RECOMAZ.org Blog

The Second Sting

RECOM — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 18:04:08 GMT

Scammers are impersonating the FBI to target people who already lost money to fraud once.
They use AI-generated videos of real FBI officials, fake agent profiles and copycat versions of ic3⁠.gov (Internet Crime Complaint Center) to look legitimate.
If you or someone you love has ever reported a scam or lost money to one, you’re exactly who they’re looking for.

This is alarming. Scammers are impersonating the FBI itself, specifically the people who handle Internet Crime Complaint Center reports. And they hunt one group above all others: Americans who already lost money to a scam.

The pitch sounds like mercy: We recovered your funds. We can help you file to get them back. Simply cover the fee.

Why it looks so real

The bureau updated this alert, and the upgrade is the ugly part. Criminals run AI-generated videos of senior FBI officials. They build social media profiles for agents who never existed. They stand up copycat sites that mimic the complaint center’s hub at ic3⁠.gov, issue official-looking case reference numbers and move it all to Telegram.

A security firm spotted one Facebook page calling itself “Ic3 Scam Recovery Inc.,” complete with invented testimonials promising a professional case assessment.

Here’s how they find you. They read the public posts. Somebody vents in a Facebook group about losing eight grand, and within a day, a polite stranger slides into their direct messages.

The numbers explain the effort. The IC3 logged more than a million complaints in 2025 with losses topping nearly $21 billion, a 26% jump in a single year. Americans 60 and older absorbed more than $7.7 billion of that. Government impersonation alone drew over 32,400 reports and nearly $800 million in losses.

Burn these four rules into your brain

One. The IC3 has no social media presence. None. Any Facebook page, X account or Instagram profile claiming to be IC3 is fake, full stop.

Two. The FBI will not call, email or text you offering to recover your money. That call is a scam.

Three. Type ic3⁠⁠.gov into the address bar yourself. Skip the search results, especially the sponsored ones. Confirm the address ends in .gov before you type a single detail.

Four. Nobody legitimately charges you a fee to get your own money back. The second somebody mentions crypto, gift cards or a wire transfer, hang up.

If this has already happened to you or someone you love, report it at ic3.gov. And for people 60 or older, the Justice Department runs an Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311, staffed by real people who walk you through the filing.

Getting scammed is not a character flaw. Professionals did this to you, and they do it all day. The only shame in this story belongs to them.

Text 911 in Arizona if you can't speak

RECOM — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 14:35:53 GMT

Text-to-911 in AZ

Text-to-911 service is available in every Arizona county, including Maricopa County. Arizona Department of Public Safety+1.

How to use Text-to-911 in Gilbert

During an emergency, open a new text message in your phone’s messaging app.
Enter “911” as the recipient.
Type your message clearly stating the nature of the emergency and your exact location.
Send the message.

Text-to-911 is intended for emergencies only, such as when you cannot make a voice call (e.g., due to speech disability, danger, or being unable to speak)

Important tips

Voice calls are preferred if possible, as they allow faster information gathering
Include your exact location — texting does not automatically send your GPS to 911
Use plain English, avoid abbreviations or emojis, and keep messages concise
No multimedia (photos, videos) is supported — only text is allowed
Ensure your phone has an active text plan; Text-to-911 may not work without service
Response time can be slower than voice calls, so be prepared for delays

Non-emergency contact

For non-emergency police matters, use Gilbert PD’s non-emergency number: (480) 503‑6500.

AI can can make an illustrated Storybook from a drawing - FREE!

RECOM — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 14:31:44 GMT

WOW! One photo of your grandkid’s pencil drawing becomes a 10-page illustrated storybook, with the art drawn in your grandkid’s own style, and it reads itself aloud. Free, about two minutes, no design skills required.

The Short Version: Snap a photo, open Gemini's Storybook tool, paste one prompt, then print the PDF. Steps below.

Google’s free, truly amazing Storybook tool inside Gemini takes one photo of a pencil drawing, then writes and illustrates a 10-page picture book around it. It even reads the story aloud. Total time: about two minutes. The look on your grandkid’s face: permanent.

How to do it

Snap a clear photo of the drawing in good light, one masterpiece per photo.
Go to gemini.google.com/gem/storybook, or open the Gemini app and pick Storybook under Gems.
Upload the photo and paste this prompt: “This is my grandkid’s drawing. She’s 7. Write a creative storybook that brings her drawing to life, and illustrate it in the style of her drawing.” That first part is Google’s own suggested prompt. The style request at the end is my twist, so the book looks like HER book, not a stock cartoon.
Give it a minute or two. Out comes a 10-page book with art on every page and a Listen button that narrates it. You can even change the reader’s voice.
Tap Share, then Print and save it as a PDF. Print it at home, or upload that PDF to a photo-book site and turn it into a hardcover keepsake. If your printer jams halfway through, relax. Every good story needs a little conflict.

Make it theirs: Ask the tool to use your grandkid’s name as the hero, the family dog as the sidekick or a lesson baked in (“trying new foods,” “being brave at the dentist”). Want a different look? Storybook does comic book, claymation, crochet, even a coloring-book version the artists can fill in themselves.

Rather use ChatGPT?

Upload the drawing photo and paste: “Write a 10-page illustrated children’s storybook starring this character. Keep the drawing’s exact look, one picture per page, then make it a printable PDF.” You get the pages and the file, ready to print.

Two FYIs. Gemini’s Storybook requires an adult account, so this is a do-it-together project with you at the wheel. And read the book once before bedtime. AI still improvises, and you want to see the plot twist before your 6-year-old does.

Tuck the original drawing inside the back cover of the printed book, with the date on it. Twenty years from now, that’s not a book. That’s a time machine.

6 retirement tax moves most people miss - from Fidelity

RECOM — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 19:04:46 GMT

This article covers pre and early retirement years and offers a key window for tax strategies. I thought it was good information. Link here: Taxes during the transition to retirement | Fidelity

Don't scan that QR code from a mystery box!

RECOM — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 15:28:11 GMT

A box shows up on your porch. Your name, your address, no receipt, no sender. Inside: a seed packet, a cheap ring, one sad pasta strainer.

You didn’t order it. So who did? A scammer, and here’s the kicker: The package isn’t a scam. YOU are the product.

What’s going on

It’s called a brushing scam. Sketchy online sellers need glowing “verified purchase” reviews to climb the rankings. They buy your name and address (data breaches are the gift that keeps on giving), ship you something that costs them pennies, and boom, the system sees a real delivery to a real customer. Then they write a 5-star review of their junk product. Signed, basically, by you.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service says it plainly: It’s illegal, and if you’re getting these boxes, your personal information is compromised. Not “might be.” Is.

The dangerous new version

Lately these packages come with a little card: “Scan this QR code to see who sent your gift!” The FBI put out a formal alert about this one. That code can send you to a phishing site that harvests your card number, or it could push malware onto your phone. Curiosity is what they’re counting on.

The package is bait. The QR code is the hook. Don’t be the fish.

Got one? Do this.

Keep it, toss it or donate it. Guilt-free. Federal law says unordered merchandise is yours to keep as a free gift. You owe nobody a dime.
Do NOT scan any QR code or visit any website printed inside. And never pay a “shipping fee” to claim a mystery gift.
Change the password on your Amazon and shopping accounts, and turn on two-factor authentication while you’re in there. If a scammer has your address, assume they’ve shopped for more.
Check your accounts for reviews you didn’t write and orders you didn’t place. Report fakes to the retailer. Amazon has a dedicated brushing report page.
Watch your credit at all three bureaus, plus card statements for small test charges.
Report it to Amazon or the marketplace it came from, the postal inspectors at 1-877-876-2455 and ic3.gov if there was a QR code involved.

FYI, the fake reviews themselves are a federal offense. The FTC can fine sellers over $51,000 per phony review.

So if a mystery box shows up this weekend, you know the drill. Keep the strainer. Skip the QR code. Change your passwords.

Save that precious voicemail from a loved one....

RECOM — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 17:20:30 GMT

Here’s what you need to know: That voicemail from your mom isn’t stored on your phone. It lives on your carrier’s server, and your carrier treats it like leftovers in the office fridge.

The clock is already running

AT&T: Basic voicemail keeps messages 14 days. Visual voicemail, 30.
T-Mobile: 14 to 30 days, and once it’s deleted, their own support page says it “cannot be retrieved.”
Verizon: Doesn’t publish an exact number, but their FAQ flat out says they’re not liable for deleted messages, “even if you saved them.”
Consumer Cellular: Doesn’t publish a countdown. But their support is 100% U.S.-based, and they’ll walk you through saving a message step by step. Dial 611 from your phone, or call 1-888-345-5509. Do it before you need it, not after. Full disclosure: Consumer Cellular is a sponsor of my national radio show.*

Save it forever (takes one minute)

I tested the steps below. Yours might be different, depending on your phone’s make, model and operating system.

iPhone: Open Phone > Voicemail. Tap the message, then tap the Share button (the box with the arrow). Choose Save to Files, or tap More, then pick iCloud Drive or Google Drive. Done. It’s now an audio file you own.
Android: Open the Phone app > Voicemail. Tap the message to expand it, hit the Share icon and save it to Google Drive. It exports as an MP3.
Samsung: In Visual Voicemail, click and hold the message you want to save, tap Archive. FYI, archiving removes it from the server, so move that file somewhere safe right away.
Old-school or landline voicemail: Play it on speaker and record it with another device. Nobody’s judging. The recording is the point.

Pro tip: If you’re ever closing a loved one’s account, save the voicemails before you call the carrier.

Did you know?

RECOM — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 16:30:25 GMT

Did you know that if your home is in a Trust that your insurance should also be in the name of the trust for that property? Check with your insurance agent so this doesn't become an issue if you have a claim.

Want bigger text on your i-Phone?

RECOM — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 16:56:22 GMT

Simplify an iPhone: Don't struggle with all the tiny buttons and endless menus on your i-Phone. iPhone has a special mode with a basic home screen, bigger text and larger app icons. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Assistive Access to set it up. To exit this mode, triple-click the side button.

Why 911 can't always find you....

RECOM — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 18:14:01 GMT

The good news and the catch

The FCC now requires carriers to route your 911 call by your phone’s actual location, not whatever tower it hit. Big carriers switched over in late 2024. Smaller ones came online this past May, but calls still fall back to a tower guessing when your phone can’t get a fast location fix.

When your phone can’t grab a fast fix (basements, concrete high-rises, rural valleys with no bars), your call still falls back to the old tower method. Millions a year still will. Your settings decide whether 911 sees you or a guess two towns over.

Lock it down

Phone makers love moving things around, so your taps may look a little different. Poke around. The setting’s in there.

· iPhone: Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services, turn on Emergency Calls & SOS. Then in Health, tap your photo > Medical ID and turn on Share During Emergency Call.

· Android: Settings > Safety & emergency > Emergency Location Service.

Use Wi-Fi calling? Your carrier keeps an emergency address on file. Moved since? 911 could get your OLD address.

· iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Wi-Fi Calling > Update Emergency Address.

· Samsung: Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi Calling > menu > Emergency address.

· Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > your carrier > Wi-Fi calling > Emergency address.

· On any other Android or if you can’t find the setting: Open your carrier’s app (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, etc.), search “Wi-Fi calling emergency address” and update it there. Same fix, different door.

Send this to anyone who only carries a cell phone. It’s their lifeline to 911.

Scamsafe - now a free way to check if an email you got was a scam

RECOM — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:47:53 GMT

ScamSafe AI Tool (U.S.)

In the United States, ScamSafe is an AI-powered tool that analyzes suspicious emails, texts, or letters. Users can paste or upload messages, and the AI identifies red flags such as fake urgency, impersonation, suspicious links, and payment tricks. It provides a clear verdict and guidance on what to do next, without storing or sharing the messages. This version is particularly aimed at protecting seniors and families from fraud www.scamsafe.us.

Key Takeaways

Purpose: Protect individuals from scams and fraud.
Functionality: Reporting, detection, blocking, and educational guidance.
Formats: Public reporting platforms, mobile apps, and AI-based analysis tools.
Target Users: General public, mobile users, and vulnerable populations like seniors.
In essence, ScamSafe is a safety initiative that empowers people to recognize scams, take preventive action, and contribute to broader anti-fraud efforts.

Veterans "Extra Benefits" postcard scam

RECOM — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 21:16:50 GMT

The VA issued an alert June 10 warning veterans across the country about a wave of postcards promoting something called the “Veterans Savings Program.” No such program exists. The postcards reference real programs like CHAMPVA and TRICARE For Life to sound legitimate. They include a deadline, usually five days, to pressure you into calling fast before you think too hard about it.

Once you call, the scammer lays it on thick. Praise for your service. Gratitude. Warmth. All of it carefully designed to lower your guard before they ask for your Social Security number, your bank details, your VA file number or all three.

The VA does not send benefit updates by postcard. Ever.

Why veterans are being targeted

Scammers don’t pick random names out of thin air. They buy lists.

Data brokers compile files on millions of Americans from public records, app data, loyalty programs and online activity. Those files include your name, home address, age, household members and in many cases whether you’re a veteran or receive government benefits. That information gets packaged and sold to anyone willing to pay, including scammers running exactly this kind of operation.

Your name on that postcard wasn’t a coincidence. Someone paid for it.

Do these things right now

Throw the postcard away. Do not call any number listed on it. The VA will never reach out by postcard to notify you of new benefits.
Verify directly with the VA. If you have any questions about your benefits, call the VA’s official line at 1-800-827-1000 or visit VA.gov. Those are the only sources you should trust.
Report it. Call 1-800-827-1000 to report the scam to the VA. You can also file a complaint at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Every report helps investigators track these operations down.
Get your name off the list. This is important to know.

Before a scammer can send you a targeted postcard, they need your address, your phone number, your employment background and your medical conditions. They buy all this and more from data brokers for pennies.

They thanked you for your service. Then tried to rob you. That’s who these people are.

Send this to a veteran or military spouse you know. They need to see this.

City of Mesa (COM) Cigna Plans and WISeR

RECOM — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:40:05 GMT

At their November meeting, RECOM’s representatives on the Employee Benefits Task Force asked how COM’s Cigna plans would respond to denials of service under the WISeR program, which goes into effect in January. That plan involves new pre-certification requirements for Medicare patients in Arizona. The December issue of RECOM REPORTER listed many of the services involved and the review process. You may read that article on this website under News/Newsletters/December 2025 Newsletter.

Stephanie Drake, Assistant Employee Benefits Administrator, responded to RECOM’s questions. Here is her response:

We have confirmed with Cigna that most of the codes/services included in the WISeR program already require prior authorization through Cigna, but currently when Medicare is primary for these services, providers do not need to get pre-cert with Cigna to pay as secondary for those services. In 2026, if a service needs to be approved by Medicare under WISeR and the service is also a Cigna/City of Mesa covered service, then the provider and/or member must complete the WISeR pre-certification process for Medicare to approve and pay primary and Cigna will automatically coordinate benefits in secondary position (just like current). However, if WISeR denies Medicare coverage for otherwise potentially covered services under the City/Cigna retiree medical plans, then the provider would need to submit for pre-certification/authorization with Cigna and if Cigna approves, then they will adjudicate the claim in primary position (i.e., no Medicare involvement). If neither approves, then (there will be) no coverage for that set of codes and clinical requests under either Medicare or Cigna/City.

Hover to check website links before you click!

RECOM — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 15:25:13 GMT

Watch out for this clever phishing scam that hooks you: Hackers are slipping the Japanese character “ん” (pronounced like a soft “n” and called a hiragana) into legitimate website URLs, replacing a normal slash “/.” To the naked eye, it looks normal, but click, and you’re headed straight to a malware buffet. This works because “ん” is part of Unicode, so browsers treat it as a valid web address character. Even pros can miss it at first glance. Bonus scam: fake “Intuit” emails where the “i” is swapped for a lowercase “L.” Your eyesight is the target, so always hover over links and check the real domain before you click.

ASRS Annual Account Checkup

RECOM — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 14:42:25 GMT

Your Annual Account Checkup

Hello! This is your reminder to check that information within your secure myASRS account is up-to-date. We suggest logging into your account at least once a year to make sure that:

All primary contact information is correct, including your mailing address, email address, and phone number.
Any beneficiary(s) on your account are still correct.

Some additional important notes:

If you’ve changed ASRS employers within the last year, ensure your current employer is listed in your account. If it is incorrect, ask your employer for their ASRS enrollment code, and go through the "first time registration steps" again with your ASRS account.
We suggest making sure your login ID is sufficiently unique that other members may not accidentally try to log into your account due to members with same or similar names having similar login IDs. You can change your login ID within your secure myASRS account using the “Edit Profile” menu option.
Remember to always update your contact information with the ASRS and your employer separately. Changing it with one does not update the other!

Is Your Account Up to Date?

RECOM — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 17:47:12 GMT

Be sure to check your RECOM, City of Mesa health insurance, ASRS, PSPRs, Social Security, etc., at least once a year to ensure that all your information on file is still correct. Check your mailing address, email address, phone number, or beneficiary information. It's important to keep it current to be sure you get important communications that can be sent from providers.

Register your Deferred Account online!

RECOM — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 19:03:11 GMT

Remember to register your Deferred Compensation account online with your email address and phone number. Keep that information up-to-date. When activity occurs on a participant account, Empower proactively sends that participant security alerts via all points of contact they have for them. Participants are encouraged to contact Empower directly if they don’t recognize any such activity or have questions about alerts. Empower Client Services 800-701-8255.

Stop Medicare Fraud

RECOM — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 23:36:39 GMT

Follow these 3 tips to protect yourself from Medicare fraud and scams:

If you get a call, text or email asking for your Medicare Number, don't respond. Don't give your Medicare card or Medicare Number to anyone except your doctor or people you know should have it.
Check your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) or claims statements carefully. If you see a charge for a service you didn't get or a product you didn't order, it may be fraud. If you suspect fraud, report it at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or Reporting Medicare fraud & abuse | Medicare.
Guard your Medicare card like it's a credit card.

Visit Medicare.gov, the official source for Medicare information, to learn more about preventing Medicare fraud and medical identity theft.

Retiree Reminders

RECOM — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 22:41:56 GMT

Surepay deductions occur on the 10^th of the month unless it is a non-business day or holiday.
This will occur 3 more times in 2025
Loof for and review Annual Open Enrollment newsletter each September
Take note of changes, including cost
Contact Employee Benefits Office 480-644-2299 or benefits.info@mesaaz.ogv to update contact information – address, email, phone number.

Delta Dental Plans include 3 free cleanings/year!

RECOM — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 21:17:27 GMT

Take advantage of your free dental visits – prioritize your oral health and schedule your appointments today!

Our Delta Dental Plans now include three free cleanings per year!