LMAO LMAO:  0
Dislikes Dislikes:  0
Ignorant Ignorant:  0
Moron Moron:  0
Page 14 of 26 FirstFirst ... 4121314151624 ... LastLast
Results 326 to 350 of 632

Thread: Cut and paste snippets about scams.

  1. #326
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Internet Cafe Nigeria
    Posts
    6,476
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Cut and paste snippets about scams.

    There are some cool games out there, I am afraid if I started playing I would never leave the house. But this is a good read for parents with kids.

    In-game app charges on kids' games have become a real problem for parents. It's not uncommon for parents to find their checking accounts or credit cards dinged for anywhere from $5 to $100 each time their children play "free" games.

    In some really extreme examples, the CBC reports a Canadian mom was hit with $3,000 in charges after her twins played Clash of Clans, a freemium app for iOS!

    Huffington Post reports a 5 year old racked up $2,500 in charges after playing the free game Zombies vs. Ninja on a parent's iPad. And a 6 year old ran up $3,200 on his grandfather's credit card playing Tiny Monsters, a free Android app.

    To avoid this happening to you, see below for links that explain how you can turn off in-app purchases for Android, iOS, Nook, and Kindle. (Editor's note: Special thanks to reader Vincent Tapia for this suggestion.)

    What's going on with all these massive charges for "free" games? Basically, in the course of game play, a child might click on something to advance in game play. That action would register a charge on a parent's iTunes or Google Play account.

    My executive producer Christa and I handle this problem in different ways. My kids know they are to never buy any optional add-ons to any freemium app.

    Christa, on the other hand, reasons through the problem like this: She says she could buy a board game for around $10 or a PlayStation game for much more money. So if her kid wants a $2 educational game like Stack the States, for example, she doesn't have a problem paying for it.

    The Wall Street Journal reports that 1 million kids age 6 have purchased apps or made other in-game purchase in recent month. Meanwhile, 60% of kids aged 8-12 say they use apps regularly and face additional add-on charges.

    One possible compromise between our two points of view is that kids can spend their allowance or money they earn from a job on apps if they wish.

    How does it work in your house? Write in and let me kno - See more at: Free kids gaming apps can cost you big bucks | www.clarkhoward.com
    "It's virtually impossible to violate rules ... but it's impossible for a violation to go undetected, certainly not for a considerable period of time." Bernie Madoff
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scam-...98399986981403

  2. #327
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Internet Cafe Nigeria
    Posts
    6,476
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Cut and paste snippets about scams.

    Dunno, if I was traveling full time and needed internet access I would suck it up and buy a mobile connection and not risk this kind of thing. I just can't remember reading anything recently that started with Public WI-FI was being used by Good Samaritans to deposit money in people's accounts.

    A new twist on the 'free Wi-Fi' scam

    Summary: As Robert Heinlein said, TANSTAAFL
    David Chernicoff

    By David Chernicoff for Five Nines: The Next Gen Datacenter | September 11, 2013 -- 16:06 GMT (09:06 PDT)
    Follow @DavidChernicoff

    As technology professionals you are undoubtedly aware of the various “Free Wi-Fi” scams that turn up from time to time, from the issues with Windows XP and access points to actual honey traps and unscrupulous operations that weren’t exactly free. But I heard today about a new scam from a client who does trade show operations.

    Keep in mind that the majority of trade shows are on a much smaller scale than those we traditionally associate with IT, and that for non-IT products, the attendees are usually not exceptionally technically astute. So when the trade show operators promote free Wi-Fi for attendees and vendors it is usually accepted as a given that there will be some form of free Wi-Fi available, though there may be no better performance than the level offered by budget motels.


    And as we all know, the most effective malware attacks often come in the form of social engineering; give someone something they expect to see and they will likely click on it and move on. And that is what this scheme is based on. I discovered this when a friend called me this morning to tell me about their experience at a mid-sized, industrial equipment, trade show.

    It seems that someone was using the trade shows promise of free Wi-Fi to get users to connect to an unsecured and presumably well-sniffed network so that these unknown actors could acquire passwords and other related internet connected information. A little technical knowledge and a tool like Wireshark makes this information fairly easy to acquire.

    The social engineering part was this; attendees to the trade show would be presented with a wireless access point with a name like “Free TradeShowName Wifi” and expecting the free Wi-Fi related to the tradeshow, would use that connection.

    The only problem was that it wasn’t the actual tradeshow network connection. And it is unlikely that someone went to the trouble of setting up this spoof network with anything other than nefarious purposes in mind.

    Other than letting people know the name of the actual tradeshow network and putting up appropriate signage, there is little tradeshow management can do. Even providing a secured password protected wireless network for vendors and attendees won’t stop some percentage of people from attaching to the “Free”, seemingly official, network. And no matter how much you tell users to be very careful when using public Wi-Fi access, there will always be those who think those admonitions don’t apply to them or simply don’t understand the problem.

    A new twist on the 'free Wi-Fi' scam | ZDNet
    "It's virtually impossible to violate rules ... but it's impossible for a violation to go undetected, certainly not for a considerable period of time." Bernie Madoff
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scam-...98399986981403

  3. #328
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Internet Cafe Nigeria
    Posts
    6,476
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Cut and paste snippets about scams.

    Sounded so promising.

    Cops: Deerfield woman nets over $100K in toilet fan scam

    Sally Arlene Berry, 57, of Deerfield Beach, is accused of scamming four people out of a total of $107,000 after getting them to invest in a toilet air purifier.

    A Deerfield Beach woman scammed four people out of more than $100,000, according to Delray Beach police.

    Sally Arlene Berry, 57, arrested on Tuesday, convinced people to invest in "Pan Fan," a real device described as something that attaches to the rear of a toilet, sucks air inside, and purifies it.

    But instead of using the $107,000 of investment money to buy fans, police say subpoenaed bank records show money went toward clothes, spa services, dinners and more, according to the arrest report. Berry spent about $4,900 on the fans, according to the report.

    Berry's first $30,000 investment came on June 8, 2011, from a 53-year-old Delray Beach hairdresser. The agreement said the woman would get all her money back on June 30, plus a percentage of profits and $50 for every fan sold.

    But June 30 rolled around and the victim met with Berry, thinking she was getting all her investment money, plus $10,000 interest. When Berry asked the victim not to deposit the checks because the Citibank account was closed, she grew suspicious.

    Police subpoenaed Berry's account and found it only had about $242 the day Berry wrote $40,000 worth of checks to the Delray woman.

    Three other people came forward to police saying they loaned Berry money for the "Pan Fan" but were never paid as well.

    She faces a fraud charge and was booked into Palm Beach County Jail on Tuesday and released the same day on $4,500 bail.

    Staff researcher Barbara Hijek contributed to this report.

    asacasa@tribune.com, 561-243-6607 or Twitter and Instagram @adamsacasa

    Toilet scam: Woman accused of scamming people out of $107K - Sun Sentinel
    "It's virtually impossible to violate rules ... but it's impossible for a violation to go undetected, certainly not for a considerable period of time." Bernie Madoff
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scam-...98399986981403

  4. #329
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Internet Cafe Nigeria
    Posts
    6,476
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Cut and paste snippets about scams.

    I can't say this enough, make sure you know what is going on with your parents and grandparents finances. Put some protections in place before they start to slow down mentally.

    Anti-crime program aids seniors
    September 12, 2013
    North Fort Myers Neighbor


    In its first year of operation, the Cape Coral office of a state-sponsored program committed to reducing the victimization of senior citizens recovered nearly $30,000 in cash and services for local residents.

    The Florida Attorney General's Office initiated the Senior vs. Crime Project in 1989, with the aim of educating the elderly to prevent them from becoming intentional or unintentional victims of con artists or honest businesses and with the hope of recouping some of or all of the losses sustained by victims.

    Today, the Senior vs. Crime Project operates out of offices throughout the state with the help of volunteers. An office was officially opened at the Cape Coral Police Department in October.

    "We handle all of Lee County, all of Collier and half of Charlotte," office manager Pat Koelber said.

    Before the grand opening, local volunteers were taking cases as early as August 2012. Currently, the Cape office staffs about a dozen volunteers. As of last month, it had handled a total of 92 cases.

    "Some of them are unfounded. They (the alleged victims) really don't have a complaint," she said. "Some we have to turn over to law enforcement."

    In the past year, about 14 cases have been turned over to another agency or an attorney.

    "A lot times, we're just a shoulder - there to listen to their story," Koelber said.

    Approximately one-third of the cases have resulted in a positive resolution.

    As of August, the Cape office had recovered about $29,565 for some local victims. Of that total, an estimated $26,282 was monetary reimbursements, while the remainder was "actual work" or services.

    "We got the contractor to come back in to finish the job he was hired for and paid for," she said, offering an example. "It would be something that would have been started but not had been finished."

    Senior citizens are targeted because they are usually retired, a homeowner and have an income.

    "They know most of us are alone and we take people for their word," Koelber said.

    In one case, a man sold his residence and moved into a retirement home due to health issues. The company in charge of his former residence's security system claimed that he was still responsible for paying for the service and continued to bill him, despite the fact the man was no longer the owner.

    Senior vs. Crime was able to put a stop to the situation and the harassment.

    "We had a couple of instances with car dealers selling cars to people with Alzheimer's," she said.

    In another case, a consignment shop sold merchandise for the victim. The shop stated that it sent the victim a check for the items, but the check never arrived and the shop had no proof it was sent. When the shop refused to reimburse the victim for the merchandise sold, the person called the Cape office.

    Koelber explained that the program was able to get the victim their money.

    "Our biggest complaints have been against air conditioner companies," she said.

    For people planning to have work done on their home, the Cape office offered the following tips:

    Get three written estimates first.

    Never provide a cash deposit.

    Do not pay upfront for any work.

    "If you don't know anything about a company, we can look it up for you," Koelber said.

    Citizens can also check the Better Business Bureau online at: United States and Canada BBB Consumer and Business Reviews, Reports, Ratings, Complaints and Accredited Business Listings.

    Over the past year, the volunteers have spoken at various events and before different groups, such as TOPS, the St. Andrew's men's group and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees.

    "We have done one or two of your manufactured home parks," Koelber said.

    The material covered includes popular scams, like e-mail and sweepstakes schemes, along with unclaimed property scams, health care fraud and identification theft. The newest scheme is the use of online dating sites to court victims, before eventually asking them for a large amount of money.

    In the "sweetheart" scam, the average person is taken for an estimated $10,000.

    Red flags for residents should be if they are asked for their personal information or credit card information, or if they are asked to pay for something upfront that they did not request.

    "Scams are even coming now in text messages on people's phones," she said.

    Outside of the topic of scams, volunteers recommend other tips for seniors, to include signing up for the Do Not Call Registry, listening to callers on an answering machine, never opening their front door for strangers and never letting strangers in for a home inspection if the inspection was not asked for.

    Answering the door with a phone in hand is also suggested.

    "We try to alert them to all the different scams and the different things," Koelber said.

    The services and assistance provided by the Senior vs. Crime Project are free. Residents can bring in documentation related to their reported scam or unfair business deal and have their case reviewed.

    Citizens can also e-mail seniorsvscrime@gmail.com and provide a narrative of the incident.

    The Cape office is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

    The program is always looking for new volunteers.

    Over the past year, the Cape office has recorded 2,089 volunteer hours.

    "We have people that were in banking. We have people in real estate," Koelber said.

    "We're always looking for somebody that's got a field that can help us," she said.

    Volunteers talk to victims, conduct research and talk to all parties involved.

    "We try to be a mediator," Koelber said. "Sometimes you have to listen to both sides of the story."

    The Cape Coral Police Department is at 1100 Cultural Park Blvd.

    For more information, call (239) 574-0643 or visit online at: Seniors Vs. Crime Project.
    - See more at: Anti-crime program aids seniors - NorthFortMyersNeighbor.com, news, sports, Florida info, North Fort Myers Neighbor

    Senior Scams.JPG
    "It's virtually impossible to violate rules ... but it's impossible for a violation to go undetected, certainly not for a considerable period of time." Bernie Madoff
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scam-...98399986981403

  5. #330
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Internet Cafe Nigeria
    Posts
    6,476
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Cut and paste snippets about scams.

    SCAMMER amtnlondon@gmail.com

    Tricky scammers use the name of real people and/or links to real websites to perpetrate their scams. George Piskov is real, but I assure you neither he nor anyone else is going to be sending $1mil anything, and this is a scam.

    From: AMTN LONDON
    Sent: 2013/09/09 09:38
    To: DELETED
    Subject: ATTENTION MADAM
    The International Association of Money Transfer Networks
    IAMTN, 5 Beatty House,Admirals Way,
    London E14 9UF, United Kingdom.

    The International Association of Money Transfer Networks
    IAMTN, 5 Beatty House,Admirals Way,
    London E14 9UF, United Kingdom.

    Dear DELETED,

    We want to officially notify you of the 1,000,000.00 USD an equivalent of 643998.00 GBP Today Market Rate,transferred by one of our network Transfer Members at their West African Branch Office.

    This Transfer was supposedly to be paid out to you Via Loaded Electronic Cards, called the IAMTN electronic network payment card, however this could not be actualized based on two facts.

    That the Funds Originated from West Africa and does not carry all the relevant Transfer Routing Clearances, plus international diplomatic transfer laws were breached in regards to the funds originating country.

    That the funds was moved by a High Ranking bank Staff in Africa through the Auspices of our Asian Remittance market by passing international Transfer codes. Based mostly on first hand network member knowledge .

    Our Conclusion, you will clear this funds officially by obtaining the EuroTrans Card, which will facilitate the immediate release of the funds for loading to your IAMTN Payment Card and onward delivery of your IAMTN Electronic Payment Card. And also obtain from the funds origin of country the international diplomatic financial pass card.

    Note that this card can be used by other registered Financial institutions to load funds from any part of the world, when issued with cards security numbers , plus the card entitles you to a daily withdrawal of thirty Thousand United States Dollars.

    The Euro Trans card by the IAMTN office for free, however the diplomatic financial pass card will be obtained from the ministry of foreign affairs Ghana, which is your funds country of origin, and this will cost you, 677usd only as directed by the ministry of finance Ghana. please find below their mandatory receiver information for the payment.

    Name: Solomon Ollennu,
    Amount: 677usd
    Country:Accra, Ghana
    Mtcn: ?
    Que: For
    Ans:iamtn
    As soon as my office receives your payment details you shall be notified within 24 hours, the member financial institution in your locality were you will pick up your loaded card, with a copy of our introduction/ approval letter , to that office to release your IAMTN card.
    These Details are requested in your Return Mail.
    Passport No:
    Home/office Phone and Address,
    Recent Passport Photograph,
    Preferred name on Card,
    Secret Four Digit Pin Numbers(This is subject to change by you on receipt of the card).

    Best Regards,

    George Piskov,
    Director, IAMTN
    "It's virtually impossible to violate rules ... but it's impossible for a violation to go undetected, certainly not for a considerable period of time." Bernie Madoff
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scam-...98399986981403

  6. #331
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Internet Cafe Nigeria
    Posts
    6,476
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Cut and paste snippets about scams.

    NETFLIX PHISHING SCAM.

    Netflix.JPG

    Don
    "It's virtually impossible to violate rules ... but it's impossible for a violation to go undetected, certainly not for a considerable period of time." Bernie Madoff
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scam-...98399986981403

  7. #332
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Internet Cafe Nigeria
    Posts
    6,476
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Cut and paste snippets about scams.

    This is a rather simple scam that targets business owners. The easy fix is to fully investigate ALL requests for changes in address or bank account details from vendors where you have accounts payable.

    "It's virtually impossible to violate rules ... but it's impossible for a violation to go undetected, certainly not for a considerable period of time." Bernie Madoff
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scam-...98399986981403

  8. #333
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Internet Cafe Nigeria
    Posts
    6,476
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Cut and paste snippets about scams.

    Here are some of the key and surprising findings:

    The financially literate are more likely to be victims.
    That means fraud is not going to be reduced simply by educating people. Instead, strategies beyond financially literacy are needed.

    A wide variety of tactics are used to persuade investors to put their money into frauds.
    These tactics include fear, intimidation, and friendship. Investors should not believe an investment is safe simply because one particular tactic is not being used. They must be alert to the full range of scam tactics.

    Investment fraud victims are more likely to be optimistic.
    That makes them less skeptical about claims for an investment and less likely to believe that they are being scammed. Optimism also makes them more likely to engage in "wishful thinking."

    Free seminars often are a key vehicle for pitching frauds by aggressive salespeople.
    People who become fraud victims identify themselves as being willing to listen to sales pitches from those they do not know and are more willing to attend free seminars on investing. In other words, they expose themselves to potential frauds more often than others do.

    Fraud perpetrators know the psychological needs of people and tailor their pitches to meet the needs of the individuals in front of them. Investors need to be aware of the different types of pitches and how they are tailored to be emotionally appealing to different people.

    Frauds victims tend to experience more negative life events (illness, financial distress) than non-victims. The theory is that the stress from these events makes them vulnerable to sales pitches.

    Victims also are more likely to rely on their own knowledge and experience.
    They could be overconfident of their knowledge and judgment, and they are unwilling to seek the advice and opinions of others, thereby missing the benefit of a second opinion.

    Investment victims also are unlikely to report the fraud. There is nothing new in this finding.


    Scams: Who Falls for Frauds? A Surprising Answer

    This guy has an interesting U-Tube Channel.

    "It's virtually impossible to violate rules ... but it's impossible for a violation to go undetected, certainly not for a considerable period of time." Bernie Madoff
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scam-...98399986981403

  9. #334
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Internet Cafe Nigeria
    Posts
    6,476
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Cut and paste snippets about scams.

    I think it is a great idea to keep an eye on parents/grandparents finances and or set some money aside in a manner that can not easily be gotten to. Not just in my own family, with people who I have know when the parents mind started to slip it happened very quickly and the bad decisions started. In one case a friend's father started sending some large checks to TV preachers and other questionable places. In another bills went unpaid, including long term care insurance that was allowed to lapse at the time it was needed the most.

    By
    KELLY KEARSLEY

    Adviser Andy Mathieson always analyzes his retired clients' expenses in preparation for their quarterly meetings to ensure they are sticking to their budgets. So when one of his clients, a 75-year-old widow, had suddenly ramped up her spending he noticed right away.
    Also in Wealth Adviser

    "I went over her bank statements and noticed that she had started writing checks for $3,000 or $5,000 a couple times a month," says Mr. Mathieson, president of Greenbrae, Calif.-based Fairview Capital Investment Management LLC, which manages $1.2 billion for 140 clients.


    The widow's budget called for her to spend about $35,000 to $45,000 a quarter. But her spending that quarter had jumped to $60,000--an amount that threatened to deplete her retirement savings. Most of the widow's net worth was tied up in her home, which she didn't want to sell. That meant she needed to live off her pension and Social Security and stick to a 5% withdrawal rate from her IRA and other investment accounts.

    "She was now at an 8% withdrawal rate and that raised all kinds of red flags," Mr. Mathieson says. If the widow's spending continued at that pace, she would either need to tap the equity in her home to fund her expenses or, in what could be the worst case, sell her house.

    The adviser asked his client about her increased spending a few days later during the quarterly meeting at the widow's home. She explained that she had hired a general contractor to do some ongoing maintenance, which she described as gutter cleaning and basic landscaping.

    "It didn't sound like the kind of thing a general contractor would do and it was an unusual way for a contractor to bill," Mr. Mathieson says. "He was almost on retainer."

    Mr. Mathieson relayed his suspicions to the widow, who simply narrowed her eyes, assured him she was fine and noted that she didn't appreciate the line of questioning. The adviser took the hint, but left the widow with a warning: Continuing to spend at that increased rate would adversely affect her retirement plans.

    A few days later, the woman's friend called Mr. Mathieson to admonish him for upsetting the widow. The adviser apologized, but pressed his case that the charges from the contractor seemed odd and the spending was detrimental to the widow's goals.

    The friend promised to look into the contractor and called back a few days later to confirm Mr. Mathieson's suspicions. When asked to describe his services, the contractor couldn't even provide a detailed list of the work he'd done for the widow. "He was just bilking her," Mr. Mathieson says.

    The widow's friend put an end to the contractor's work. The widow, meanwhile, didn't thank her adviser; in fact she never raised the subject with him again. But her spending immediately dropped back to its previous level.

    Mr. Mathieson wasn't bothered by her lack of gratitude. In fact, he says it's incumbent upon advisers to pay attention to their retired clients' expenses and spending habits, especially with retirees living longer. Helping clients develop--and maintain--a thoughtful approach to spending is an essential step in making sure they don't outlive their funds.

    "I'm not in the business of telling people how to spend their money," he says. "But it is my business to let them know if they are spending too much."

    Suspecting a Scam Behind a Client's Spending Spree - WSJ.com
    "It's virtually impossible to violate rules ... but it's impossible for a violation to go undetected, certainly not for a considerable period of time." Bernie Madoff
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scam-...98399986981403

  10. #335
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Internet Cafe Nigeria
    Posts
    6,476
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Cut and paste snippets about scams.

    What the hell is wrong with people???????????????

    worlds worst mom.JPG
    Emily Creno King Worlds Worst Mom.JPG

    Mom Allegedly Faked Her Son Was Dying of Cancer to Scam People Out of Cash
    Sep. 14, 2013 11:44am Oliver Darcy


    An Ohio mom is facing felony charges after she allegedly shaved her 4-year-old son’s head and forced him to wear a surgical mask as part of a scam to solicit donations from friends, family, and kind strangers.

    Emily Creno-King, 31, was arrested Tuesday and charged with felony child endangerment, according to the New York Daily News.
    Mom Allegedly Faked Her Son Was Dying of Cancer to Scam People Out of Cash

    Emily Creno-King (Credit: Utica Police Department)

    The woman reportedly began soliciting donations using a Facebook group in December of 2012. When some people in the group became suspicious and asked Creno-King questions about her son’s illness that she couldn’t answer, the individuals were deleted from the group.

    One suspicious woman, whose child was really suffering from the cancer, contacted authorities. Detectives then received confirmation from doctors that Creno-King’s claims were fraudulent.

    Doctors at Nationwide Children’s Hospital confirmed the boy wasn’t ill.
    Creno-King’s estranged husband reportedly didn’t even know about the scam and said he gave medicine to the child when he visited on the weekends.

    “There was always a doubt in my mind,” John Creno, however, told WCMH-TV.
    Mom Allegedly Faked Her Son Was Dying of Cancer to Scam People Out of Cash


    “But once all the medicines started coming with him on weekends, I thought, ‘Okay, he really does have it,’” he added.

    Creno-King’s bond has been set at $50,000 and she has been banned from having unsupervised contact with her son.

    It was not immediately clear how much money Creno-King ultimately solicited using the scam.

    (H/T: New York Daily News)

    Follow Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) on Twitter
    "It's virtually impossible to violate rules ... but it's impossible for a violation to go undetected, certainly not for a considerable period of time." Bernie Madoff
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scam-...98399986981403

  11. #336
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Internet Cafe Nigeria
    Posts
    6,476
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Cut and paste snippets about scams.

    For what it is worth, at the suggestion of another Realscam member I added a program called MalwareBytes. It was cheap, like $18 on Amazon, and some of the reviews indicate that it located malware that people's other programs had missed. MB was also mentioned in Consumer Reports and runs "On Top" of your existing Internet Security. In May 2013, (I think May) CR did a review of the Internet Security programs on the market.


    Argentinian teen arrested over malware scam
    Accused of prolific pilfering
    By Dave Neal
    Mon Sep 16 2013, 09:25
    Hacker's hands on keyboard

    ARGENTINIAN AUTHORITIES have arrested a teenager for allegedly running a malware scam that stole hundreds of thousands of pounds a year.

    The unnamed 19 year old was arrested as part of Operation Zombie on suspicion of operating a cyber-crime operation that pilfered as much as £380,000 a year in an elaborate scheme.

    The name Zombie comes from the suspected network of compromised computers that the teen is accused of operating.

    Reportedly he gained access to other people's computers through gambling software download websites. Through this he was able to siphon off around £30,000 a month to his own bank account.

    The Independent newspaper reported that he operated out of a room that was like a bunker and was only discovered when a hosting business noticed something suspicious with its servers and money transfers last year.

    If he is convicted he could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison. His arrest came after a swoop on five premises according to reports, and a federal investigation that was ordered by Argentina's chief prosecutor, Graciela Gils Carbo.

    "Internet users were victims of a `malware' virus that the hacker hosted in a server for downloading online gaming applications," added Garbo.

    Reportedly the teenager hit user accounts with denial of service attacks as he was transferring their money, leaving them none the wiser until after the event.

    Argentinian teen arrested over malware scam- The Inquirer
    "It's virtually impossible to violate rules ... but it's impossible for a violation to go undetected, certainly not for a considerable period of time." Bernie Madoff
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scam-...98399986981403

  12. #337
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Internet Cafe Nigeria
    Posts
    6,476
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Cut and paste snippets about scams.

    MILWAUKEE (WITI) — A promise of free money from the government may sound too good to be true, and FOX6′s Contact 6 says it probably is!

    Chris Manion says she received a phone call that made her think twice about these so-called “free” offers.

    “I haven’t heard this one before and I wanted to make sure it got publicized,” Manion said.

    Manion says the caller made her an offer that didn’t quite make sense.

    “I work for the government and the government is giving out grants for free! And I said ‘okay what did I do to deserve this?’” Manion said.

    Manion did some checking on her computer for this kind of a call, and sure enough, she learned it was likely bogus. In fact, she found a script online — including what the caller says and how the caller should respond to likely responses.

    “I said if ‘it was free I shouldn’t have to pay for anything.’ And he said ‘it’s your choice if you want to continue or not.’ I said ‘I don’t want to continue.’ I said ‘I think you’re a scam.’ And I hung up,” Manion said.

    Manion made a good choice, but Liz Frederichs with the Better Business Bureau says many still fall for this scam.

    “I just assume it continues because people do respond to it. The first thing a person should do is check on that agency, check the .gov, check the BBB, because the majority of them are just not real,” Frederichs said.

    Scam calls promising free money are too good to be true | FOX6Now.com

    Free Money.JPGGrant Scams.JPG
    "It's virtually impossible to violate rules ... but it's impossible for a violation to go undetected, certainly not for a considerable period of time." Bernie Madoff
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scam-...98399986981403

  13. #338
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Internet Cafe Nigeria
    Posts
    6,476
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Cut and paste snippets about scams.

    Before you invest dollar 1, go here. Before You Invest - FINRA

    It is easy to throw lavish parties, donate to charity, and live the good life if you are simply taking people's money and spending it. ALL investments need to be registered with the SEC and ALL brokers registered with FINRA. (* There are a very very very few exceptions for accredited investors, but don't kid yourself stick with ALL and never deviate. In fact the better the excuse for a lack of registrations sounds, the more likely the fraud.) Even people who should know better like hedge funds get stuck with worthless crap, from people in positions who should be satisfied grinding out an honest living. Scott W. Rothstein - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

    Hockey Star's Ex-Advisor Indicted In $20M Investment Fraud

    September 10, 2013 • Karen DeMasters

    A former South Florida phony investment advisor has been indicted for running a $20 million investment fraud, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida announced.

    Joseph Paul Zada, 55, who lives in Gross Pointe Shores, Mich., was indicted on 27 counts of mail fraud, wire fraud, interstate transportation of stolen property and money laundering, said Wilfredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida.

    Zada, formerly of Wellington, Fla., defrauded at least 20 clients out of more than $20 million. In order to attract investors, Zada falsely portrayed himself as a wealthy investment advisor with connections to Saudi Arabian oil ventures, according to the indictment.

    He hosted extravagant parties, drove expensive luxury vehicles and maintained expensive homes in Florida and Michigan. The indictment alleges that Zada told investors that he would invest their money in oil-related ventures. Instead, investors’ money was used to support Zada’s lavish lifestyle and to make purported returns on investments to prior investors.

    In a separate matter, Zada was sued previously by Detroit Red Wings hockey star Sergei Federov, who won a $43 million judgment against Zada, the South Florida Business Journal reported.

    Fedorov said in the suit that Zada's fraud took place between 1998 and 2009 during which time Federov invested millions of dollars with Zada, reported USA Today.

    Zada did not deny the money was owed but he said it was a loan not an investment. Zada acknowledged agreeing to pay Federov $60 million in 2009, which also included some loans to Zada, to resolve the matter. Federov's suit says the money was never paid.

    Just before meeting Zada in 1998, Federov had signed one of the most lucrative contracts in hockey history — a $38-million, 6-year deal. Federov then invested money with Zada and received an initial substantial return, USA Today reported.

    Federov said he never received any paperwork on the investments. When Fedorov inquired about the assets, Zada, acting in concert with others, intentionally lied to Fedorov, provided Fedorov with false information and engaged in other fraud and deceptions, USA Today says.

    Zada is not now registered with Finra and the U.S. Attorney’s Office did not report the name of his South Florida firm.

    Former Florida Advisor Indicted In $20 Million Investment Fraud
    "It's virtually impossible to violate rules ... but it's impossible for a violation to go undetected, certainly not for a considerable period of time." Bernie Madoff
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scam-...98399986981403

  14. #339
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Internet Cafe Nigeria
    Posts
    6,476
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Cut and paste snippets about scams.

    The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has ordered an emergency asset freeze against a Miami-based attorney and others involved in a “prime bank investment scheme” that promised exorbitant returns from a purported international trading program.

    According to the SEC, prime bank schemes lure investors to participate in a phony international investing opportunity with bogus promises of exclusivity and massive profits.

    Bernard H. Butts, Jr., acted as an escrow agent enabling Fotios Geivelis Jr. and his purported financial services firm Worldwide Funding III Limited, to allegedly defraud about 45 investors out of more than $3.5 million they invested in a trading program that didn’t actually exist.

    Geivelis, who lives in Tampa and uses the alias “Frank Anastasio” with investors, claimed returns of approximately $8.7 million for investors within 15 to 45 business days on an initial investment of $60,000 to $90,000.

    The SEC’s complaint, filed under seal on Aug. 29 in federal court in Miami, also charged three sales agents who Geivelis and Butts paid to sell interests in the scheme: Douglas J. Anisky of Delray Beach, Fla., James Baggs of Lake Forest, Calif., and Sidney Banner of Delray Beach, Fla., and his company Express Commercial Capital. The court granted the SEC’s request for an asset freeze on Aug.30, and the case was unsealed on Sept. 6.

    “Geivelis attempted to add a twist of legitimacy to a classic prime bank scheme by using a long-time attorney as an escrow agent to give investors the false impression that their money was secure,” Julie K. Lutz, acting co-director of the SEC’s Denver Regional Office, said in a statement. “Meanwhile, Geivelis and Butts have misused investor funds and made lulling statements to investors that portray the sham trading program as successful and payments to investors as imminent.”

    According to the SEC’s complaint, investors were lured through the Internet, telephone, and personal contact with promises of extraordinary profits. Investors were told their $60,000 to $90,000 investment would pay for bank charges to lease a standby letter of credit (SBLC) in the amount of 10 million Euros from a banking group in Europe. The SBLCs were to be used to acquire loans, and the funds from the loan were to be placed in a securities trading program. Investors were promised that after their initial profit of at least 6.6 million Euros within 15 to 45 business days, the securities trading program would generate a weekly return of approximately 14 percent for 40 to 42 weeks.

    The SEC’s complaint charges all defendants with violations of the antifraud and securities registration provisions of the federal securities laws.

    Although the SEC was expected to file significantly fewer civil fraud cases this year, the agency continues to make good on its promise to crack down on fraud in the financial sector. Earlier this month, the commission charged a money manager Ronald Feldstein with defrauding investors and brokerage firms.

    SEC charges Miami attorney in alleged prime bank investment scheme
    "It's virtually impossible to violate rules ... but it's impossible for a violation to go undetected, certainly not for a considerable period of time." Bernie Madoff
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scam-...98399986981403

  15. #340
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Internet Cafe Nigeria
    Posts
    6,476
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Cut and paste snippets about scams.

    Farmers, gardeners targeted by new scam
    September 16, 2013|Edited News Release From The Missouri Department Of Agriculture

    Share on emailShare on printShare on redditMore Sharing Services

    (JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – Missourians planning to purchase chemicals, such as herbicides and insecticides, should be aware of a new scam. The Department of Agriculture has received several reports from farmers, gardeners and homeowners across the state of an over-the-phone chemical sales scam.



    This recent scam features a telephone solicitor offering what they claim to be a high-quality herbicide, comparable to name-brand products, below store prices. The Department suggests consumers ask any person selling agricultural chemicals for a copy of the product label. Properly registered and labeled products will be marked with the following information:



    · The product’s EPA registration number

    · A list of the product’s active ingredients with their percentages

    · The number of feet or acres the product will cover

    · Requirements to dilute before use

    · The company’s name, address and telephone number.

    Consumers may call the Department’s Bureau of Pesticide Control at (573) 751-5504 to verify whether a product is registered for use in Missouri. The Department also has an online Pesticide Database where consumers may search for pesticides registered for use in Missouri. The online database allows consumers to search for products by company name, product name or EPA ID number. Consumers looking for a pesticide applicator can search the Department’s Pesticide Applicator database to find a custom applicator in their area.



    Each day the Department’s Bureau of Pesticide Control conducts marketplace inspections and investigations all across the state to ensure that pesticides throughout Missouri are properly labeled, sold accordingly and used correctly.



    For more information on the Missouri Department of Agriculture, its pesticide control and other consumer protection programs, visit the Department online at mda.mo.gov.

    Farmers, gardeners targeted by new scam - KY3
    "It's virtually impossible to violate rules ... but it's impossible for a violation to go undetected, certainly not for a considerable period of time." Bernie Madoff
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scam-...98399986981403

  16. #341
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Internet Cafe Nigeria
    Posts
    6,476
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Cut and paste snippets about scams.

    Scam of retail outlets bombs out


    By Marcus K. Garner

    The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

    A phone call came in to the Kmart in Snellville on Thursday afternoon.

    The caller said he wanted $8,000 loaded to disposable cash cards or he would blow up the store.

    Similar calls were received last Thursday at 10 retail outlets in Savannah, law enforcement officials said Monday.

    And at other retail outlets across the country in recent months, FBI spokesman Stephen Emmett said.

    But all of the calls were bogus, authorities said. There were no bombs.

    “It took us 40 minutes to sweep the building before we called off the search” for a bomb,” Snellville Police Lt. Ray Gunter told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “We also notified South Gwinnett High School across the street. You have to take (these calls) seriously, because you never know.”

    FBI officials said the call to the Snellville store and the many others like it were part of an emerging and elaborate scam to get money through an untraceable source.

    The way the scam went, an anonymous caller contacted a retail location that sells Green Dot MoneyPak cards, and threatened to use explosives, or harm employees or their families if the manager didn’t load multiple cash cards with a given amount of money.

    Then the caller requested that the card numbers be read aloud over the phone.

    “Green Dot MoneyPak cards are reloadable and available at most retail outlets throughout the country and, like money wire transfers, are just as untraceable,” Emmett said. “These cards are not associated with any bank, meaning that the money is in the card.”

    None of the managers at any stores contacted with this scam gave in, however, authorities said.

    Still, the incident in Snellville – a two-hour call with a sometimes angry man speaking in a foreign accent – was tense, Gunter said.

    “We tried to keep this guy on the phone to see what we could get,” Gunter said, noting that local and federal cops had tapped into the call and were trying trace the source.

    What they came back with was an internet phone number that originated overseas, authorities said.

    “You could tell by the way he was talking, he had never been here,” Gunter said. “He didn’t know the names of streets or where things were.”

    So police called his bluff.

    “After this guy had been on the phone for a while, we could tell he was scamming them,” Gunter said.

    Emmett said the Green Dot MoneyPak cards were the common denominator in all of the bomb hoaxes.

    Authorities said these types of threats are common, although they don’t always involve bomb threats. At the end of the day, cash card users are reminded never to give out the information on the cards. They could give thieves and tricksters access to the money stored up on the card.

    “This is the trend,” Emmett said. “These cards are vulnerable if the numbers are given out.”

    Anyone with information regarding this scam or any of the threats is asked to file a complaint with the FBI at

    Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) | Home.
    Scam of retail outlets bombs out | www.ajc.com
    "It's virtually impossible to violate rules ... but it's impossible for a violation to go undetected, certainly not for a considerable period of time." Bernie Madoff
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scam-...98399986981403

  17. #342
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Internet Cafe Nigeria
    Posts
    6,476
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Cut and paste snippets about scams.

    I think if I was doing a transaction for this much money I would demand a certified check from a major bank and personally show up at the bank and clear the check.

    Two fraudsters posing as consumers tricked people into selling luxury watches via online auction platforms using cheques that bounced, police said on Tuesday.

    Police revealed the ploy after learning that five people had been cheated out of five watches worth a total of HK$250,000.

    In a crackdown against internet shopping fraud, police arrested a 16-year-old schoolgirl and a 30-year-old man in connection with two of the five cases.
    Once the sellers had checked the account balance using an ATM or e-banking service and saw the payment recorded, they handed over their watches
    Senior Inspector Chiew Tsi-huen

    On Tuesday morning, the man, wearing a black hood to conceal his face, was escorted back to his home in Sha Tin where officers seized bank cards, a computer and mobile phones.

    None of the five watches was recovered in the operation.

    Senior Inspector Chiew Tsi-huen of New Territories North regional crime unit said fraudsters pretending to be buyers targeted sellers of luxury watches on internet auction sites. After agreeing on a price online, a face-to-face transaction would be arranged, he said.

    “At the face-to-face meeting, the sellers were told the money had been deposited into their bank accounts,” he said. “Once the sellers had checked the account balance using an ATM or e-banking service and saw the payment recorded, they handed over their watches.”

    The sellers only discovered the fraud after the cheques deposited by the buyers bounced, said Chiew.

    “Up to now, there is no evidence to suggest the two suspects work together or are controlled by the same syndicate,” he said.

    Describing the ploy as rare, the senior inspector urged internet users to be on alert while making online purchases and selling items on the internet.

    Police are looking for the schoolgirl’s accomplice.

    The two suspects were among eight suspected internet fraudsters – four men and four women, aged 16 to 49 – arrested on Monday and Tuesday as part of a two-day operation against online crime that involved a total of 34 victims.

    According to police, the victims included housewives and unemployed people with losses totalling HK$460,000.

    Chiew said the other six suspects were accused of posing as sellers who tricked online consumers into buying concert tickets and electronic products through online shopping platforms and auction sites.

    He said the buyers sought help from the police after the goods were not delivered to them and their attempts to contact the sellers failed.

    Police said all suspects were likely to be released on bail as officers needed more time to collect evidence.

    Online fraudsters arrested after luxury watch scam revealed | South China Morning Post
    "It's virtually impossible to violate rules ... but it's impossible for a violation to go undetected, certainly not for a considerable period of time." Bernie Madoff
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scam-...98399986981403

  18. #343
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Internet Cafe Nigeria
    Posts
    6,476
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Cut and paste snippets about scams.

    Personal Finance: Illegal online lenders plague payday loan industry
    By CLAUDIA BUCK
    cbuck@sacbee.com
    Published: Sunday, Sep. 15, 2013 - 12:00 am

    Payday lenders have been around for years, offering quick-but-pricey loans to distressed borrowers. From hundreds of walk-in storefront offices, they loan out small amounts – up to $300 in California – to be paid back from the borrower’s next paycheck.

    Today, they’re getting elbowed aside by a growing cadre of online competitors who aren’t licensed and who increasingly are accused of ripping off consumers. Last month, the state Department of Business Oversight warned Californians to beware of rogue online lenders – often located offshore or overseas – who offer enticing come-ons from splashy websites but who may leave borrowers little recourse if something goes wrong.

    “It’s like whack-a-mole,” said Mark Leyes, spokesman for the state Department of Business Oversight (formerly Department of Corporations). “We’re trying to compile a list of unlicensed companies, but they change their company name from one week to the next.”

    Payday lending is no small-change industry. In 2011, the most recent year for state data, payday lenders in California doled out a total of $3.28 billion in loans to 1.7 million customers. The average amount of those individual loans: $263.

    And while the number of walk-in payday loan locations has dwindled statewide in recent years, the number of online sites has “mushroomed,” along with a “slow but steady” increase in complaints about web-based lenders, Leyes said.

    “It’s a problem. The risks are high,” he said. “If it’s a storefront payday lender, you walk in and look someone in the eye. But when you go online, you don’t know who you’re dealing with, where they’re located or what their intentions are.”

    Since January 2013, the DBO says it has taken action against 11 illegal online lenders operating here and overseas, including in Belize, Costa Rica, Malta and the United Kingdom. The DBO’s website also posts consumer alerts against U.S.-based online payday lenders with names like EZ Cash, Cash Express Loan and Mobiloans, which are operating without state-required licensing.

    In dealing with online lenders, “We can issue sanctions, but they’re very difficult to enforce,” Leyes said.

    The California Financial Service Providers Association, which represents about 1,470 walk-in payday loan locations statewide, says the unscrupulous online guys are a problem.

    “We are very concerned about unlicensed, unregulated Internet lending,” said CFSPA spokesperson Greg Larsen. “If you type in ‘payday lending’ (on a search engine), you instantly get hundreds of thousands of hits. But who knows how many of those are offshore … out of the reach of state licensing?”

    Taking a loan from an unlicensed payday lender puts consumers at bigger risk of financial trouble, the DBO says. Among them: higher interest rates than allowed under California law; funds siphoned from your bank account without permission; personal financial data sold or pirated by the lender, even if a loan hasn’t been formalized; losing the ability to track down, prosecute and recover lost funds.

    The FTC notes that filling out a payday loan form online – even if you don’t hit “submit” – can put you at risk for bank account fraud. In some cases, consumers who never officially took out a payday loan still had their funds stolen from their accounts.

    Enforcement actions against illegal payday lenders have stepped up recently. A week ago, the Federal Trade Commission announced it shut down a Tampa, Fla.-based payday loan broker accused of pilfering $5 million from U.S. consumers. The company, operating under multiple names such as Loan Tree Advances and Your Loan Funding, said it represented a network of 120 payday lenders and promised to help consumers obtain loans in “as little as one hour.” Instead, according to the FTC’s complaint, it sucked funds from the bank accounts of tens of thousands of customers. The company’s two owners allegedly used the money to support a lavish lifestyle that included a 2012 Maserati, a 2011 Rolls Royce Ghost and a 2006 Ferrari 430.

    On other fronts, state officials in New York have cracked down on payday lenders that elude state scrutiny by affiliating with U.S. Indian tribes, which operate outside the jurisdiction of state and local governments. And the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recently warned against illegal payday lenders.

    Given the number of cash-stressed borrowers, demand for payday loans is not going to go away, said industry spokesman Larsen.

    A payday loan is “not always the right answer, but at times it may be the least expensive option for people to turn to,” he said. “For example, if you have two bills for $50 and $75 that are going to be late, those late fees are $35 each. That’s $70.” Instead, a consumer takes out a $125 payday loan to pay off those bills and the fee is only $21.25, or 15 percent of the loan amount. “They make an absolute, short-term, dollar-and-cents choice,” Larsen said. “That’s how people look at it.”

    The problem, critics say, is that a payday loan’s short turnaround – typically two weeks – leaves many low-income borrowers unable to repay the full amount and still cover their other household expenses, such as rent, utilities, food, etc. That traps many on a so-called “debt treadmill” –where they continue to take out new payday loans to cover their bills.

    According to new numbers released last week by the Center for Responsible Lending, a consumer group that opposes payday loans, American borrowers pay $3.4 billion in fees every year on payday loans. Of that, Californians’ share of payday loan fees is $578 million.

    According to the Center for Responsible Lending, 82 percent of total annual California payday loan fees – $474 million – come from borrowers taking out a new loan within two weeks of paying off their last loan.

    In April, a payday loan reform bill, SB 515, was defeated in the state Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee. Among its provisions, it would have capped the number of payday loans allowed per person to six in one year.

    Consumer groups urge financially stressed individuals to consider alternatives to payday loans. And state officials are simply trying to get the word out: Before you take out a payday loan, check to be sure the company is licensed.

    “If they’re licensed, it doesn’t mean it’s a good economic decision (to take out a payday loan). But at least there’s some recourse,” said DBO spokesman Leyes. When dealing with an unlicensed online lender, “you’re at their mercy. ... Be very cautious.”

    Read more here: Personal Finance: Illegal online lenders plague payday loan industry - Claudia Buck - The Sacramento Bee
    "It's virtually impossible to violate rules ... but it's impossible for a violation to go undetected, certainly not for a considerable period of time." Bernie Madoff
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scam-...98399986981403

  19. #344
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Internet Cafe Nigeria
    Posts
    6,476
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Cut and paste snippets about scams.

    This is a huge chunk of change.

    Phone scams are HOT right now, whether the utility company, jury duty, traffic tickets, bomb scares, kidnapping, or your grandson just happened to get arrested in Peru scam. Make sure your friends and family are aware, this crap only works if people don't know.

    Can't copy and paste due to warning at the bottom. What a great idea that is, warn people about scams but tell people not to share. SMART!!!


    Missouri grandmother loses $250K in phone hoax - KCTV5

    Capture.JPGCapture1.JPG
    "It's virtually impossible to violate rules ... but it's impossible for a violation to go undetected, certainly not for a considerable period of time." Bernie Madoff
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scam-...98399986981403

  20. #345
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Internet Cafe Nigeria
    Posts
    6,476
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Cut and paste snippets about scams.

    "It's virtually impossible to violate rules ... but it's impossible for a violation to go undetected, certainly not for a considerable period of time." Bernie Madoff
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scam-...98399986981403

  21. #346
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Internet Cafe Nigeria
    Posts
    6,476
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Cut and paste snippets about scams.

    SOME VERSION OF THIS CRAP

    Capture1.jpg

    ALABAMA -

    Tina Wilkinson was trying to check her email when she got the message.

    “Interpol and cyber security and all this, and it said that I had downloaded all kinds of pornography, any kind you can imagine, and bestiality and all this stuff and they were coming to get me,” says Wilkinson.

    After a rather scary description of laws broken and what would happen to Wilkinson, the scammers helpfully offered a solution.

    “I could go to Walgreens or Wal-Mart or Target or somewhere and buy a moneypak, a $300 moneypak and pay them!”

    But when Wilkinson tried turning off the computer and turning it back on again, that’s when things got really scary.

    “The minute she touched a button, it took a picture of her. Now I’m mad.”

    “Yes, they can actually activate your webcam. They can activate your webcam, they can activate your microphone,” says Computer Crew Office Manager Kristina Barrett.

    It’s an old scam that has many incarnations.

    “They’ll come out and say that you have illegally downloaded MP3 music, movies, just a wide assortment,” says Barrett.

    After failed attempts to unfreeze the computer by their 22-year-old daughter, Wilkinson’s husband, Raymond spent four hours on the phone with their internet provider.

    "I had to go through two major techs to get it, to where we could get it back online,” says Raymond.

    “It’s thoroughly an act of maliciousness,” adds Barrett.

    If you’ve become a victim, you can do what the Wilkinson’s did and call your internet provider, chances are it will take several hours to fix. Or you can take it to a tech shop like the Computer Crew. They’ll run a diagnostic for $50 and let you know everything that’s wrong, including any other viruses. Another scary thing—this virus is not detected by any anti-virus software out there, so you never know you have it until it’s too late.

    Scam Freezes Computer, Takes Pics, Asks For Money
    "It's virtually impossible to violate rules ... but it's impossible for a violation to go undetected, certainly not for a considerable period of time." Bernie Madoff
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scam-...98399986981403

  22. #347
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Internet Cafe Nigeria
    Posts
    6,476
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Cut and paste snippets about scams.

    Capture.JPG



    KINGSBURY -- They were skeptical, but hopeful.

    The elderly Kingsbury couple received a check for $1.6 million in the mail last week along with a letter informing them they had won the annual Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes.

    It had a phone number to call. They weren’t sure if it was legitimate, so they brought it to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office to check.

    It turns out it wasn’t.

    The $1.6 million check was fake, using a well-known national sweepstakes in an effort to sucker people into giving out personal information or bank account information.

    “They were hopeful there would be some truth to it,” sheriff’s Capt. Bryn Reynolds said. “I felt bad for them.”

    The massive check was the latest variation police have seen on a scam that continues to plague the region and nation — scam artists trying to convince people to give out personal information, such as bank account numbers or Social Security numbers.

    Local police get calls every week from local people who are targeted and sometimes victimized by similar schemes.

    People should keep two main points in mind when receiving checks they weren’t expecting or inquiries about potential prizes: If you didn’t enter, you didn’t win, and no legitimate contest requires winners to pay money up front.

    State Police Senior Investigator Thomas Aiken said the criminals involved in these scams get more savvy all the time, using fake email addresses and phone numbers on caller ID systems to try to convince recipients they are legitimate.

    “We get these calls all the time, and we hear from people who have lost money,” he said.

    Reynolds said he called the phone number on the “Publishers Clearing House” letter that accompanied the check the Kingsbury couple received, and got a voice mail.

    Police believe the thieves typically try to convince those who receive the checks to give them their bank account numbers, pretending they are needed to wire money to them.

    Instead, they proceed to loot the bank account for which they now have an open door.

    Reynolds said he spoke with a Publishers Clearing House representative, who indicated that they do not mail awards letters and instead go to the homes of those who win.

    Publishers Clearing House has a section on its website with information about the various scams by those pretending to be from the company.

    Police warn about Publishers Clearing House mail scam
    "It's virtually impossible to violate rules ... but it's impossible for a violation to go undetected, certainly not for a considerable period of time." Bernie Madoff
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scam-...98399986981403

  23. #348
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Internet Cafe Nigeria
    Posts
    6,476
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Cut and paste snippets about scams.

    Police warn of phishing scam with fake Verizon email

    By Myles Snyder - email

    YORK, Pa. (WHTM) -

    Police are warning of a phishing scam involving an email that appears to have been sent from Verizon.

    Northern York County Regional police said the email indicates that the company was unable to charge the recipient's credit card and requests that the recipient click on a link to update their credit card information.

    Police said the email is not legitimate.

    Those who have followed the link and provided credit card information should check their account for unauthorized usage and cancel the credit card, police said.

    Police said anyone who is a victim of the scam, and has had unauthorized charges placed on their credit card, should call 911 to report the scam to their local police department.

    Police warn of phishing scam with fake Verizon email - abc27 WHTM

    1.JPG
    "It's virtually impossible to violate rules ... but it's impossible for a violation to go undetected, certainly not for a considerable period of time." Bernie Madoff
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scam-...98399986981403

  24. #349
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Internet Cafe Nigeria
    Posts
    6,476
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Cut and paste snippets about scams.

    Eagle who posts here has some read flags on his page, my guess more than a few were thrown up on this and every other deal that goes south.

    https://www.eagleresearchassociates....rts/red-flags/

    ======================

    Law360, Miami (September 17, 2013, 3:58 PM ET) -- The founder of investment company Commodities Online LLC on Tuesday pled guilty to running an investment fraud scheme that bilked more than 700 investors out of $21 million.

    James C. Howard III, 53, of Parkland, Fla., pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Ursula Ungaro to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud for the scheme that involved making false representations and omissions about COL ownership units to investors, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida.

    Between January 2010 and April 2011, Howard and his co-conspirators sold COL ownership units, subscriptions to the company's website and investments in transactions to buy and sell commodities like seafood, iron ore, copper and sugar, according to prosecutors. They also offered “pre-sold” commodities contracts for sale through the COL website, prosecutors said.

    Howard told investors that his company was profitable, when in reality the payments made to investors came from money collected from new investors, according to the U.S. attorney. Much of the money was misappropriated for personal use by Howard and his co-conspirators, according to the indictment.

    Prosecutors said Howard worked with COL co-founder Patricia S. Saa, COL director of sales Louis N. Gallo III and the company's outside counsel Michael R. Casey.

    After about mid-2010, Howard and the others told investors that Casey was now COL president and not Howard despite the fact that Howard remained in charge, according to prosecutors.

    Howard also did not disclose to investors that both he and Gallo were convicted felons and that Gallo was still on probation, according to prosecutors. Howard had been convicted on cocaine possession and firearm charges in the Northern District of Florida, while Gallo had been convicted of cocaine possession and bank fraud charges in New Jersey, according to the indictment.

    An attorney for Howard could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday.

    Howard's sentencing is set for Dec. 2.

    Howard is represented by Miguel Caridad of the Federal Public Defender's Office.

    The case is U.S. v. Howard et al., case number 1:12-cr-20630, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

    --Editing by Jeremy Barker.

    Investment Co. Founder Cops To $21M Fraud Scheme - Law360
    "It's virtually impossible to violate rules ... but it's impossible for a violation to go undetected, certainly not for a considerable period of time." Bernie Madoff
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scam-...98399986981403

  25. #350
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Internet Cafe Nigeria
    Posts
    6,476
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Cut and paste snippets about scams.

    2.JPG
    5.JPG
    1.JPG
    4.JPG

    MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) – Three employees of a Long Island-based modeling agency have been charged with scamming families out of hundreds of thousands of dollars, prosecutors said.

    Hicksville-based Model Talent Development Corp, which also operated under the name New Faces Development Center, Inc., is charged with scamming at least 50 families out of $250,000 by promising children high-paying modeling jobs, 1010 WINS’ Mona Rivera reported.

    “Hundreds of families were led to believe that their child was the next big thing, only to learn that they were just the next in line to be scammed,” stated Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice. “The defendants built a lucrative business by crushing the dreams of hopeful children and conning parents out of their hard-earned money.”
    play

    Prosecutors: L.I. Modeling Agency Scammed Dozens Of Families Out Of $250,000
    1010 WINS' Mona Rivera reports

    00:00

    “These suspects exploited something we can all relate to – the love and pride parents feel for their children,” state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman stated. “The crimes we allege today are a clear-cut scam, and we are bringing the scammers to justice.”

    Talent scouts targeted teens and children at shopping malls, beaches and other public places and told them that they had “the look” for modeling or acting, prosecutors said.

    Michelle Molene, of Brooklyn, said she was scammed out of $5,000 after agents approached her 14-year-old daughter at the Queens Center Mall.

    “They told her ‘you could be good for modeling,’” Molene said. “She gave them her phone number.”

    Molene said the agents then disappeared after taking deposits for photo shoots and contracts.

    Delora Castro of Forest Hills said she was scammed out of $6,000 after agents approached her 18-year-old daughter at the same mall.

    “They said, ‘You’re very beautiful,’ and they asked my daughter, ‘Would you be interested in a modeling career?’” Castro said.

    Victims paid for photo shoots and put down money for contracts with major retailers that never even existed, prosecutors said.

    “Not one person got a modeling contract, not one person got any benefits for their children,” Schneiderman said.

    Jennifer Santiago, 26, of Jamaica, Queens, Jennifer Diaz-Domenech, 31, of Brooklyn, and Michelle Alperin-Smith, 42, of Nesconset, face grand larceny and fraud charges. They are set to be arraigned Wednesday.

    An arrest warrant was issued for James Muniz, 44, of Roslyn, the CEO of the business.

    The defendants face up to seven years in prison if convicted.

    The investigation is ongoing, and anyone who may have been similarly victimized should contact District Attorney Rice’s Complaints Unit at (516) 571-3505 or the Attorney General’s Office at (516) 248-3301.

    Prosecutors: L.I. Modeling Agency Scammed Dozens Of Families Out Of $250,000 « CBS New York
    "It's virtually impossible to violate rules ... but it's impossible for a violation to go undetected, certainly not for a considerable period of time." Bernie Madoff
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scam-...98399986981403

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •