Scam Squad

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.

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