from someone who said their daughter and grandchild were threatened. Police said the threat was demanding payment through an online application.
Officers responded to Waltham Street in response to the report and found the threatened mother and child "did not appear to be in any distress."
In this case, the victim did not transfer any money, but police are sharing the story to warn others about the scam.
Anyone who receives a call similar to this scheme is urged to alert the authorities right away and ask the caller to provide specific details that could confirm or dispel the claim.
"Attempt to contact the person involved through your normal channels of communication to confirm their wellbeing," Boston’s Police Department said.
Keep a record of the number from which the call or text came and report the event right away to the police.
SOURCE
This happened on Sunday [May 14, 2023] when officers of the Boston Police Department received a call from someone who said their daughter and grandchild were threatened. Police said the threat was demanding payment through an online application.
Officers responded to Waltham Street in response to the report and found the threatened mother and child "did not appear to be in any distress."
In this case, the victim did not transfer any money, but police are sharing the story to warn others about the scam.
Anyone who receives a call similar to this scheme is urged to alert the authorities right away and ask the caller to provide specific details that could confirm or dispel the claim.
"Attempt to contact the person involved through your normal channels of communication to confirm their wellbeing," Boston’s Police Department said.
Keep a record of the number from which the call or text came and report the event right away to the police.
SOURCE
May 18, 2023
AI Voice Scams
Father warns others about AI voice scams after his family lost $1k
A father in Texas is sharing a warning to other families about artificial intelligence scams after he said his father was scammed out of $1,000.
“He told his grandfather that he was vacationing in Mexico with his friends. Got in trouble. Scared to death. He got into a little bit of drinking and got into an accident and now that's the reason why he's in a little bit of trouble and he needs some money to get him out of that situation," Hall said of the call his father received, believing it was from Christian.
The scammer allegedly used artificial intelligence, known as AI, to impersonate Christian’s voice to plead for help and money, according to Hall.
Last month, Jennifer DeStefano, a mother in Arizona, told "GMA" how she also received an alarming call that turned out to be an AI voice-cloning scheme.
“It's my daughter’s voice crying and sobbing, saying, ‘Mom,’” said DeStefano. “And I'm like, ‘Okay, what happened?’ She's like, ‘Mom, these bad men have me help me, help me.’"
Experts say that if a caller is demanding a wire transfer, a gift card or cryptocurrency, that's a major red flag it could be a scam.
Experts also advise keeping social media accounts private so scammers cannot replicate your voice from a post.
Because scammers often spoof phone numbers, experts say that if you receive one of these calls, hang up and call your loved one directly instead of just hitting redial.
Experts also recommend that families create a code word that family members can say to each other if there is really trouble.
A father in Texas is sharing a warning to other families about artificial intelligence scams after he said his father was scammed out of $1,000.
“He told his grandfather that he was vacationing in Mexico with his friends. Got in trouble. Scared to death. He got into a little bit of drinking and got into an accident and now that's the reason why he's in a little bit of trouble and he needs some money to get him out of that situation," Hall said of the call his father received, believing it was from Christian.
The scammer allegedly used artificial intelligence, known as AI, to impersonate Christian’s voice to plead for help and money, according to Hall.
Last month, Jennifer DeStefano, a mother in Arizona, told "GMA" how she also received an alarming call that turned out to be an AI voice-cloning scheme.
“It's my daughter’s voice crying and sobbing, saying, ‘Mom,’” said DeStefano. “And I'm like, ‘Okay, what happened?’ She's like, ‘Mom, these bad men have me help me, help me.’"
Experts say that if a caller is demanding a wire transfer, a gift card or cryptocurrency, that's a major red flag it could be a scam.
Experts also advise keeping social media accounts private so scammers cannot replicate your voice from a post.
Because scammers often spoof phone numbers, experts say that if you receive one of these calls, hang up and call your loved one directly instead of just hitting redial.
Experts also recommend that families create a code word that family members can say to each other if there is really trouble.
May 13, 3023
Psychic gets nine years
Self-proclaimed psychic gets more than 9 years in twisted $1 million scam.
TAMPA, Fla. - Self-proclaimed psychic Jaycee Wasso was convicted in March in twisted $1 million scam. Two months later, she was hoping to change her fortune during her sentencing.
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TAMPA, Fla. - Self-proclaimed psychic Jaycee Wasso was convicted in March in twisted $1 million scam. Two months later, she was hoping to change her fortune during her sentencing.
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Elder Fraud
“If it can happen to me, it can happen to you.” That was a warning about elder fraud scams from former FBI and CIA Director William Webster.
The 98-year-old retired judge and his wife Lynda were targeted in a Jamaican lottery scam when an unsolicited caller informed Webster he won a car and millions of dollars. He was told he needed to pay $50,000 to collect his winnings. When the couple declined repeatedly, the caller became abusive and threatening.
The Websters didn’t fall for the scam, but too many other seniors do. In January, a Florida man was sentenced to eleven years in prison for defrauding over 400 mostly elderly victims out of millions of dollars in a phony sweepstakes scam run out of a call center in Costa Rica.
Another Florida man pleaded guilty in November to conspiring with others to steal more than $800,000 by calling elderly people and telling them a loved one, usually a grandchild, was in trouble and convincing the victim to send money to cover legal fees or other expenses. If a person paid, the crooks would call back and fabricate reasons why the victim needed to pay more money, sometimes picking it up in person. Posing as a bail bondsman, the Florida man traveled to a Maryland woman’s home and collected $29,000 to help out a nephew who was in trouble. He was arrested when he went back the next day to collect another $10,000.
Other common frauds that victimize seniors include government impersonators (IRS, Social Security) and tech support, investment, and romance scams.
Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door service offers. Resist the pressure to act quickly; scammers create a sense of urgency to produce fear and lure victims into immediate action. Never provide personally identifiable information or give or send money via wire transfers or gift cards to unverified people or businesses.
If a criminal gains access to your device or account, immediately contact your financial institutions to secure your accounts. Monitor your accounts and personal information for suspicious activity. Consider putting a freeze on your reports at the credit bureaus even if you haven’t been victimized by elder fraud.
READ MORE
The 98-year-old retired judge and his wife Lynda were targeted in a Jamaican lottery scam when an unsolicited caller informed Webster he won a car and millions of dollars. He was told he needed to pay $50,000 to collect his winnings. When the couple declined repeatedly, the caller became abusive and threatening.
The Websters didn’t fall for the scam, but too many other seniors do. In January, a Florida man was sentenced to eleven years in prison for defrauding over 400 mostly elderly victims out of millions of dollars in a phony sweepstakes scam run out of a call center in Costa Rica.
Another Florida man pleaded guilty in November to conspiring with others to steal more than $800,000 by calling elderly people and telling them a loved one, usually a grandchild, was in trouble and convincing the victim to send money to cover legal fees or other expenses. If a person paid, the crooks would call back and fabricate reasons why the victim needed to pay more money, sometimes picking it up in person. Posing as a bail bondsman, the Florida man traveled to a Maryland woman’s home and collected $29,000 to help out a nephew who was in trouble. He was arrested when he went back the next day to collect another $10,000.
Other common frauds that victimize seniors include government impersonators (IRS, Social Security) and tech support, investment, and romance scams.
Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door service offers. Resist the pressure to act quickly; scammers create a sense of urgency to produce fear and lure victims into immediate action. Never provide personally identifiable information or give or send money via wire transfers or gift cards to unverified people or businesses.
If a criminal gains access to your device or account, immediately contact your financial institutions to secure your accounts. Monitor your accounts and personal information for suspicious activity. Consider putting a freeze on your reports at the credit bureaus even if you haven’t been victimized by elder fraud.
READ MORE
Tech Support fraud
Tech Support scams are escalating dramatically. What should society do to respond?
According to a new FBI report, there has been a shocking rise in the so-called “Tech Support” scam, in which the fraudster poses as a technical or customer support representative.
The Tech Support scam has been around for over 10 years.
Unless urgent steps are taken, the losses will mount as the population ages and as artificial intelligence increasingly offers fraudsters even more credible ways to be convincing.
Keep in mind that crimes such as this are not only financial; the victims suffer significant emotional distress as well, for the rest of their lives.
“Malicious cyber activity threatens the public’s safety and our national and economic security,” according to the FBI. Law enforcement officials have found that organized crime gangs are shifting to consumer fraud to finance their crimes because it’s so easy to do.
In late April 2023, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) released a summary of the reports of fraud it received in 2022. The report found that in 2022, overall losses reported by elderly victims increased 84% from 2021. But losses from Tech Support scams shot up 147% over that same period.
Nearly $588 million in losses for the Tech Support scam were reported in 2022–that’s over $33,000 per victim. The reported losses from Tech Support victims amounted to nearly 10 times the amount of losses reported due to credit card/check fraud.
The FBI says this type of scam primarily emanates from call centers in South Asia, mainly India. The Department of Justice and the FBI work with law enforcement in India, and Indian police have arrested individuals alleged to be involved in cyber-enabled crimes. But the rapid growth in these frauds indicates that law enforcement is not stemming the rapidly rising tide of fraud.
Remote access tools (RATs). Fraudsters typically use social engineering techniques to coax victims into installing software that allows the criminals to control the victim’s computer. Some common RATs include: Ammy, AnyDesk, Citrix, Chrome Remote Desktop, Fastsupport, LogMein, ShowMyPC, Supremo, TeamViewer, UltraViewer, and Go2Assist. Once installed, these tools can run for months or even years without warning the victims that someone else is viewing and controlling their computer. And anti-virus software does not warn the victims because RATs are treated as “known good” software.
Scammers often pose as calling from US companies like Microsoft or Apple, and victims cannot see that the call is actually originating in South Asia, from a number that doesn’t belong to Microsoft or Apple. Bad actors also regularly impersonate banks, credit unions, healthcare companies, and other legitimate callers by illegally ‘spoofing’ phone numbers belonging to these businesses.
Insufficient public education. Many news stories appeared about the Tech Support scam in the 2010s but press coverage of this issue has dropped off in recent years. Meanwhile, Medicare, the Federal Trade Commission, and AARP recently joined forces to create Public Service Announcements to alert seniors to the threat of Medicare fraud (in English and Spanish). But there has not been a similar nationwide effort regardinginternet-based frauds, including Tech Support fraud.
SOURCE
According to a new FBI report, there has been a shocking rise in the so-called “Tech Support” scam, in which the fraudster poses as a technical or customer support representative.
The Tech Support scam has been around for over 10 years.
Unless urgent steps are taken, the losses will mount as the population ages and as artificial intelligence increasingly offers fraudsters even more credible ways to be convincing.
Keep in mind that crimes such as this are not only financial; the victims suffer significant emotional distress as well, for the rest of their lives.
“Malicious cyber activity threatens the public’s safety and our national and economic security,” according to the FBI. Law enforcement officials have found that organized crime gangs are shifting to consumer fraud to finance their crimes because it’s so easy to do.
In late April 2023, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) released a summary of the reports of fraud it received in 2022. The report found that in 2022, overall losses reported by elderly victims increased 84% from 2021. But losses from Tech Support scams shot up 147% over that same period.
Nearly $588 million in losses for the Tech Support scam were reported in 2022–that’s over $33,000 per victim. The reported losses from Tech Support victims amounted to nearly 10 times the amount of losses reported due to credit card/check fraud.
The FBI says this type of scam primarily emanates from call centers in South Asia, mainly India. The Department of Justice and the FBI work with law enforcement in India, and Indian police have arrested individuals alleged to be involved in cyber-enabled crimes. But the rapid growth in these frauds indicates that law enforcement is not stemming the rapidly rising tide of fraud.
Remote access tools (RATs). Fraudsters typically use social engineering techniques to coax victims into installing software that allows the criminals to control the victim’s computer. Some common RATs include: Ammy, AnyDesk, Citrix, Chrome Remote Desktop, Fastsupport, LogMein, ShowMyPC, Supremo, TeamViewer, UltraViewer, and Go2Assist. Once installed, these tools can run for months or even years without warning the victims that someone else is viewing and controlling their computer. And anti-virus software does not warn the victims because RATs are treated as “known good” software.
Scammers often pose as calling from US companies like Microsoft or Apple, and victims cannot see that the call is actually originating in South Asia, from a number that doesn’t belong to Microsoft or Apple. Bad actors also regularly impersonate banks, credit unions, healthcare companies, and other legitimate callers by illegally ‘spoofing’ phone numbers belonging to these businesses.
Insufficient public education. Many news stories appeared about the Tech Support scam in the 2010s but press coverage of this issue has dropped off in recent years. Meanwhile, Medicare, the Federal Trade Commission, and AARP recently joined forces to create Public Service Announcements to alert seniors to the threat of Medicare fraud (in English and Spanish). But there has not been a similar nationwide effort regardinginternet-based frauds, including Tech Support fraud.
SOURCE
Beware of These Scams Targeting New Homeowners
Buying a house can feel like finishing a marathon—or a triathlon. You’ve spent months hunting for the right property, convincing someone that you’re responsible enough to be loaned an epic amount of money, and navigating a host of scams designed to separate you from even more money. Now that you’ve closed on the property and moved in, you’re free from scams, though, right? Maybe not. In fact, definitely not.
- Home warranty scams
- Utility scams
- Partner companies
- Loan scams
- Rental scams
- Title theft
- Tax reduction scammers
- We Buy Homes
May 12, 2023
Online flower scams on the rise as Mother’s Day approaches
By now, most of us have heard of puppy scams, IRS scams and fake text messages that claim to be from your bank but aren't. Now as we approach Mother's Day it's time for, get ready for it, flower scams.
Last-minute gifts can turn into blooming headaches if you get tripped up by the wrong flash sale or promotion.
"When you send somebody flowers, you often don't give that person a heads-up. It's a surprise," said Amy Nofziger, director of victim support for the AARP Fraud Watch Network.
"You also don't say, 'Show me a picture of the flowers because I want to make sure that you got what I ordered.' "
It creates an opportunity for using bait-and-switch tactics to convince you into thinking you're buying two dozen roses for $150 and then someone ends up with two roses. Odds are someone you love isn't going to tell you, "Hey, what's up with that cheap gift?"
SOURCE
Last-minute gifts can turn into blooming headaches if you get tripped up by the wrong flash sale or promotion.
"When you send somebody flowers, you often don't give that person a heads-up. It's a surprise," said Amy Nofziger, director of victim support for the AARP Fraud Watch Network.
"You also don't say, 'Show me a picture of the flowers because I want to make sure that you got what I ordered.' "
It creates an opportunity for using bait-and-switch tactics to convince you into thinking you're buying two dozen roses for $150 and then someone ends up with two roses. Odds are someone you love isn't going to tell you, "Hey, what's up with that cheap gift?"
SOURCE
Elder Fraud Victims Family Sues Bank
Woman sues Navy Federal Credit Union, Wells Fargo after uncle was scammed out of $3.6 million.
Banks should routinely educate employees to be on the lookout for elder fraud.
A Washington state woman is suing Navy Federal Credit Union and Wells Fargo to restore the legacy and estate of her late uncle, who scam artists had tricked into transferring more than $3.6 million to the Bangkok Bank.
Janine Satterfield, the niece of the late Larry Cook, is alleging the banks were negligent in allowing her uncle to initiate wire transfers 74 times from his accounts — even after one of the banks’ officials flagged Cook for review by Adult Protective Services.
“Prior to this report, it appears that NFCU never questioned, reported, or even attempted to stop any of Mr. Cook’s international wires and instead, even after the APS Report was made, continued to process at least another forty-two (42) wires. The tortious conduct by NFCU was continuous over the incredibly brief period of time, ceasing only because of Mr. Cook’s death.”
SOURCE
Banks should routinely educate employees to be on the lookout for elder fraud.
A Washington state woman is suing Navy Federal Credit Union and Wells Fargo to restore the legacy and estate of her late uncle, who scam artists had tricked into transferring more than $3.6 million to the Bangkok Bank.
Janine Satterfield, the niece of the late Larry Cook, is alleging the banks were negligent in allowing her uncle to initiate wire transfers 74 times from his accounts — even after one of the banks’ officials flagged Cook for review by Adult Protective Services.
“Prior to this report, it appears that NFCU never questioned, reported, or even attempted to stop any of Mr. Cook’s international wires and instead, even after the APS Report was made, continued to process at least another forty-two (42) wires. The tortious conduct by NFCU was continuous over the incredibly brief period of time, ceasing only because of Mr. Cook’s death.”
SOURCE
May 9, 2023
Roofing Scam, suspect arrested.
On 04/25/2023, three men were in the Coxwell Avenue/Danforth Avenue area. They approached a homeowner purporting to be roofers working on a neighbor’s home and claimed that they saw damage to the homeowner's roof, offering to inspect the damage. When the homeowner agreed, one of the men went on to the roof to conduct an inspection. The homeowner was provided a quote for $18,500 and gave the three men a deposit of $9,000 so that the work could start the next day at the request of the men. On 04/28/2023, police responded to a scam in progress in the Eglinton Avenue East/Bayview Avenue area.
The following day, an unsuspecting subcontracted crew arrived and began working on the roof. The man who provided the quote returned asking for $3,000 to purchase supplies. When the homeowner returned from the bank, the man was gone. By phone, the man told the homeowner to hand the money to the new crew. The homeowners became suspicious, and after speaking with other neighbors, called the police. Witnesses aware of the roofing scam believed the men were in the area for criminal activity and called police. Police arrived to find two men on a homeowner's property, an unsuspecting sub-contractor, and a man who matched the description from the previous incident. Upon sight of police, the man fled. Following a foot pursuit, the man was arrested.
In both instances, the men identified themselves as working for a company called "CO Roofing & Masonry" and gave a contact number of (647) 767-0300. The unsuspecting subcontractors were not paid any funds. Stewart MILLET, 18, of no fixed address, has been charged with Fraud Over $5,000 and Mischief-Damage to Property Over $5,000.
SOURCE
The following day, an unsuspecting subcontracted crew arrived and began working on the roof. The man who provided the quote returned asking for $3,000 to purchase supplies. When the homeowner returned from the bank, the man was gone. By phone, the man told the homeowner to hand the money to the new crew. The homeowners became suspicious, and after speaking with other neighbors, called the police. Witnesses aware of the roofing scam believed the men were in the area for criminal activity and called police. Police arrived to find two men on a homeowner's property, an unsuspecting sub-contractor, and a man who matched the description from the previous incident. Upon sight of police, the man fled. Following a foot pursuit, the man was arrested.
In both instances, the men identified themselves as working for a company called "CO Roofing & Masonry" and gave a contact number of (647) 767-0300. The unsuspecting subcontractors were not paid any funds. Stewart MILLET, 18, of no fixed address, has been charged with Fraud Over $5,000 and Mischief-Damage to Property Over $5,000.
SOURCE
May 6, 2023
Credit card debt relief that isn’t.
Say you’re struggling to pay off your credits cards — which is already difficult with high interest rates — and you hear about a company that promises to reduce or eliminate your credit card debt for a fee. Sounds great, right? But how can you tell if that offer is legitimate or a scam?
The FTC recently announced settlements with the operators of a deceptive debt relief scam. The FTC sued the three operators and their related companies (which went by multiple names including ACRO Services) for taking tens of millions of dollars from people by falsely promising to eliminate or reduce their credit card debt. The scam charged people fees in the thousands of dollars and even told them to stop making payments to their credit card companies — leaving people in a far worse position — with damaged credit and owing their original debts plus thousands in fees and interest.
As part of the settlements with the FTC, these scammers are permanently banned from running any debt relief services or engaging in telemarketing, and they must turn over assets that will be used to provide any possible refunds to people affected by the scam.
Follow these steps to spot and avoid credit card debt relief scams.
Spot a company making calls or claims like this? Report them at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Learn how to spot and avoid credit card debt relief scams
The FTC recently announced settlements with the operators of a deceptive debt relief scam. The FTC sued the three operators and their related companies (which went by multiple names including ACRO Services) for taking tens of millions of dollars from people by falsely promising to eliminate or reduce their credit card debt. The scam charged people fees in the thousands of dollars and even told them to stop making payments to their credit card companies — leaving people in a far worse position — with damaged credit and owing their original debts plus thousands in fees and interest.
As part of the settlements with the FTC, these scammers are permanently banned from running any debt relief services or engaging in telemarketing, and they must turn over assets that will be used to provide any possible refunds to people affected by the scam.
Follow these steps to spot and avoid credit card debt relief scams.
- Don’t pay upfront. It’s illegal for a debt relief company to charge you a fee before they do anything to relieve your debt.
- Talk with your credit card company. For free. Call the customer service number on the back of your credit card. Ask for a payment plan that you’ll be able to afford.
- Consider a reputable credit counselor. They can help you develop a payment plan that works for you.
Spot a company making calls or claims like this? Report them at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Learn how to spot and avoid credit card debt relief scams
May 2, 2023
Why should you be paying attention to the Federal Report on fraud?
By Dale Morgan, NABI President
Here are the main points of which to be aware if you are an Investigator, in the Adult Protective Services field, over the age of 60, or a family member of a loved one over the age of 60.
The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) report compiles information from reports of crime via numerous law enforcement agencies. Unfortunately, the federal report misses a lot of agencies who do not take the time to enter their information in the easy-to-use reporting process. It misses the bulk of cases that are not reported. Additionally, many victims are embarrassed and/or fear the loss of some of their freedom by reporting the crime or feel that nothing can be done if reported. Both ideas are misguided, there are several ways that an elder’s finances can be monitored without losing their freedoms. I have seen many successful examples of getting funding back for these victims as well as prosecuting those criminals involved. IC3 stresses the need to report these crimes to IC3 and I would add if you were a victim, report the crime to local law enforcement, your financial institution, and at least one of the three main credit reporting bureaus.
The statistics paint a disappointing year highlighting the challenges of this complicated problem. In the previous year, 2022, total losses reported to the IC3 by elderly victims increased 84% from year 2021. The tech scam and consumer support are scams that topped the charts with almost 18,000 victims reporting the loss. The stats showed that the scammers are targeting our community members over the age of 60. Both Investment fraud and Cryptocurrency scams increase by over 300 percent for elderly victims.
The most difficult problem that Law Enforcement is facing, related to Elder Financial Fraud, is the lack of knowledge of these crimes by the elderly victims and their families as well as developing law enforcement's knowledge of the thefts and how to investigate the crimes. The National Association of Bunco (Fraud) Investigators are working hard to get training for our elderly and their families as well as Local, State and Federal agencies as well as other private associations like AARP.
The report indicates that there have been 88,000 victims over the age of 60 with a loss of over 3 billion dollars, much of that being sent overseas to countries like India, China, Thailand, and Africa. The average loss per victim was over $35,000 with almost 3500 victims with a loss over $100,000.
The top scams included in ranking from the most to the least include Tech Support, Non-payment/Non-Delivery, Personal Data Breach, Confidence/Romance, Credit Card/Check Fraud, Identity Theft, Investment, Extortion, Spoofing, Phishing, Business Email Compromise, Government Impersonation, Real Estate, Data Breach, and Advanced Fee Lottery/Sweepstakes/Inheritance scams. Cryptocurrency scams are also increasing in Investments scams and Money Laundering of the victim’s funds.
Top States of victims over the age of 60 by number of victims.
Top 10 Victim Losses over the age of 60 by State.
Investment scams are also taking their toll on elderly victims. In the last three years there was a loss of approximately 1 billion dollars for US victims over the age of 60.
Of the victims over the age of 60 who received a call, email, letter or social media notification that they were the winner of a sweepstake or lottery that they never entered; 2300 victims lost a total of 70 million paying upfront fees and taxes for winnings that they would never see.
Confidence scams which include Romance and Grandparent Scams increased dramatically during the covid lockdowns with losses of well over 400 million in 2022.
Extortion occurs when a criminal demands something of value from a victim by threatening physical or financial harm or the release of sensitive data. Email extortion attacks, hitman schemes, government extortion, and sextortion caused a loss of 15.5 million with Sextortion at the top of the list for victims over the age of 60.
Victims reporting non-delivery of goods claimed 8,000 victims with a loss of 51 million and Cryptocurrency scams as payment for the listed scams or investment scam accounted for a loss of 1 billion for victims over the age of 60.
Even though Local, State and Federal law enforcement organizations have increased the number of arrests and the focus on this crime, victims and losses are increasing. One estimate is that less than 10 percent of these crimes are reported which makes the unreported total loss staggering. This is a complicated problem that requires a comprehensive solution. That solution must include Education, Enforcement and Engineering. Law Enforcement is paying more attention in the countries where the fraud originates. Communications companies and financial institutions are also paying more attention. Education must be the major component.
To educate yourself and family members look at the nonprofit, National Association of Bunco (Fraud) Investigators website, which provides training to both seniors and local law enforcement agencies. The tab at the top of the page “Cons and Scams” will take you to a page listing the types of scams, a description of these scams, and associated articles.
READ THE COMPLETE REPORT
The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) report compiles information from reports of crime via numerous law enforcement agencies. Unfortunately, the federal report misses a lot of agencies who do not take the time to enter their information in the easy-to-use reporting process. It misses the bulk of cases that are not reported. Additionally, many victims are embarrassed and/or fear the loss of some of their freedom by reporting the crime or feel that nothing can be done if reported. Both ideas are misguided, there are several ways that an elder’s finances can be monitored without losing their freedoms. I have seen many successful examples of getting funding back for these victims as well as prosecuting those criminals involved. IC3 stresses the need to report these crimes to IC3 and I would add if you were a victim, report the crime to local law enforcement, your financial institution, and at least one of the three main credit reporting bureaus.
The statistics paint a disappointing year highlighting the challenges of this complicated problem. In the previous year, 2022, total losses reported to the IC3 by elderly victims increased 84% from year 2021. The tech scam and consumer support are scams that topped the charts with almost 18,000 victims reporting the loss. The stats showed that the scammers are targeting our community members over the age of 60. Both Investment fraud and Cryptocurrency scams increase by over 300 percent for elderly victims.
The most difficult problem that Law Enforcement is facing, related to Elder Financial Fraud, is the lack of knowledge of these crimes by the elderly victims and their families as well as developing law enforcement's knowledge of the thefts and how to investigate the crimes. The National Association of Bunco (Fraud) Investigators are working hard to get training for our elderly and their families as well as Local, State and Federal agencies as well as other private associations like AARP.
The report indicates that there have been 88,000 victims over the age of 60 with a loss of over 3 billion dollars, much of that being sent overseas to countries like India, China, Thailand, and Africa. The average loss per victim was over $35,000 with almost 3500 victims with a loss over $100,000.
The top scams included in ranking from the most to the least include Tech Support, Non-payment/Non-Delivery, Personal Data Breach, Confidence/Romance, Credit Card/Check Fraud, Identity Theft, Investment, Extortion, Spoofing, Phishing, Business Email Compromise, Government Impersonation, Real Estate, Data Breach, and Advanced Fee Lottery/Sweepstakes/Inheritance scams. Cryptocurrency scams are also increasing in Investments scams and Money Laundering of the victim’s funds.
Top States of victims over the age of 60 by number of victims.
- California 11,517
- Florida 8,480
- Texas 5,674
- New York 4,239
- Arizona 3,543
- Ohio 3,099
- Colorado 2,925
- Pennsylvania 2,901
- Illinois 2,495
- Virginia 2,447
Top 10 Victim Losses over the age of 60 by State.
- California $624,509,520
- Florida $328,114,489
- Texas $243,067,545
- New York $212,045,216
- Washington $96,213,728
- New Jersey $92,712,866
- Arizona $82,255,007
- Pennsylvania $80,250,904
- Georgia $78,736,227
- Illinois $75,905,639
Investment scams are also taking their toll on elderly victims. In the last three years there was a loss of approximately 1 billion dollars for US victims over the age of 60.
Of the victims over the age of 60 who received a call, email, letter or social media notification that they were the winner of a sweepstake or lottery that they never entered; 2300 victims lost a total of 70 million paying upfront fees and taxes for winnings that they would never see.
Confidence scams which include Romance and Grandparent Scams increased dramatically during the covid lockdowns with losses of well over 400 million in 2022.
Extortion occurs when a criminal demands something of value from a victim by threatening physical or financial harm or the release of sensitive data. Email extortion attacks, hitman schemes, government extortion, and sextortion caused a loss of 15.5 million with Sextortion at the top of the list for victims over the age of 60.
Victims reporting non-delivery of goods claimed 8,000 victims with a loss of 51 million and Cryptocurrency scams as payment for the listed scams or investment scam accounted for a loss of 1 billion for victims over the age of 60.
Even though Local, State and Federal law enforcement organizations have increased the number of arrests and the focus on this crime, victims and losses are increasing. One estimate is that less than 10 percent of these crimes are reported which makes the unreported total loss staggering. This is a complicated problem that requires a comprehensive solution. That solution must include Education, Enforcement and Engineering. Law Enforcement is paying more attention in the countries where the fraud originates. Communications companies and financial institutions are also paying more attention. Education must be the major component.
To educate yourself and family members look at the nonprofit, National Association of Bunco (Fraud) Investigators website, which provides training to both seniors and local law enforcement agencies. The tab at the top of the page “Cons and Scams” will take you to a page listing the types of scams, a description of these scams, and associated articles.
READ THE COMPLETE REPORT
April 30, 2023
Were you told you qualify for tax relief?
Tax season might be over, but your tax issues might not be. What happens if you owe back taxes and don’t know how you’re going to pay them? Tax relief companies might say they can help, but often they’ll just leave you even further in debt without any relief. Here’s what to know.
Tax relief companies say they can lower or get rid of your tax debts and stop back-tax collection. They say they’ll apply for IRS hardship programs on your behalf — if you pay them first. But if you pay, you may end up further in debt without the promised tax relief. The truth is that most taxpayers are unlikely to qualify for the programs these scammers advertise. In many cases, these companies don't settle your tax debt. Some don't even send your paperwork to the IRS to apply for programs to help you.
So, what can you do? Try to work out a payment plan directly with the IRS (for your federal taxes) or your state comptroller (for your state taxes). Also remember:
Tax relief companies say they can lower or get rid of your tax debts and stop back-tax collection. They say they’ll apply for IRS hardship programs on your behalf — if you pay them first. But if you pay, you may end up further in debt without the promised tax relief. The truth is that most taxpayers are unlikely to qualify for the programs these scammers advertise. In many cases, these companies don't settle your tax debt. Some don't even send your paperwork to the IRS to apply for programs to help you.
So, what can you do? Try to work out a payment plan directly with the IRS (for your federal taxes) or your state comptroller (for your state taxes). Also remember:
- Ignore promises from businesses that say you "qualify" for a tax relief program. Only the IRS or your state comptroller can decide what you qualify for.
- Don't do business with anyone that tells you to pay their whole fee upfront. If they say that, walk away.
- Steer clear of companies that charge you pricey monthly “maintenance fees.” Some companies will tell you they can resolve your matter quickly and that you’ll pay the fee for just a few months. But the fees add up quickly.
- No company can guarantee a particular result. Every taxpayer’s situation is unique.
FTC returns more than $1.1 Million to consumers.
e Federal Trade Commission is sending 41,934 checks, totaling more than $1.1 million, to consumers who were charged for deceptive “free trial” offers for tooth whiteners and other products by RevMountain, LLC; Anasazi Management Partners; and 59 related corporate defendants.
Consumers who receive checks should cash them within 90 days, as indicated on the check. Recipients who have questions about their refund should call the refund administrator, Epiq, at 1-888-574-7818, or visit the FTC website to view frequently asked questions about the refund process. The Commission never requires people to pay money or provide account information to get a refund.
The FTC sued the defendants in August 2017, alleging that they used deceptive claims, hidden disclosures, and confusing terms to trick people into providing their billing information, supposedly to pay a small fee for the tooth whiteners and other trial products.
READ ON...
Consumers who receive checks should cash them within 90 days, as indicated on the check. Recipients who have questions about their refund should call the refund administrator, Epiq, at 1-888-574-7818, or visit the FTC website to view frequently asked questions about the refund process. The Commission never requires people to pay money or provide account information to get a refund.
The FTC sued the defendants in August 2017, alleging that they used deceptive claims, hidden disclosures, and confusing terms to trick people into providing their billing information, supposedly to pay a small fee for the tooth whiteners and other trial products.
READ ON...
April 21, 2023
AI Scams
AI Investment Scams are Here, and You’re the Target!
What is AI?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a broad term that refers to a number of different technologies that enable computers to sense, understand, act, and learn with human-like levels of intelligence. Due to AI technology, computers are able to perform a variety of advanced functions.
What is AI?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a broad term that refers to a number of different technologies that enable computers to sense, understand, act, and learn with human-like levels of intelligence. Due to AI technology, computers are able to perform a variety of advanced functions.
- Generative AI
- Scammers are Using Terms like “AI” to Steal Money from Investors
- AI is Being Used to Trick Investors
AI Voice Cloning
AI voice cloning and call spoofing create scary convincing scams, here’s how to protect yourself.
As technology advances, scams are becoming quite sophisticated. One of the latest threats is AI voice cloning which a malicious party can use to make it seem like they have a loved one held hostage. Mix that with caller ID spoofing and it’s a very scary and convincing scam that can impact users on iPhone, Android, and really any phone.
How to protect against caller ID spoofing scams
As technology advances, scams are becoming quite sophisticated. One of the latest threats is AI voice cloning which a malicious party can use to make it seem like they have a loved one held hostage. Mix that with caller ID spoofing and it’s a very scary and convincing scam that can impact users on iPhone, Android, and really any phone.
How to protect against caller ID spoofing scams
- f you’ve already answered, a fast way to know if a caller has spoofed a loved one’s number is to hang up and call that person’s number from your phone – it’s very unlikely the attackers can intercept your outgoing call to the actual number
- Ask a challenge question – something only your loved one would be able to answer (don’t ask a question to which the answer could be found on social media, online, etc.)
- The FCC recommends never answering calls from unknown numbers – let them go to voicemail – but of course, the power of spoofed calls is they appear to be someone you know
- Don’t share your phone number on social media, online, etc. if possible, and encourage loved ones to not share their numbers publicly
7 Common Scams Targeting Seniors
Scams targeting older adults are on the rise, but knowing how to spot the signs can reduce your risk of falling prey to one.
- Romance scams
- Sweepstakes scams
- Grandparent scams
- Computer software or virus scams
- Government agency scams
- Gift card scam
- Undercover investigation scam
April 18, 2023
Man convicted of 12 felony counts related to a scheme to defraud an elderly widow of over $1 million.
After a week-long trial, a federal jury … convicted Karl Hampton, 65, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, of twelve felony counts related to a scheme to defraud an elderly widow of over one million dollars, announced United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis.
Hampton and his wife were indicted in 2021 for conspiracy and money laundering and Hampton was also charged with wire and mail fraud.
At trial, the evidence showed that Hampton met the victim while he was working as an exterminator in her home. Between 2018 and 2020, Hampton tricked the victim into believing that he would care for her personally and financially. He held himself out as the victim’s “personal representative,” her “son” or her “godson,” and pretended that he was acting on her behalf.
In April 2019, Hampton convinced the victim to sign over her Power of Attorney and to name him in her Revocable Living Trust and in her will. He then methodically drained the victim’s bank accounts, took out a $500,000 line of credit in her name using her property as collateral, and amassed huge charges on her credit cards for his own personal expenses.
In total, Hampton defrauded the victim of approximately $1.2 million. He used her money to purchase luxury items and often spent over $1,000 per day on lottery tickets. The defendant’s lavish spending using the victim’s money included purchasing a Lexus GX460, a 4.3-karat diamond ring, and a $170,000 interest in a pest control business.
READ MORE
After a week-long trial, a federal jury … convicted Karl Hampton, 65, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, of twelve felony counts related to a scheme to defraud an elderly widow of over one million dollars, announced United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis.
Hampton and his wife were indicted in 2021 for conspiracy and money laundering and Hampton was also charged with wire and mail fraud.
At trial, the evidence showed that Hampton met the victim while he was working as an exterminator in her home. Between 2018 and 2020, Hampton tricked the victim into believing that he would care for her personally and financially. He held himself out as the victim’s “personal representative,” her “son” or her “godson,” and pretended that he was acting on her behalf.
In April 2019, Hampton convinced the victim to sign over her Power of Attorney and to name him in her Revocable Living Trust and in her will. He then methodically drained the victim’s bank accounts, took out a $500,000 line of credit in her name using her property as collateral, and amassed huge charges on her credit cards for his own personal expenses.
In total, Hampton defrauded the victim of approximately $1.2 million. He used her money to purchase luxury items and often spent over $1,000 per day on lottery tickets. The defendant’s lavish spending using the victim’s money included purchasing a Lexus GX460, a 4.3-karat diamond ring, and a $170,000 interest in a pest control business.
READ MORE
Top scams targeting retirees.
Financial scams are difficult to prosecute and often go unreported, and thus, are considered low-risk crimes.
For retirees, however, it can be devastating, leaving them financially vulnerable. Moreover, fraudsters don't just target wealthy retirees, low-income senior citizens are also at risk.
Thus, it is very important for retirees to be aware of scams so that they can save their hard-earned money.
Here are the top scams targeting retirees. …
READ MORE
Financial scams are difficult to prosecute and often go unreported, and thus, are considered low-risk crimes.
For retirees, however, it can be devastating, leaving them financially vulnerable. Moreover, fraudsters don't just target wealthy retirees, low-income senior citizens are also at risk.
Thus, it is very important for retirees to be aware of scams so that they can save their hard-earned money.
Here are the top scams targeting retirees. …
READ MORE
April 14, 2023
Home repair scams, bank scams
Maine Attorney General warns of increase in paving scams
The scammers will often pose as paving contractors, saying they were doing work nearby and can use the leftover asphalt from that job to do your driveway, too.
They'll often quote you a very low estimate, or provide none at all, and ask for money up front.
Once the scammer leaves, they usually vanish without a trace, and the work often ends up being incomplete or poorly done.
Spring is prime time for these types of scams to flourish, so be sure to know your rights and be prepared.
READ MORE
The scammers will often pose as paving contractors, saying they were doing work nearby and can use the leftover asphalt from that job to do your driveway, too.
They'll often quote you a very low estimate, or provide none at all, and ask for money up front.
Once the scammer leaves, they usually vanish without a trace, and the work often ends up being incomplete or poorly done.
Spring is prime time for these types of scams to flourish, so be sure to know your rights and be prepared.
READ MORE
FBI Says These Are the Homeowner Scams to Watch Out for Now
The FBI found that people lost over $10.3 billion to online scammers in 2022 alone. And one of the most cost-effective areas of exploitation for these criminals is the real estate sector. Last year, the FBI issued a warning to homeowners about a recent spike in real estate scams. But what exactly should you be looking out for? Read on to find out more about four major homeowner scams the agency has advised people to watch out for.
The FBI found that people lost over $10.3 billion to online scammers in 2022 alone. And one of the most cost-effective areas of exploitation for these criminals is the real estate sector. Last year, the FBI issued a warning to homeowners about a recent spike in real estate scams. But what exactly should you be looking out for? Read on to find out more about four major homeowner scams the agency has advised people to watch out for.
- Real estate wire fraud
- Home repair scam
- Disaster relief fraud
common Bank Scams and How to Avoid Them
Bank scams are a common way for criminals to gain access to people’s personal and financial information. Scammers use various methods to trick people into giving up sensitive information like bank account numbers and passwords. Keep reading to learn about eight common bank scams and what you can do to protect yourself.
Bank scams are a common way for criminals to gain access to people’s personal and financial information. Scammers use various methods to trick people into giving up sensitive information like bank account numbers and passwords. Keep reading to learn about eight common bank scams and what you can do to protect yourself.
- Overpayment Scams
- Check-Cashing Scams
- Unsolicited Check Fraud
- Automatic Withdrawal Scams
- Phishing Scams
- Government Imposter Scams
- Charity Scams
- Employment Scams
April 12. 2023
FTC News
FTC Ramps Up Fight to Close the Door on Illegal Robocalls Originating from Overseas Scammers and Imposters.
As the menace of unwanted illegal robocalls continues, U.S. consumers are bombarded by millions of these calls each month, both to their landlines and cell phones. Data show that a significant proportion, if not the majority, of illegal robocalls originate from overseas.
To stop these illegal overseas calls, the Federal Trade Commission has implemented Project Point of No Entry (PoNE), targeting “point of entry” or “gateway” Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers and warning they must work to keep illegal robocalls out of the country.
“Project Point of No Entry is yet another way the FTC is sending VoIP service providers the clear message that the Commission will not stand by as illegal robocalls blast American phones,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection. “We will use all of our tools to stop companies that knowingly permit illegal calls to flood into the country.” ...
READ MORE
Funeral homes now have to post prices online.
When families need to plan a funeral or cremation service, especially in an unfamiliar place, they often search online for a local provider. Now, thanks to a court order in an FTC case, people who work with one seller of cremations will find its prices online and know where it’s located.
You might have read about the FTC’s case against Legacy Cremation Services and others last April. If you didn’t, here’s the story: the FTC said in a lawsuit that the company used online ads to make it look like they performed cremations when they didn’t; made it look like they were local when they weren’t; and gave grieving people lowball quotes by phone —when the real price was much higher.
Now, among other things, a court order says that Legacy and its owner have to post price information on their websites. When it comes to location, Legacy must give clear information about its (actual) locations — as well as the names, locations, and contact information for the local funeral homes they connect people with. (Info they didn’t so much share before. ...
READ MORE
Shopping online? Here’s what to do when things go wrong.
Ever had a bad online shopping experience? Maybe you ordered one thing but got another. Or that new company never shipped your order, despite charging you. So, what do you do?
If you can relate, you’re not alone. In 2022, online shopping scams were the second-most reported type of scam to the FTC. The good news is you have rights, and there are steps you can take.
If something didn't arrive or you didn't accept it, and now the company won't refund your money, dispute the charges. If products show up that you never ordered, you don’t have to pay for them. Federal law protects you.
To try to stay ahead of these problems, if you haven’t shopped with a company before, start by searching online for the company’s name, plus words like “review,” “complaint,” or “scam.” See what other people are saying.
And no matter where you shop online, remember: ...
READ MORE
As the menace of unwanted illegal robocalls continues, U.S. consumers are bombarded by millions of these calls each month, both to their landlines and cell phones. Data show that a significant proportion, if not the majority, of illegal robocalls originate from overseas.
To stop these illegal overseas calls, the Federal Trade Commission has implemented Project Point of No Entry (PoNE), targeting “point of entry” or “gateway” Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers and warning they must work to keep illegal robocalls out of the country.
“Project Point of No Entry is yet another way the FTC is sending VoIP service providers the clear message that the Commission will not stand by as illegal robocalls blast American phones,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection. “We will use all of our tools to stop companies that knowingly permit illegal calls to flood into the country.” ...
READ MORE
Funeral homes now have to post prices online.
When families need to plan a funeral or cremation service, especially in an unfamiliar place, they often search online for a local provider. Now, thanks to a court order in an FTC case, people who work with one seller of cremations will find its prices online and know where it’s located.
You might have read about the FTC’s case against Legacy Cremation Services and others last April. If you didn’t, here’s the story: the FTC said in a lawsuit that the company used online ads to make it look like they performed cremations when they didn’t; made it look like they were local when they weren’t; and gave grieving people lowball quotes by phone —when the real price was much higher.
Now, among other things, a court order says that Legacy and its owner have to post price information on their websites. When it comes to location, Legacy must give clear information about its (actual) locations — as well as the names, locations, and contact information for the local funeral homes they connect people with. (Info they didn’t so much share before. ...
READ MORE
Shopping online? Here’s what to do when things go wrong.
Ever had a bad online shopping experience? Maybe you ordered one thing but got another. Or that new company never shipped your order, despite charging you. So, what do you do?
If you can relate, you’re not alone. In 2022, online shopping scams were the second-most reported type of scam to the FTC. The good news is you have rights, and there are steps you can take.
If something didn't arrive or you didn't accept it, and now the company won't refund your money, dispute the charges. If products show up that you never ordered, you don’t have to pay for them. Federal law protects you.
To try to stay ahead of these problems, if you haven’t shopped with a company before, start by searching online for the company’s name, plus words like “review,” “complaint,” or “scam.” See what other people are saying.
And no matter where you shop online, remember: ...
READ MORE
April 11, 2023
Wrong number text scams, Organized retail theft fuels illegal drug trade, woman fleeced out of $109,000 in computer virus scam, Medicare card scams
Wrong number text scams
Crooks pretend to contact you accidentally to lure you into a crypto investment or other scheme.
How to Avoid ‘Wrong Number’ Text Scams.
“You’ll get a text message that says, ‘Hey, you coming for dinner tonight?’” says Amy Nofziger, director of victim support for the AARP Fraud Watch Network. “And you’re like, ‘Oh, I’m sorry, I think you have the wrong number.’ And they’re like, ‘Oh, OK, I’m so sorry to bother you. But I hope you’re having a great day.’ And then you just start an innocent conversation.”
How fake wrong-number text scams work
Organized retail theft fuels illegal drug trade
The illegal fentanyl trade runs through China, Mexico — and, unwittingly, Home Depot.
“I want to be very clear, we’re not talking about petty shoplifting,” said Scott Glenn, vice president of asset protection with Home Depot. “Not theft for need, but theft for greed, and in many cases to fund ongoing criminal enterprises.”
READ MORE
2 Indian-origin men arrested for stealing $109K from elderly woman in US
Two Indian-origin men have been arrested for allegedly stealing over $100,000 from a 78-year-old woman in Massachusetts via a computer virus scam, police said.
Medicare Card Scams
Examples of Medicare Card Scams
Someone calls you claiming:
Tip Sheet
Crooks pretend to contact you accidentally to lure you into a crypto investment or other scheme.
How to Avoid ‘Wrong Number’ Text Scams.
“You’ll get a text message that says, ‘Hey, you coming for dinner tonight?’” says Amy Nofziger, director of victim support for the AARP Fraud Watch Network. “And you’re like, ‘Oh, I’m sorry, I think you have the wrong number.’ And they’re like, ‘Oh, OK, I’m so sorry to bother you. But I hope you’re having a great day.’ And then you just start an innocent conversation.”
How fake wrong-number text scams work
- “Scammers are aware that the quickest means of communicating with a victim is by text message, so their efforts naturally follow the societal shift to SMS messaging,” says Josh Planos, a Better Business Bureau spokesperson.
- Money enters the discussion.
- Once that bond is formed, experts say, the criminal usually transitions to luring you into a crypto investment scam. The scammers pretend to be living a high-end lifestyle, West notes, “then they say, ‘The reason I’m able to afford this is because I invest in cryptocurrency. Have you ever considered doing that?
Organized retail theft fuels illegal drug trade
The illegal fentanyl trade runs through China, Mexico — and, unwittingly, Home Depot.
“I want to be very clear, we’re not talking about petty shoplifting,” said Scott Glenn, vice president of asset protection with Home Depot. “Not theft for need, but theft for greed, and in many cases to fund ongoing criminal enterprises.”
READ MORE
2 Indian-origin men arrested for stealing $109K from elderly woman in US
Two Indian-origin men have been arrested for allegedly stealing over $100,000 from a 78-year-old woman in Massachusetts via a computer virus scam, police said.
- An increasing number of senior people in the US are falling victim to government impersonation, sweepstakes, and robocall scams.
- According to the FBI, in 2021 there were 92,371 older victims of fraud resulting in $1.7 billion in losses.
- The investigating bureau also said that senior citizens are less likely to report fraud.
- In the five-year period ending December 31, 2020, the US Senate Special Committee on Aging Fraud Hotline received more than 8,000 complaints nationwide, according to the National Council on Aging.
Medicare Card Scams
Examples of Medicare Card Scams
Someone calls you claiming:
- You are getting a new, plastic Medicare card.
- Medicare is switching to a card with a chip in it.
- It’s a new year so you need a new card.
- You need a black and white card.
- They need your Medicare number to see if you have received your new one yet.
- They need you to verify your Medicare number so they can confirm you have the correct Medicare card.
Tip Sheet
April 9, 2010
Elder Fraud
Elder Fraud During Tax Season: Schemes, Red Flags and Prevention Methods to Protect Your Loved Ones & Their Bank Accounts.
Tax season is upon us, and the looming threat of elder fraud is rapidly increasing. Predators actively target this community, exploiting elderly citizens and their families. In 2021, there were 92,371 reported victims of Elder Fraud which accounted for $1.7 billion in losses, a shocking 74% increase from 2020 according to the FBI. These scams are increasingly effective, given the surge in technology and resources available to predators. Recognizing common schemes through identifying red flags and implementing prevention methods will help mitigate the risk of your loved ones becoming another statistic.
The most common tax schemes fall into one of the following categories: phone scams, phishing, and tax provider scams. While the characteristics of each scam may differ, they are all motivated by the possibility of a lucrative pay day.
READ MORE
Tax season is upon us, and the looming threat of elder fraud is rapidly increasing. Predators actively target this community, exploiting elderly citizens and their families. In 2021, there were 92,371 reported victims of Elder Fraud which accounted for $1.7 billion in losses, a shocking 74% increase from 2020 according to the FBI. These scams are increasingly effective, given the surge in technology and resources available to predators. Recognizing common schemes through identifying red flags and implementing prevention methods will help mitigate the risk of your loved ones becoming another statistic.
The most common tax schemes fall into one of the following categories: phone scams, phishing, and tax provider scams. While the characteristics of each scam may differ, they are all motivated by the possibility of a lucrative pay day.
READ MORE
April 7, 2023
US DOJ News
Nurse Practitioner Sentenced in $12 million Health Care Fraud Scheme
A registered nurse and nurse practitioner, who defrauded commercial health insurers and Medicare of nearly $12 million by devising and executing fraudulent billing schemes in three states seeking payment for patient services that were never performed, has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Alexander A. Istomin, 57, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to an eleven-count Information charging him with health care fraud, mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, and causing the introduction of misbranded drugs into interstate commerce. Istomin admitted that he routinely submitted fraudulent claims for in-person patient services that he did not perform, including supposed patient visits at a “ghost office” in Rhode Island and at offices in Florida and New York. Istomin used seven different tax identification numbers while defrauding eight insurers out of a total of $11,923,686.30.
The “ghost office” was an address that Istomin maintained in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, that he claimed was part of his medical practice when, in fact, he used the location solely for the purpose of receiving mail, including fraudulently obtained insurance payments.
Read more-->
Justice Department Announces Extradition and Guilty Plea in Connection with International Fraud Scheme
One defendant pleaded guilty on March 27 in an international fraud scheme that preyed on elderly Americans, and the lead defendant in the case was extradited from Spain in connection with the same scheme.
Ezennia Peter Neboh, 48, of Madrid, Spain, made his initial appearance in Miami today to face federal charges. Neboh, and his co-defendants, Kennedy Ikponmwosa, 51, and Prince Amos Okey Ezemma, 49, also of Madrid; and Iheanyichukwu Jonathan Abraham, 44, Emmanuel Samuel, 39, and Jerry Chucks Ozor, 43, of London, were previously charged in the Southern District of Florida with conspiracy to commit mail fraud as well as counts of mail fraud and wire fraud. Samuel pleaded guilty March 27 in Miami to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.
According to court documents, the defendants allegedly operated an inheritance fraud scheme. As part of that scheme, they sent personalized letters to elderly consumers in the United States over the course of more than five years. The letters falsely claimed that the sender was a representative of a bank in Spain and that the recipient was entitled to receive a multimillion-dollar inheritance left for the recipient by a family member who purportedly had died years before in Spain. According to the indictment, the defendants told a series of lies to consumers including that, before they could receive their purported inheritance, they were required to send money for delivery fees, taxes, and payments to avoid questioning from government authorities. The defendants collected money sent in response to the fraudulent letters through a complex web of U.S.-based former victims, whom the defendants convinced to receive money and forward to the defendants or persons associated with them. According to the indictment, victims who sent money never received any purported inheritance funds.
Read more-->
A registered nurse and nurse practitioner, who defrauded commercial health insurers and Medicare of nearly $12 million by devising and executing fraudulent billing schemes in three states seeking payment for patient services that were never performed, has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Alexander A. Istomin, 57, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to an eleven-count Information charging him with health care fraud, mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, and causing the introduction of misbranded drugs into interstate commerce. Istomin admitted that he routinely submitted fraudulent claims for in-person patient services that he did not perform, including supposed patient visits at a “ghost office” in Rhode Island and at offices in Florida and New York. Istomin used seven different tax identification numbers while defrauding eight insurers out of a total of $11,923,686.30.
The “ghost office” was an address that Istomin maintained in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, that he claimed was part of his medical practice when, in fact, he used the location solely for the purpose of receiving mail, including fraudulently obtained insurance payments.
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Justice Department Announces Extradition and Guilty Plea in Connection with International Fraud Scheme
One defendant pleaded guilty on March 27 in an international fraud scheme that preyed on elderly Americans, and the lead defendant in the case was extradited from Spain in connection with the same scheme.
Ezennia Peter Neboh, 48, of Madrid, Spain, made his initial appearance in Miami today to face federal charges. Neboh, and his co-defendants, Kennedy Ikponmwosa, 51, and Prince Amos Okey Ezemma, 49, also of Madrid; and Iheanyichukwu Jonathan Abraham, 44, Emmanuel Samuel, 39, and Jerry Chucks Ozor, 43, of London, were previously charged in the Southern District of Florida with conspiracy to commit mail fraud as well as counts of mail fraud and wire fraud. Samuel pleaded guilty March 27 in Miami to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.
According to court documents, the defendants allegedly operated an inheritance fraud scheme. As part of that scheme, they sent personalized letters to elderly consumers in the United States over the course of more than five years. The letters falsely claimed that the sender was a representative of a bank in Spain and that the recipient was entitled to receive a multimillion-dollar inheritance left for the recipient by a family member who purportedly had died years before in Spain. According to the indictment, the defendants told a series of lies to consumers including that, before they could receive their purported inheritance, they were required to send money for delivery fees, taxes, and payments to avoid questioning from government authorities. The defendants collected money sent in response to the fraudulent letters through a complex web of U.S.-based former victims, whom the defendants convinced to receive money and forward to the defendants or persons associated with them. According to the indictment, victims who sent money never received any purported inheritance funds.
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April 2, 2023
US DOJ news
Elder fraud Inheritance scheme arrest and extradition
Justice Department Announces Extradition and Guilty Plea in Connection with International Fraud Scheme.
One defendant pleaded guilty on March 27 in an international fraud scheme that preyed on elderly Americans, and the lead defendant in the case was extradited from Spain yesterday in connection with the same scheme.
Ezennia Peter Neboh, 48, of Madrid, Spain, made his initial appearance in Miami today to face federal charges.
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U.S. Dept of Justice seeks extradition of 5 suspected Nigerian fraudsters
Read more->
Justice Department Announces Extradition and Guilty Plea in Connection with International Fraud Scheme.
One defendant pleaded guilty on March 27 in an international fraud scheme that preyed on elderly Americans, and the lead defendant in the case was extradited from Spain yesterday in connection with the same scheme.
Ezennia Peter Neboh, 48, of Madrid, Spain, made his initial appearance in Miami today to face federal charges.
Read more-->
U.S. Dept of Justice seeks extradition of 5 suspected Nigerian fraudsters
Read more->
Deepfake images increasingly used by romance scammers to trick victim
AI deepfake images increasingly used by romance scammers to trick victims, expert warns.
Deepfakes are increasingly being used in romance scams to trick victims into believing they are talking to a real person in order to steal large sums of money, a charity has warned.
Read more ==>
Deepfakes are increasingly being used in romance scams to trick victims into believing they are talking to a real person in order to steal large sums of money, a charity has warned.
Read more ==>
March 24, 2023
The pros and cons of free trials, auto-renewals, and subscriptions
You get your regular shipments of dog food, have your gym membership set to auto-renew each month, and have a free trial subscription to some genealogy site. Helpful, keeps you from having to remember to pay every month, lets you try new stuff for free. But what about when you want to cancel? How is that working for you?
That’s what the FTC is asking as it’s proposing to expand an existing rule to provide people with more protections when they want to cancel a negative option. In non-legal, non-salesy terms, negative options are the set-it-and-forget-it of the purchasing world: you, Company, will keep sending me that dog food ‘til I say stop. But when Company decides that, no, they’re still gonna send you dog food, no matter what you say (or until you jump through a million hidden hoops), that’s a problem. The same goes for that free trial you tried to cancel but Other Company still kept charging you, month after month, for a service you tried and decided it wasn’t for you. These are some types of reports the FTC hears: especially the frustration with not being able to stop the thing you don’t want anymore. And, of course, stop paying for it.
In response, the FTC proposes to set requirements that it could enforce to stop more kinds of bad behavior. It also proposes to tell companies to clearly explain to people what they’re buying, make sure they know what they’re agreeing to, and make it as easy to cancel as it was to sign up.
The rule is still a proposal, and the FTC will soon be taking comments from anybody interested. To comment, check out Regulations.gov and, in the meantime, if you’re stuck in a trial, auto-renewal, or subscription that makes you feel, well, stuck, check out this advice from the FTC. And then report it: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Source-->
That’s what the FTC is asking as it’s proposing to expand an existing rule to provide people with more protections when they want to cancel a negative option. In non-legal, non-salesy terms, negative options are the set-it-and-forget-it of the purchasing world: you, Company, will keep sending me that dog food ‘til I say stop. But when Company decides that, no, they’re still gonna send you dog food, no matter what you say (or until you jump through a million hidden hoops), that’s a problem. The same goes for that free trial you tried to cancel but Other Company still kept charging you, month after month, for a service you tried and decided it wasn’t for you. These are some types of reports the FTC hears: especially the frustration with not being able to stop the thing you don’t want anymore. And, of course, stop paying for it.
In response, the FTC proposes to set requirements that it could enforce to stop more kinds of bad behavior. It also proposes to tell companies to clearly explain to people what they’re buying, make sure they know what they’re agreeing to, and make it as easy to cancel as it was to sign up.
The rule is still a proposal, and the FTC will soon be taking comments from anybody interested. To comment, check out Regulations.gov and, in the meantime, if you’re stuck in a trial, auto-renewal, or subscription that makes you feel, well, stuck, check out this advice from the FTC. And then report it: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Source-->
March 17, 2023
Romance scammers target vulnerable victims using advanced AI technology
A professional matchmaker is urging Canadians to be aware of the impact new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) are having on the rising incidence of online dating fraud.
“There’s lots of AI options now for people to make fake profiles,” Krystal Walter told Global News.
Fraudsters start with picking from a long list of computer-generated photos of the “perfect” man or woman, and then add on “desirable” qualifications and build a profile from there. Walter said everything from eye and hair colour to ethnicity can be included, even “conversation tone.”
She said AI programs can also take some of the usual “red flags” — such as spelling mistakes and bad grammar — out of the text, making them harder to detect as fakes. But again, she said, that’s exactly what they are.
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“There’s lots of AI options now for people to make fake profiles,” Krystal Walter told Global News.
Fraudsters start with picking from a long list of computer-generated photos of the “perfect” man or woman, and then add on “desirable” qualifications and build a profile from there. Walter said everything from eye and hair colour to ethnicity can be included, even “conversation tone.”
She said AI programs can also take some of the usual “red flags” — such as spelling mistakes and bad grammar — out of the text, making them harder to detect as fakes. But again, she said, that’s exactly what they are.
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Six Romanian Citizens Charged in Alleged San Diego County Thefts of Elderly, Fraud
Six Romanian citizens have been charged with allegedly taking part in robberies and thefts of elderly San Diego County residents, as well as laundering $1.4 million in proceeds from the crimes, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday.
Married couple Eduard Ghiocel, 47, and Floarea Ghiocel, 48, are in custody, while four other associates of the “Valcea Romanian Transnational Crime Group” remain at large, said prosecutors. Those defendants are the Ghiocels’ two sons, a daughter-in-law and a girlfriend of one of the sons, according to a criminal complaint.
The defendants allegedly took part in 17 jewelry thefts between March 2020 and September 2022 in “elderly communities” in San Diego, while the Valcea Crime Group is suspected in “dozens” of similar crimes throughout the county, according to prosecutors.
The complaint states that the crimes typically target senior citizens in shopping center parking lots or residential areas. Victims are often distracted by the suspects while their jewelry or other valuables are taken through sleight-of-hand techniques.
Prosecutors allege the Ghiocels pawned the stolen items at Los Angeles-area jewelry stores, then laundered the cash they received by sending wire transfers to Romania, as well as by buying gold bars, gold coins and vehicles, then shipping those items to Romania.
Additionally, the defendants allegedly took $32,250 in state unemployment benefits by filing false unemployment claims and laundered that money as well'
We have alleged that an organized crime group targeted and robbed members of San Diego’s senior community, many of whom lost items of great personal significance,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman.
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Married couple Eduard Ghiocel, 47, and Floarea Ghiocel, 48, are in custody, while four other associates of the “Valcea Romanian Transnational Crime Group” remain at large, said prosecutors. Those defendants are the Ghiocels’ two sons, a daughter-in-law and a girlfriend of one of the sons, according to a criminal complaint.
The defendants allegedly took part in 17 jewelry thefts between March 2020 and September 2022 in “elderly communities” in San Diego, while the Valcea Crime Group is suspected in “dozens” of similar crimes throughout the county, according to prosecutors.
The complaint states that the crimes typically target senior citizens in shopping center parking lots or residential areas. Victims are often distracted by the suspects while their jewelry or other valuables are taken through sleight-of-hand techniques.
Prosecutors allege the Ghiocels pawned the stolen items at Los Angeles-area jewelry stores, then laundered the cash they received by sending wire transfers to Romania, as well as by buying gold bars, gold coins and vehicles, then shipping those items to Romania.
Additionally, the defendants allegedly took $32,250 in state unemployment benefits by filing false unemployment claims and laundered that money as well'
We have alleged that an organized crime group targeted and robbed members of San Diego’s senior community, many of whom lost items of great personal significance,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman.
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March 7, 2023
Jury finds self-proclaimed psychic guilty on multiple charges for stealing $1 million from Tampa man.
A jury recently found self-proclaimed psychic Jaycee Wasso guilty of organized fraud and seven other counts of fraud and theft.
Wasso sobbed and turned to her family sitting behind her in the gallery with a look of disbelief. She was taken away in handcuffs and will be sentenced later.
Wasso manipulated Halfon into stealing more than $1 million in cash and jewelry in November 2019, "Yes I fell for it. Hook, line, and sinker," said Rappaport.
Rappaport, now 80-years old, told the jury he felt defrauded, manipulated, and lied to. He believed the money was to purchase a condo in St. Petersburg and helping Halfon's family in Israel, but it was all a lie.
Earlier this week, Halfon told the jury, Wasso needed the cash and luxury items to protect her from evil spirits. But soon Wasso demanded $1 million in cash to scare away her demons.
"She said she feels a very bad energy from me that this bad energy is a curse that comes from generation to generation," explained Halfon.
Investigators say Wasso then recruited her then-husband Joey Evans and his father John Evans to get the checks cashed in New Jersey.
Wasso sobbed and turned to her family sitting behind her in the gallery with a look of disbelief. She was taken away in handcuffs and will be sentenced later.
Wasso manipulated Halfon into stealing more than $1 million in cash and jewelry in November 2019, "Yes I fell for it. Hook, line, and sinker," said Rappaport.
Rappaport, now 80-years old, told the jury he felt defrauded, manipulated, and lied to. He believed the money was to purchase a condo in St. Petersburg and helping Halfon's family in Israel, but it was all a lie.
Earlier this week, Halfon told the jury, Wasso needed the cash and luxury items to protect her from evil spirits. But soon Wasso demanded $1 million in cash to scare away her demons.
"She said she feels a very bad energy from me that this bad energy is a curse that comes from generation to generation," explained Halfon.
Investigators say Wasso then recruited her then-husband Joey Evans and his father John Evans to get the checks cashed in New Jersey.
Wasso's ex-husband Joey Evans, and his father John Evans.
During opening statements, Lansky, Wasso’s attorney, told the jury Wasso is taking the fall for Joey and John Evans. Lansky told the jury Wasso’s now-ex-husband Joey and his father used the money to buy lavish gifts, including designer items, jewelry and an exotic car.
https://www.fox13news.com/news/jury-finds-self-proclaimed-psychic-guilty-on-multiple-charges-for-stealing-1-million-from-tampa-man
https://www.fox13news.com/news/star-witness-admits-she-stole-1-million-from-husband-during-cross-examination-in-psychic-fraud-tria
https://www.fox13news.com/news/jury-finds-self-proclaimed-psychic-guilty-on-multiple-charges-for-stealing-1-million-from-tampa-man
https://www.fox13news.com/news/star-witness-admits-she-stole-1-million-from-husband-during-cross-examination-in-psychic-fraud-tria
February 28, 2023
Two men indicted for online romance fraud schemes targeting the elderly
Two men have been charged in separate indictments by a federal grand jury for their roles in online romance fraud schemes, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to separate indictments, Solomon Eghosa Wilfred, 42, of Coon Rapids, and Dodzi Kwame Kordorwu, 36, of Brooklyn Park, knowingly and intentionally participated in and facilitated online romance fraud schemes that targeted primarily elderly victims.
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According to separate indictments, Solomon Eghosa Wilfred, 42, of Coon Rapids, and Dodzi Kwame Kordorwu, 36, of Brooklyn Park, knowingly and intentionally participated in and facilitated online romance fraud schemes that targeted primarily elderly victims.
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Yes, scammers do send fake checks in the mail.
“In a fake check scam, a person you don’t know asks you to deposit a check. It’s usually for more than they owe you, and it’s sometimes for several thousand dollars,” the FTC says. “They tell you to send some of the money back to them or to another person. They always have a good story to explain why you can’t keep all the money. They might say they need you to cover taxes or fees for a prize, to buy supplies for a job, to send back money they overpaid, or something else. But this is a scam.”
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Let’s bust these four myths of digital privacy and security.
Myth No. 1: Stop spammers by writing out “at” and “dot” in your email address.
Myth No. 2: Digital criminals are dumb.
Myth No. 3: You need a VPN to stay safe online.
Myth No. 4: Your email address and phone number are secrets.
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Myth No. 2: Digital criminals are dumb.
Myth No. 3: You need a VPN to stay safe online.
Myth No. 4: Your email address and phone number are secrets.
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What’s legit and what’s a scam?
People make up lots of stories about why you need to send them money. They might say you’ve won a prize, your family member is in an emergency, or that they love you. And in all these examples, they now need you to send them money. But how do you know what’s a scam and what’s legit, especially when you think it’s someone you know and care about asking? Read on to learn one of the surest ways to spot a scam.
Man sentenced for elder fraud in Virginia.
A Duncan, South Carolina man of Indian origin was sentenced recently to 51 months in prison for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.
According to court documents, from around February 2020 through June 2020, Jeel Patel, 22, was part of an international fraud scheme originating from call centers in India that disproportionately targeted elders. He was sentenced Feb. 14, 2023, by U.S. Senior District Judge Henry E. Hudson.
After making initial contact with victims, conspirators known as closers would impersonate government officials such as FBI or DEA agents who “would trick and coerce victims into wiring funds to bank accounts controlled by the conspiracy, or shipping parcels of cash to addresses to which conspirators had access.”
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According to court documents, from around February 2020 through June 2020, Jeel Patel, 22, was part of an international fraud scheme originating from call centers in India that disproportionately targeted elders. He was sentenced Feb. 14, 2023, by U.S. Senior District Judge Henry E. Hudson.
After making initial contact with victims, conspirators known as closers would impersonate government officials such as FBI or DEA agents who “would trick and coerce victims into wiring funds to bank accounts controlled by the conspiracy, or shipping parcels of cash to addresses to which conspirators had access.”
More-->
Scammers pretending to be government agencies.
Multiple consumers in Washington state have reported different versions of government agency scams in the past few months, according to the Better Business Bureau.
With tax season well underway, the Better Business Bureau of Washington is warning consumers about the seasonal rise in "government imposter" scams.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) said these types of scams involved people pretending to represent government agencies all in an effort to steal consumers' personal information and money.
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With tax season well underway, the Better Business Bureau of Washington is warning consumers about the seasonal rise in "government imposter" scams.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) said these types of scams involved people pretending to represent government agencies all in an effort to steal consumers' personal information and money.
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February 23, 2023
Nigerian National Extradited from the United Kingdom to Face Fraud Charge
An indictment was unsealed on 21 Feb charging six Nigerian nationals – three residing in the United Kingdom and three residing in Spain – with operating a large transnational fraud scheme. One of the charged defendants made his initial appearance today, after being extradited from the United Kingdom.
Ezennia Peter Neboh, 48, Kennedy Ikponmwosa, 51, and Prince Amos Okey Ezemma, 49, of Madrid, Spain; and Iheanyichukwu Jonathan Abraham, 44, Emmanuel Samuel, 39, and Jerry Chucks Ozor, 43, of London, face federal charges in Miami. Neboh, Ikponmwosa, Abraham, Samuel, and Ozor were arrested in April 2022 by authorities in Madrid and London, based on an indictment filed in the Southern District of Florida, and have remained incarcerated since then. Samuel made his initial appearance in Miami today. Okey Ezemma remains at large.
According to court documents, the defendants are charged with operating an inheritance fraud scheme. Over the course of more than five years, they allegedly sent personalized letters to elderly consumers in the U.S., falsely claiming that the sender was a representative of a bank in Spain and that the recipient was entitled to receive a multimillion-dollar inheritance left for the recipient by a family member who purportedly had died years before in Spain. Victims were told that, before they could receive their purported inheritance, they were required to send money for delivery fees, taxes, and payments to avoid questioning from government authorities. Victims sent money to the defendants through a complex web of U.S.-based former victims, whom the defendants convinced to serve as money mules. According to the indictment, victims who sent money never received their purported inheritance funds.
“Schemes that prey on the elderly are particularly insidious,” said Principal Deputy Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch will pursue and prosecute transnational criminals who defraud U.S. consumers, wherever they are located. I thank the Kingdom of Spain and the United Kingdom for their tireless efforts in assisting U.S. authorities to find and arrest these individuals so that they may face charges here in the United States.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has a long tradition of protecting citizens from these types of schemes and bringing those responsible to justice,” said Postal Inspector in Charge Juan A. Vargas for the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Miami Division. “The indictment unsealed today is a testament of the dedicated partnership between the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, to protect our citizens from these scams”.
“The successful extradition of the defendant is the result of a dynamic and coordinated investigative effort by HSI, our law enforcement and judicial partners,” said Special Agent in Charge Scott Brown for HSI Arizona Field Office. “Crimes aimed at the elderly have devastating financial effects. HSI will continue to aggressively investigate greedy swindlers who prey on the vulnerable for profit.”
The defendants are all charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, as well as mail fraud and wire fraud. Emmanuel Samuel made his initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan Goodman of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Neboh, Ikponmwosa, Abraham, and Ozor remain in extradition proceedings. If convicted, Samuel faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
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Ezennia Peter Neboh, 48, Kennedy Ikponmwosa, 51, and Prince Amos Okey Ezemma, 49, of Madrid, Spain; and Iheanyichukwu Jonathan Abraham, 44, Emmanuel Samuel, 39, and Jerry Chucks Ozor, 43, of London, face federal charges in Miami. Neboh, Ikponmwosa, Abraham, Samuel, and Ozor were arrested in April 2022 by authorities in Madrid and London, based on an indictment filed in the Southern District of Florida, and have remained incarcerated since then. Samuel made his initial appearance in Miami today. Okey Ezemma remains at large.
According to court documents, the defendants are charged with operating an inheritance fraud scheme. Over the course of more than five years, they allegedly sent personalized letters to elderly consumers in the U.S., falsely claiming that the sender was a representative of a bank in Spain and that the recipient was entitled to receive a multimillion-dollar inheritance left for the recipient by a family member who purportedly had died years before in Spain. Victims were told that, before they could receive their purported inheritance, they were required to send money for delivery fees, taxes, and payments to avoid questioning from government authorities. Victims sent money to the defendants through a complex web of U.S.-based former victims, whom the defendants convinced to serve as money mules. According to the indictment, victims who sent money never received their purported inheritance funds.
“Schemes that prey on the elderly are particularly insidious,” said Principal Deputy Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch will pursue and prosecute transnational criminals who defraud U.S. consumers, wherever they are located. I thank the Kingdom of Spain and the United Kingdom for their tireless efforts in assisting U.S. authorities to find and arrest these individuals so that they may face charges here in the United States.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has a long tradition of protecting citizens from these types of schemes and bringing those responsible to justice,” said Postal Inspector in Charge Juan A. Vargas for the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Miami Division. “The indictment unsealed today is a testament of the dedicated partnership between the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, to protect our citizens from these scams”.
“The successful extradition of the defendant is the result of a dynamic and coordinated investigative effort by HSI, our law enforcement and judicial partners,” said Special Agent in Charge Scott Brown for HSI Arizona Field Office. “Crimes aimed at the elderly have devastating financial effects. HSI will continue to aggressively investigate greedy swindlers who prey on the vulnerable for profit.”
The defendants are all charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, as well as mail fraud and wire fraud. Emmanuel Samuel made his initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan Goodman of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Neboh, Ikponmwosa, Abraham, and Ozor remain in extradition proceedings. If convicted, Samuel faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
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Man sentenced to 51 years for part in international elder fraud scheme of almost $500,000.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Virginia, 22-year-old Jeel Patel was part of the scheme from February 2020 to June 2020. The schemes originated from call centers in India that disproportionately targeted elders.
Officials said the call centers would initially contact victims using automated robocalls designed to create a sense of urgency with the recipients.
According to the attorney’s office, After making initial contact with victims, conspirators, known as closers, would impersonate government officials such as FBI or DEA agents. The closers would trick and coerce victims into wiring funds to bank accounts controlled by the conspiracy, or shipping parcels of cash to addresses to which conspirators had access.
Couriers working for the conspiracy would retrieve the victims’ stolen money, save a portion for themselves, and forward the remainder to the call center operators in India, according to the department.
Patel was one of the couriers, working for a defendant 28-year-old Bhavinkumar “Sunny” Patel, previously prosecuted by the Eastern District of Virginia. Sunny Patel operated a cell of couriers in several states that were responsible for losses exceeding $3 million to more than 120 victims.
Officials said during the four-month period that Jeel Patel worked for Sunny Patel, he retrieved or attempted to retrieve 14 packages from ten different victims, with total actual losses of $485,020.
Jeel Patel also participated in repeated home pickups, traveling to the homes of two different 80-year-old victims, one in Michigan and the other in South Carolina, under the guise of being a DEA official took the money directly from the victims, according to officials.
He was sentenced to 51 years in prison conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.
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Officials said the call centers would initially contact victims using automated robocalls designed to create a sense of urgency with the recipients.
According to the attorney’s office, After making initial contact with victims, conspirators, known as closers, would impersonate government officials such as FBI or DEA agents. The closers would trick and coerce victims into wiring funds to bank accounts controlled by the conspiracy, or shipping parcels of cash to addresses to which conspirators had access.
Couriers working for the conspiracy would retrieve the victims’ stolen money, save a portion for themselves, and forward the remainder to the call center operators in India, according to the department.
Patel was one of the couriers, working for a defendant 28-year-old Bhavinkumar “Sunny” Patel, previously prosecuted by the Eastern District of Virginia. Sunny Patel operated a cell of couriers in several states that were responsible for losses exceeding $3 million to more than 120 victims.
Officials said during the four-month period that Jeel Patel worked for Sunny Patel, he retrieved or attempted to retrieve 14 packages from ten different victims, with total actual losses of $485,020.
Jeel Patel also participated in repeated home pickups, traveling to the homes of two different 80-year-old victims, one in Michigan and the other in South Carolina, under the guise of being a DEA official took the money directly from the victims, according to officials.
He was sentenced to 51 years in prison conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.
Read more-->
February 20, 2023
Does your vehicle need repair or maintenance?
Use caution in auto repairs.
Many older adults have grown up owning a succession of cars and trucks. When I started to drive in the [1950s], the life expectancy of a vehicle was about five years. The auto industry has come a long way since then, with quality improvements that have extended average vehicle life to 12 years and hundreds of thousands of miles.
[…] this dependability has come at a cost, which is clear every time you take in your vehicle for service. From bumper to bumper, every car is a collection of systems and subsystems that has grown in complexity, leaving owners at the mercy of mechanics for needed maintenance and repairs. Newer vehicles contain a maze of computers, pumps, hoses, valves, and sensors under the hood, giving dishonest mechanics a chance to gouge older adults.
If your vehicle has a problem, here are a few tips before handing over your keys to the shop:
Auto repair scammers get especially greedy when dealing with older adults who may know little about their vehicles. Don’t be bullied by a pushy mechanic who tries to scare you into a fast decision on a high-priced repair.
If something doesn’t seem right about an auto repair shop, trust your instincts, and look for a shop that treats you respectfully.
Springtime will be here soon. In the meantime, drive safely and be friendly to other folks using the roads.
If you have a question on a possible scam, talk to a family member or call your local police department.
Source>>
Many older adults have grown up owning a succession of cars and trucks. When I started to drive in the [1950s], the life expectancy of a vehicle was about five years. The auto industry has come a long way since then, with quality improvements that have extended average vehicle life to 12 years and hundreds of thousands of miles.
[…] this dependability has come at a cost, which is clear every time you take in your vehicle for service. From bumper to bumper, every car is a collection of systems and subsystems that has grown in complexity, leaving owners at the mercy of mechanics for needed maintenance and repairs. Newer vehicles contain a maze of computers, pumps, hoses, valves, and sensors under the hood, giving dishonest mechanics a chance to gouge older adults.
If your vehicle has a problem, here are a few tips before handing over your keys to the shop:
- Read your owner’s manual. Every car will have a page with recommended maintenance intervals that spell out how often you should change your air filters, oil or antifreeze. If your car is a later model, it probably will have a cabin air filter. These things are among the least important to the operation of a vehicle, but an easy way for dishonest shops to hit you with a needless replacement. Use your owner’s manual to know if something really needs serviced.
- Flee messy and disorganized shops. A good repair shop will be neat, clean, and organized. If mechanics are working in pools of oil, around piles of old rusty parts and tools lying on the floor, you need to look for another shop. Don’t expect a sloppy shop to do professional repair work.
- Get a written repair estimate before authorizing work. Unethical shops will give you a verbal low-ball quote for repair. After agreeing to a simple repair, such as a headlamp replacement, you return to the shop to find they’ve replaced the battery and alternator, citing vague problems with your electrical system — and they present you with a bill for more than $1,000. Sidestep this nightmare by getting a detailed written estimate before work starts.
- Watch out for windshield replacement scams. Windshield scammers hang out at high-traffic locations, like car washes. A fake window specialist will say you have a damaged windshield they can replace. They may say if the damage can’t be covered by a dollar bill, they’ll get your insurance company to replace your windshield for free. This usually ends, at best, with a low-quality installation of a low quality windshield. These scams are based on billing your auto insurance carrier for a substandard windshield replacement (or several replacements), and a host of related inflated repairs (wipers, wiper holders, even wiper motors).If you think you need a new windshield, call your insurance company. They will send you to a reputable business for repair.
- Trust shops that do repair work for your friends and neighbors
- […]
- Beware of renegade tow trucks. Things are already at a low point if your car needs a tow. Wait for the tow truck you called and don’t accept a tow from another truck who just happens to drive by. The tow driver can charge whatever he wants and may hold your car hostage, adding storage fees until you cough up the ransom.
Auto repair scammers get especially greedy when dealing with older adults who may know little about their vehicles. Don’t be bullied by a pushy mechanic who tries to scare you into a fast decision on a high-priced repair.
If something doesn’t seem right about an auto repair shop, trust your instincts, and look for a shop that treats you respectfully.
Springtime will be here soon. In the meantime, drive safely and be friendly to other folks using the roads.
If you have a question on a possible scam, talk to a family member or call your local police department.
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February 19, 2023
Did your favorite Shark Tank celebrity really endorse THAT? Probably not.
Before you spend money on that “Shark-approved” miracle invention, weight loss product, or keto diet pill, are you sure it’s really been through the Tank? Really sure? Scammers are using fake Shark Tank celebrity testimonials and endorsements — complete with doctored photos and videos — to generate buzz and profits. Before you click and buy, follow this advice, and check it out.
- Approach celebrity testimonials with caution. Look for product reviews on your own. Search the product online and put words like “scam” or “problems” or “complaints” to see what others are saying about the products.
- Go directly to the source. Don’t click on a link or ad. Instead, check out a full list of all businesses that have been on the show at abc.com/SharkTank.
- Remember: the government doesn’t review or evaluate supplements for safety or effectiveness before they’re put on the market. Your health care professional is the most important person to ask whether a supplement is safe for you. Even a natural supplement can be risky depending on your health and the medicine you take.
February 17, 2023
New Report Shows More Teens Are Falling for Online Scam
A new report shows tech-savvy teens are falling for online scams at higher rates than seniors.
And although seniors remain the most victimized group overall, the surge in money lost by victims under 20-year-olds grew by 1,126-percent in the last five years.
More than $101 million was lost in online scams in 2021 alone, by people under the age of 20.
The study was done by Social Catfish, a company dedicated to preventing online scams through reverse search technology.
“Essentially we are people search company,” says Social Catfish founder David McClellan. “ We help people verify people online. And so, you know, our focus is online safety.”
The uptick might be because 54% of the households polled said they don’t monitor their kids' activities online.
“When they're randomly contacted by somebody, whether it be through social, social media, through email or their phones, they don't have their spider sense up like you or I,” says McClellan. “Where we grew up in like, the don't talk to strangers generation.”
That leaves overconfident, tech-savvy teens to be exposed to four common scams. ...
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And although seniors remain the most victimized group overall, the surge in money lost by victims under 20-year-olds grew by 1,126-percent in the last five years.
More than $101 million was lost in online scams in 2021 alone, by people under the age of 20.
The study was done by Social Catfish, a company dedicated to preventing online scams through reverse search technology.
“Essentially we are people search company,” says Social Catfish founder David McClellan. “ We help people verify people online. And so, you know, our focus is online safety.”
The uptick might be because 54% of the households polled said they don’t monitor their kids' activities online.
“When they're randomly contacted by somebody, whether it be through social, social media, through email or their phones, they don't have their spider sense up like you or I,” says McClellan. “Where we grew up in like, the don't talk to strangers generation.”
That leaves overconfident, tech-savvy teens to be exposed to four common scams. ...
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FTC to voice service provider: give the robocalls a rest.
Tired of getting endless robocalls? The FTC is too. Robocalls aren’t just a pain to get, they’re often pushing scams for things like fake auto warranties and debt relief. But scam robocallers can’t do it alone. That’s why the FTC is taking action against Stratics Networks, a company that supplied the technology for telemarketers to make tens of millions of robocalls. But that’s not all — the FTC is also suing the debt relief companies that hired Stratics to make robocalls for their illegal debt relief services.
The FTC says that Stratics delivered illegal robocalls for a variety of telemarketers promoting offers for things like credit card and student debt relief, home buying, health insurance, cable TV discounts, and for telemarketers playing on concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. Many robocalls were “ringless voicemails” — where your phone doesn’t ring but you get a voicemail with a robocall message.
Here’s what to know...
The FTC says that Stratics delivered illegal robocalls for a variety of telemarketers promoting offers for things like credit card and student debt relief, home buying, health insurance, cable TV discounts, and for telemarketers playing on concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. Many robocalls were “ringless voicemails” — where your phone doesn’t ring but you get a voicemail with a robocall message.
Here’s what to know...
Diamond stolen in $90M jewel heist sent to psychic to be cleansed.
A 13.15 carat diamond that was pulled from an auction was reportedly stolen and lead authorities to a psychic who said the jewel needed to be "cleansed."
The pink diamond, which has an estimated value of between $25 million and $35 million, was set to be a part of Christie’s New York auction.
Reports say the gem was stolen in an elaborate $90 million jewelry heist that involved an employee of a wealthy resident of Doha, Qatar. The employee allegedly sent the jewels to a man claiming to be a psychic named John Lee living in Florida and New Jersey to have them “cleansed.”
Lee was arrested and charged with wire fraud, mail fraud, and interstate transportation of stolen goods.
Read on-->
The pink diamond, which has an estimated value of between $25 million and $35 million, was set to be a part of Christie’s New York auction.
Reports say the gem was stolen in an elaborate $90 million jewelry heist that involved an employee of a wealthy resident of Doha, Qatar. The employee allegedly sent the jewels to a man claiming to be a psychic named John Lee living in Florida and New Jersey to have them “cleansed.”
Lee was arrested and charged with wire fraud, mail fraud, and interstate transportation of stolen goods.
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Organized Retail Crime Ring Busted.
An organized group of bandits has been caught stealing over $1 million of goods from Apple stores across California.
In a statement, Governor Newsom commended the law enforcement agencies involved in the operation. He emphasized the importance of cracking down on organized retail crime, stating: ...
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In a statement, Governor Newsom commended the law enforcement agencies involved in the operation. He emphasized the importance of cracking down on organized retail crime, stating: ...
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Woman arrested in Florida for alleged role in $16.8 million scam.
According to the post, the investigation began on January 28, 2023, when the victim reported to police that they had sent checks and funds via Green Dot pre-paid cards after having received a call telling them that they had won a $16.8 million dollar prize from the Publishers Clearing House.
At the time of Trowell’s arrest, detectives seized additional evidence which indicated that she had been extensively involved in fraudulent activity over a period of time. Trowell was charged with grand theft and booked into the Bay County Jail.
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At the time of Trowell’s arrest, detectives seized additional evidence which indicated that she had been extensively involved in fraudulent activity over a period of time. Trowell was charged with grand theft and booked into the Bay County Jail.
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ATM Scammer Sentenced to Additional 18 Months in Prison.
A member of a Romanian criminal organization, who traveled to the United States to conduct ATM skimming, was sentenced today to serve 18 months in prison, bringing his total period of incarceration for his offenses to 54 months.
Catalin Puscasu, 40, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
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Catalin Puscasu, 40, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
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February 12, 2023
Two men made 'millions' from online romance scam targeting elderly people
Two Twin Cities men are accused of running multimillion dollar online fraud schemes that targeted elderly people using fake romantic relationships.
Solomon Eghosa Wilfred, 42, of Coon Rapids, was charged with seven counts of mail fraud and Dodzi Kwame Kordorwu, 36, of Brooklyn Park, was charged with eight counts of mail fraud in U.S. District Court Friday.
According to charges, Wilfred and Kordorwu would contact their victims, primarily elderly people, through email and social media. The two would establish a romantic connection with the victims using false personas, sometimes including suggestions of marriage….
Source>>
Solomon Eghosa Wilfred, 42, of Coon Rapids, was charged with seven counts of mail fraud and Dodzi Kwame Kordorwu, 36, of Brooklyn Park, was charged with eight counts of mail fraud in U.S. District Court Friday.
According to charges, Wilfred and Kordorwu would contact their victims, primarily elderly people, through email and social media. The two would establish a romantic connection with the victims using false personas, sometimes including suggestions of marriage….
Source>>
Jamaican man charged with swindling the elderly out of $5 million in sweepstakes scam
A Jamaican citizen is facing justice in America for allegedly cheating elderly people out of more than $5 million with a scam that charged them a fee to cash in on phony sweepstakes prizes, authorities said.
Federal prosecutors charged Adrian Lawrence in a six-count indictment that accuses him of mail fraud and wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud elderly U.S. citizens.
Lawrence and his accomplices cheated at least 50 people out of more than $5 million over the last 10 years, federal prosecutors said….
Source>>
Federal prosecutors charged Adrian Lawrence in a six-count indictment that accuses him of mail fraud and wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud elderly U.S. citizens.
Lawrence and his accomplices cheated at least 50 people out of more than $5 million over the last 10 years, federal prosecutors said….
Source>>
February 11, 2023
Businessman sentenced to four years for financial fraud of more than $500
Superior Court Judge Timothy S. Covello sentenced Jeremy Walter Pemberton, 38, to four years in state prison for financial crimes, according to District Attorney Dan Dow.
The Thursday sentencing came after a jury convicted Pemberton in December 2022 for felony securities fraud, financial elder abuse, and grand theft by false pretenses.
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The Thursday sentencing came after a jury convicted Pemberton in December 2022 for felony securities fraud, financial elder abuse, and grand theft by false pretenses.
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Five defendants sentenced to federal prison for perpetrating nationwide “Grandparent Scam” against more than 68 victims
Five people have been convicted and sentenced to prison for their roles in a nationwide fraud scheme that targeted senior citizens. Following a years-long investigation, each defendant pled guilty to mail fraud and money laundering charges. Investigators identified over 68 victims of the defendants’ crimes and identified losses totaling almost $700,000. The federal court imposed the following sentences...
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Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Elder Fraud Scheme
A resident of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced Monday in federal court on his conviction for conspiring to commit wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Cindy K. Chung.
United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines sentenced Michael Galanis, 34, of Jeannette, Pennsylvania, to 12 months of imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release. Galanis was also ordered to pay $7,500 in restitution….
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United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines sentenced Michael Galanis, 34, of Jeannette, Pennsylvania, to 12 months of imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release. Galanis was also ordered to pay $7,500 in restitution….
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Lastly, a word from the FTC ...
More than $115 Million in Refunds Sent to Consumers as a Result of FTC, DOJ Charges That MoneyGram Failed to Crack Down on Scams
More than $115 million in refunds are being sent to consumers nationwide as a result of a 2018 action the Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice brought against MoneyGram for failing to crack down on scammers using their payment system….
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February 10, 2023
Did your dating app match just ask you for money?
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you or your friends might be thinking about love. But not everyone is — some are just looking to get into your pockets. Read on so you can spot and report scammers before they trick someone you care about out of money.
Romance scammers might contact you on social media or dating apps saying they want to get to know you. It’s true love, they say, but they live too far away to meet. Maybe because of work, or because they’re in the military....
Read more >
Romance scammers might contact you on social media or dating apps saying they want to get to know you. It’s true love, they say, but they live too far away to meet. Maybe because of work, or because they’re in the military....
Read more >
Were you throttled by AT&T wireless?
Wireless Customers Who Were Subject to Data Throttling by AT&T Can Apply for a Payment from the FTC
Those who had unlimited data plans with AT&T between 2011-2015 may be eligible.
The Federal Trade Commission opened a claims process for former AT&T customers who have yet to claim a refund stemming from the FTC’s lawsuit against the company for misleading consumers about its unlimited data plans....
View Press Release
Those who had unlimited data plans with AT&T between 2011-2015 may be eligible.
The Federal Trade Commission opened a claims process for former AT&T customers who have yet to claim a refund stemming from the FTC’s lawsuit against the company for misleading consumers about its unlimited data plans....
View Press Release
Considering LASIK surgery? Read this
Seeing isn’t always believing when it comes to ad prices for LASIK eye surgery.
LASIK is corrective surgery to a very delicate part of the eye. Millions of people have had LASIK surgery to correct their vision, many with great success. Advertising is one way LASIK providers attract customers. But like any other purchase, it’s important to do some research. Prices vary, and what may seem like a deal may only be available to select “qualified” patients....
Read more >
LASIK is corrective surgery to a very delicate part of the eye. Millions of people have had LASIK surgery to correct their vision, many with great success. Advertising is one way LASIK providers attract customers. But like any other purchase, it’s important to do some research. Prices vary, and what may seem like a deal may only be available to select “qualified” patients....
Read more >
Is Pyrex Bakeware really “Proudly made in the USA?”
If you took up baking during the pandemic, you may have ordered Pyrex bakeware promoted as “American as apple pie.” It turns out, says the FTC, some Pyrex glassware advertised as “proudly made in the USA” was actually made elsewhere. Read on to find out why that’s a problem.
According to the FTC’s complaint, Instant Brands, which owns Pyrex, has claimed that all Pyrex glass products are American made. But during the pandemic, the company sold Pyrex measuring cups on Amazon that were made in China without clarifying that production had shifted there. While there’s no problem with selling foreign-made products that are clearly marked as such — advertising something as “Made in the USA” when it isn’t is false, misleading, and a clear violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act.
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According to the FTC’s complaint, Instant Brands, which owns Pyrex, has claimed that all Pyrex glass products are American made. But during the pandemic, the company sold Pyrex measuring cups on Amazon that were made in China without clarifying that production had shifted there. While there’s no problem with selling foreign-made products that are clearly marked as such — advertising something as “Made in the USA” when it isn’t is false, misleading, and a clear violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act.
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Servicemembers: DFAS is not calling you about your pay.
People are reporting a new twist on a banking imposter scam targeting the military. In this latest con, imposters call servicemembers and pretend to be from or working with DFAS (for us civilians, that’s the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, a Department of Defense agency that handles getting pay to servicemembers). Here’s how the scam plays out.
The caller says the servicemember was (supposedly) underpaid. They demand the servicemember’s name, rank, and confirmation of a myPay payroll deposit. They then demand that the servicemember wire money to them immediately — supposedly to return the incorrect deposit. The caller says this is the only way for DFAS to then deposit the correct amount in their account. But these are all lies.
These scammers are committed and conniving ....
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The caller says the servicemember was (supposedly) underpaid. They demand the servicemember’s name, rank, and confirmation of a myPay payroll deposit. They then demand that the servicemember wire money to them immediately — supposedly to return the incorrect deposit. The caller says this is the only way for DFAS to then deposit the correct amount in their account. But these are all lies.
These scammers are committed and conniving ....
Read more >
February 7, 2023
Looking for a job? Scammers might be looking for you.
Looking for a job? Scammers might be looking for you.
Recent layoffs in industries like the tech sector have scammers fine-tuning their approaches to take advantage. They may advertise jobs online, sometimes setting up fake websites, or look for targets on social media — all to try to steal your money and personal information.
Recent layoffs in industries like the tech sector have scammers fine-tuning their approaches to take advantage. They may advertise jobs online, sometimes setting up fake websites, or look for targets on social media — all to try to steal your money and personal information.
- Verify job openings before you apply,
- Watch for telltale signs of a possible scam.
- Don’t pay for the promise of a job.
The Latest in Consumer Advice from the FTC
Avoid Scams When You Travel You may get a call, a text message, or a flyer in the mail. Or maybe you'll see an online ad promising free or low-cost vacations. Scammers and dishonest companies are often behind these offers. You
Nanny and Caregiver Job Scams If you’re looking for a job as a babysitter, nanny, or other kind of caregiver, you might have searched online or used a website that matches you up with potential employers. Scammers also use these.
How To Evaluate Online Reviews Online reviews might help you decide what to buy or what company to hire. You should be able to trust that these reviews reflect the honest opinions of people who actually used a product or service.
Nanny and Caregiver Job Scams If you’re looking for a job as a babysitter, nanny, or other kind of caregiver, you might have searched online or used a website that matches you up with potential employers. Scammers also use these.
How To Evaluate Online Reviews Online reviews might help you decide what to buy or what company to hire. You should be able to trust that these reviews reflect the honest opinions of people who actually used a product or service.
February 5, 2023
Wanted Suspect - Contractor Fraud
A contractor out of Kingwood, Texas has allegedly scammed a Polk County elderly woman out of $28,000. Jose Karim GARZA-GONZALEZ is under investigation after having an elderly woman pay him $28,000 up front and never returning to finish or even start the job he was paid for. Garza-Gonzalez is a contractor who owns a business in Kingwood and is also wanted by Galveston County for a similar case for scamming an elderly victim out of thousands of dollars. Polk County detectives have obtained a felony warrant against Garza-Gonzalez for theft of property from elderly.
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Serial Fraudster Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for Participating in Elder Fraud Grandparent Scheme
U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Medard Ulysse, age 38, most recently of Miami, Florida, today to nine years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for wire fraud and conspiracy to commit mail fraud in relation to multiple fraud schemes, including an elder fraud “grandparent” scam and a COVID-19 CARES Act fraud related to unemployment benefits. Judge Bennett also ordered Ulysse to pay restitution totaling $2,485,512. Of that amount $1,866,745 is for the elder fraud scam and $618,767 is for the unemployment benefits scheme.
According to his guilty plea, from January 2018 to November 2019, Ulysse and others executed an elder fraud scam, called a “grandparent scam,” in which they persuaded elderly victims to send thousands of dollars in cash by posing as a police officer, lawyer, or other person in law enforcement and convincing victims that their grandchild needed money for bail or legal fees. If the victims sent money, conspirators asked for more cash claiming that additional funds were needed for legal expenses, fines, or damages. Conspirators called the elderly victim pretending to be the victim’s grandchild or other troubled relative to convince the victims to send cash. To conceal the scheme, the conspirators told the victims that a gag order had been placed on the case or that the situation was embarrassing for the grandchild, and that the victim should not share the information with others.
Source>>
According to his guilty plea, from January 2018 to November 2019, Ulysse and others executed an elder fraud scam, called a “grandparent scam,” in which they persuaded elderly victims to send thousands of dollars in cash by posing as a police officer, lawyer, or other person in law enforcement and convincing victims that their grandchild needed money for bail or legal fees. If the victims sent money, conspirators asked for more cash claiming that additional funds were needed for legal expenses, fines, or damages. Conspirators called the elderly victim pretending to be the victim’s grandchild or other troubled relative to convince the victims to send cash. To conceal the scheme, the conspirators told the victims that a gag order had been placed on the case or that the situation was embarrassing for the grandchild, and that the victim should not share the information with others.
Source>>
Police investigate jewelry swap crime at Walgreens parking lot
A woman said her gold necklace was replaced by strangers who asked for directions.
Police said the passenger then got out of the car and put a necklace around the woman's neck, apparently as a gesture of gratitude. She then got back into the car, and they drove away while the woman left the area. When the woman returned home, she realized that her gold necklace was removed from her while the woman was putting the new necklace on her, police said.
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Police said the passenger then got out of the car and put a necklace around the woman's neck, apparently as a gesture of gratitude. She then got back into the car, and they drove away while the woman left the area. When the woman returned home, she realized that her gold necklace was removed from her while the woman was putting the new necklace on her, police said.
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February 4, 2023
Retirees Are Losing Their Life Savings to Romance Scams. Here’s What to Know.
Con artists are using dating sites to prey on lonely people, particularly older ones, in a pattern that accelerated during the isolation of the pandemic, federal data show. (Emily Schmall, New York Times, Feb. 3, 2023)
Attribution>
Attribution>
Former Bank Teller Sentenced for Federal Fraud Charges involving an elderly person.
KAREN FARRELL TIGLER, age 40, of Marrero, Louisiana, to 27 months imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release for violating 18 USC 1344 (Bank Fraud), and Making and Subscribing False Tax Returns in violation of 26 USC 206(1)
“Karen Tigler used her position at the bank to embezzle from an unsuspecting senior citizen customer…”
Source>
“Karen Tigler used her position at the bank to embezzle from an unsuspecting senior citizen customer…”
Source>
February 1, 2023
House Passes Three Bipartisan Financial Services Bill
On 30 January 2023, the U.S. House of Representatives passed several pieces of bipartisan financial services legislation. Among the bipartisan bills passed are initiatives to combat the financial exploitation of our seniors and other vulnerable adults, streamline federal credit union board meeting requirements, and increase access to capital for rural small businesses.
The financial services bills passed by the House include H.R. 500, the Financial Exploitation Prevention Act, which will help combat financial exploitation of seniors and vulnerable adults by providing at-risk investors with the protection they need to make sure they can receive the hard-earned savings that they have built up over the years. Right now, roughly 20% of senior investors already fall prey to fraudsters, losing an estimated $2.9 billion annually.
Read More>>
The financial services bills passed by the House include H.R. 500, the Financial Exploitation Prevention Act, which will help combat financial exploitation of seniors and vulnerable adults by providing at-risk investors with the protection they need to make sure they can receive the hard-earned savings that they have built up over the years. Right now, roughly 20% of senior investors already fall prey to fraudsters, losing an estimated $2.9 billion annually.
Read More>>