flickr/Tyler-Adams
A new scam is circulating via text that targets iPhone users. Reports are surfacing about victims receiving a text offer to test the new iPhone 5, which then uses a link in an effort to get the victim to hand over sensitive information. Sometimes the scammers make money for directing traffic to a particular site or getting victims to sign up for phony services.
A civil-fraud lawsuit was filed last month against four men and a web of companies connected to a pay-day loan scam. Victim Bill Losse was offered a “ Platinum Trust card” by a telemarketer, who compared it to an American Express Card. After an initial-price and a monthly fee the card was supposed to be interest free and have a $10,000 limit. Instead, for his $89 dollars Losse got a card that worked only at specific websites that overcharged buyers for products like “washable poster paints” sold in bulk (72 packages for $863.) Victims report that a portion of the cost was still charged to their bank accounts, and, some reported charges were made after they had already called to cancel the card.
A new battery of phishing scams are using the Better Buisness Bureau’s abbreviation BBB in an attempt to victimize anyone in business. The emails, which frequently target accountants, utilize the American Institute of CPAs logo and name as well as a BBB.org email address The scam warns the target that a complaint has been filed against them, and directs them to a link for further information,. The victim is redirected to a website that installs malicious software on the compromised computer.
From 2010-2012 an alleged $5 million dollars was collected by scammers who claim to be debt collectors. The scammers called the victims and demanded payments on loans that the victim sometimes did not even have. JanLaree Dejulius was called in one such scam and eventually paid convinced by the caller that if she did not pay them she would be arrested. The scammer used the name “Officer Black” in an effort to further deceive the victim. Authorities say that with the falling prices of international calls the threat of collection scammers abroad is increasing.
Ryan Claverie of New Orleans is being charged with stealing credit card information while working as a waiter. Authorities say he used an electronic device to skim data from the card. With the help of his room-mate, John Pierre, the stolen information was used to create fake cards. The pair were arrested selling stereo equipment in a mall parking-lot. Owners of the restaurant have since implemented hand held credit card scanners to all employees so that the card never leaves the table.
