Helpful tips on how to prevent scams from the VBPD!
July 2nd, 2009 at 3:34 pm by Jamie Shackelford under 10 On Your Side
According to a recent report from FOX NEWS, there are nine very prevelant scams targeting unsuspecting victims. Here are a list of scams that you should watch out for:
1. Asian Invasion: The “Asian Extortion Scam” targets business owners, mostly of Asian decent, with death threats and other violence. Scammers pluck personal information about their targets from online searches and use the sensitive data to make victims feel vulnerable. The extortionists, who appear to be calling from outside the U.S., generally demand between $10,000 and $30,000 — though the FBI says there have been no reports of actual violence stemming from the schemes.
2. Mystery Shopping Scam: Some companies pay “mystery shoppers” to act as sample customers and test out the service at stores, banks and restaurants. But scammers are now targeting stay-at-home moms with “opportunities” to be defrauded of thousands of dollars. Victims receive a letter in the mail from a company offering about $400 for shopping at a few stores, along with a check for thousands of dollars to fund the purchases. The victim deposits the check into their back account, stops by a few stores and is then asked to wire about $2,000 back to the company. But when the original check bounces, victims are out the $2,000 they wired back — plus all the money they spent to go shopping.
3. Hit Man Scam: In the Hit Man e-mail scheme, scammers send letters claiming that the boyfriend, girlfriend or spouse of the recipient has arranged for their death. “It would say something like, ‘Your boyfriend paid $30,000 to have you killed, but if you pay me $15,000 it won’t happen,’” Kolko told FOXNews.com. Another version says a loved one will be kidnapped unless an advance ransom is paid out immediately, naming specific relatives (information found courtesy of — you guessed it — more online searches). Kolko said some recipients feel anxious when the sender names their loved ones, which can make them more apt to believe the threat is authentic.
4. Million Dollar Scam: If you’re offered a shot on the “Oprah Millionaire Contest Show,” you’re not going to be the lucky winner of $1 million — you’re the target of a new scam. In order to participate, recipients of the scam e-mail must first send their contact information and are required to buy airfare and a ticket to the show in advance. Victims are later asked to fill out questionnaires seeking detailed personal information, which can put them at risk for identity theft. Other scammers have been mailing counterfeit checks with a letter that claims recipients they have won the “Oprah Show Summer Sweepstakes” — a contest that ended in 2006.
5. Grandparents Scam: “Hi grandma, it’s your favorite grandson,” says a scammer on the line. “Tommy, is that you?” “Yes, grandma, it’s Tommy. Listen, my wallet was just stolen and I’ve lost all of my money. Do you think you could send me some to make it through the end of the month?” Unsuspecting victims, momentarily confused or suffering from hearing loss, go along with the story and wire money out — up to $15,000 in the case of one giving grandmother who thought she was sending $15,000 to help cover an auto accident, according to the Better Business Bureau.
6. Military Wheels: People posing as U.S. troops have been posting to classifieds Web sites offering cars on the cheap that they have to sell quickly before being deployed to Afghanistan or Iraq. The scams typically claim there is a third-party protection program to ensure a safe transaction, but when payments are sent to the “secure” service, victims either don’t receive the car, or get stolen vehicles or ones with a salvaged title.
7. Jury Scam: Victims of the Jury Scam get an e-mail containing a fake subpoena ordering recipients to testify before a grand jury, complete with seemingly genuine details like your name, a case number and court seal. But the e-mails contain malware that can ruin a computer. Another version of the scam involves a phone call in which the caller claims to be a jury coordinator and intimidates victims into revealing personal information. Once the caller gets a victim’s Social Security Number and birth date, it’s all over.
8. Border Bust: Spam claiming to be from a former assistant commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol says a foreign diplomat has been stopped with a consignment of thousands or even millions of dollars, which was found to be an inheritance for the recipient. Victims who get drawn in receive more e-mails claiming it is a crime to carry the consignment into the U.S., and demands personal information and a $250 fee to prove the recipient was not involved in a terrorist act. If they fail to do so, the spammers tell their victims they are proving they intended to smuggle the money into the U.S., which is a federal offense. Victims never receive a dime but will continue to get e-mails demanding more money for fees in connection with getting their “inheritance.”
9. FBI Scams: The FBI says there have been “tons of complaints” about e-mails from people claiming to be FBI agents. Some appear to be from the Internet Crime Complaint Center and say the recipient has extorted money and must refund the money or face prosecution. Others, from the non-existent Anti-Terrorist and Monetary Crimes Division, inform recipients that they are the beneficiary of millions in inheritance. To claim the money, recipients must supply their full name, address and bank account number. Scammers even incorporate the names of top FBI executives into their e-mails by reading authentic FBI press releases, lending an air of credibility.
After seeing this recent report from FOX NEWS, Virginia Beach Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit sent us a few tips on the best way to prevent these scams:
* Remember if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
* Always verify information and opportunities.
* Never wire or send money to secure winnings.
* Never allow yourself to be rushed into a decision. Scammers often try to rush decisions by limiting the offer time. Always try to sleep on decisions or ask a friend about it.
* Always get agreements in writing.
* Only deal with reputable companies.
* Verify people collecting money for charities.
* Never pay cash. Get a receipt.
* If it seems suspicious, it probably is. Notify the police.
* Be careful when dealing over the internet, especially when the person is located in another country. It is best to make payments in person while you take receipt of the item you are purchasing.
Remember, EVERYONE IS A TARGET and you just have to be smarter than the scammer. If you have any questions regarding something that you believe is a scam, please don’t hesitate contact us here at 10 On Your Side or your local police department.
Jamie Shackelford - jamie.shackelford@wavy.com
10 On Your Side Producer
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