Scam Squad

On this episode of Scam Squad we are proud to welcome back senior fraud specialist at Montecito bank and trust, Shawn Dyer. Shawn reports on some reoccurring scams that target elders, specifically because the scammers use the US mail. Elders are more likely to be scammed via the USPS because young people most frequently use digital mail. People are receiving letters, addressed to them according to their last names. The letters appear to be from a legitimate bank or financial institution. Specifically letters are sent from Los Angeles and marked with the insignia of the Bank of Singapore. It is evident that this is a phony letter because, although it is labeled Bank of Singapore, the letter provides a personal gmail email address as the customer service contact information. Any time you are sent a letter by an official organization, a legitimate notice will provide email addresses or contact phone numbers connected to the official organization itself. To report a scam or if you believe you have been scammed, call Vicki Johnson at 805.568.2442

Join Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson and host Patti Teel as Vicki shares some important social media scams that are too frequently reoccurring. Social media potentially houses sensitive personal information. This lures fraudsters to phish unsuspecting browsers with fraudulent messages by making false claims or fake friend requests. In our last episode we talked about fraudulent friend requests and romance scams. This week we talk about scams that involve financial documents, such as your bank or credit report. Scammers can often appear to send legitimate messages from your bank, but if you are aware of potential scams you will know what to recognize as legitimate and phony. To report a scam, call the District Attorney’s Fraud Hotline at 805-568-2442. The Better Business Bureau urges you to visit their Scam Tracker site at www.bbb.org/scamtracker/santa-barbara/reportscam or call them directly at 805-963-8657. A special thanks to Montecito Bank and Trust for sponsoring our show.

The week’s episode of Scam Squad features Santa Barbara community member Jeanne West. Jeanne has been a long-time advocate for senior wellness in the Santa Barbara community, serving as a member of the Santa Barbara County Elder Dependent Adult Abuse Prevention Counsel for 25 years. Now Jeanne works as a Community Engagement Manager at Hospice of Santa Barbara. Jeanne is here to talk to us about various social media scams that she recently noticed, including an increase in her social media friend requests from suspicious or rather exotic profile names. Other individuals that experience suspicious friend requests may be lured to communicate with unknown profiles under the guise of a romantic relationship. Please be aware of who you are friends with on social media and do not accept or open unidentified messages or invitations. To report a scam or if you believe you have been scammed, call Vicki Johnson at 805.568.2442

This episode of Scam Squad features Montecito Bank and Trust Fraud Manager, Doris Roof. Doris sees many different types of scams at the bank. With social distancing in place, there are many fraudulent offers for ‘work at home’ job opportunities. Beware of offers that ask you to buy gift cards as a ‘mystery shopper’. Also fraudsters ask for personal information via text message. Scammers often pose as famous brands such as Nike and Amazon. If you receive a notice from a company and are unsure about its legitimacy, look up that company’s listing online and contact that company’s customer service directly. To report a scam or if you believe you have been scammed, call Vicki Johnson at 805.568.2442

We know that scams tend to recirculate. Some scams are seasonal, and even predictable, leaving us to wonder if scammers still think they can get away with old tricks. One scam we cover today is an example of a reemerging classic style scam, involving a phony letter from the Bank of Singapore, Hong Kong. We also provide our listeners with up to date Covid-19 scams. To report a scam or if you believe you have been scammed, call Vicki Johnson at 805.568.2442

Through our show, we hope that our listeners are up to date about current scams going around in the market. It is not surprising that we see increased scams related to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson continually receives notices and warnings from the FBI and Department of Justice about COVID-19 scams. Scammers are posing as COVID-19 ‘contact tracing’ agents and asking for personal financial information over the phone. A legitimate COVID ‘contact tracer’ will not ask for any finances or financial information. During these challenging times, it is unfortunate that scammers will take advantage of people who are afraid. Perhaps equally sad, scammers are now taking advantage of people who are looking to buy a pet online. Pet adoptions are on the rise as people look for a furry animal companion during times that require social distancing. We want to warn our listeners not to buy pets online or send money to an unknown person. To report a scam or if you believe you have been scammed, call Vicki Johnson at 805.568.2442

Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson reminds our listeners about the many different forms of scams that take place. In a scam, what separates victims from non-victims? A recent study suggests that out of 1400 people who reported a scam, about half did not engage the scammer at all. Around 30% of people engaged the scammer but did not lose money. 23% of people engaged the scammer and lost money. Above all else, if something ‘just doesn’t feel right’ about an email or letter you received – especially if you are being asked to send money somewhere – trust your instinct and do not engage with the message. Even Social Media platforms are full of potential scams, so practice mindful browsing. The victim of a scam will frequently lose money if they believe they are being contacted by a legitimate agency, such as the IRS. Remember, legitimate government agencies will not ask you to provide personal, sensitive information over the phone.

Deputy district Attorney Vicki Johnson interviews a guest, Paulie, about an Amazon Credit Card Fraud Scam. Paulie, received an ‘order confirmation’ email from what appeared to be an Amazon Order. Paulie and her husband never placed the reported order from Amazon and proceeded to contact the listed phone number for the fraud department. This was an elaborate scam that our professional fraud investigator Vicki Johnson had never heard of and is quite a story!

This episode of Scam Squad features Senior Fraud Specialist at Montecito Bank and Trust, Shawn Dyer. Shawn talks about a few familiar scams that seem to continuously reoccur. E-mail compromise and tech-support scams continuously plague the market. Luckily for consumers, scams are easily recognized and avoided when proper precautions are taken. E-mail compromise happens when a scammer sends an email to a person, posing as a familiar contact. We see perpetrators posing as church pastors or charity organizations, in an attempt to obtain money or gift cards. If you receive an email from what appears to be a trusted contact asking for monetary compensation, be aware, it could be a scam!

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched at the United Nations on June 15th, 2006. This is an international effort to raise awareness within the global community about elder abuse. WEAAD serves as a call to action for our communities to educate people about abuse, neglect, and the exploitation of seniors. Elder abuse is a crime in the United States that is largely unrecognized or unreported. It is estimated that 1 in 10 seniors, ages 60+, has been victimized by some form of elder abuse. As many as 1 in 5 seniors have been the victims of financial exploitation. Elder abuse can take many forms, including neglect, and is not always easy to recognize. On Scam Squad, we often talk about scams that involve the financial exploitation of seniors. To report a case of elder abuse, please contact Adult Protective Services; reports can be made anonymously. Please due your part to prevent elder abuse.

UNEMPLOYEMENT FRAUD by Hub for Podcasting

Special guest Dayton Aldridge shares with us the reality of ‘voice cloning’ and ‘artificial intelligence’. As artificial intelligence becomes more common-place, computers are talking among themselves to provide better search results to human users. With each passing day, A.I. is gathering more data from the general population in order to become more advanced. As A.I. application becomes more widespread, people should be more aware of its capabilities; including, but not limited to, scams and fraudulent activity that involve A.I. Dayton shares about various scams and frauds that involve A.I., including the capabilities of A.I. to mimic and copy any individual’s unique voice.

We have all heard that phrase, "there is no such thing as a free ride" - This saying is more true than ever today. In the digital age, there are so many 'free' offers and product trials online that turn out to be fraudulent! Marketers of cosmetics and supplements alone recently defrauded customers out of 74.5 million dollars. Beware of 'free trial' offers - be sure that you are clear about what you are signing up for as a consumer. It is unlawful for businesses to lie to customers in order to lure them into a reoccurring monthly payment. We also know that the Corona Virus has fraudsters scamming at an unprecedented rate. In order to protect yourself more thoroughly , credit reports are now available for free until April 2021 from annualcreditreport.com

One topic that we have discussed repeatedly is check fraud. Check fraud is a topic that keeps coming up, and it is no surprise that there are increased incidents of fraud during tax season and the arrival of Covid-19 stimulus checks. Crooks and fraudsters are fishing through the mail, looking for checks and sensitive information. With increased social distancing restrictions, less people are on the streets, providing a prime opportunity for crooks to fish in the mail. The big blue public mailboxes are especially vulnerable to this kind of theft and criminal activity. Fraudsters are looking for utility checks and other bills because these envelopes almost always have checks in them. Crooks are able to ‘wash’ and alter the information on the checks. Perpetrators can even deposit the checks via mobile banking app. A special thanks to Doris Roof, Senior Fraud specialist from Montecito Bank and Trust. To report a scam, call the District Attorney’s Fraud Hotline at 805-568-2442. The Better Business Bureau urges you to visit their Scam Tracker site at https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker/santa-barbara/reportscam or call them directly at 805-963-8657.

May is elder abuse awareness month. In the United States, we estimate that 1 out of every 10 seniors, ages 65+, are victims of abuse. As many as 1 in 5 seniors are exploited financially. Surprisingly, even family members and caregivers are sometimes the abusers. During the Corona Virus Pandemic, many elders are more vulnerable than usual. Please honor and respect the seniors in your community. To report a case of emergency elder abuse directly to law enforcement, please call 805-683-2724

COVID-19 VIRUS SCAMS by Hub for Podcasting

Beware of dropping off payments in mailboxes as scammers are literally fishing them out--and altering the payee and/or amount. Also, a warning about being contacted through emails and texts by scammers, who are pretending to verify your login information so they can gain access to your Pay to Pay (P2P) accounts (such as Venmo or Zelle). Once they have your banking login information they can set up a new P2P account and steal money directly from your bank account!

SWEEPSTAKES SCAMS by Hub for Podcasting

IMPOSTOR SCAMS by Hub for Podcasting

WHAT IS IC3? by Hub for Podcasting

As more people are sheltering in place, crooks are actually stealing mail from private and public mailboxes. They look for mail containing checks that they can alter and cash themselves. Don't miss this timely episode!

A gentleman who thought he had purchased horses from a legitimate seller was scammed by a crook who didn't deliver. But you'll be inspired when you hear how he managed to turn the tables on the scammer! This is SURE to be one of your favorite episodes!!

March 28 - 2020

March 14th, 2020. Slam the Scam is the latest advise. Find out what it's all about.

March 7, 2020. Corona Virus Scams. Many Scams are now out there about the Corona Virus. To talk to Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson about a scam, or to tell your story on Scam Squad to help others, (no matter where you live), call the Santa Barbara Fraud Hotline at 805-568-2442. Subscribe to Scam Squad’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ScamSquad/videos Also, BBB Scam Tracker is a free tool anyone can use to report suspected scams. Report scams to warn others so they can avoid similar cons. https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker

Debit Card Compromise is more common than you'd think! Shawn Dyer, Senior Fraud Specialist at Montecito Bank and Trust, explains how crooks are getting hold of your card number, and processing a small transaction as a test that you might not even notice. Don't miss this important warning!!! To talk to Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson about a scam, or to tell your story on Scam Squad to help others, (no matter where you live), call the Santa Barbara Fraud Hotline at 805-568-2442. Subscribe to Scam Squad’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ScamSquad/videos Also, BBB Scam Tracker is a free tool anyone can use to report suspected scams. Report scams to warn others so they can avoid similar cons. https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker

February 20th, 2020 Tech Support Refund. A new twist on an old scam. To talk to Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson about a scam, or to tell your story on Scam Squad to help others, (no matter where you live), call the Santa Barbara Fraud Hotline at 805-568-2442. Subscribe to Scam Squad’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ScamSquad/videos Also, BBB Scam Tracker is a free tool anyone can use to report suspected scams. Report scams to warn others so they can avoid similar cons. https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker

February 15th, 2020. There is a phone scam going around that tries to get your Social Security information and even credit card information. Beware of these phone scams! To talk to Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson about a scam, or to tell your story on Scam Squad to help others, (no matter where you live), call the Santa Barbara Fraud Hotline at 805-568-2442. Subscribe to Scam Squad’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ScamSquad/videos Also, BBB Scam Tracker is a free tool anyone can use to report suspected scams. Report scams to warn others so they can avoid similar cons. https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker

Bit coin and Cryptocurrency introduction 101. Featuring Dr. Judy Christman Yates To talk to Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson about a scam, or to tell your story on Scam Squad to help others, (no matter where you live), call the Santa Barbara Fraud Hotline at 805-568-2442. Subscribe to Scam Squad’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ScamSquad/videos Also, BBB Scam Tracker is a free tool anyone can use to report suspected scams. Report scams to warn others so they can avoid similar cons. https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker

February 1st, 2020. Montecito Bank and Trust fraud specialist, Doris Roof, warns listeners about emails and texts from fraudsters claiming to be Fed-X or Amazon, asking you to confirm a package delivery. Once you click on the link, they'll ask you for your credit card information. If you're not expecting a package, don't click the link! It's very likely a Smishing scam to get your information and fraudulently charge your card! She also warns consumers on steps to take when a credit or debit card is stolen. And on how crooks insert card readers in debit machines to get your card's pin. Lastly, we're reminded once again, that it's a huge RED FLAG if you're asked to pay for something with a gift card. And lastly, Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson shares some good news!!! Sometimes people can get refunds when scammers are caught which is why it's important to report them. If you've been scammed, contact https://www.ftc.gov

Jan 18, 2020. CRAIG'S LIST SCAMS AGAIN & AGAIN. Hear another pmr of millions of Craig's List scams, this time $10,000 Craig's List Scam. When are people ever going to learn to stay away from this sesspool.

December 28th, 2918. The Facebook 2 Scams in 1. Beware of all kinds of scams on Facebook. Crooks and scammers may try to make friends with you through Facebook and run a romance scam and other scams on you.

December 21st, 2019. Beware of the Fake Rental Scam and other scams that are prevalent during the Holiday Season

December 14, 2019. ROBO CALLS, WEIGHT LOSS SCAMS, & MORE. Expert Vicki Johnson updates us on the latest scams in our area.

Scam Expert Vicki Johnson explains the dangers of Gift Card scams around the Holidays. Much, much more money needs to be spent to educated everyone on scams as well as catching these scammers worldwide by every means possible. Write and complain to your government State, federal, and local officials such as your Congressman, Senators, President, Governor, etc. Instead of seriously fighting scams, the US wastes so much money on unnecessary defense spending nearly two trillion dollars a year, thirty times more money than Russia and China combined spend , just to have over a thousand military bases in over 140 countries and territories around the world that make us less safe. as well as giving away hundreds of billions of dollars to crooked and corrupt governments like Ukraine, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Chile, and various crooks and dictators the US supports, instead of spending money on fighting scams. Write your representatives now, for more money to be spent on fighting Scams.

November 30, 2019. `A fraud specialist from Montecito Bank and Trust gives advice on protecting yourself--especially during the holiday season. They discuss the benefits of apps such as Card-Valet and share valuable tips to help you protect your accounts during the Holidays

November 23, 2019. The FAILED TO APPEAR IN COURT SCAM is a new version of the old Jury Duty Scam. A phony police officer calls to tell you that you are in violation for Failure to Appear in Court for a law suit. Listen how to avoid this new kind of scam and what to do if this scam is tried on you.

November 16th, 2019. Fake Products Online. Now that the holidays are here, we need to watch out for thousands of dangerous counterfeit and banned items for sale on the internet, especially from Amazon. Listen to Vicki explain the details so that you will be prepared to safeguard you and your family from buying these dangerous items online.

Nov 9, 2019. The Lottery Scams. Hear how a senior couple got cheated out of $30,000 in a Lottery Scam and what you can do to protect yourself from this scam that's been around for many decaces.

November 2nd, 2019. Protect your bank accounts and cards while on vacationing.

October 26th, 2019. SOCIAL SECURITY SCAM. Another woman was swindled out of all her life savings, over $30,000.00 in an elaborate Social Security fraud and scam. Listen to Patti and Vicki retell all the frightening details of the latest scam on Scam Squad.

October 19, 2019. INTERNET DATING ROMANCE SCAMS. Learn how to spot the crooks who take advantage of those looking for love on dating and romance websites. There are a lot of impostors calling from out of the U.S., that are very skilled are romancing people out of there money. Learn all about it in this week's episode.

October 5th, 2019. Yes, even highly intelligent and cautions people fall victims of scams, especially the Grandparents Scam. Hear how a very smart and cautious woman got taken for over $4,000 by a group of con-artists acting out the drama known as The Grandparents Scam.

September 28, 2019. Doris, the Chief Risk Officer, from Montecito Bank and Trust, goes over the recent bank scams being played now, such as the ACH Scam.

September 21st, 2019. SPECIAL BBB INTERVIEW. This week on Scam Squad, we have a special 28 minute interview with The Better Business Bureau as well as an example of the BBB's new radio and podcast show. Scam Squad and the BBB is a one - two punch against scams and scammers. Both provide information and action against scams and consumer fraud as well as prosecuting those who scam and defraud our citizens. Hope you enjoy this rare interview which will help to empower you and your family to be scam-proof.

September 12, 2019, Affinity fraud is a form of investment fraud in which the fraudster preys upon members of identifiable groups, such as religious or ethnic communities, language minorities, the elderly, or professional groups. The fraudsters who promote affinity scams frequently are – or successfully pretend to be – members of the group. They often enlist respected community or religious leaders from within the group to spread the word about the scheme, by convincing those people that a fraudulent investment is legitimate and worthwhile. Many times, those leaders become unwitting victims of the fraudster's ruse.

September 10th, 2019, ACH Scams are on the rise. Crooks look for and often times steal checks from mailboxes inorder to get the account and routing numbers of your checks inorder to scam you with phony ACH accounts on your checking account. Learn how to avoid being so very easily scammed by the ACH Scam.

September 7th, 2019. The Fertilizer Scam is the latest version on the door to door Home Improvement Scam. As in most of these door to door scams, the crooks offer the homeowner a very low or very reasonable price to fertilize and aureate the from lawn. However, when the job is done, the homeowner is presented with an outrageous bill because the crooks claim they had to perform extra work. The crooks will demand payment and refuse to leave and even threaten to call the police on the homeowner unless they get paid for the inflated bill. Learn how to deal with or avoid this scam all together.

August 31, 2019. Secret Shopper Scam has been around a long time. There are agencies and employers who legitimately advertise for people to work as Secret Shoppers. However, there are also some crooks that set up phony agencies and advertise to reel in and defraud unsuspecting job hunters that want to work as secret shoppers.

August 24th, 2019. Even though your bank will credit your account from a check you deposited or cashed, be aware that the check may still bounce up to a month or more latter if it turns out to be fraudulent or phony. Listen and learn how to protect yourself from the misconception or false notion that the check you cashed or deposited must be good simply because it cleared the bank and credited your account or gave you cash back. Too many bank customers have been surprised when a month later the check turns out to be a fake and the bank expects you to refund them the amount of the phony check.