Initial Contact: The victim is contacted by an imposter claiming to be from Homeland Security or another law enforcement agency.
Fake Investigation: The imposter alleges they're investigating a local bank's fraud manager for suspicious activities.
Title Fraud Accusation: They inform the victim that the bank's fraud manager has taken over their home title.
Request for Cooperation: The victim is told they need to assist in the investigation for the authorities to arrest the fraud manager.
Bank Wire Setup: The victim is instructed to wire all their funds to a specific address, under the pretext of seeing if the fraud manager would tamper with the transfer.
Money Misdirection: The provided wire address isn't connected to the bank but rather directs funds to a criminal syndicate overseas.
Tactics used by the fraudsters:
Authority Impersonation: Pretending to be from a well-known agency to create a sense of urgency and importance.
Creating Fear: The suggestion that the victim's home title has been tampered with induces panic.
Sense of Duty: Asking the victim to assist in the arrest of the fraud manager makes the victim feel responsible and integral to the "investigation."
Manipulation: Convincing the victim that their actions are crucial for the success of a legal operation.
Tips to help your account holders avoid these scams:
Be Skeptical: Always approach unsolicited calls with skepticism, especially if they involve transferring funds.
Verify Identity: Before taking any action, independently verify the identity of anyone claiming to be an authority figure by calling the agency directly via official contact details.
Avoid Wire Transfers: Never wire money based on the instructions from an unsolicited call or email.
Protect Personal Information: Never divulge personal or financial details unless you are certain of the recipient's identity.
Consult with Trusted Individuals: Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or financial advisor before making significant decisions.
Educate Yourself on Common Scams: Awareness of common tactics used by scammers can be your best defense.
Contact Law Enforcement: If you're suspicious of any interaction, reach out to local law enforcement or the agency the caller claims to represent.
Check Your Records: If someone claims there's an issue with your home title or bank account, independently verify this with your bank or through official property records.
Remember, scammers rely heavily on creating a sense of fear and urgency. Taking a step back, staying calm, and verifying information can help avoid falling prey to such scams.
