scam-alert1.855 min read
Unwanted Packages Flood Homes in Brushing Scam
1 year ago•Source: CBS News
Scam Alert News
The latest scam alert stories, summarized by AI
Featured Scam Alert Stories
View original source
1.28 min•1 year ago
"Beware: Smishing and Phishing Scams Targeting Toll Road Users"
New Hampshire transportation officials are warning E-ZPass users in the state about a smishing campaign where scammers send text messages instructing people to pay a fake balance and directing them to a fraudulent website. The New Hampshire Department of Transportation emphasized that E-ZPass New Hampshire will never request payment through text messages.
More Top Stories
2
"Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Alerts E-ZPass Users to Phishing Scam"
CBS Philly•1 year ago
3
"Pennsylvania Officials Issue Scam Alert for E-ZPass Users"
WPXI Pittsburgh•1 year ago
More Scam Alert Stories
"Dad Falls Victim to Sophisticated Email Scam, Loses Entire Life Savings"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by New York Post
Renato Calalang, a hardworking father who had diligently saved for retirement, fell victim to a sophisticated email scam, losing his entire life savings of almost $150,000. The scammers, posing as a bank representative, lured him with a fake inheritance claim, leading him to make multiple deposits into different bank accounts. Despite reporting the scam to Commonwealth Bank, he was unable to recover the funds. Calalang hopes to raise awareness and urges others to be cautious, while the bank advises customers to be vigilant and seek assistance if they suspect fraudulent activity.
"Beware: 10 Lies Scammers Use to Steal Your Money"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by CBS News
The Federal Trade Commission warns of 10 common lies scammers use to deceive people and separate them from their money, including creating a sense of urgency, instructing victims to lie, and making threats of arrest or deportation. Other tactics involve asking victims to stay on the phone, move money, buy gold bars, withdraw cash, use Bitcoin ATMs, or purchase gift cards. The FTC advises people to avoid responding to these tactics, hang up, delete emails, stop texting, block numbers, and report possible scams to the agency.
Romance Scammers Targeting Victims in Florida and Across the US
Originally Published 1 year ago — by WKMG News 6 & ClickOrlando
A Miami man lost $42,000 in an Ethereum investment scheme that began with a romance scam on Instagram, using the photograph of a woman claiming to be a CEO of Estee Lauder. The victim made small investments and saw gains, but when he tried to withdraw the funds, he was asked to pay, and his money disappeared. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission reported that losses to romance scams totaled $1.14 billion in 2023, advising people to never send money to anyone they haven't met in person and to be suspicious of promises of increasing their nest egg.
"Financial Columnist Loses $50K to Voice Phishing Scam: FTC and Amazon Respond"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by New York Post
Federal Trade Commissioner Lina Khan warned the public about scammers after a New York Magazine financial advice columnist revealed she handed over $50,000 to a mystery man who claimed to be an agency investigator. The scam involved voice phishing, where the scammer impersonated an FTC investigator and convinced the columnist to hand over the money under false pretenses. Khan emphasized that the FTC would never ask for sensitive information over the phone and urged caution.
"Southern California Hit by New Variation of Popular Mail Scam"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by KTLA Los Angeles
Residents in Southern California, particularly in Orange County, are receiving unsolicited and cheap items like necklaces in the mail, with some suspecting it to be a new form of the "brushing" scam where scammers send unordered items to create fake positive reviews. The FTC advises people to monitor their online shopping accounts for any unusual activity and report any unordered items received.
"Taylor Swift Deepfake Scam Promotes Le Creuset Giveaway"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Engadget
Scammers are using deepfake technology to create fake advertisements featuring celebrities like Taylor Swift, offering free products such as Le Creuset cookware sets. These ads lead unsuspecting consumers to fake websites where they are asked to pay for shipping, only to be charged additional fees with no products delivered. Similar scams have targeted other celebrities, prompting calls for regulation and accountability for deepfake creators, as platforms work to combat the spread of fraudulent content.
"Paypal Users Beware: Scam Alert Raises Concerns"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Daily Kos
Users of Paypal are being warned about a scam targeting their accounts, as fraudsters are sending out fake emails and text messages claiming to be from the company. The scam messages ask recipients to click on a link and provide their personal information, including login credentials and financial details. Paypal advises users to be cautious and not click on any suspicious links, and to report any fraudulent activity to their customer support.
Protect Yourself from Holiday Gift Card Scams: The Ultimate Guide
Originally Published 2 years ago — by WJW FOX 8 News Cleveland
Police are warning Americans about the "card draining" scam, where scammers steal gift card information from the back of cards on display, wait for them to be activated, and then drain the funds. Consumers are advised to carefully check gift card packages for signs of tampering and to report any suspicious cards to store cashiers. To increase safety, it is recommended to purchase gift cards directly from retailer websites and use credit cards for added purchase protections.
"Beware of the Latest Scam Targeting Spectrum Internet & TV Customers, Warns BBB"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Cord Cutters News
Scammers are targeting Spectrum internet and TV customers with a new scam, offering special deals in exchange for payment with gift cards. The scam involves callers claiming to be from Spectrum, promising to halve the customer's cable internet bill for three years if they pay $520 upfront with a Target gift card. The scam has become widespread, prompting a warning from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Customers are advised to be cautious of any phone calls or text offers claiming to be from companies offering special deals and to always be suspicious of such communications.
Beware of Scammers Posing as Utility Workers in Metro Detroit and Beyond
Originally Published 2 years ago — by WDIV ClickOnDetroit
Scammers in Metro Detroit are posing as utility workers and going door-to-door, asking residents to show their utility bills and taking photos of them. Michigan State Police and the Better Business Bureau are warning residents not to give their bills to these scammers, as they are attempting to steal personal information and identities. Consumers are advised to have a prepared response if approached by a stranger and to call the police if they suspect a scam. Legitimate utility workers always carry identification badges, provide advance notice before entering homes, and do not demand specific payment methods or personal information over the phone.