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in Scam Awareness
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
Police and anti-fraud officials warn Black Friday shoppers to remain vigilant both online and in-store, following over 100,000 fraud cases reported in Canada last year. Key recommendations include protecting personal information and payment details, staying aware of surroundings in crowded stores, avoiding rushing through purchases to catch sales, and researching unfamiliar merchants before making transactions. Authorities emphasize reporting suspicious activity and taking time to verify sellers' legitimacy rather than succumbing to pressure from limited-time deals.
dvidshub.net
· 2025-12-08
Soldiers, veterans, and their family members face multiple growing scams including romance, confidence, and online impersonation fraud, according to Army Criminal Investigation Division officials. Data brokers sell personal information for as low as $20, which scammers use for targeted attacks such as impersonating military officials requesting gift cards, romance schemes targeting those over 50, and social media account takeovers. To protect themselves, individuals should use strong passwords with two-factor authentication, password managers, and separate work and personal accounts.
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
A 75-year-old retired ship captain in Mumbai lost Rs 11.1 crore in a share market scam after being added to a fraudulent WhatsApp group impersonating a legitimate financial services company. The scammers, posing as "Anya Smith," convinced him to download a fake trading app and make 22 transfers between September and October; when he later demanded withdrawal of funds, they requested additional taxes and fees before he discovered the fraud. The case illustrates how scammers exploit investors' trust in reputable company names and highlights the importance of verifying investment platforms directly through official channels and avoiding unfamiliar WhatsApp groups.
telecomtv.com
· 2025-12-08
O2 has launched Call Defence, a free AI-powered service that automatically alerts customers to suspected scam and nuisance calls before they answer, using Adaptive AI technology to analyze call behavior in real-time. The service addresses a significant problem in the UK where 16% of consumers fell victim to phone scams last year, losing an average of £798 each, with 22% of Brits targeted by scammers at least weekly. O2 is the first UK mobile operator to offer this fraud detection tool at no cost to all Pay Monthly and Business customers on compatible devices.
bbc.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Romance scammer duped a 42-year-old single mother out of £80,000 by posing as a businessman in an accident who needed hospital bills paid; he used stolen photos and emotional manipulation to isolate her and convince her to transfer funds repeatedly with false promises of repayment from a fake $600,000 account. A separate investment scam targeting a woman through a hijacked Instagram account claiming her friend had made £5,000 from a £500 investment resulted in her losing £1,200 and compromising her Apple ID credentials, which the fraudsters then used to hijack her account and recruit additional victims. Both cases demonstrate how scammers exploit emotional connections and trust to
mirror.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Research by Virgin Money surveying 2,000 adults found that Millennials and Gen Z are most vulnerable to scams, with one in five Millennials having fallen victim to phishing scams; Millennials lost an average of £150 per scam while Gen Z lost around £141, with a third of victims reporting embarrassment. The survey highlights that scam attempts are at an all-time high and constantly evolving, with nearly 75% of scams now occurring online, and experts warn that even financially savvy individuals can be deceived—as demonstrated by a money influencer who lost 50 euros to a street art scam in Rome.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Coventry City Council warned drivers about fraudulent parking fine notices containing fake QR codes designed to steal bank details by directing victims to scammer websites. Similar scams have been reported in multiple UK cities including Telford, Reading, and Southampton, with criminals also using text messages and fake QR codes on parking meters to trick drivers into sharing personal information. Authorities recommend paying legitimate parking fines through official council channels and reporting suspected fraud to the National Cyber Security Centre.
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI issued a holiday shopping warning highlighting four common scams: non-delivery, non-payment, auction fraud, and gift card fraud, which collectively cost consumers over $309 million in 2023. The agency advised shoppers to verify website security (https URLs), avoid suspicious links, check seller reviews, never use prepaid gift cards for payment, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, as fraudsters use advanced tactics like credential-testing bots during peak shopping periods.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Scam websites have surged 89% ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, with nearly 80% of shopping offers in inboxes being fraudulent, prompting the FBI to release a safety checklist for online shoppers. The FBI warns consumers to verify website security (HTTPS and padlock icons), research sellers and reviews before purchasing, avoid sellers with poor ratings or suspicious overseas origins, avoid unusual shipping arrangements and gift card payments, and use credit cards for additional protection. Cyber criminals are exploiting the holiday shopping season by impersonating legitimate brands, poisoning search results, and creating counterfeit storefronts designed to steal money or personal information.
davidsonlocal.com
· 2025-12-08
This article is an educational resource warning North Carolinians about common holiday scams targeting vulnerable populations, particularly older adults. It covers four main fraud categories: holiday mail scams (phishing emails and porch theft), holiday shopping scams (fraudulent retailers and gift card schemes), and charity/investment scams, providing practical prevention tips such as verifying sender information, using secure networks for purchases, and researching charities before donating. The article emphasizes that consumers should be cautious during the high-spending season and recommends using resources like the BBB Scam Tracker and AARP Fraud Watch Network for protection and verification.
worldofbuzz.com
· 2025-12-08
A 45-year-old Malaysian woman fell victim to an online romance scam in which a fraudster posing as a London-based businessman promised marriage, gifts, and a major investment opportunity, convincing her to transfer over RM1 million (including her cancer insurance payout and high-interest loans) to the scammer. Her husband discovered the deception in January and filed for divorce in June after she refused to accept the truth and became emotionally volatile; loan sharks subsequently began threatening the family and demanding repayment of debts whose full amount remains unknown.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 75-year-old retired ship captain from Mumbai lost Rs 11.1 crore (approximately $1.3 million USD) to scammers operating through a fake WhatsApp group impersonating a financial services company between August and October. The victim was lured into downloading a fraudulent trading app and made 22 transactions over two months, with scammers justifying multiple bank accounts and repeated payment requests as tax-saving measures and service fees. Police registered a case and identified bank accounts across multiple Indian banks and cities, with investigators suspecting a coordinated fraud network; the article also provides protective measures including adjusting WhatsApp privacy settings, verifying investment sources,
siasat.com
· 2025-12-08
A 34-year-old woman in Dubai fell victim to a phishing scam after clicking on a fraudulent Facebook advertisement offering a 90% discount on viral FIX chocolate bars during a fake UAE National Day sale; she ordered ten bars for approximately 69.5 Dirhams but was charged 1,836 Dirhams (over 42,000 Indian Rupees) to her credit card. The scam exploited the popularity of FIX Dessert Chocolatier's products, which the brand has warned are being sold by unauthorized sellers on social media at inflated prices and through fake websites. Consumers are advised to verify purchases only through official channels an
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A retired Navy Commodore in Bhopal lost Rs 68.49 lakh (approximately $82,000 USD) to a sophisticated "digital arrest" cyber-scam in January 2024, making him the first reported victim of this scam in the city. The fraudsters, operating from Southeast Asia, impersonated Indian government officials and used fake documents, RBI-stamped letters, and Skype communications to convince the officer that his Aadhaar ID was linked to drug trafficking and money laundering, coercing him to transfer funds in three installments as "security verification" before cutting off contact. The victim emphasized that the criminals conducted extensive research on him an
express.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A survey of 2,000 adults found that 22% of Millennials have been victimized by phishing scams via email or text, with Millennials losing an average of £150 each and Gen Z losing £141, despite taking precautions like avoiding suspicious links and using strong passwords. Experts warn that scammers are constantly refining their methods and exploiting current events to make fraud increasingly sophisticated, while four in 10 respondents reported contact from fraudsters impersonating bank or government officials. The research emphasizes that individuals should not feel ashamed when targeted by scams and should rely on banks and companies to provide better online protection measures.
mirror.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
This educational article by consumer rights expert Martyn James advises readers on protecting themselves from fraud during peak shopping seasons. Key protective strategies include: remaining skeptical of anything online (websites, messages, calls, logos), avoiding impulsive responses to unsolicited communications, and contacting businesses directly through official channels rather than clicking links in emails or texts. The article notes that while £1.17 billion was stolen through fraud in the UK last year, £1.2 billion was prevented by financial institutions, and new regulations now require businesses to refund victims of "push payment fraud" in most circumstances.
headtopics.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly man was defrauded through an AI-enabled romance scam involving impersonation of actress Jennifer Aniston, demonstrating how artificial intelligence has made scams increasingly difficult for older adults to detect. The case illustrates the growing sophistication of elder fraud and underscores the importance of family vigilance, including enabling spam filters, registering on the National Do Not Call Registry, and having regular conversations about recognizing scam red flags such as urgency, requests for secrecy, and demands for immediate payment transfers.
boston25news.com
· 2025-12-08
Boston police warn of the puppy scam, where approximately 80 percent of pet advertisements online may be fraudulent, particularly during the holiday season when families seek to purchase pets as gifts. The article provides reporting resources including the FTC, FBI IC3, and IdentityTheft.gov for victims or those concerned about identity theft resulting from such scams.
local12.com
· 2025-12-08
During the 2024 holiday shopping season, cybersecurity experts warn that criminals are increasingly targeting shoppers through text message scams, fake websites created with AI, and shipping delivery fraud as consumers spend a record-breaking average of $902 per person. Experts recommend verifying packages directly through retailer websites rather than clicking links in unsolicited messages, using credit cards instead of debit cards, and visiting official company websites directly to confirm deals rather than clicking promotional links in emails or social media.
wbay.com
· 2025-12-08
A Consumer First Alert warns that holiday shoppers face increased fraud risks, with 82% of U.S. consumers experiencing some type of fraud in the past year, including over a third who were victimized through social media ads. Common holiday scams include fake package delivery texts and fraudulent social media product ads; experts recommend shopping directly from known retailers using credit cards rather than payment apps or clicking suspicious links, and reporting any fraud losses to banks, credit card companies, and police.
houstonchronicle.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns consumers during the holiday season to avoid online shopping scams, as Americans lost $309 million to online fraud in 2023 with complaints typically spiking after the holidays. Common scams include phishing attacks seeking personal information, non-delivery scams where items are paid for but never received, and gift card payment fraud. To stay safe, shoppers should verify seller identity, use secure websites with "https," obtain tracking numbers, pay with credit cards rather than wire transfers or gift cards, and monitor accounts for suspicious activity.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Students in Hyderabad are falling victim to scammers offering discounted social media verification badges (blue ticks) at roughly half the official price (around 4,000 rupees versus 6,800-8,388 rupees) through messaging apps like Telegram, with victims losing money and having their personal information compromised. Engineering college students are particularly targeted, drawn in by promises of verified accounts and earning opportunities, though many cases go unreported due to the small amounts involved. Experts recommend students only purchase subscriptions through official websites and emphasize the need for cybercrime awareness education.
baytoday.ca
· 2025-12-08
Grandparent or emergency scams exploit seniors' emotions by having fraudsters impersonate distressed family members, police officers, or acquaintances claiming a loved one needs immediate financial help due to accidents, jail, or other emergencies. The scammers gather personal information, demand secrecy, and pressure victims into sending cash or cryptocurrency. The Ontario Provincial Police recommend hanging up and independently verifying stories, questioning callers for details, being truthful with bank tellers about large withdrawals, and reporting suspected scams to local police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
news9live.com
· 2025-12-08
A 26-year-old woman in Mumbai was scammed of Rs 1.7 lakh by fraudsters impersonating Delhi Police officers who falsely claimed she was involved in a money laundering investigation and threatened her with "digital arrest." The scammers forced her to strip on a video call and demanded bank transfers before she realized the deception and reported the incident to authorities. Police have registered a case and are investigating, while noting this is part of a growing trend of digital arrest fraud targeting both elderly and younger adults.
thebridgechronicle.com
· 2025-12-08
A Wagholi resident in Pune lost ₹27.46 lakh to cybercriminals who contacted him on November 4 promising work-from-home earnings, initially paying small amounts to build trust before requesting investments for higher returns. After the victim transferred the full amount, the fraudsters disappeared and their contact numbers were disconnected; a case was filed under the Information Technology Act and is under investigation by local police.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Christos Mavrokelos installed skimming devices on ATM machines throughout California over two years, stealing approximately $149,000 from at least 40 accounts before his arrest and sentencing to 18 months in prison in July 2024. Skimming—where criminals attach devices to card readers to capture magnetic stripe data and sometimes use cameras or fake keypads to steal PINs—costs financial institutions and consumers over $1 billion annually, with recent incidents reported at grocery stores and gas stations across multiple states in September 2024. Although skimmers appear sophisticated, experts note they are relatively simple to deploy and use once attached to machines, making them a persistent and widespread threat.
irs.gov
· 2025-12-08
The IRS and Security Summit partners issued a Cyber Monday alert warning taxpayers to protect personal information from scammers during the holiday shopping season and approaching tax season. Common scams include sophisticated phishing emails impersonating delivery services (tricking victims into clicking malicious links) and fraudulent messages posing as the IRS offering refunds or requesting tax documents, which can lead to identity theft and tax fraud. The alert recommends taxpayers avoid clicking unknown links, verify sender authenticity, and shop only on secure websites (https) to reduce the risk of personal data theft.
coloradoan.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies six common holiday season scams targeting online shoppers, including phishing attempts via fake delivery notifications, impersonation of delivery drivers and IRS agents, social media gift exchange schemes, and cloned emails from known contacts. The article recommends protective measures such as using secure websites (https), strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, avoiding unsecured Wi-Fi, and never clicking suspicious links or sharing personal financial information with unsolicited contacts. Key advice includes verifying sender legitimacy by examining email addresses for discrepancies and contacting the original sender through independently verified contact information.
abc15.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece advises consumers to remain vigilant against holiday-season scams by avoiding AI phishing emails and texts, not clicking suspicious links or verifying passwords unless self-initiated, and researching charities before donating using irs.gov or give.org. Additionally, consumers should use purchase protection features when sending money through payment apps and be wary of anyone discouraging the use of such protections, as this is a common scam tactic.
spectrumnews1.com
· 2025-12-08
Since 2021, consumers have reported losing $2.7 billion to social media scams, with online shopping scams being the most commonly reported type. The Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio warns consumers to watch for red flags including misspelled website URLs, suspicious social media ads offering deals that seem too good to be true, and tampered gift cards with altered barcodes or scratched PINs. Experts recommend researching purchases and verifying website legitimacy before making online transactions, especially during the holiday season.
wbur.org
· 2025-12-08
During the holiday shopping season, scammers use increasingly sophisticated tactics including AI-generated deepfakes and social engineering to target online shoppers of all ages and education levels. The article advises consumers to be cautious of fake retailer messages requesting personal financial information, verify suspicious communications with trusted contacts, and report scams to police to help law enforcement aggregate data and identify perpetrators.
seehafernews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Brown County Sheriff's Office warned residents about two rising scams: pig butchering schemes, where criminals build trust online before directing victims to fake cryptocurrency platforms and stealing their investments, and romance scams, where scammers pose as romantic partners to emotionally manipulate victims into sending money before disappearing. Both scams exploit trust-building tactics and result in financial and emotional harm to victims.
dhs.gov
· 2025-12-08
Two Nigerian nationals operating from the Chicago suburbs, Anthony Emeka Ibekie and Samuel Anukwu, were convicted and sentenced to 20 and 10 years in federal prison respectively for conducting inheritance scams, romance scams, and business email compromise fraud that defrauded victims of at least $3.5 million. The pair used aliases to communicate with victims across the United States, convincing them of inheritances or building false romantic relationships to manipulate them into sending money to predetermined recipients. A third co-defendant, U.S. citizen Jennifer Gosha, pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges in connection with the scheme and awaited sentencing.
goldrushcam.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission approved final amendments to the Telemarketing Sales Rule on December 2, 2024, extending its coverage to inbound telemarketing calls for technical support services, a major source of fraud losses for older adults. Consumers aged 60 and older lost more than $175 million to tech support scams in 2023 and reported over $165 million in losses in 2024, making them five times more likely than younger people to lose money to these scams. The expanded rule aims to hold businesses accountable by regulating how consumers are solicited for tech support services through advertisements and direct mail, with most provisions taking effect 60 days after publication.
rocklanddaily.com
· 2025-12-08
Clarkstown Parks & Recreation is hosting a Senior Scam Prevention Seminar on December 13, 2024, to educate seniors about common fraud schemes including the Grandparents Scam, IRS Scam, and Funeral Scams. The event, led by town officials and police, will provide practical tips for identifying and avoiding these fraudulent schemes, with pre-registration required due to limited space.
blog.ssa.gov
· 2025-12-08
This educational episode of SSA Talks features Kate Kleinert, a widow who lost $39,000 in a romance scam, serving as a cautionary example for others. The Social Security Office of the Inspector General identifies four warning signs of scams—impersonation of trusted agencies, presentation of problems or prizes, pressure for immediate action, and requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency—along with tips for protecting personal information and reporting scams.
legaldive.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission expanded its Telemarketing Sales Rule to cover inbound calls seeking technical support, targeting a major scam that cost older consumers over $175 million last year and at least $165 million in 2024. Tech support scams trick consumers—particularly those 60 and older, who are five times more likely to lose money—into paying for unnecessary services by using fake device alerts warning of malware. The expansion faced political opposition from Republican Commissioner Andrew Ferguson, who argued the FTC should avoid new policies during the transition to the Trump Administration, though his fellow Republican Commissioner Melissa Holyoak supported the rule as consistent with anti-fraud priorities.
onlineathens.com
· 2025-12-08
Georgia ranks first nationally for fraud cases, with 1,564 fraud reports per 100,000 residents and the highest identity theft rate at 457 reports per 100,000 residents, with credit card fraud being the most common form. In 2023, Georgia seniors lost $38,989 per 1,000 residents to fraud. Prevention strategies include staying educated on common scams, creating strong passwords, taking time before decisions, verifying information, and reporting fraud to authorities.
savannahnow.com
· 2025-12-08
Georgia ranks third nationally for senior scamming, with seniors losing an average of $38,989 per 1,000 residents to fraud in 2023, according to a Retirement Living report analyzing FTC data. The report recommends seniors protect themselves by staying educated on common scams, creating strong passwords, taking time before acting, verifying information, and reporting fraud promptly.
westsidespirit.com
· 2025-12-08
Federal, state, and local authorities warn that scams targeting seniors are rising, particularly during the holiday season, with common schemes including charity fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, tech support scams, and government impersonation scams. Authorities advise seniors to avoid phishing emails, use secure networks for online purchases, verify websites and charities before donating, and be cautious of unsolicited offers. Victims can report suspected fraud to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov), their state attorney general, or local law enforcement.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
David Cornejo Fernandez, a 36-year-old Lima resident, was extradited to the United States and faces federal wire fraud, extortion, and conspiracy charges for facilitating prize scams operated by Peruvian call centers from 2012-2019. The scheme targeted Spanish-speaking U.S. consumers by falsely promising prizes like tablets, then threatening victims with arrest, court proceedings, or immigration consequences to extort large payments, with Cornejo providing the technology including caller-ID spoofing, phone lines, and recordings impersonating government agencies to enhance the scams' legitimacy.
americanbanker.com
· 2025-12-08
Ian Mitchell, founder of The Knoble—a network of over 7,000 members across 600+ financial institutions dedicated to combating human trafficking, child exploitation, and elder financial exploitation—discusses his organization's mission to fight human crimes alongside law enforcement and banks. Mitchell co-founded Mission Omega, a fraud consulting firm that donates 10% of gross revenue to The Knoble while helping financial institutions address fraud vulnerabilities. Mitchell transitioned into this work after his banking career, inspired by learning that human trafficking is a financially motivated crime, and now combines his expertise with creative pursuits, including releasing purpose-driven music on Spotify.
kutv.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI and FTC reported nearly $12.5 billion in losses from online scams in 2023, with online fraud rising 22% as cybercriminals target Cyber Monday shoppers using increasingly sophisticated tactics. Non-delivery fraud is a common scheme where scammers create fake websites, collect payment, and never send products, leaving victims with no recourse. Experts recommend protecting yourself by researching seller legitimacy, using credit cards with fraud protection, and avoiding deals that seem too good to be true.
wmur.com
· 2025-12-08
The article provides consumer protection guidance for the holiday season, highlighting the "drain scam" in which thieves copy gift card numbers and activation codes before purchase, resulting in over 41,000 reported cases and $217 million in losses last year. Consumer Reports recommends inspecting gift cards for tampering before purchase, buying from behind the counter or selecting virtual options, and using cards immediately upon receipt. The article also advises consumers to avoid suspicious deals on social media, fake delivery text messages, and to verify charities through trusted websites before donating.
kplctv.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Nearly half of U.S. consumers report being targeted by online shopping scams during the holiday season, according to the 2024 Norton Cyber Safety Insights Report. Common scams include fraudulent websites mimicking legitimate retailers, fake social media ads offering discounted popular items, tampered gift cards, impersonation texts from fake mail carriers, and counterfeit charities. Experts recommend verifying website security (https:// and padlock symbol), avoiding clicking social media ads directly, researching organizations before donating, and checking return policies before making purchases.
nbcmontana.com
· 2025-12-08
During the holiday season, scammers exploit people's charitable giving by creating fake charities with legitimate-sounding names and websites to steal money and personal information. To protect yourself, verify charities through resources like BBB Wise Giving Alliance and Charity Navigator, avoid pressure to donate immediately, pay by credit card rather than cash or gift cards, and never click links or provide personal information like Social Security numbers to unknown senders. Legitimate charities will not rush you, mask caller IDs, or request payment through untraceable methods.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warned in 2024 that holiday shopping scams pose significant risks to consumers, with cybercriminals using sophisticated tactics like AI-generated fake websites and phishing emails to exploit the projected $260 billion in e-commerce sales. Younger shoppers aged 18-39 are 25% more likely to fall victim to scams, which include non-delivery fraud ($73 million in 2023 losses), gift card fraud ($148 million in losses), and fake charity schemes that exploit seasonal generosity. Consumers should be vigilant about suspicious deals, verify seller legitimacy, and avoid sharing sensitive information like gift card PINs with unknown parties.
localnews8.com
· 2025-12-08
Adults over 60 lost $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, with over 101,000 elderly individuals compromised through romance, tax, and emergency impersonation scams, according to the Internet Crime Complaint Center. Financial experts warn that scammers increasingly exploit elderly people through online methods by establishing false relationships, impersonating the IRS or law enforcement, and pressuring victims into sending money or personal information. Key protective measures include verifying online contacts through photo searches, moving slowly in new relationships, never sending money to online-only contacts, and remaining skeptical of individuals who avoid in-person meetings or request financial information.
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
Anne, a 26-year-old Melbourne woman, lost $46,100 in a "pig butchering" romance scam after meeting someone claiming to be "Lucio" on Tinder. The scammer built trust over weeks through intimate conversations and emotional storytelling before convincing her to invest in cryptocurrency on what she believes was a counterfeit trading platform. This scam uses a four-stage process: creating a fake persona, building emotional trust, luring victims into fake investments, and stealing their money.
thedailystar.com
· 2025-12-08
The New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection warned consumers ahead of Giving Tuesday to be cautious of charity scams, which increase during the holiday season when donors are motivated by generosity and tax deductions. Fraudsters often impersonate legitimate organizations or government agencies to solicit donations, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting 9,808 charitable solicitation fraud reports nationwide in 2022, though many scams go unreported. The department provided guidance including verifying charity legitimacy, avoiding third-party fundraisers, resisting high-pressure tactics, never disclosing personal information, and never giving cash.