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Online Scams

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Don't Let Them Break Your Heart: FBI Issues Alert For Romance Scams Don't Let Them Break Your Heart: FBI Issues Alert For Romance Scams
Don't Let Them Break Your Heart: FBI Issues Alert For Romance Scams While Valentine's Day is a time for romantic gestures, the FBI has issued an alert to the public about romance scams.  The agency said in an alert on Monday, Feb. 14, that the scams take place when a criminal adopts a fake identity online to get the victim's trust and uses the close relationship to manipulate and/or steal from the victim. "The criminals who carry out romance scams are experts at what they do and will seem genuine, caring, and believable," the FBI said. "Con artists are present on most dating and social media sites." The FBI said eventually the scammer will ask the vic…

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by Nicole Valinote
News
Don't Fall For Them: FBI Issues Alert For Online Shopping Scams Don't Fall For Them: FBI Issues Alert For Online Shopping Scams
Don't Fall For Them: FBI Issues Alert For Online Shopping Scams The FBI is warning the public of cybercriminals targeting shoppers hoping to take advantage of online bargains and hard-to-find gift items for the holidays. During the 2020 holiday shopping season, the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center received more than 17,000 complaints regarding the non-delivery of goods, resulting in losses of over $53 million, the agency said.  It is anticipated this number could increase during the 2021 holiday season due to rumors of merchandise shortages and the ongoing pandemic. That's why criminals are busy finding ways to entice their victims in multiple …

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Alert Issued For Online Scams While Shopping For Back-To-School Supplies Alert Issued For Online Scams While Shopping For Back-To-School Supplies
Alert Issued For Online Scams While Shopping For Back-To-School Supplies With the new school year fast approaching and children returning to the classroom following a lost year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, parents are being cautioned to be aware of back-to-school shopping scams. As most classrooms prepare for in-person learning during the fall for the first time in more than a year, there have been reported shortages of some school merchandise, creating an opportunity for fraudsters to target parents through online scams. Sandra Guile of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) said that “what parents are challenged with at this point in time is juggling the transition…

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by Zak Failla
News
Alert Issued For Scam USPS Package Delivery Postponed Texts Alert Issued For Scam USPS Package Delivery Postponed Texts
Alert Issued For Scam USPS Package Delivery Postponed Texts Law enforcement officials are cautioning of a new text message "smishing" scam that involves phony messages being sent from fraudsters posing as members of the US Postal Service (USPS). Alerts have been issued by state and federal officials following recent reports from consumers who have received messages claiming to be from USPS about a change in delivery shipment. The messages typically include a link that could potentially expose one to scammers looking to steal personal identifying information. Many who click the phony link have wound up being hacked or prompted to provide new informat…

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by Zak Failla
News
Scammers May Victimize Peer-To-Peer App Users, CT Attorney General Warns Scammers May Victimize Peer-To-Peer App Users, CT Attorney General Warns
Scammers May Victimize Peer-To-Peer App Users, CT Attorney General Warns Federal and state officials are warning consumers to be vigilant when using “peer to peer” apps like CashApp, Venmo, PayPal, and Zelle to avoid losing money, giving out valuable personal information, or being victimized by scammers. Like any product, consumers must make informed decisions with regard to the use of financial technology products including the “peer to peer” applications for smartphones, otherwise known as “prepaid accounts” or “P2P account.”  P2P Apps have become increasingly popular through companies like Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, and PayPal. While these apps can be used …

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Extortion Scam Involved Threat To Release Nude Photos Of Monroe Man, Police Say Extortion Scam Involved Threat To Release Nude Photos Of Monroe Man, Police Say
Extortion Scam Involved Threat To Release Nude Photos Of Monroe Man, Police Say An area man who was corresponding with an "alleged" woman online, found out the hard way not to send anyone nude photos when the woman attempted to scam him out of $2,000. Monroe Police are investigating the scam which was reported on Sunday, Oct. 27, after the man received the demand for money, said Lt. Stephen Corrone. Corrone said the man had been talking with the woman online for quite some time and had at one time sent her two $100 gift cards.  After the woman received the gift cards, the two exchanged nude photos, Corrone said. The man then received a screenshot on Facebook of …

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by Kathy Reakes
News
FBI Warns Of Scam Targeting Car Buyers FBI Warns Of Scam Targeting Car Buyers
FBI Warns Of Scam Targeting Car Buyers If it seems too good to be true, it might be, according to federal investigators. The FBI has issued an alert cautioning area residents to be aware of a national scam involving fraudulent online classified advertisements, offering vehicles that are not for sale, and some that never have been for sale, that are allegedly in their possession. According to the FBI, the fake advertisements tend to include photos that match the description of the alleged vehicle and a phone number or email address to contact the supposed seller. Once contact is established, the fraudster sends the intended buyer…

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by Zak Failla