Scam Squad

It can be very difficult to convince someone that they're involved in a Romance Scam. Here are tips on how to help a friend recogize that the person they think they love is nothing but a scammer.

Doris Roof, Montecito Bank & Trust Fraud Manager, and Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson, give advice on how to use Zelle safely. Roof reeals that Zelle guidelies are set up by Early Warning Systems. To help prevent fraud, Early Warning Systems is adding more prompts, asking questions such as, "Did you initiate this transaction or did someone else ask you to initiate the transaction?" Other Zelle Tips include the following: - Dont send money to people you don't know. - Confirm the email and/or mobile number when receiving requests or sending money, looking for slight changes, such as an l replaced with an i. - Look at the entire header and be sure it doesn't originate from overseas. - If you get a text or email warning saying your account has been hacked, don't reply directly. Instead contact your bank from the number on the back of your bank card. - Legitimate companies are unlikely to send invoices through Zelle. If you receive a payment request through Zelle, don't trust it. - Don't reveal anything in response to an unknown text or email. Call yourself to verify its legitimacy. - Be careful not to reveal two factor verification codes. Pay Pal Warning! In Maine, 30,000 Pay Pal coounts were hacked. They are advising people to ignore unexpected messages and to reach out directly to Pay Pal to report them. Lastly, they're advising customers to change their password, using 12 + characters and choosing multi-factor authorization. Good News! Five defendants were sent to federal prison for receiving, transporting and laundering money with the Grandparent scam. Victims were directed to send money to unoccupied homes across the country and scammers would collect the package, take their share, before sending it off to other scammers overseas.

With Special Guest, Dayton Aldrich, Victim Restitution Specialist To tell your Story on Scam Squad, contact Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson at 805-568-2442 Recently in Santa Barbara, a couple's Ring Security Camera, which was linked to their phones, let them know that someone was at their door, claiming to be from Door Dash. They were both at work and told the phony Door Dash person that there had been a mistake and that they had not placed an order. This signaled the person that the no one was home and he and his accomplice let themselves in the back door and ramsacked the home. These types of home invasions are happening across the country with crooks claiming to be from Door Dash, Grub Hub, Uber Eats and other delivery companies. This is a new take on an old scam. In addition to food delivery companies, any type of service company who claims they are at your house to work on something you didn't order should arouse your suspicion. Dayton recommends you give one stern warning and then tell them you're calling the police. Dayton describes simple, Do it Yourself, affordable security items that can help to keep you safe at home. These include home security systems, security cameras, motion detector lights, panic buttons, mail box sensors, and more. Dayton and Vicki also give warnings about revealing information on social media which can signal criminals that your are out of town so they can rob you -- or give them enough information to steal your identity. They also recommend that everyone consider getting a password manager to create and store unique passwords for each of your accounts.

Scmsqd - 2023 - 02 - 25 - Pig Butchering by Hub for Podcasting

Information from WHAT TO DO IF YOU WERE SCAMMED, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed What should you do if… You Paid a Scammer by credit/debit card or there was an unauthorized transfer from your bank account: • Contact the company or bank that issued the credit card, debit card or wire transfer from your bank account • Tell them it was a fraudulent charge. • Ask them to reverse the transaction and give you your money back. What if you Paid by gift card? • Contact the issuing company the gift card. Ask them to refund your money. Keep the gift card and the gift card receipt. What if you Sent a Wire Transfer to the scammer? • Contact the wire transfer company such as MoneyGram or Western Union • Tell them it was a fraudulent transfer. • Ask them to reverse the wire transfer and give you your money back MoneyGram: 1-800-926-94 Western Union: 1-800-448-1492 1 Ria (non-Walmart transfers): 1-877-443-1399 Ria (Walmart2Walmart and Walmart2World transfers): 1-855-355-2144 What if you Sent a Wire Transfer from your Bank? • Contact your bank and report the fraudulent transfer. • Ask them to reverse the wire transfer and give you your money back. What if you Sent Money through Money Transfer App such as Zelle, PayPal, CashApp or Venmo) • Report the fraudulent transaction to company behind the money transfer app • Ask them to reverse the payment. • If you linked the app to a credit card or debit card, report the fraud to your credit card company or bank. • Ask them to reverse the charge. What if you Paid the scammer with Cryptocurrency? • ASK person you paid to send it back. • Contact the company you used to send the money and tell them it was a fraudulent transaction. Ask them to reverse the transaction. What if you Sent Cash? • If you sent cash by U.S. mail, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (877-876-2455) or other shipping company, ask them to intercept the package as soon as possible. WHAT If You Gave Scammer your Social Security Number? • Go to IdentityTheft.gov to see what steps to take, including how to monitor your credit. IdentityTheft.gov can help. What if you gave the scammer your User Name or Password? • Create a new, strong password. Make sure your password is long and strong. • Don’t reuse passwords you’ve from other accounts. • Consider a password manager. • Add multi-factor authentication [2nd verification] when it’s an option. • Pick security questions only you know the answer to. What If Scammer Has Remote Access to Your Computer or Phone? • Update your computer’s security software, run a scan, and delete anything it identifies as a problem. • Turn off your computer and physically take it into a local reputable computer store. Run scans on your computer to see what actions were taken once they accessed your computer, like downloading your files and/or adding viruses and other malicious code onto your computer so they can continue to get access. What if the scammer gets Control of your cell phone number and account? • Contact your service provider to take back control of your phone number. Change your account password. • Check your credit card, bank, and other financial accounts for unauthorized charges or changes. If you see any, report them to the company or institution. Go to IdentityTheft.gov to see what steps you should take. Where should a victim report scams? If you experienced a scam — or even spotted one, ALWAYS report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.[and to IC3.gov if the scam happened online.] and to local law enforcement. For more in-depth information on what we reviewed today go to ftc.gov and search for WHAT TO DO IF YOU WERE SCAMMED, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/wha... . You can also report scams on BBB's Scam Tracker. If you would like to speak to Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson about a scam, or would like to share your story on Scam Squad, call the Fraud Hotline at 805-568-2442.

Scmsqd - 2023 - 02 - 11 - Latest Scams by Hub for Podcasting

Today's show features advice from Criminologist, Dr. Judy Christman Yates. First, Dr. Yates gives advice on Spotting Phony Websites and reviews six ways to tell if a website is credible. This information is drawn from an article by the University of Wisconsin. https://uknowit.uwgb.edu/page.php?id=... Tip: Go to your web browser and type in the name of a person, business, or organization followed by the word 'scam' or 'complaint', and see what comes up. Next, Dr. Yates reviews what to do when a stranger unexpectedly sends you money on Cash Apps such as Venmo, Zelle, or Pay Pal. https://lifehacker.com/don-t-return-t... , 12/9/22 The last topic covered by Yates is a vile crime aptly coined, 'Sextortion.' Today, predators use phones to stalk and blackmail teens on social media and dating apps. Sextortion — the act of threatening to share nude or explicit images — is more common than you may think, and cases affecting young children, teens and adults have increased exponentially in the past two years. In fact, Homeland Security Investigations received over 3,000 sextortion tips in fiscal year 2022. If you or a family member has been a victim of sextortion, contact your local FBI field office, call 1-800-CALL-FBI, or report it online at tips.fbi.gov. The FBI also has staff dedicated to assisting victims of crime. https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-y... Remember, all ages can be taken in by scams. Here are some tips for Talking to Your Kids and Grandkids about Fraud: https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-frau... , CHRIS GASH, By Sari Harrar, AARP, December 02, 2022 If you have been a victim, report crimes to: Local law enforcement IC3.gov (FBI Internet Computer Complaint Center) ftc.gov (Federal Trade Commission); FTC is excellent resource of information Better Business Bureau and AARP also have excellent information about fraud. If you'd like advice from Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson, or if you'd like to tell your story on Scam Squad, call the Santa Barbara County Fraud Hotline at 805-568-2442.

Scmsqd - 2023 - 01 - 28 - Vicky Social Media by Hub for Podcasting

Scam Squad: With Special Guest, Shawn Dyer, Senior Fraud Specialist at Montecito Bank & Trust Shawn Dyer reports about a rise in the Pay Pal Imposter Scam, and reminds us that it can also occur on other platforms such as Amazon or E-Bay. Here's how it works: You are contacted by an email or a text message telling you that you have had a large dollar amount charged on your account. You are asked to immediately call a number provided in the message to review it. When you call the number and tell them that you didn't make the charge, they offer to credit back your account. However, they 'accidentally' pay you too much and ask you to correct the over payment by getting Gift Cards and calling them back with the numbers on the card. Of course, this is just a ploy that the scammer uses to get you to send them money that you likely WON''T be able to get back. How to Avoid this Scam: If you get this type of email or text message, DON'T REPLY. Go directly into your Pay Pal accout and your bank account (or call them directly), to double check that you don't have any unauthorized charges. Next, Shawn warns us about the Online Loan Scam. Usually, this happens when someone searches online for Fast Cash and applies for a loan. In order to deposit money into your account, you will be asked for your online banking credentials and account number. The fraudsters also say that in order for them to ensure that you are trustworthy, you need to send them a gift card and call them with the numbers on the back of the card. They make a fraudulent deposit in your checking account with a counterfeit check. In a few days the check is returned by your bank and the victim is out money from the gift cards, and any return item fees which may have been spent before the victim realizes that the loan was a scam. To add insult to injury, the scam victim will need to close their checking account and change their online banking credentials so that they don't become a victim of identity theft. This scam is particularly abhorrent because it targets people who are already struggling financially. Lastly, the newest scam that Shawn reports on has to do with the CA Middle Class Tax Refund Debit Card. The card is being sent to Californians, loaded with a specific amount of money. The card comes from the State of CA, and is legitimate. However, scammers are calling, pretending to be from Medicare, asking for people to validate the numbers on the card. Of course, this is an attempt to steal the funds on the card. GOOD NEWS! Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson reports that an Interpol Rapid Response team was deployed against the Black Axe Gang, who are responsible for massive cyber-enabled financial scams and have their base of operations in South Africa. The task force specifically targeted the money mules who are the blood supply for these vicious scam artists. It was a great succhess; they recovered a large amount of money and there were a numerous arrests. Lastly, Vicki reminds us that price gouging is illegal after a State of Emergency has been declared--such as the recent floods in California. If you would like to talk to Deputy District Attorney, or tell your story on Scam Squad, call the Santa Barbara District Attorney's Fraud Hotline at 805-568-2442.

Scmsqd - 2023 - 01 - 14 - Identity Fraud by Hub for Podcasting

We appreciate it when fraud and scam victims are brave enough to share their stories in order to warn others. In this episode, Doris (our victim), received a phone call from a woman who identified herself as Holly, a Cox Cable technician. She knew that Doris had been having conectivity problems and asked Doris if it was any better. (There had been repair trucks on Doris' street, which probably tipped off the scammers.) Holly offered to check Doris' computer and showed her a series of graphs and diagrams which confirmed a weak signal. She told Doris that she was due a refund and transferred the call to a man who told Doris she was due $500. He pulled up a form on Doris’ computer and had her type in the amount. Doris is sure she typed in $500 but it appeared as $5,000. The man told Doris she’d have to send back $4,500 immediately! Then, in an alarming move, the man showed her that he had accessed her bank account and threatened to wipe it out if she didn’t immediately buy $4,500 in gift cards from Target and relay the gift card numbers to him. Doris realized that she was being scammed but was frightened that the con artist would wipe out her account if she didn’t follow his directions to the letter. She bought the gift cards, took pictures of them with the receipts and sent them to the crook. “Now we’ll give you your money back but it will take an hour or so,” he told her. Doris immediately drove to her bank. At first they told her that $1,500 had already been cashed but later, Target told her they would pay her back the entire $4,500. While the story has a good ending because Doris didn’t lose her money, it can’t be underestimated how traumatized Doris was by the experience. Plus, she said she had to change her bank account, passwords, and have her computer checked out by an expert. Deputy District Attorney, Vicki Johnson, revealed the results of a study that highlights the emotional and physical problems toll that victims experience in the aftermath of being scammed. They often blame themselves, feel ashamed and suffer from physical problems. Vicki reminded Doris and our listeners that victims are not to blame…it’s the fault of the perpetrator. At the end of the episode, Vicki shares some Good News. Believe it or not, a brazen crooked business called “I Spoof” was offering spoofing services to cyber criminals and advertising their services online! (As a reminder, spoofing is when you get a phone call and the caller ID is spoofed. For example, caller ID may say it’s your bank when it’s really a scammer.) As the result of a coordinated international law enforcement effort, the site was shut down and the site’s owner was arrested. If you’d like to get advice from Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson, or share your story to warn others, call the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Fraud Hotline at 805-568-2442.

Rick Copelan President of BBB of the Tri-Counties Talks with Deputy District Attorney, Vicki Johnson by Hub for Podcasting

Scmsqd - 2022 - 12 - 31 - Dayton by Hub for Podcasting

With Special Guest, Criminologist, Dr. Judy Christman Yates In this episode, Dr Christman Yates points out dark patterns in advertisements that are psychologically deceptive, specifically designed to induce false beliefs. They often get us us to purchase more than we want or misunderstand what we're getting. Here are common tricks that are used: 1. We're told that the product or service is only availble for a limited period of time. 2. The ads look like editorials, giving them unwarranted credibility. (Watch for buzz words such as News, Educational, Journal, etc. 3. The ads use logos from reputable organizations such as the Food & Drug Administration. (If you look closely, you may see a disclaimer in miniscule letters saying that they are not a part of the organization depicted in the logo.) 4. Additional fees and charges are often added very late in the buying process. They may add on high shipping fees, and/or 'convenience fees.' TIPS: - If you're offered a free trial and are then required to provide a credit or debit card, don't trust it! - Use trusted websites. Look closely at the site's url. - Avoid clicking on pop ups. - Don't believe pop ups, texts or emails that tell you that you've won something. It's likely a scam to get your personal information. - Read the fine print when considering a purchase. - Pay with a credit card. (You'll be more likely to recover the money if it's a scam.) - Be sure to review your credit card statements every month for unauthorized charges! (If too much time has passed, it's unlikely your bank will refund the charges.) - Report suspicious websites and online companies to ic3.gov At the end of this podcast, Vicki shares some good news! Here's a teaser. Have you noticed that you aren't getting the dreaded phone calls about renewing your extended auto warranty? Find out why! If you'd like to speak to Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson to report a scam or tell your story on SCAM SQUAD, call the Santa Barbara District Attorney's FRAUD HOTLINE at 805-568-2442. 0 Comments

Montecito Bank & Trust Senior Fraud Specialist, Doris Roof, reports on a recent scam. Here's what happened. A woman attempted to Venmo money to her son, but the transaction was declined. She looks up Venmo's number online and inadvertantly contacts the scammers who have a phony site that looks like the legitimate Venmo website. The scammers talk her into giving them remote access to her computer and keep her on the line for over TWO HOURS! While she thinks they're trying to help her, in reality they are mining her computer for information and manage to transfer $2,000 our of her account. Here are the takeaways: - Watch out for fraudulent accounts which may come up first on Google. (They may look very much like the real company site so be very careful!) Legitimate sites start with https. - If you're asked to call any number that doesn't start with 800 or 877, be VERY cautious! - Don't give remote access to your computer!!! Vicki reminds listeners that during the holiday season, there are a lot of wallet/purse thefts. Often, thieves work in pairs. Someone may ask for help to get something off of a shelf while their partner in crime reaches into your purse to complete the theft. Remember, scammers are very opportunistic! With the recent FTX Crypto Currency collapse, scammers are coming out of the woodwork, offering phony crypto recovery services. Don't be fooled! Lastly, Vicki shares some GOOD NEWS! Two California men who were carrying out money laundering for Nigerian scammers were apprehended and convicted. Vicki welcomes you to call her FRAUD HOTLINE to get her advice, or to share your story on Scam Squad! The FRAUD HOTLINE number is 805-568-2442.

Medicare is a federal government health insurance program in the United States. Of course, it doesn’t cover everything. Most people buy additional insurance to bridge the gaps. The two main types of coverage that you can buy to help with this are Medicare Advantage (also called Part C) or a Medicare Supplement which is also referred to as Medigap. If you choose a Medicare Advantage Plan, you've basically left the govt funded program to go with a private insurance company. This works well for some people and for others it does not, depending on your circumstances. It's important to get balanced, unbiased information so you can make an informed choice. In CA, the HICAP program can help you sort through various plans to help you make the choice that's best for you. If you live in another state, you can call the Area Agency on Aging for a referral to their Medicare Counseling Program.

Victims of tech support scam often give their computer access to scammers who claim they are trying to help them.

It's sometimes easy for us to think that we would never fall for a scam. But in today's episode, a woman who has worked in the IT departments of many large companies ALMOST gets taken in by a complicated scam. Hear her story on this week's Scam Squad episode. And be sure to subscribe to Scam Squad today so you don't miss any important warnings!

Scmsqd - 2022 - 11 - 05 - Crimnologist Judy by Hub for Podcasting

Shawn Dyer, Senior Fraud Specialist from Montecito Bank & Trust Gives the Latest Warnings: : 41 When you receive a text from what you think is your bank--telling you that there has been fraudulent activity on your account, DO NOT call the number back from the text, DO NOT click on a link in the text and DO NOT give personal information verbally to someone who called you. ALWAYS confirm that it's not a scam by calling the number on the back of your bank card or statement. The scammer is most likely trying to get personal information such as your social security number, your full card number and/or your bank account and routing number so that they can steal your identity. 4:40: There are more and more scams involving Zelle. Remember, a legitimate business will NOT ask you to pay them through Zelle. In many cases, Zelle Scams are replacing gift card scams. It's quicker, and potential victims can send money with a single tap--rather than going out to stores to buy gift cards, which gives them time to realize they're being taken in by a scammmer. 5:18: Shawn explains the difference between authorized transactions (which may be scams) and fraud. Fraud is when through no action on the victim's part, funds are stolen. This could be through wire fraud, phony checks, etc. She explains that, unfortunately, banks cannot usually reimburse people for scams if they gave the scammer some sort of authorization to make a transaction. 12:17: Scammers and Fraudsters are coaching their victims so that they'll have a believable story if bankers try to question customers to determine if they're being scammed. 18:11 Good News! The US Department of Justice has expanded its trans-national elder task force! There is a National Fraud Hotline (staffed by live experts) that is open seven days a week! Their number is 833-372-8311. Also, you can speak to Deputy District Attorney, Vicki Johnson, by calling the Santa Barbara DA's Fraud Hotline at 805-568-2442. If you'd like to share your story on Scam Squad to warn others, let Vicki know!

Scmsqd - 2022 - 10 - 22 - Disaster Relief by Hub for Podcasting

It’s Medicare Open Enrollment from now until December 7! In this episode, HICAP (Health Insurance and Advocacy Program) manager, Julie Posada, guides listeners through the maze of choosing the best Medicare program for your individual needs. HICAP is run through the California Department on Aging, which also manages their 1-800-434-0222 hotline. HICAP counselors will meet with you remotely or in person—providing you with the pieces of the puzzle so that you can make a good decision. This is a free service! HICAP has recently partnered with SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol), which helps prevent Medicare fraud. If you live outside of CA, you can contact SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program), instead of HICAP. SHIP establishes community-based networks of counselors who also provide assistance in-person and by phone, make group presentations, and use a variety of media sources to educate people about Medicare. If you live in the Santa Barbara area, you can call today’s guest, Julie Posada at 805-928-5663 or email [email protected]

Scmsqd - 2022 - 10 - 08 - Caretaker by Hub for Podcasting

Doris Roof, Senior Fraud Specialist at Montecito Bank & Trust shares cyber -crime stats from a USA Today article. Here are some of the findings: - 84% of Americans have been scammed through social engineering - Scam victims pay out more money to scams as they get older. Victims younger than 50, on average were scammed out of $324.00 Victims in their 60's, on average, were scammed out of $426.00 Victims in their 70's were scammed out of $635.00 Victims in their 70's were scammed out of $1,300.00 Doris reviewed the following tips to avoid being scammed: - Don't click on links. - Have a 'text check' with your friends. - Set your social media accounts to 'private' - Beware that emergencies may be a ploy that scammers use. - Lock devices and set up passwords and/or use your fingerprints to unlock your devices. - Only visit secure sites that start with https. - Don't use shared wi-fi at airports or coffee shops. Vicki warned about groups who are luring people over to their cars and then stealing their jewelry. At the end of the episode she shares some Good News. A man who stole $1.6 million in unemployment benefits in several states was convicted of wire fraud and identity theft. He has been ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,611,000. If you'd like to talk to Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson about a scam or would like to share your story on Scam Squad, call the Santa Barbara District Attorney's Fraud Hotline at 805-568-2442.

Today's special guest is Dayton Aldrich, a colleague of Vicki's and the Restitution Specialist for the District Attorney's Office in Santa Barbara. He shows real-life footage of a woman having second thoughts about stealing from a carport. When she notices that she's being filmed on a security camera, she quickly puts her loot back. The topic then turns to mail fraud. Dayton recommends that unless your mailbox is locked or behind a gate, you should get a PO Box. Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson and Dayton remind us that much of our information is already available on the dark web and that often the fraudster only needs one more piece of information to steal your identity. Don't let them get it from your mailbox! Once again, they urge us not to put outgoing checks in your own mailbox with the flag up as this is a signal to the crook to come and get it! Other mail recommendations include: - Picking up your mail promptly. - If you are depositig mail in your own mailbox for pick-up, do it close to the time your mailperson comes. - Limit the amount of mail you receive. Contact banks and credit card companies and ask them to stop sending pre-approved offers, which crooks love to get their hands on! - If you expected mail and didn't receive it, inquire about it. (It may have been stolen.) - Make arrangements for your mail to be picked up when you're out of town. - And of course, never send cash in the mail.

Scmsqd - 2022 - 09 - 17 - Identity Theft by Hub for Podcasting

Scmsqd - 2022 - 09 - 10 - Kidnapping Scam by Hub for Podcasting

Senior Fraud Specialist Shawn Dyer, from Montecito Bank & Trust, reports that several scams are still rampant. 1. Most recenty, people are getting emails from a scammer pretending to be from Norton Lifelock, telling you that your account has been compromised. Of course, when you email them back, or call the number in the email, they'll try to get the banking information they need to hack into your accounts. While most recently the scammers are saying they're from Norton, they could say they're from any company. Don't fall for it! 2. Business Email Compromise: A scammer pretends to be a business that is expecting a payment from a vendor. They contact the vendor and tell them that the payment method or bank account information has changed. (The scammer often contacts the vendor through an email thread making the scam less likely to be detected.) The vendor sends the money directly to the new account the scammer gave them and large sums of money are lost. Unfortunately, this scam is often discovered weeks later when the business asks the vendor why their payment hasnt' been received. 3. People are still having their mail stolen and checks are washed and made out to someone else. Don't use your own mailbox or blue bins to mail checks. Take them into the post office instead! At the end of the episode, Vicki shares some good news! A money mule was convicted of taking advantage of seniors with the computer tech scam.

Scam Squad Special Guest--Dr Judy Christman Yates, (Criminologist and Financial Exploitation Specialist) SMISHING 1:15 Dr. Judy Christman Yates explains Smishing & Gives Tips to Avoid it. Here’s an example of smishing. You receive a text message. It may claim to be from a company, such as Amazon, saying that there’s a problem with your account. However, when you open the text and click on the link, a virus or malware is installed on your device. Or the text instructs you to call them (for some made-up reason) and when you do, the scammer tricks you into giving them enough personal information to steal your identity or hack into your accounts. Tips to Avoid Being Smished: - Don’t click on links! - Don’t call the phone number from texts you receive. (Even if you call and hang up before speaking, you’ll be added to an active ‘suckers’ list.) Instead, look up the businesses’ phone number from your own account statement. - Be careful when you click a link that takes you to a business or if you google a business online. Instead of being taken to the legitimate businesses site, you may be on a look-alike site, set up by the scammer. - To report scams, dial 7726 or go to reportfraud.ftc.gov 9:22 TIPS TO AVOID SCAMS WHEN SELLING ONLINE There are Four Main Scams: 1. Fake payments: Just as it sounds, a seller may try to pass off a phony cashier’s check. 2. Bogus Refund Request: The buyer overpays you for an item and then asks for a check or cash to make-up for the overpayment. Unfortunately, the check that the buyer paid with is not good and adding insult to injury, the seller also gives the buyer a refund for their so-called overpayment. 4. Fake Verification Codes. Scammers work in pairs to intercept legitimate verification codes. Here’s a previous episode describing this scam. https://youtu.be/zqHi_e6n-tY 12:55 THE FCC IS FINALY CRACKING DOWN ON AUTO WARRANTY ROBO CALLS. SIMPLE T.I.P. TO DETERMINE IF YOU’RE BEING SCAMMED. T is for Threat (Many scams involve a threat which the scammer says he’ll help you solve.) I is for Immediacy; the scammer will also make it sound urgent and that you have to do something quickly. P for Payment: Someway, somehow, the scammer will try to get you to pay them.

Chief Deputy Clerk in Santa Barbara County, Melinda Greene, works to protect seniors with capacity issues. If an older adult comes into the Hall of Records with someone who takes over the conversation in order to obtain a marriage license or a real estate record, the staff at the Hall of Records are on high alert and are unlikely to process the request. Instead, they are likely to contact Adult Protective Services, the District Attorney, or even the FBI. Recently, fraudsters in various cities have been taking advantage of elderly adults by requesting a memorandum or exclusive right to sell agreement. Here's how the scam works. Elderly homeowners who are financially distressed are offered around $1,000 . In exchange, they sign an agreement to use the specific real estate listing agent for a period of 40 years! If they try to cancel the agreement they have to pay back thousands of dollars. As if that isn't bad enough, the agreement can also be viewed as a lien on their property. Melinda also described a recent case under investigation; a caregiver transfered $100,000 from her client's account into an LLC under the client's name. In other words, the caregiver who was taking care of 'Jane Doe' set up an LLC called 'Jane Doe LLC.' But the elderly client was not a member of the LLC. In a frightening turn of events rhe elderly client's recent death has been ruled a homicide and the caregiver is under investigation. With crimes against vulnerable seniors on the rise, we are very glad that people like Melinda Greene are doing their very best to protect them.

Scmsqd - 2022 - 08 - 13 - Summer Scams by Hub for Podcasting

Special Guest, Doris Roof, (Senior Fraud Specialist from Montecito Bank & Trust), says that email compromise scams are on the riise, especiallly for businesses. Here's how it works. A business receives an email from a vendor, asking them to change the routing number and account number on their ACH deposits. If the person who receives the request believes it and makes the change, (without double checking that the request is legitimate), they may be tricked into making a deposit directly into the scammers account! Another scam that's on the rise is the Tech Support Scam. Here's how it works: The scammer manages to cause your computer to start flashing a warning on your screen, urging you to contact them immediately because your computer has been installed with malware. Don't believe it! The scammer is trying to get you to call or let them take control of your computer. Then in addition to stealing your information, they'll charge you to 'supposedly' fix your computer. If this happens to you, immediaatelly turn off and UNPLUG yor computer.

GRANDPARENTS SCAM by Hub for Podcasting

Special guest, criminologist Dr Judy Christman Yates, gives advice on the legitimate way to find out if you have unclaimed money just waiting for you! But don't be fooled! Scammers are contacting people, telling them that they are a claimant in a class action lawsuit that was settled for $4,800,000. To get your share, you need to send $30 - $50 to a processing center within five days. While this is a scam, many people are legitimately owed money. To find out if that includes you, go to https://www.usa.gov/unclaimed-money Dr Yates says that unclaimed money could be owed to you from many sources, including: bank accounts, the contents of safetly deposit boxes, stocks, mutual funds, uncashed checks or money orders, certificates of deposit, insurance policies that have matured or terminated, mineral rights, royalty payments, unclaimed property, escrow accounts and utility accounts. Dr Yates also reviews the most common scams and shares advice on how we can protect ourselves. She invites you to send her an email at [email protected] if you'd like to subscribe to her financial exploitation newsletter. To report a cam or share your story on Scam Squad, contact Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson on her FRAUD HOTLINE at 805-568-2442.

It's difficult for some people to understand how anyone falls for a Romance Scam. In this episode, Vicki explains how it happens and gives a real life example. An older woman named Sue lost her husband of 40 years and began reminiscing about him--posting old vaction pictures and beautiful memories on Facebook. A scammer, pretending to be a widower too, send an encouraging note, telling her to stay strong and that while the pain never goes away, life gets better. Eventually, he won her over and they chatted several times a day. He told her that he was a hard-working widower from Eastern Europe, who was saving money to come to the US. By this time, she trusted him and sent him money when he asked. In a recent article, Psychology Today wrote an article on the psychology of Romance Scams. They reported that people who fall for them are not gullible, stupid people with no critical thinking skills. They point out that when people are being romanced, emotions trigger dopamine and oxytocin. They truly feel like they're in love! If you have a friend who is being taken in by the Romance Scam, show empathy and be patient. Point out discrepencies in what the romance scammer is saying. If you yourself are worried that someone is trying to draw you in with the Romance Scam, educate yourself about these types of scams. Talk to a trusted friend or family member and get their input. If you'd like to report a scam or share your story on Scam Squad, call the FRAUD HOTLINE at 805-568-2442.

Shawn Dyer, Senior Fraud Specialist from Montecito Bank & Trust, shares the scams they're seeing more often. Here is a brief description of them: You are asked to verify a purchase. (Often, the purchase in question is said to be from Amazon or Paypal. People often panic when they think that they've been charged for a large purchase they didn't make. But BEWARE! Instead of corresponding with Amazon or Pay Pal, you may be speaking to a scammer who is trying to get your banking information. Shawn reports that the Utility Scam is still rearing its ugly heard. Someone will contact you, pretending to be from your utiility copany, threatening to shut off your services unless you immediately pay up! While scammers previously asked for payment by Gift Cards, (always a scam), more recently the scammer is likely to request payment with a p to p app such as Zelle of Venmo. (That's because the money is transferred to the scammer quickly!) Don't Fall For It! Companies are NOT going to ask you to pay this way. Lastly, people are getting calls from scammers who say you were overcharged and they want to give you a refund. Then they say that they mistakenly sent too much money, eliciting sympathy from the victim by telling them they're afraid they'll be fired if they don't get the overpayment back. (For example, the scammer said they were sending $350, but accidentally sent $35,000.) The scammer begs the victim to wire back the overpayment. Many people would not fall for this scam. But the particular woman that Shawn spoke of was elderly and very vulnerable. Even though the bank refused to make the wire transfer because they were suspicious, this elderly woman is now on the Scammer's Sucker List and it's likely they will continue to harass her with other scams. If you are caring for an elderly person who is vulnerable to these types of scams, ask them to use an answering machine or voice mail and to NEVER answer calls if they don't recognize the name on the caller ID. If you'd like to report a scam, please call the Santa Barbara District Attorney's Office Fraud Hotline at 805-568-2442.

Just in time for your summer vacation, this episode delivers a warning about Airbnb Scams. Some people are shocked to find that when they arrive at their destination, their lodging is not available. There are several possible explanations that the scammer may use. You may be told that there are plumbing problems or that the lodging was damaged by the previous tennant. You may be offered inferior lodging but it's likely to be more expensive. In desperation, weary travelers are likely to accept the offer! Here's are some Best Practices to Try & Avoid Airbnb Poser Scams: - Stay on the Airbnb site when having conversations with the property owner. Ask a lot of questions. - Read reviews. If the reviews came in at about the same time, they may have been falsely created by scammers. - Make sure you see pictures of the inside of the property, not just the outside. - Be VERY suspicious if you're asked to pay with Bitcoin or Gift Cards. - Do a reverse search of the Airbnb rental property photo. - If the problem crops up before you leave for the trip, ask the owner to cancel the reservation. Then look for another place to stay. Another scam that travelers need to watch out for are phony airline booking sites, pretending to sell airline tickets. Be sure to double check the URL code and phone number of the business and always check with the airline to be sure your tickets were actually booked. Also, use a credit card to purchase the tickets; you'll have a better chance of disputing the charge and getting your money back. Vicki also warned about a phone message that people are receiving, telling them their iCloud account was breached. Don't take the call! Then at the end, we'll hear some GOOD NEWS!

Special Guest, Dayton Aldrich, discusses victim restitution before describing Skimmers & Malicious QR codes. These days, skimmers are harder to spot than ever before, because they may be miniscule cameras--which can record your credit card number and pin codes. The best practice to avoid skimmers is to go into the store or the gas station and to use your credit card (rather than a debit card) because you are more likely to be able to dispute the charges. Malicious QR codes have also been springing up more and more and Dayton reminds us that QR codes are just a representation of a url link. When you scan the code with your camera or an app on your cell phone, it can take you to a malicious website, steal info from your phone, or install junk & pornography. We talk all the time about not clicking on mysterious links but remember, QR codes are just links,. Don't hold your camera up to one unless you're sure it's from a safe source. Also, teach your kids not to scan every QR code they come across! Vicki reports about a woman who contacted her FRAUD HOTLINE after realizing that she had unknowingly been a money mule. (Thankfully, she figured it out and was generous enough to share her experience to warn others.) And finally, Vicki shares a story about a romance scammer who was apprehended and sentenced. It was a very full episode!

Workers are drawn to Cambodia through social media advertisements promising high-paying jobs. As soon as they arrive in the country, their travel documents are seized and they are held and forced by racketeers to make scam calls in their own languages. Those who refuse are subject to various forms of abuse and mistreatment. They are assaulted, whipped, and electrocuted. Some get beaten up and others get locked in dark rooms without food. In mid-March, 35 civil society groups urged the Cambodian government to address “a crisis of forced labor, slavery, and torture” in facilities that it described as “slave compounds.” Since October, more than 800 Thai men and women have been rescued from scam call centers in Cambodia. It's estimated that more than 1,000 Thais are still working in scam call centers in cities like Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, and Poipet. There is mounting evidence that these are regionally coordinated, and linked to other illicit activity, such as the massive drug trafficking syndicates that operate in eastern Myanmar. If the criminals continue to outpace regional law enforcement capacities, it is likely that we will see many more such stories in the months to come.

Doris Roof, Senior Fraud Specialist from Montecito Bank & Trust warns us about fraudsters who work in pairs to intercept the verification code sent by your bank. Here’s how it works: One crook (who pretends to be the bank customer/debit card holder) calls the bank. Most often, the crook asks for an address change, an increase in their card limit or a travel exemption. (With a travel exemption, the crooks pretend they are traveling out of their typical area and ask for out of area charges to be approved…a very convenient way for the crook to get their charges approved!) A second crook is waiting for the verification code and gives it to the first crook so they can provide it to the bank, assuring them that they’re a legitimate customer. If the bank believes they are really talking to their customer (and not a crook), they are likely to approve the address change, increased limit, or travel exemption. How to Avoid this Scam: Do NOT respond to an unexpected text or call from your bank, even if they say there has been fraud on your account. (Remember, the caller ID can be spoofed, making it look as if the call is from your bank.) Instead, hang up and call the 800 number on the back of your debit card. Are You Responsible for the Loss? Often, the bank or merchant will take the loss. With debit cards, Regulation E protects banking customers who use electronic methods to transfer money. However, the fraud must be reported within 60 days, so be sure to check your bank statements monthly, or preferably more often.

Jeanne never thought she'd be taken in by a scam. But when she received an email from her elderly neighbor, asking her to purchase gift cards for her, she never thought that it might really be a scammer... As Deputy District Attorney often says, "There's a scam for everyone." At the end of the show, Vicki shares some good news from the Department of Justice, who cracked down on medical providers who took part in Covid-Related medicare fraud.

Don’t miss this special episode with dynamo, Debbie Deem, who formerly worked as an FBI Victim Specialist. Rather than calling herself retired, Debbie prefers the term UNLEASHED, as she continues to tirelessly advocate for fraud victims, who are often shamed and treated differently than violent crime victims. Debbie wants to break the stigma that fraud victims face. These are NOT victimless crimes. Often people lose their life savings, face bankruptcy, or are extorted. Debbie points out that the words we use are important. Rather than calling perpetrators scammers, she prefers words that call them out for what they are—perpetrators, criminals, and fraudsters. We need to stop blaming the victims and stop making them feel foolish. Often, they are so embarrassed and ashamed that they don’t report what happened to them. She reminds us of something that Deputy District Attorney often says, “There is a scam for everyone.”

Two scams that former FBI Victim advocate Debbie Deem talks about in this episode are the Sim Swap, where scammers get your personal information and are able to get your mobile phone carrier to transfer your phone to them and scams that involve artificial intelligence (AI). It may seem like science fiction, but more and more, scammers are able to produce audio and video recordings that sound and look like someone you know personally or a famous person. It is getting to the point where we can’t believe our own eyes and ears! Debbie feels that this type of scam will be more common in the near future and wants people to be on the lookout for it.

Patti - In this episode, I describe a part-time job solicitation and offer that I received via email. In some ways it seemed legitimate. The email said that they would not ask for any money from me, and that I would receive a 1099. For just a few hours of work a week, I could make several thousand dollars. They said they wanted me to process payments--quite a vague job description. And I wondered, why would they want me to process their payments? I did not pursue it any further but Vicki felt it was most likely an overseas scam that wanted an American to launder money for them. I ended communication with them and don't know for sure what they really wanted me to do, but it was most likely a scam. Vicki said that a common scam involves having Americans send and receive packages, perhaps containing illegal goods. That may have been what they meant by 'processing.' Remember, if a job offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Dang it! Here are some tips for spotting scams involving job offers: 1. Search for the company website online. Keep in mind that fake websites can look very real. 2. Don't give out your personal, banking, or credit card information. (Legitimate jobs may eventually ask for some of these things but not until after you've signed a contract and have thoroughly checked out the company. ) 3. If you have to pay start up fees, pay for a background check or use your own bank account it's likely a scam. To talk to Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson, or to report a scam, call the Fraud Hotline at 805-568-2442.

Shawn Dyer from Montecito Bank & Trust says that several of their customers have been scammed out of money just when they needed it the most. They went online searching for fast cash and unfortunately, applied for loans on fraudulent sites, giving thieves access to their banking information on the loan applicataion. Usually, they also provided the crooks with personal information that could lead to identity theft. She advises people to read reviews and to call loan companies before applying for a fast cash loan. Shawn reported that check fraud is on the rise, especially for businesses. Companies are mailing checks to their vendors but their mail gets stolen by crooks who change the payee on the check. She explains the lengthy process to try and get your money refunded after the forged check is cashed by the fraudster. Once again, we're reminded not to drop checks in a public mailbox and to NEVER leave it in your own mailbox with the flag up. If you feel as if you or someone you care about has been the victim of a scam, call Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson on the FRAUD HOTLINE at 805-568-2442.

Don't miss this episode! A brave college student, (who we'll call Mary), shares her story to help others. Mary had just moved out of her family home when she received a phone call from a woman who claimed to be from Border Control and Customs. The officer told Mary that they had a package addressed to her. Inside the package, they claimed they'd found $70,000 in cash, illegal drugs, and fake IDs. Mary spoke to two other people who claimed to be law enforcement officials. Each time she spoke to someone, they gave their names and Badge Numbers--making them seem legitimate. Mary had the presence of mind to look up their names online and found that they were the real names of law enforcement officers in her area. The scammers told Mary they'd found six bank accounts under her name containing hundreds of thousands of dollars. They threatened her with prison and fines and said that if she didn't comply with their demands, they'd immediately issue a warrant for her arrest. The crooks said that all the bank accounts would be closed (including Mary's legitimate account) and demanded that Mary withdraw all her money and use it to purchase a financial bond. The scammers scared Mary and wore her down. She withdrew the money from her bank account and continued to follow their directions to purchase the financial bonds, which turned out to be Gift Cards. Mary was in the middle of giving the scammers the numbers on the Gift Cards when she realized that this was an elaborate scam. She called 911 and went to the San Luis Obispo Police Station. The police officer who met Mary told her that there was no warrant for her arrest and confirmed that it was a scam. Follow Up: Mary said that a friend of hers recently received the same threatening phone call. Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson pointed out that people from all walks of life are targeted by scammers and as a follow up to Mary's story, shared information on how scammers purchase data that allows them to obtain personal information to contact their victims.

In this insightful episode, we'll gain an understanding of why young people become scammers in Jamaica. A woman (who called herself Candance) told her story in the Jamaica Gleaner. She describes how she followed in her brother's footsteps and quit high school to begin working as a lottery scammer. Candance said, "I left school because while it could prepare me for the future--I needed a way out NOW! My now situation was hunger, discrimination and the many distractions that come from living in the garrison." She went from living in poverty to making $90,000 in her first three days. By the second week, she'd made nearly $500,000. She has been able to purchase homes and has invested in several money making ventures. Candance says she feels bad for her victims and would like to quit. However, it's not so easy... The Lottery Scam is run by criminal gangs who demand a percentage of what the scammer brings in. If you don't pay them--you could be killed. Eighty per cent of the murders and shootings in Jamaica are related to Lottery Scams. Candance says, "We have police, teachers, politicians and even doctors who are scamming. The current law was hastily established but it is just another basket given to carry water so there is very little that the police can do about lotto scamming." The scams target the elderly, especially those living in the United States. Victims are told that they've won the lottery or are a finalist for a grand prize worth millions. There's only one catch; they have to send money to pay the taxes before they can collect their winnings. This leads them down a rabbit hole as they continually are asked to send more and more money in hopes of receiving the Grand Prize. Often, the scammer becomes best friends with the elderly victim, all the while increasing the pressure on them to send more and more money until finally, it's all gone.

Charity Scams have been around for quite a while. Unfortunately, because of the heartbreaking situation in Ukraine, many scam artists are trying to take advantage of the situation by pretending to be legitimate charities when they're not. Beware of charities that use copy-cat names that are similar to a well-known charity. Don't click on unknown links or give out your personal information. If a charity asks you to give with a gift card, peer to peer app or wire transfer, it's a scam! Make your donation through a check or credit card. Some charities may not be out and out scams, but can they effectively deliver aid in war-torn regions? Do they have experience getting into impacted areas? Do your research before you give! Here are some sites where you can research charities: https://www.give.org https://www.charitynavigator.org https://www.charitynavigator.org BBB also has an article on tips to help Ukraine Relief Activities: https://www.bbb.org/article/news-rele...

In this episode an older man is targeted by a young woman from the Philippines who claimed to be a victim of health issues and a devastating typhoon. Rather than being a young woman who was having a string of bad luck, this was a scammer who came up with one sad story after another, convincing the big-hearted gentleman to send money. Remember, NEVER send money to someone you have not met in person. If you suspect you are being conned by someone who is perpetrating the romance scam, talk to someone you are close to for their input and advice. You can also call AARP’s Fraud Watch Network Hotline and speak to a Fraud Specialist at 877-908-3360. Or, call the Santa Barbara Fraud Hotline at 805-568-2442. The episode ends with a Good News Story. Two brothers in Maryland were convicted and sentenced to three years in Federal Prison after laundering money for Romance Scammers in Ghana to the tune of more than six million dollars!

Doris Roof, Senior Fraud Specialist from Montecito Bank & Trust, warns listeners to only use Zelle to pay people you know! Scammers are pretending to be from companies who are requesting payments through Zelle. Don't fall for it! A legitimate company will not request a payment through Zelle. The scammers are talking people into letting them access their computers remotely, pretending that they want to help them set up a Zelle account to make an instant payment. Once the money has been sent through Zelle, there is very little chance that it can be recovered! Call Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson on the Santa Barbara County Fraud Hotline at 805-568-2442, to report a scam.