I don’t know what is in the air but there are more scammers buzzing around looking for free money than there are mosquitos! Since last time, in addition to the “usual” scams we see, there have been new scams and new twists to old ones. Here is a run-down. As always, periodically check the website for new scams in between newsletters.
Scams
#1 NEW SCAM ALERT — GOOGLE VOICE VERIFICATION CODE SCAM
If you are selling goods on-line (facebook, marketplace, craigslist, etc.), a scammer poses as an interested buyer. They then want to check to make sure you as the seller are legit. They ask for your phone number and then send you a google voice verification code and tell you to give them the 6 digit code to confirm you are legit and then they will call you for details on how to pick up the item. Except they won’t call you because all they wanted was your code to set up a fraudulent google voice account to be able to scam others without detection (in your name of course).
So if you are selling something online and get asked for your phone number, just say no! If they send you a code, do NOT give it to them. If you read this newsletter after you have already given this out, the attached word document gives you the instructions on how to get your phone number back and stop this scammer from using your number.
#2 ONLINE DATING SCAM
Scammers are both male and female and target vulnerable people of any age. They tell you what you want to hear, they get to know you through chatting and then use this info to set up a bond with you and then build up to asking for money. Sometimes they get to that point in a week, or maybe a month. They are patient. They send you pictures. They may want to come visit you. But you can’t meet up with them yet. If they say they want to come visit you, they will devise a story right before the planned visit that sets them up to ask for money.
For instance, I got sick and in the hospital, my home was burglarized, etc. Then they will use it as an excuse to ask for money with the promise of paying you back. Red Flags – You can’t meet in person for one reason or another. Pictures can be downloaded from the internet – it doesn’t mean it is actually the person. Awkward grammar. Too good to be true. Asking for money. Scammers can be found on any website. Proceed with caution!
#3 NEPHEW SCAM
7:20 am “Barbara? I didn’t wake you did I? This is Kevin. Kevin your nephew.” Now Kevin starts getting really upset – “I was at a friend’s wedding and drank too much and caused a wreck. They are charging me with careless driving. My parents will be so upset. I got really hurt – my nose is broken and I have a dislocated shoulder” — at this point Kevin is sounding much more nasal (due to broken nose) and starting to get more distraught and even sob here and there. “I can hardly breathe. Can you contact my public defender? get a paper and pencil.” I share with Kevin that I am surprised he isn’t charged with DUI and ask what he wants me to say to his attorney? “Find out the bond (sob, sob) and pay it so I can get out. I will pay you back.” Unfortunately when I told Kevin I hope he got life in jail I think I hurt his feelings and he hung up on me. I don’t have a nephew called Kevin. This is a rewrite of the GRANDPARENT SCAM”. I would call it the KEVIN SCAM but I bet there will be other names for Kevin!
#4 XCEL, PUBLISHERS CLEARINGHOUSE, CRAIGS LIST, PAYPAL, AMAZON PRIME SCAMS
These are oldies but goodies but have been popping up a lot lately. Xcel doesn’t ask you for money cards on the phone, Publishers does not charge you for winning something nor do you have to pay taxes up front, be cautious on Craig’s list and logos such as Paypal, Amazon, etc. can easily be copied and pasted to look legit. Don’t call the number and don’t click the link if you get an email saying they are confirming a big order you placed to be shipped to an unknown person.
#5 THE GOOD NEWS!
Indeed there is a rainbow! Here are just a few scammers that are getting their just desserts!
Two people indicted for health care fraud, are facing conspiracy charges and 14 counts of health care fraud. Facing prison time.
Wire and bank fraud charges – money laundering schemes, to the tune of $60M. Sentenced to 12 years in federal prison and ordered to pay $3Mm in restitution.
Social security number ID theft – sentenced to two years in prison and one year of supervised probation.
This is cause for celebration!
Please check out our website for more information on scams and stay safe! =Larimer Sheriff’s Fraud Alerts.
Barb
Chief Scambuster
Larimer County Sheriff’s Office