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app.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers have been sending SMiShing (SMS phishing) text messages impersonating the New Jersey DMV since at least May 2025, threatening recipients with vehicle suspension, credit damage, and increased tolls to coerce immediate payment of alleged unpaid traffic tickets. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission confirmed these fraudulent messages are designed to steal personal and financial information, and emphasized that the legitimate DMV only sends appointment reminder texts and never requests payment or personal details via unsolicited communications. Consumers are advised to avoid clicking links in unexpected texts, visit official websites directly to verify any account issues, and report suspicious messages to the FTC, FBI's IC3, and local cybers
mashable.com
· 2025-12-08
Pig butchering scams are online confidence schemes where cybercriminals build trust with victims (often through romance or friendship) before convincing them to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency opportunities, with the U.S. Attorney's Office recently seizing $225 million in cryptocurrency stolen from 400 victims worldwide. These scams, which operate at an industrial scale from compounds in countries like India, the Philippines, and Myanmar, typically target older Americans and lonely individuals, using fake identities and fabricated investment platforms from which victims cannot withdraw funds. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited contact from strangers online, especially those promoting investment opportunities, and verify the legitimacy of any investment before sending money.
ttnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Multiple states are warning residents about text message scams impersonating state motor vehicle agencies and demanding payment for fraudulent traffic violations or unpaid tolls, threatening driver's license revocation if victims don't pay. The scam has been reported across at least 17 states and represents an evolution of earlier toll-payment scams; the FBI reports text-based scams accounted for $470 million in losses in 2024, with toll scams alone generating $129,624 from nearly 60,000 complaints. State authorities advise residents not to click suspicious links and to contact their state motor vehicle departments directly if they receive threatening messages about unpaid traffic violations.
malwarebytes.com
· 2025-12-08
Malwarebytes research surveying 1,300 people across the US and Europe found that 78% encounter scams on their smartphones at least weekly, with 44% encountering them daily, primarily through email (65%), phone calls/voicemails (53%), text messages (50%), malicious websites (49%), and social media (47%). Despite the high frequency of scam encounters, only 15% of respondents strongly agreed they could confidently identify a scam, highlighting the need for caution when receiving messages from unknown senders or urgent requests for money or personal information.
fox23.com
· 2025-12-08
A Broken Arrow woman testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee about romance scams targeting seniors, sharing how her mother lost $350,000 to a scammer before passing away—a tragedy April Helm attributed directly to the fraud and sleep deprivation tactics used by scammers. Advocates testified that adults lose between $7 billion and $62 billion annually to romance scams, urging Congress to establish a task force and strengthen enforcement measures to prosecute these criminals and protect elderly victims.
fox23.com
· 2025-12-08
A Broken Arrow woman testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee about the rising threat of romance scams targeting seniors, sharing how her mother lost $350,000 to such a scam before her death. The hearing featured multiple advocates presenting data showing Americans lose between $7 billion and $62 billion annually to romance scams, emphasizing the need for federal action including the creation of a task force and stronger protections for elder victims.
bethesdamagazine.com
· 2025-12-08
Montgomery County held a World Elder Abuse Awareness Day event highlighting scams targeting seniors, including tech support impersonation, government impostor schemes, and gold bar frauds. Maryland reported 1,385 complaints of tech support and government imposter scams in 2024 with nearly $30 million in losses—up 41% in complaints and 15% in losses over three years—while 84% of financial exploitation perpetrators were family members. Officials emphasized prevention through account monitoring, power of attorney transparency, and assertiveness in refusing suspicious requests, noting that recovery of scammed funds is rarely possible.
shreveportbossieradvocate.com
· 2025-12-08
Door-to-door solar panel scams in northwest Louisiana have victimized residents with high-pressure sales tactics, leaving some liable for over $40,000 in fraudulent loan repayments for units marketed as "free." Fraud is also evolving to include online scams such as phishing emails, impersonation of law enforcement and government agencies via phone and text, and cryptocurrency and gift card fraud, with Louisiana experiencing nearly $47 million in fraud losses in 2023. Experts recommend protective measures including posting no-soliciting signs and avoiding clicking unknown links, answering unfamiliar calls, or engaging with unrecognized communications.
broadandliberty.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder abuse and fraud targeting seniors remains a persistent problem, with the FBI reporting $4.885 billion in losses from 147,127 complaints in 2024—a 46% increase in complaints and 43% increase in losses compared to 2023. Criminals exploit elderly individuals through various schemes including investment scams, technical support fraud, romance scams, and home invasions, targeting them because they are perceived as polite, trusting, financially stable, and less likely to report crimes. The FBI emphasizes the need for public education about these scams and their devastating financial and emotional impacts on victims and their families.
wftv.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Scammers are sending text messages impersonating Florida's Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles agency, claiming recipients have unpaid traffic tickets and threatening driver's license suspension. The texts contain malicious links designed to steal personal information, and law enforcement advises recipients not to click the links and to report the scams to local authorities.
fox35orlando.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are sending deceptive text messages to Florida drivers claiming they owe unpaid tolls or traffic tickets, using lookalike characters to impersonate the Department of Motor Vehicles and threatening license or registration suspension to pressure victims into clicking malicious links. State authorities warn that legitimate government agencies never contact residents by text for payment—official notices are sent by mail—and urge Floridians to delete such messages and report them to the Florida Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division or FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center.
3dvf.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI has alerted the public to two growing smartphone scams targeting Android and iPhone users: one falsely claiming unpaid tolls requiring immediate payment, and another impersonating government agents threatening legal action. Both scams use spoofed official numbers and fraudulent links to steal personal and banking information, with payments often routed through untraceable methods like cryptocurrency and gift cards, resulting in financial loss, identity theft, and lasting psychological damage to victims. The FBI recommends ignoring urgent payment requests, never sharing personal information over the phone, verifying requests directly with official organizations using verified contact information, and exercising caution with unexpected links.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Ridwan Adeleke Adepoju, a 33-year-old Nigerian national, was sentenced to 43 months in federal prison for operating multiple cyber fraud schemes from Nigeria that targeted U.S. citizens and businesses, including those in the Chicago area. His schemes included phishing scams, romance scams, and fraudulent tax return submissions, utilizing spoofed emails, fake social media accounts, and unwitting money mules to victimize numerous victims. Adepoju was arrested in the United Kingdom, extradited to the U.S., and pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges.
lethbridgeherald.com
· 2025-12-08
**Seniors and Financial Fraud - Overview and Rising Threats**
People age 60 and over lost $3.4 billion combined to fraud in 2023, with scammers increasingly targeting older adults through evolving methods including phone impersonation, online platforms like Facebook, and cryptocurrency schemes. Common scams include the grandparent scam, tech support fraud, romance scams, and investment schemes that exploit seniors' trust and lower technological proficiency. Law enforcement notes that fraudsters now use sophisticated tools and AI to appear more credible, making it essential for seniors to remain vigilant about unsolicited contact and requests for personal or financial information.
theprescotttimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Since January 1, 2025, the Prescott area has experienced over $2 million in reported scam losses, with seniors particularly vulnerable to romance scams, bank impersonation schemes, warrant scams, and gift card fraud. Notable cases include a $632,000 romance scam and gift card losses exceeding $33,000, with scammers using emotional manipulation and pressure tactics to request untraceable payments via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or electronic platforms. The Prescott Police Department urges residents to remain vigilant, hang up on suspicious callers, and contact their 24/7 dispatch line at (928) 445-3131 if they suspect fraud.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Americans lost $1.14 billion to romance scams, with the FBI reporting 17,910 complaints and $672 million in losses in 2024. Scammers build fake online relationships through stolen photos and personas on dating apps and social media, using emotional manipulation ("love bombing") to gain trust before requesting money, gifts, or sensitive information. Victims—who are often lonely, grieving, or trusting—experience lasting emotional and financial damage, with cryptocurrency increasingly used as the payment method due to its difficulty in tracing.
the420.in
· 2025-12-08
Two Indian nationals on student visas, Kishan Rajeshkumar Patel and Dhruv Rajeshbhai Mangukiya, were convicted in a $2.69 million elder fraud scheme targeting at least 25 elderly U.S. citizens through phishing and impersonation of government officials; Patel received 63 months in prison and was arrested in Texas attempting to collect $130,000 in illicit proceeds. The U.S. Embassy in India issued a formal warning that visa holders engaging in illegal activities face immediate visa revocation and permanent ineligibility, highlighting a growing pattern of international student fraud exploited for elder scams.
diyatvusa.com
· 2025-12-08
Two Indian nationals studying in the United States were sentenced to prison for their roles in separate elder fraud schemes targeting elderly Americans. Kishan Rajeshkumar Patel received 63 months for operating as a "money mule" in a phishing scam impersonating federal officials that defrauded at least 25 elderly victims of over $2.6 million, while Moinuddin Mohammed received 8 years for a similar impersonation scheme resulting in nearly $6 million in losses. Both cases highlight growing transnational fraud operations exploiting vulnerable seniors through government impersonation and threats of legal action.
wect.com
· 2025-12-08
The FTC reported $12.5 billion lost to fraud in 2024, with the Social Security Administration being a top target for imposter scams. Scammers are increasingly sophisticated, mimicking federal logos and sending fake links and documents to both younger and older adults, though elderly victims (70+) lose significantly larger dollar amounts. Government agencies never request payment via cryptocurrency, gift cards, or precious metals, and victims should report suspicious activity to the SSA's Office of Inspector General.
the-independent.com
· 2025-12-08
Between April 2024 and April 2025, UK authorities received over 780 reports of "quishing" (QR code phishing) scams, resulting in losses of nearly £3.5 million, with criminals using fraudulent QR codes—particularly stickers placed over legitimate codes in car parks—to direct victims to malicious websites or steal personal and financial information. The scams also target online shopping platforms and impersonate government agencies like HMRC. Action Fraud advises the public to inspect QR codes for tampering before scanning, avoid codes in open spaces like car parks and train stations, and contact organizations directly if uncertain rather than scanning suspicious codes.
virginmedia.com
· 2025-12-08
Smishing is a phishing scam using fake text messages (SMS and messaging apps) to trick recipients into sharing personal or financial information by clicking malicious links that lead to fake websites. Common tactics include messages impersonating banks or service providers claiming account problems, payment issues, free rewards, suspicious activity alerts, or malicious app updates. To protect yourself, watch for red flags like vague greetings ("Dear customer"), spelling/grammar errors, urgent language, suspicious shortened links, and always verify through official channels rather than clicking links in unsolicited messages.
wsbtv.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams defraud victims through fake online relationships, with Americans losing an estimated $1.14 billion in 2023 and the FBI reporting $672 million in losses from 17,910 complaints in 2024. Scammers build emotional trust through "love bombing" on social media and dating apps (40% and 19% of cases respectively), then manipulate victims into sending money, gifts, or cryptocurrency—with crypto transfers showing the highest median losses. These schemes cause lasting emotional and financial damage to vulnerable individuals seeking companionship, with the real toll likely higher due to underreporting.
wxyz.com
· 2025-12-08
The "Remote Job Scam" is resurfacing in metro Detroit with increased frequency, targeting residents through unsolicited text messages offering too-good-to-be-true opportunities (such as $800/week for 1-2 hours of work). One victim, Dina Berry, fell for a pharmaceutical company job offer and received a fraudulent $1,700 check before realizing the scam. The Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General issued a fresh alert warning of imposters claiming SSA affiliation, advising that legitimate job opportunities come only through USA Jobs, and urging people to watch for red flags including unsolicited contact, requests for personal information, and pressure to
ksl.com
· 2025-12-08
Scam Jam, an educational event held in Sandy, Utah, brought together FBI and AARP experts to educate residents about common fraud schemes including romance, internet, cryptocurrency, and tech support scams. The event featured a personal testimony from Rita, who lost several thousand dollars to a romance scam impersonating a celebrity, emphasizing the importance of reporting fraud despite the emotional and financial toll. Utah reported over 150,000 fraud cases totaling $61 million in losses, with experts stressing that fraud prevention through awareness and recognizing red flags is more effective than recovery efforts.
abc7ny.com
· 2025-12-08
Consumer fraud increased 25 percent in 2024, with Americans losing $12.5 billion total, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Common scams include robocalls, phishing emails (particularly fake job recruitment and toll collection schemes), and fraudulent websites mimicking legitimate retailers like Joann Fabrics. Experts recommend using call-blocking apps, verifying email addresses and website URLs, paying by credit card, and considering identity theft protection insurance to help prevent fraud.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Americans lost an estimated $1.14 billion to romance scams, emotional cons in which scammers build fake online relationships to manipulate victims into sending money, gifts, or sensitive information. The FBI reported 17,910 romance scam complaints in 2024 totaling $672 million in losses, with scammers increasingly using cryptocurrency for faster, harder-to-trace payments. These scams typically begin on social media (40%) or dating apps (19%), where perpetrators use stolen photos and fake personas to establish emotional trust through "love bombing" before requesting money from vulnerable targets who feel they are helping a romantic partner in crisis.
wsaz.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans lost $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, with the Social Security Administration being a top target for imposter scams that are becoming increasingly sophisticated, including fake logos, fraudulent emails, and malicious links. The Social Security Administration's Office of Inspector General reports that while younger adults (29 and under) report scams frequently due to unfamiliarity with how government agencies operate, older adults (70-84 and 85+) report similar numbers of scams but lose significantly larger dollar amounts. Real government agencies never request payment via cryptocurrency, gift cards, prepaid cards, or precious metals, and victims should report suspected scams to the SSA's Office of Inspector General.
floridadaily.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, Americans reported over $12.5 billion in fraud losses, with investment and cryptocurrency scams ranking as the top threat (median loss $5,000), followed by employment scams ($1,500 median loss) and romance scams ($6,099 median loss). Active-duty military members are most vulnerable to scams at 55.5%, while Americans aged 35 and older face the highest risk from investment and cryptocurrency schemes, and social media remains the primary channel for reported financial losses. Though fewer Americans fell victim to scams year-over-year (down 14.6%), median losses increased 30%, indicating that victims are losing significantly larger amounts.
wmtv15news.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission reported $12.5 billion lost to fraud in 2024, with the Social Security Administration being a top target for imposter scams. Scammers increasingly use sophisticated tactics including mimicked federal logos, fraudulent texts with fake links, and phishing emails requesting document downloads, targeting both younger adults unfamiliar with government operations and older Americans who report larger dollar losses. The SSA Office of Inspector General warns that legitimate government agencies never request payment via cryptocurrency, gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or precious metals, and urges victims to report suspected scams.
pcmag.com
· 2025-12-08
The US Justice Department filed a civil forfeiture complaint to recover $225.3 million in stolen Tether cryptocurrency from seven virtual currency addresses, with the goal of returning funds to at least 430 victims of cryptocurrency investment scams. The scams, often called "pig butchering," typically begin with contact via text, social media, or dating apps, where perpetrators build rapport before manipulating victims into fake investment schemes; the FBI estimates these frauds caused $9.3 billion in losses in 2024, with seniors over 60 losing approximately $2.8 billion. Victims who believe they were affected are urged to file reports through the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center website
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Sandy Hunter fell victim to a text message toll scam in January after receiving a fraudulent text requesting payment for tolls from her cross-country trip; she clicked the link and made a payment, resulting in $300 in unauthorized purchases on her credit card in California. The scam exploited her hurried state and emotional response to the threat of driver's license suspension, demonstrating how toll text scams are currently common in Utah. Hunter and FBI officials at a Scam Jam awareness event in Salt Lake City advised victims to verify sender information (checking country codes), avoid using debit cards for online payments, and take time to review websites carefully before entering payment information.
diyatvusa.com
· 2025-12-08
Security researchers confirmed a massive data breach exposing over 16 billion login credentials from major platforms including Apple, Google, Facebook, and Telegram, with credentials organized in an easily exploitable format that enables phishing, account takeovers, and identity theft. The freshly stolen data, compiled from multiple infostealers in recent months, represents an unprecedented blueprint for cybercriminals to launch large-scale attacks across social media, government services, and corporate accounts. Experts recommend users immediately change passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, use password managers, monitor dark web services, and consider switching to passkey-based authentication to protect against exploitation.
watfordobserver.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A Watford resident lost £70,000 in a fake job recruitment scam where fraudsters posing as legitimate recruiters convinced victims to complete tasks via an app, then demanded payment equal to earnings before releasing funds. Seven residents across Hertfordshire were scammed in June 2024, totaling £200,000 in losses. Police advise caution with unsolicited job offers via messaging apps and social media, noting that legitimate recruiters never request upfront fees or deposits.
dentonrc.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article presents a quiz-format overview of common elder fraud schemes and prevention strategies, based on insights from a Texas Elder Justice Coalition summit. Key scams covered include romance/pig butchering scams, tech support fraud, impersonation scams using AI, fake lottery schemes, and caregiver theft, with recommendations including reporting to IC3.gov, using family code words, and recognizing warning signs like secretive apps and unusual bank activity.
mashable.com
· 2025-12-08
A compilation of 16 billion exposed passwords made headlines as a historic data breach, but the records were aggregated from multiple previous breaches rather than resulting from a single new hack, making it a "greatest hits" collection of stolen credentials from various sources including phishing scams and malware. While no recent single breach occurred, the consolidation of this data in one location increases risks for phishing scams and identity theft. The article recommends users check Have I Been Pwned to identify compromised accounts, change passwords immediately, and enable multi-factor authentication on all accounts.
ktvz.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Americans lost an estimated $1.14 billion to romance scams, with the FBI reporting 17,910 complaints totaling $672 million in 2024 alone. Romance scammers build fake online relationships on social media and dating platforms to manipulate victims into sending money, gifts, or sensitive information, using emotional manipulation ("love bombing") and moving conversations to private messaging apps to avoid detection. These scams disproportionately affect lonely, grieving, or trusting individuals, and victims experience lasting emotional and financial trauma beyond the immediate monetary loss.
newslj.com
· 2025-12-08
This compilation of scam alerts documents multiple phishing and fraud schemes targeting individuals and organizations: a DocuSign phishing scam redirects victims to a Canva site potentially hosting malware like ScreenConnect; a "phantom payment" email uses hidden text to disguise phishing attempts; a fake "healthcare award" scam impersonates selection for professional programs to solicit video calls; and the University of Wyoming reported voicemail phishing emails with deceptive subject lines and non-audio file attachments. The alerts emphasize that mobile scams are increasingly prevalent, with half of US and UK mobile users encountering scams daily, and advise users to verify sender addresses, avoid clicking
techradar.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI has warned of a new SMS phishing scam targeting US drivers with fake text messages claiming unpaid toll fees are owed, directing recipients to malicious links designed to steal credit card and personal information. The scam mimics Department of Motor Vehicles communications and uses urgent language and threats of legal action to pressure victims into clicking links before they notice red flags like generic greetings, typos, fake sender addresses, and non-existent government agencies. Users are advised to delete suspicious messages immediately, avoid clicking unknown links, and report scams to the FTC or FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
au.pcmag.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are using paid search ads and a technique called "search parameter injection" to redirect customers of major brands like Bank of America, Netflix, Microsoft, PayPal, and Apple to legitimate-looking websites where fraudulent support numbers are displayed in the search bar, tricking users into calling scammers who then attempt to steal personal data, financial information, or remote computer access. Malwarebytes reports a 41% increase in such "malvertising" scams in the US between July and September 2024, with an estimated 90% of perpetrators operating from South and Southeast Asian countries. Users can protect themselves by watching for red flags including urgent language, pre-populated text in
tech.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are using sponsored Google ads and a technique called "search parameter injection" to display fake customer support numbers on legitimate websites for major brands including Netflix, Microsoft, Bank of America, PayPal, Apple, Facebook, and HP. When victims call these fraudulent numbers, scammers impersonate company representatives to steal personal data, financial information, or gain remote access to computers. Malwarebytes reports that malvertising incidents in the US increased 41% between July and September 2024, with an estimated 90% of scammers operating from South and Southeast Asian countries.
ktar.com
· 2025-12-08
This article identifies five prevalent scams currently targeting consumers: AI voice cloning (where scammers impersonate trusted individuals to request money, exemplified by a victim who lost $25,000), fake bank account freezes (one victim lost over $300,000), cryptocurrency investment schemes promoted through social media (a Georgia couple lost $800,000), gold bar scams impersonating law enforcement or banks (a 72-year-old lost $3.1 million), and pet emergency scams. The article provides protective measures for each scam type, emphasizing verification through direct contact, avoiding unsolicited links, skepticism of social media strangers, awareness that legitimate authorities don't request asset conversion
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are creating fake Facebook profiles posing as family members to share fraudulent links to virtual funeral livestreams or donation pages, charging victims £10 or requesting donations that never provide access to genuine services. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute reports this scam has circulated for two years across the UK and Ireland, targeting high-profile deaths and exploiting grieving individuals who often don't report the fraud due to embarrassment or concern for the bereaved family. Legitimate funeral directors never charge for livestreaming, and victims should verify any links directly with the funeral director or family before providing payment or personal information.
nationthailand.com
· 2025-12-08
Thai authorities issued an urgent alert about a new wave of AI-powered voice-cloning scams targeting Thai citizens, where fraudsters use artificial intelligence to mimic the voices of family members, friends, or bosses and demand urgent money transfers by fabricating crises such as accidents or legal troubles. The government emphasized that victims should verify all information before transferring money and report suspected fraud through the Cyber Police hotline (1441) or dedicated website. This scam represents an escalation of existing threats like phishing and romance scams, with the AI technology making it significantly more difficult for victims to detect the deception in the moment.
blog.knowbe4.com
· 2025-12-08
According to the FTC's October 2024 report, Americans lost an estimated $158.3 billion to scams in 2023 (approximately $433 million daily), with roughly 21 million U.S. citizens successfully scammed annually after adjusting for significant under-reporting. The top scams include investment fraud (often initiated through fake text messages leading to cryptocurrency schemes), fake job postings on legitimate employment sites, romance scams enhanced by AI deepfakes, tech support scams impersonating major tech companies, and fake vendor schemes.
liherald.com
· 2025-12-08
Nearly 25 seniors at General Douglas MacArthur Village in Hempstead attended a scam awareness workshop presented by the Office of Crime Victim Advocate on June 9, where they learned to recognize and avoid common fraud schemes including romance scams, identity theft, deed theft, and "grandparent scams." The training, which covered tactics like phishing and bogus official calls that create artificial urgency, statistically reduces victimization risk by 80 percent according to studies. The New Greater Hempstead Chamber of Commerce Committee on Aging continues to provide resources and will host another awareness workshop in September.
jambroadcasting.com
· 2025-12-08
The Dietert Center in Kerrville is offering free scam awareness seminars this week, including an Elder Fraud/Exploitation Seminar on June 24 presented by Texas Partners Bank covering how to identify legitimate bank alerts versus scams, and a Scam Awareness Presentation on June 26 by Kerrville Police Department addressing phishing and other criminal scamming tactics. These educational sessions aim to help community members protect themselves from fraud and exploitation.
techradar.com
· 2025-12-08
Scam robocalls have declined 75% since fall 2021, but financial losses have increased significantly—rising from $692 million in 2021 to $948 million in 2024, with median losses per victim climbing from $1,200 to $1,500. Scammers have become far more efficient by using curated victim lists obtained from data breaches and the dark web, targeting specific customers with convincing impersonation rather than making indiscriminate calls. The article advises individuals to assume their personal information is already exposed and practice skepticism toward unexpected calls by using call-blocking technology and verifying callers through legitimate institutional contact numbers.
techradar.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2025, scammers are expected to leverage AI-driven tactics to conduct increasingly sophisticated fraud, building on the $1.03 trillion stolen in 2024. The article identifies five emerging scams including AI-powered robocalls with cloned voices, SIM swap attacks targeting two-factor authentication weaknesses, and OTP bot attacks, while noting common warning signs such as unsolicited urgent communications, requests for money transfers or app downloads, and suspicious video or audio inconsistencies. Consumers are advised to recognize these red flags and use enhanced security tools to protect themselves against evolving fraud schemes.
clickorlando.com
· 2025-12-08
Cindy Burns of Winter Springs, Florida, lost $15,000 to scammers who impersonated bank and Apple employees through a text message phishing scheme, ultimately convincing her to convert the money to Bitcoin. The Federal Trade Commission reported Americans lost $12.8 billion to fraud last year, with imposter scams ranking third; experts emphasize that social engineering exploits trust and manipulation to compromise personal information. To protect yourself, independently verify suspicious account alerts by calling official numbers directly, never provide information to unsolicited callers, and immediately recognize cryptocurrency conversion requests as likely scams.
sg.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
While reported U.S. losses to online and phone scams reached over $50 billion in 2023, actual losses may exceed $100 billion when accounting for the 80-90% of incidents that go unreported. WhatSpam, an AI-powered app launched in 2025, aims to protect Americans by blocking spam and scam calls, texts, and emails before they reach users, using artificial intelligence to counter increasingly sophisticated AI-generated scams while maintaining user privacy by storing data locally on devices.