• Scam News and Tracker

  • By: QP-4
  • Podcast

Scam News and Tracker By cover art

Scam News and Tracker

By: QP-4
Listen for free

  • Summary

  • Scam News and Tracker: Your Ultimate Source for Scam Alerts and InvestigationsWelcome to "Scam News and Tracker," the essential podcast for staying informed about the latest scams, frauds, and financial tricks that threaten your security. Whether you're looking to protect yourself, your family, or your business, this podcast provides you with timely updates, expert insights, and in-depth investigations into the world of scams and fraud.What You'll Discover:
    • Breaking Scam Alerts: Stay ahead with real-time reports on new and emerging scams, helping you to avoid falling victim.
    • Expert Analysis: Hear from cybersecurity experts, financial advisors, and legal professionals who break down how scams operate and how you can protect yourself.
    • In-Depth Investigations: Dive deep into detailed examinations of high-profile scams, including how they were orchestrated and how they were exposed.
    • Financial and Cybersecurity Tips: Learn practical advice for safeguarding your personal information, finances, and digital assets from fraudsters.
    • Victim Stories: Listen to real-life accounts from scam survivors, sharing their experiences and lessons learned.
    Join us weekly on "Scam News and Tracker" to arm yourself with the knowledge needed to detect, avoid, and fight back against scams. Subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform and never miss an episode.Keywords: Scam News, Scam Tracker, Fraud Alerts, Cybersecurity, Financial Scams, Scam Investigations, Online Scams, Fraud Prevention, Scam Protection, Financial Security

    For more info https://www.quietperiodplease.com/
    Copyright QP-4
    Show more Show less
activate_primeday_promo_in_buybox_DT
Episodes
  • Amazon Prime Day Shoppers Beware: Scammers on the Prowl

    Amazon Prime Day Shoppers Beware: Scammers on the Prowl
    Jul 16 2024
    Amazon Prime Day, a highly anticipated global shopping event, has unfortunately also become a prime time for scammers to exploit online shoppers. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has reported that online shopping scams are only second to impostor scams in terms of frequency. This elevation in scam activities around such events has caused significant concern among consumer protection agencies like the FTC and the Better Business Bureau (BBQ).

    The allure of Amazon Prime Day for scammers is somewhat obvious. With millions of shoppers looking for great deals and discounts, the environment is ripe for various fraudulent activities. These can range from creating fake websites that mimic legitimate retailers, to offering high-demand goods that never arrive once purchased. Scammers have also become skilled in deploying phishing schemes that seek to harvest personal and financial information by posing as legitimate businesses.

    Moreover, the variety of scams seems to expand each year. Fraudulent activities include but are not limited to bogus discount offers, counterfeit products, and fake gift cards. Phishing emails and ads leading to scam websites surge, tricking shoppers into giving away personal information under the guise of verifying or updating user accounts, or confirming a purchase.

    Understanding these risks, consumer advocates advise shoppers to exercise heightened caution. Suggestions for safer online shopping during high-profile sale events like Amazon Prime Day include:

    1. **Verify websites**: Ensure the website you shop from is legitimate and secure. Look for tell-tale signs of reliability such as a URL starting with ‘https’ and a padlock icon in the address bar.

    2. **Avoid too-good-to-be-true offers**: Extremely low prices on high-value items can be a red flag. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

    3. **Use secure payment methods**: Credit cards often offer better fraud protection compared to other forms of payment. Avoid direct money transfers or wire transfers to unknown entities.

    4. **Keep software updated**: Ensure your computer or mobile device’s software is up-to-date. Security patches help protect against malware and other vulnerabilities that scammers leverage.

    5. **Educate yourself on the latest scams**: Being aware of common scam tactics and staying informed about new scam trends can significantly reduce the chances of falling victim.

    6. **Report scams**: If you encounter what you suspect is a scam, report it to the relevant authorities like the FTC, BBB, or your local consumer protection agency. Reporting scams helps authorities in their efforts to track and stop scam operations.

    Adhering to these guidelines can help protect not just yourself but also contribute to a safer shopping environment for everyone online. Always remember that awareness and caution are key defenses against scammers, especially during significant sale events like Amazon Prime Day.
    Show more Show less
    3 mins
  • Seasonal Scams: Protecting Yourself During Summer and the Olympics

    Seasonal Scams: Protecting Yourself During Summer and the Olympics
    Jul 15 2024
    During the summer months and large international events like the Olympics, certain types of scams become more prevalent, exploiting the seasonal activities and large public gatherings that are common during these times. Scammers adapt their methods to take advantage of the increased spending and lowered guard that often accompany the warmer months and high-profile events. Here is an exploration of these seasonal scams and how you can shield yourself and your finances from these fraudulent schemes.

    **Summer Scams**

    The summer brings with it not only warmer weather but also an increase in certain kinds of scams. Here are a few to watch out for:

    1. **Travel Scams**: As vacation planning peaks, scammers launch fake vacation rentals or non-existent flights. Often, they advertise these on social media or via unsolicited emails with prices that are much lower than usual, tempting consumers who are looking for a good deal.

    2. **Moving Scams**: The summer is a popular time for moves, leading to numerous moving and storage scams where service providers may either drastically increase the price on the day of the move or hold belongings hostage in exchange for a much higher than previously agreed upon fee.

    3. **Contractor Scams**: Warm weather is ideal for home improvements, which perpetuates home repair scams. A common approach involves contractors who appear uninvited at your doorstep or target homes with apparent damage, offering services for cash upfront or a significant deposit, only to deliver shoddy work or no work at all.

    4. **Job and Recruitment Scams**: Summer jobs are particularly appealing to students. Scammers offer phony job opportunities, often requiring candidates to pay upfront for training or background checks, which are actually ways to illegally obtain money and personal information.

    **Scams During the Olympics**

    Special attention is required during international events like the Olympics, which will be held in Paris in 2024. French officials are specifically warning about health card scams. These scams may involve the sale of fake health cards or insurance plans that promise coverage for medical services during the Olympics. These scams exploit the unfamiliarity of tourists with the local healthcare system and their desire to stay protected abroad.

    **Protective Measures**

    To avoid falling victim to these scams, consider the following tips:

    1. **Verify Before You Trust**: Always check the credentials of any service provider, whether a moving company, contractor, or travel agency. Use trusted websites and referrals to validate their legitimacy.

    2. **Secure Payments**: Use credit cards for payments when possible because they offer better fraud protection compared to other forms of payment like wire transfers or cash.

    3. **Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Offers**: Be cautious with unsolicited emails or offers, especially those that require upfront payment. Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to create a sense of urgency to fool their victims into acting quickly without thorough verification.

    4. **Educate Yourself**: Familiarize yourself with the common signs of scams and educate family members or friends about them, especially those who may be more vulnerable such as elderly relatives or young adults seeking summer jobs.

    5. **Report Scams**: If you encounter a potential scam, report it to the appropriate authorities. This could be local law enforcement, consumer protection agencies, or national fraud reporting centers. Reporting helps prevent others from becoming victims and can aid in the pursuit of scammers.

    By remaining vigilant and informed, you can enjoy a safer summer and attend global events like the Olympics without falling prey to the opportunistic scams that accompany these occasions.
    Show more Show less
    4 mins
  • "Combating the Rising Tide of Crypto Scams and Online Shopping Fraud"

    "Combating the Rising Tide of Crypto Scams and Online Shopping Fraud"
    Jul 14 2024
    In recent years, with the rapid advancement of technology and the growing popularity of digital financial transactions, scams, particularly those involving Bitcoin ATMs and online shopping events like Amazon Prime Day, have seen a noticeable increase. The escalation in these scams has prompted warnings and safety tips from officials and consumer protection agencies to help the public stay vigilant and secure.

    Starting with Bitcoin ATM scams, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein has raised an alarm following multiple complaints from citizens who have fallen victim to such fraudulent schemes. Bitcoin ATMs, though a convenient bridge between digital cryptocurrencies and traditional cash, have become hotspots for scams. Typically, this involves scammers tricking individuals into sending money via these ATMs under the guise of various urgent or official purposes, often claiming that payment via Bitcoin can avoid legal troubles or resolve supposed issues with government authorities. Once the Bitcoin is sent, it is nearly impossible to trace or recover, leaving victims out of pocket.

    To combat this type of fraud, Attorney General Stein and other consumer advocates suggest several preventive measures. Key among these is the absolute caution against sending Bitcoin or any cryptocurrency to someone insisting on such payments, particularly if the demand comes after an unsolicited call or message. The public is also advised to verify independently any claims made during such communications by reaching out to official entities through their official channels.

    Moving to another prevalent scam associated with popular events like Amazon's Prime Day, the Better Business Office (BBB) has also issued warnings. During such major sales events, scammers often create fake ads, send phishing emails, and set up fraudulent websites mimicking legitimate deals to steal financial data and personal information. Prime Day, with its high volume of shoppers eager for deals, provides a fertile ground for such cybercriminals.

    The BBB encourages consumers to shop directly from trusted retailers' websites rather than clicking on links from unsolicited emails or social media ads. They also suggest using secure payment methods, keeping software updated to protect against security vulnerabilities, and regularly monitoring account statements to catch any unauthorized transactions quickly. Awareness of typical scam tactics, such as significantly lower prices and requests for unusual payment methods like gift cards, can also serve as red flags.

    Another rising concern highlighted includes emergency scams, which involve AI technology where scammers manipulate voice and video calls to mimic loved ones, claiming they need immediate financial help. To safeguard against these impersonations, verification through an independent call or message to the person supposedly asking for help is crucial before any funds are sent.

    In response to the evolving tactics of scammers, continuous public education and awareness campaigns are essential. By keeping abreast of the latest in scam strategies and protective measures, consumers can not only safeguard their finances but also contribute to broader efforts in curtailing the success of these fraudulent activities. As these scams grow in sophistication, so too must the vigilance of the average consumer.
    Show more Show less
    4 mins
Politics & Government
Show more Show less

What listeners say about Scam News and Tracker

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com reviews

Amazon reviews
No Reviews are Available