U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California’s Post

Common FAQ's about LegalShield LegalShield, which can help both clients and agents understand the service better: 1. **What is LegalShield?** LegalShield is a service that provides affordable legal coverage and identity theft protection for individuals, families, and businesses. It connects members with experienced lawyers and identity theft specialists for various legal and security needs. 2. **How do LegalShield plans work?** Members choose from various plans, such as Personal, Small Business, Commercial Drivers, and Home Business Supplement plans. Each offers specific legal services, including advice, document review, and representation, along with IDShield for identity protection. 3. **How do I sign up for a LegalShield plan?** Signing up is easy. You can enroll online at LegalShield's website or contact a LegalShield representative. You'll need to provide basic information and choose a suitable plan. 4. **What legal services are included in LegalShield plans?** Services vary by plan but commonly include legal advice, document review, contract drafting, assistance with traffic violations, estate planning, and more. Each plan outlines specific included services. 5. **Is there a limit to the legal advice I can get?** Generally, there is no limit to the amount of legal advice you can receive under most plans. However, some specific services may have limitations or additional costs. 6. **How soon can I use my LegalShield services after signing up?** Services typically become available immediately upon membership activation, but some services may have specific waiting periods. 7. **Can I choose my own attorney?** LegalShield connects you with attorneys from a network of experienced law firms. If you have specific needs or preferences, you can discuss them with LegalShield to find a suitable match. 8. **What is IDShield?** IDShield is a comprehensive identity theft protection service included in LegalShield plans. It monitors personal information, alerts you of suspicious activity, and assists in identity restoration if needed. 9. **How much does a LegalShield membership cost?** Costs vary based on the chosen plan. Personal plans start at $29.95 per month, while small business plans range from $49 to $249 per month. 10. **How do I contact LegalShield for assistance?** Members can contact LegalShield through the mobile app, website, or by calling the toll-free number provided on the membership card. These FAQs provide a general overview, but for more specific queries or up-to-date information, visiting the LegalShield website or contacting a representative is recommended. Also known as just ask me 😉 Want to learn more or ready to enroll. It's simple. You are less than 5 minutes away from empowerment. Your link to Justice and security awaits below. www.orionhelps.com

Every few months I come across an impassioned opinion piece from a well-meaning author who has solved fraud. They hate the idea of fraud almost as much as they hate the fact that everyone's been sitting idle waiting for them to set the strategy. In this case, it's former directors of the FBI and CIA so of course no one can argue with that level of passion and authority. The worst kind of consultant comes in and "solves" a problem by telling everyone that they should be doing what they've already been trying to do, just better and faster and I feel like that about all this piece in The Washington Post does. While it would theoretically be nice for the president to order everyone to care about fraud, the world (of fraud) just doesn't work that way. But lets humor the advice for a minute, because it's easy to just say "nuh-uh". We'll go through the recommendations one-by-one: 📜 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - This is the dream, right? Everyone who has ever worked around fraud has been taught to covet a mythical "all fraud, ever" data source. If this dream is ever going to be realized (and I continue to question whether it would provide any real value), it can't be sourced from victim reports. Those are about the most unreliable data source possible Oh...wait...that's it? Usually when someone says "the first step" they provide steps two and three afterwards. Maybe the idea is that if the president says that fraud is bad and then creates a way for random citizens to report what they think is fraud that everything else will just naturally fall into place. Don't take my snotty response to this piece as me saying that just because there's not an obvious or perfect solution that nothing should be done at all. I just don't like seeing energy misdirected or a weight put on normal people when "fraud victims" are the final link in a very long chain. If you work in fraud management, you know that preventative controls need to be implemented as far upstream as possible to be effective. Opinion:  Scams are on the rise, and they’re ruining lives. We can stop it. https://lnkd.in/gfQpDWqE #fraud #opinion #fraudmanagement #fraudstrategy #fraudprevention #government #consulting #crime #scamawareness

TTF BOOK OF THE WEEK: “The Scam Chronicles: Tales from the underworld of fraud" by Samuel Wellington Synopsis "The Scam Chronicles: Tales from the Underworld of Fraud" takes readers on a captivating journey into the shadowy world of deception and fraud. This riveting book unravels the intricate web of scams, cons, and schemes that have plagued societies throughout history. From ancient civilisations to modern-day corporate fraud, this book explores the cunning techniques employed by fraudsters and the devastating consequences their actions have had on individuals, communities, and economies. Through a collection of captivating tales, readers gain insight into the minds of these master manipulators and the factors that drive them to exploit unsuspecting victims. With each chapter, "The Scam Chronicles" dives deep into different facets of fraud, shedding light on historical instances of fraud, the psychology and motivations of fraudsters, and the techniques they employ to deceive their targets. It delves into the rise and fall of infamous scams, such as the Ponzi and pyramid schemes, as well as the dark underbelly of corporate fraud and financial manipulation. The book also explores the evolving landscape of fraud in the digital age, examining the emergence of cybercriminals and the use of advanced technology in perpetrating scams. It highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating fraud and the global efforts to create awareness, prevent scams, and protect the victims. "The Scam Chronicles" goes beyond the tales of deceit, providing a comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to fraud and its profound impact on individuals and society. It sheds light on the human toll of fraud, exploring the financial ruin, emotional trauma, and long-lasting consequences experienced by victims. Drawing upon extensive research and real-life stories, this book serves as a cautionary tale, arming readers with knowledge to recognise the warning signs of fraud and protect themselves against the ever-evolving tactics of fraudsters. "The Scam Chronicles: Tales from the Underworld of Fraud" is an eye-opening and thought-provoking exploration of the hidden world of fraud, providing readers with an immersive journey through history, psychology, and the devastating consequences of deception. You can buy the book on Amazon here: https://lnkd.in/e9PGiRDM #goodfinance #financereform #author #financialservices

London Fraud Forum 17th Annual Conference It promises to be an exceptional gathering, featuring an impressive line-up of speakers which include The Rt Hon the Baroness Morgan of Cotes, a former Conservative MP and Minister, who will explore whether the Government has done enough to break the fraud chain. Angela McLaren, Commissioner for City of London Police, the UK’s lead force for fraud, who will provide insights into the current fraud landscape and the future of fraud policing. Dr Elisabeth Carter, Criminologist and Forensic Linguist and Louise Baxter, Head of the National Trading Standards Scams Team will discuss the striking similarities between coercion and control in financial abuse and domestic abuse on victims. There will be a panel discussing how we can protect our children from financial harms, with participation from ParentZone, Cifas, and PSHE Association. Investigative Journalist, Reporter and Presenter for BBC Radio 4’s, 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴, Shari Vahl, will deliver a talk exploring the alarming rise in house thefts and how criminals through identity theft, sell homes without owners’ knowledge. Another panel, moderated by Phoebe Waters, Chair of the Female Fraud Forum, will delve into the crucial topic of diversity and inclusion in the fight against fraud. The conference sessions conclude with the presentation of a successful fraud case study from Detective Supt John Roch of the Metropolitan Police. Since its inception in 2007, the London Fraud Forum Annual Conference has gained in popularity, becoming an essential event for counter fraud professionals across all sectors and industries. Each year, the conference attracts over 200 delegates, facilitating networking and fostering collaboration to prevent and protect organisations from an ever growing and evolving fraud threat. **The LFF Annual Conference is now also CPD accredited which adds even more value to your attendance at the LFF 17th Annual Conference this October and means that delegates can earn CPD points by attending. CPD (Continuing Professional Development) accreditation is a recognition of the high-quality educational content and networking opportunities that our conference provides. This accreditation underscores our commitment to delivering a conference that not only offers insightful presentations and discussions but also helps you advance in your professional development. *Act swiftly to secure your place before the ticket price rise!* **Gather your team and take advantage of our special deal: Purchase 4 tickets for the price of 3. This offer saves you £290+vat off our standard ticket price. Contact Matt Colgan directly for further details.** 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲👉https://lnkd.in/efF7KqAg

**Beware of a New Wave of Identity Fraud: My Personal Encounter** Last week, I faced every pet owner's nightmare. My beloved pitbull baby vanished right from our doorstep. The despair of returning home to find her missing was indescribable. Despite an exhaustive neighborhood search, there was no sign of her. Turning to an online lost pet bulletin in hope, I soon encountered a sinister twist. Two days later, a text arrived from someone claiming they found my doggie. (Check out the attached screenshot for the full exchange). But instead of a photo, they requested a "confirmation code". It hit me: this was a scam. A Google Voice confirmation code followed, a tactic I'd never seen before. My curiosity led me to an Identity Theft Resource Center article revealing the texters intent. These scammers aim to hijack your phone number for a Google Voice account, enabling them to impersonate U.S. residents for various scams. They exploit lost pet ads, dating apps, and local sales listings, among others. By sharing my story, I aim to shine a light on these deceptive practices. Awareness is our best defense. Please help spread awareness to make these tactics less effective and protect our community. BTW: My doggie is back home safe and warm ❤️ ITRC: Google Voice Scams https://lnkd.in/gSH7K2RW

UK police admit Action Fraud replacement will not be live by April as planned. Why it matters: 1. The UK's long-awaited successor to the criticized Action Fraud, a centre for reporting fraud and financially motivated cybercrime, is not expected to launch until 2024, later than the originally planned April release. 2. The new service aims to shift from solely reporting to one generating actionable insights for law enforcement and industry to prevent fraud at scale, emphasizing the evolving role of cybercrime centers from passive to more proactive operations. 3. The upcoming Action Fraud replacement comes amid a backdrop of increasing fraud prevalence in the UK, prompting the government to devise strategies to reduce incidents as well as highlight the urgent need for efficient cybercrime monitoring and action. Learn more by visiting The Record from Recorded Future News: https://lnkd.in/eTZh27eA

We've been hearing more and more about elder fraud scams. So, to raise awareness, we will be posting throughout August about the top 5 elder fraud scams, according to the National Council on Aging. Here's the first one...! 🚨Beware of Government Impersonation Scams! Scammers will often pose as government officials, pretending to have important information or threatening legal action. They'll demand immediate payment or your personal details. Don't be fooled! Here's how to stay safe: 🔒 Verify Before You React: Government agencies won't call or email unexpectedly to demand money or personal info. If you receive such a call, don't share any details. Hang up and call the official agency directly using their verified contact info. 🕵️♂️ Stay Informed: Knowledge is your best defense! Stay up to date on the latest scams and fraud prevention tips. Share this post to protect your family and friends from falling victim to government impersonation scams. 🚫 Don't Succumb to Pressure: Scammers will create urgency to make you act impulsively. Remember, government agencies won't threaten immediate arrest or deportation over the phone. Take your time and verify before responding. 🚪 Don't Open the Door: Some scammers may even appear at your doorstep, claiming to be government officials. Always ask for identification, and if you have any doubts, call the agency to confirm their legitimacy. 🔗 Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter a government impersonation scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint or call 1-877-FTC-HELP. Your report can help protect others from falling victim. #ProtectSeniorsFromScams #GovernmentImpersonationScams #ElderFraud #TheSedoricGroup Let's spread awareness and shield our community. Share this post to safeguard your loved ones!

We all have those movies that influenced us for one reason or another. One of the big ones for me was “A Few Good Men”. It was not a Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, or even Jack Nicholson line. It was from Wolfgang Bodison who played Lance Corporal Harold Dawson. One of the Marines on trial.               At a young age I knew I wanted to join the military and then work in law enforcement. Never knew my journey through those two careers would ultimately play into me being a Fraud Specialist. I always kept this quote close as one of my inspirations while in the Marines and as a Police Officer. Even now I find it holds true. Not for just me but everyone in the fight against fraud.               After being found guilty of Conduct Unbecoming. One of the defendants, PFC. Downey, played by James Marshall, turned to Demi Moore’s Character, Lt. Cdr. Galloway, and said “What did we do wrong? We did nothing wrong!” Dawson responded, “Yeah, we did. We were supposed to fight for people who couldn’t fight for themselves.”               That says it all. That is what we do. We fight for the victims that cannot fight for themselves. We fight to stop people from being scammed, we fight to help people that are being scammed, and/or we fight to help people who have been scammed. Unfortunately, not all of them can be saved or helped.               We also fight to protect all our customers or members from our financial institutions suffering losses due to fraud that ultimately affects them. They have no way to protect themselves from the actions of other customers or members.               We are more than Fraud Investigators, Specialist, or whatever title variation you might have. We all share an unused title of “Protector”. Protectors of those who cannot protect themselves. 

Happy Friday! Its time for the next segment in the "CU Fight Fraud" series! This is when I highlight credit unions that are actively fighting fraud and doing a great job of promoting fraud awareness! For the past two years I have posted about and even presented at the annual #KnockoutFraud event hosted by REV Federal Credit Union for community fraud fighters/leaders. Today's post however commends what they are doing for their members and surrounding communities with their interactive financial educational 🏫 series called #adulting Powered by REV. Specifically the Fraud 101 module they launched on 11.13.2023 for International Fraud Awareness Week. This micro-course provides a high-level overview of the most common scams impacting consumers. Sessions include: - Awareness is Key 🔑 - Not so Basic | Basics of Fraud 📗 - Spoofing: A Deeper Dive 🕵️ - Help! My Identity is Stolen 🥷 Throughout this micro-course, REV FCU also provides consumers with links to additional resources and victim advocacy pages. These modules are available to anyone via revfcu.com website, and can be taken as many times as a consumer feels necessary. None of this would have been possible without their incredible fraud leader and one of my favorite fraud friends, Jessica Cartrette. She is the definition of a resilient and passionate fraud fighter and is luckily backed by an amazing Marketing team that IS NOT AFRAID TO MARKET FRAUD PREVENTION!!! (I hope the people in the back heard that! 😏) Keep up the great work REV FCU, you should be very proud! Let me know if you like this type of content in the comments or if you have a credit union you think should be highlighted! #CUFightFraud #CUFraudFighter #CURockstar #fraudawareness #fraudsavvyculture 

Senior Fraud Awareness Day Fraud is equally worrying amongst all age groups within society, but it’s especially cruel if elderly people are made use of. In the US in the period from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023, the US Justice Department pursued nearly 300 criminal and civil actions against over 650 defendants, who collectively stole more than USD 1.5 billion from 2.4 million elderly victims. These numbers are alarming and have led to the declaration of May 15 as "National Senior Fraud Awareness Day" in the US. This day aims to encourage the implementation of policies that prevent scams from happening and improve protection for seniors. However, senior fraud doesn’t only happen in the US, in the Netherlands elderly people are also often taken advantage off. Common scams are (tech)support scams or scams where victims are made to believe that they are financially helping out family members that urgently need money. A recent case even showed that scammers misused personal information, obtained through regular employment of one of the scammers, to scam elderly people. A customer service representative is said to have used the customer database of his former employer, with the scammers subsequently posing as agents of a telecommunications company. Last December, the NOS reported that elderly people lost more than EUR 350,000 in a few months’ time due to scams through dating sites. Perpetrators posed as potential partners and stole valuable belongings from victims' homes. So, what can we do to prevent elder fraud? Creating awareness is the crucial first step. Educate yourself about the most common #scams and share your knowledge with others. Consult with your loved ones and official institutions if you're not sure about something. Remember: the more vigilant we are, the safer our elders will be. #fraud #SeniorFraudAwarenessDay