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Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bogus customer service is just the latest online scam you need to be aware of
There's bad customer service — and even worse bogus customer service where anyone can easily be taken by a scammer with a quirky accent who demands a credit card on the spot when you call a fake hotline. It's a tip to remember this summer, especially as we're looking at a variety of flight delays and cancellations at airports across the country that must deal with outdated air traffic control equipment and staffing shortages. Airline lost your luggage? Didn't get delivery yet on that online order for a beach towel? Got a problem with your rental car? Or worried about a transaction on your credit card? Watch out for scammers who know we're desperate to hear from a friendly voice who offers to solve our CVS-receipt-sized string of problems. Scammers know too well how to build a trap by planting fake customer service numbers online for well-known major airlines, banks, insurance companies, cable companies, online retailers and more. Amazon News, for example, took to the social media platform X in early March to warn consumers that the e-commerce platform saw a 33% increase in customer service impersonation scams on social media in the few short months from December 2024 through February. Amazon's warning gives consumers a good reason to think twice about posting their complaints about a company or product on social media. According to Amazon, scammers monitor customer complaints in social media comments. Then, the crooks respond to you using fake accounts. The bad actors might end up directing you to dubious links, asking for personal information or money, and moving conversations to private messages. Thinking somewhat cynically, of course, one might imagine that a big company, like Amazon, would love to quash all those gripes made public. But consumer watchdogs confirm that it's a solid tip to avoid posting complaints on social media where everyone, including criminals who would love to "help" you can see them. By impersonating legitimate customer support operations, the criminals can catch you off guard and trick you into handing over money or personal information that will later be used for fraudulent activities. Amy Nofziger, director of victim support for the AARP Fraud Watch Network, told me that you don't really want to circumvent a company's traditional method for handling complaints by posting problems on social media, given that crooks have new tactics for targeting frustrated consumers. Every day, she said, the AARP network's toll-free helpline receives calls about customer service-related scams. The AARP Bulletin highlighted the growing problem involving customer service scams in its May/June issue. After that story ran, Nofziger said many consumers who didn't even realize they had been scammed began calling the helpline at 877-908-3360. Going to online public spaces — such as Reddit, PissedConsumer and X — remains a popular way for consumers to let off steam, and maybe even get the attention from the real company. Unfortunately, scammers love to strike when people are their most vulnerable, such as when your plane is canceled as you're trying to get to your granddaughter's wedding in California. You're already in a highly emotional state. And who wouldn't welcome someone who sees their post and reaches out with a way to find you another flight? Consumer watchdogs also warn that scammers can create fake message boards that will recommend a bogus phone number or site for customer service. Clues that you're dealing with crooks: They're asking you for money upfront. They're saying you can get a discount by using American Express gift cards or other gift cards to pay a bill. They're shifting the storyline to get you worried about money being stolen from your bank account or some sort of money laundering investigation. More: Flight delayed? Some steps you can take to avoid headaches at airports More: Proposed new auto loan tax deduction could help buyers get break on interest The real trouble starts, Nofziger said, when you think you're talking with a legitimate customer support employee as you're really talking with a scammer who might request your credit card number to cover the extra $500 cost of rebooking another ticket. The day we chatted by phone, Nofziger said she was monitoring the helpline and had already heard of two consumers who had run into customer service-related scams where crooks pretended to be from eBay and Amazon customer support. In the past, the helpline has heard from people who ran into scammers impersonating customer service for Wells Fargo, Spectrum and Geico. If you have one problem, you don't need to generate yet another where you could lose lots of money to crooks when you're trying to rebook a flight or dispute a purchase on your credit card. I've written about a variety of customer service scams, including one where crooks impersonate utilities and others involving payment apps. The utility scam might start when you move into a new home and need to open an account, such as with DTE Energy, a Detroit-based utility. Some people have been scammed when they searched on Google for a phone number and found a bogus number for a utility that directed them to a scammer. One Michigan consumer reported losing $250 last year to scammers as a fee to open an account with DTE Energy. Cash App, a popular platform used to transfer money, faced significant issues a few years ago as fraudsters posed as Cash App customer service representatives, who tricked consumers into handing over passwords and personal information. For a few years, according to federal regulators, Cash App didn't have a live customer support line at that time and crooks filled the gap by providing information online for a bogus hotline. Some consumers called a fake Cash App customer support phone number, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and were instructed by the fake Cash App customer service representatives to download malware described as a 'remote support application' or 'remote access tool.' After the consumer followed the instructions, the criminals would be able to remove or transfer funds out of the consumer's Cash App account and into their own account. Cash App has since added more customer service, noting in a blog that the payment app has "multiple ways for customers to contact us directly, including live phone support, email, real-time in-app messaging, and a dispute submission tool within the app." Cash App notes online: "Scammers may contact you through email, text, phone calls, or social media, pretending to be Cash App." Consumers can reach Cash Support by calling 800-969-1940. "This is the only phone number customers can call for Cash App Support," according to Cash App. Nofziger warned that many times a customer support scammer can hide behind an unsolicited text message that suggests there is an unauthorized charge on your credit card or suspicious activity with your bank account. You cannot click on those links or answer such calls, either. In some cases, scams can morph into situations where you end up allowing con artists to gain remote access to your computer or install malware on your computer. If you've not logged out properly from your online bank account, the crook might even gain access to your bank account. If you're dealing with a flight delay or cancellation, typically, you'd want to reach out to an airline with care. Airline customer service scams have hit consumers who Googled for phone numbers as scammers try to cash in on delays or cancellations. Some scammers even try to fabricate flight cancellation notices and trick consumers when they are trying to contact airline customer service agents, according to an alert by the Better Business Bureau last year. Scammers have been known to create fake airline ticket booking sites or customer service numbers to charge travelers for rescheduling fake flights, according to the BBB. With Delta Air Lines, for example, you can find contact information on and the Fly Delta app. In some cases, an airline might have a bank of phones at an airport dedicated to customer service when there are delays or flight cancellations. If you would rather call, make sure you have the real Delta number at 800-221-1212. We're living in a weird world when it comes to scams. And you cannot ignore the possibility that crooks are out to help themselves to your money at every turn, including hiding behind fake customer service. Contact personal finance columnist Susan Tompor: stompor@ Follow her on X @tompor. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Scammers are using fake customer service numbers to trap you
USA Today
26-05-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Bogus customer service is just the latest online scam you need to be aware of
Bogus customer service is just the latest online scam you need to be aware of Show Caption Hide Caption European shares rise after Trump says he'll delay tariffs until July 9 European stocks rose after President Donald Trump announced a delay in new 50% tariffs until July 9. There's bad customer service — and even worse bogus customer service where anyone can easily be taken by a scammer with a quirky accent who demands a credit card on the spot when you call a fake hotline. It's a tip to remember this summer, especially as we're looking at a variety of flight delays and cancellations at airports across the country that must deal with outdated air traffic control equipment and staffing shortages. Airline lost your luggage? Didn't get delivery yet on that online order for a beach towel? Got a problem with your rental car? Or worried about a transaction on your credit card? Watch out for scammers who know we're desperate to hear from a friendly voice who offers to solve our CVS-receipt-sized string of problems. Scammers know too well how to build a trap by planting fake customer service numbers online for well-known major airlines, banks, insurance companies, cable companies, online retailers and more. Fake Amazon customer support Amazon News, for example, took to the social media platform X in early March to warn consumers that the e-commerce platform saw a 33% increase in customer service impersonation scams on social media in the few short months from December 2024 through February. Amazon's warning gives consumers a good reason to think twice about posting their complaints about a company or product on social media. According to Amazon, scammers monitor customer complaints in social media comments. Then, the crooks respond to you using fake accounts. The bad actors might end up directing you to dubious links, asking for personal information or money, and moving conversations to private messages. Thinking somewhat cynically, of course, one might imagine that a big company, like Amazon, would love to quash all those gripes made public. But consumer watchdogs confirm that it's a solid tip to avoid posting complaints on social media where everyone, including criminals who would love to "help" you can see them. By impersonating legitimate customer support operations, the criminals can catch you off guard and trick you into handing over money or personal information that will later be used for fraudulent activities. Posting complaints can help scammers target you Amy Nofziger, director of victim support for the AARP Fraud Watch Network, told me that you don't really want to circumvent a company's traditional method for handling complaints by posting problems on social media, given that crooks have new tactics for targeting frustrated consumers. Every day, she said, the AARP network's toll-free helpline receives calls about customer service-related scams. The AARP Bulletin highlighted the growing problem involving customer service scams in its May/June issue. After that story ran, Nofziger said many consumers who didn't even realize they had been scammed began calling the helpline at 877-908-3360. Going to online public spaces — such as Reddit, PissedConsumer and X — remains a popular way for consumers to let off steam, and maybe even get the attention from the real company. Unfortunately, scammers love to strike when people are their most vulnerable, such as when your plane is canceled as you're trying to get to your granddaughter's wedding in California. You're already in a highly emotional state. And who wouldn't welcome someone who sees their post and reaches out with a way to find you another flight? Consumer watchdogs also warn that scammers can create fake message boards that will recommend a bogus phone number or site for customer service. Clues that you're dealing with crooks: They're asking you for money upfront. They're saying you can get a discount by using American Express gift cards or other gift cards to pay a bill. They're shifting the storyline to get you worried about money being stolen from your bank account or some sort of money laundering investigation. More: Flight delayed? Some steps you can take to avoid headaches at airports More: Proposed new auto loan tax deduction could help buyers get break on interest The real trouble starts, Nofziger said, when you think you're talking with a legitimate customer support employee as you're really talking with a scammer who might request your credit card number to cover the extra $500 cost of rebooking another ticket. The day we chatted by phone, Nofziger said she was monitoring the helpline and had already heard of two consumers who had run into customer service-related scams where crooks pretended to be from eBay and Amazon customer support. In the past, the helpline has heard from people who ran into scammers impersonating customer service for Wells Fargo, Spectrum and Geico. If you have one problem, you don't need to generate yet another where you could lose lots of money to crooks when you're trying to rebook a flight or dispute a purchase on your credit card. Googling customer service can trigger trouble I've written about a variety of customer service scams, including one where crooks impersonate utilities and others involving payment apps. The utility scam might start when you move into a new home and need to open an account, such as with DTE Energy, a Detroit-based utility. Some people have been scammed when they searched on Google for a phone number and found a bogus number for a utility that directed them to a scammer. One Michigan consumer reported losing $250 last year to scammers as a fee to open an account with DTE Energy. Cash App, a popular platform used to transfer money, faced significant issues a few years ago as fraudsters posed as Cash App customer service representatives, who tricked consumers into handing over passwords and personal information. For a few years, according to federal regulators, Cash App didn't have a live customer support line at that time and crooks filled the gap by providing information online for a bogus hotline. Some consumers called a fake Cash App customer support phone number, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and were instructed by the fake Cash App customer service representatives to download malware described as a 'remote support application' or 'remote access tool.' After the consumer followed the instructions, the criminals would be able to remove or transfer funds out of the consumer's Cash App account and into their own account. Cash App has since added more customer service, noting in a blog that the payment app has "multiple ways for customers to contact us directly, including live phone support, email, real-time in-app messaging, and a dispute submission tool within the app." Cash App notes online: "Scammers may contact you through email, text, phone calls, or social media, pretending to be Cash App." Consumers can reach Cash Support by calling 800-969-1940. "This is the only phone number customers can call for Cash App Support," according to Cash App. Nofziger warned that many times a customer support scammer can hide behind an unsolicited text message that suggests there is an unauthorized charge on your credit card or suspicious activity with your bank account. You cannot click on those links or answer such calls, either. In some cases, scams can morph into situations where you end up allowing con artists to gain remote access to your computer or install malware on your computer. If you've not logged out properly from your online bank account, the crook might even gain access to your bank account. If you're dealing with a flight delay or cancellation, typically, you'd want to reach out to an airline with care. Airline customer service scams have hit consumers who Googled for phone numbers as scammers try to cash in on delays or cancellations. Some scammers even try to fabricate flight cancellation notices and trick consumers when they are trying to contact airline customer service agents, according to an alert by the Better Business Bureau last year. Scammers have been known to create fake airline ticket booking sites or customer service numbers to charge travelers for rescheduling fake flights, according to the BBB. With Delta Air Lines, for example, you can find contact information on and the Fly Delta app. In some cases, an airline might have a bank of phones at an airport dedicated to customer service when there are delays or flight cancellations. If you would rather call, make sure you have the real Delta number at 800-221-1212. We're living in a weird world when it comes to scams. And you cannot ignore the possibility that crooks are out to help themselves to your money at every turn, including hiding behind fake customer service. Contact personal finance columnist Susan Tompor: stompor@ Follow her on X @tompor.
CBS News
02-05-2025
- CBS News
These online habits increase your risk of fraud. Are you making these mistakes?
64% of people surveyed admitted this bad tech habit – why it puts you at risk 64% of people surveyed admitted this bad tech habit – why it puts you at risk 64% of people surveyed admitted this bad tech habit – why it puts you at risk A new report reveals that everyday online habits may be putting people at an increased risk of fraud. The AARP Fraud Watch Network examined how many Americans may not know the common digital behaviors that leave them vulnerable. It comes on the heels of newly released FBI data showing scammers and cybercriminals stole a record $16.6 billion in 2024. The good news? A few easy changes can go a long way to reducing your potential risk. Bad habits AARP found that one of the most common mistakes people make is reusing passwords. Most Americans — 64% — reported using the same password across multiple accounts. That means a hack on one account can put all of your accounts at risk, warns Kathy Stokes, AARP's director of fraud prevention. Using social media logins to access other websites poses similar security risks, she said. About half of those surveyed said they've downloaded unverified apps or tapped on an unknown link to take an online quiz on social media, which can expose you to malicious software. More than a third say they accept calls, texts and friend requests from people whom they do not know. AARP warns criminals seize any opportunity to manipulate their target's emotions, so not engaging can reduce the risk of victimization. The survey's most significant finding, according to Stokes, is that 90% now agree anyone can be a scam victim, signaling a major cultural shift. "We used to believe it just happened to a certain segment of our society and with the AARP, I can tell you, the focus has been on older adults, but we've really sort of blown that out of the water and help people understand that, yes, it can happen to anybody," Stokes said. "It doesn't have to do with age or tech savvy." Protecting yourself Stokes says one of the easiest things people can do is update their passwords. "It's hard to make a behavior change, especially when it's going to slow you down," Stokes said. "But there are tools to help us do that." Cybersecurity experts recommend using a password manager, a program designed to help you create and manage multiple passwords in a single encrypted database. Enabling multifactor authentication (MFA) when available on accounts is another way to reduce your risk. MFA adds an extra layer of protection beyond just passwords by typically requiring a verification code that is sent via text or email. While findings show most now believe fraud can happen to anyone, AARP found most people still don't report when they've been a victim of fraud and a majority don't warn others about their fraud experience. If you think you've been a victim of fraud or a scam, you can report it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) by visiting the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and your local law enforcement agency. You can read the full report on AARP's website. Do you have a money question, a consumer issue, or a scam story you want to share? Email InYourCorner@
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Yahoo
AARP warns of growing fraud among U.S. citizens
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Fraud committed in the U.S continues to grow exponentially. 'We used to see maybe 15 percent of people, seven or eight years ago, reporting that they've experienced fraud, now we're up to 41 percent,' Kathy Stokes, the Director of Fraud Prevention programs with the AARP Fraud Watch Network, said. Stokes said while fraud affects people of all ages, older adults often face the greatest financial losses, putting their retirement security and well-being at risk. The measures to protect oneself remain the same across the board. From food delivery services to financial accounts, many people still reuse the same passwords. This is a big no-no, Stokes said. Change these out for unique and strong passwords for every single account, Stokes suggested. Using a password manager could help you keep track of them all. 'If we don't do it, we're putting ourselves at risk, that one criminal enterprise will crack one, and all of them,' Stokes explained. Downloading an app on social media? Don't do it if its from an unofficial source, because fake apps that mimic popular and legitimate apps will expose you instead to fraud and cyber threats. Before downloading an app, read reviews and ratings from other users; use official app stores like the Google play store, and Apple app store. New research shows more Americans nowadays believe anyone can be a victim of fraud, not just the not too tech savvy. Stokes said this shift in thinking is important, 'It's really important that we understand, this is a crime, that it isn't the fault of the victim. We begin to see a shift, and what we do about it as a society.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Fox News
01-03-2025
- Fox News
Evening Edition: Protecting Yourself From Fraud And Scams
National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) takes place the first week of March and it is a time to educate people about their consumer rights and ways to avoid frauds and scams. Scammers are constantly finding new ways to steal your money both online and in person. There are many tips and warning signs to avoid and recognize if you are approached by a fraudster via email, text or physical mail. FOX's Tonya J. Powers speaks with Amy Nofziger, Director of Fraud Victim Support, AARP Fraud Watch Network, who shares tips on what to watch out for and how to keep yourself secure on and offline. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
