Grandparent Scam
Westfield Man Swindled Out of $18K Cash in Grandparent Scam
August 4, 2022
NEW 8/5/2022
WESTFIELD, NJ — A town man was swindled out of $18,000 in cash when a fraudster told him that his grandson needed a bail bond, Westfield police said on Tuesday.
The resident of Onedia Drive placed the cash in multiple envelopes and gave it to the suspect on July 25, police said. The suspect is described as a tall, stocky man wearing a red sweatshirt with a bright colored vest and a mask with glasses, according to police.
Fraud is not new to the town. In March, scammers impersonating the “Geek Squad” scammed a resident of Twin Oaks Terrace out of $407,000. Last year, a Ripley Avenue resident handed over 33 gift cards totaling $12,000 to a bogus computer repair service.
Read More
WESTFIELD, NJ — A town man was swindled out of $18,000 in cash when a fraudster told him that his grandson needed a bail bond, Westfield police said on Tuesday.
The resident of Onedia Drive placed the cash in multiple envelopes and gave it to the suspect on July 25, police said. The suspect is described as a tall, stocky man wearing a red sweatshirt with a bright colored vest and a mask with glasses, according to police.
Fraud is not new to the town. In March, scammers impersonating the “Geek Squad” scammed a resident of Twin Oaks Terrace out of $407,000. Last year, a Ripley Avenue resident handed over 33 gift cards totaling $12,000 to a bogus computer repair service.
Read More
Elder Abuse:
Winnipeg police investigating 15 'grandparent scam' reports over last 6 days
July 30, 2022
NEW 08/03/2022
The Winnipeg Police Service is reporting a “significant” spike in local ‘grandparent scams,’ which is a scheme that tries to get money from elderly people by tricking them into thinking their grandchild is in legal trouble.
On Thursday, police said there have been 15 grandparent scam reports in the past six days, which has resulted in about $100,000 in losses.
Police officers noted that in October 2021, they issued a cautionary news release about an increase in the scheme in Winnipeg. Then in March 2022, police discovered the scheme had escalated to the point that couriers and rideshare drivers were going to the victims’ homes to get the money, rather than just relying on online transfers.
Officers are reminding people that:
https://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/winnipeg-police-investigating-15-grandparent-scam-reports-over-last-6-days-1.6005757
The Winnipeg Police Service is reporting a “significant” spike in local ‘grandparent scams,’ which is a scheme that tries to get money from elderly people by tricking them into thinking their grandchild is in legal trouble.
On Thursday, police said there have been 15 grandparent scam reports in the past six days, which has resulted in about $100,000 in losses.
Police officers noted that in October 2021, they issued a cautionary news release about an increase in the scheme in Winnipeg. Then in March 2022, police discovered the scheme had escalated to the point that couriers and rideshare drivers were going to the victims’ homes to get the money, rather than just relying on online transfers.
Officers are reminding people that:
- Police and courts will never send someone to your home to collect money;
- Police and courts will never tell you to lie to the bank about the purpose of obtaining money; and
- Fraudsters will pressure people to act quickly, but it’s best to speak with a trusted person before giving out money or personal information.
https://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/winnipeg-police-investigating-15-grandparent-scam-reports-over-last-6-days-1.6005757
Elder Abuse Lawsuit
Stan Lee’s estate settles elder abuse lawsuit against ex-business manager
July 30, 2022
NEW 08/04/2022
Civil remedies are becoming more frequently successful in elder fraud cases, including against mules funneling money overseas.
Stan Lee’s estate has agreed to settle claims of exploitation and elder abuse against the writer’s former business manager, Jerardo “Jerry” Olivarez.
Stan Lee sued Olivarez and his former attorney Uvi Litvak in 2018, calling them “unscrupulous businessmen, sycophants and opportunists” seeking to take advantage of him following the death of his wife, Joan Lee.
“These individuals exerted undue influence on the Lee family to accuse Jerry Olivarez of harmful acts which he did not do.”
The original lawsuit accused Olivarez of firing Lee’s trusted banker and transferring approximately $4.6m out of his bank without authorization.
https://news.yahoo.com/stan-lee-estate-settles-elder-083022118.html
Civil remedies are becoming more frequently successful in elder fraud cases, including against mules funneling money overseas.
Stan Lee’s estate has agreed to settle claims of exploitation and elder abuse against the writer’s former business manager, Jerardo “Jerry” Olivarez.
Stan Lee sued Olivarez and his former attorney Uvi Litvak in 2018, calling them “unscrupulous businessmen, sycophants and opportunists” seeking to take advantage of him following the death of his wife, Joan Lee.
“These individuals exerted undue influence on the Lee family to accuse Jerry Olivarez of harmful acts which he did not do.”
The original lawsuit accused Olivarez of firing Lee’s trusted banker and transferring approximately $4.6m out of his bank without authorization.
https://news.yahoo.com/stan-lee-estate-settles-elder-083022118.html
AG Racine Joins Conversation With AARP DC on OAG’s Landmark Work Protecting Older Residents & Vulnerable Adults From Financial Abuse
July 30, 2022
NEW 8/1/2022
WASHINGTON, D.C. –Attorney General Karl A. Racine today joined AARP DC State Director Louis Davis Jr. for a virtual conversation about the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) innovative approach to protecting the District’s 87,000 residents over 65 years old from elder exploitation, abuse, and neglect; holding predators of these crimes accountable; and educating residents about this type of abuse so they can live their golden years with dignity.
During AG Racine’s tenure, OAG prioritized standing up for older Americans as one in 10 elders experience some kind of abuse. Financial exploitation is the most common form, but it often goes together with other forms. For every one case of elder abuse that gets reported to authorities, there are another 23 that never come to light, reinforcing why it is so critical to educate residents about how to report abuse so OAG can then prosecute and get relief for victims.
https://thedcline.org/2022/07/28/press-release-ag-racine-joins-conversation-with-aarp-dc-on-oags-landmark-work-protecting-older-residents-vulnerable-adults-from-financial-abuse/
WASHINGTON, D.C. –Attorney General Karl A. Racine today joined AARP DC State Director Louis Davis Jr. for a virtual conversation about the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) innovative approach to protecting the District’s 87,000 residents over 65 years old from elder exploitation, abuse, and neglect; holding predators of these crimes accountable; and educating residents about this type of abuse so they can live their golden years with dignity.
During AG Racine’s tenure, OAG prioritized standing up for older Americans as one in 10 elders experience some kind of abuse. Financial exploitation is the most common form, but it often goes together with other forms. For every one case of elder abuse that gets reported to authorities, there are another 23 that never come to light, reinforcing why it is so critical to educate residents about how to report abuse so OAG can then prosecute and get relief for victims.
https://thedcline.org/2022/07/28/press-release-ag-racine-joins-conversation-with-aarp-dc-on-oags-landmark-work-protecting-older-residents-vulnerable-adults-from-financial-abuse/
Radio station gives voice to marginalized Roma
The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) Monday, May 16, 2022 – page A9.
by Justin Spike, Associated Press
NEW 7/26/2022
2 Macungie residents ordered to face trial in retail theft ring that took $100K in merchandise
July 30, 2022
NEW 7/31/2022
NORRISTOWN, Pa. - Two Macungie residents who led an organized retail theft organization that hit stores in Berks, Lehigh and Montgomery counties have been ordered to face trial on criminal charges.
Joseph Payea, 67, and Penelope McClain, 49, were scheduled to face preliminary hearings Tuesday before District Judge James P. Gallagher on corrupt organizations and related charges.
Montgomery County authorities seized nearly $100,000 of merchandise in their investigation.
Officials say Payea posted lists of items they wanted on social media to a group of people suffering from addiction. They say the two would then buy the stuff from the thieves and resell it below market value.
Authorities say the items were stolen primarily from Lowe's and Home Depot stores.
Among the items authorities seized were about 50 chainsaws and 67 spools of electrical wire, authorities said.
Officials say they also seized nearly $90,000 of cash when they arrested Payea and McClain.
https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/lehighvalley/2-macungie-residents-ordered-to-face-trial-in-retail-theft-ring-that-took-100-000/article_e4936592-0de3-11ed-bb67-8b6130d7eb6c.html
NORRISTOWN, Pa. - Two Macungie residents who led an organized retail theft organization that hit stores in Berks, Lehigh and Montgomery counties have been ordered to face trial on criminal charges.
Joseph Payea, 67, and Penelope McClain, 49, were scheduled to face preliminary hearings Tuesday before District Judge James P. Gallagher on corrupt organizations and related charges.
Montgomery County authorities seized nearly $100,000 of merchandise in their investigation.
Officials say Payea posted lists of items they wanted on social media to a group of people suffering from addiction. They say the two would then buy the stuff from the thieves and resell it below market value.
Authorities say the items were stolen primarily from Lowe's and Home Depot stores.
Among the items authorities seized were about 50 chainsaws and 67 spools of electrical wire, authorities said.
Officials say they also seized nearly $90,000 of cash when they arrested Payea and McClain.
https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/lehighvalley/2-macungie-residents-ordered-to-face-trial-in-retail-theft-ring-that-took-100-000/article_e4936592-0de3-11ed-bb67-8b6130d7eb6c.html
Okcoin warns of ‘elder fraud’ following recovery of $1M in stolen crypto
July 28, 2022
NEW 7/30/2022
How Okcoin recovered the stolen crypto
The starting point was a report from an 84-year-old user who contacted Okcoin for help after being scammed in April.
“We were scammed and they cleaned out our meager savings. […] Without it we can’t make it. Please help us. Thank you.”
Investigations revealed that the user was one of many victims who an international scam ring had targeted. Investigators estimated that the gang had netted over $4.1 million through their operations
“The FBI’s 2021 Elder Fraud Report showed that 92,371 Americans over the age of 60 were scammed in 2021, losing a combined $1.7 billion. This is a 74% increase in losses from 2020 and by far the most of any age group.”
https://www.nabihq.org/nabi-newsroom.html
https://cryptoslate.com/okcoin-warn-of-elder-fraud-following-recovery-of-1-million-in-stolen-crypto/
How Okcoin recovered the stolen crypto
The starting point was a report from an 84-year-old user who contacted Okcoin for help after being scammed in April.
“We were scammed and they cleaned out our meager savings. […] Without it we can’t make it. Please help us. Thank you.”
Investigations revealed that the user was one of many victims who an international scam ring had targeted. Investigators estimated that the gang had netted over $4.1 million through their operations
“The FBI’s 2021 Elder Fraud Report showed that 92,371 Americans over the age of 60 were scammed in 2021, losing a combined $1.7 billion. This is a 74% increase in losses from 2020 and by far the most of any age group.”
https://www.nabihq.org/nabi-newsroom.html
https://cryptoslate.com/okcoin-warn-of-elder-fraud-following-recovery-of-1-million-in-stolen-crypto/
Organized retail crime wreaks havoc in Delaware, across US
July 28, 2022
NEW 7/30/2022
Organized retail crime wreaks havoc in Delaware, across US. What's changed as theft grows
People have been stealing from retailers for as long as there have been retailers, but the pandemic, along with a shift in organized theft, intensified things.
Incidents of organized retail crime have increased across the country, according to the National Retail Federation, with retailers struggling to stop stolen goods from being sold online. Amid the pandemic, high inflation, staffing shortages and more, organized retail crime is costing businesses more than $700,000 for every $1 billion in sales.
The Delaware Code defines organized crime as theft "in quantities that would not normally be purchased for personal use or consumption," with the intent to resell. It has the effect of hurting innocent consumers when retailers are forced to raise prices to make up for the losses.
Organized retail crime wreaks havoc in Delaware, across US. What's changed as theft grows
People have been stealing from retailers for as long as there have been retailers, but the pandemic, along with a shift in organized theft, intensified things.
Incidents of organized retail crime have increased across the country, according to the National Retail Federation, with retailers struggling to stop stolen goods from being sold online. Amid the pandemic, high inflation, staffing shortages and more, organized retail crime is costing businesses more than $700,000 for every $1 billion in sales.
The Delaware Code defines organized crime as theft "in quantities that would not normally be purchased for personal use or consumption," with the intent to resell. It has the effect of hurting innocent consumers when retailers are forced to raise prices to make up for the losses.
Retailers reach out to Olympia Police Department for help cracking down on retail theft
July 27, 2022
NEW 7/29/2022
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Thieves trying to rip off The Home Depot store in East Olympia have had a surprise this spring and summer: police waiting for them in the parking lot.
On several occasions since May, Olympia police officers have worked with plain-clothes store employees to identify and arrest potential thieves.
The Home Depot went to Olympia police asking for help combatting organized retail theft, which is blamed for $2.7 billion in losses statewide in 2021.
Full story:
https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/olympia-police-retail-theft-bust/281-2f2ee4b7-df84-4876-9f62-8c01f46b70e2
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Thieves trying to rip off The Home Depot store in East Olympia have had a surprise this spring and summer: police waiting for them in the parking lot.
On several occasions since May, Olympia police officers have worked with plain-clothes store employees to identify and arrest potential thieves.
The Home Depot went to Olympia police asking for help combatting organized retail theft, which is blamed for $2.7 billion in losses statewide in 2021.
Full story:
https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/olympia-police-retail-theft-bust/281-2f2ee4b7-df84-4876-9f62-8c01f46b70e2
$38,000 worth of clothing stolen from retail store. Suspects apprehended
July 25, 2022
NEW /29/2022
http://svdaily.com/2022/07/24/palo-alto-police-arrest-four-in-retail-theft/
Palo Alto Police have arrested four suspects for organized retail theft last Sunday evening after they were caught shoplifting at lululemon store in the Stanford Shopping Center. The investigation linked them to prior thefts in other cities earlier in the day.
On Sunday, July 17, 2022, at about 6:02 p.m., the Palo Alto Police 24-hour dispatch center received a call from staff at Lulemon reporting an in-progress shoplift at the Stanford Shopping Center at 180 El Camino Real. Upon arrival a few minutes later, officers located and detained four suspects matching the description provided outside the store. Officers recovered 100 pairs of leggings valued at over $12,000 in their possession.
While working with asset protection personnel from Lululemon, officers were able to determine that the bags were full of approximately 300 items of clothing valued at $38,000 that had been stolen by the same suspects earlier in the day at other lululemon stores in Burlingame and San Mateo.
Police booked the three adult suspects (18-year-old Ionut Grafi Dumitru and 22-year-old Elvira Fistogeanu of Sacramento, and 20-year-old Florentina Izabela Matei of Carmichael) into the Santa Clara County Main Jail for felony organized retail theft, felony possession of stolen property, and felony conspiracy.
$200,000 in stolen goods seized by authorities in fencing operation
July 24, 2022
NEW 7/28/2022
SAN FRANCISCO—The San Francisco Police Department announced that they arrested an individual connected to an organized retail theft fencing operation. The SFPD reported that in early 2022 the Burglary Unit and Organized Retail Theft Taskforce launched a months-long investigation based on information provided by local retailers.
While serving the search warrant, investigators located, and seized thousands of stolen goods estimated to be worth $200,000. Investigators have been and are continuing to work closely with local retailers to determine the origin of the stolen items.
https://www.thesfnews.com/arrest-made-in-organized-retail-theft-fencing-operation/82945
SAN FRANCISCO—The San Francisco Police Department announced that they arrested an individual connected to an organized retail theft fencing operation. The SFPD reported that in early 2022 the Burglary Unit and Organized Retail Theft Taskforce launched a months-long investigation based on information provided by local retailers.
While serving the search warrant, investigators located, and seized thousands of stolen goods estimated to be worth $200,000. Investigators have been and are continuing to work closely with local retailers to determine the origin of the stolen items.
https://www.thesfnews.com/arrest-made-in-organized-retail-theft-fencing-operation/82945
Auto Warranty Calls Crackdown
July 24, 2022
NEW 7/28/2022
FCC Cracks Down on Scam “Auto Warranty” Robocalls
Consumers lost nearly $30 billion to fraudulent calls last year, and auto-warranty calls were the biggest source of grief — Americans filed 12,000 complaints about them to the Federal Communications Commission.
Sick of getting robocalls about your extended car warranty? So are the feds.
The Federal Communications Commission this week ordered carriers to stop letting scammers use their telecom networks for auto-warranty scams, extending a crackdown on robocalls that has become the agency’s top priority.
“Consumers are out of patience and I’m right there with them,” FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel said in statement on Thursday.
https://vigourtimes.com/fcc-cracks-down-on-scam-auto-warranty-robocalls/
FCC Cracks Down on Scam “Auto Warranty” Robocalls
Consumers lost nearly $30 billion to fraudulent calls last year, and auto-warranty calls were the biggest source of grief — Americans filed 12,000 complaints about them to the Federal Communications Commission.
Sick of getting robocalls about your extended car warranty? So are the feds.
The Federal Communications Commission this week ordered carriers to stop letting scammers use their telecom networks for auto-warranty scams, extending a crackdown on robocalls that has become the agency’s top priority.
“Consumers are out of patience and I’m right there with them,” FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel said in statement on Thursday.
https://vigourtimes.com/fcc-cracks-down-on-scam-auto-warranty-robocalls/
Protect Yourself From Medicare Fraud
July 25, 2022
NEW 7/28/2022
https://www.thecourierexpress.com/business/national/5-ways-to-protect-yourself-from-medicare-fraud/article_77689495-3003-518a-b8d4-a321e9e36626.html#tncms-source=block-contextual-fallback
Medicare fraud is big business, and like most businesses, it has adapted to the unique environment of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The public health emergency created an opportunity for fraudsters to modify and repurpose existing schemes,” a spokesperson for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, said in an email. CMS has seen bad actors take advantage of wider demand for telehealth, COVID-19 testing and vaccines as avenues for identity theft and fraudulent billing.
https://www.thecourierexpress.com/business/national/5-ways-to-protect-yourself-from-medicare-fraud/article_77689495-3003-518a-b8d4-a321e9e36626.html#tncms-source=block-contextual-fallback
Medicare fraud is big business, and like most businesses, it has adapted to the unique environment of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The public health emergency created an opportunity for fraudsters to modify and repurpose existing schemes,” a spokesperson for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, said in an email. CMS has seen bad actors take advantage of wider demand for telehealth, COVID-19 testing and vaccines as avenues for identity theft and fraudulent billing.
- Protect your Medicare number
- Beware of free gifts
- Do not get talked into unnecessary care
- Review your health care documents
- Reach out for help
Jamaican Man Sentenced To 51 Months In Federal Prison For Operating Sweepstakes Scam Targeting Elderly Victims
July 24, 2022
NEW July 27, 2022
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Romario Mark Anthony Murray, 27, of Montego Bay, Jamaica was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, four counts of wire fraud, and three counts of mail fraud. The convictions stemmed from activities designed to defraud elderly victims of their money through false promises of sweepstakes prizes. The sentence was announced by United States Attorney Jason R. Coody for the Northern District of Florida.
"Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens," said U.S. Attorney Coody. "Given our large elder population, Florida experiences far too many instances of fraud against unsuspecting, vulnerable seniors. With the assistance of our dedicated law enforcement partners, we are committed to investigating and vigorously prosecuting those who seek to steal the hard-earned savings of our senior citizens."
For the full story;
https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl/pr/jamaican-man-sentenced-51-months-federal-prison-operating-sweepstakes-scam-targeting
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Romario Mark Anthony Murray, 27, of Montego Bay, Jamaica was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, four counts of wire fraud, and three counts of mail fraud. The convictions stemmed from activities designed to defraud elderly victims of their money through false promises of sweepstakes prizes. The sentence was announced by United States Attorney Jason R. Coody for the Northern District of Florida.
"Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens," said U.S. Attorney Coody. "Given our large elder population, Florida experiences far too many instances of fraud against unsuspecting, vulnerable seniors. With the assistance of our dedicated law enforcement partners, we are committed to investigating and vigorously prosecuting those who seek to steal the hard-earned savings of our senior citizens."
For the full story;
https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl/pr/jamaican-man-sentenced-51-months-federal-prison-operating-sweepstakes-scam-targeting
Scams Targeting Seniors, $1.7 Billion Lost Last Year — Top 5 Scams & 7 Safety Tips
July 26, 2022
NEW 7/26/2022
According to the IC3’s Elder Fraud Report 2021, last year more than 92,000 people over the age of 60 fell for scams, reporting losses of $1.7 billion. Many of these seniors lost all their life savings and will most likely be unable to recover financially.
1. Tech Support Scams
Tech support scammers continue to impersonate well-known tech companies offering to fix non-existent technology issues or renewing fraudulent software or security subscriptions.
2. Non Payment Non Delivery Scams
Posing as delivery companies like FedEx, USPS, and DHL, scammers send you fake delivery notifications via text message or email:
“William Your FedEx-delivery is scheduled for tomorrow at [time]PM. Let our driver know if you are home: <URL>
USPS NOTICE: Your order has been shipped. Please track your order and let us know when we can come by <URL> Arrival ETA: 2-3days
Arriving today: / your Amazon / package. More info at : <URL>”
The attached links lead to fake login pages where you must submit login credentials. Again, they can use this information to take control of any online accounts associated with it, potentially stealing your money and identity. Be careful!
3. Romance or Confidence Scams
Romance scams occur when a criminal adopts a fake online identity to gain a victim’s affection and confidence. The scammer uses the illusion of a romantic or close relationship to manipulate and/or steal from the victim. The criminals who carry out Romance scams are experts at what they do and will seem genuine, caring, and believable. The scammer’s intention is to quickly establish a relationship, endear himself to the victim, gain trust, and eventually ask for money. Scam artists often say they are in the military, or a trades-based industry engaged in projects outside the U.S. That makes it easier to avoid meeting in person—and more plausible when they request money be sent overseas for a medical emergency or unexpected legal fee.
4. Lottery or Inheritance Scams
The initial contact in a lottery/sweepstakes scam is often a call, an email, a social media notification, or a piece of mail offering congratulations for winning a big contest, lottery, or sweepstakes the victim did not enter. To claim their prize, the victim is required to pay upfront fees and taxes. The subjects will continue to call victims for months or even years, promising the big prize is only one more payment away. Inheritance scams function very similarly as the victim is informed an unknown, distant relative has left a large inheritance.
5. Business Email Compromise
To put it simply, a BEC scam is when a scammer pretends to be your co-worker or one of your business email contacts and sends you emails prompting you to wire them money or provide sensitive or confidential information.
This scam is used frequently in invoicing and mortgage payment transactions. Prior to making any payments make sure you first contact your original contact person and make sure they authorize the location that funds will be sent. Do not rely on new emails which can be used by the thieves.
6. Government Impersonation
While government impersonation is not reported as often, millions of dollars are still lost by the elderly to criminals impersonating government officials. The criminals often extort victims with threats of physical or financial harm to obtain personally identifiable information. In 2021, victims over the age of 60 reported this type of fraud over 3,300 times, with losses of $69 million. The subjects generally demand prepaid cards, wire transfers, or cash to be mailed or sent overnight.
7 Tips to Protect Yourself
According to the IC3’s Elder Fraud Report 2021, last year more than 92,000 people over the age of 60 fell for scams, reporting losses of $1.7 billion. Many of these seniors lost all their life savings and will most likely be unable to recover financially.
1. Tech Support Scams
Tech support scammers continue to impersonate well-known tech companies offering to fix non-existent technology issues or renewing fraudulent software or security subscriptions.
2. Non Payment Non Delivery Scams
Posing as delivery companies like FedEx, USPS, and DHL, scammers send you fake delivery notifications via text message or email:
“William Your FedEx-delivery is scheduled for tomorrow at [time]PM. Let our driver know if you are home: <URL>
USPS NOTICE: Your order has been shipped. Please track your order and let us know when we can come by <URL> Arrival ETA: 2-3days
Arriving today: / your Amazon / package. More info at : <URL>”
The attached links lead to fake login pages where you must submit login credentials. Again, they can use this information to take control of any online accounts associated with it, potentially stealing your money and identity. Be careful!
3. Romance or Confidence Scams
Romance scams occur when a criminal adopts a fake online identity to gain a victim’s affection and confidence. The scammer uses the illusion of a romantic or close relationship to manipulate and/or steal from the victim. The criminals who carry out Romance scams are experts at what they do and will seem genuine, caring, and believable. The scammer’s intention is to quickly establish a relationship, endear himself to the victim, gain trust, and eventually ask for money. Scam artists often say they are in the military, or a trades-based industry engaged in projects outside the U.S. That makes it easier to avoid meeting in person—and more plausible when they request money be sent overseas for a medical emergency or unexpected legal fee.
4. Lottery or Inheritance Scams
The initial contact in a lottery/sweepstakes scam is often a call, an email, a social media notification, or a piece of mail offering congratulations for winning a big contest, lottery, or sweepstakes the victim did not enter. To claim their prize, the victim is required to pay upfront fees and taxes. The subjects will continue to call victims for months or even years, promising the big prize is only one more payment away. Inheritance scams function very similarly as the victim is informed an unknown, distant relative has left a large inheritance.
5. Business Email Compromise
To put it simply, a BEC scam is when a scammer pretends to be your co-worker or one of your business email contacts and sends you emails prompting you to wire them money or provide sensitive or confidential information.
This scam is used frequently in invoicing and mortgage payment transactions. Prior to making any payments make sure you first contact your original contact person and make sure they authorize the location that funds will be sent. Do not rely on new emails which can be used by the thieves.
6. Government Impersonation
While government impersonation is not reported as often, millions of dollars are still lost by the elderly to criminals impersonating government officials. The criminals often extort victims with threats of physical or financial harm to obtain personally identifiable information. In 2021, victims over the age of 60 reported this type of fraud over 3,300 times, with losses of $69 million. The subjects generally demand prepaid cards, wire transfers, or cash to be mailed or sent overnight.
7 Tips to Protect Yourself
- If you’re suspicious of a scam, calm down and never act too quickly.
- Remember, free gifts and prizes are always a major red flag.
- Double-check people’s contact details and website URLs.
- Reach out to official websites and support pages directly for help if in doubt.
- Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect your online accounts.
- If you’ve come across a scam, file a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center to help out others.
- NEVER click on links or buttons from unknown sources!
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Retail Theft Ram & Grab
July 20, 2022
NEW 7/26/2022
Latest organized crime hit Beverly Grove, CA.
“Burglars Swarm Chanel Storefront in Beverly Grove Smash-and-Grab Heist”
The thieves used a stolen van to smash the front doors at 4:30 in the morning then at least eight suspects ran into the store, took what they could and escaped in several cars. A person working nearby captured the theft on video.
https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/burglary-chanel-store-beverly-grove/2942196/
Latest organized crime hit Beverly Grove, CA.
“Burglars Swarm Chanel Storefront in Beverly Grove Smash-and-Grab Heist”
The thieves used a stolen van to smash the front doors at 4:30 in the morning then at least eight suspects ran into the store, took what they could and escaped in several cars. A person working nearby captured the theft on video.
https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/burglary-chanel-store-beverly-grove/2942196/