The "Rapid Collection Service" Legal Proceeding and Arrest Warrant Scam

The "Rapid Collection Service" email below is a fake. The fake email message is being sent by scammers to trick the recipients into sending them money by threatening legal actions. Therefore, recipients of the fake email message which appears as if it came from a so-called ACS Debt Solutions, should delete it and not follow the instructions in it.

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The Rapid Collection Service Legal Proceeding and Arrest Warrant Scam

It is important that the public takes precautions when asked to send money via money transfer services like Western Union and MoneyGram, or Prepaid Debit Card to pay legal services or the government. This is because scammers use those untraceable money transfer services to collect money from their victims. Money sent via those services are not refundable, once the scammers have collected or used it.

The "Rapid Collection Service" Arrest Warrant Scam

From: Rapid Collection Service <KimMoro12@outlook.com>

Date: December 3, 2018 at 4:58:57 AM CST

To: "help.rapid@outlook.com" <help.rapid@outlook.com>

Subject: Legal Proceeding - 942/620084-FRC-2018

RAPID

COLLECTION SERVICES LLC

Attention

Despite our previous reminder(s), we still have not received any payment or answer from you. Therefore, we regret to inform you that we do not obtain the payment of $628.00 in full today (deadline), we will have no other alternatives but to undertake court actions against you in order to retrieve the debt amount. Please find the full debt amount and options of settlement below:

Creditor: Cash Advance America

Outstanding Debt: $628.48

Case File: 942/620084-FRC-2018

Payment Plan : $50.00 x 12 Payments & $28.00 x 1 Payment (Twice A Month Payments)

Payment Mode : EFTPS Secure Payment Service

Should your payment not be received in full within the next 4 hours, immediate court actions will take place.

If we do not hear from you within hours, we will have no alternative than to commence with further debt collection procedures. This will include instructing out Federal Trade Commission, Credit Bureaus, and Employer etc. Court proceedings will be issued within 07 days from the date of this letter if the account has not been settled.

You will be prosecuted for following Allegations;

· Bank Fraud

· Violation of Federal Law of Debt and Banking

· Intentional Theft by Deception

There will be no further warnings made for demands of payment. Court proceedings can include the additional expense of legal costs and interest being added to the balance of this account.

We would advice treating this matter with urgency and we believe you will not ignore this final reminder. To save yourself the inconvenience of court actions, we kindly suggest setting the total amount of debt and additional costs as soon as possible.

We still trust court action will not be necessary and took forward to receiving payment by return.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

If you have paid already or think we haven't credited a payment to your account, or you never got the loan, please send us proof of the payment.

If Not than we are giving you the option of PAYMENT ARRANGENT: $50.00 x 12 Payments , $28x00 x 1 Payment = $628.00

FOR SETTLEMENT PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MAIL AS THIS IS AN AUTOMATED MAIL SERVICE. SEND US EMAIL AT: mailto:HELP.RAPID@OUTLOOK.COM

Regards

Account Settlement | FDCPA | Rapid Collection Services © 2018

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Comments (Total: 8)

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July 23, 2019 at 8:09 PM by
The "Rapid Collection Service" Legal Proceeding and Arrest Warrant Scam
info

"From: Rapid Collection Service LLC <attyElvisHarris@outlook.com>

Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2019 8:48 AM

To: help.rapid@outlook.com <help.rapid@outlook.com>

Subject: Notice Of Demand -08:48:44

RAPID

COLLECTION SERVICES LLC

Attention

Subject: Legal Proceeding

Creditor: Cash Advance America

Outstanding Debt: $628.48

Case File: 942/620084-FRC-2018

HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN ABOUT THIS?

This courtesy notice is a reminder that this debt with Speedy Ca$h Advance remains unpaid. We understand this may have been an oversight. In an effort to give an opportunity to resolve this delinquency, please send your payment today through EFTPS Secure Payment Service.

As required by law, you are hereby notified that a negative credit report reflecting on your credit record may be submitted to a reporting agency if you fail to fulfill the terms of your credit obligation, you must pay this account today to avoid legal consequences.

At this time we still have not heard from you in regards to this account which is overdue nor have we gotten a response to the letter, or our numerous attempts to call and email you. We regret to inform you that unless we receive payment in full by today or work out an agreed-upon payment plan, we will have to turn your case over to your local county clerk office.

If we do not hear from you within hours, we will have no alternative than to commence with further debt collection procedures. This will include instructing out Federal Trade Commission, Credit Bureaus, and Employer, etc. Court proceedings will be issued within 07 days from the date of this letter if the account has not been settled.

You will be prosecuted for following Allegations;

• Bank Fraud

• Violation of Federal Law of Debt and Banking

• Intentional Theft by Deception

There will be no further warnings made for the demands of payment. Court proceedings can include the additional expense of legal costs and interest being added to the balance of this account.

We hope to hear from you before this action must be taken to avoid damage to your credit rating or our future business relationship.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

If you have paid already or think we haven't credited a payment to your account, or you never got the loan, please send us proof of the payment.

If Not that we are giving you the option of PAYMENT ARRANGEMENT: $50.00 x 12 Payments, $28x00 x 1 Payment = $628.00

FOR SETTLEMENT PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MAIL AS THIS IS AN AUTOMATED MAIL SERVICE. SEND US EMAIL AT mailto:HELP.RAPID@OUTLOOK.COM

Respects

Record Settlement | FDCPA | Rapid Collection Services © 2019"

Here is another scam.

Delete

July 23, 2019 at 1:26 PM by
The "Rapid Collection Service" Legal Proceeding and Arrest Warrant Scam
an anonymous user from: Toledo, Ohio, United States

"From: Rapid Collection Service LLC <attyElvisHarris@outlook.com>

Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2019 8:48 AM

To: help.rapid@outlook.com <help.rapid@outlook.com>

Subject: Notice Of Demand -08:48:44

RAPID

COLLECTION SERVICES LLC

Attention

Subject: Legal Proceeding

Creditor: Cash Advance America

Outstanding Debt: $628.48

Case File: 942/620084-FRC-2018

HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN ABOUT THIS?

This courtesy notice is a reminder that this debt with Speedy Ca$h Advance remains unpaid. We understand this may have been an oversight. In an effort to give an opportunity to resolve this delinquency, please send your payment today through EFTPS Secure Payment Service.

As required by law, you are hereby notified that a negative credit report reflecting on your credit record may be submitted to a reporting agency if you fail to fulfill the terms of your credit obligation, you must pay this account today to avoid legal consequences.

At this time we still have not heard from you in regards to this account which is overdue nor have we gotten a response to the letter, or our numerous attempts to call and email you. We regret to inform you that unless we receive payment in full by today or work out an agreed-upon payment plan, we will have to turn your case over to your local county clerk office.

If we do not hear from you within hours, we will have no alternative than to commence with further debt collection procedures. This will include instructing out Federal Trade Commission, Credit Bureaus, and Employer, etc. Court proceedings will be issued within 07 days from the date of this letter if the account has not been settled.

You will be prosecuted for following Allegations;

• Bank Fraud

• Violation of Federal Law of Debt and Banking

• Intentional Theft by Deception

There will be no further warnings made for the demands of payment. Court proceedings can include the additional expense of legal costs and interest being added to the balance of this account.

We hope to hear from you before this action must be taken to avoid damage to your credit rating or our future business relationship.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

If you have paid already or think we haven't credited a payment to your account, or you never got the loan, please send us proof of the payment.

If Not that we are giving you the option of PAYMENT ARRANGEMENT: $50.00 x 12 Payments, $28x00 x 1 Payment = $628.00

FOR SETTLEMENT PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MAIL AS THIS IS AN AUTOMATED MAIL SERVICE. SEND US EMAIL AT mailto:HELP.RAPID@OUTLOOK.COM

Respects

Record Settlement | FDCPA | Rapid Collection Services © 2019"

Here is another scam.

Delete

July 5, 2019 at 10:23 AM by
The "Rapid Collection Service" Legal Proceeding and Arrest Warrant Scam
an anonymous user from: Richardson, Texas, United States

Here's another:

"RAPID COLLECTION SERVICES LLC"

Attention

Subject: Legal Proceeding

Creditor: Cash Advance America

Outstanding Debt: $628.48

Case File: 942/620084-FRC-2018

This obligingness see is an update that this obligation with Expedient Ca$h Advance stays unpaid. We comprehend this may have been an oversight. In an exertion to offer a chance to determine this misconduct, it would be ideal if you send your installment today through EFTPS Secure Installment Administration.

As legally necessary, you are thusly told that a negative credit report considering your credit record might be submitted to a detailing office on the off chance that you neglect to satisfy the terms of your credit commitment, you should pay this record today to maintain a strategic distance from lawful results.

As of now despite everything we have not gotten notification from you with respect to this record which is past due nor have we gotten a reaction precisely, or our various endeavors to call and email you. We lament to educate you that except if we get installment in full by today or work out a settled upon installment plan, we should turn your case over to your nearby province assistant office.

On the off chance that we don't get notification from you inside hours, we will have no option than to initiate with further obligation accumulation methodology. This will incorporate teaching out Government Exchange Commission, Credit Authorities, and Manager and so on. Court procedures will be issued inside 07 days from the date of this letter if the record has not been settled.

You will be arraigned for following Claims;

• Bank Misrepresentation

• Violation of Government Law of Obligation and Banking

• Intentional Robbery by Trickery

There will be no further alerts made for requests of installment. Court procedures can incorporate the extra cost of lawful expenses and enthusiasm being added to the parity of this record.

We would like to get notification from you before this move must be made to keep away from harm amazingly evaluating or our future business relationship.

WHAT YOU OUGHT TO DO

On the off chance that you have paid as of now or figure, we haven't attributed an installment to your record, or you never got the advance, if you don't mind send us verification of the installment.

If Not then we are giving you the choice of Installment ARRANGEMENT: $50.00 x 12 Installments, $28x00 x 1 Installment = $628.00

For settlement kindly don't answer to this e-mail, as this is a robotized mail administration, send us

EMAIL AT mailto:HELP.RAPID@OUTLOOK.COM

Respects

Record Settlement | FDCPA | Rapid Collection Services © 2019"

Delete

May 22, 2019 at 9:00 PM by
The "Rapid Collection Service" Legal Proceeding and Arrest Warrant Scam
info

Here is another scam:

- Forwarded message -

From: DANYALE BURSE <MeghanDearing12@outlook.com>

Date: Wed, May 22, 2019 at 6:12 AM

Subject: Notice Of Demand -09:12:14

To: help.rapid@outlook.com <help.rapid@outlook.com>

RAPID

COLLECTION SERVICES LLC

Attention

Subject: Legal Proceeding

Creditor: Cash Advance America

Outstanding Debt: $628.48

Case File: 942/620084-FRC-2018

PAY IMMEDIATELY TO PREVENT PROPERTY LOSS

Last NOTICE OF INTENT TO LEVY AND NOTICE OF YOUR RIGHT TO A HEARING

WHY WE ARE SENDING THIS LETTER

we've kept in touch with you before getting some information about your late past bill and pending obligation. You haven't reacted or paid the sum you owe. We urge you to pay this obligation quickly OR talk about your choices for paying this record. In the event that you demonstration immediately. We can resolve this issue without prosecuting this issue to gather what you owe.

We are approved to gather your late assessments, an obligation by taking, which is called demanding, property or rights to property and offering them if essential. Appropriately incorporates financial balances, compensation, land commissions, business resources, autos, and other salary and resources.

Imagine a scenario in which YOU WILL IGNORE.

We will basically record the argument against you for the three genuine charges,

(I) Violation Of Federal Banking Regulation.

(ii) Collateral Check Fraud.

(iii) Theft By Deception and Money Laundering.

You will be sue into the town hall, where you need to pay $2512.00, which is including your safeguard charges, lawyer charges, and court expenses. Your boss will be reached and they will be presented with this legitimate notice. Your everything ledgers will be stopped.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

On the off chance that you have paid as of now or figure, we haven't attributed an installment to your record, or you never got the credit, if it's not too much trouble send us confirmation of the installment.

If Not then we are giving you the choice of PAYMENT ARRANGEMENT : $50.00 x 12 Payments, $28x00 x 1 Payment = $628.00

Note: Your reaction is obligatory on the off chance that you will at present dodge this email then this settlement notice will be void, and you will be presented with legitimate Subpoena at your doorstep and duplicate of the letter to your manager.

FOR SETTLEMENT PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MAIL AS THIS IS AN AUTOMATED MAIL SERVICE. SEND US EMAIL AT mailto:HELP.RAPID@OUTLOOK.COM

Respects

Record Settlement | FDCPA | Rapid Collection Services © 2019

Delete

April 10, 2019 at 10:08 AM by
The "Rapid Collection Service" Legal Proceeding and Arrest Warrant Scam
info

Here is another scam:

"From: Elite Recovery Service <instant_loan@hotmail.com>

Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2019 6:20:07 AM

Subject: Notice Of Demand -06:20:09

RAPID

COLLECTION SERVICES LLC

Attention

Subject: Legal Proceeding

Creditor: Cash Advance America

Outstanding Debt: $628.48

Case File: 942/620084-FRC-2018

PAY IMMEDIATELY TO PREVENT PROPERTY LOSS

FINAL NOTICE OF INTENT TO LEVY AND NOTICE OF YOUR RIGHT TO A HEARING

WHY WE ARE SENDING THIS LETTER

we’ve written to you before asking you to contact us about your overdue past bill and pending debt. You haven't responded or paid the amount you owe. We encourage you to pay this debt immediately OR discuss your options for paying this account. If you act promptly. We can resolve this matter without taking this matter to court to collect what you owe.

We are authorized to collect your overdue taxes, debt by taking, which is called levying, property or rights to property and selling them if necessary. Properly includes bank accounts, wages, real estate commissions, business assets, cars and other income and assets.

WHAT IF YOU WILL IGNORE

We will simply filed the case against you for the three serious allegations,

(i) Violation Of Federal Banking Regulation.

(ii) Collateral Check Fraud.

(iii) Theft By Deception & Money Laundering.

You will be sue into the court house, where you have to pay $2512.00, which is including your bail charges, attorney charges, and court fees. Your employer will be contacted and they will be served with this legal notice. Your all bank accounts will be ceased.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

If you have paid already or think we haven't credited a payment to your account, or you never got the loan, please send us proof of the payment.

If Not than we are giving you the option of PAYMENT ARRANGEMENT : $50.00 x 12 Payments, $28x00 x 1 Payment = $628.00

Note: Your response is mandatory, if you will still avoid this e-mail than this settlement notice will be void, and you will be served with legal Subpoena at your door step & copy of the letter to your employer.

FOR SETTLEMENT PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MAIL AS THIS IS AN AUTOMATED MAIL SERVICE. SEND US EMAIL AT: mailto:HELP.RAPID@OUTLOOK.COM

Regards

Account Settlement | FDCPA | Rapid Collection Services © 2018"

Delete

March 21, 2019 at 9:52 PM by
The "Rapid Collection Service" Legal Proceeding and Arrest Warrant Scam
info

I just received this email. Never took out a loan with this company:

"From: DALE ASHER <LidiaLaureano12@outlook.com>

Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2019 9:22 AM

To: coderoger@outlook.com

Subject: Notice Of Demand -09:22:18

RAPID

COLLECTION SERVICES LLC

Attention

Subject: Legal Proceeding

Creditor: Cash Advance America

Outstanding Debt: $628.48

Case File: 942/620084-FRC-2018

We refer to our above Invoice and previous requests for payment. We note that despite our requests this account remains outstanding. Please note that you are now in defaulters list.

Unless you now attend to payment in full strictly within next 12 hour of this letter it is our policy to refer the matter to our Collection Agent, Fast Track Debt Collection Attorney, for recovery without further notice. Please note that if such action is necessary you will also be liable for collection costs and interest pursuant to our Terms & Conditions of Trade in addition to the total debt amount.

We understand that Bills can sometimes be inadvertently overlooked or not prioritised. Your response is mandatory towards this matter. If will not receive any response here, than this case will be taken as flat refusal, this can be effect on your credit, social security benefits, & other government benefits, Your employer can be contacted with the letter of garnishment of wages.

If we do not hear from you within hours, we will have no alternative than to commence with further debt collection procedures. This will include instructing out Federal Trade Commission, Credit Bureaus, and Employer etc. Court proceedings will be issued within 07 days from the date of this letter if the account has not been settled.

You will be prosecuted for following Allegations;

· Bank Fraud

· Violation of Federal Law of Debt and Banking

· Intentional Theft by Deception

There will be no further warnings made for demands of payment. Court proceedings can include the additional expense of legal costs and interest being added to the balance of this account.

We trust that you will now give this matter appropriate attention and attend to payment today, so that no further action will be necessary on our part to recover payment. If you have already attended to payment, please disregard this letter.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

If you have paid already or think we haven't credited a payment to your account, or you never got the loan, please send us proof of the payment.

If Not than we are giving you the option of PAYMENT ARRANGEMENT: $50.00 x 12 Payments, $28x00 x 1 Payment = $628.00

FOR SETTLEMENT PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MAIL AS THIS IS AN AUTOMATED MAIL SERVICE. SEND US EMAIL AT: mailto:HELP.RAPID@OUTLOOK.COM

Regards

Account Settlement | FDCPA | Rapid Collection Services © 2018"

Delete

February 20, 2019 at 5:42 PM by
The "Rapid Collection Service" Legal Proceeding and Arrest Warrant Scam
info

Here is another scam:

"From: CANDI SPIRES <RaymondeTieman12@outlook.com>

Date: February 20, 2019 at 9:39:10 AM MST

To: "help.rapid@outlook.com" <help.rapid@outlook.com>

Subject: Legal Proceeding - 942/620084-FRC-2018

RAPID

COLLECTION SERVICES LLC

Attention

Subject: Legal Proceeding

Creditor: Cash Advance America

Outstanding Debt: $628.48

Case File: 942/620084-FRC-2018

PAY IMMEDIATELY TO PREVENT PROPERTY LOSS

FINAL NOTICE OF INTENT TO LEVY AND NOTICE OF YOUR RIGHT TO A HEARING

WHY WE ARE SENDING THIS LETTER

we’ve written to you before asking you to contact us about your overdue past bill and pending debt. You haven't responded or paid the amount you owe. We encourage you to pay this debt immediately OR discuss your options for paying this account. If you act promptly. We can resolve this matter without taking this matter to court to collect what you owe.

We are authorized to collect your overdue taxes, debt by taking, which is called levying, property or rights to property and selling them if necessary. Properly includes bank accounts, wages, real estate commissions, business assets, cars and other income and assets.

WHAT IF YOU WILL IGNORE

We will simply filed the case against you for the three serious allegations,

(i) Violation Of Federal Banking Regulation.

(ii) Collateral Check Fraud.

(iii) Theft By Deception & Money Laundering.

You will be sue into the court house, where you have to pay $2512.00, which is including your bail charges, attorney charges, and court fees. Your employer will be contacted and they will be served with this legal notice. Your all bank accounts will be ceased.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

If you have paid already or think we haven't credited a payment to your account, or you never got the loan, please send us proof of the payment.

If Not than we are giving you the option of PAYMENT ARRANGENT : $50.00 x 12 Payments, $28x00 x 1 Payment = $628.00 (Twice A Month Payments)

Note: Your response is mandatory, if you will still avoid this e-mail than this settlement notice will be void, and you will be served with legal Subpoena at your door step & copy of the letter to your employer.

FOR SETTLEMENT PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MAIL AS THIS IS AN AUTOMATED MAIL SERVICE. SEND US EMAIL AT: mailto:HELP.RAPID@OUTLOOK.COM

Regards

Account Settlement | FDCPA | Rapid Collection Services © 2018"

Delete

January 23, 2019 at 6:06 PM by
The "Rapid Collection Service" Legal Proceeding and Arrest Warrant Scam
info

Here is another scam:

"From: Rapid Collection Service LLC <fdcNormanGrissom@outlook.com>

Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2019 7:32 AM

To: help.rapid@outlook.com

Subject: Legal Proceeding - 942/620084-FRC-2018

RAPID

COLLECTION SERVICES LLC

Attention

Subject: Legal Proceeding

Creditor: Cash Advance America

Outstanding Debt: $628.48

Case File: 942/620084-FRC-2018

PAY IMMEDIATELY TO PREVENT PROPERTY LOSS

FINAL NOTICE OF INTENT TO LEVY AND NOTICE OF YOUR RIGHT TO A HEARING

WHY WE ARE SENDING THIS LETTER

we’ve written to you before asking you to contact us about your overdue past bill and pending debt. You haven't responded or paid the amount you owe. We encourage you to pay this debt immediately OR discuss your options for paying this account. If you act promptly. We can resolve this matter without taking this matter to court to collect what you owe.

We are authorized to collect your overdue taxes, debt by taking, which is called levying, property or rights to property and selling them if necessary. Properly includes bank accounts, wages, real estate commissions, business a**ets, cars and other income and a**ets.

WHAT IF YOU WILL IGNORE

We will simply filed the case against you for the three serious allegations,

(i) Violation Of Federal Banking Regulation.

(ii) Collateral Check Fraud.

(iii) Theft By Deception & Money Laundering.

You will be sue into the court house, where you have to pay $2512.00, which is including your bail charges, attorney charges, and court fees. Your employer will be contacted and they will be served with this legal notice. Your all bank accounts will be ceased.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

If you have paid already or think we haven't credited a payment to your account, or you never got the loan, please send us proof of the payment.

If Not than we are giving you the option of PAYMENT ARRANGENT : $50.00 x 12 Payments, $28x00 x 1 Payment = $628.00 (Twice A Month Payments)

Note: Your response is mandatory, if you will still avoid this e-mail than this settlement notice will be void, and you will be served with legal Subpoena at your door step & copy of the letter to your employer.

FOR SETTLEMENT PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MAIL AS THIS IS AN AUTOMATED MAIL SERVICE. SEND US EMAIL AT: mailto:HELP.RAPID@OUTLOOK.COM

Regards"

Delete

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Pay the safest way

Credit cards are the safest way to pay for online purchases because you can dispute the charges if you never get the goods or services or if the offer was misrepresented. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if someone makes unauthorized charges to your account, and most credit card issuers will remove them completely if you report the problem promptly.

Guard your personal information

In any transaction you conduct, make sure to check with your state or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the seller, charity, company, or organization is credible. Be especially wary if the entity is unfamiliar to you. Always call the number found on a website’s contact information to make sure the number legitimately belongs to the entity you are dealing with.

Be careful of the information you share

Never give out your codes, passwords or personal information, unless you are sure of who you're dealing with

Know who you’re dealing with

Crooks pretending to be from companies you do business with may call or send an email, claiming they need to verify your personal information. Don’t provide your credit card or bank account number unless you are actually paying for something and know who you are sending payment to. Your social security number should not be necessary unless you are applying for credit. Be especially suspicious if someone claiming to be from a company with whom you have an account asks for information that the business already has.

Check your accounts

Regularly check your account transactions and report any suspicious or unauthorised transactions.

Don’t believe promises of easy money

If someone claims that you can earn money with little or no work, get a loan or credit card even if you have bad credit, or make money on an investment with little or no risk, it’s probably a scam. Oftentimes, offers that seem too good to be true, actually are too good to be true.

Do not open email from people you don’t know

If you are unsure whether an email you received is legitimate, try contacting the sender directly via other means. Do not click on any links in an email unless you are sure it is safe.

Think before you click

If an email or text message looks suspicious, don’t open any attachments or click on the links.

Verify urgent requests or unsolicited emails, messages or phone calls before you respond

If you receive a message or a phone call asking for immediate action and don't know the sender, it could be a phishing message.

Be careful with links and new website addresses

Malicious website addresses may appear almost identical to legitimate sites. Scammers often use a slight variation in spelling or logo to lure you. Malicious links can also come from friends whose email has unknowingly been compromised, so be careful.

Secure your personal information

Before providing any personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number, account numbers, and passwords, be sure the website is secure.

Stay informed on the latest cyber threats

Keep yourself up to date on current scams by visiting this website daily.

Use Strong Passwords

Strong passwords are critical to online security.

Keep your software up to date and maintain preventative software programs

Keep all of your software applications up to date on your computers and mobile devices. Install software that provides antivirus, firewall, and email filter services.

Update the operating systems on your electronic devices

Make sure your operating systems (OSs) and applications are up to date on all of your electronic devices. Older and unpatched versions of OSs and software are the target of many hacks. Read the CISA security tip on Understanding Patches and Software Updates for more information.

What if You Got Scammed?

Stop Contact With The Scammer

Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.

Secure Your Finances

  • Report potentially compromised bank account, credit or debit card information to your financial institution(s) immediately. They may be able to cancel or reverse fraudulent transactions.
  • Notify the three major credit bureaus. They can add a fraud alert to warn potential credit grantors that you may be a victim of identity theft. You may also want to consider placing a free security freeze on your credit report. Doing so prevents lenders and others from accessing your credit report entirely, which will prevent them from extending credit:

Check Your Computer

If your computer was accessed or otherwise affected by a scam, check to make sure that your anti-virus is up-to-date and running and that your system is free of malware and keylogging software. You may also need to seek the help of a computer repair company. Consider utilizing the Better Business Bureau’s website to find a reputable company.

Change Your Account Passwords

Update your bank, credit card, social media, and email account passwords to try to limit further unauthorized access. Make sure to choose strong passwords when changing account passwords.

Report The Scam

Reporting helps protect others. While agencies can’t always track down perpetrators of crimes against scammers, they can utilize the information gathered to record patterns of abuse which may lead to action being taken against a company or industry.

Report your issue to the following agencies based on the nature of the scam:

  • Local Law Enforcement: Consumers are encouraged to report scams to their local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if you lost money or property or had your identity compromised.
  • Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud, including counterfeit checks, lottery or sweepstakes scams, and more.
  • Identitytheft.gov: If someone is using your personal information, like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number, to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund, report it at www.identitytheft.gov. This federal government site will also help you create your Identity Theft Report and a personal recovery plan based on your situation. Questions can be directed to 877-ID THEFT.

How To Recognize a Phishing Scam

Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they’re often successful.

Scammers often update their tactics to keep up with the latest news or trends, but here are some common tactics used in phishing emails or text messages:

Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it’s from a company you know or trust, like a bank or a credit card or utility company. Or maybe it’s from an online payment website or app. The message could be from a scammer, who might

  • say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — they haven’t
  • claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t
  • say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t
  • include an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake
  • want you to click on a link to make a payment — but the link has malware
  • say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — it’s a scam
  • offer a coupon for free stuff — it’s not real

About Online Threat Alerts (OTA)

Online Threat Alerts or OTA is an anti-cybercrime community that started in 2012. OTA alerts the public to cyber crimes and other web threats.

By alerting the public, we have prevented a lot of online users from getting scammed or becoming victims of cybercrimes.

With the ever-increasing number of people going online, it important to have a community like OTA that continuously alerts or protects those same people from cyber-criminals, scammers and hackers, who are every day finding new ways of carrying out their malicious activities.

Online users can help by reporting suspicious or malicious messages or websites to OTA. And, if they want to determine if a message or website is a threat or scam, they can use OTA's search engine to search for the website or parts of the message for information.

Help maintain Online Threat Alerts (OTA).

The "Rapid Collection Service" Legal Proceeding and Arrest Warrant Scam