SCAMS

“If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.”

Scams to watch out for!!

06-18-10

Counterfeit Check Scams

Just to show you how many different counterfeit cashiers’ checks and regular checks are circulating out there, we obtained information from the FDIC listing out all known counterfeit documents floating around.

We want to acknowledge that these banks have good reputations and if you receive a check from someone that banks at one of the following institutions, it does not necessarily mean it is a bad check. Just remember where you got the check. If it was from a friend, then you can be sure for the most part it is good. If it is from someone you do not know to help pay taxes on monies you won in a contest – rest assured it is bad!

Today’s Alerts for counterfeit check scams

The following counterfeit items have been reported in circulation:

Counterfeit Cashier’s Checks

Anchor Bank, National Association, St. Paul, Minnesota
Bank of Santa Clarita, Santa Clarita, California
Central Valley Community Bank, Clovis, California
Citizens Bank & Trust, Inc., Trenton, Georgia
Citizens and Farmers Bank, West Point, Virginia
Collin Bank of Frisco, Texas
Great Western Bank, Watertown, South Dakota
Greenfield Banking Company, Greenfield, Indiana
Mariners Bank, Edgewater, New Jersey
Union State Bank, West Salem, Wisconsin

Counterfeit Checks

Cambridge State Bank, Cambridge, Minnesota
Citizens Community Federal, Altoona, Wisconsin
Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh, Brooklyn, New York
Mutual Federal Savings and Mutual Federal Bank, Chicago, Illinois
Wells Federal Bank, Wells, Minnesota
First Savings Bank of Hegewisch, Lansing, Illinois
CapitalBank, Greenwood, South Carolina
Ever Bank Corp, Jacksonville, Florida
First Federal Bank, Portsmouth, Ohio
Franklin Bank, Woodstown, New Jersey
Security Bank of Kansas City


Gulf Oil Spill Scams

As the nation follows news of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, so do scammers. The Federal Trade Commission issued an alert urging consumers and businesses to watch out for con artists trying to take advantage of the oil spill in the gulf and to report their experiences to federal and state authorities.

Scammers will likely use e-mails, websites, door-to-door collections, flyers, mailings and telephone calls to solicit money by claiming they’re raising money for environmental causes or offering fraudulent services related to the oil spill. In reality, many could be trying to get inside your home or get access to your personal information.

You can check out any charity at the following website. www.charitynavigator.org

06-04-10

Medicare Rebate Scams

Fraudsters may be targeting seniors who are due to receive a $250 rebate check from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for prescription drug costs, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said at a June 2 HHS web chat focused on health care fraud issues.

Sebelius said there have been stories of people coming to seniors' homes and asking for personal information in order to process their checks. She said CMS will be sending out roughly 4 million rebate checks to Medicare beneficiaries over the remainder of the year and that beneficiaries do not have to do anything to apply for their check.

The checks are being mailed to seniors who are in the Medicare “doughnut hole” or coverage gap and who are not receiving Medicare Extra Help, a CMS program for low-income seniors.

Assistant Secretary for Aging Kathy Greenlee also said that she had heard stories of seniors being asked to provide their banking information to get their checks.

She said other fraudulent schemes she had heard of included seniors being called by telemarketers and contacted on a door-to-door basis regarding purchasing an “Obamacare” plan. She said there is nothing new for seniors to purchase under PPACA.

Peter Budetti, deputy administrator for program integrity at CMS, said during the web chat that his office is focused on keeping fraudulent providers out of Medicare, as well as stopping fraudulent claims from being paid.

He said CMS receives 18,000 new applications a month from providers looking to bill Medicare.

06-04-10

You Have A Package Scam

This new twist on an old scam has hit the Fresno area in the last few days. As reported by the Fresno County Sheriffs Department, scammers are calling seniors and telling them they have a package waiting. The scammers have used different names and different companies in their quest to separate us from our money.

 One individual in Fresno County received a call on May 31, 2010 from a man who told the potential victim that she had failed to pick up a package that she purchased last June. The scammer had her name, address, age and phone number. He told her that if she paid $388.00 in overdue charges she could pick up the package.

To sweeten the deal he told her that she is also eligible for a $ 500.00 gift card to be used to purchase gasoline and another for $ 500.00 that could be used at any restaurant in her area, but to get these she had to provide the name of her bank and checking account number.

05-13-10

Summer Time Scams

As the flowers bloom this spring, consumers’ thoughts will increasingly turn to summer vacation plans. Unfortunately, scammers will be on the lookout as well … for unwary victims.

Travel has always been an area where consumers should have their anti-fraud antennae perked. Here are some of the types of travel scams to look out for.

Vacation Rental Scams – These scams typically crop up on online classified sites like Craigslist. The victim will search for an apartment or home for rent in a desirable destination and find an attractive rental at a very low price. The victim contacts the “owner” (who is in reality a scam artist) who then requests a “deposit” on the rental. Typically it is requested that the deposit be sent via wire transfer. The victim then arrives at the property to find that it either does not exist or that it is not available to be rented. Efforts to get back the deposit fail. Scammers typically use images from a real property (often taken from real estate sites) to make their scams seem legitimate.

Timeshare Purchase Scams – Victims are lured to a high-pressure sales pitch (sometimes at the timeshare resort itself) with promises of a high-value “free” gift, such as a car, RV, or cruise package. To obtain the advertised gift, the victim has to pay a “fee” for delivery or processing. When the gift arrives (if it ever does), it is typically of much lesser value than presented to the victim.

Fraudulent Timeshares – The victim receives a package in the mail or via e-mal detailing a timeshare for sale. If the victim invests, they later find that the timeshare does not exist and the timeshare company has “gone out of business,” or otherwise is unable to return the deposit paid.

Fraudulent Vacation Packages – Victims see an advertisement for a deeply discounted vacation package at a luxurious resort or cruise. After the deposit is paid, the victim finds that the quality of the package has been grossly misrepresented and/or there are significant additional fees that must be paid at the destination to take advantage of the “great deal.” Efforts to recover deposits are generally unsuccessful.

Airfare Scams – Victims are lured in by promises of steeply discounted airfares. Once the purchase is made, the victim receives no confirmation or a counterfeit confirmation e-mail or paper ticket. A variant of this scam occurs when the victim purchases the ticket and is then told that their credit card purchase has been declined. A wire transfer is requested which results in no ticket and no way to recover the funds.

Tips for Avoiding Travel Scams 

• If payment is requested via wire transfer or bank-to-bank transfer, it’s a scam.
• Pay by credit card whenever possible so that fraudulent charges can be disputed.
• Review all fine print in vacation package or timeshare information and question any unusual or misleading language BEFORE payment.
• Check out travel companies with the Better Business Bureau.
• Look for travel companies that are affiliated with the American Society of Travel Agents, United States Tour Operators Association, or International Airline Travel Agency Network.
• Be especially wary of rentals advertised on online classified sites like Craigslist.
• Do your due diligence before investing in a timeshare or vacation club. Have an attorney review any documentation before signing. Remember, a good deal today will still be a good deal tomorrow.

Above all, trust your gut. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

04-14-10

MEDICARE Scam Alert

Seniors Warned about New Medicare Scam

It has been reported that individuals are receiving "fraudulent phone calls asking for personal information so that new Medicare cards may be issued to the consumers."

The caller claims to represent Medicare or the Social Security office and asks the consumer to verify or provide personal information that could lead to identity theft.

Calls are originating from 866-234-2255. When investigators dialed the number, they reached a recording that states that “Medicare scammers” are spoofing the number and that calls should be reported to the state Attorney General or the Federal Communications Commission.

Consumers should never verify or provide personal information to someone who has called him or her. When in doubt consumers should hang up and call Social Security at

1-800-772-1213 or Medicare at 1-800-Medicare.

03-26-10

Bank Scam

This has been reported twice in Fresno County this week.

The suspect who identifies himself as a bank employee, usually working as a bank detective, contacts victim via the telephone. The (detective) states they are working a case in which known suspects are attempting to take funds out of the victim's account. The suspect requests their (victim's) assistance with the investigation.

The victim is advised to withdraw funds in large bills ($100) and tells the victim the bank is working on the case and will give them marked money. The suspect asks the victim for a clothing description along with vehicle description, (so they know who they are).

The victim is told to meet the suspect usually at a public parking lot, in which the suspect enters the victim's vehicles where the money exchange occurs. Suspect advises victim to return home and wait for a follow-up call. On one occasion the suspect called the victim back.

You bank will never ask you to take part in a “sting” operation such as this. If you receive a call like this please contact your local police department.

03-12-10

Return of an old scam

This scam has been around for some time and is making the rounds again. The way it works is a scammer sends out an email to thousands of people, most likely getting the names by purchasing a list.

In the email they place a virus that allows them to get into your address book and sends the following email or something like it to everyone in your address book. The person receiving the email thinks it is from you:

-----Original Message-----
From: ***** ****y <*******_2000@yahoo.com>
To: undisclosed recipients: ;
Sent: Thu, Mar 11, 2010 7:31 am
Subject: Help!!!

Hello, I am writing to you with tears in my eyes.Sorry i didn't inform you about my traveling, i am presently in London UK stranded. I misplaced my wallet on my way to the hotel where my money and other valuable things were  kept.I will like you to assist me with a soft loan urgently with the sum of  £1,200 GBP, it about $2,100 USD.I need to sort out the hotel bills and get myself back home. I will  appreciate whatever you can afford, i promise to pay back as soon as i return,Kindly help me send the Money via Western Union Money Transfer...  Here's he Details to transfer the money Below:

NAME- ***** ****

ADDRESS- 103 Harley Street

CITY- LONDON

COUNTRY- UNITED KINGDOM

ZIP CODE- W1G 6AJ

Hope to read from you soon.

*****.

Many individuals have fallen for this thinking their friend or family member is in trouble. When you are asked to send money to anyone including family please verify with other family members before doing so. This request for money can be made over the phone, like the grandparent scam, email or snail mail.

01-20-10

Google warns of scam adverts

A new scam has been detected which uses Google's name in a get rich quick scheme.

“Making easy money with Google” has been circulating for some time, and in the last few weeks, a new wave of such scams has emerged using Google's reputation to sell 'working from home' kits that claim Google is hiring people.

It said that the primary way of propagation and to increase exposure of those kits is through legitimately bought advertising space, and the marketing of the fake kits is designed to work with affiliates. For every kit sold the affiliate gets a cut of the profits.

This aggressive campaign, which preys on a population weakened by the economic downturn, demonstrates how cybercrime has moved on from the spotty teenage hacker in his bedroom to a sophisticated business run with all the trimmings.

It is not only Google that has been affected, as other brands such as Yahoo, Microsoft and Dell have been exploited with the average user affected and confused.

Misleading ads try to take advantage of consumers in the midst of a difficult economy. It has been reported that thousands of people have been tricked into sending payment information and being charged hidden fees by questionable operations.

Just as you should be careful about giving out financial information in the real world, you should be skeptical and review any offers online before sending any information.

01-13-10

FBI National Press Office (202) 324-3691

Haitian Earthquake Relief Fraud Alert

Washington, D.C. – The FBI today reminds Internet users who receive appeals to donate money in the aftermath of Tuesday's earthquake in Haiti to apply a critical eye and do their due diligence before responding to those requests. Past tragedies and natural disasters have prompted individuals with criminal intent to solicit contributions purportedly for a charitable organization and/or a good cause.

Therefore, before making a donation of any kind, consumers should adhere to certain guidelines, to include the following:

Do not respond to any unsolicited (SPAM) incoming emails, including clicking links contained within those messages.

Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as surviving victims or officials asking for donations via e-mail or social networking sites.

Verify the legitimacy of nonprofit organizations by utilizing various Internet-based resources that may assist in confirming the group's existence and its nonprofit status rather than following a purported link to the site.

Be cautious of e-mails that claim to show pictures of the disaster areas in attached files because the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from know senders.

Make contributions directly to known organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf to ensure contributions are received and used for intended purposes.

Do not give your personal or financial information to anyone who solicits contributions: Providing such information may compromise your identity and make you vulnerable to identity theft.

01-07-10

FDA Warns Public of Continued Extortion Scam by FDA Impersonators

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning the public about criminals posing as FDA special agents and other law enforcement personnel as part of an international extortion scam.

The criminals call the victims -- who in most cases previously purchased drugs over the Internet or via "telepharmacies" -- and identify themselves as FDA special agents or other law enforcement officials. The criminals inform the victims that purchasing drugs over the Internet or the telephone is illegal, and that law enforcement action will be pursued unless a fine or fee ranging from $100 to $250,000 is paid. Victims often also have fraudulent transactions placed against their credit cards as well.

The criminals always request the money be sent by wire transfer to a designated location, usually in the Dominican Republic. If victims refuse to send money, they are often threatened with a search of their property, arrest, deportation, physical harm, and or incarceration.

Impersonating an FDA official is a violation of federal law, the public should note that no FDA official will ever contact a consumer by phone demanding money or any other form of payment.

FDA special agents and other law enforcement officials are not authorized to impose or collect criminal fines, only a court can take such action.

Anyone receiving a telephone call from a person purporting to be an FDA or other law enforcement official who is seeking money to settle a law enforcement action for the purchase of drugs over the Internet should refuse the demand and call the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations Metro Washington Field Office at (800) 521-5783 to report the crime.

In addition to posing as FDA officials, criminals have posed as special agents of the DEA, FBI, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Customs Service, as well as U.S. and Dominican prosecutors and judges. In response, the FDA, in conjunction with various federal, state, and local agencies, is actively pursing criminal charges.

12-14-09

Pop-up virus

An ongoing threat exists for computer users who, while browsing the Internet, began receiving pop-up security warnings that state their computers are infected with numerous viruses.

These pop-ups known as scareware, fake, or rogue anti-virus software that look authentic and may even display what appears to be real-time anti-virus scanning of the user's hard drive. The scareware will show a list of reputable software icons; however, the user cannot click a link to go to the actual site to review or see recommendations.

The scareware is intimidating to most users and extremely aggressive in its attempt to lure the user into purchasing the rogue software that will allegedly remove the viruses from their computer. In fact these “anti-virus” programs are viruses themselves.

It is possible that these threats are received as a result of clicking on advertisements contained on a website. Cyber criminals use botnets to push the software and use advertisements on websites to deliver it. This is known as malicious advertising or malvertising.

Once the pop-up appears it cannot be easily closed by clicking "close" or the "X" button. If the user clicks on the pop-up to purchase the software, a form is provided that collects payment information and the user is charged for the bogus product. In some instances, whether the user clicks on the pop-up or not, the scareware can install malicious code onto the computer.

Downloading the software could result in viruses, Trojans and/or keyloggers being installed on the user's computer. The repercussions of downloading the malicious software could prove further financial loss to the victim due to computer repair, as well as, cost to the user and/or financial institutions due to identity theft.

The FBI is aware of an estimated loss to victims in excess of $150 million per year.

Be cautious — cyber criminals use easy to remember names and associate them with known applications. Reputable software companies do not use pop-ups to sale their products. If you receive a pop-up advertisement stating you have or may have a virus, more than likely it is a virus itself.

12-02-09

Fake H1N1 alerts

Malicious hackers are using fake alerts around H1N1 (Swine Flu) vaccines to trick end users into installing malware on Windows computers, according to warnings issued by computer security firms.

The latest malware campaign begins with e-mail messages offering information regarding the H1N1 vaccination. The e-mail messages contain a link to a bogus Centers for Disease Control and Prevention site with prompts to create a user profile.  During this process, a malware file gets planted on the user’s machine.

•  “Governmental registration program on the H1N1 vaccination”
• “Your personal vaccination profile.”

According to researchers the scam tricks computer users into believe they are part of a “State Wide H1N1 Vaccination Program” and are required to create a vaccination profile on the CDC website.

“The link provided in the email takes you to a very convincing looking imitation of a CDC web page where you are given a temporary ID and a link to your ‘vaccination profile’. The link is in fact…an executable file that contains a copy of a Trojan most commonly identified as xpack or Kryptik…once installed on your PC, this Trojan will create a security-free gateway on your system and will proceed to download and install additional malware without your authorization. It also enables a remote hacker to take complete control of your computer.”

The messages are being received at a rate of 18,000 per minute, more than one million per hour.

11-09-09

Malware And Work-At-Home Scams

Within the last several months, the FBI has seen a significant increase in fraud involving the exploitation of valid online banking credentials belonging to small and medium businesses, municipal governments, and school districts.

In a typical scenario, the targeted entity receives a "spear phishing" email which either contains an infected attachment, or directs the recipient to an infected web site. Once the recipient opens the attachment or visits the web site, malware is installed on their computer. The malware contains a key logger which will harvest the recipients business or corporate bank account log-in information. Shortly thereafter, the perpetrator either creates another user account with the stolen log-in information, or directly initiates fund transfers by masquerading as the legitimate user. These transfers have occurred as both traditional wire transfers and as ACH transfers.

Further reporting has shown that the transfers are directed to the bank accounts of willing or unwitting individuals within the United States. Most of these individuals have been recruited via work-at-home advertisements, or have been contacted after placing resumes on well-known job search web sites. These persons are often hired to "process payments", or "transfer funds". They are told they will receive wire transfers into their bank accounts. Shortly after funds are received, they are directed to immediately forward most of the money overseas via wire transfer services such as Western Union and Moneygram.

Customers who use online banking services are advised to contact their financial institution to ensure they are employing all the appropriate security and fraud prevention services their institution offers.

11-02-09

Homeland Security / FBI scam

As with previous spam attacks, which have included the names of high-ranking FBI executives and names of various government agencies, a new version misuses the name of the United States Attorney General, Eric Holder.

The current spam alleges that the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation were informed the e-mail recipient is allegedly involved in money laundering and terrorist-related activities. To avoid legal prosecution, the recipient must obtain a certificate from the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman at a cost of $370. The spam provides the name of the EFCC Chairman and an e-mail address from which the recipient can obtain the required certificate.

Do not respond. These e-mails are a hoax.

Government agencies do not send unsolicited e-mails of this nature. The FBI, Department of Justice, and other United States government executives are briefed on numerous investigations, but do not personally contact consumers regarding such matters. In addition, United States government agencies use the legal process to contact individuals. These agencies do not send threatening letters/e-mails to consumers demanding payments for Internet crimes.

Consumers should not respond to any unsolicited e-mails or click on any embedded links associated with such e-mails, as they may contain viruses or malware.

10-30-09

Scratch and Win Scam

The scam, as reported to police, involves the victim finding an unscratched ‘scratch and win’ lottery ticket on the ground. The ticket is typically found in a very public place, such as a mall or near a bank machine. Upon scratching the ticket, the victim learns that he/she has a “winning ticket”.

Instructions on the ticket ask victims to call a phone number. On calling, victims end up speaking to an individual who identifies themselves as a representative of the lottery company. After confirming that they have a winning ticket, the victims are told that they have to pay a “registration fee” in order to collect their money.

Arrangements are then made to have the money picked up from the victims, either by cab or by courier. The victims are told that their winnings will be delivered at a later date.

Of course, the victims never see their registration fees or winnings.

Another twist involves victims walking passed an individual who claim to have found a winning ticket on the ground. The finder of the ticket typically asks victims for assistance; to either call a number on the back of the ticket or to borrow the victim’s cell phone.

On occasion this theatrical performance is put on with two suspects, who act as though they are strangers in front of the victim. One suspect will pretend to have found the ticket, while the other will appear to be trying to assist the winner in confirming the winnings. The two of them will convince the victim of the legitimacy of the situation and get the victim to agree to contribute part of the “registration fee” required to obtain the winnings. In return, the victim is promised a percentage of the winnings.

Ultimately, in the end the victim is scammed out of an amount of money.

To prevent becoming a victim of this fraud:

Be suspicious of any unscratched lottery ticket you find on the ground.

Look at the name of the lottery on the ticket. Is it a lottery you recognize?

Try to verify the legitimacy of the lottery before you even make the call to the number on the back.

Remember, lottery corporations do not make you pay “Registration Fees” in order to collect your money.

Be very suspicious of anyone who approaches you and claims to be a winner of a found lottery ticket. Would you share your winnings with a complete stranger?

If anyone asks for money to cover the cost of a “registration fee”, walk away and contact the police.

10-06-09

Next spring, the Census Bureau makes its once-a-decade count of the U.S. population. But scammers who just want to count your cash are already piggybacking on the event.

Although census workers conduct another survey each month, beware of anyone who comes to your door between now and next spring claiming to be gathering data for the 2010 census.

Here’s why:

Mailing of the official postage-paid census questionnaires begins in mid-March 2010. Households that do not respond to that first mailing are sent a second questionnaire. Only after they do not respond to the second census taker sent to the home.

Visits by one of the bureau’s census workers will occur in 2010 between April and July. Citizens shouldn’t see any census workers at the door until then.

Already, some census-related scams have emerged. In rural Kentucky near the Tennessee border, several individuals say that people identifying themselves as census workers come to their doors, ask a few census-type questions, and then solicit a donation. They tell consumers they don’t get paid for their travel expenses and need gas money to conduct the census.

Individuals have been reporting they received a “2009 Census of Senior Citizens.” Sent by the self-styled Civic Council of Maryland, based in Frederick, it asks questions such as “Should the Death Tax be permanently repealed?” and “Should Medicare benefits be means tested?” The mailing asks that surveys be returned with a donation of up to $25. This was confirmed to Scamnot on 10-02-09 when one of our readers came into our office with her mother who showed us a copy of this mailer.

Census takers will never ask personal or financial information such as your Social Security number, bank account information or credit card accounts.

Other tips to distinguish census takers from scammers:

Legitimate census takers will wear this badge,

and carry a black canvas shoulder bag reading “U.S. Census Bureau.” The badge is not a photo ID but will contain the taker’s name and signature. So if you have doubts, ask to see a driver’s license or other photo identification to validate the taker’s identity.

• Any e-mail you receive purporting to be from the U.S. Census Bureau is a fake. Delete, without opening, any incoming e-mails alleged to be from the Census Bureau, as they may contain harmful spyware.

• Census workers will never solicit donations or other types of payment.

• To verify when home visits will be made in your area, or to report suspicious census-related activity, call your local Census Bureau office.

10-01-09

Veterans Affairs Scam

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is warning Veterans not to give credit card numbers over the phone to callers claiming to update VA prescription information.

Veterans have become targets in an inexcusable scam that dishonors their service and misrepresents the Department built for them. VA does not call Veterans and ask them to disclose personal financial information over the phone.

Scam artists are misrepresenting the VA to gain personal information over the phone. They say VA recently changed procedures for dispensing prescriptions and ask for the Veteran's credit card number. Once the scammer has this information they either purchase items or sale the information on line to other scammers.

The VA has not changed its processes for dispensing prescription medicines, nor has the VA changed its long-standing commitment to protect the personal information of this nation’s Veterans.

Veterans with questions about VA services should contact the nearest VA medical center or call, toll-free, 1-877-222-8387.

08-25-09

Elder Law Update scam

As reported by National Center on Elder Abuse

It appears that there has been a resurfacing of a postcard scam targeting seniors that advertises an "Elder Law Update."

The business reply mailer begins:
"Congress has legislation that standardizes entitlement provisions for persons 60 and over...."

and then solicits personal information and a signature from those who request additional information from the "National Processing Center" (a similar, earlier scam included the return address of "American Senior Alliance"). Recipients are urged to destroy the mailer and notify the postal inspectors.

The mailer may look similar to this copy below.

08-18-09

Mortgage Assistance Scam

Preying on people facing foreclosure, President Obama's voice is being used to help sell their product!

So far four companies based in Florida and their owners have been charged for mortgage assistance scams that netted millions of dollars in this nationwide scheme.

"A message from our President." A robotic call dials your home, and this is what you hear: "All across the country, there are families who have done everything right." It's the familiar voice of President Barack Obama.

And then: "If you are behind on your mortgage payment, press 1 to find out how we may be able to help you."

It's a company claiming to help. It's a real call that comes from a bogus company getting rich off of your hardships, it's designed to mislead.

Lawsuits have been filed against FHA All Day.Com, Safety Financial Services, Housing Assistance Law Center, and Housing Assistance Now.

More than 300 complaints have been filed from across the nation against the companies, which claimed to lower mortgage payments or dissolve entire loans.

Many consumers say the companies didn't deliver on promised services and walked away with as much as $5,000 in up-front fees.

If someone calls you out of the blue telling you they can help you, it’s just a telemarketer on the other end. If you or someone you know needs mortgage assistance look for a local company to assist you.

08-03-09

Craig’s List Rental Scam

You can’t believe your good fortune—you find a rental home in a nice area through a Craigslist classified ad at an unbelievably low rate. The landlord—who had to leave the country and travel to Nigeria—asks that you wire him two months’ worth of rent. You arrive at the home on the agreed-upon date, but there’s just one small problem—the house is not actually for rent and its owners know nothing about your agreement.

This latest scam being perpetrated by Nigerian criminals located halfway around the world has been seen in a number of U.S. states, perhaps in response to the current housing market—with fewer people buying, more people are renting.

The rental scam problem has become so prevalent that the FBI recently issued a warning. The scam has ensnared victims in Rhode Island, Illinois, Colorado, and California, among other states.

How exactly does the rental housing scam work?

The criminals search websites that list homes for sale. They take the information in those ads—lock, stock, and barrel—and post it, with their own e-mail address, in an ad on Craigslist (without Craigslist’s consent or knowledge) under the housing rentals category. To sweeten the pot, the houses are almost always listed with below-market rental rates.

An interested party will contact the “homeowner” via e-mail, who usually explains that he or she had to leave the U.S. quickly because of some missionary or contract work in Africa. Victims are usually instructed to send money overseas enough to cover the first and last month’s rent—via a wire transfer service (because they know it can’t be traced once it gets picked up on the other end).

Renters might sometimes be asked to fill out credit applications asking for personal information like credit history, social security numbers, and work history. The Nigerian crooks can then use this info to commit identity fraud and steal even more money from their victims.

How to avoid being victimized:

Only deal with landlords or renters who are local;

Be suspicious if you’re asked to only use a wire transfer service;

• Beware of e-mail correspondence from the “landlord” that’s written in poor or broken English;

• Research the average rental rates in that area and be suspicious if the rate is significantly lower;

• Don’t give out personal information, like social security, bank account, or credit card numbers.

If you suspect a scam, have already been victimized, or know someone who has fallen victim to a scam, please report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center to help them determine the extent of the problem.

07-22-09

Grandson/Granddaughter Scam

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Department has become aware of this particular scam rearing its ugly head in our area again.  This time it was a senior in the Caruthers area.  She received a call from her “grandson” who said he was in an accident in Canada and needed $5,000 wired to him.  He wanted the money sent by wire transfer.  This senior knew better and called her grandson who was at work.  The next call was to the Fresno Sheriff’s Office.  Here is the information that was previously sent out and needs to be put out again.

The following information was sent out in January 2008, seems this scam is making its way back around.

You receive a call from a grandson or granddaughter saying they are in trouble. The caller says they are in jail or have been in an accident either in Canada or Mexico and need money right away to pay fines or to receive medical attention.

Border states have seen an increase in this type of scam, and include Washington, Minnesota, Michigan, New York, California, and Texas.

Many times the scammer knows the name of the family member so the senior does not question it and sends the money, only later to find out they have been scammed. The caller asks the victim not to discuss the matter with his or her parents for fear of angering them.

Other times the caller waits for a person to answer the phone and starts of with “Grandma/Grandpa guess who?” and they get an answer like “Johnny is that you?” “Yes Grandma/Grandpa this is Johnny and I’m in trouble…….” and the scammer is on his way.

Things to do to insure you are not being scammed:

• Contact other family member before sending money; ask if they know of the situation.

• If the grandchild states that they are in jail or in a hospital, ask which one. Contact that institution to find out if the grandchild is actually in that facility.

• Consider where the child wants the money sent. If it is to be sent to somebody else, do not do it. Remember, if the child is in jail, another prisoner could have gotten your information from discussions with the grandchild

• If you send money ask that the receiver provide identification before the money is paid out.

• Regardless of the request to not talk to the parents, confirm through another family member that what you were told is true.

If you think you have been a victim of a scam or knows someone who is contact your local law enforcement agency. Or contact Scamnot on out quick contact form located at the bottom of the main page.

07-13-09

New Email Scam

Below is a copy of an email we received on Saturday (07-11-09). If we responded to the email with the information requested they would have control over our email account and all information saved. Some people save account numbers and passwords to sites they visit or places where they purchase online in their email accounts.

One give away that this is a scam is the fact they do not identify themselves to any particular email group (Yahoo, Google, ATT, Hot Mail) as well as the use of capital letters on words that should not be capitalized.

04-13-09

Parking Ticket Scam

E-mails promising Viagra discounts or dates with Russian models used to be the preferred way to get personal financial information from recipients. Now hackers have devised an ingenious way to unleash an identity-stealing computer virus from about the last place you’d expect an online attack: a parking lot.

Scammers place phony parking tickets on cars, which direct their owners to an “official” website that claims to have photos of the alleged violation. Once they go to the website, victims inadvertently download a nasty virus that can quickly cost them plenty.

Several drivers in North Dakota found tickets on cars they had parked at a shopping mall, hospital, grocery store or college campus. Some went to the designated website—and their computers were compromised.

Thus far, the parking ticket ploy has reportedly occurred only in North Dakota but it is believed the scam will spread. Unlike other malware attacks, it doesn’t depend on you to open a corrupted e-mail sent by a stranger. Instead, it provides bait to lead you right to the virus, a gambit that can be very lucrative for hackers. How can you protect yourself?

Avoid unfamiliar websites

Don’t visit a strange website simply because you get an e-mail or letter telling you to. If you do, never download or install new programs there unless you are sure you can trust the source.

Be wary of dot-com cons

One giveaway on the parking ticket website: It ended in “.com.” Online addresses of most police and other official agencies end in “.gov.”

Ask a friend

Having a second set of eyes to look at something is always a best bet.

03-20-09

Distraction Burglary

On a Monday in March of 2009 at about noon, a Hispanic female adult contacted an 88 year old lady at her home in Fresno California. The perpetrator pulled out a badge from her back pocket and identified herself as a police officer to the victim.  (The perpetrator was not wearing any kind of uniform and did not show any kind of ID card).  The female asked the victim to come outside to talk about recent robberies in the area. 

After approximately 20 minutes, the female perpetrator called someone on her cell phone.  A few seconds later a second person, a white male adult, walked up the victim’s driveway from behind the victim’s house.  Both subjects then left the area.  When the victim went into her house, she found the front bedroom had been ransacked and property taken. 

This is a reminder that you should always request photo identification from anybody that comes to your home stating they are law enforcement or any utility company personnel.  You should never leave your home to walk out side (front or back yards) as this is referred to as a distraction burglary.  The first person is distracting you while the second person goes in a back or front door and burglarizes the home.  If somebody identifies themselves as law enforcement, there is no problem with calling that agency to verify who they are before allowing them in or talking to them.

02-26-09

Property Tax Assessment Scheme

We received a letter from a group in Fresno, California who state we may be able to lower or tax bill on our home due to the recent decline in real estate prices.

The attachment is a copy of this letter for you to review. You can see that for a fee of $93.00 dollars they will evaluate the current assessed value of our home, prepare the application for review, be our advocate and attend a hearing on our behalf if necessary with the Assessment Appeals Board.

We called the county assessors office and were told that a person can file with the county to have their property reviewed to lower the property taxes for a small fee, but at the same time the county is automatically readjusting taxes on real property because of the down turn in the real estate market and there is no fees involved.

This group list themselves as being a “accredited business” with the better business bureau in Fresno. We call the BBB and we were told they are not accredited by the BBB, they have multiple complaints against the company and are currently under investigation.

This is not a scam per say but is another one of those schemes designed to get money out of you for a service that has a small fee or is free.

02-20-09

Grandparent scam using Facebook or MySpace

Careful what you put on your Facebook or MySpace page -- someone could use the info to steal money from your grandparents.

That's where State Police officials believe a scam generated out of Canada is getting its information.

Several cases are under investigation that targeting the elderly. Be careful what you put on your personal page, information relating to family members could be used against you in this scam.

A man calls claiming to be the grandson of the victim and states he needs money wired to him because he's in trouble. The money is wired, then the victims learn later their relative wasn't in Canada at all.

Police believe the scam artists are obtaining personal information from social networking or genealogy sites to make their story believable to their target.

Authorities urged persons to be absolutely sure of the person calling before sending any money, get a return phone number if you feel suspicious, and or ask a very personal question that only the real person would know.

02-02-09

New scam using the Wal-Mart name

It was brought to our attention that a new scam is making its way around the internet. This is a survey scam using the Wal-Mart name to trick people into giving up their personal information.

Wal-Mart was contacted and Ashley Hardie at Wal-Mart’s Corporate Offices stated “Wall-Mart does not participate in this type of promotion and has no affiliation with the group putting on the survey.  If you receive a survey, please contact your local authorities as well as the Federal Trade Commission.”

If you get an email like this, please report it to the police and the FTC.  Also, please share this with your networks, as well as people you know who might shop at Wal-Mart and think this is legit.

Below is a copy of the original email.

From: Wal-Mart [mailto:no_reply@survey.com]
Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2009 9:49 AM
Subject: You have been selected

01-08-09

House Rental Scams

In resent months we have seen a boom in rental scams here in Fresno. Most recently a man who was arrested for renting out over 40 homes that he did not have title to do so.

You should always be cautions when renting a house, especially if the owner wants money sent to them for the rent and you never actually meet them. You should always try to deal with an actual person when renting and do your best to make sure the person you are dealing with actually has permission to be renting the house out.

A red flag should go up if you are told that the keys were lost and you need to have a new set made. Be cautious of out of town owners that ask that you send the money to them and you never actually talk to them in person. Also be aware to the fact that if a person renting out a house is asking that the money be sent via Western Union of MoneyGram this should be considered a scam. Be cautious when the deal looks too good.

One example: In Fresno a house located in the Old Fig Garden area (an older well kept higher rent area) was listed by a property management company for $1500 a month and was using Craig’s List in addition to a sign in front of the property. It came to the attention of the property management company that there was a second listing for the house on Craig’s List to rent the house for $800 a month. Had one of the persons that wanted to rent the house for $800 a month not driven by the house, saw the leasing sign, and called the management company, they would have sent the rent money and deposit to the out of town address. After investigation by Fresno County Sheriff’s department it is believed that the money would have been destined for Nigeria. The information about the investigation on the house in the Old Fig Garden area was provided to Scamnot on 01-08-09

09-25-08

Homeowners Property Tax Scam

While this is not a true out and out scam it is unethical.

Notice from the Fresno County Assessor-Recorder

Many people in Fresno County have recently received a letter from the HOMEOWNERS PROPERTY TAX REVIEW BOARD. This letter appears to be a bill in the amount of $95.00. This was NOT sent by the Assessor. It is NOT a bill or an official document. You do NOT owe $95.00 to the Assessor or the Tax Collector. This is merely a solicitation by a private business to file an assessment appeal application. If you wish to file an assessment appeal you may do so by contacting the Clerk to the Board of Supervisors. There is NO fee for this.

Link to Fresno County Assessor-Recorder website

http://www.co.fresno.ca.us/Departments.aspx?id=116

09-09-08

Grandson/Granddaughter Scam

During a recent seminar, Detective Case from the Fresno Sheriff’s Department Elder Abuse Unit and scamnot co-webmaster was approached by an individual who stated two of his friends received calls in the last few weeks from individuals stating they were their grandsons needing money to get out of a Canadian Jail.

The following information was sent out in January 2008, seems this scam is making its way back around.

You receive a call from a grandson or granddaughter saying they are in trouble. The caller says they are in jail or have been in an accident either in Canada or Mexico and need money right away to pay fines or to receive medical attention.

Border states have seen an increase in this type of scam. Individuals in the states of Washington, Minnesota, Michigan, New York, California, and Texas.

Many times the scammer knows the name of the family member so the senior does not question it and sends the money, only later to find out they have been scammed. The caller asks the victim not to discuss the matter with his or her parents for fear of angering them.

Other times the caller waits for a person to answer the phone and starts of with “Grandma/Grandpa guess who?” and they get an answer like “Johnny is that you?” “Yes Grandma/Grandpa this is Johnny and I’m in trouble…….”and the scammer is on his way.

Things to do to insure you are not being scammed:

• Contact other family member before sending money, ask if they know of the situation.
• If the grandchild states that they are in jail or in a hospital, ask which one. Contact that institution to find out if the grandchild is actually in that facility.
• Consider where the child wants the money sent. If it is to be sent to somebody else, do not do it. Remember, if the child is in jail, another prisoner could have gotten your information from discussions with the grandchild
• If you send money ask that identification be provided by the receiver before the money is paid out.
• Regardless of the request to not talk to the parents, confirm through another family member that what you were told is true or do not send the money.

09-04-08

Hit Man E-mail Returns

Reports concerning the hit man e-mail scheme are making the rounds again. This E-mail has been around since late 2006 and is evolving; however, the messages remain similar in nature, claiming the sender has been hired to kill the recipient.

Two new versions of the scheme began appearing in July 2008. One instructed the recipient to contact a telephone number contained in the e-mail and the other claimed the recipient or a "loved one" was going to be kidnapped unless a ransom was paid. Recipients of the kidnapping threat were told to respond via e-mail within 48 hours. The sender was to provide the location of the wire transfer five minutes before the deadline and threatened bodily harm if the ransom was not received within 30 minutes of the time frame given. The recipients' personally identifiable information was included in the e-mail to promote the appearance that the sender actually knew the recipient and their location.

Perpetrators of Internet crimes often use fictitious names, addresses, telephone numbers, and threats/warnings regarding the failure to comply to further their schemes.

In some instances, the use of names, titles, addresses, and telephone numbers of government officials, business executives and/or victims' personally identifiable information are used in an attempt to make the fraud appear more authentic.

Consumers always need to be alert to unsolicited e-mails. Do not open unsolicited e-mails or click on any embedded links, as they may contain viruses or malware. Providing your personally identifiable information will compromise your identity!

There is a new twist to the Alert regarding e-mails claiming that the sender has been paid to kill the recipient and will cancel the contract on the recipient's life if the recipient pays a large sum of money. Now e-mails are surfacing which claim to be from the Federal Bureau of Investigation in London.

These e-mails note the following information:

• An individual was recently arrested for the murders of several United States and United Kingdom citizens in relation to this matter.
• The recipient's information was found on the subject identifying the recipient as the next victim.
• The recipient is requested to contact the FBI in London to assist with the investigation.

This is all part of the scam and the email is not coming from the FBI in London.

09-04-08

Annual Minutes" Mail Fraud Scam Strikes Businesses Across America

The Form

The official looking form contains your company's business information, and asks that you complete the form (listing your company's officers and directors) and return it to them, along with a fee which is usually about $150. In return, they claim they will send you a copy of your Corporate Annual Minutes!

Now, anyone who is vaguely familiar with corporate governance knows that annual minutes are written by the corporation itself as part of the annual meeting.

So what is it that they are sending you for $150? Who knows? My guess is that you will receive a template of the minutes of an annual meeting, stating that the officers and directors (whose names you provided) have been "duly elected" to serve the corporation until such time as their successors are named.

How does CCR trick, or almost trick, business people? The answer has to do with the look and sound of their solicitations and with the very fact that their solicitations don't appear to be solicitations at all.

CCR sends corporations a "Disclosure Statement," complete with a seal encircled by the company's name in the left-hand corner. In bold print, near the top, it states a fee of $125 for disclosure and processing, with an increased fee of $150 for "documents received after due date." It cites sections of the California Corporations Code, relating to the requirement for a corporation to keep adequate and correct books and records of account, minutes, and the names and addresses of its members, and to the right of any member to inspect and copy the record of members' names, addresses and voting rights.

Again it cites Code sections and concludes with a warning: "California courts are becoming increasingly intolerant on [sic] officers and directors who do not follow corporate procedure. Failure to comply with these measures could cause your corporation to lose its limited liability. Without corporate minute records, the system may possibly allow creditors, plaintiffs and other entities to sue you personally for debts and actions of the corporation."

Scamnot normally does not address scams like this because the target is not necessarily seniors, but a legal group who provides free legal services to seniors in our area received this today.

08-13-08

Durable Medical Equipment Scam

Scamnot has received information on this scam from seniors, caregivers, agencies and others who help our senior population.

Company from L.A. goes to Mendota, Firebaugh, Selma, Parlier, Huron and other rural areas and meets seniors where they gather (Sr. Center, Shopping etc.) They tell them because they are on Medicare/Medi-Cal they are entitled to free stuff (wheelchairs, Walkers, diabetic shoes and other durable medical equipment).

They take them to L.A. and have their “doctor” look at them, write the prescription for the item and bill Medicare/Medi-Cal. Most of the time the person receives the items. Many times the item does not fit or is unusable for some reason. Client tries to contact the company only to find the phone has been disconnected or they are told the person in charge is not available and will call back (which they do not).

The problem with this is the person may not be eligible for another piece of equipment for up to three years.

Another twist on this scam – seniors are being contacted by local companies at shopping centers, their home or senior apartment complex. They are told the same story but are not taken to L.A. The person gets their personal and insurance information and leaves. Sometimes the client gets the equipment promised, other times they do not. The main reason why the senior will not receive the items promised is because their doctor will not sign off on a prescription. So far we have not received information on identity theft in these cases but it does leave the door open to it.

Things to remember.

In order to get durable medical equipment (walkers, cane, wheelchair etc.) your doctor has to authorize a prescription.

If you do not have a prescription from you doctor for a specific item and a company contacts you about ordering items for free, this is unethical and may be a scam.

Durable medical equipment companies who are on the up and up do not do cold calls or hang out in shopping malls or senior living complexes looking for clients.

Once you get a piece of equipment it is very hard to change it for another (i.e. going from a walker to a wheelchair or wheelchair to electric chair or scooter) even if your needs change.

06-23-08

Last week APS (Adult Protective Services) in Contra Costa County received a financial abuse referral involving an old scam - Nigerian scam - with a new and very sophisticated twist.

The victim was told that his winnings would be deposited in a Bank of America account and held there until the tariffs; taxes, etc. were paid to the Nigerian government. To reassure the victim that the money ($15 million) had been deposited in a Bank of America account in his name, the victim was given an account number and a web page link to purportedly the Bank of America.  The web page is a true copy of the Bank of America web page, including logo, colors, etc.

When the victim inputted his account number on the website and his pin code, his name came up and his balance of $15 million dollars.  To further reassure the victim that this money is sitting in his account waiting for him to pay the tariffs, taxes et al, the victim was given a phone number that can only be accessed by cell phone. (we are not sure why it is only accessible via cell phone)

The victim calls the phone number and was greeting by "You have reached the Bank of America International Banking Center".  The victim was then asked to input his security code, then his account number, and then his pin number after which his recorded name was heard and "your balance as of June 23, 2008 is $15,345,000."

The victim gave APS (Adult Protective Service) staff his account number, security code and pin number as well as the website address. APS staff accessed both the website and the phone information and were stunned.  The website, especially, is so authentic.  Even more surprised was Corporate Security at the Bank of America.

On Friday afternoon, the victim was still hoping to access his BoA account and get the $15 million.  He and his housemate even had a bottle of champagne on ice in anticipation of this windfall.

This information shows us that we can not sit back and think we have all this figured out. The scammers will continually look for new ways to separate us from our money.

05-22-08

The FBI is asking people to beware of emails claiming to be raising money to help the victims of the recent earthquake in China. Some of the Chinese earthquake scam message claim to be offering free vacation trips to the largest donors and even use fake logos of legitimate online pay services to fool people.

Everyone should consider the following:

Do not respond to unsolicited (SPAM) e-mail.

Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as officials soliciting via e-mail for donations.

Do not click on links contained within an unsolicited e-mail.

Be cautious of e-mail claiming to contain pictures in attached files, as the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.

To ensure contributions are received and used for intended purposes, make contributions directly to recognized organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf.

Validate the legitimacy of the organization by directly accessing the recognized charity or aid organization's website rather than following an alleged link to the site.

Attempt to verify the legitimacy of the non-profit status of the organization by using various Internet-based resources, which also may assist in confirming the actual existence of the organization.

Do not provide personal or financial information to anyone who solicits contributions: providing such information may compromise your identity and open you to identity theft.

04-28-08

IRS Scam

Detective Case, one of our moderators of the push e-mail system and co-webmaster of Scamnot.org received an e-mail on his work account (extension .fresnosheriffs.org) from the IRS stating after review of his past fiscal activity he is eligible for a refund of $280.40.

The following are print-screens of the email recieved

This e-mail was a little cheesy but if you are not paying attention they could get by on it.

The main problem is the remainder of the e-mail. Once you click on the link provided in the original e-mail you are taken to one of the best cloned sites we have ever seen.

As you can see we have provided bogus information, letters instead of numbers for the social security card, expired credit card.

Once we hit submit, this is the screen that popped up. As you can see they tell us that our information is correct compared to their files and our money will be sent to us in 3 – 6 business days. When has the IRS ever done anything in 3-6 days!

After 5 seconds we were redirected to this page, the real IRS main page to make us think everything is on the up and up.

01-16-08

Grandson/Granddaughter Scam

You receive a call from a grandson or granddaughter saying that are in trouble. The caller says they are in jail or have been in an accident either in Canada or Mexico and need money right away to pay fines or to receive medical attention.

Border states have seen an increase in this type of scam. Individuals in the states of Washington, Minnesota, Michigan, New York, California, and Texas report that senior citizens are being targeted by scam artists.

Many times the scammer knows the name of the family member so the senior does not question it and sends the money, only later to find out they have been scammed. The caller asks the victim not to discuss the matter with his or her parents for fear of angering them.

Things to do to insure you are not being scammed:

• Contact other family member before sending money, ask if they know of the situation.
• If the grandchild states that they are in jail or in a hospital, ask which one. Contact that institution to find out if the grandchild is actually in that facility. 
• Consider where the child wants the money sent. If it is to be sent to somebody else, do not do it. Remember, if the child is in jail, another prisoner could have gotten your information from discussions with the grandchild
• If you send money ask that identification be provided by the receiver before the money is paid out.
• Regardless of the request to not talk to the parents, confirm though another family member that what you were told is true or do not send the money

Detective Dave Case- Fresno County Sheriff’s Department, elder abuse training coordinator - (559) 253-7863

Cory Scholtes- direct services supervisor, Scamnot web master

Fresno Madera Area Agency on Aging