Scam Squad

We have all heard that phrase, "there is no such thing as a free ride" - This saying is more true than ever today. In the digital age, there are so many 'free' offers and product trials online that turn out to be fraudulent! Marketers of cosmetics and supplements alone recently defrauded customers out of 74.5 million dollars. Beware of 'free trial' offers - be sure that you are clear about what yo...

One topic that we have discussed repeatedly is check fraud. Check fraud is a topic that keeps coming up, and it is no surprise that there are increased incidents of fraud during tax season and the arrival of Covid-19 stimulus checks. Crooks and fraudsters are fishing through the mail, looking for checks and sensitive information. With increased social distancing restrictions, less people are on th...

May is elder abuse awareness month. In the United States, we estimate that 1 out of every 10 seniors, ages 65+, are victims of abuse. As many as 1 in 5 seniors are exploited financially. Surprisingly, even family members and caregivers are sometimes the abusers. During the Corona Virus Pandemic, many elders are more vulnerable than usual. Please honor and respect the seniors in your community. To...

COVID-19 VIRUS SCAMS by Hub for Podcasting

Beware of dropping off payments in mailboxes as scammers are literally fishing them out--and altering the payee and/or amount. Also, a warning about being contacted through emails and texts by scammers, who are pretending to verify your login information so they can gain access to your Pay to Pay (P2P) accounts (such as Venmo or Zelle). Once they have your banking login information they can set up...

SWEEPSTAKES SCAMS by Hub for Podcasting

IMPOSTOR SCAMS by Hub for Podcasting

WHAT IS IC3? by Hub for Podcasting

As more people are sheltering in place, crooks are actually stealing mail from private and public mailboxes. They look for mail containing checks that they can alter and cash themselves. Don't miss this timely episode!

A gentleman who thought he had purchased horses from a legitimate seller was scammed by a crook who didn't deliver. But you'll be inspired when you hear how he managed to turn the tables on the scammer! This is SURE to be one of your favorite episodes!!

March 28 - 2020

March 14th, 2020. Slam the Scam is the latest advise. Find out what it's all about.

March 7, 2020. Corona Virus Scams. Many Scams are now out there about the Corona Virus. To talk to Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson about a scam, or to tell your story on Scam Squad to help others, (no matter where you live), call the Santa Barbara Fraud Hotline at 805-568-2442. Subscribe to Scam Squad’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ScamSquad/videos Also, BBB Scam Tracker is a...

Debit Card Compromise is more common than you'd think! Shawn Dyer, Senior Fraud Specialist at Montecito Bank and Trust, explains how crooks are getting hold of your card number, and processing a small transaction as a test that you might not even notice. Don't miss this important warning!!! To talk to Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson about a scam, or to tell your story on Scam Squad to help...

February 20th, 2020 Tech Support Refund. A new twist on an old scam. To talk to Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson about a scam, or to tell your story on Scam Squad to help others, (no matter where you live), call the Santa Barbara Fraud Hotline at 805-568-2442. Subscribe to Scam Squad’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ScamSquad/videos Also, BBB Scam Tracker is a free tool anyone ca...

February 15th, 2020. There is a phone scam going around that tries to get your Social Security information and even credit card information. Beware of these phone scams! To talk to Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson about a scam, or to tell your story on Scam Squad to help others, (no matter where you live), call the Santa Barbara Fraud Hotline at 805-568-2442. Subscribe to Scam Squad’s YouTub...

Bit coin and Cryptocurrency introduction 101. Featuring Dr. Judy Christman Yates To talk to Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson about a scam, or to tell your story on Scam Squad to help others, (no matter where you live), call the Santa Barbara Fraud Hotline at 805-568-2442. Subscribe to Scam Squad’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ScamSquad/videos Also, BBB Scam Tracker is a free to...

February 1st, 2020. Montecito Bank and Trust fraud specialist, Doris Roof, warns listeners about emails and texts from fraudsters claiming to be Fed-X or Amazon, asking you to confirm a package delivery. Once you click on the link, they'll ask you for your credit card information. If you're not expecting a package, don't click the link! It's very likely a Smishing scam to get your information and...

Jan 18, 2020. CRAIG'S LIST SCAMS AGAIN & AGAIN. Hear another pmr of millions of Craig's List scams, this time $10,000 Craig's List Scam. When are people ever going to learn to stay away from this sesspool.

December 28th, 2918. The Facebook 2 Scams in 1. Beware of all kinds of scams on Facebook. Crooks and scammers may try to make friends with you through Facebook and run a romance scam and other scams on you.

December 21st, 2019. Beware of the Fake Rental Scam and other scams that are prevalent during the Holiday Season

December 14, 2019. ROBO CALLS, WEIGHT LOSS SCAMS, & MORE. Expert Vicki Johnson updates us on the latest scams in our area.

Scam Expert Vicki Johnson explains the dangers of Gift Card scams around the Holidays. Much, much more money needs to be spent to educated everyone on scams as well as catching these scammers worldwide by every means possible. Write and complain to your government State, federal, and local officials such as your Congressman, Senators, President, Governor, etc. Instead of seriously fighting scams,...

November 30, 2019. `A fraud specialist from Montecito Bank and Trust gives advice on protecting yourself--especially during the holiday season. They discuss the benefits of apps such as Card-Valet and share valuable tips to help you protect your accounts during the Holidays

November 23, 2019. The FAILED TO APPEAR IN COURT SCAM is a new version of the old Jury Duty Scam. A phony police officer calls to tell you that you are in violation for Failure to Appear in Court for a law suit. Listen how to avoid this new kind of scam and what to do if this scam is tried on you.