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.
