Scammers are getting out of hand

[Brian_B]

My Paypal got hacked for like $500 in random computer parts from China. I hadn't used my Paypal in years.

Paypal denied my claim, saying that it was a typical order for my account -- which isn't true. But fortunately, it was funded from my credit card, and I was able to reverse the charge.

So I don't use Paypal at all any more. Their protection department is a joke. Credit card though, they actually do an investigation, and I've had a lot of luck there.

Now, buying and selling from random folks, they aren't likely to take a credit card, so I get that. I don't buy a lot that isn't either cash in person or through a store front and does take a CC, but occasionally online I make sure whomever it is I have a good enough rapport with and that we can usually figure something out. That isn't 100% foolproof, but I've been fortunate so far.

Sponsored

 

[GoHawks63]

When getting an email I never trust it's from the name that's visible. Always hover over the sender's name to see the true email address. I can't tell you how many emails that look like they're from a bank, or other institution, only to see that the email address and domain is from some GMail account or some other wierd domain.


Shortly after my wife passed away, I noticed that our Amazon account was hacked and I couldn't log in. Also noticed the same for her Delta SkyMiles account.

She used to use the same login credentials everywhere. Apparently, these scammers must've gotten the credentials either by phishing her, or from a company that had been hacked. Since they had her credentials, they went on Amazon and Delta and went to change the account holder information. When those companies sent the email to confirm the changes, the hackers then logged into our email and either obtained the verification code or approved the change.

I had to close the Amazon account. I don't remember if there were any unauthorized purchases (this was over 8 years ago), but I wasn't responsible for anything. I ended up creating a new account with them.

Her Delta Skymiles account was another story. They ended up draining all of her miles.

I had to go back and change all the passwords.

While it's never a good idea to reuse passwords, it is often becomes difficult to remember.

However, a good rule of thumb is to always have a unique password for your bank account and a unique password for your personal email, and to NEVER reuse them with any other sites. That way, if your email & passwords are ever hacked from another site, they can't use it to get into your bank accounts or your personal email account to approve changes or setup rules to be able to monitor your email activity.

Now since then, companies have gotten better with Two-Factor authentication and recognizing access to different devices, but that still isn't foolproof, especially when you have been compromised by a phishing scam.

I also now exclusively use a credit card (not a debit card) for any online transactions.

 

[idontknow]

"Buddy" is a red flag in my book.

That’s funny cuz I use buddy quite often….

Kind regards was the red flag for me.

 

[Alfa]

At some point they will stop using kindly, but for now, it is a surefire tell.

 

[HotdogThud]

I'm always skeptical when someone talks about being "Christian." Too many claim to be "Christian" just to lure people in. IMHO and experience true Chistians don't talk about being Christian. They let their actions speak for themselves.

My dealer is a Christian, and so is the guy who does all my body work. But they don't talk about it. With both I found out after the fact. They don't make it part of their advertising.

Sounds like when i see a title loan place with a cross on the side of the building.

Oh yeah, you're doing Jesus' work, buddy.

 

[RoLyMa27]

Sounds like when i see a title loan place with a cross on the side of the building.

Oh yeah, you're doing Jesus' work, buddy.

I often see plumbers/carpenters etc...with wraps and graphics on their vehicles with John 3:16 or some other verse and I would not call that company for that very reason. I find it a little sleezy when someone uses their faith to make a buck.

 

[buzzcutt2]

That’s funny cuz I use buddy quite often….

Kind regards was the red flag for me.

Thanks buddy!

Kind regards.

 

[dpAtlanta]

Yeah, lesson learned….. I’m only dealing with royalty from Nigeria from now on

Bad luck... hate to hear it!

 

[foreWard]

I had a situation recently that I ended up not going through with, but it was throwing all the red flags. It was a seller on Facebook marketplace (21+ bronco parts - or something like that). They messaged me after I looked at a hardtop on market place (didn't even message them about it) and asked if I was interested (#1). I told them I didn't need a top, but if he comes across some oem Raptor beauty rings, let me know.
30 minutes later he sends me a picture of some sasquatch rings and says he'd sell them for $400. I said that's not what I am looking for and sent him a picture of my wheel that i wanted an extra set of rings for. An hour later he says he has some of those from a guy who kept the red ones and didn't want the stock ones. All the while it seems like its either broken english or translated to english because his wording is "odd" for a lot of things(#2). He said he would sell the raptor rings for $470.
I messaged him the next day asking if he would trade some oem sasquatch rings I have in my garage as a trade plus $200 on my end. He accepts and says he is having a "rectification issue" with PayPal and wants to use apple pay (#3). I said no, only PayPal G&S. He then sends me a link to a PayPal (#4), which I refused to use and said he needs to give me his username, I will initiate the payment from my end, not click some random link. I asked for his name and address for when I ship my rings to him. He says no rush to send mine to him right away, we can deal with that once I pay (#5).
He then sends me his name (won't say it on here, but lets just say he's not from Irving, TX) and an address that goes to a Ford Dealership in Irving, TX (#6). So I call the dealership and ask the service and parts department if they know the guy, neither do. Call him out on that and he says "he is known by Gary xxxxxx" (removed so the real Gary doesn't get drawn into anything) (#7)! At this point, I am almost amused he is still working on getting me to go for it. I googled the name and address and there is a Gary at the dealership, guy has a linkedin and would not speak broken english (#8).. He then asks if we are still going through with the sale and how his business is legit and he is making every consolation to ease my worries. I tell him I think there are too many red flags but good luck with his business.

I really wanted those rings....

 

[userdude]

I often see plumbers/carpenters etc...with wraps and graphics on their vehicles with John 3:16 or some other verse and I would not call that company for that very reason. I find it a little sleezy when someone uses their faith to make a buck.

In Texas and the South in general there's a network of businesses and religious people who try to only do business with other Christians. I ran into it when I worked at a funeral home. Some if it can be subtle, like hiding a cross or fish in the company logo or something. Some isn't. I wouldn't be surprised if some of what you're seeing is related to that social phenomena.

 

[raptorusmaximus]

ebay is the worst when it comes scams..... they could care less. I ordered some car parts off ebay, when they never showed up I filed a complaint with ebay, lost, appealed, lost that too. ebay=buyer beware.

 

[michelle227]

Even credit cards aren't sure fire means of protection. I was fortunate with Coign...something tripped their fraud system and I got a text. Called them and we found a bunch of low-dollar online crap, including $200 in gift cards on DoorDash. DoorDash tried denying the claim. Coign covered it and wiped the charge.

 

[swamp2]

“Kind regards” is a tell
Sorry to hear it, got scammed on an fb group too

Disagree, I use this regularly. More in a professional setting but in both.

 

[projectbadlands]

Disagree, I use this regularly.

Then you are a scammer.

 

[UNBROKN]

One of the tells for me on yours @irishmurph01 was the person kept referring to you as Patrick. You obviously go by Pat everywhere. Had someone call our house and say, "Can I speak to Bev please?" I knew it was a scam call because my wife's first name is Beverley and she hates it. She goes by another name. I told the guy, "nice try." CLICK...

Sponsored