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aol.com
This article provides six free strategies for protecting finances from fraud, particularly during high-risk periods like the holiday season. The recommended safeguards include staying informed about trending scams (adoption, romance, grandparent, and elder fraud), freezing credit with major bureaus when not applying for loans, enabling multi-factor authentication on accounts, using password managers to create strong unique passwords, avoiding clicking links or calling numbers in unsolicited communications, and monitoring accounts regularly for suspicious activity. These preventive measures require no financial investment but can significantly reduce vulnerability to identity theft and fraud year-round.
wtvr.com
A Richmond woman lost over $34,000 after receiving a fraudulent PayPal email claiming malware was purchased on her account; when she called the provided number, a scammer convinced her she had made an error and manipulated her emotionally by claiming he would lose his job. The victim withdrew cash from two banks and attempted to load it into a bitcoin machine via 873 transactions, but police obtained a search warrant and recovered all her funds before the scammer could access them.
bangkokpost.com
In 2024, Thailand experienced a surge in cybercrime with 739,000 complaints filed between March and November, resulting in 77 billion baht (approximately 77 million baht daily) in damages. The four most prevalent scams were romance scams involving fake social media accounts and bogus investment schemes, friend impostor scams requesting loans, phishing text messages with fraudulent links, and false accusation calls impersonating government officials demanding money or app installations. Thai authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspected fraud through the police online portal or the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau's 24-hour hotline.
bangkokpost.com
In 2024, Thailand recorded 739,000 cybercrime complaints between March and November, causing 77 billion baht in combined damage, with romance scams, friend impostor scams, fraudulent text messages with malicious links, and false government official calls identified as the most common tactics. These scams targeted victims by establishing fake relationships to solicit payments, impersonating friends or relatives to borrow money, sending phishing messages to steal banking information, and posing as officials demanding payment for alleged illegal activities. The Royal Thai Police advised vigilance and urged victims to report crimes via their online platform or the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau hotline.
kstp.com
This article provides guidance on avoiding holiday shopping scams, which commonly originate overseas and target major luxury and retail brands through fake shipping notifications, misleading social media ads, and phishing emails/texts. Experts recommend purchasing directly from trusted retailers, ignoring urgency-driven offers (like limited-time deals or gift card scams), verifying suspicious messages by visiting official websites directly rather than clicking links, and keeping security software updated. If scammed, victims should immediately change passwords and report the incident to the impersonated company and the Better Business Bureau.
fox43.com
Scammers are sending fake shipping notification texts (commonly impersonating USPS or FedEx) during the holiday season to trick consumers into clicking malicious links and compromising personal information. The scam exploits the difficulty of tracking multiple online orders by claiming packages cannot be delivered due to issues like invalid zip codes. To avoid falling victim, consumers should maintain a list of their actual orders and verify tracking numbers directly through legitimate retailer websites rather than clicking links in unsolicited messages.
unfilteredwithkiran.com
The USPS warned consumers during the holiday season about fraudulent text messages impersonating the postal service, requesting personal information or payment to resolve fake delivery issues such as invalid zip codes. USPS clarified it does not request personal information or payment through unsolicited messages and advised customers to verify suspicious messages directly through usps.com or the official app, avoid clicking links, watch for red flags like poor grammar and urgent demands, and report scams to 7726 (SPAM).
straitstimes.com
Eyeyah!, a Singapore-based educational platform, partnered with Meta, Singapore Police Force, and other agencies to create a 44-page illustrated magazine teaching students to recognize and resist scams through interactive activities like spotting fake websites and deepfakes. The initiative, which has reached 35 primary schools and multiple secondary institutions, uses art and animation to encourage students to slow down and think critically rather than panic, countering the artificial urgency that scammers create. Singapore's scam cases surged to 26,587 in the first half of 2024 with losses reaching $385.6 million, making such educational efforts increasingly important for protecting young people.
avenuemail.in
Cybercriminals created a fake Facebook profile using the photo and identity of former MP and Congress leader Dr. Ajoy Kumar to defraud unsuspecting individuals, with the imposter contacting people with schemes to sell used furniture under false pretenses. Dr. Kumar filed a formal complaint with cyber police, who are investigating and attempting to trace the fraudster, while authorities urge the public to verify social media profile authenticity and report suspicious accounts immediately.
grandrapidsmn.com
This educational piece outlines how digital scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread across all age groups. Key tactics include phishing emails and texts impersonating banks or employers, phone scams posing as government agencies or tech support, and online shopping fraud, all enabled by advances in technology like AI-generated messages and deepfakes. The article emphasizes that staying informed about these evolving fraud methods is essential for protecting personal finances and information in an increasingly digital world.
southernstar.ie
This educational guide defines scams as illegal schemes designed to steal money or personal information, and describes current fraud methods including "quishing" (fake QR codes at parking meters), fraudulent text messages impersonating government energy credit schemes, and spoofed business emails requesting payment. The article provides protective measures such as avoiding QR code payments, using multi-factor authentication, verifying websites through cybersecurity tools, recognizing warning signs (unsolicited contacts, pressure to act quickly, grammatical errors), and safeguarding personal information by only sharing details in initiated communications and checking website security features.
usatoday.com
Brushing scams involve third-party sellers sending unsolicited packages to consumers' doorsteps to create fake positive reviews and artificially boost their ratings on platforms like Amazon. While recipients often keep inexpensive items like ping pong balls or flashlights without direct financial loss, the scams can be harmful if scammers have created accounts in the recipient's name or compromised their personal information, particularly if packages include malicious QR codes leading to phishing sites or malware. Consumers should verify unexpected packages with the retailer, check their accounts for unauthorized activity, change passwords, and report suspicious packages to the FTC and Better Business Bureau.
12newsnow.com
This article outlines common holiday scams targeting consumers during the Christmas season, including gift card fraud (via tampered barcodes), fake package delivery notifications that trick users into clicking malicious links, dangerous "free" Santa tracker apps containing malware, and fraudulent charity websites. The Better Business Bureau and FBI advise consumers to inspect gift cards for tampering, verify package tracking directly through official carrier websites rather than clicking text links, avoid free Santa tracker apps, and research charities before donating. Victims should report suspected scams to the BBB Scam Tracker.
deseret.com
Holiday shopping scams cost Americans over $309 million in non-payment and non-delivery fraud last year, with nearly 80% of consumers falling victim to scams—a 10% increase from the prior year. The FBI warned consumers against unrealistic deals during peak shopping periods, as scammers exploit holiday distractions and increased transaction volumes through tactics including counterfeit in-demand items, fake charities (affecting nearly 1 in 3 people), phishing emails and texts, fraudulent gift card offers, and fake employment opportunities. Common advice includes avoiding unsolicited links, verifying charity legitimacy, and purchasing only from authorized retailers.
ajc.com
The U.S. Postal Service released holiday fraud prevention tips as mail scams increase during the busy pre-Christmas mailing season. Common threats include phishing and smishing scams (fraudulent emails and texts impersonating USPS), mail theft targeting packages, and counterfeit stamps sold at suspiciously low prices. Customers are advised to avoid clicking links from unknown senders, use signature confirmation and tracking for packages, never mail cash, and purchase stamps only from official USPS providers.
safetydetectives.com
The FTC warned of a new scam targeting elderly people in which fraudsters pose as legitimate services, offering free perks like cooking or cleaning in exchange for Medicare information, then fraudulently enroll victims in expensive hospice care without proper medical justification. The scammers contact victims through calls, texts, emails, flyers, advertisements, and door-to-door visits, potentially leading to devastating financial consequences, disrupted Medicare coverage, and identity theft. The FTC emphasizes that Medicare never initiates home visits for service enrollment and advises elderly people to verify any coverage questions directly with healthcare professionals.
witness.co.za
Approximately 20 elderly residents of Pietermaritzburg were defrauded of an estimated R15,000+ each after paying for a five-day tour package (R4,350 per person plus entrance fees) that never materialized; the tour operator disappeared after collecting deposits and additional payments via electronic transfer, leaving victims stranded in the rain at the agreed pickup point. Pietermaritzburg SAPS is investigating the case of theft by false pretences, which occurred between August 2 and December 13, though victims expressed low expectations of recovering their funds. The victims, many of whom used pension and grant money to finance the trip, had selected the operator based on previous positive
waylandstudentpress.com
The Wayland Police Department issued a holiday season warning about rising scam activity, identifying the "Grandparent" scam—where perpetrators impersonate family members in distress requiring bail money—as particularly prevalent among elderly residents. Common scam tactics include impersonation of police or family members via phone, text, email, or social media, with scammers using personal background information to create urgency and fear; police also flagged pet scams, noting one family lost $3,600 before discovering a fake Corgi listing was fraudulent. Chief Edward Burman recommends residents immediately report suspected scams to police if personal information or money has been exchanged, and advises that
thetimes.com
A 77-year-old former Edinburgh University lecturer, Nikki MacLeod, lost £17,000 to a romance scam involving deepfake videos. Believing she was in a relationship with a woman named "Alla Morgan," MacLeod was persuaded to send gift cards and make bank transfers for various expenses, with requests escalating from hundreds to thousands of pounds before she contacted police. The scam exploited her vulnerability following a 25-year relationship breakdown and demonstrates how convincing AI-generated video can be in deceiving intelligent, educated individuals.
6abc.com
Authorities in New Jersey are warning residents about "brushing scams," in which fraudulent sellers send unsolicited packages to consumers who never ordered them, then post fake positive reviews online to boost sales. The packages may contain QR codes linking to malicious websites designed to harvest sensitive personal information. Experts recommend changing passwords on shopping accounts, enabling two-factor authentication, enrolling in credit monitoring, and avoiding clicking links in unsolicited shipment notifications.
wave3.com
The Better Business Bureau identifies twelve common holiday scams that increase during the festive season, including advent calendar fraud, fake charities, imposter emails/texts mimicking legitimate companies, fake shipping notifications, misleading social media ads, gift exchange schemes, puppy scams, and fake toll collection texts. The BBB advises consumers to verify charities through official evaluators, avoid unsolicited links and texts, use credit cards for social media purchases for protection, and contact companies directly through official channels if suspicious activity occurs. These scams particularly harm consumers with tight budgets who are trying to purchase gifts and prepare holiday meals.
kbtx.com
The Better Business Bureau identifies 12 holiday-season scams targeting consumers, including misleading social media ads, fake charities, puppy scams, and employment fraud schemes that exploit seasonal shopping and giving. Experts advise consumers to avoid wire transfers, gift card payments, and unsolicited links; research businesses and organizations before engaging; and report scams to law enforcement even if embarrassed, as scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
fox43.com
During the holiday shopping season, scammers exploit rushed consumers through look-alike websites and phishing emails, including fraudulent USPS notifications that direct victims to fake sites designed to steal personal information. Scammers purchase domain names with common typos, knowing busy shoppers may mistype URLs, though legitimate companies often buy these domains to protect customers. Consumers should verify website legitimacy by checking reviews, looking for poor grammar or misspellings, and being cautious before entering payment information on unfamiliar sites.
healthday.com
A 2024 study analyzing over 35,000 survey responses from England and Wales found that while young adults report cybercrimes more frequently, seniors aged 75 and older are over four times more likely to lose money to cybercriminals and twice as likely to be repeatedly victimized. Adults 55 and older in the region lost more than $5 million to fraud and hacking-related cybercrimes, with increased vulnerability linked to physical, mental, or cognitive health impairments.
newswire.ca
Techie Nesters, an advocacy organization for older adults, is calling on Canadian banks to strengthen fraud prevention measures at bank counters, where seniors are often exploited in the final stages of scams. The organization highlights missed intervention opportunities such as inadequate signage addressing common scams like Bitcoin fraud, failure to question unusual withdrawal patterns, and lack of teller training to identify at-risk customers. Additionally, Techie Nesters advocates for banks to waive fees imposed on fraud victims' accounts and provide specialized support for recovery, citing cases like Mary's, who lost $3,000 to a Bitcoin scam after her bank failed to question a large cash withdrawal despite her six decades of banking history with
yahoo.com
A retired submarine commander lost $3.6 million to scammers despite his banks' concerns, prompting Virginia to propose "Larry's Law"—legislation requiring banks to report suspected fraud to police. However, industry lobbyists successfully removed the mandatory reporting clause before the bill passed, and similar elder fraud protection measures in California and Pennsylvania have also been blocked or weakened by banking industry opposition, even as elderly Americans lose an estimated $28 billion annually to fraud. Banks argue that consumer education and voluntary reporting to adult protective services are sufficient, but enforcement of existing reporting requirements remains lax across states.
forbes.com
Google has warned of a surge in phishing and scam emails targeting its 2.5 billion Gmail users, particularly as a second wave of attacks is expected following the holiday season. Three prevalent scams are currently in heavy use: extortion scams threatening physical harm or blackmail using victims' home addresses, fake invoice scams designed to trick users into calling fraudulent numbers to dispute charges, and celebrity impersonation scams. While Google reports blocking over 99.9% of spam and phishing attempts through new AI technology, the company urges users to remain vigilant as attackers intensify their efforts during this period of increased email traffic.
wusa9.com
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service warned of a "smishing" scam in which fraudsters send text messages impersonating USPS, claiming packages cannot be delivered and directing recipients to click malicious links (such as https://usps.com-packagesue.net) to confirm address information. The scam aims to steal financial account information, compromise credit reports, and obtain personal data for identity theft or resale. The FCC recommends never clicking suspicious links, deleting fraudulent texts, keeping devices updated with security software, enabling multi-factor authentication, and contacting USPS directly through their official website to verify package status.
nbcdfw.com
The FBI and Better Business Bureau warn of a surge in holiday season scams targeting consumers during Christmas shopping. Common scams include misleading social media ads leading to counterfeit products, illegal pyramid schemes disguised as gift exchanges (like "Secret Sister"), fake toll collection texts, phishing emails offering free gift cards, and fraudulent seasonal job postings that exploit personal information. Consumers are advised to research businesses on BBB.org, verify offers directly with official sources, review app privacy policies, and avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages.
cnet.com
**Summary:**
Scammers are exploiting increased holiday online shopping with fake delivery text scams (smishing), claiming package delivery problems to trick victims into clicking malicious links or sharing personal and financial information. According to a CNET survey, 66% of US adults fear falling for holiday scams, with these nondelivery package scams topping the list. To protect yourself, verify delivery notifications directly through official websites rather than clicking links, watch for red flags like typos and urgent language, and avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages.
dispatch.com
The FBI and Ohio Department of Commerce warn consumers about five prevalent holiday scams: fake charity schemes targeting the $550 billion in annual donations, tollway phishing texts, online shopping fraud via phishing emails and fake websites, employment scams targeting younger adults, and gift card scams requesting personal information. In 2023, consumers lost over $10 billion to fraud nationally, with Ohio victims losing over $5 million to non-delivery and non-payment scams alone, plus over $6 million to credit card and check fraud.
gbhackers.com
**Summary:**
INTERPOL has advocated replacing the term "pig butchering" with "romance baiting" to describe scams where fraudsters emotionally manipulate victims into transferring money, often for fake cryptocurrency investments, before abandoning them with substantial financial losses. The organization argues that the new terminology is less stigmatizing and dehumanizing, encouraging victims to report crimes and seek support rather than remaining silent out of shame. This language shift is part of INTERPOL's broader Think Twice campaign to raise awareness about online scams and foster a justice system centered on victim dignity.
nbcsandiego.com
San Diego County officials issued holiday fraud warnings as scams targeting seniors increase, with victims in the region losing an average of $30,000 each according to the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report. Scammers use phone calls, texts, emails, and pop-ups impersonating banks, family members, or government agencies to pressure victims into wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift card payments. Since forming the Elder Justice Task Force in 2021, San Diego County has recovered $3.3 million and prosecuted multiple offenders, while officials advise victims to stop engagement, verify contacts independently, and report fraud to local law enforcement or the FBI.
woodlandsonline.com
Seniors lose an estimated $3 billion annually to scams, with fraud spiking during the holiday season through fake e-commerce websites, phishing emails, charity scams, and delivery fraud. The article identifies warning signs for each scam type—such as suspicious URLs, urgent messaging, pushy callers requesting gift card donations, and unsolicited delivery notifications—and recommends protective measures including verifying websites and charities, avoiding clicking links in unsolicited messages, and monitoring financial accounts regularly. Additional safeguards include educating seniors about scams, using strong passwords with two-factor authentication, and leveraging caller ID blocking features.
amsterdamnews.com
Victor Anthony Valdez, a Bronx-based Social Security Administration employee, pleaded guilty in December for his role in a "grandparent scam" targeting elderly New Yorkers and New Jerseyans, in which he collected cash payments from victims who had been deceived by Dominican Republic-based call centers posing as distressed grandchildren or their representatives. The scheme defrauded vulnerable seniors of thousands of dollars each through false claims of arrest or legal troubles. Authorities recommend that older adults verify caller identities through personal questions, keep social media private, avoid transferring money or buying gift cards, and report suspected fraud to local law enforcement or the National Elder Fraud Hotline at
mashable.com
**Scams Expected to Surge in 2025 with Advanced Technology**
Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using stolen personal data, AI-powered deepfakes, and auto-dialing software with AI chatbots to target victims with highly personalized schemes. Cryptocurrency scams—including "pig butchering" (romance baiting) and investment fraud—are expected to proliferate in 2025, with victims losing hundreds of thousands of dollars on average. Security experts advise approaching unsolicited requests with skepticism and distrust rather than assuming legitimacy, as scammers now have access to information from data breaches and social media to make their schemes appear cre
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
A 67-year-old Malaysian woman lost RM2.2 million (approximately Rs 4.3 crore) over nearly a decade in an online dating scam that began in October 2017 when she connected with a scammer posing as an American businessman on Facebook. After he claimed to need travel expenses to relocate to Malaysia, she made 306 bank transfers to 50 different accounts, never meeting or video calling the person despite his repeated requests for money citing various emergencies. The victim only discovered the fraud in November 2024 after discussing the situation with a friend, making this potentially the longest single case of a love scam victim in Malaysia.
fox26houston.com
In 2023, seniors lost $3.4 billion to scams (up 11% from 2022), with an average loss of $34,000, according to FBI data. Common schemes targeting seniors include romance scams and fraudulent gold bar schemes where scammers pose as federal agents. Family members are encouraged to use holiday gatherings to check on seniors for signs of scams—such as secretive behavior, unexplained financial transactions, or unsolicited contact—and to educate them about recognizing red flags like urgent demands for money.
patch.com
San Diego County officials warned seniors about holiday season scams, noting that victims in the area lose an average of $30,000 per incident according to the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report. Scammers use phone calls, texts, emails, and pop-ups impersonating banks, family members, or government agencies, often pressuring victims to wire money, purchase gift cards, or send bitcoin. The county's Elder Justice Task Force, formed in 2021, has recovered $3.3 million and prosecuted multiple criminals, while officials advise potential victims to stop engaging, verify contact information independently, and report incidents to local law enforcement or the FBI.
fincen.gov
FinCEN issued an alert warning the public about fraudsters impersonating FinCEN officials or misusing the agency's name, insignia, and authority to perpetrate financial scams, including schemes exploiting beneficial ownership reporting and the Money Services Business Registration tool. FinCEN emphasized that legitimate officials will never threaten, demand immediate payment, or contact people via unsolicited email, call, or text, and urged the public to report suspected impersonation to the Treasury Inspector General, FTC, and FBI. Victims aged 60 and older can report fraud to the Department of Justice's National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11.
sandiegouniontribune.com
San Diego County officials warn that holiday season scams targeting seniors are increasing, with victims losing an average of $30,000 according to the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report. Scammers use phone calls, texts, emails, and pop-ups impersonating banks, family members, or government agencies to pressure seniors into immediate payments via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. The county's Elder Justice Task Force, formed in 2021, has recovered $3.3 million and prosecuted multiple criminals, while officials recommend victims immediately contact their financial institution and advise people to verify contacts by calling businesses directly or reaching family members through known numbers.
providencejournal.com
During holiday seasons when package deliveries increase, scammers impersonate UPS, FedEx, and USPS through phishing text messages and emails to steal personal and financial information, typically using malicious hyperlinks that direct victims to fraudulent websites. Consumers can identify these scams by watching for distorted logos, grammatical errors, urgent language demanding immediate action, requests for money or personal information, and suspicious links that don't match their stated destinations. Those who receive suspicious delivery messages should not click links and should report them to the Federal Trade Commission or directly to the shipping carriers' fraud departments.
cftc.gov
**Type:** Educational Advisory
**Source:** CFTC Customer Advisory (December 18, 2024)
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission released an advisory urging Americans to make "spotting scams" a 2025 New Year's resolution, as scammers are stealing billions through relationship investment fraud targeting those seeking trading education, wealth growth, or companionship. The advisory recommends three key resolutions: be cautious about trusting online sources (since fraudsters use fake profiles, websites, and testimonials), limit personal information shared on social media, and invest in learning about legitimate trading and market risks. The CFTC emphasizes that any investment promising easy
infosecurity-magazine.com
A network of 792 people, including 148 Chinese, 40 Filipinos, and other foreign nationals, was arrested in Lagos on December 10 in connection with a large-scale cryptocurrency fraud and romance scam operation targeting victims in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Europe. The suspects operated from a sophisticated facility where they trained young Nigerians to conduct romance and investment scams using fake profiles, foreign phone numbers, and phishing techniques, directing victims to a fraudulent platform (yooto.com) where activation fees began at $35. The operation involved over 500 SIM cards and high-end equipment, with the foreign nationals exploiting Nigeria's reputation to establish their
yahoo.com
Senior citizens are increasingly targeted by AI-enabled scams during the holiday season, with voice cloning technology allowing criminals to impersonate loved ones and convincingly request urgent financial assistance. In 2023, scams targeting seniors resulted in nearly $3.5 billion in losses, and the FBI has specifically warned about "grandparent scams" that use cloned voices of family members to deceive victims. As AI tools become more accessible and voice samples are readily available through social media, experts warn that these scams will likely continue to proliferate.
earth.com
This educational article presents research from Binghamton University showing that normal brain aging affects seniors' financial decision-making abilities by shrinking the prefrontal cortex and disrupting the brain regions responsible for math processing and memory retrieval. The study found that age-related cognitive decline increases vulnerability to financial scams, though financial literacy, language skills, and higher socioeconomic status provide some protective effects. Researchers recommend financial education, math practice, and caregiver vigilance as interventions to help older adults maintain financial independence and protect against fraud.
justice.gov
Enorense Izevbigie, a leader of the "Black Axe" crime organization, was extradited from South Africa to face federal charges in New Jersey for operating a decade-long romance scam and advance fee fraud scheme from 2011 to 2021. Izevbigie and his conspirators used fake identities on social media and dating websites to defraud U.S. victims of money and valuables, sometimes threatening to distribute intimate photos to coerce payments, then laundered the proceeds through U.S. bank accounts to South Africa. He faces two counts of wire fraud, wire fraud conspiracy, and money laundering conspiracy, each carrying up to 20 years in prison
yahoo.com
Nigerian authorities arrested 792 suspects, including 148 Chinese and 40 Filipino nationals, in a raid on a Lagos call center that orchestrated romance scams and cryptocurrency fraud targeting victims in the Americas and Europe. The operation lured victims through social media platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram with romantic overtures or fake investment opportunities, then pressured them to transfer money for phoney cryptocurrency schemes and non-existent projects. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission seized computers, phones, and vehicles, and stated it would investigate potential links to organized crime and collaborate with international partners.
abc7.com
Scammers are exploiting the holiday shipping season with "smishing" scams—fake text messages claiming package delivery problems and requesting personal information or credit card details through malicious links. The U.S. Postal Service does not contact customers via text, email, or phone calls about package issues, and customers should instead use legitimate free tracking options like Informed Delivery or USPS text tracking signup. Anyone who clicks suspicious links or shares personal information should report the incident to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.