Latest news with #scams
CNET
2 hours ago
- CNET
Protect Yourself From Sketchy Calls: Unknown Caller vs. No Caller ID
Like most of us, you're probably getting a lot of unsolicited calls that show up as either No Caller ID or Unknown Caller on your iPhone. Reflexively answering either one could lead to a scam -- or perhaps a call you've been waiting for. What are the differences between these two anonymous labels? Here's what to know about each type of call and how to keep yourself safe from potential scams. No Caller ID vs. Unknown Caller A call labeled "No Caller ID" means the caller has blocked their number from appearing on your screen. In other words, they want to keep their identity under wraps. This can be a privacy measure, but it's also a tool used by scammers -- if you can't quickly verify who the caller is based on their number, it can be easier to fall for their trap. "Unknown Caller," on the other hand, is the message that appears when your phone service provider doesn't recognize who's calling. This can come down to several factors, including network or technical issues, or receiving calls from foreign numbers. Oftentimes, these callers aren't intentionally trying to hide their identity, but it's still a good idea to be cautious. Scammers can also use this method to hide their identity by using a phone that isn't registered with the phone company, for instance. What to do if you get anonymous calls You should always proceed with caution if you can't identify a caller. This is especially important if someone rings you and "No Caller ID" appears on the screen, as they have intentionally kept their number hidden. But an Unknown Caller is also something to be wary of, since it becomes harder to truly identify who's at the other end of the line. Letting the call go to voicemail is often a good idea. Answering a call signals to scammers that your number is active, which could lead to more similar calls in the future. The Live Voicemail feature is particularly helpful for these situations because it allows you to pick up the call if the voicemail transcript indicates it's someone you want to speak with. Silence unknown callers on your iPhone You can even go a step further and silence unknown callers on your iPhone. That way, those mystery callers won't disturb you, and they can just leave a voicemail for you to check later. In your iPhone, go to Settings, then tap Apps followed by Phone and go to Silence Unknown Callers. Hit the toggle to turn it on. Watch this: Why You're Getting So Many Spam Calls 08:33 Use apps to block unidentified calls Though there isn't a way to block these anonymous calls within your iPhone's settings, your wireless carrier may offer apps to help with this. AT&T ActiveArmor, for instance, has a free version that blocks spam and fraud calls, and also lets you block all unknown callers. The advanced version, which costs $4 a month, includes tools like reverse number lookup and caller ID for unknown numbers. ActiveArmor is available for iOS and Android. Verizon's Call Filter app also offers spam detection, a spam filter and the option to report numbers, all for free. For an additional $4 a month, you'll also get caller ID, spam lookup, a personal block list and a spam risk meter. Call Filter is automatically enabled for Android users on a postpaid plan, and is available in the App Store for iPhone. T-Mobile's Scam Shield has a free option that includes full caller ID, scam reporting and scam blocking. There's also a premium option for $4 a month per line, which offers reverse phone number lookup and voicemail transcriptions that are automatically texted to you. You can download the Scam Shield app in the App Store or Google Play. Be sure to check with other wireless carriers to see if they offer something similar. Some wireless carrier plans may include access to the premium features as well. For more third-party apps to help limit robocalls and general tips, check out our guide on stopping spam calls.
Daily Mail
12 hours ago
- Daily Mail
How I fell for a Tinder swindler after starting online dating in my 60s - by FIONA LAMBERT, the high-powered woman behind some of Britain's best-loved fashion brands
In the past, I would hear stories of women sadly conned out of money by romance fraudsters and wonder how they could possibly be so gullible. That was until my ego, my trust in human nature and my confidence in online dating took a huge knock thanks to one man.
Fast Company
16 hours ago
- Business
- Fast Company
Can I shop at Big Lots online? Retailer warns of fake websites as stores reopen under new owner
Big Lots has been through a wild ride since the home-goods discount retail chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last September. In December 2024, the company announced that it would hold going-out-of-business sales at its remaining store locations. The following month, however, Big Lots announced that Variety Wholesalers—a retail company based in North Carolina—would acquire and operate hundreds of existing Big Lots stores. After a period of remodeling and restocking, Variety Wholesalers has since reopened 219 Big Lots stores in a handful of states. The openings took place in four waves, starting in April and ending in June. The final reopening phase concluded with the reopening of 78 Big Lots stores on June 5. While the return of Big Lots is good news for fans of the brand, it may be exposing some unsuspecting bargain hunters to scams—particularly, for shoppers who prefer to buy things online. Big Lots warns of online scams Earlier this month, Big Lots took to social media to alert customers about the presence of online scams, explaining that its current website has no e-commerce component. 'BIG LOTS! no longer operates any ecommerce website,' the retailer wrote on its Facebook page. 'These are scam websites using our name and logo. Any purchases made through these websites should be IMMEDIATELY reported to your bank or credit card company. Our official website is The post attracted hundreds of comments, with some commenters saying they had fallen victim to the bogus offers. Indeed, scammers have been targeting consumers with online ads impersonating Big Lots. Links within these ads direct hopeful shoppers to fake websites that are not affiliated with the official retailer. Be aware that any advertisements promoting online Big Lots deals are not legitimate. Some products are still listed on the official Big Lots website A section of the retailer's official website highlights products that Big Lots stores actually sell. Although the official Big Lots site does not offer the option for online purchases, its product listings include photos, descriptions, and prices. Jeff King, vice president of sales and marketing for Variety Wholesalers, told Fast Company that the products advertised on the Big Lots website are meant to illustrate the deals available in-store. 'We do have products listed on our website to show the great values on the large variety of products we carry in our stores,' he said. 'We do this to encourage customers to visit our stores and see what deals they can find.' Bottom line: It's essential to be vigilant against online shopping scams. If you're hoping to shop at Big Lots, you'll need to visit a physical store.
CTV News
a day ago
- CTV News
Canadian extradited to Las Vegas over alleged mail fraud scheme
The U.S. Department of Justice logo is seen on a podium before a press conference, May 6, 2025, at the Justice Department in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File) A Canadian man has been extradited to the United States over alleged schemes involving what U.S. officials call fake prize notices and victims described as 'elderly and vulnerable.' In a notice published Thursday, the U.S. Department of Justice and Postal Inspection Service announced that Albertan Patrick Fraser, 44, was transferred to American law enforcement earlier this month, following his arrest roughly two years earlier by Canadian officials. Fraser is accused of having 'conspired with others to operate fraud schemes through which he mailed fraudulent prize notifications to individuals in the United States and in other countries.' The letters, the release says, told recipients they were entitled to a large cash prize, sometimes of more than US$1 million, which they could receive if they first paid a small fee. 'The (U.S.) Justice Department is committed to prosecuting and pursuing those who perpetrate fraud schemes targeting America's seniors,' said U.S. Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate in the release. 'I thank Canada for assisting in extraditing this individual to face charges here in the United States.' The U.S. release identifies Canada's Department of Justice and the Vancouver Police Department as contributing to the investigation. Fraser faces charges of conspiracy and mail fraud and a nine-count indictment, with each count carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, upon conviction. None of the charges have been tested in court, and the release acknowledges that 'all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.' Fraser is now in U.S. detention, awaiting trial in an American federal court in Las Vegas.
Irish Times
a day ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Sharp increase in reports of phone call and text message fraud this year, AIB says
There was a 'sharp increase' in reports of phone call or vishing fraud, including via text message, between January and May compared to the same period last year, AIB has said. It said attempted and successful fraudulent activity was up 297 per cent compared to the same period last year, although the figure is based on the value of payments reported as fraudulent. AIB's data also show a 6 per cent increase in customers falling victim to smishing or vishing scams. These are typically phone calls that often follow after a customer responds to a fraudulent text message based on the requirement to have new login details issued. READ MORE Meanwhile, losses associated with customers compromising their login details were up 67 per cent. The bank also outlined the five most common scams fraudsters carried out to fool people into handing over access to their money from April to June. [ More than 70 fake eFlow websites detected as 'smishing' attacks on consumers surge Opens in new window ] It said text message fraud 'continues to be a major threat' and is the crime that's most commonly perpetrated by fraudsters. 'Scammers send convincing messages that appear to be from reputable sources, such as banks, delivery companies or Government agencies, tricking recipients into providing personal information or clicking on malicious links,' AIB said. IATA Director General Willie Walsh on airline profits, air fares and why the Dublin Airport passenger cap makes Ireland a laughing stock Listen | 35:56 'Our advice is to never click a link in an unexpected text message or call the number provided. If in doubt contact the sender on a known and trusted number to verify its legitimacy. 'You should never provide log in details, security details such as one time passcodes, card reader codes or selfies.' Secondly, it warned of 'safe account scams', which involve fraudsters posing as bank officials who call and inform victims that their accounts have been compromised. They then persuade victims to transfer their funds to a 'safe' account for protection, which is often their own account, and often in other financial institutions. The funds can then be moved on to a mule account. Thirdly, AIB said investment scams 'have surged' this year, with perpetrators offering lucrative returns on fake investment opportunities. 'These scams often target individuals seeking to grow their savings quickly, using convincing pitches and professional-looking websites,' the bank said. 'Victims invest substantial amounts of money, only to realise later that the promised returns are non-existent and their funds have been stolen. Always ask yourself, is this too good to be true?' The fourth most prevalent scam is holiday fraud. Scammers create fake travel websites and offers, luring victims with attractive deals on flights and accommodation. 'Once payments are made, victims discover that their bookings are fraudulent and their dream holidays are ruined,' AIB said. 'Always book your holidays through reputable providers, research accommodation to ensure it actually exists and don't part with your money unless you are fully satisfied. These scams aren't just advertising foreign holidays, but Irish ones too.' Finally, the bank warned of 'purchase scams', which involve fraudulent websites or sellers who may take your money without delivering promised goods. 'Another threat is the potential for receiving counterfeit or substandard products, which can be disappointing and harmful,' the bank said. AIB head of financial crime Mary McHale said the banks 'deals sympathetically' with customers who fall victim to fraud 'on a case-by-case basis'.
