There are many different national and international market schemes targeting Americans. Currently under investigation are false lotteries and sweepstakes, government grants and credit card protection/lower interest rate services. In all these cases urgency tactics and misrepresentation of characters are used to convince the nominees.
Although most reported losses on record are from Americans above the age of 50, the crooks target all age groups. For the targeted and governing bodies, acknowledging these scams exist is sometimes difficult and hard to comprehend. The following examples are just a few of the fraudulent offers being investigated by CBG and proper authorities.
SWEEPSTAKES/LOTTERIES - These offers are usually originated in Canada or countries over seas. Nominees are contacted and presented with false winnings. Americans often targeted are above the age of 50 with a small savings or inheritance. Americans above the age of 50 come from an era where they were very kind and trusting, leaving themselves exceptionally vulnerable to all types of schemes.
Most authorities are bombarded with complaints. In fact, unless the victim has lost more then $50,000 to $100,000 there is not much done about it. Filing complaints after the losses occur can leave the victims hoping and praying for rectification. Unfortunately, in most cases the money is sent via certified funds, making it virtually impossible to recover.
The key to prevention is EDUCATION!!! Once the targeted are aware of the types of schemes targeting Americans, they will be able to defend themselves and prevent further losses entirely.
This scam alone costs trusting Americans and proper authorities millions of dollars annually!
Reported losses so far from this type of scam range from $10 to $422,000!
GOVERNMENT GRANTS - This is a fairly new scheme that combines the US government and the US grant system. The targeted are presented with a large dollar amount that is to be allocated to a specific age group. Seniors are amongst the highest percentage of victims. Some have been told "you have money coming to you because of the current problem with social security and or medical care". The targeted are asked to send certified funds to cover all expenses accrued in getting them the money.
Reported losses so far from this type of scam range from $250 to $25,000!
LOWER INTEREST RATE - Often times, this offer combines legitimate services with fraudulent intensions. Presenting clients with the opportunity to lower their current rates on their credit cards as well as consolidating bills for a specific fee seems innocent and even beneficial on the surface. Scenarios are painted with money back offers and guaranteed approvals, which are left unfulfilled the majority of the time. Victims of this type of fraud usually end up having credit issues because of their participation.
Reported losses so far from this type of scam range from $199 to $2499!
CREDIT CARD PROTECTION - When ever new credit cards are issued, the cardholders often times are solicited by companies offering insurance or protection services for their accounts. Always charging excessive fees, these companies claim "they will protect credit card holders if their cards are ever lost or stolen". Offering to help dispute charges on their new credit cards and claiming they will recover lost or stolen money. By law a credit card company has to dispute a charge for an account holder if the charge is unauthorized. Charging people to protect their credit cards or bank accounts is one of the biggest scams targeting Americans today!
Reported losses so far from this type of scam range from $199 to $3499!
WARNING, IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAS BEEN PRESENTED WITH ANY OF THE ABOVE OFFERS OR SOMETHING SIMILAR PLEASE CALL CBRG IMMEDIATELY AT 1-800-246-7156 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND A CUSTOMIZED SOLUTION!
