Our founder and President, R. Lee Walters, was interviewed on KOAA News, Colorado Springs, Colorado regarding a nationwide scam and how to protect yourself. See it HERE
Our founder and President, R. Lee Walters, interviewed on KOAA in Colorado Springs, Colorado3/11/2025
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EXCALIBUR Private Investigation: Experts in Insurance Fraud Cases Across Florida, Colorado, New Mexico, and South Carolina Insurance fraud is a widespread issue affecting individuals, businesses, and insurers, costing billions of dollars annually. To protect your business from fraudulent claims or uncover false claims against you, it's crucial to partner with experienced professionals who know how to navigate these complex investigations. EXCALIBUR Private Investigation is proud to offer our extensive expertise in handling insurance fraud cases throughout Colorado, New Mexico, and South Carolina. Over Three Decades of Investigative Excellence At EXCALIBUR Private Investigation, we bring over three decades of investigative experience to every case. Our team includes former FBI agents with federal investigative experience as well as professional private investigation, providing us with unique insights and unmatched skills in fraud detection and prevention. Whether it’s workers' compensation, auto, property, or health insurance fraud, we have the knowledge and resources to gather the evidence necessary to expose fraudulent claims. Our team operates in multiple states, allowing us to serve a wide range of clients and jurisdictions. Tailored Investigative Solutions Insurance fraud can take many forms, from staged accidents to exaggerated or falsified claims. Our investigators are trained in various methods, including surveillance, interviews, and digital forensics, to uncover the truth and provide indisputable evidence. We work closely with insurance companies, legal teams, and corporate clients to deliver timely, thorough investigations that help mitigate risks and protect assets. Why Choose EXCALIBUR Private Investigation?
Contact Us For expert assistance with insurance fraud investigations, contact EXCALIBUR Private Investigation:
Learn more about how we can assist with your investigation needs by visiting our website: www.excaliburlegalsupport.com. About the author. R. Lee Walters is a retired FBI Agent with over 24 years of federal law enforcement experience. He has worked in the private investigation industry for 13+ years. Click here to learn more.
How to Spot Fake Reviews on a Private Investigator’s Google Reviews Page When searching for a private investigator, many people rely on Google reviews to help make an informed decision. However, not all reviews are genuine, and some investigators will attempt to boost their reputation, especially when it's bad in the industry, with fake reviews. Misleading reviews can lead to poor hiring decisions and potential financial or legal issues for unsuspecting clients. In the private investigation industry, many clients are uncomfortable leaving reviews due to the very sensitive nature of the services a professional private investigation firm, such as EXCALIBUR Private Investigation, provides. If a firm has hundreds of reviews, you should be very suspicious of that fact alone! Here’s how to spot fake reviews on a private investigator’s Google page and protect yourself from hiring the wrong professional. And always remember, there is no substitute for experience, no matter how hard some private investigators will go to cover up their lack of it. 1. Overly Positive and Generic Language Fake reviews often use glowing but vague language. Phrases like “best PI ever,” “outstanding service,” or “solved all my problems” with little or no specific details about the investigation raise red flags. Genuine reviews typically include personal details about the experience, such as what kind of case was involved or how the investigator helped resolve specific issues. If a review reads like a general endorsement rather than a real account, it's probably fake. 2. Unnatural Patterns in Review Frequency Look at how often reviews are posted. If you notice a large number of reviews being posted in a short amount of time, particularly after a long period of inactivity, it’s suspicious. This probably indicates the investigator is padding their reviews with fake ones. A steady, organic flow of reviews over time is more likely to reflect genuine customer feedback. 3. Profiles with Minimal Activity Check the profiles of people leaving reviews. Fake reviews are often posted by accounts that have little to no activity beyond one or two reviews. If the reviewer has only ever left one review, especially for the PI in question, and has no other visible online activity, it’s a sign the account was probably created just to leave a fake review. Genuine reviewers usually have a more diverse review history across multiple businesses. 4. Suspicious Similarities in Language Fake reviews are sometimes generated or written by the same person or group, resulting in striking similarities in phrasing, tone, or structure. If several reviews sound alike or use the same adjectives and descriptions, they may have been fabricated. Multiple reviews that all use phrases like “highly recommend,” “very professional,” or “will hire again” without giving specific details about the service are often copy-paste jobs. We've noticed that numerous competitor's reviews appear to have copy-paste reviews. 5. Lack of Verifiable Details A legitimate review typically includes some specifics about the investigator’s work. Look for mentions of how the PI handled the case, communicated with the client, or produced results. Fake reviews tend to avoid specifics and instead focus on making the business sound perfect. Without verifiable details like case types, timeframes, or communication methods, the review could easily be fabricated. 6. Overcompensation for Bad Reviews If a private investigator has a negative review and suddenly an influx of glowing reviews appear shortly afterward, it's probably an attempt to drown out the negative feedback. A sharp spike in positive reviews after a critical one is a potential sign that the investigator is trying to artificially inflate their rating. Pay attention to the timing of reviews and look for this pattern. 7. Discrepancy Between Reviews and Reality If the reviews are overwhelmingly positive but don’t seem to match the PI’s website, social media, or overall reputation, be cautious. A business with a below-average online presence or an outdated website that suddenly has numerous five-star reviews may not be trustworthy. The investigator’s reputation should align with the tone of their reviews. If there’s a noticeable disconnect, it’s worth questioning the authenticity of the feedback. 8. Overly Emotional or Extreme Reviews While positive reviews can certainly express strong satisfaction, overly emotional or extreme reviews often feel manufactured. Reviews that use exaggerated language such as “life-changing,” “miracle worker,” or “unbelievable results” may be suspect. On the flip side, if the negative reviews are equally extreme without providing specific examples of issues, they could be fake negative reviews left by competitors. At EXCALIBUR we've had competitors who don't have near the level of experience our firm has, leave fake reviews that are normally taken down by Google once they are reported. Every once in awhile a fake review may be left up by Google for whatever reason including from an account titled Bleep Bloop, obviously a fake account, but which, through investigation, we were able to identify the competitor and took legal action against that person. 9. Check for Verified Purchase or Service Google doesn’t always flag whether a review comes from a verified user who actually used the service, but you can check if the PI responds to reviews in a professional manner. If the investigator thanks clients by name or references the case (without violating confidentiality), it suggests the reviews are real. Investigators who leave generic responses to reviews, especially positive ones, may not actually know the reviewer, indicating those reviews could be fake. How to Protect Yourself from Fake Reviews Here are some ways you can guard against being misled by fake reviews when choosing a private investigator:
Conclusion Fake reviews can create a false sense of security and lead you to hire a private investigator who may not be as qualified or professional as they appear. By spotting these red flags and taking steps to verify the authenticity of online feedback, you can avoid being misled and find the right investigator for your needs. Don't rely solely on Google reviews when deciding who to hire. At EXCALIBUR Private Investigation we are one of the most experienced private investigation firms in the country. We are happy to discuss our lengthy qualifications with any potential client. Firms that don't have the experience ours does, will do everything they can to steer away from a conversation about their experience. If you're looking for a professional private investigation firm, give us a call or fill out our contact form and one of our experienced private investigators will schedule a free, no-obligation, consultation with you. We have offices in Florida, Colorado, New Mexico and South Carolina. About the author. R. Lee Walters is a retired FBI Agent with over 24 years of federal law enforcement experience. He has worked in the private investigation industry for 13+ years. Click here to learn more.
Voice Cloning Scams: How to Recognize and Defend Against This Emerging Threat At EXCALIBUR Private Investigation are investigators are constantly staying on top of the latest scams that could potentially affect our clients. In the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), advancements in technology have brought about both incredible opportunities and alarming threats. One of the most recent and concerning trends is voice cloning scams. With AI-based tools capable of mimicking human voices with astonishing accuracy, scammers are finding new ways to exploit this technology for financial gain. This article explores how voice cloning scams work, the potential dangers they pose, and practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones. What Are Voice Cloning Scams? Voice cloning is a form of AI technology that captures and reproduces a person’s voice using a few samples of speech. With just a short audio recording, AI tools can generate a replica of a person’s voice, complete with intonation, pitch, and cadence. Scammers use this technology to impersonate individuals—often family members, friends, or business associates—in an attempt to trick people into sending money or disclosing sensitive information. In a typical scam, a victim might receive a call from what sounds like a loved one in distress, urgently asking for money or help. Here’s a real-world example:
The Threats and Risks of Voice Cloning Scams Voice cloning scams pose several unique threats: 1. Emotional manipulation: Scammers exploit emotions by mimicking voices of loved ones in distressing situations. This makes it difficult for victims to think clearly before responding. 2. Identity theft: Beyond immediate financial loss, voice cloning can contribute to broader identity theft. Scammers may use the cloned voice to access bank accounts, healthcare records, or other sensitive personal information. 3. Financial losses: Victims may be coerced into sending large sums of money via wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or other untraceable payment methods, making recovery difficult. 4. Reputational damage: In business settings, voice cloning can be used to impersonate executives or employees, leading to fraudulent transactions or tarnished reputations. How to Protect Yourself from Voice Cloning Scams While the technology used in these scams is sophisticated, there are several ways to guard against falling victim to a voice cloning attack. 1. Be skeptical of urgent requests for money: If you receive a distressing call from a friend or family member urgently requesting money, take a moment to pause and verify the situation. Scammers rely on a victim’s emotional reaction to make decisions quickly.
2. Establish a family code word: Create a secret family code word or phrase that is shared only with close family members. If anyone calls claiming to be in an emergency, you can ask for the code word. If they don’t know it, you’ll know it’s a scam. 3. Limit voice recordings posted online: Be cautious about how much of your voice is publicly accessible. Scammers often use recordings from social media platforms, podcasts, or other publicly shared media to generate clones. Limit the amount of personal voice content you post, especially on unsecured platforms. 4. Utilize multi-factor authentication (MFA): For any account or service where your voice may be used for verification, consider using multi-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security, requiring not only your voice but also another form of identification, such as a code sent to your phone or an email verification. 5. Use verification services: Some companies provide services that can verify the authenticity of voice calls. These systems analyze a voice for digital manipulation and can help prevent cloning attacks in high-risk environments, such as financial institutions or corporate settings. 6. Educate and spread awareness: Make sure your family and friends are aware of voice cloning scams. Discuss the risks and share practical prevention methods. The more people understand this threat, the harder it becomes for scammers to succeed. 7. Stay informed: As AI technology evolves, so do the scams that use it. Stay updated on new tactics and tools that scammers are using and be proactive in adjusting your security measures. What to Do if You’re a Victim If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a voice cloning scam:
Conclusion Voice cloning scams represent a new frontier in cybercrime, leveraging advanced AI to manipulate victims emotionally and financially. By being vigilant, implementing safety measures, and staying informed, you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim. While AI has the potential to transform many industries, it’s crucial to recognize and prepare for the darker side of technological advancements. The best defense against these scams is awareness and skepticism. Stay cautious and make it difficult for scammers to exploit your trust. If you’ve been contacted by a family member, but something doesn’t seem quite right. Contact one of our investigators at EXCALIBUR Private Investigation and let us access the situation. We have professional private investigators available in Florida, Colorado, New Mexico and South Carolina. You can call us at one of our convenient telephone numbers or fill out our contact form on the website. About the author. R. Lee Walters is a retired FBI Agent with over 24 years of federal law enforcement experience. He has worked in the private investigation industry for 13+ years. Click here to learn more.
The Rise of the Photo Threat Scam: A New Tactic in Digital Extortion In the ever-evolving landscape of digital scams, a new and insidious tactic has emerged, targeting unsuspecting individuals with threats involving photos. At EXCALIBUR Private Investigation we're averaging about 5 calls a week from victims, and potential victims, of this scam. The scam involves scammers sending explicit or compromising photos to an unknown party and then threatening to report these photos to law enforcement if the victim does not comply with their demands claiming that they are of an underaged minor, usually female. This scam not only exploits the fear and vulnerability of individuals, but also highlights the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals in the digital age. How the Scam Works The scam typically begins with the victim receiving unsolicited messages from an unknown number or social media account. These messages often include explicit or compromising photos that the victim doesn't recognize. The scammer then claims that the photos are of a minor and threatens to report them to law enforcement or publicly expose them unless a ransom is paid. In some cases, the scammer may also threaten to send the photos to the victim's family, friends, or employer, adding further pressure to comply with their demands. The Psychological Impact One of the most troubling aspects of this scam is the psychological impact it can have on victims. The fear of being falsely accused of a crime or having one's reputation tarnished can be overwhelming. Victims may feel trapped, isolated, and unsure of where to turn for help. The scammers exploit these emotions to their advantage, creating a sense of urgency and desperation that can lead victims to comply with their demands without seeking proper assistance or verification. Protecting Yourself from Photo Threat Scams
Raising Awareness Public awareness is crucial in combating this new wave of digital extortion. By educating individuals about the tactics used by scammers and encouraging them to report suspicious activity, we can collectively reduce the effectiveness of these scams. Community organizations, schools, and workplaces should consider hosting workshops or informational sessions to inform people about the risks and preventive measures associated with digital scams. Conclusion The photo threat scam is a stark reminder of the lengths to which cybercriminals will go to exploit and manipulate individuals. By staying informed, vigilant, and proactive, we can protect ourselves and our communities from falling victim to these malicious tactics. Remember, the key to combating digital scams lies in awareness, education, and a united front against cybercrime. If you have any questions about this scam, or any other issue you're looking for help with, contact one of our experienced private investigators at 352-509-8900, 719-208-4088, 505-208-6400 or 803-806-7800 or fill out our contact form located under the Contact tab of our website. About the author. R. Lee Walters is a retired FBI Agent with over 24 years of federal law enforcement experience. He has worked in the private investigation industry for 13+ years. Click here to learn more.
Shadows of Deceit: Unveiling Financial Fraud Through Private Investigation Private investigators play a crucial role in uncovering financial fraud and protecting the interests of individuals, businesses, and organizations. With their specialized skills, knowledge, and resources, they assist in detecting fraudulent activities, gathering evidence, and presenting a strong case for legal action. In this article, we will explore the role of private investigators in investigating financial fraud and how they contribute to maintaining the integrity of the financial system.
Financial fraud encompasses a wide range of illegal activities, such as embezzlement, money laundering, insider trading, Ponzi schemes, and identity theft, among others. These acts can cause significant harm to individuals and businesses, leading to financial losses, reputational damage, and even bankruptcy. Private investigators, such as those who are part of the EXCALIBUR Private Investigation team, serving the states of Colorado, New Mexico and South Carolina, are often hired to identify perpetrators, collect evidence, and help victims seek justice. One of the key strengths of our private investigators is their ability to conduct discreet and confidential investigations. They have the expertise to navigate complex financial transactions, analyze records, and follow the money trail. They employ various techniques, including surveillance, interviews, background checks, and forensic accounting, to uncover fraudulent schemes and trace the flow of illicit funds. By utilizing their networks and resources, private investigators can access information that is not readily available to the public, which can be instrumental in unraveling financial fraud. EXCALIBUR’s investigators also collaborate closely with law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, and legal professionals in financial fraud cases. They work hand-in-hand with these entities to share information, provide expert analysis, and strengthen the overall investigation. This collaboration ensures that all relevant aspects of the case are thoroughly examined and that the evidence gathered meets the required legal standards. We often act as liaisons between victims and law enforcement, bridging the gap and facilitating effective communication. In addition to their investigative skills, our professional private investigators bring a unique perspective to financial fraud cases. They possess a deep understanding of human behavior, motivations, and patterns, allowing them to anticipate the actions of fraudsters and identify potential vulnerabilities in financial systems. Their expertise in risk assessment enables them to provide valuable recommendations to individuals and organizations to prevent future fraud occurrences. By conducting comprehensive due diligence and implementing robust internal controls, private investigators help mitigate the risk of financial fraud. Moreover, private investigators are adept at presenting their findings in a clear and concise manner. They compile comprehensive reports and, if necessary, testify in court as expert witnesses. Their ability to communicate complex financial concepts in a way that is understandable to non-experts is crucial for legal proceedings. Their testimony often serves as a critical component in securing convictions and ensuring that justice is served. In conclusion, private investigators play a vital role in investigating financial fraud. Their specialized skills, resources, and collaboration with law enforcement agencies contribute to the detection and prevention of fraudulent activities. By diligently following the money trail, conducting thorough investigations, and providing expert analysis, private investigators assist in safeguarding the financial system and protecting the interests of individuals and businesses. Their efforts in uncovering financial fraud are essential in maintaining the integrity of the financial sector and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. Have you been a victim of financial fraud or are you about to enter into a financial arrangement and want to make sure the other party doesn’t have any skeletons in their closet? Contact EXCALIBUR Private Investigation and let us put our 30+ years of federal law enforcement (FBI) and private investigation experience to work on your case. We’ll find the answers you need. Call us today at 352.509.8900, 719.208.4088, 505.208.6400 or 803.806.7800 or fill out our contact form and a professional private investigator will be happy to discuss your case with a no-obligation, free consultation. About the author. R. Lee Walters is a retired FBI Agent with over 24 years of federal law enforcement experience. He has worked in the private investigation industry for 13+ years. Click here to learn more. THE HOLLYWOOD CON Having worked more white collar fraud cases than I can count, I'm always intrigued that new con men are able to convince people to part with hard earned money. The one common denominator that I've found is present in every one of these cases are the "friends and family" hook. The guy above, Zach Horowitz, also known as Zach Avery, used that hook to scam money from a variety of people under the guise that he was buying the rights to movies and then leasing those rights to HBO, Netflix, primarily, and other streaming services. Needless to say none of these services had ever heard of the guy which a little due diligence on the part of the victims could have figured that out early in the con. This guy ran a typical Ponzi scheme that caught up with him as all Ponzi schemes do.
What is a Ponzi scheme? The dictionary defines a Ponzi scheme as: "a form of fraud in which belief in the success of a nonexistent enterprise is fostered by the payment of quick returns to the first investors from money invested by later investors". Once Zach Horowitz got those first investors on board, all family and friends, promising returns of 42% after 9 months (a red flag if I've ever seen one), he would repay the initial investors with money coming in from new investors. I'm always bewildered that people think there are investments that pay 42%, or more, in a short period of time with no risk. In the end over $600 million was scammed in this Ponzi scheme with some $200 million still unaccounted for. Don't think that schemes such as these are ongoing here in Colorado? Don't be too sure. In the last three weeks I've been introduced to individuals, who didn't know my background, pitching investments that are too good to be true and will, ultimately, lead to loss of investment funds. In both instances I gathered as much information as I could about the principles and shared with a local detective I know so that she could be on the lookout for potential victims. If someone approaches you with an investment that just seems too good to be true, contact me or one of my investigators and let us conduct due diligence on your behalf. Lee Walters President EXCALIBUR Private Investigation 352.509.8900; 719.208.4088; 505.208.6400; 803.806.7800 About the author. R. Lee Walters is a retired FBI Agent with over 24 years of federal law enforcement experience. He has worked in the private investigation industry for 13+ years. Click here to learn more. SKandal! Bringing Down Wirecard As someone who's worked literally hundreds of white collar crime fraud cases, bank fraud, wire fraud, con games, you name it, whenever I come across a documentary of that type of crime I'm drawn to it. Often times the documentary doesn't do the investigation justice, but over the last two days I had a chance to watch Skandal! Bringing Down Wirecard on Netflix and it's an excellent treatment of how a long-running, fraudulent business, was a German FinTech darling when it was actually a fraud scheme all along.
I have to admit, I had never heard of Wirecard until watching this but, for those of you not familiar with them as I wasn't, they were selling themselves as the PayPal, Zelle, etc of Europe. Not to give away too much, but there's all kinds of intrigue. Spies, lots of private investigators, at one point the company had 28 PI's on their payroll looking into reporters and others writing negative articles and short selling their stock, and foreign agents from numerous countries. As with all cons, even people who think there's something fishy going on, will dismiss their doubts under the misguided thinking that this government agency or that government agency is surely monitoring the company. When I hear that I laugh and promptly think of Bernie Madoff and how the Securities and Exchange Commission wqw asleep at the wheel for years. And take my word for it, there are still fraudulent companies operating as we speak even though our investigative agencies, who should be on the lookout for these, seem to be more interested in solving everything but true crime these days. If you have Netflix I can strongly recommend this one as it will have you on the edge of your seat the entirety of the film. About to enter into a large investment, partnership, or other business arrangement? Invest a few dollars and have a background investigation completed of all the principles and have some business intelligence conducted to see if everything that's being presented is really as it's being presented. Our professional private investigators will either verify what is being presented as true, or save you from making a large financial mistake that could be devastating. We also have a forensic accountant on staff who can dig through those financials to see if they are a true reporting of the financial health of the company. Call us today to discuss your needs. Lee Walters President EXCALIBUR Private Investigation 352.509.8900; 719.208.4088; 505.208.6400; 803.806.7800 About the author. R. Lee Walters is a retired FBI Agent with over 24 years of federal law enforcement experience. He has worked in the private investigation industry for 13+ years. Click here to learn more. COLORADO PASSES UPDATED FALSE CLAIMS ACT As a firm that's worked with many whistleblowers and been responsible for developing numerous False Claims Act/Qui tam cases, we were happy to learn that the State of Colorado has finally updated the state's False Claims Act. Prior to this new law being passed, whistleblowers could only file a Qui tam if it involved State Medicaid funds. It never made sense to us that whistleblowers who knew about other potential False Claims cases, couldn't file in Colorado unless it involved fraudulent use of Medicaid funds and now that's been corrected.
Many of you may be wondering what a False Claims Act/Qui tam case is. It's actually been around since the Civil War and was originally known as the Lincoln Law. During the Civil War President Abraham Lincoln spearheaded a law, which became the False Claims Act, that said anyone who had information that the U.S. Government was being defrauded could bring a lawsuit on behalf of the United States. If the government clawed back any amount of monies from the fraudster, the whistleblower, also known as the Relator, would get a percentage of the recovery, normally 15 - 30%. Not a bad deal for doing the right thing and reporting fraud. This law was spurred on by unscrupulous business men selling lame horses and spoiled food to the Union army. “The False Claims Act is the most successful anti-fraud law protecting taxpayers and preventing corruption in government programs,” said leading whistleblower attorney Stephen M. Kohn of Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto. “Colorado stands to generate billions in revenues by policing fraud in government sponsored programs, both by deterring violations and holding fraudsters accountable. The Colorado lawmakers who have made these improvements possible should be commended.” The CFCA was cosponsored by Representative Matt Gray, Representative Mike Weissman, and Senator Faith Winter. The law enhances enforcement efforts against individuals and companies who fraudulently use taxpayer dollars. Types of frauds covered by the CFCA include the submission of false or fraudulent claims to state or local governments and the falsification of records material to false claims. The CFCA greatly expands the types of contracting frauds which whistleblowers may bring forth qui tam suits over. The federal False Claims Act has been described as “the most powerful tool the American people have to protect the government from fraud.” Since the law was modernized in 1986, False Claims Act whistleblowers have allowed the government to recover over $70 billion. Correspondingly, False Claim Act whistleblowers have received over $8 billion. If you have information of fraudulent activity involving state of Colorado funds, or U.S. funds for that matter, contact us and we can provide advice on what's the best way to handle your case. We have relationships with several top law firms in the country and can work with you to make sure your case is handled by a firm that has the best chance of getting the government to intervene in the case and take it to fruition. Lee Walters President EXCALIBUR Private Investigation Serving Colorado, New Mexico, Florida and South Carolina 352.509.8900; 719.208.4088; 505.208.6400; 803.806.7800 About the author. R. Lee Walters is a retired FBI Agent with over 24 years of federal law enforcement experience. He has worked in the private investigation industry for 13+ years. Click here to learn more. Oh No, Not A Fake QR Code!! Be On The Lookout This story recently released by the FBI and ABC7 News in Chicago caught our attention and we thought we'd pass it on so everyone can be on the lookout for it:
"QR codes are everywhere. You can quickly scan them with your phone to read a restaurant menu, get a new app, or go to a website. But there are QR con artists using the new tech to get your banking information or hold your smartphone hostage. "They can get into every account you have if they have enough time," says FBI Special Agent Siobhan Johnson. The FBI issued a QR code warning that says criminals are putting stickers of fake QR codes over the real ones on restaurant tables or flyers. They're also sending them out via email claiming to offer deals or promotions. "You might find this malicious QR code on a menu or on a flyer someone's put out for people to see," Johnson explained. "And once you use that QR code, it takes you to a malicious website that's been designed to mirror a real one." That first QR code scam leads you to fake websites which phish for your personal and financial information. Some sites can be made to look like your bank or phony parking payment platforms. "One of two things could happen - one is, you're just sending scammers your parking meter money, which that's actually the best case scenario," warns Mashable Technology Journalist Matt Binder. "The worst-case scenario is when you input your information to pay, and you're not actually paying, you're just sending over your credit card information or banking account information to the scammers." The FBI says a second QR code scam can lead you to websites which can then download malicious malware to obtain information on your phone. That malware can also allow scammers to hold your device hostage and demand payment. If this happens, you should report it to the FBI and never pay the ransom. "If your phone downloads that malware, you're at the mercy of the scammers, they could hold your information for ransom. Or they could just shut your phone down. They could steal photographs that are on that phone. You have a lot of vulnerabilities, our cell phones our lives right now," Binder said. So what can you do to spot QR con? First, don't open codes sent from strangers. "Treat QR codes like you treat suspicious phishing emails, or text messages from people you don't know," advises Binder. Even if your friend sends you a QR code, confirm that it was really them sending it. If it's an e-mail with a code from a business, call the company or go to their website. And after you scan, inspect the web address before you click. "Just double check the URL and where it's going to send you," Binder added. "If you don't know who they are, I would definitely not click it." If printed out, look for any signs of the QR code being tampered with, or keep an eye out for a sticker over it. "There have absolutely been reports of people being victimized with bad QR codes," Johnson said. "And the key thing here is that it doesn't have to happen." The FBI also says to beware of phony QR code apps claiming to help read QR codes as they can also be a scam. If you download them before researching, they can be gateways for criminals to access your phone and information." About the author. R. Lee Walters is a retired FBI Agent with over 24 years of federal law enforcement experience. He has worked in the private investigation industry for 13+ years. Click here to learn more. |
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