Amazon.co.uk: Scam-Proof Your Life: 377 Smart Ways to Protect You & Your Family from Ripoffs, Bogus Deals & Other Consumer Headaches (AARP): Books: Si

Amazon.co.uk: Scam-Proof Your Life: 377 Smart Ways to Protect You & Your Family from Ripoffs, Bogus Deals & Other Consumer Headaches (AARP): Books: Sid Kirchheimer: "Scam-Proof Your Life: 377 Smart Ways to Protect You & Your Family from Ripoffs, Bogus Deals & Other Consumer Headaches (AARP) (Paperback)"

Get inside information from those in the know on how to protect your money, your rights, and your health—with the most complete, practical, and easy-to-follow collection of consumer wisdom ever assembled.

In this essential action guide by dogged consumer reporter Sid Kirchheimer, more than 100 leading experts reveal smart and specific tips, techniques, and tactics that anyone can use to avoid being victimized—financially, physically, or emotionally. Car salesmen disclose secret strategies to save you thousands of dollars on your next vehicle purchase. Repairmen divulge the tricks of their trades … and disclose the advice you'll need to get superior service at an honest price. Con men and crooks offer defensive directives to deprive thieves of your money, your possessions, and your identity.

Kirchheimer gets the experts to cough up everyday counsel as well. Doctors share simple steps you can take today to guard against medical errors and lower your health-care costs. Attorneys tell how to protect yourself in a courtroom and in daily life. Industry insiders and consumer advocates detail when, where, and how to get the most for your time and money: They expose all sorts of stealthy solutions for saving when you buy a home or apply for a mortgage, telephone service, or a credit card. They even tell you how to save big on travel arrangements, and how to secure a college scholarship for less-than-Dean's List students!

Amazon.co.uk: 419 Scam: Exploits of the Nigerian Con Man: Books: Charles Tive

Amazon.co.uk: 419 Scam: Exploits of the Nigerian Con Man: Books: Charles Tive: "
The "419" scam is an aspect of transnational financial crime with a 'modus operandi' peculiar to the Nigerian swindler. The most recurrent type of transnational "419" scam is the "advance fee fraud". It is usually introduced in the form of a business contract, a transfer of stolen money or money from over-invoiced contract, the purchase of crude oil from Nigeria at a relatively cheap rate, and transfer of money left by a deceased person (will scam). In all situations, the victim is eventually lured into an endless period of advance fee payment. The "black money" scam is almost as popular as the advance fee fraud and is sometimes, practiced in continuation of advance fee scam. The victim is introduced to a large sum of money that needs to be cleaned by a special liquid solution. The victim parts with money upon the supposition that the black money would be cleaned and given to him. The con man gets away with the victim's money leaving him with a bunch of worthless papers. The 419 Scam business is not restricted to defrauding foreigners. There are two groups of con men in Nigeria: The local and the International "419ners". The local groups specialize in defrauding Nigerians while the more advanced International syndicates fish out victims from Europe, America, Asia and South Africa. The local ones eventually grow to international status after they have made enough money to acquire computers, facsimile and telephone lines and other gadgets necessary for the scam business. "Tive's insight of the perpetrators behind the advance fee fraud coupled with his knowledge on the topic show that he is a true authority on the subject."- Ralph A. Gonzales, Special Agent-in-Charge, United States Secret Service "This book by Charles Tive is an excellent portrayal of the 419 scam, its operators, and its basic operations."-Gary M. Gibson, Regional Security Officer, U.S. Consulate Lagos. ".is a scholarly but readable summary of the history of and methods used by Nigerian scam / 419 operations."-The 419 Coalition, USA.

Amazon.co.uk: The World's Greatest Gambling Scams: Books: Richard Marcus

Amazon.co.uk: The World's Greatest Gambling Scams: Books: Richard Marcus: "'
"The World's Greatest Gambling Scams" details the best scams ever pulled off in the adrenaline-fuelled gambling world. They range from those relying on basic sleight-of-hand manoeuvres to those that utilise gadgets based on the very latest high-tech wizardry. Scams examined include: the famous Ritz Roulette Scam that used mini-computers and cell phones to determine on what number the roulette ball would drop; big-action baccarat games in which the dealers merely pretended to shuffle the cards; a dye solution for marking casino cards that can only be seen with special contact lenses and disappears without trace an hour after its application; and, a tiny weightless receiver embedded into a roulette ball and controlled by a radio transmitter hidden in a pack of Marlboro cigarettes. As well as describing the scams from their inception to implementation, Marcus introduces us to the vastly diverse characters who carried them out and analyses what made them tick.

Consumer Direct - Weight loss schemes

Consumer Direct - Weight loss schemes: "Weight loss schemes will usually take the form of an email promising a revolutionary pill, patch, cream or other product that will result in weight loss without diet or exercise. Some products claim to block the absorption of fat, carbohydrates or calories, a guarantee of permanent weight loss and some suggest you'll lose lots of weight at lightening speed. These are gimmicks, there's nothing available through email you can wear or apply to your skin that can cause permanent or even significant weight loss. Experts agree that the best way to lose weight is to eat fewer calories and increase your physical activity so you burn more energy. There are no products that can instantly remove fat, so you should consult a health care professional before buying any weight loss products."

MoD Demands Payback Over BT 'Scam' |Sky News|Business

MoD Demands Payback Over BT 'Scam' |Sky News|Business: "The Ministry of Defence is demanding money back from BT after an alleged call centre scam that has left it out of pocket by millions. Target demands Target demands During an employment tribunal for a sacked call centre worker, it was claimed that BT staff made false calls to meet targets. But BT denied allegations that it or its staff defrauded the MoD. Four BT call centres, at Dumbarton, Kettering, Wakefield and St Helens, handled MoD calls from British bases abroad to the UK. The MoD paid for all the calls but if the centres failed to answer them within a certain time limit, BT had to pay a £30,000 monthly penalty to the Ministry."

icRenfrewshire - BUDDIES HIT BY WEB SCAM

icRenfrewshire - BUDDIES HIT BY WEB SCAM: "CUSTOMERS of two banking giants are being targeted by e-mail fraudsters. E-mails are being sent out randomly to Royal Bank of Scotland customers in Paisley in an attempt to trick people into handing over their bank account details. Similar e-mails are also arriving from Halifax on-line banking. The e-mail from RBS is addressed to “digital and direct banking customers” and purports to be carrying out an internet banking update. People are instructed to click on a link, and are then asked for bank account details."

allAfrica.com: Gambia: Fraudsters Jailed for Ten Years (Page 1 of 1)

allAfrica.com: Gambia: Fraudsters Jailed for Ten Years (Page 1 of 1): "Principal Magistrate Moses Richards of the Kanifing Magistrate's Court, yesterday, convicted and sentenced two Nigerians to ten years imprisonment with hard labour. The duo Peter Cole and Alieu Raphael were found quilty of obtaining money by false pretence and attempts to commit felony. According to the particulars of the offence, on or about the 20th May, 2007 the two accused persons obtained $3,000 (about D78,000) from one Farimang Manneh on the pretext of supplying him with Armatext, but failed to do so."

Police taskforce to target florist credit card fraudsters - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Police taskforce to target florist credit card fraudsters - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation): "A special police taskforce has been created to investigate a credit card scam which targeted customers of the online florist Roses Only. Strike Force Parkview is investigating allegations that hackers entered the 'Roses Only' database and stole customers' credit card details. There are unconfirmed reports that the credit card information has been used to make luxury purchases in south-east Asia. Roses Only says its online payments system was compromised earlier this year. The company is assuring its customers they are not liable for any unauthorised transactions and should contact their financial institution if they have any concerns. Roses Only says it regrets the inconvenience to its loyal customers and has engaged a leading international technology firm to enhance its online security system. New South Wales police say they are working closely with financial institutions to improve security in the wake of the allegations."

Fraudsters offer fake jobs - New Zealand news on Stuff.co.nz

Fraudsters offer fake jobs - New Zealand news on Stuff.co.nz: "Scammers are targeting international students with fake job offers that come with a $10,000 price tag, a Christchurch student says. Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology commerce student Alex said he had applied for two jobs in the past couple of months where business owners had asked for money in exchange for a full-time position. He had seen the jobs advertised in The Press and in Chinese and Korean-language newspapers. The advertisements were vague about the job position, but said fluency in Mandarin or Korean was essential and gave only a post office box number to send CVs to. Alex went through a long interview process but at the end was told there were no positions available unless he paid a fee of $10,000. 'At the beginning it seemed to be quite a formal thing, but at the end they just asked if you will give them some money to get a job offer,' he said. 'Their reasons are that `you are a graduate and if I put you in here I'm taking a risk', and because you are a risk you need to pay them money.' He said one interview had been in a coffee shop but others were at an office in town. The interviewers were all of Asian descent. 'The company seemed to exist but they don't have much business there. It's basically just a way for them to make money"

$1 million house scam exposed - 16 Sep 2007 - NZ Herald: New Zealand National news

$1 million house scam exposed - 16 Sep 2007 - NZ Herald: New Zealand National news: "Fraudsters trying to take advantage of Auckland's overheated property market have tried to rip off more than $1 million from banks in a valuation scam on two North Shore properties. The scam has been brought to light by the Institute of Valuers, which believes it could be just the tip of a valuation fraud iceberg. The bogus valuation for two adjoining properties in the upmarket North Shore suburb of Mairangi Bay was submitted to three banks a few weeks ago to secure a loan. The properties sold last April for $1.7 million. The valuation presented to the banks - which they exposed as fictitious - was for a cool $2.85 million. The president of the Institute of Valuers, Blue Hancock, said he believed the bogus valuation was still being presented to banks as late as last week. Hancock said a complaint had been made to the Serious Fraud Office. The Property Institute, which incorporates the Institute of Valuers, issued a warning last week after Auckland banks were targeted by similar scams."

$1 million house scam exposed - 16 Sep 2007 - NZ Herald: New Zealand National news

$1 million house scam exposed - 16 Sep 2007 - NZ Herald: New Zealand National news: "Fraudsters trying to take advantage of Auckland's overheated property market have tried to rip off more than $1 million from banks in a valuation scam on two North Shore properties. The scam has been brought to light by the Institute of Valuers, which believes it could be just the tip of a valuation fraud iceberg. The bogus valuation for two adjoining properties in the upmarket North Shore suburb of Mairangi Bay was submitted to three banks a few weeks ago to secure a loan."

www.newszap.com

www.newszap.com: "Sunland Village reports scams, Police: Swindlers are getting creative
By Vanessa White, Independent Newspapers

Citizens beware: Sunland Village East residents have reported several cases of phone solicitations following two standard formats.

In the first, reported to SVE manager Marge May, the caller poses as the security and fraud department at a major credit card company.

“They give you a name, badge number and phone number to call back,” Ms. May said. “The important part is they ask you to verify that you are in possession of your card by reading them the four numbers on the back of the card. Don’t do this! These are the numbers they need to make purchases on the phone or Internet.”

Ms. May noted credit card companies do not need these numbers because they issued the card, so they already have all of the information.

The second case involved real estate. The information was given to Ms. May by Bill Barker of Realty Executives, after one of his SVE clients reported it to him.

“A man is calling female residents who have property for sale. He calls around 7:30 p.m. and asks if he can preview within five minutes,” Mr. Barker said. “He says he has investors who will buy the property if it is the right type.”
"

Man admits debt-payment scam -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY

Man admits debt-payment scam -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY: "ALBANY -- A former Scotia plumber has pleaded guilty in federal court to duping hundreds of people out of millions of dollars by promising to make their mortgages and other debts vanish.
In admitting his guilt, Kenneth G. Titus Sr., 61, of Glen Avenue, faces a maximum term of up to 20 years in prison for mail fraud, and 10 years for money laundering, along with up to three years' supervised release and a $250,000 fine.

According to the terms of the plea deal he accepted on Friday, however, imprisonment is more likely to range from between 33 to 44 months.
Titus also consented to forfeit more than $2.4 million in fraud proceeds, which will be used to pay back his victims, federal officials said."

Scam targets restaurant owners

Scam targets restaurant owners: "The letter seemed legit, said Pat’s Steak House owner Pat Francis, just another in a seemingly endless stream of restaurant regulations.

Sent by the Kentucky Food Service Compliance Center, it said restaurants must buy and put up $18.95 posters reminding employees to wash their hands.

Those who didn’t faced up to $2,500 in fines and could possibly lose their license, the letter said.

“It just seemed typical,” said Francis, who spent $82.70 for four posters. “They keep passing these new laws all the time so I just figured they passed another one.”

But this one, it turned out, was a scam — one that went far beyond Francis’ Brownsboro Road steak house.

In the past few months, hundreds of restaurant owners across Kentucky have received similar letters notifying them of a new law that the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office says doesn’t exist."

Online Job Seeking Scam

Online Job Seeking Scam: "If you have a resume posted online, you could become the target of a scam. Job seekers are turning to the internet, posting their resumes and applying for jobs online. Allie Vaandering says she's used these websites once , but is cautious.
Allie Vaandering, MSU student: 'I'd like to know what would be the limit to put on the internet and how confidential it would be.'
Now the FBI is reporting scammers could steal the information you post on your online resume. Scammers are calling phone numbers listed on resumes, asking for personal information, like Social Security numbers.
Brenda Ely, Michigan Dept. of Labor & Economic Growth: 'A job seeker could ask what purpose they plan for that particular information at this point in the process.' "

The Annekenstein Monster: The Christmas Shoes Scam

The Annekenstein Monster: The Christmas Shoes Scam: "As a public service to my loyal readership, I offer you this warning, just in time for Christmas. It concerns a confidence scam that surfaced last year, and by all accounts, will be even more popular this year. It is being dubbed The Christmas Shoes Scam.
This is how it works:
The scam usually is pulled at a busy department store or mall, usually at times when there are large crowds mingling. A young child (usually, could be a trust-inspiring early teenager too) will linger around the checkout, holding an item of clothing he makes obvious he wishes to purchase. While the item is usually a pair of womens shoes (hence the scam's name), it can be anything really. The main characteristic is that the item is NOT something the child would purchase for his own wardrobe. While holding the item, the child will look sad. This is done to lure in the victim.
It is an inactive scam, meaning that the child will wait until approached. Once approached by a concerned (meaning: vulnerable and/or Christian) adult, the scam artist will begin with the waterworks, crying softly at first, moreso as the situation demands. When asked what's wrong, the child will lay the base of the scam. Usually the child will say something to the effect that a family member (usually a Mother) is very ill, and is in fact about to die. Perhaps even this very night."

Look out for parcel delivery scams | OUT-LAW.COM

Look out for parcel delivery scams | OUT-LAW.COM: "Premium rate regulator ICSTIS has urged network operators to be on the alert for customers seeking to operate premium rate related parcel delivery services, in the wake of a pre-Christmas scam that put members of the public out of pocket.
Trading Standards Offices around the UK are investigating the fraud, which involved a mailshot that targeted thousands of UK households. This took the form of a ‘delivery card’, asking recipients to call a premium rate number to rearrange the delivery of a parcel.
As the misleading message was sent at a time when recipients were likely to be expecting parcels through the post, many took the bait – only to find themselves with an expensive telephone bill, but no parcel.
The regulator confirmed today that it had taken action to terminate existing services and to freeze revenue payments in four cases.
However, ICSTIS expressed concern that it had received calls from networks with “clients” wishing to operate other “services” of this kind."

Northern Ireland News - Police urge vigilance over Christmas fraud

Northern Ireland News - Police urge vigilance over Christmas fraud: "Detectives from the PSNI's Fraud Unit have reminded members of the public and business community to remain vigilant following reports that Northern Ireland is again being targeted by fraudsters in the run up to Christmas.
One of the most popular frauds urges the victim to forward personal and bank details to an 'overseas' government official/solicitor acting on behalf of a deceased person with no known living relatives within that country, to enable millions of dollars to be moved out of the country to the individual's bank account.
Prior to the release of money the individual has to forward a sum of money to commence the procedure. While this scam has been well publicised, many people continue to be duped into participating.
The second 'overseas lottery' style fraud informs potential victims they have won a substantial sum of money but, that in order to release their 'winnings,' a percentage of money be forwarded by the individual to the Lottery Commission to enable local taxes to be paid.
Detective Inspector George Clydesdale said: 'While the PSNI's Fraud Unit is committed to tackling these and other fraudulent activity, we would ask members of the community to be on the alert at all times and not to disclose bank or personal details to strangers or to forward money without ensuring the recipient is genuine.
'Remember if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is!'
Anyone who is concerned they may have been the victim of any type of fraud should contact "

Homeworking Scam Cons Mum (from Oxford Mail)

Homeworking Scam Cons Mum (from Oxford Mail): "A mother who wanted to earn extra money for Christmas fell victim to a home-working scam.
Grace Dale, of Stanway Close, Witney, answered an advert earlier this month offering readers as much as £3,000 per month for typing and mailing envelopes.
The 34-year-old part-time admin worker said: 'I just wanted extra money for Christmas. I have a two-year-old daughter and it was just to buy extra bits and pieces for her.'
continued...
Mrs Dale spotted the advert in the Oxford Mail and, as instructed, texted her name and address to a mobile number.
A letter was sent asking her to pay a registration fee of £15, which she sent by cheque - deciding that if it was a con, £15 wasn't too much to lose.
But she said after not hearing anything for a week, she phoned the company. She said: 'The man said that quite a few people had had the cheque go missing so he asked me to pay by card.'
But the day after the phone call she was contacted by her bank who asked her if she or her husband had withdrawn £1,200 from her account."

The Post and Courier, Charleston SC | Charleston.net | Stories

The Post and Courier, Charleston SC | Charleston.net | Stories: "




A Charleston woman was swindled out of $5,000 in cash after a two people offered to give her a portion of money they said they found in the parking lot of a North Charleston department store.
The 26-year-old victim told police she was in the Ross store on Rivers Avenue on Oct. 5 when a woman struck up a conversation and told her a man outside had dropped an envelope that contained $68,000 in cash, according to a police report. The woman and a man who claimed to be a deacon told the victim the three of them could split the money, the report said. But the victim would have to put up $5,000.
The victim went to her bank, withdrew $5,000 and took it back to the store, where the suspects took the money inside and were never seen again, according to the report. The female suspect, who said her name was Alice, was described as black, in her 40s to early 50s, with dark blotches on her face, chest and arms. The man was black, in his middle 50s to early 60s, balding with salt-and-pepper hair and wearing eyeglasses.

"

Oshkosh Northwestern - Officials warn of new lottery scam

Oshkosh Northwestern - Officials warn of new lottery scam: "Officials warn of new lottery scam
By Jennifer K. Woldt
of The Northwestern
The letter that told Vicky and Randy Paulson they had won $160,000 in a lottery seemed too good to be true.
Turns out it was.
The letter, and an accompanying check for $1,996, was part of a foreign lottery scam being operated out of the Netherlands.
As part of the scam, the Paulsons were asked to cash the $1,996 check, which is meant to help cover taxes, and then send a payment to the Netherlands to cover the costs associated with sending the lottery winnings to Oshkosh. The original check would have bounced after a few weeks, leaving the person who received the check responsible for bounced check charges and covering the check.
'I had never seen one of these before,' Vicky Paulson said. 'I'm glad I investigated because there's going to be other people who fall for this. This is something a gullible person would really get themselves into a deep hole with.'
Capt. Jay Puestohl of the Oshkosh Police Department said there are a number of reasons why he's concerned about the scams. He said the checks are often computer generated and look very authentic, making it difficult to realize they are fraudulent.
The Oshkosh Police Department receives a few complaints each week about similar scams. He noted while the scam is the same, the origin varies, from Spain to countries in Africa.
But the possibility of winning a large sum of money is difficult for some people to resist.
'Unfortunately, if preys upon people's hopes to become rich,' Puestohl said. 'They purport that the people are winners of a large amount of money and it is hard to discard something like that.' "

WKRC 12 Cincinnati - Scam Warning From Indiana State Police

WKRC 12 Cincinnati - Scam Warning From Indiana State Police: "Scammers are bilking unsuspecting victims out of their money using Internet sale/purchasing programs such as EBay.. Anytime one deals with Internet purchases and requests involving cashier's checks, one should be especially suspicious.

Typically the scammer will search the Internet for offers of expensive items for sale such as cars or computers. The victim will receive an email from the scammer offering to purchase the item through a relay service and the scammer will promise to pay with a cashier's check. The victim will receive what appears to be an authentic looking check in an amount made out for several thousand dollars more than the agreed upon price and the scammer will request the victim wire the excess amount back. The victim's bank credits the victim's account with the amount of the check and the victim sends the excess money back along with the purchased item to the scammer.

Several days after the completion of the transaction the bank informs the victim the cashier's check was counterfeit. The victim has not only lost the item sold but has been scammed out of several thousand dollars as well. "

News - Ilkeston Today: News, Sport, Jobs, Property, Cars, Entertainments & More

News - Ilkeston Today: News, Sport, Jobs, Property, Cars, Entertainments & More: "OAP conned out of her purse
CALLOUS thieves tricked an 85-year-old lady into showing them where her purse was kept after conning their way into her home.

A man and a woman knocked at the old lady's door on Heanor Road and asked her if they could look in her garden for their ball.
The man asked her if she had lost a �10 note after pretending to find it on the lawn and followed her into the kitchen to check her purse. When the couple left her purse was gone.
The intruders told the pensioner they lived in a house nearby and had lost their ball playing football.
She took them both round to her back garden and she stood waiting while they pretended to look for it.
Minutes later, the man said he had found a �10 note and asked her if she had lost any money lately. He followed her into the kitchen where she opened a kitchen drawer, took her purse out, and checked to see if the money was hers.
After the lady had shown the man and woman out she found her purse had been taken.
Police are appealing for witnesses after the incident last Friday at 7pm.
The couple were both about 20 and the man was white and of a slim build. He had short brown hair, was around 5ft 5' and had a local accent.
There is no description of the female. The purse was black leather and contained cash and credit cards.
Anyone with any information is urged to call Derbyshire Police on 0845 123 3333, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111"

The Herald - Life. Captured Every Day. - Serving York, Chester, and Lancaster Counties.

The Herald - Life. Captured Every Day. - Serving York, Chester, and Lancaster Counties.: "An employee of a Saluda Street business faces seven charges after police say they seized some $500,000 worth of counterfeit items from the store where the Rock Hill man worked.
Police arrested 33-year-old Ali Sillah late Thursday night at his workplace, BAK Fashions at 1424 Saluda St., said Rock Hill police Lt. Jerry Waldrop.
Sillah, of 1781 Cedar Post Lane, was charged with two counts of trafficking counterfeit goods, three counts of criminal conspiracy, one count of illegally selling video recordings and one count of illegally selling audio recordings."

wcbstv.com - Police Find Thousands Of Counterfeit Nikes

wcbstv.com - Police Find Thousands Of Counterfeit Nikes: "with bag after bag of counterfeit Nike Airs.

Police sorted through several different designs of the popular shoes discovering more than three thousand pairs at a U-Haul facility on 23rd St. in Chelsea.

On Wednesday night cops from the 10th Precinct were tipped off about the operation after they arrested five men for attempting to rob a man in front of the storage building.

Capt. Stephen Hughes told CBS 2 News, 'We arrested those five men recovered four knives we subsequently learned that the victim was a dealer in counterfeit sneakers.'

Police said the alleged robbers told investigators they were planning to rip off a group who had been storing these Nike knock-offs inside a half dozen storage units in the U Haul building."

NBC2 News Online - NBC2 Investigates: Golf club knock-offs

NBC2 News Online - NBC2 Investigates: Golf club knock-offs: "LEE COUNTY: Before you tee it up at the golf course, you might want to take a closer look at your clubs. NBC2 consumer investigator Paul Lagrone uncovered a scam involving knock-off clubs that is ripping off golfers.
Officials from U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Protection say counterfeit golf equipment is a growing problem in the U.S. and the agency is hitting it hard.
'Last year we did seize 245 shipments, primarily from China,' said Therese Randazzo of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
The counterfeit equipment is showing up on the internet, in brick and mortar stores and even on trade show floors.
'We have heard of incidences where, you know, you take a good swing with that counterfeit club and the head comes flying off, which is certainly a health hazard,' said Randazzo.
The bottom line is that buyers need to be skeptical of bargain basement prices. Check the quality of the products and know what the official product looks like.
The year 2005 set a record for counterfeit golf seizures. The overwhelming majority of the fake equipment comes in from China.
Nike recently announced a new online system to verify its clubs that can ensure a specific club is authentic before you buy it."