All articles tagged with #scam calls
The FBI warns against installing apps from unsolicited messages and advises never to engage with scam calls or texts, as these are increasingly used to steal money through fake tech support, government impersonations, and malicious links, with victims losing their savings. Staying safe involves ignoring suspicious communications and reporting scams promptly.
An 81-year-old Ohio man has been indicted on murder, kidnapping, and felonious assault charges after fatally shooting an Uber driver, Loletha Hall, whom he mistakenly believed was involved in scam phone calls targeting them both. William Brock received threatening calls demanding money, and when Hall arrived at his home to retrieve a package as instructed by the caller, Brock shot her multiple times. The original scam calls to both Brock and Hall are still under investigation.
A study by background check company BeenVerified revealed that scammers prefer using VoIP providers Onvoy and TextNow, along with mobile carriers AT&T and T-Mobile, for their mobile scams. Non-fixed VoIP numbers were used for 60.59% of scam calls, followed by 24.11% using mobile carrier networks. Text scams and impersonating credit card and banking firms were identified as popular scam techniques. BeenVerified advises caution, including checking incoming phone numbers, thinking before acting, and not providing personal information to protect against scams.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has imposed a record $300 million fine on a robocaller engaged in a complex scheme to sell vehicle service contracts under false pretenses. The robocaller, operating under various names, had been scamming people since 2018. The FCC's action resulted in a 99% reduction in auto warranty calls. However, the collection of the fine is uncertain, as it requires evaluation and prosecution by the Justice Department. The FCC is seeking the authority to collect fines directly, as current processes often result in unpaid or reduced fines due to loopholes and limited resources.
The FCC has ordered voice service providers to block One Eye, a global gateway provider that enabled robocall scams. The company served as an "on-ramp" to US phone networks from outside the country. The FCC has been focused on increasing its ability to enforce robocalls. The block has teeth thanks to the FCC's Gateway Provider Order issued in May 2022.