CBS New York Investigates "spoofing" scams after nurse loses $24,000

[@BasytyanKPratamA-ej7zh]

*CRYPTO SCAM VICTIM ? As a Retired combat Marine I want to tell you that as what you are doing is just as important as any warrior on the battlefield. You are waging warfare against these criminals and terrorists on the digital battlefield.* *You are defending and protecting the most vulnerable of our society against these predators. Keep up the good work STRONGWIDGET*

[@Vishaltyler]

Hearing these people's voices over the phone so thrilled to be evil, almost giddy sounding, is utterly disgusting. Thank you *STRONGWIDGET* all you and your team does to shut them scammers down.

[@danieltoennies176]

Your content is awesome, and seeing someone who has 10.4k customers, and do something good for people who has less, makes *STRONG WIDGET* just feel so happy in side. I am glad someone like you could do something so kind for people who don't have as much.

[@okateagbomerelucky2676]

I am from America . I am really happy to see your work to expose people like this on web and make awareness among people. I havd already shared this *STRONG WIDGET* to all my foreign friends and ask them to share to others. Thank you again please keep the good work. Thank you again.

[@alexmax6773]

This young man is very talented I just hate the bad reputation rumors and fake allegations but when it comes to money get back he's in his own lane and has his own style and that's what makes *Strong widget* so unique and untouchable‼️..

[@CHRISTIANTYLERI1]

Man, this one hit me in the heart. She reminds me of my aunt, who is an incredibly giving person and donates more than anyone I know. Sometimes her kindness is taken of advantage of, and it makes my blood boil. Thank you guys for saving her $980,700. You dramatically changed her life for the better. The scammers don't stop after 1 success. Thank you, thank you, thank you Nicholas and *Strongwidget* on the internet team. You guys are heroes to me. I'm just so happy this dudes is coming back stronger than ever and i can't begin to express how excited i am for the future jobs. i love these guys so Dearly

[@DonaldRichard-if7ej]

Great work *Strongwidget* - so glad vou are out there fighting these lowlifes. We need to do all we can to spare the elderly and the general public from these despicable scammers! Kudos to YOU!! You deserve the Nobel prize for keeping us safe big up brother.

[@andreijikh2877]

loved *Strong Widget* way back, but seeing how he still has the same energy, and how his recovery is a perfect match, just puts a smile on my face man, It has been 8 years since this recovery agent was released yet almost everybody is talking about it. Where are y'all respect? Let's celebrate this guys eight year anniversary

[@christianpeters2417]

Working with the industry where people come to them after being exposed to these guys makes me feel like there is some hope in the tech world. This scams needs to stop and I feel like *Strong widget* on the internet have the power to do it. Keep it up!

[@kelvinfred9093]

I am from Korea and I love you for doing this *Strong widget* . These scammers are worse than insects, ruining most country's and city's name. I don't know how are they so proud of scamming people. I pray that anyone who reads this get a successful money recovery in life. Successful people don't become that way overnight. What most people see at a glance-wealth, a great career, purpose is the result of hard work and hustle overtime

[@joannasuen5960]

Stop answering, go straight to the bank I don’t even trust the number if I dialed myself

[@edisjd]

Not even if you called them urself!?

[@joannasuen5960]

Yup! Cause all the calls are directed to other countries and you can’t even understand what they say is scary

[@HonestHotel]

I don't even trust myself

[@shadowdio9512]

​@@HonestHotel 😂

[@splatterdaynightmares]

it's a bunch of dolts harassing you. probably scammers. @@joannasuen5960

[@viktor5823]

*Honestly, just owning it and not trying to hide it is partially why I watch you. It's the honorable thing to do and it make the rest of the jobs much more believe when you are call out of the spots like that, so thank you StrongWidget. I can't wait to tell my grandkids this was the greatest youtube Recovery agent of my time..*

[@fannyjacob8535]

The dude is just not fakeing . The finishes of the goals. Beautiful. Magisterial. Love you *Strong widget.!* 🙏🏼 Whoever's reading this, I pray that whatever your going through gets better and whatever your struggling with or worrying about is going to be fine and that everyone has a fantastic recovery! Amen

[@pfrydog]

If this happens immediately get off the phone and call your actual bank to verify that it's them to save yourself the frustration.

[@ivanleterror9158]

And if it's set up like today where dialing your local branch sends you to a call center go in to the bank and say I want to talk to you.

[@Dideeeee]

Exactly these scams aren’t new. I did these exact spook calls as a prank way back in 2002.

[@garfieldsmith332]

@CLord-gs7nj Yes, An electronic lease. My cell is for on the road emergency use. If someone wants to talks to me call mu landline.

[@BCNeil]

yeah sit on hold with the bank for an hour, every time a scammer calls.

[@BoltRM]

​@@BCNeilScammer trying to discourage calling the bank? 🤔

[@anntodd1233]

Transfer money...that would send up a red flag for me.

[@IISourAyyII]

Yep, a ballsy person like me would be like "okay sir/maam, thanks for informing me, transfer the money to a new checking account", not get fed a bunch of crap and transfer funds to some digits provided over the phone. Dont feel bad at all for these people

[@romanessence4143]

Delisa Brown (Mary Mary’s sister) (gospel)

[@ayelmao42069]

yea thats really dumb but thats why phone scams is oldest trick in the book.

[@aminuhamza8699]

Honestly *Strongwidget* having you is sincerely comforting and the consistency of you being here to come back to over the years means so much to me and l'm sure a lot of others as well. I think a lot of us are just happy to see that you are happy, I mean seeing us living our dream is super inspiring and warms my heart in a way not a lot of other things can💕

[@mariakristinahawl1640]

Banks will NEVER ask you to "transfer" money due to fraud activities. A bank called me to indicate possible fraud and described and let me know what action they will take, NEVER requesting me to move any of my money. People need to be more informed and exercise some common sense to avoid being scammed.

[@hardren101]

Your statement is unfair b/c receiving a call from a number you know to be associated with your bank, corresponding with your bank name appearing on your cell screen, auto lowers common sense. Coupled with the sense of urgency b/c the individual believes they need to act quickly to protect their funds or lose them.... This is a. very unique scam that could fool even the most skeptical!!

[@shaggydawg5419]

@@hardren101 ok, I'll give you that.. you're very careful and skeptical... you answer the call and somewhat believe that it is legit. How about hanging up and calling the bank to verify? I initiated a wire transfer from my online account. Citibank calls me to verify it is me who submitted the transfer. I did not answer their call (it is legit). I call them back to ask them if they're trying to get a hold of me to verify wire transfer. As long as the call starts from your phone, it should be safe. There's an exception to that, if you phone is hacked and reroutes outgoing calls to scammers. That's a rare situation as of now.

[@stevenroshni1228]

​@@hardren101the urgency is part of the scam. You have 60 days to report any fraud

[@newmexicoballer3867]

​@@cme2025The crazy part is you have someone in the comment section arguing what you're clearly explaining makes the most sense. But hey, you can't argue with stupid.

[@israelizzyyarrashamiaak766]

Same . They closed my account immediately and let me know my debit card was shut down: it was then a brand new account with brand new account number. It took 37 minutes for it to be scammed after I used it once in Egypt 😂😂😂😂 fkn hell. Use cash advice made sense immediately

[@grumpyoldlady_rants]

I don’t answer calls unless they’re from family or friends. Period. I figure if it’s important, they’ll leave a message. The tech/telecommunications companies must make money off these spam/scam calls so they don’t have much motivation to stop it.

[@reensure]

Calls to my phone go straight to voicemail unless they're already on my contacts list. Patrons have trouble with that, asking why I don't return their calls, so I have to remind them that I prefer texts. It's draconian to cut the cord, but had I not I'd be getting random calls all day from organized fraud centers. Some people wake up every day with no other goal than to steal from me. It was not always like this, but it is what it is.

[@grumpyoldlady_rants]

@@reensure - I don’t get too many to my cell but I still also have a landline and I get several calls a day from spoofed numbers on it.

[@reensure]

I clung to a landline for years, @@grumpyoldlady_rants due to my 1-800 dial-up internet connection. When I got DSL, the phone company chose to charge me for high-speed & POTS (Plain Old Telephone) and doubled its monthly rate. I was getting nothing over POTS but hack political calls, spammers, and boiler room scammers, so I let it go. I wish all homes were required to have POTS, but ... if wishes was horses.

[@hyena280]

The telecommunications companies sell their phone number lists.

[@reensure]

TPCs pay call centers for using their lines,@@hyena280 . You didn't think paying content creators was a web-based idea? TPCs lose money on dark lines. Their subsidies go *poof*.

[@travelnomad2128]

These spoofing apps should be illegal & never allowed to exist. It has no real benefits and in fact very helpful to scammers!! Make them illegal!!!

[@cpufrost]

LOL scammers aren't using apps or even smartphones to make these scam calls. You can remove all the apps and this still will happen.

[@zjones9876]

lol you think scammers would care if it's illegal?

[@person35790]

@@cpufrostyup, the app is exposing that spoofing is possible, they aren’t creating the loophole. That’s 100% on phone companies

[@thea_therian]

spoofing is useful for pokémon go if you can't actually get out of the house, if you live in a rural area like i do where there's zero landmarks and just a map of pure nothingness that kind of spoofing is just tricking your phone's GPS into thinking you're somewhere you're not, the kind of spoofing mentioned in the video is intercepting other people's phone numbers and caller ID which is completely malicious and i cannot think of a good reason why you'd need it

[@2FeCarbon]

Some things are just common sense and working professionals tend to be workaholics and only think in terms of what can be done now. This is why she reacted the way she did!

[@drakeboy2541]

*STRONGWIDGET* you are the inspiration that keeps us vigilant and keeps me teaching other's about these disgusting scammers. Thank you and the team for all the hard work you do. I'm so proud to know that there's people like you who care enough to do what our government won't do. Keep up the great work!!

[@alexgodwin456]

Doing god's work online brother. Every second you are doing it; they aren't doing it to someone else or someone's loveones. Every second of dollar you can get out of them is a victory!! Keep going *Strong widget* and take scumbags as far as you can for every second you can, knowing everyone feels the same as you! Words alone are not enough to describe how happy I am towards the great recovery job you accomplished for me and my family Love you dude, Keep up the great content and thanks for helping those who have been victims!

[@theotheleo6830]

That app developer is shady af. His app is used for scams but he's trying to place the blame on the banks. His denial that no one is using his app for scamming is a scam in itself.

[@stevenroshni1228]

Why does he feel prank calls are okay

[@eddyblackmore4188]

@@stevenroshni1228 I'd blame Bart Simpson, but that feels a little reductive.

[@spencerkeys]

It’s not the developers fault. If someone breaks into your home, are you blaming the builder of the home? Or would you be more upset over the fact that there is nothing being proactively done to prevent other homes from being broken into as well?

[@theotheleo6830]

@@spencerkeys Your analogy makes no sense. Try again.

[@jeanp.5929]

The app developer was actually putting the blame on the telecom and tech company that allowed the app to be placed on their platform in the first place.

[@holyngrace7806]

They got me. Degree in computing science, IT instructor, decades of telling others how to protect themselves, but I was got. This is going to a whole new level. It wasn't at all suspicious.

[@sochin33]

Thanks for this. Most of us dont realize that getting scammed could happen to anyone.

[@holyngrace7806]

Definitely, it also rocked me all the harder that I had been scammed. Humiliating.@@sochin33

[@jennifermarie3158]

Appreciate you saying that. I have a PhD and am cautious as heck, and I have received scams that would be convincing if they got me with my walls down for even a second. All of these self-righteous people in the comments blaming the victim for not being cautious enough don't understand that scams are getting increasingly sophisticated and they really could become victims too despite their caution. This issue needs to be addressed.

[@holyngrace7806]

Completely agreed. I am big into civil rights, AND as voice, apps, websites, etc., comms are all digital data packets, there must be a way to trace them back to the source.@@jennifermarie3158

[@roxcyn]

Oh my! Could you share what made it convincing?

[@danielmarquez4935]

This happened to my wife a few months back. She almost fell for I . Luckily she got suspicious , hung up and called the bank directly and was told it was not them. We need an algorithm that scrubs the spoof. Future is scary we can’t even trust the voice or video anymore

[@Vagabond_Etranger]

Deep AI.

[@BlownMacTruck]

The algorithm is your brain paying attention to the huge number of warnings the banks issue to you when you log in to your accounts or receive communication from them, whether it’s email, texts, or voice - that they will NEVER ask you for passwords or two factor codes, all of which must be provided to do wire transfers or issue account changes.

[@hyena280]

@@BlownMacTruck Yes, the banks and different companies the scammers are impersonating don't have time to be calling and texting their customers. It's hard enough getting a representative on the line. As a rule of thumb - the companies and organizations don't reach out to you. Scammers have all the time in the world.

[@a88pockets]

The future? These apps have existed for 15 years and existed in a different form before that.

[@nanadanielyanjn5]

Cyber HEROES!!! That’s what you guys are. ❤️THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU ❤️ *PLEASE READ THIS:* Hey *STRONGWIDGET* Don’t listen to the stupid trolls complaining about what YOU do! WE clicked on to YOU... we all know you rock, we get get your 'help' humor. Don't waste your time trying to get the general pop to understand, they'll never 'get it' and they'll just bring you down., keep being you, you are LOVED.

[@Hallands.]

We must hold the telecommunication providers responsible. This must not be possible!

[@christopher480]

Bingo

[@doomslayerdave]

It's not the telco companies fault or responsibility entirely. Google and Apple have a humongous part to play here as well. Caller ID is an archaic system and the current layout and dispositions are from 1995 essentially. It is possible and everyone got to deal with it. Don't trust inbound calls. It's just like spam e-mail. The ability to spoof exists and without federal intervention and money it'll continue to exist.

[@rogerrosen2323]

a asian lady fell for a investment scam and lost 700k they blamed the bank but she did it he mayhave been overseas

[@HeronPoint2021]

Yeh, I've always wondered why the providers can't put a stop or effort into this. It's from their end: call display is a RELAY from their internal transfer machinery, not either end, mine or the perps. ??

[@Hallands.]

@@HeronPoint2021 And while we are at it, why are the tele-providers not required to run antivirus before they relay transfers? It would be a thousand times more effective than having all of us users do the same thing at every end. I can’t understand how no lawyer has made the argument in court: „You allowed my client to receive this email full of virus and keypress trojans! You are liable for all damages!“

[@victoryrichards8064]

Honestly, he's an amazing person. He uses his time, moves and basically his life into helping people who are less fortunate. using an excellent money recovery model as well in making profits, he really is still doing it out of his own heart. you really are a saint *Strong Widget* and a Wonderful Wonderful Person. Love from England..

[@spiralflame88]

NEVER answer the phone unless it's from your contacts or you're expecting a call. If it's a important, then they will leave a message.

[@manoramareddy4662]

my apple phone does not even ring if the are not in my contact it shows me scam calls. silent calls . if some body try ing to call

[@arlenem9697]

That is exactly what I do. I tell everyone if you're not in my contacts, I don't answer. Had one call this morning, after I let it ring two times, they hung up.

[@BaBaYaga1999-p7u]

But her bank WAS in her contacts, as they are for many of us.

[@stevenroshni1228]

​​@@manoramareddy4662I get the scam shield alert. But my actual doctor's office got flagged into the system and the employees didn't seem to care enough to get in touch with the phone company

[@jadey.wadey20]

@@BaBaYaga1999-p7uthe crook could’ve easily spoofed their location using a VPN and changed the name and number of their contact through their settings though.🫤it may not seem like it, but it’s that simple. I’m able to change the name that will appear as my caller ID on someone else’s phone through my carrier’s app/website in my settings. You’re able to change what phone number will show up on caller ID through your phone settings.

[@Hotspur62]

I never take calls from any company including my banks. My accounts are set up so that I am notified of any transactions by text. While I have gotten text messages supposedly from my 'bank' I don't reply nor click any link provided; instead I access my account directly to determine if there is an issue. If it is legit, there will be a message in the in-box with same message from the text. It helps to be a distrusting person and somewhat paranoid 🙂

[@bebdaumon3948]

spoofing can be done on caller id's, emails, text messages. It's been a thing since 2006. It's as old as Facebook. Even when Facebook started mark used this to email prestigious clubs at Harvard. He would make them click a link and infect their computer with malware to gather more email lists to then send more spam out.

[@Tad-For-Global-Peace]

SIMS hacking is on the rise. 2fa is useless w it. Need a physical key.

[@FreeRadicals305]

My phone is set to silence any number not in my contacts list. Then, block any caller that won't/can't leave a voicemail. If it's legit, they'll leave a message and I'll call back with the number I have to reach them. Never click a link !

[@bebdaumon3948]

@@FreeRadicals305 I did the same but the issue here is doctor offices and professionals like roofers that provides a service normally doesn't bother leaving a voice mail message. They hang up and wait for you to tall them and then they tell you that they called you several times and no one picks up.

[@hamed2928]

You are not paranoid. Paranoia is an IRRATIONAL fear.

[@namsojack1917]

Thank you for putting in this effort for helping folks out there. I've helped people within my own family undo some of the damage that these scammers have done. Having *Strong widget* as a person must be fantastic! I love how he is always doing good for the people, the world needs more like him!.

[@nickcooler2658]

I feel so bad for her.

[@MangoTroubles-007]

She'll make that back in a month Nurses make lots of money 💰

[@stevenroshni1228]

​@@MangoTroubles-007she has to learn how to be better with money if that was her life savings

[@xonx209]

Me too, but not just because she was scammed, but that her life savings was only $24k.

[@romanessence4143]

Delisa Brown (Mary Mary’s sister) (gospel)

[@branevans3705]

Wow that's awful! 😢 And there is nothing she can do? So unfair.

[@ThatOpalGuy]

Not buy a phone.

[@stevenroshni1228]

She can try to find the scammer and the bank said their looking, but good luck

[@Liyfa_Unpay]

I am surprised she’s not covered by FDIC …

[@mikehughes8023]

@@Liyfa_Unpaythat’s only if the bank collapses due to financial loss. For fraud you would have to purchase private insurance from the bank.

[@Liyfa_Unpay]

@@mikehughes8023 Thank you “You learn something new everyday”

[@techwhipped]

Safety Tip: If you get a call think it from a spoof number hang up instantly call the number directly yourself same security precaution goes for text message, and emails you get. Another advice is Becareful of what scam numbers are calling your children phones or texting them remind your children not to answer any scam calls as scammer will attempt to act like the mobile provider to get another information that could be used in a scam aganist you.

[@shitmandood]

That doesn’t work either. Someone did exactly that and still got duped. The solution is to login to the website and see if whatever they’re talking about has transpired. And don’t check it from the phone, do it from another source.

[@techwhipped]

@@shitmandood Reason why I said call number directly is most scammers have victims download remote connection apps remote connection to there PC than have that victim login to there bank than lock that victim out there PC than edit there bank page to make it look like they transferred money when it only them faking the transfer. Let say a scammer is pretending to be from best buy you would call best buy number directly yourself.

[@TgotSoul]

You shouldn’t call immediately. Make sure the line is completely clear first. I know of one case where the person called the bank’s number immediately but the scammer was still on the line. Victim thought they were really talking to the bank, but got scammed.

[@KevinSmithJacob-1617haja]

Hey bud, I just wanted you to know that everything you do is necessary and thank you so much for what you do. It's more than just a recovery service, you're helping people. You're actually the push for me to get my degree in Information Technology so that I can protect people from heartless people like this. Thank you for all you do *Strong widget on the internet,* you're a genius with a big heart and principles. Support and Respect from Britain 👍🏻🇬🇧 🇺🇸.

[@leiag201]

Bank's always say. They will never call you to do anything with transfers, withdrawal's, or anything else dealing with moving money over the phone.

[@romanessence4143]

Delisa Brown (Mary Mary’s sister) (gospel)

[@Nationalpilot63]

Are banks any better?

[@calistabenson5138]

This *Strong widget* on the internet is stuck in my brain and it is very beautiful. I listen to their advice every day. It is one of my favorite recovery agent and I loved it very much. Thank you to those who performed it. Long live, especially from Iraq. 🗿💖

[@dont6441]

Never ever trust caller ID

[@Dideeeee]

Exactly I did these same spoof calls in 2002 as pranks to my friends, and people are still falling for this?

[@vangary100]

That also depends on the type you have. On mine, if the number is spoofed, I see the same number twice but if my friend calls, once.

[@50lbhead30]

Providers should be held accountable

[@branevans3705]

Yes I agree

[@2FeCarbon]

The banks should be held accountable too, FDIC isn't going to honor her loss, which makes me think the banks could be involved too, remember the Wells Fargo fiasco?

[@andrewvarcoe4741]

Definately them and the banks, they could have at least mentioned this new scam and to watch for it.

[@jvanek8512]

@@2FeCarbon FDIC is if the bank closes, not for gullible people conned by scammers.

[@jvanek8512]

and they will probably limit who can have accounts or if someone falls for the scam the bank is forced to pay in your idea, but then i'm sure the bank would close their account because they are a liablity.

[@chrisfetner332]

Chase and Citi get named over and over in these scams and re quick to blame the customer.

[@samsanderson224]

I got one of those….told him I was actually in the bank right now and would take care of it face to face. I’ve never had anybody hang up sooooo fast

[@romanessence4143]

Delisa Brown (Mary Mary’s sister) (gospel)

[@savv4444]

@@romanessence4143why’re u spam replying to every comment on this video?

[@alluringintrovert2036]

Same story different person. People the bank will not call you. Matter of fact stop picking up the phone. Let it go straight to voice mail.

[@mavismounds]

Exactly!

[@cmdrstevemcmaru7417]

Not correct. My bank called me once to inform me they blocked my credit card because they found some suspicious pending transactions and asked me to visit the local branch to check and get a new credit card. But a bank would never ask you to provide a transaction pin or to transfer money on the phone.

[@hyena280]

Don't click on any links. Call the organization directly. Don't use any phone numbers or emails that are given to you. Find them yourself. But, even then, there are scam websites spoofing the real websites. Real companies won't text you or call you. They don't have time for that.

[@roxcyn]

Banks do call for fraud alerts. The key alarm bells are giving up a code and the biggest one is transferring all your money to a random account. Your bank would never do that.

[@shaggydawg5419]

it depends. I initiated wire transfer through online banking and they called me to verify the transaction. I still did not answer their calls and text messages. I contacted them to verify the transaction.

[@OG.551.98]

Don't do any transaction or give info over the phone. Go to your bank branch or call their direct number.

[@filmtorres]

This is why I don't answer the phone anymore.

[@savv4444]

i don’t answer the phone bc of ✨anxiety✨

[@elenebarnhill4321]

This has gotten out of hand. Taking from those who have worked hard for their money 💰

[@rogerrosen2323]

some lady lost 700k no joke saw a reoport she only had to lv in bank and not worry

[@MrVomora]

If you think you are being scammed, go straight to your bank and speak to an actual person at your bank. DO NOT TRUST anyone who calls you.

[@fubu7942]

That’s why if I call my bank I stay on the line and don’t wait for a callback. Anyone that is a criminal and monitoring you might try to pretend to be your bank.

[@rickyayy]

Exactly never answer any calls only make calls

[@MrMjolnir009]

Good point... those callbacks can be dangerous due to these apps!!!

[@cococinnamon2236]

I don’t really answer

[@MovingAlong531]

This is a good point, never really thought of this. Thanks for this ❤

[@kenbob1071]

How in the world would a scammer out of the blue know that you initiated a call to your bank and are waiting for a callback?? Nah. That's crazy.

[@tronziebit]

Just do not answer calls. Let the calls go to voice mail. Then review and decide if it is genuine or not, and call the source, not the number on the voice mail.

[@radir870]

Remarkable job, *Grind Techiei* -I'm delighted you're out there fighting these jerks. We must do everything possible to protect the elderly and the general public from these vile con artists! You deserve it!! Big up, brother, you deserve the Nobel Peace Prize for keeping us safee

[@kpsher367]

Follow one rule of thumb, trust no one on the phone or in your email or on any social media . Take your own action

[@GodAboveAaE]

Lol dont trust anything or anyone

[@joeldriver-sp2rg]

No bank is ever going to ask you to wire money to an account for fraud. That's crazy she fell for that. If I ever get an email, text or call from my bank I just go online within seconds and check to see if there's anything going on or I just call them.

[@movingman07]

And the banks tell you this. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@cyborg-2.1]

Literally, lol. They tell you when you open your banking app, in emails, and even when you initiate the call to them.@@movingman07

[@cococinnamon2236]

Yeah more lazy ass people that don’t want to work

[@MrsMathews]

I agree but I think it's the sense of urgency that the scammer instills. In the moment she's panicked and not thinking.

[@saradadude]

They make it seem like your money is vulnerable and express concern that if you don’t do it immediately, your money will be compromised.

[@wc4109]

People, especially the elderly, should regularly watch news stories about all kinds of scams or frauds out there… it’s the only way to be on top of the latest tricks being played by scammers…

[@zjones9876]

I've watched dozens of these stories and the same thing is true in every single one of them. The victim did not hang up and call the bank themselves. If they had done that this would not have happened.

[@FreeRadicals305]

. . . and more than likely had a 'middle-east' accent : (

[@mace2m431]

I watched one report where he called the real bank and reported the scam. However, the scammer called back with a spoofed phone number of the bank and pretending that it was the bank’s fraud department so he still got scammed in the end.

[@Naturefan354]

​@@mace2m431That's why they always tell you to drive down to your bank in person and speak with them directly.

[@terry_moorer]

The scammers are getting smarter. A friend needed to pay her utility bill and she looked up the number online. She dialed the number and thought she was talking to the utility company. She was actually talking to scammers. They told her that she had a fraud alert on her account. And was asking her alot of personal info. It took her a few minutes before she realized something didn't feel right and hung up..

[@stevenroshni1228]

Gotta trust that gut.

[@newmexicoballer3867]

Your friend probably got the number from an ad or a sponsor page. These scammers are not smart. They trick people that aren't educated about their tricks they been using for the last 25 years.

[@irrelevant2235]

It amazes me, especially in this day and age that people still fall for this scam.

[@MegaSpaceMolly]

Exactly.

[@WizardOfWor]

This. If anyone asks you that you have to have your money transferred, it's a red flag, because banks & credit unions would _never_ ask people for their information.

[@Thunder_Dome45]

There can be only one punishment for scammers.

[@sandyirizarry3491]

The apps should be removed.

[@hyena280]

The apps shouldn't be approved to be on apple or google's app stores.

[@SeEpiNIncoherentRambling]

i don't get how they serve any purpose but to trick people@@hyena280

[@bigdreams5554]

Scammers can just create their own apps. Blocking app is only blocking teens fooling around. These scams are done by organized crime organizations

[@romanessence4143]

Delisa Brown (Mary Mary’s sister) (gospel)

[@briansegall1084]

My rule is not to give any personal info to unsolicited callers/visitors. If I'm not expecting your call/visit and know in advance that it's legitimate, I'll stick to small talk or bail on the conversation ASAP. I still answer the phone (usually) but give a very short leash to strangers. If there's a few second delay before the other side starts talking, I hang up (this means it's a remote call center, probably scammers). If it's in a foreign language, obviously I hang up. If they say they're from a local company but have a foreign accent, I hang up. If they're just telemarketers, then I don't have much patience for them either. Basically, if anything feels off by even a little bit, I hang up. In practice, I hang up on most people who call me and I feel zero guilt or shame about it. I have probably hung up on a few real people who thought I was being rude, but that's the world we live in.

[@romanessence4143]

Delisa Brown (Mary Mary’s sister) (gospel)

[@Vagabond_Etranger]

They (scammers) can spoof (by machine or app) the number they're calling you. But they can't spoof the number you're calling them. So when in doubt, hang up, then call your bank, NOT the number that just called you.

[@Dideeeee]

This lady isn’t too bright. These scams aren’t new they’ve been around forever, and so have these spoof calls. I did these exact spook calls as a prank way back in 2002. I was able to put in any number and the receiver would see whatever number I put on their caller ID.

[@Dideeeee]

But they are inputting their banks number duh. Were you even listening? Like I said I’ve done these spoof calls over 20 years ago. You still shouldn’t trust it, even if you are seeing your banks number. Hang up, call your bank or go to your bank!

[@savv4444]

@@Dideeeeethis lady was just scammed out of her life’s savings. she doesn’t need ppl like you bullying her, calling her stupid right now. jesus, give her a break

[@wegotthis247]

I think people with common sense are super annoyed when they’re duped. It hits different.

[@romanessence4143]

Delisa Brown (Mary Mary’s sister) (gospel)

[@theflourcity]

Don't take these calls, even if they leave a reference number. Call the bank or credit card company yourself and talk to their fraud department. Also, maybe put a freeze on your credit. You have the ability to freeze and unfreeze when you want to take out a loan or new credit card.

[@americangirl8970]

If you walk into your bank and ask for that much money out of your account, they will do everything possible to put you off, but they will transfer it to any sketchy electronic account. They should also be held liable.

[@romanessence4143]

Delisa Brown (Mary Mary’s sister) (gospel)

[@johnnygavin3654]

They need to start cracking down on these scammers.

[@___beyondhorizon4664]

I prefer to do transactions like old people do , go inside a bank, especially large amounts!!! I don't trust the app which said it is for entertainment purposes only

[@mjschicago56]

What’s sad is the fact if this person is caught. He will be released on bail to continue his craft and skip out on the bail.

[@kimb8078]

A lot of times, they don't get caught. It's getting scarier and scarier. I received a phone call a year ago, and a scammer was asking me about my bank information, I stopped in the middle of phone call and hung up and called my bank. Ever since then I let the calls go to voicemail. I also feel sorry for the elderly, because I am sure they get scammed often.

[@roxcyn]

Remember - what raises alarm bells are they ask for the security code AND the big one - they made you transfer your money to an unknown account.

[@Bootricia]

This is what I don’t get. How are people willingly transferring money to another, unknown account?? Would any legitimate bank ever ask anyone to do this? 🤔

[@savv4444]

@@Bootriciamaybe she just got off a 12 hour shift at the hospital, & is now taking care of her child on her own, cooking, cleaning up after them, helping with homework etc. exhausted, she made a mistake, a lapse in judgment. show some grace.

[@RoughRaiders13]

I've been telling people for decades if anyone ever contacts you about some sort of money issue no matter who they are, say thank you very much and then hang up or cut contact with them in whatever way you can. Then you yourself either go to the bank or look up the customer service phone number for that business and you contact them and ask them if anything is wrong. That way you know for a fact you're talking to the right people. If there is something wrong they will confirm it and then you can handle it but if nothing is wrong then you know the original contact was a scammer.

[@HideBuz]

Banks should refund the money to her, they have insurance for exactly that. The nurse has no insurance.

[@rkm5369]

I don't think that's what the insurance is for.

[@slam4119]

FDIC insurance is only for when the bank itself goes under - not for the loss of funds due to fraud. The banks also have insurance that covers the banks should they become the victims of fraud or something like ransomware, but nothing that covers the customers since that would cost a lot of money to insure.

[@stevenroshni1228]

​@@slam4119there was a case where the scammer got the password for the bank employee that handles mortgages got the victim to transfer the money out. That's the sort of thing the banks will be forced to cover

[@romanessence4143]

Delisa Brown (Mary Mary’s sister) (gospel)

[@PerfectoKiss]

Never answer a call and let them leave a message. Call the number from the website.

[@bjtwuk]

The text with the code from Chase specifically said we will NEVER call to ask for this code. But [chase] called and asked for the number and she gave told them the number anyway.

[@claudiablack4440]

Commit this to memory "You are a stranger on the phone you could be anyone from anywhere" it applies to every scenario and it is the only line you will ever need

[@desiv1170]

"Scammers can now use apps to show up as a trusted number"... They've been able to do that for a long time too. But it is much easier now. Before the apps, you could do it with web sites/services, and before that, you could still do it, you just had to know how... And that guy who wrote that app, yeah he's taking advantage of it and shouldn't, but he's right... The carriers shouldn't allow this. They never should have. This is a phone carrier issue... They stop it, and all the apps/loopholes stop... I work in the telco area and we've been questioning this for decades...

[@xonx209]

The problem is, if phone spoofing becomes impossible in the US, then only foreign scammers can scam US citizens but US citizens cannot scam foreigners. US will bleed money to foreign countries and that's bad for the US.

[@mykula780]

Now use? They've had these apps out for 18 years this is nothing new

[@mistervo8185]

Right after I renewed my license at the DMV, a phone call claiming he is from the highway patrol department. He said I have a pending warrant out for my arrest. I said "OH NOO!!" in a funny way. He hang up.....but what about my warrant?😢

[@Chahlie]

When I get these 'fraud alert' calls I put on the old lady voice and start yelling at 'George' to call the police :)

[@mellowyellowmom7631]

I feel so bad the nurse lost her money. Nobody deserves that, especially someone who took care of dying Covid patients.

[@t.k3025]

Just go into the bank, don’t assume it’s your bank on the phone.

[@romanessence4143]

Delisa Brown (Mary Mary’s sister) (gospel)

[@newmexicoballer3867]

People need to stop being passive and learn about scams. It's your responsibility to protect yourself.

[@ahmedr7545]

Her bank needs to give her money back

[@Vinh1949]

Good luck

[@OceanWaves-pu1ew]

It's not the banks fault.

[@rickyayy]

They will never

[@kenbob1071]

Why? It's not their fault that she got scammed.

[@tdgdbs1]

Absolutely not, if you get scammed; it's on you.

[@joeking433]

The authorities needs to give a lot tougher sentences for cybercrime.

[@christineh9134]

Even if the scammer withdrew the money, his/her bank has their information and can forward that to the police.

[@xonx209]

The account that receives the money is probably a stolen account under the scammer's control. Then the money is quickly withdrawn by the scammer at an ATM or a bank branch. Or get transferred to a crypto exchange and then transferred out. Either way you have no information about the scammer and the money is gone.

[@juliagouw]

Should hold the telecom companies accountable and pay back the money

[@deelauschus7675]

*HONESTLY, HE'S AN AMAZING PERSON. HE USES HIS TIME, MOVES AND BASICALLY HIS LIFE INTO HELPING PEOPLE WHO ARE LESS FORTUNATE. USING AN EXCELLENT HELP MODEL AS WELL IN MAKING PROFITS, HE REALLY IS STILL DOING IT OUT OF HIS OWN HEART. YOU REALLY ARE A SAINT AND A WONDERFUL WONDERFUL PERSON. LOVE FROM ALLSTATE STRONG WIDGET*

[@hyperionsupreme551]

I hope that the authorities recover her money.

[@davidcantor293]

The thing is, these people do NOT sound American... that is the first red flag. It's like when Gurdeep calls from the "irs" lol

[@buk1YdFpSRVrzdFy2HBE]

You should look into how the banks LIE about not asking users for the code. I am frequently asked by my bank for that code (when I call them, so I know it is the bank). When I mention it to the rep (likely a first level call center employee who is stuck following bad policy), they mention that it’s okay for me to read the code that time, because I’m the one who called them. … but that’s not what the warning says. It says they will NEVER ask for the code. So I feel banks here are responsible, and they should have a different system for verifying to the bank. For example, the code they send you should contain two codes: one that they read to you (to verify they are who they say they are), and a second one that you read to them (so they can verify you are who you say you are).

[@MegaSpaceMolly]

When you call THEM, they ask for the code, not the other way around.

[@fiorela6194]

This is a great idea.

[@buk1YdFpSRVrzdFy2HBE]

I'll actually adjust this slightly - since a scammer could be sitting in the middle, on the phone with your bank. So even with two codes, the bank might be on the phone with the scammer and tell them the code, the scammer can read you the code, then you read the code on your phone to the scammer, and scammer to bank. Still not great. It would be better if a new code was required for, and identified as, a particular purpose. "Use this code to process wire transfer of $XX, if you do not want to complete this transaction do not use or give anyone this code." Same for changing contact info, or others. There are probably better ways to do it too, but not over SMS.

[@dontbanmebrodontbanme5403]

Terrible. But it should be a lesson to all of us. If a bank calls you and, because of fraud, wants you to transfer funds "somewhere else", it's a scam. As was mentioned in the video, I'd hang up and call my bank back directly to confirm, but I already know that's a scam. I feel so sorry for her.

[@stevenroshni1228]

Exactly, brave of her to go on TV instead of hiding in embarrassment

[@smith7388]

How are these apps allowed? Make them illegal.

[@janeclayton151]

you can order phone number spoof apps for "entertainment"?? how can these ridiculous apps be legal.

[@GarthVonMaraner]

You know, banks could at least communicate to all their clients about watching out for this kind scams through email, snail mail, texts, etc. They're only reacting to each case which will cost them and their clients more in the long run.

[@loveydovey8383]

They do. Every time I log on to my bank, there's a message right on the front page about this. People need to develop some red flag radar.

[@tree8238]

It should not even be an app to change your number that’s wild.

[@mocast0974]

In the old days, you'd go to a pay phone to make a call you didn't want traced to you. Before CCTV and smart phones ruined society. :)

[@alienonion4636]

Whoever thought that spoofing a phone number was a good idea without ever considering the consequences of misuse?

[@maddominican879]

A bank wont call you or tell you to transfer your money to another account due to fraud they are the bank and will do it and then send you a message through their app or send you a letter

[@jewelthompson4210]

She's hardworking and contributes to society. So unfair. This world truly sucks!

[@leonidas14775]

So why are carriers allowing spoofing? They should be verifying that the caller ID data is accurate.

[@shaggydawg5419]

the technology may not exist yet. It's like spoofing an email address. It used to be so simple. You can be anyone you want to be in the From field. They've improved email security now. It makes it more difficult to pull that off.

[@richw3381]

One legit use case: Calls from many support sites look like they are coming from a single 800 number.

[@ShellyBomb]

Banks are supposed to be the "Good Stewards" of the money we keep in their safekeeping; and, they certainly can cover an amount of $24,000 --- that's ridiculous! I hope this hard working nurse was fully compensated --- 💰!!!

[@AnythingJW]

This app developer should not be allowed on app store... we should always hang up and call back instead

[@capnobvious2718]

Since when would a bank tell you to move money between accounts?

[@joltjolt5060]

Why is it even legal?

[@SeEpiNIncoherentRambling]

wire fraud is illegal but the app developers would also be accountable

[@romanessence4143]

Delisa Brown (Mary Mary’s sister) (gospel)

[@baribach8701]

Verizon cellular and landline has been inept and inadequate in eliminating spam calls. Major American companies disregarding its customers safety

[@cuongdinh3192]

If you caught it quick enough, you can get your money back. Once you report it to your bank they take the initiative to trace the funds and even freeze the scammers bank account.

[@swedemartyrsonswade]

Even the smartest way to check something is real is being copied already. Things to learn here are 1. Banks would not call and ask for One time Pin 2. Banks would not initiate calls for you to transfer any amount of money to anyone 3. Always check your bank statements online 4. Never share any information (critical to your bank account) 5. Always be updated about the scams that are rampant nowadays.