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paturnpike.com
· 2025-12-08
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is warning of a resurgent smishing scam in which fraudulent text messages claiming to be from "Pennsylvania Turnpike Toll Services" trick recipients into clicking links and sharing personal financial information by threatening additional charges for overdue tolls. The scam targets random individuals and mirrors similar schemes reported by toll agencies nationwide. Consumers should verify account information only through official channels like the PA Turnpike website or app, and report suspicious messages to the FTC or FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
floridapolitics.com
· 2025-12-08
From 2013 to 2015, Evaldas Rimasauskas conducted a Business Email Compromise (BEC) scam by impersonating the vendor Quanta Computer Inc., sending fraudulent invoices to Google and Facebook that totaled over $100 million in payments. Rimasauskas was arrested in 2019 and sentenced to five years in prison, but his scheme has since inspired numerous copycat criminals targeting municipalities and businesses, with recent incidents in Florida resulting in losses exceeding $1 million in at least one case, though some institutions have successfully blocked fraudulent transactions.
centraloregondaily.com
· 2025-12-08
The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation issued a holiday season alert warning consumers about gift card scams, where criminals contact victims via phone, text, email, or social media to trick them into purchasing gift cards and surrendering the card numbers and PIN codes. Common scammer tactics include creating false urgency, impersonating government agencies, tech companies, family members, or utility providers, and remaining on the phone while victims purchase cards to prevent discovery. Consumers are advised to ignore pressure to act quickly, never share gift card numbers or photos, and verify emergency claims by contacting the person directly.
technobezz.com
· 2025-12-08
Text message scams, or "smishing" attacks, are rising in sophistication and include fake bank alerts, fake prize notifications, impersonation of friends/family requesting money, and fraudulent delivery notices. These scams exploit urgency and emotional triggers to steal personal information and funds. Protection strategies include never clicking suspicious links or providing sensitive information via text, verifying requests through official channels, enabling two-factor authentication, and contacting companies directly using verified contact information.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
U.S. and Canadian law enforcement officials met at the 2024 Cross Border Crime Forum to strengthen their partnership on issues including foreign interference, election security, cybercrime, and transnational crime. The Ministers discussed enhancing collaboration on combating malign foreign actors who conduct electoral interference, steal trade secrets, and engage in transnational repression, while also reaffirming commitment to protecting democratic processes and data security. This meeting builds on the "Statement of Partnership to Prevent, Investigate, Prosecute, and Disrupt Cross-Border Crime" signed at the previous year's forum.
cpapracticeadvisor.com
· 2025-12-08
wxyz.com
· 2025-12-08
Overpayment scams—in which fraudsters send fake checks or donations and pressure victims to return the "excess" amount—continue to evolve beyond job offers to target non-profits, according to consumer advocates and Better Business Bureau experts. Recent victims include job seekers who were asked to purchase equipment with fraudulent checks and wire refunds via Bitcoin, and a Detroit non-profit that received a fake $7,000 donation with a request to return funds via wire transfer. Red flags include unsolicited job offers, requests for payment through cryptocurrency or specific accounts, and pressure to refund money quickly before checks clear.
mycentraloregon.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS and Security Summit warned tax professionals to guard against evolving identity theft schemes targeting their businesses and clients, including fraudsters posing as new clients via phishing emails, fake calls and texts, and attempts to steal sensitive tax information like Central Authorization File (CAF) numbers and practitioner credentials. These scams threaten both tax professionals and their elderly and vulnerable clients who may be victims of fraudulent tax return filings. The warning is part of an annual awareness campaign called "Protect Your Clients; Protect Yourself" aimed at educating tax professionals on security threats and identity theft prevention.
greenevillesun.com
· 2025-12-08
A Greene County woman lost $4,500 to a phone scam in which a caller impersonating "Captain Rader" claimed she had missed jury duty and threatened to sign a warrant, then directed her to send money via Bitcoin kiosk. Additionally, fraudulent letters purporting to be from a nonexistent "Clerk's Property Office" are circulating in the area, charging $89 for deed copies that are available free or cheaply through legitimate county Register of Deeds offices.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are launching over 300 fake ticketing websites and perpetrating various scams targeting Paris Olympics attendees, including phishing sites mimicking official Olympic platforms to steal credit card information and personal data. Beyond ticket fraud, scammers are creating fake accommodation listings, hacking public wifi networks to intercept data, and targeting tourists for physical theft of phones, wallets, and valuables. Experts recommend booking through official channels, using paid mobile roaming instead of public wifi, minimizing devices brought abroad, and avoiding unsolicited street interactions to mitigate fraud risk.
autoremarketing.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS warned car dealerships to remain vigilant against phishing and smishing scams where fraudsters impersonate IRS representatives to trick recipients into clicking malicious links, downloading malware, or providing personal and financial information. The agency advised businesses to avoid clicking unsolicited email and text links, enable multi-factor authentication, and verify sender identity through independent contact methods to protect against these attacks and potential ransomware infections.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Larry's Law, which took effect in Virginia on July 1, was named after Larry Cook, who lost over $3 million to an online phishing scam in 2020-2021 through more than 70 wire transfers to Thailand. The law, unanimously passed as House Bill 692 and signed by Governor Glenn Youngkin in April, requires financial institutions to train employees to recognize financial exploitation and allows banks to contact emergency contacts when suspicious activity is detected. This legislation addresses a critical gap in elder fraud prevention, as Virginia reported 2,475 elder fraud complaints totaling over $94 million in losses in 2023.
rock929rocks.com
· 2025-12-08
A 42-year-old man, Weikai Zhang, was arrested in Florida after attempting to defraud a 74-year-old woman through a phone scam where he convinced her that her bank account was at risk and persuaded her to purchase over 13 pounds of gold (valued at approximately $500,000) for delivery to her home, which he then planned to steal. Law enforcement officers learned of the scheme before the package arrived and apprehended Zhang near the victim's residence, preventing the loss of her life savings.
chicagotribune.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS warns of exponentially growing tax scams targeting vulnerable populations, including the elderly, through social media misinformation about tax credits and fraudulent phone calls or texts from impersonators claiming to collect debts. Common schemes include viral videos promoting false "free money" claims that result in frivolous tax filings with penalties, and scammers impersonating IRS agents using scare tactics, though the legitimate IRS initiates contact via mail and does not threaten immediate legal action. Taxpayers should verify information through official IRS channels (1-800-829-1040) or visit in-person centers rather than relying on social media advice.
kdhlradio.com
· 2025-12-08
A text and phone scam impersonating the Minnesota Department of Transportation is circulating in Grand Marais and Cook County in northern Minnesota, falsely claiming victims owe $35 in late fees for express lane usage and directing them to fraudulent payment links. The Minnesota Department of Transportation had previously warned about this scam in June, and officials note the messages appear convincing; scammers have also made multiple follow-up calls to victims even after being blocked. Residents are advised to avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages and to verify urgent notifications through official channels.
standard-freeholder.com
· 2025-12-08
This editorial discusses common online scams affecting people of all ages, including e-transfer fraud (where scammers gain access to bank accounts after sending overpayments), dating site romance scams (where scammers build false relationships to solicit money), credit card theft, cryptocurrency investment schemes, and Facebook account duplication scams. The author emphasizes the need for vigilance when conducting online transactions, dating, and financial dealings, recommending verification of identities, use of secure platforms, and skepticism toward offers that seem too good to be true.
buckeyecountry943.iheart.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:** Amy received a text message claiming she had unpaid tolls with a link to pay thousands of dollars in fines. Though she recognized suspicious elements in the message that indicated it was a scam, the tactic could be effective against people who occasionally use toll roads and might not immediately question such a notification. This type of phishing scam exploits victims' uncertainty about toll payments they may have forgotten.
kkco11news.com
· 2025-12-08
The Mesa County Sheriff's Office warned the public about a phishing scam in which drivers receive fraudulent text messages claiming they have outstanding express toll charges and requesting personal information. The scam messages do not originate from ExpressToll or the E-470 Public Highway Authority, and legitimate toll fees are never collected via text message or unsolicited requests. Authorities advise recipients not to click links or provide personal information if they receive such messages.
three.fm
· 2025-12-08
Manx Telecom warned that fraudsters are sending phishing emails to manx.net users claiming their accounts will be closed, with malicious links designed to steal passwords and personal data. The company advises users to simply delete these emails rather than clicking the links. This type of credential-harvesting scam targets email account access through fake account closure threats.
the-star.co.ke
· 2025-12-08
In the first three months of 2024, 80 percent of Kenyans were targeted by digital fraud schemes, though 72 percent successfully avoided victimization while 8 percent fell victim, according to a TransUnion Consumer Pulse Survey. Vishing (fraudulent phone calls) emerged as the most prevalent scam at 45 percent, followed by money/gift card scams and smishing (fraudulent texts) at 44 percent each, with all three methods increasing compared to 2023. The survey emphasizes that 91 percent of Kenyans remain concerned about sharing personal information due to privacy invasion and identity theft fears, highlighting the need for stronger security protocols and digital awareness
thesenior.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Money recovery scams are targeting previous fraud victims with offers to retrieve lost funds for upfront fees or percentages. Between December 2023 and May 2024, Australia's Scamwatch received 158 reports totaling over $2.9 million in losses, with adults aged 65 and older representing the largest victim group and suffering the highest average losses. Scammers impersonate government agencies, lawyers, and recovery services via multiple channels, requesting personal information and device access, while legitimate recovery is difficult since only law enforcement can seize criminal assets.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
**Amazon Prime Day Scam Spike (July 16-17)**
During Amazon Prime Day, scam reports to Amazon spike dramatically—last year rising from approximately 5,000 to over 14,000 per week—as cybercriminals exploit shoppers' eagerness for deals through phishing emails, text messages (smishing), fake product reviews, and counterfeit merchandise posed as legitimate third-party seller listings. Criminals also create lookalike websites to steal personal information, and the psychological urgency of time-limited deals makes consumers more vulnerable to fraudulent activity, with abnormally low prices on expensive items serving as a red flag for counterfeit products that
trendmicro.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, cryptocurrency-related crimes evolved significantly, with ransomware attacks reaching a record $1 billion in extorted payments despite impacting fewer victims, while money laundering via crypto decreased 29.5% to $22.2 billion and stolen cryptocurrency funds fell 54.3% to $1.7 billion compared to 2022. The shifts reflect criminals adapting methods—increasingly using DeFi protocols and gambling services for laundering—even as crypto platforms and law enforcement improved security and recovery capabilities.
jamn1075.iheart.com
· 2025-12-08
This article is not relevant to the Elderus database. It is promotional content for The Jubal Show, a radio program featuring entertainment, pop culture, and prank content. It contains no information about scams, fraud, elder abuse, or related topics and should not be summarized for this research database.
jewishvoicesnj.org
· 2025-12-08
A cybersecurity expert fell victim to a phishing scam involving a fake email appearing to be from his domain name registrar, warning of a declined payment. After entering his credit card information on a fraudulent website, he quickly discovered the deception by checking the browser's address bar and immediately contacted his bank to block the card, preventing unauthorized charges to Apple Pay. The incident illustrates how scammers exploit emotional triggers and familiarity with legitimate vendors, emphasizing the importance of verifying website URLs and checking for security indicators before entering sensitive information online.
houstonlanding.org
· 2025-12-08
Following Hurricane Beryl's devastation of the Houston area, officials warned residents to be cautious of scammers posing as contractors or disaster aid representatives seeking personal information or upfront payments. The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved a disaster declaration allowing residents to apply for federal aid, but the Federal Trade Commission advises verifying caller identity, avoiding clicking unknown links, hiring only licensed and insured contractors, and reporting suspicious activity to ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Scammers exploit post-disaster vulnerability through phone calls, texts, emails, and door-to-door solicitations using urgent language and threats to manipulate vulnerable residents.
pcworld.com
· 2025-12-08
Phishing is a social engineering scam where cybercriminals trick users into revealing sensitive data or installing malware by impersonating legitimate companies or individuals. Phishing attacks increased 58.2 percent globally from 2022 to 2023, with common types including email phishing, spear phishing (targeted at specific individuals), whaling (targeting executives), calendar phishing, and QR code phishing. Users should be cautious of unsolicited emails and invites claiming account issues, verify sender authenticity, and avoid clicking links or scanning QR codes from unknown sources.
fredericksburgfreepress.com
· 2025-12-08
Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office reports ongoing impersonation scams where callers falsely claim to be law enforcement, threatening arrest over alleged warrants, missed jury duty, or unpaid fines unless the victim pays immediately. The sheriff's office clarifies they never contact residents by phone requesting payment and advises recipients of suspicious calls to hang up and verify by contacting the office directly at 540-582-7115.
fox13news.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are conducting a phishing scam targeting iCloud users through text messages that appear to be from Apple, directing victims to a fake login page (signin.authen-connexion.info/icloud) to steal their email addresses and passwords. Once compromised, victims lose access to their iCloud accounts, which contain sensitive information including email passwords, banking details, and personal photos. Cybersecurity experts recommend enabling two-factor authentication, using unique passwords for each account, and verifying that links end with legitimate company domains (apple.com) to protect against these attacks.
apnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A Syracuse University study of over 2,200 political ad groups found that weak social media regulations enabled widespread scams targeting voters, particularly older Americans. Fraudulent ads promised free Trump merchandise (flags, coins) in exchange for credit card information for shipping, then charged victims $80 or more without authorization; researchers identified networks of deceptive pages that shared creators and quickly regenerated when removed, primarily seeking to harvest personal financial data rather than support candidates. The $19 million in ads were viewed over 1 billion times across Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, with Meta removing most of the identified scam network after researcher notification, though similar ads persisted on other platforms.
pymnts.com
· 2025-12-08
OCC official Hsu addressed the Financial Literacy and Education Commission, noting that while artificial intelligence enables new fraud methods, traditional scams remain prevalent, particularly those involving fraudsters impersonating banks or government agencies to trick victims into wire transfers that cannot be recovered. Banks can prevent such fraud through verification of wiring instructions, identity confirmation, authentication controls, customer education about trending scams, and staff training to identify unusual transactions. Financial institutions should also maintain strong internal controls, file timely Suspicious Activity Reports, and offer personal support to defrauded customers, as effective fraud prevention builds consumer trust and confidence in the banking system.
coinfomania.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Coinbase users fell victim to a sophisticated impersonation scam in which fraudsters sent phishing emails posing as customer support representatives, directing victims to fake websites to steal their cryptocurrency seed phrases. One high-profile victim lost $1.7 million, and at least four users were targeted; the scammers likely exploited data from a 2022 CoinTracker breach. In the first half of 2024, crypto phishing attacks resulted in over $900 million in losses, with experts urging users to never share seed phrases or private keys regardless of who requests them.
thetimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters are increasingly using AI-generated deepfakes to impersonate FTSE company chief executives in sophisticated "CEO scams," with at least six major UK companies including WPP, discoverIE, and Octopus Energy targeted in 2024, according to cybersecurity experts who warn the true number of attacks is likely much higher. The scam typically begins with WhatsApp messages using the executive's official photo, followed by cloned voice notes instructing employees to transfer funds urgently for confidential acquisitions while maintaining secrecy, with voice cloning software and other AI tools now readily available to criminals through dark web marketplaces. These attacks represent a significant gap in UK
timesofsandiego.com
· 2025-12-08
Assemblywoman Laurie Davies is hosting two Senior Scam Stopper educational events on July 10 in San Diego County in response to rising elder fraud, with law enforcement and local officials presenting information on tech scams and prevention strategies. San Diego County seniors lost approximately $97.3 million to elder scams in 2023, with over 77,000 Californians targeted by internet fraud that year. Both events will feature demonstrations, educational materials, and representatives from the Elder Justice Task Force available to answer questions.
dcsheriff.net
· 2025-12-08
The Publisher's Clearing House scam targets older adults through unsolicited phone calls, texts, or emails falsely claiming they have won millions of dollars and requesting thousands of dollars in "taxes" or "processing fees" via wire transfer, gift cards, or digital payment methods. The article advises that legitimate winnings never require upfront payment, and victims should verify claims with trusted sources and hang up if scammers pressure them to pay immediately.
jewishaz.com
· 2025-12-08
The National Council on Aging identifies five major scams responsible for over 65% of reported incidents targeting seniors, including government impersonation, sweepstakes/lottery schemes, robocalls, grandparent scams, and romance scams—with emerging threats like deepfake technology and pandemic-related fraud. Protection strategies include verifying caller identity, avoiding personal information sharing, and staying informed through resources like the FTC's "Pass It On" campaign and AARP Fraud Watch Network, while community education and family communication serve as the most effective defenses.
fcpdnews.wordpress.com
· 2025-12-08
Law enforcement impersonation scams involve fraudsters contacting victims by phone or email, claiming to be police officers and demanding immediate payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers to resolve fictitious legal obligations, using threats of arrest to coerce compliance. Fairfax County Police advise verifying caller identity independently, never providing payment or personal information to unsolicited callers, and remembering that legitimate law enforcement never demands immediate payment through alternative financial methods. Victims should report suspected scams to the Fairfax County Police Financial Crimes Unit's online portal or non-emergency line at 703-691-2131.
freep.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
During Amazon Prime Day 2024 (July 16-17) and concurrent summer sales events at other retailers, scammers target deal-seeking consumers through fake websites and fraudulent schemes to steal money and personal information. In 2023, online shopping fraud resulted in 376,460 FTC complaints with median losses of $126 per victim and total losses exceeding $397 million, highlighting the risks consumers face during peak shopping events.
walb.com
· 2025-12-08
Summer is peak season for fraud, with consumers reporting over $10 billion in losses to scams annually. The FTC warns of common summer schemes including fake vacation rentals, hotel payment scams, counterfeit concert tickets, fraudulent cruise offers, and smishing texts about unpaid tolls—all designed to steal money and personal information from travelers. Consumers should use reputable booking sites, verify listings, call businesses directly rather than responding to unsolicited contacts, and monitor financial accounts regularly for signs of identity theft.
irs.gov
· 2025-12-08
The IRS and Security Summit partners launched their annual "Protect Your Clients; Protect Yourself" awareness campaign warning tax professionals about evolving scams targeting their businesses and client data. Identity thieves are using multiple schemes including posing as new clients, phishing emails requesting Central Authorization File information, and phone/text campaigns to trick tax professionals into revealing sensitive information that could be used to file fraudulent tax returns. Tax professionals are advised to remain vigilant year-round against these threats, with the IRS offering educational forums and resources to help the tax professional community strengthen their security defenses.
krfofm.com
· 2025-12-08
A resident received a phishing text message impersonating the Illinois Tollway, claiming an unpaid toll of $7.59 with threatened additional charges of $75.90, and nearly fell for the scam before realizing it was fraudulent. The Illinois Tollway warns I-PASS customers to disregard such texts and instead verify account status directly through their website or customer service line at 1-800-UC-IPASS.
knoe.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating Feeding America and other legitimate senior food assistance programs through phishing calls and texts, claiming to offer free food to seniors. The Better Business Bureau warns recipients to verify that calls are from credited organizations before providing personal information. Legitimate senior food programs include Commodity Supplemental Food Programs, senior food box programs, and SNAP; anyone who suspects they've been scammed should contact the BBB at (318)-387-4600.
edhat.com
· 2025-12-08
Senator Monique Limón hosted a Senior Scam Prevention Seminar on July 9 at the Goleta Community Center, presented by multiple California state departments including Insurance, Financial Protection & Innovation, Consumer Affairs, and the Department of Justice. The educational event featured expert panelists discussing how to detect scams and protect against fraud using the latest scam tactics.
foxbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
Job scam reports surged 118% in 2023 compared to 2022, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center, with artificial intelligence enabling scammers to create increasingly convincing fake job postings, profiles, and company websites. Victims were typically lured through legitimate job platforms, moved to private communication channels, and then asked to provide sensitive personal information like driver's licenses and Social Security numbers under the guise of standard onboarding procedures. The ITRC recommends directly contacting companies by phone using verified contact information to confirm job opportunities and protect against these AI-enhanced scams.
wvua23.com
· 2025-12-08
Online vehicle purchase scams are increasing, where fraudsters post fake listings with photos and addresses to trick buyers into wiring deposits for vehicles that don't exist or are never delivered. Recent victims in Alabama, Utah, and Missouri lost between $25,000 and $36,000 each after transferring funds based on fraudulent contracts and dealer credentials. To protect themselves, buyers should verify the vehicle's VIN through services like CarFax, inspect the car in person, and avoid electronic transfers in favor of cashier's checks.
businessinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
A 70-year-old retired man lost approximately $256,470 to an investment scam after being referred by a friend to what appeared to be a legitimate financial company; the scammers posed as investment professionals, encouraged him to take out lines of credit and invest in bitcoin, and charged steep commissions before he discovered forged emails and other red flags. Despite enlisting a lawyer and private investigator (who traced scammers to Bulgaria and the US), Bank of America cleared fraudulent checks despite being alerted to the fraud, leaving him with only $20,000 remaining after legal fees. The victim emphasizes that the lack of government oversight and institutional safeguards—noting his local police department ha
koaa.com
· 2025-12-08
A new wave of text message scams (smishing) is targeting toll road users in Denver, impersonating services like ExpressToll and E-470 to collect sensitive personal and financial data. The FBI advises recipients to report the scams to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, verify accounts through official websites, contact legitimate customer service numbers, and secure their information if they clicked links or shared data.