Last Update - 12/31/2011
*Cyber Bandits Use Your Cell Phone To Rob Your Home
*Bank Text Message Scam
*False Friends on Facebook
*GPS Thefts And Your Home Security
*The Word on Passwords
*Craigslist Scams
*ELECTRONIC PICKPOCKETS Updated!
*Problem with your Credit Card scam
*Hackers Spread Virus with Swine Flu Vaccine Offer
*Rejected ACH Transaction scam
*Changed Your Security Settings scam
*I.R.S. Unreported/Underreported Income scam
*Fake Antivirus / Spyware
*Phone Credit Card Fraud Warning Scam
*Telephone Jury Duty Scam
*Credit Card Cash Back Scam
*Internet Car Sales Scam
*Car Auction Scam
The bad guys are STILL out to get you in any way they can. They use all types of tricks and traps to get your personal info. Most involve "SCARE-WARE" tactics that try to get you to panic and link out to their phishing web site, which may look very similar to the real legitimate company site. Here are some tips to avoid being a victim and some of the active scams I have seen recently.
When you get an e-mail, phone call, or letter that just doesn't look right; is asking for personal information or confirmation of personal information that the company should already have - STOP ! ! It is probably a scam! Especially if the e-mail is claiming it is urgent or trying to scare you into acting right away! You should always have in your address book the names, address, and phone numbers of every service provider you use. Companies like your bank, utilities, internet provider, doctor, credit card provider(s), broker, and etcetera. Use these numbers to contact the provider directly and inquire about the questionable e-mail, phone call, or letter.
For more info on Identity Theft Prevention see our Identity Theft pageIf you know of an e-mail scam Click to let me know. - Brian
Return to top of page.Cyber Bandits Use Your Cell Phone To Rob Your Home
Cyber Bandits can use you cell phone and tweets / Facebook / online pictures to find out where you live and when you are not home so they can rob you in peace. That's right, your GPS enabled smart phone reports your whereabouts continually and the info is NOT very secure. Thieves can actually track your movements. Also paying bills via your cell phone is not much safer. Thieves can easily hack into your signal and copy your account info and passwords.
Have you ever wondered why so many people you don't know want to be your friend on Facebook? Because if you post / tweet your whereabouts continually they know when you are not home. Now all they need is your address which they can usually get with a quick Google search and rob your home. Even those digital camera pictures are encoded with the GPS co-ordinates of where it was taken and time & date.
So be wary of 'friends' you do not know, and what you post. You might be helping a thief rob you.
Return to top of page.Bank Text Message Scam
There is a new text message scam sweeping West Michigan. The text looks like it is coming from your bank. 5/3rd bank customers are currently getting hit. It says your account is being 'suspended' and call this number. DON'T DO IT!! IT IS A PHISHING SCAM ! ! NEVER EVER NEVER respond directly to any email, text, or phone call saying there is a problem with your bank account. If you are worried by receiving these texts; 1st delete the text, email, or hang up. 2nd ALWAYS contact your bank using the phone #, email address, or web site address that you already have in your personal address book.
Return to top of page.False Friends on Facebook
Watch out!! Scammers are out to hijack your Facebook account and 'friend' list. Then they go after your credit card number. Beware of videos or links from a friend that say 'Is this you? LOL!!'. It may be legit, but it probably is a scam. The link will probably take you to a phishing site or a site loaded with spyware and
malware designed to harvest your personal and financial info. Then it will use your contact list to spread itself to all your friends. So beware of juicy sounding links and video posts. Especially those that take a very long time to load. That might mean you are being bounced from one server to another and another to hide the identity of the scammer.
And NEVER EVER NEVER re-enter your password or personal info once you are properly logged into Facebook. That means you are DEFENATLY on a phishing site! Facebook shares your login info with legit partner sights automatically, or ask if it is ok for Facebook to share your personal info with them.
Better to miss a funny video than become a victim of identity theft.
GPS Thefts And Your Home Security
While not a scam, this is a growing problem. Many thieves are breaking into cars and then using the personal information programmed into your GPS to find and rob your house. A good rule to follow is to NEVER program your home address into your GPS. Use the local gas station, supermarket, or you work location into the 'home' or 'starting' position. After all you already know how to get there and how far it is away from your house.
About car break-ins, some thieves are using a more subtle method of breaking into your car. They will punch or drill a small hole in your car door just below the handle on the passenger door. Then jimmy the lock and take only a few things without trashing your car so you won't be instantly be aware of the theft. This gives the thieves a few days before you realize some things are gone and report it to the police.
Return to top of page.The Word on Passwords
Passwords are meant to keep your personal data safe. Unfortunately most people do not understand how to make a good password. And with the new generation of GPUs (Graphic Processing Units) which are made to handle huge volumes of data for games and video, cracking your measly password is simpler than ever.
Here are a few rules to help you make better passwords :
1. Simple words like 'password' are the first thing scammers try. Nowadays there are dictionary programs that simply try every word in the dictionary until it hits upon your password. Same thing for simple number passwords like '1357'.
2. And please don't use your birthday, anniversary, pets name, address, or anything else that is public knowledge or on your Facebook page. Talk about making it easy for scammers.
3. Size does matter. 4, 5, or 6 characters long? HA!! The new GPUs break a 7 character password easily. 12 characters is the minimum size. The longer the better especially for financial passwords.
4. What is a "Character"? Anything on your keyboard that the program will accept - letters(caps and lowercase), numbers, and symbols. And mix it up! Use them all. Something like - 1f^mo91%&(5A or B1l8u%e2T6w(o .
5. Never keep your passwords in a simple 'Word" file on your computer. Scammers look for this with 'Trojan Horses'. If you write them down, do it in longhand and store them in a plain old unmarked file folder in a safe location away from the computer. Or you can buy a 'Password Manager' program. These programs will also help you generate very strong passwords.
6. No legitimate web site or business will ever ask you for your password unless you are logging into their site. If someone on the phone, email, or online wants your password, just hang up. It is a scam. *See Text Message and Email Scams below.
Return to top of page.Craigslist Scams
Sorry I didn't post this sooner, guess what happened to me :
Check Fraud
I listed my old Canon 35mm SLR camera for sale on Craigslist. Received this email:
"Still up for sale ? Carl." From 'gamed78@gmail.com'.
I replied and received a 2nd email :
"Ok,I'm presently on vacation but I will instruct my assistant to prepare and mail a Money Order which you will receive in the next 3 - 5 business days. I'll add $20 extra for the delay.If this is acceptable by you, Send your info i.e your full Name to cash,mailing Address and also your phone Number so payment can be mail out immediately.
I will make arrangement for pick-up after you must have received and cashed the Money Order. Awaiting your info. Thanks Carl." From 'heart4allsoul2000@gmail.com'.
Yes I was immediately suspicious. After a little research I found several postings confirming that this email address has been trying this scam for almost a year.
The point here is be very suspicious when you get someone who asks no questions, doesn't ask for a lower price, and wants to send you a money order for more than you are asking for. AND NEVER NEVER NEVER refund an overpayment!! IT IS A SCAM!! These checks take 2 weeks or longer to clear all the way to the issuing bank and YOU WILL BE LIABLE TO REPAY ALL THE MONEY BACK!!
Employment Fraud
While there are many legitimate employment ads on Craigslist, there are lots of scammers.Rule #1. NEVER pay up front training fees!
Rule #2. NEVER pay up front background check fees! It is usually a scam. Unfortunately a few employers are doing this because they are a revolving door. They are constantly hiring (and losing money on background checks) because people are constantly leaving. Think very carefully about working there.
Rule #3. NEVER give out personal bank account numbers or information over the web before you are hired! I don't care how legitimate the web site looks, IT IS A SCAM ! ! Legitimate employers only need this info after you are hired and have signed the proper documents.
Rule #4. If the pay is higher than other similar employers it is probably a scam. Remember the I.R.S.'s advice - If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't true! 99.99% of the time you CAN NOT make $50,000 a month or even a year part time. It just doesn't happen unless you are a rock star or semi-retired doctor, lawyer, or president.
Free Stuff
Sometimes that 'free stuff' ad was not true. Several times people have posted other peoples stuff as free when it was not. One burglar even posted that a store's merchandise was free to cover his crime. Guess who is in jail?
ALWAYS CONFIRM the 'free stuff' posting with the owner of the free stuff.
ELECTRONIC PICKPOCKETS
A thief with an RFI reader can steal your credit card number from your Tap-n-go credit card right out of your pocket without touching you or your credit card. All they need to do is get their stock commercially available RFI reader within 3 inches of your credit card. If they juice up the power on their reader, they may be able to get it from several feet away. Check out this story ELECTRONIC PICKPOCKETS.
Electronic skimmers are getting to be a major problem, especially at gas stations and ATMs. Thieves can skim your card number and transmit it to them via Bluetooth or WIFI. Always look over the terminal before you put your card in. If there is anything loose on the card reader, the cover, clear plastic, etc., DO NOT use the terminal. It may have been compromised. You know I love my debit card, but most credit cards keep you safer as they do not have direct access to your bank account. Always read the fine print about your liability if your card or card number is stolen. Some card issuers offer little or no protection if your card number is skimmed and used electronically (not physicaly swiped).
Return to top of page.TEXT MESSAGE SCAMS
Problem with your Credit Card
This scam sends a text to you about a problem with your credit card, loan, bank account, or ??? account. BEWARE - this is just another phishing tool for the scammers! DO NOT reply!! I don't care how official the email looks, DO NOT reply!! If you want to make sure there are no problems call the number on your last statement and tell them what happened. Never use any number or link provided by a questionable source. If there is a problem with your account, most banks will suspend your account until they can reach you, or you call / visit them. You may want to call your bank / service provider and discuss what would happen if there were an unusual or unauthorized transaction happening. That way you know their procedures and how to contact you if this ever happens.
Return to top of page.E-MAIL SCAMS
Hackers Spread Virus with Swine Flu Vaccine Offer
Here we go again. Remember if it is too good to be true; it is NOT TRUE! ! Hackers are now using headline stories like swine flu to get you to visit there phishing / malware / bot sites to rip you off or use you to rip others off. The government does NOT initiate contact with emails. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE use your brains not your fear! Here is the complete article complete article
Return to top of page.Rejected ACH transaction
NACHA - The Electronic Payments Association - has issued an advisory to financial institutions about phishing emails designed to appear as if they were sent from NACHA warning users about failed ACH transactions. The e-mail includes a link that, if clicked, redirects the individual to a fake web page that appears to be a NACHA website and contains a link that almost certainly leads to a Jabber/Zeus malware download.
DO NOT CLICK ON ANY LINK OR RESPOND TO THIS EMAIL! ! Call your bank or credit card provider directly to verify any potential problem.
Return to top of page.Changed Your Security Settings
If you get an e-mail supposedly from your e-mail service provider stating 'We have changed your security settings. Please click on this link to confirm.' or anything closely resembling this from your Internet Provider, Facebook, etcetera - DO NOT CLICK ON THAT LINK! ! !
This is a scam to get control of your email account. Call or contact your service provider using the previously recorded phone number or address in your personal files. DO NOT under any circumstances click or call any link or phone number
provided in the fake e-mail. I called my provider when I got this e-mail and the asked me to forward it to them. Then they e-mailed me back confirming it was a scam and thanked me for the call.
I.R.S. Unreported/Underreported Income
There is an email scam going around that claims it is from the I.R.S. Here is an example:
Taxpayer ID: lbstump-00000174073547US
Tax Type: INCOME TAX
Issue: Unreported/Underreported Income (Fraud Application)
Please review your tax statement on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website (click on the link below):
review tax statement for taxpayer id: lbstump-0..........US (not a valid link, Brian)
Internal Revenue Service
This is a phishing site. If you go there the bad guys will steal your identity ! ! ! ! !
The United States Internal Revenue Service NEVER EVER NEVER will initialy contact you via email about a problem. The real U.S. Government I.R.S. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS initiates all contact with taxpayers by United States Mail ONLY ! ! !
PROTECT YOURSELF - NEVER EVER NEVER CLICK ON THOSE LINKS! ! !
Return to top of page.SERVICE PROVIDER SCAMS
Fake Antivirus / Spyware
With names like Antivirus 2009 and AntiSpyware 2009 they sound legitimate. BUT they are phishing sites! Designed to collect your personal data to steal your identity, credit cards, and bank accounts. Always use a trusted vendor recommended by a friend or trusted magazine like PC World. Don't be sucked in by free offers, low rates, or unbelievable claims of protection. Always do your research!!
Return to top of page.OTHER SCAMS
Phone Credit Card Fraud warning Scam
This one is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want.Please Note: The callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it!!
The scam works like this: Caller: 'This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My Badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from a Marketing company based in ??' When you say 'No', the caller continues with, 'Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from $297 to $497, just under the $500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?' You say 'yes'. The caller continues - 'I will be starting a Fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 1- 800 number listed on the back of your card (1-800 -VISA) and ask for Security.' You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. 'Do you need me to read it again?'
Here's what the scammer needs to complete the theft of your Credit Card:
The caller then says, 'I need to verify you are in possession of your card'. He'll ask you to 'turn your card over and look for some numbers'. There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security Numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card.
The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, 'That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?' After you say No, the caller then thanks you and states, 'Don't hesitate to call back if you do, and hangs up.
DO NOT GIVE THOSE 3 VERIFICATION NUMBERS TO THEM!!!
If you receive one of these calls record or write down all the info they give you. DO NOT GIVE THOSE 3 VERIFICATION NUMBERS TO THEM!!! Simply hang up and contact your card issuer using the phone number on the back of the card or on your last statement. Tell them what happened and ask if there is really a problem. NEVER EVER NEVER give out those 3 verification numbers unless you are trying to buy something online or by phone. If you did not initiate the contact, it is probably a fraud.
Return to top of page.TELEPHONE JURY DUTY SCAM
The caller claims to be a jury coordinator. If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the scammer asks you for your Social Security number and date of birth so he or she can verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant. Give out any of this information and bingo, your identity was just stolen. The fraud has been reported so far in 11 states, including Oklahoma , Illinois , and Colorado . This (swindle) is particularly insidious because they use intimidation over the phone to try to bully people into giving information by pretending they are with the court system. The FBI and the federal court system have issued nationwide alerts on their web sites, warning consumers about the fraud.
If you get one of these calls
Credit Card Cash Back Scam
This may or may not be true Credit Card Cash Back Scam BUT it reminds us of the importance of checking out your receipt before you leave the store. Accidents happen, machines malfunction, and there is the occasional crook out there.
Return to top of page.Internet Car Sales Scam
The Michigan Secretary of State is warning about fake internet sights that are claiming to be repossession agents or dealerships selling cars at substantial discounts for banks and loan agencies. You are supposed to send them the money and they will deliver the car in 3 to 5 days.
NO THEY WON'T!
THEY ARE NOT LICENSED BY THE STATE!!
IT IS A SCAM!!!
Car Auction Scam
Beware of Car Auctions that offer to sell your car for you. They have you ship your car to them, negotiate a contract, and then steal your car. My friend in Louisiana lost 2 classic muscle cars to an auction in Murphysboro. They sent him a letter stating they sold the cars for substantially under the agreed amount in violation of the contract. He has spent thousands of dollars to recover 1 of the cars. Seams they were "sold" without the title, laundered thru Ebay Motors, and Ohio (for a new title), plus several different owners and dealerships in just 2 months. He found them in Lansing at a dealer who offered to sell them back to him. He presented the original title and police report to the MSP and recovered the stolen vehicle.
NEVER SELL ANYTHING THRU AN AUCTION YOU DO NOT KNOW. ESPECIALLY OUT OF YOUR STATE. NEVER SURRENDER YOUR VEHICLE'S TITLE UNTILL YOU GET THE MONEY IN YOUR HAND! !
Return to top of page.To report a DEAD LINK