Tag:

Scam

EXCLUSIVE: Duo Poses As Government Agents, Stealing Gold From Victims In 5 States (UPDATE) EXCLUSIVE: Duo Poses As Government Agents, Stealing Gold From Victims In 5 States (UPDATE)
Exclusive: Duo Poses As Government Agents, Stealing Gold From Victims In 5 States (Update) A New Jersey man accused in a sweeping gold-theft scam across five states has entered a guilty plea, his attorney confirmed to Daily Voice on Tuesday, Dec. 9. Bharat Awasarmol and co-defendant Prakashkumar Prajapati were previously indicted for a multistate wire fraud conspiracy that began in March 2023, according to a superseding indictment returned on Thursday, April 3. Prosecutors said the pair and their co-conspirators posed as government officials to trick victims into turning over cash and gold. Victims in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, and Virginia received telephone cal…
Amazon Begins Payouts In $2.5B Prime Subscription Settlement: How Much You Can Get Amazon Begins Payouts In $2.5B Prime Subscription Settlement: How Much You Can Get
Amazon Begins Payouts In $2.5B Prime Subscription Settlement: How Much You Can Get Amazon Prime customers are starting to receive payments after the online retail giant was accused of tricking millions of users into unwanted subscriptions. The payments are going out after the Federal Trade Commission reached a record $2.5 billion settlement with Amazon in late September. Amazon is required to pay a $1 billion civil penalty and return $1.5 billion to roughly 35 million customers who were misled into enrolling in Prime or stuck paying for it. The fine is one of the largest in FTC history, with the agency fining Facebook $5 billion in 2019 for v…
Feds Seize Record $15B In Crypto From 'Pig Butchering' Scheme Using Enslaved Workers Feds Seize Record $15B In Crypto From 'Pig Butchering' Scheme Using Enslaved Workers
Feds Seize Record $15B In Crypto From 'Pig Butchering' Scheme Using Enslaved Workers Federal agents seized a record $15 billion in cryptocurrency from the ringleader for one of the world's largest "pig butchering" and forced-labor operations, authorities said. 37-year-old Chen Zhi was indicted on conspiracy charges related to wire fraud and money laundering, the Department of Justice said in a news release on Tuesday, Oct. 14. Chen, also known as "Vincent," is accused of leading the Prince Group's network of "scam compounds" across Cambodia, forcing trafficked workers to trick victims into fake cryptocurrency investments. Chen, a Cambodian national originally from…
How To Avoid Lottery, Prize Scams: You Didn’t Enter, But You 'Won'? How To Avoid Lottery, Prize Scams: You Didn’t Enter, But You 'Won'?
How To Avoid Lottery, Prize Scams: You Didn’t Enter, But You 'Won'? A surprise message says you hit the jackpot, but there’s a catch: you must pay a fee or hand over personal details to claim it.  That’s the hallmark of a lottery or prize scam—designed to separate you from your money and identity. These schemes often arrive by email, text, phone, or mail and lean on pressure tactics to force quick decisions.  Scammers frequently demand “taxes,” “processing,” or “shipping” upfront, or ask for sensitive data to “verify” you.  Legitimate lotteries do not require payment to release a prize, and you should never be asked for your Social Security…
Scammers Using Texts To Steal Bank Account Info: What To Know Scammers Using Texts To Steal Bank Account Info: What To Know
Scammers Using Texts To Steal Bank Account Info: What To Know It might look like a message from your bank. It might even sound urgent. But experts warn those texts could be nothing more than a scam designed to steal your money or personal information. Known as “smishing,” these fraudulent texts impersonate banks to trick people into handing over account details.  The scam often follows a pattern: a fake alert about a locked account or suspicious charge, followed by a link to a convincing but fraudulent website.  Entering information there can hand scammers access to your accounts, or worse, install malware on your phone. Your bank will nev…
Don't Fall For Automatic Withdrawal Scams: Here's What To Know Don't Fall For Automatic Withdrawal Scams: Here's What To Know
Don't Fall For Automatic Withdrawal Scams: Here's What To Know The latest trick to drain your checking account doesn’t require your debit card. Just your bank and routing numbers.  Fraudsters posing as prize promoters or special-offer reps convince victims to “verify” account details, then use that information to pull money out—often again and again. Here’s what to know to spot these schemes and protect your money. What They Are These scams hinge on a criminal getting your bank account and routing numbers, often from a check image, a cold call, a mailed postcard, or a too-good-to-be-true email. The criminal then initiates unauthorized autom…
Don’t Cash In: Unsolicited Checks Could Cost You Big Don’t Cash In: Unsolicited Checks Could Cost You Big
Don’t Cash In: Unsolicited Checks Could Cost You Big Receiving a check in the mail might seem like a stroke of luck, but experts warn it could be the start of a costly scam.  Authorities are alerting consumers about a surge in unsolicited check fraud schemes targeting people across the US. How The Scam Works Unsolicited check fraud typically begins when you receive a check from someone you don’t know.  The scammer may contact you about a job, a prize, or even as an overpayment for something you’re selling online.  The check looks genuine, and when you deposit it, the funds may appear in your account almost immediately. But …
Big League Lie: Man Claimed MLB Career While Scamming Women, Dodging Sex Offender Registry: DOJ Big League Lie: Man Claimed MLB Career While Scamming Women, Dodging Sex Offender Registry: DOJ
Big League Lie: Man Claimed MLB Career While Scamming Women, Dodging Sex Offender Registry: DOJ He said he was going pro in baseball — but what he really went pro in was lying, scamming, and disappearing from the sex offender registry, prosecutors in Virginia say. Now, he's going to prison. A Roanoke man who told women he was a Major League Baseball prospect, forged six-figure checks, used burner phones to impersonate team officials, and failed to register as a sex offender pleaded guilty in federal court earlier this year, federal officials announced. Now, Janike Dunbar Holt — a man who goes by many names — has been sentenced to 41 months in federal prison. Holt, 29 — also known as…
‘Your Bank Is Hacked’: CT Senior Targeted In $400K Scam By NJ Brothers, Prosecutors Say ‘Your Bank Is Hacked’: CT Senior Targeted In $400K Scam By NJ Brothers, Prosecutors Say
‘Your Bank Is Hacked’: CT Senior Targeted In $400K Scam By NJ Brothers, Prosecutors Say Two New Jersey brothers are accused of running a scam that stole nearly $400,000 from elderly victims in New York and Connecticut, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said Monday, Aug. 25. Abhishek Barvalia, 31, and Tushar Barvalia, 32, of Rutherfo, were indicted on charges of second-degree grand larceny, first-degree scheme to defraud, and fourth-degree conspiracy, Gonzalez said. They were released without bail after being arraigned in Brooklyn Supreme Court and are due back Oct. 22. Prosecutors say the scam ran from June 2023 to January 2024, targeting women ages 76, 78, 83, and 90 i…
Zelle Left Users Open To $1B In Scams, NY AG Says Zelle Left Users Open To $1B In Scams, NY AG Says
Zelle Left Users Open To $1B In Scams, NY AG Says The operator of Zelle is accused of designing the popular payment app without basic safeguards, allowing scammers to steal more than $1 billion from users. A lawsuit filed against Early Warning Services, LLC (EWS) by New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office Wednesday, Aug. 13, alleges the company failed to protect users from scams. EWS operates Zelle and is owned by a consortium of some of the country’s largest banks, including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Capital One, and Wells Fargo. According to the complaint, EWS launched Zelle in 2017 without critical safeguards, making it …
$5M Grandparent Scam Targeted Hundreds; FBI Charges 13 In Scheme That Swindled Americans $5M Grandparent Scam Targeted Hundreds; FBI Charges 13 In Scheme That Swindled Americans
$5M Grandparent Scam Targeted Hundreds; FBI Charges 13 In Scheme That Swindled Americans The phone rings in the middle of the night. It’s a family member, and they’re in trouble. A misunderstanding or mistake has put them in a serious bind, and they need thousands of dollars — immediately — or they're in big trouble.  Hundreds of people have received calls like that, but they were fake. Federal investigators call it the “grandparent scam.” The scheme allegedly targeted hundreds of older Americans — including at least 50 in Massachusetts — and stole more than $5 million, according to the US Attorney for Massachusetts. Federal prosecutors say they’ve charged 13 people who “r…
Fired Tolland Insurance Agent Facing 31 Felony Charges In Multi-State Scam: Police Fired Tolland Insurance Agent Facing 31 Felony Charges In Multi-State Scam: Police
Fired Tolland Insurance Agent Facing 31 Felony Charges In Multi-State Scam: Police A former Connecticut insurance agent is accused of running a multi-state life insurance scam that allegedly took money from at least nine people for policies that either didn’t exist or had already lapsed, according to state investigators. Ian Pierce, 34, was arrested last week after a months-long investigation led by the Statewide Organized Crime Investigative Task Force, Connecticut State Police said. Pierce, a former insurance agent, was fired in March 2020 after his employer discovered he was pocketing client payments, State Police said. The Connecticut Insurance Department revoked his …
$125K Scam Foiled: Fake FBI Agents Tried Conning NY Woman Out Of Gold, Police Say $125K Scam Foiled: Fake FBI Agents Tried Conning NY Woman Out Of Gold, Police Say
$125K Scam Foiled: Fake FBI Agents Tried Conning NY Woman Out Of Gold, Police Say A pair of New Jersey men are accused of trying to scam an elderly Long Island woman into handing over $125,000 in gold. The attempted heist unfolded Thursday, July 24, in Massapequa, when an 80-year-old woman was contacted by a man claiming to be with the FBI, according to Nassau County Police. After telling the woman she was under federal investigation, the purported agent said she would be arrested unless she purchased and surrendered $125,000 in gold. A “courier” would be sent to her home to collect the gold, he warned. Detectives were alerted to the suspicious activity when the woman t…
Rapidly Spreading Scam Targets Drivers With Texts Meant To Click Quickly Rapidly Spreading Scam Targets Drivers With Texts Meant To Click Quickly
Rapidly Spreading Scam Targets Drivers With Texts Meant To Click Quickly A new scam is hitting phones with alarming claims tied to enforcement deadlines, and officials say it's designed to scare drivers into clicking fast. The messages are fraudulent and part of a growing trend known as smishing, or SMS-based phishing attacks, authorities say. The texts note an alleged traffic infraction and cite a specific deadline by which payment must be made to avoid license suspension, fines, or even criminal charges.  Some messages reference obscure motor vehicle codes or list a set of escalating penalties. A link is provided to submit payment through what appears to…
Amazon Issues Alert For Prime Day Scam Amazon Issues Alert For Prime Day Scam
Amazon Issues Alert For Prime Day Scam Prime members are being urged to stay vigilant following a new scam warning by Amazon as its annual Prime Day event gets underway. Prime Day is often used by scammers as cover for phishing attempts and impersonation fraud. It runs from Tuesday, July 8, through Friday, July 11. The company says fraudsters are increasingly targeting shoppers with fake emails, texts, and phone calls that appear to come from Amazon.  The goal: to trick users into handing over personal or financial information. In many cases, the messages create a false sense of urgency, such as a problem with an ord…
Walmart To Pay $10M After Scammers Exploit Money Transfer Services, FTC Says Walmart To Pay $10M After Scammers Exploit Money Transfer Services, FTC Says
Walmart To Pay $10M After Scammers Exploit Money Transfer Services, FTC Says Walmart will pay $10 million and change its money transfer practices after federal regulators said the company let scammers steal hundreds of millions of dollars from Americans. Walmart agreed to the payout in a settlement, the Federal Trade Commission announced on Friday, June 20. The agency's three commissioners unanimously approved the final order. The FTC accused the retail giant of allowing fraudsters to misuse its wire transfer services between 2013 and 2018. "Electronic money transfers are one of the most common ways that scammers tell consumers to send them money, be…
'Heartless Frauds': Feds Seize Record $225M In Crypto From 'Pig Butchering' Scammers 'Heartless Frauds': Feds Seize Record $225M In Crypto From 'Pig Butchering' Scammers
'Heartless Frauds': Feds Seize Record $225M In Crypto From 'Pig Butchering' Scammers Federal agents have seized the largest amount of cryptocurrency ever related to "pig butchering" scams, where victims were tricked into fake online relationships. The Department of Justice announced the seizure of $225.3 million in crypto from the global "confidence scam" on Wednesday, June 18. The scam is also known as "pig butchering" since it uses tactics used to "fatten up" victims before draining their savings. Scammers relied on false identities through online messaging to gain trust and enter fake relationships before pushing fraudulent investments. "These scams prey …
Don’t Answer If You Get This Call, FBI Says Don’t Answer If You Get This Call, FBI Says
Don’t Answer If You Get This Call, FBI Says If you get a call from someone claiming to be the FBI or another government agency and threatens arrest unless you pay up, hang up. Scammers across the country are impersonating federal authorities and spoofing legitimate government phone numbers in a rising wave of fraud, authorities say. Victims are being told they face immediate arrest unless they send money via prepaid gift cards, wire transfers, cash, or cryptocurrency. The threats are fake, but the financial losses are very real. Here’s how the scam works: Caller ID spoofing — Scammers manipulate phone numbers so it looks like the …
Scammers Using Trump Tariff Confusion To Trick Online Shoppers, BBB Warns Scammers Using Trump Tariff Confusion To Trick Online Shoppers, BBB Warns
Scammers Using Trump Tariff Confusion To Trick Online Shoppers, BBB Warns Scammers are using the confusion surrounding President Donald Trump's changing tariffs to cover up missing packages and ignore refund requests. The Better Business Bureau says it's seeing more reports of shady sellers blaming "tariffs" and "customs delays" when products don't arrive. In many cases, the sellers vanish after taking your money. The BBB has warned that shoppers aren't typically responsible for tariffs after buying online and it's a red flag if a seller says your item is stuck in customs due to tariffs. "After 2 months of not receiving my product I have…
Sex Offender Faked MLB Career, Scammed Women, Skipped Registry In Virginia: DOJ Sex Offender Faked MLB Career, Scammed Women, Skipped Registry In Virginia: DOJ
Sex Offender Faked MLB Career, Scammed Women, Skipped Registry In Virginia: DOJ He said he was going pro in baseball — but what he really went pro in was lying, scamming, and disappearing from the sex offender registry, prosecutors in Virginia say. A Roanoke man who told women he was a Major League Baseball prospect, forged six-figure checks, used burner phones to impersonate team officials, and failed to register as a sex offender has pleaded guilty in federal court as part of an elaborate scheme, federal officials announced. He went by many names while executing his scheme. Janike Dunbar Holt, 29 — also known as “Nike,” “Janike Tagovailoa,” “Keanu Tagovailoa,” and “…
CT DoorDash Scammer Was Murdered Before Trial, Now Feds Are Scrambling To Return Stolen Money CT DoorDash Scammer Was Murdered Before Trial, Now Feds Are Scrambling To Return Stolen Money
CT DoorDash Scammer Was Murdered Before Trial, Now Feds Are Scrambling To Return Stolen Money Federal officials have recovered more than $736,000 linked to a Connecticut-based scam targeting DoorDash drivers. But the man behind the scheme was murdered just two days before a court appearance, and now prosecutors must figure out how to return the stolen cash. Police began investigating David Smith in January 2023 when Stamford police responded to a domestic violence call at a local apartment, the U.S. Attorney for Connecticut said. Inside, officers found a 9mm handgun with an extended magazine and multiple safes stuffed with $736,040 in cash, along with 118 credit and debit cards, most…
Batman And Robin Bust Gambling Suspects On Westminster Bridge In Real-Life Superhero Sting Batman And Robin Bust Gambling Suspects On Westminster Bridge In Real-Life Superhero Sting
Batman And Robin Bust Gambling Suspects On Westminster Bridge In Real-Life Superhero Sting Not-so-vigilante justice?  Batman and Robin aren’t just fighting crime in Gotham—they’re taking down street scammers on London’s Westminster Bridge, too. Tourists on Westminster Bridge were treated to more than just a view when a real-life Batman and Robin swooped in to take down two suspected street scammers in London. Inspector Darren Watson and Police Constable Abdi Osman Metropolitan Police Department Metropolitan Police officers Inspector Darren Watson and Police Constable Abdi Osman went full caped crusader, donning Batman and Robin suits to bust illegal gambling sus…
IRS Warns Of Bogus Refund Schemes: Here's What To Know IRS Warns Of Bogus Refund Schemes: Here's What To Know
IRS Warns Of Bogus Refund Schemes: Here's What To Know A new tax-season scam circulating online is encouraging people to falsify wage information on federal tax returns in an attempt to score large refunds — sometimes in the five-figure range. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued a consumer alert warning taxpayers not to fall for the scheme, which involves manually entering made-up income and tax withholding figures on Form W-2, the Wage and Tax Statement. In some cases, scammers even urge users to invent an employer altogether.  The goal is to trick the system into issuing inflated refunds based on the false data. The IRS says i…
New Scam Involving Fraudulent Texts Impersonates IRS New Scam Involving Fraudulent Texts Impersonates IRS
New Scam Involving Fraudulent Texts Impersonates IRS A new scam involves unsolicited text messages impersonating the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the agency says. The fraudulent messages falsely claim recipients are eligible for a $1,400 Economic Impact Payment and instruct them to click a deceptive link to "claim" the funds. How The Scam Works Victims receive a text message that appears to be from the IRS, stating they are owed an Economic Impact Payment. The message urges them to provide personal information to process the supposed payment. Scammers promise the money will be deposited into a bank account or mailed as a check within 1-2…
Online Scammers Using This Method To Steal Personal Info, FBI Says Online Scammers Using This Method To Steal Personal Info, FBI Says
Online Scammers Using This Method To Steal Personal Info, FBI Says The FBI has issued a warning about cybercriminals exploiting victims to distribute malware and steal personal information. ​ Fraudulent free online file converter tools offer services like converting or merging files—such as transforming a .doc file to a .pdf or combining multiple images into a single document. While they perform the advertised tasks, they may also install hidden malware on users' computers.  This malware can grant criminals access to sensitive data, including Social Security numbers, banking details, cryptocurrency information, email addresses, and passwords.  …
Scammers Impersonating IRS With These Texts: Here's What To Know Scammers Impersonating IRS With These Texts: Here's What To Know
Scammers Impersonating IRS With These Texts: Here's What To Know A new scam is making the rounds, with fraudsters posing as Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents and sending text messages promising a substantial rebate.  The trap is a phishing attempt designed to steal your personal and financial information. What’s Happening? The fraudulent messages claim recipients are eligible for a $1,400 stimulus check, directing them to click on a fake link to “claim” their payment.  How The Scam Works You receive a text message appearing to be from the IRS, stating that you’re owed an Economic Impact Payment and must provide personal information …
2025 Tax Season Begins: What You Need To Know About Expanded Options, New Tools 2025 Tax Season Begins: What You Need To Know About Expanded Options, New Tools
2025 Tax Season Begins: What You Need To Know About Expanded Options, New Tools Early filers, get ready. The 2025 tax season is here! The IRS will start accepting and processing tax returns on Monday, Jan. 27, the agency said in a news release. IRS Free File also became available on Friday, Jan. 10 to taxpayers who qualify through private-sector partners. With more than 140 million tax returns expected, the IRS urged taxpayers to take advantage of updated online resources and consider using trusted tax preparers to avoid scams. "This has been a historic period of improvement for the IRS, and people will see additional tools and features to help them with filing their …
Don't Fall For It: New Twist On Imposter Fraud Targets Your Money, Personal Info Don't Fall For It: New Twist On Imposter Fraud Targets Your Money, Personal Info
Don't Fall For It: New Twist On Imposter Fraud Targets Your Money, Personal Info The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is sounding the alarm on a sophisticated new imposter scheme designed to steal your money and personal information.  These scams are becoming increasingly convincing, but learning to spot the red flags can help you stay protected. How the Scam Works Initial Contact: Scammers pose as representatives from well-known companies, such as Amazon or a tech support service. They’ll claim there’s a routine issue, like suspicious charges on your account, a computer virus, or an account breach. Escalation: The scammers lie, saying your name is tied to serious …
Scammers Posing As Police Demand Payments, CT Authorities Warn Scammers Posing As Police Demand Payments, CT Authorities Warn
Scammers Posing As Police Demand Payments, CT Authorities Warn Authorities in Connecticut are warning residents about phone scammers posing as police or special agents, accusing them of a crime, and demanding they pay a fine. Multiple people across the state — and even as far away as Virginia — have reported receiving calls from the Hartford Judicial District State’s Attorney Office, with someone claiming to be an "investigator" or "special agent." This so-called "agent" says the victim has been named or identified in a human trafficking, prostitution, or another criminal investigation and must pay a fine or face potential jail time. That is not how t…
Police Say Scam Attempts On Rise After 2 Elderly CT Residents Taken For $10K Each Police Say Scam Attempts On Rise After 2 Elderly CT Residents Taken For $10K Each
Police Say Scam Attempts On Rise After 2 Elderly CT Residents Taken For $10K Each Police are urging residents to remain cautious after a local senior was scammed out of more than $10,000 in a sophisticated fraud scheme.  The scammer posed as a Microsoft representative and convinced the victim to withdraw cash from their bank account and deliver it in a package to an individual who later came to their home. A similar incident occurred in Milford last week, according to police, suggesting this scheme is targeting residents in the area. Authorities are warning the public to stay alert to scams involving supposed computer or software issues, particularly those requesti…
Warning Issued For Nationwide Automated 'Sextortion' Scam: Here's What To Know Warning Issued For Nationwide Automated 'Sextortion' Scam: Here's What To Know
Warning Issued For Nationwide Automated 'Sextortion' Scam: Here's What To Know Authorities are warning the public of a nationwide automated scam in which scammers use people’s email addresses to coerce payments by intimidating them with threats of embarrassment. Victims of the "sextortion" scheme, usually children and teens, are manipulated to photograph or video material for extortionists. "After receiving the sexually explicit content from the child, the offender threatens to release that compromising material unless the victim produces additional explicit material," said the FBI in issuing the warning to parents, educators, caregivers, and children. In a sepa…