Think that pop-up warning on your computer is there to protect you? Think again.

In this episode of Cranks Creek Life, I break down a real tech support scam that led to federal criminal charges and reveal how criminals posing as Microsoft security representatives manipulated a victim into believing their bank account was under attack.

You’ll hear how the scam unfolded—from the fake security alert to the pressure-filled phone calls, the fabricated story about a $22,000 transaction, and the demand to “protect” money by moving it into the hands of the scammers.

But this isn’t just one unbelievable case. It’s part of a much larger criminal enterprise exploiting trust in familiar brands like Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, and other major technology companies to steal billions of dollars from consumers every year.

I’ll walk you through the red flags, explain why legitimate companies will never ask you to move your money to “keep it safe,” and share practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming the next target.

One phone call. One fake alert. One life-changing mistake.

Don’t become the next victim.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Microsoft - Technical Support Scams

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/protect-yourself-from-tech-support-scams

Department of Justice - Press Releases

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/chinese-citizen-arrested-charged-money-laundering-and-wire-fraud-conspiracy-involving

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdnc/pr/three-sentenced-international-multi-million-dollar-tech-support-fraud-scheme

Internet Crime Complaint Center

https://www.IC3.gov

Federal Trade Commission

https://www.ReportFraud.FTC.gov

Department of Justice - Elder Justice Hotline

833-372-8311

This week on Cranks Creek Life, we're headed to Lewes - a Delaware beach town with serious character, deep history, and a way of making you slow down without even trying. We're talking historic streets, coastal views, colonial landmarks, bike trails, beaches, dining, shopping, and more. If you've never been to Lewes, this episode might move it way up on your list. Hit play, clear the noise for a bit... and come wander through Lewes.

Mentioned in this Episode

The Lost Pelican

https://coldwellbankervacations.com/855906/

The Brush Factory on Kings

https://www.thebrushfactoryonkings.com/

The Inn at Canal Square

https://www.theinnatcanalsquare.com/

The Hotel Rodney

https://www.hotelrodneydelaware.com/

Dogfish Inn

https://www.dogfish.com/visit/dogfish-inn

Hotel Blue

https://www.hotelblue.info/

Zwaanendael Museum

https://history.delaware.gov/zwaanendael-museum/

The Cannonball House Maritime Museum

https://www.historiclewes.org/locations/maritime-museum-at-the-cannonball-house/

Ryves Holt House Museum & Mercantile

https://www.historiclewes.org/locations/ryves-holt-house-museum/

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church

https://www.stpeterslewes.org/

The Lewes Historical Society Main Campus

https://www.historiclewes.org/

Agave

https://www.agaverestaurants.com/mexican-restaurant-lewes

Rose & Crown

https://roseandcrownlewes.com/

Striper Bites

https://striperbites.com/

Lewes Oyster House

https://lewesoyster.com/

The Gallo Room

https://lewesoyster.com/gallo-room/

King’s Homemade Ice Cream Shop

https://www.kingshomemadeicecream.com/

Wheelhouse

https://www.wheelhousede.com/

Irish Eyes Restaurant & Pub

https://www.irisheyespub.com/

Lewes Brewing Company

https://www.lewesbrewing.com/

Nectar

https://www.cafenectar.com/

Honey’s Farm Fresh

https://honeysfarmfresh.com/

Lewes Beaches

https://www.ci.lewes.de.us/157/Beaches

Cape Henlopen State Park

https://www.destateparks.com/park/cape-henlopen/

Cape May-Lewes Ferry

https://www.cmlf.com/

Junction & Breakwater Trail

https://delawaregreenways.org/trail/junction-breakwater-trail/

Gordons Pond Trail

https://delawaregreenways.org/trail/gordons-pond-trail/

Georgetown-Lewes Trail

https://delawaregreenways.org/trail/georgetown-lewes-trail/

The Brimming Horn Meadery

https://www.brimminghornmeadery.com/

Lewes Cycle Sports

https://www.lewescyclesports.com/

Seagreen Bicycle

https://www.seagreenbicycle.com/

Hang with The Cranks as we embark on a nostalgic journey back to the 70s and 80s to discuss retro and vintage candies. We’ll share our opinions on the pros and cons of various candies, touch upon potential hazards, and share just a tad of related history. This first of two, maybe three episodes, dedicated to 70s and 80s nostalgia is sure to evoke fond memories and provide plenty of laughs. Join us for an unfiltered and unedited experience of pure sweet fun!

In this episode, we descend further into the dark world of romance scams - where love is staged, pain is real, and the bill comes due in both pride and dollars. We expose the scammers' playbook: how they find you, why they stayed just out of reach, how they invent entire lives, and how they turn trust into a weapon. We tear apart the many versions of these scams and give you the tools to recognize them before they take something from you.

Federal Trade Commission

https://consumer.ftc.gov/scams

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center

https://www.ic3.gov/

In this episode of Cranks Creek Life, we break down the real differences between fraud and scams - who's pulling the strings, how they hit your bank account, and why one might get you your money back while the other leaves you broke. Quick, blunt, and a little dark - this episode strips away the jargon and exposes how deception really works in the banking world. Fraud takes your money. Scams make you give it away.

RESOURCES

Federal Trade Commission

https://consumer.ftc.gov/scams

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center

https://www.ic3.gov/

CREDIT FREEZE

Equifax

equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services

888.298.0045

Experian

experian.com/help

888.397.3742

TransUnion

transunion.com/credit-help

800.916.8800

PASSPHRASE EXAMPLE

Everyone should listen to Cranks Creek Life podcasts!

Esl2CCLp!

In this episode, Frank flies solo as he shares a childhood funeral experience that includes his first taste of boilo, an ethnic beverage once consumed by many Pennsylvania coal miners. He discusses a bit of the history of boilo and the dominant use of Four Queens 101 Proof Blended Whiskey in boilo recipes, especially amongst the residents of Schuylkill County, which resides in the heart of the anthracite coal region in Eastern Pennsylvania.

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/218664/coal-region-boilo/

https://coalregion.com/recipes/boilo/

https://youtu.be/nb4NqrdD3B8?si=3c9kJPZYE9LGZfhp/

The Cranks kick off their second season with a three-part series exploring great musicians, intimate venues, and quaint towns. Join them as they start off by visiting Baltimore, followed by Pittsburgh, DC, and travel around Philly before returning to their backyard in the Harrisburg area. Discover new musicians, small music venues, and some cool towns with character.

Great Musicians, Intimate Venues, and Quaint Towns is a production of Cranks Creek LLC.

Ocie Elliott

https://www.ocieelliott.com/

The World Cafe Live, Philadelphia PA

https://www.worldcafelive.org/

Brett Dennen

https://www.brettdennen.live/

Vinoski Winery, Bell Vernon PA

https://www.vinoskiwinery.com/

The Keswick Theatre, Glenside PA

https://www.keswicktheatre.com/

Watchhouse

https://www.watchhouseband.com/

The Weinberg Center for the Arts, Frederick MD

https://www.weinbergcenter.org/

City of Frederick MD

https://www.visitfrederick.org/downtown-frederick/

The Clarks

https://www.clarksonline.com/

The Abbey Bar at Appalachian Brewery, Harrisburg PA

https://www.abcbrew.com/harrisburg/abbey-bar/

The Palace Theatre, Greensburg PA

https://www.westmorelandculturaltrust.org/palace-theatre/

The Appell Center, York PA

https://www.appellcenter.org/

Darlingside

https://www.darlingside.com/about/

Central Market House, York PA

https://www.centralmarketyork.com/

Kable House Presents, York PA

https://www.kablehousepresents.com/

Parsonfield

http://www.parsonfield.com/

Mudhook Brewing, York PA

https://www.mudhookbrewing.com/

The Cranks kick off their second season with a three-part series exploring great musicians, intimate venues, and quaint towns. Join them as they start off by visiting Baltimore, followed by Pittsburgh, DC, and travel around Philly before returning to their backyard in the Harrisburg area. Discover new musicians, small music venues, and some cool towns with character.

Great Musicians, Intimate Venues, and Quaint Towns is a production of Cranks Creek LLC.

The Ballroom Thieves

https://www.ballroomthieves.com

Union Stage, Washington DC

https://www.unionstagepresents.com/union-stage/

The Wharf District, Washington DC

https://www.wharfdc.com/

Old Ebbitt Grill

https://www.ebbitt.com/

Aimee Mann

https://www.aimeemann.com/

The Colonial Theatre, Phoenixville PA

https://www.thecolonialtheatre.com/

Ellie Holcomb

https://www.ellieholcomb.com/

Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors

https://www.drewholcomb.com/

Blobfest, Phoenixville PA

https://www.thecolonialtheatre.com/blobfest/

Molly Maguire’s, Phoenixville PA

https://www.mollymaguiresphoenixville.com/

Caamp

https://www.camptheband.com/

XL Live, Harrisburg PA

https://www.xlhbg.com/

The Cranks kick off their second season with a three-part series exploring great musicians, intimate venues, and quaint towns. Join them as they start off by visiting Baltimore, followed by Pittsburgh, DC, and travel around Philly before returning to their backyard in the Harrisburg area. Discover new musicians, small music venues, and some cool towns with character.

Great Musicians, Intimate Venues, and Quaint Towns is a production of Cranks Creek LLC.

The Lost Pelican

https://coldwellbankervacations.com/855906/

Wild Rivers

https://www.wildriversmusic.com/

The 8x10, Baltimore MD

https://www.the8x10.com/

Lincoln’s P&G Diner, Millvale PA

https://www.lincolnspgdiner.com/

Three Rivers Heritage Trail

https://friendsoftheriverfront.org/homepage/three-rivers-heritage-trail/

In their first episode, The Cranks discuss some of their favorite dive bars in South Central Pennsylvania. After discussing the definition of a dive bar, they chat about establishments across the area, and include commentary on the food, atmosphere, and overall experience. They also discuss some bars of past years in their R.I.P. segment, share a couple of honorable mention bars, as well as a couple of out of the area establishments. The Cranks close out the episode by sharing their favorite dive bars. Whether you live in South Central Pennsylvania, are visiting, or just passing through, this podcast will surely provide the scoop on some of the best area dive bars.

Dive Bars of South Central Pennsylvania is a production of Cranks Creek LLC.