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foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
**Amazon Phishing Email Scam**
Scammers send fraudulent emails impersonating Amazon, claiming account lockouts, suspicious logins, or unverified purchases to trick recipients into clicking malicious links and entering login credentials or payment information. Users can verify authentic Amazon communications by checking their Amazon Message Center (accessible via the website or app), and should watch for red flags including spoofed sender addresses, spelling errors, generic greetings, suspicious links, and IP address-style URLs.
cointelegraph.com
· 2025-12-08
In Q2, cryptocurrency users experienced a rise in sophisticated "psychologically manipulative" scams that shifted from technical hacking to social engineering tactics, according to blockchain security firm SlowMist. Attack methods included malicious browser extensions disguised as security plugins (like "Osiris"), tampered hardware wallets sold via fake lottery offers or social media, and phishing websites cloning legitimate services—with one victim losing $6.5 million from a compromised cold wallet purchased on TikTok. These attacks exploit user anxiety and urgency rather than advanced technical exploits, manipulating victims into revealing sensitive information like private keys and seed phrases.
working.wisc.edu
· 2025-12-08
paloaltoonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Palo Alto police and FBI officials held an educational seminar at Mitchell Park Community Center to help seniors prevent scams, as the nation faced a record $16.6 billion in scam losses in the previous year—a 33% increase. Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, led by Deputy Bob Yee, is expanding fraud prevention seminars throughout the region, teaching participants to identify the five most common senior scams involving impersonation: person-in-need/grandparent scams, financial services fraud, government impersonation, tech support scams, and romance scams. Experts advise seniors to hang up on suspicious callers, verify requests by contacting organizations directly, and remember
firstcoastnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A Putnam County woman lost over $7,500 and her car to a romance scam in which a fraudster impersonated actor Jason Momoa through Facebook and messaging apps, using AI-generated videos to build trust before requesting money via Bitcoin and CashApp. Romance scams are increasingly costly across Florida, with the FTC reporting over 42,000 reports in 2023 alone resulting in $823 million in nationwide losses, and scammers now employing sophisticated technology including deepfake videos and cloned faces. Experts recommend verifying digital contacts' identities, avoiding sharing personal information, never sending money to unknown individuals, and immediately reporting suspected scams to law enforcement an
indianexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
Three men from Jharkhand were arrested for operating a phishing and identity theft scam that defrauded a 49-year-old Delhi resident of Rs 10.8 lakh (approximately $13,000 USD) by impersonating a bank and requesting KYC updates via fake links. The sophisticated operation involved spoofed calls, malicious apps to intercept OTPs, and laundering stolen funds through gaming apps and digital wallets using mule accounts and fake SIM cards. Police recovered multiple devices and linked the accused to additional complaints through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
bbc.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A Facebook scam targeting holiday-goers used a fake website advertising half-price cabin stays, directing victims to the North York Moors National Park Authority's headquarters in Helmsley using a fabricated address. Multiple tourists fell victim after seeing ads on Facebook, with the genuine cabin's owner reporting the scam had been operating since May and receiving 2-3 complaints weekly. The National Park also warned of a separate QR code scam targeting car park payment systems, where fraudsters placed fake stickers over legitimate signage to redirect users to fraudulent payment pages.
komando.com
· 2025-12-08
Tens of thousands of Americans have lost significant sums investing in fraudulent Chinese stocks promoted through fake financial reports, false influencer endorsements, and fabricated news stories on social media platforms like Reddit and TikTok. Notable victims include a Texas investor who lost over $40,000, a Florida teacher who lost her entire retirement savings to a nonexistent company, and an Illinois man who lost his children's college fund. To protect yourself, avoid "secret tips" promising high returns, verify information through trusted sources like the SEC and Bloomberg rather than social media, and be skeptical of hype-driven investment promotion.
paducahsun.com
· 2025-12-08
I cannot summarize this content. The text appears to be a collection of generic error messages and account management notifications from a website or application, not an article or transcript about fraud, scams, or elder abuse. Please provide an actual news article, report, or transcript related to elder fraud for summarization.
paloaltoonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Palo Alto and Santa Clara County law enforcement hosted educational seminars in spring to help seniors recognize and prevent scams, as the country experienced a record $16.6 billion in scam losses in the previous year—a 33% increase. The top five scams targeting seniors involve impersonation: grandparent scams (fake emergencies using AI voice replication), financial services impersonation, government imposter scams, tech support fraud, and romance scams, with warning signs including rushed calls demanding secrecy and threats. Experts advise seniors to hang up on suspicious calls, verify requests directly with the entity, and remember that legitimate institutions never request sensitive information or demand immediate
pcworld.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article explains that while scams predate the internet, digital platforms have enabled fraudsters to operate faster through multiple channels like fake texts, emails, and malicious websites. The key advice provided by ethical hacker Mike Danseglio is to adopt a default mindset of suspicion and always verify requests by contacting organizations directly using independently sourced contact information rather than following links or phone numbers provided in unsolicited messages. Additional security practices include maintaining updated antivirus software, using password managers, and limiting personal information shared online.
timeslive.co.za
· 2025-12-08
The Soweto Home for the Aged in Jabavu has prevented multiple cases of elder exploitation through its strict assessment procedures, identifying scammers—including fake relatives and posing good Samaritans—who attempt to deceive vulnerable seniors into signing away homes, possessions, and government grants. Centre manager Phumlani Makhaye reports that home visits and verification procedures have exposed suspicious behavior, with would-be exploiters often disappearing when asked to provide proof of addresses or family relationships. The facility is collaborating with local police and urging community members to report information about elderly residents' real relatives to help protect seniors from abuse and prevent illegal grant collection.
kzyx.org
· 2025-12-08
**Government Impersonation Scam Alert - Mendocino County**
The Mendocino County Sheriff's Office issued a public alert on July 3, 2025, regarding a surge in fraudulent phone calls and emails targeting senior citizens, in which scammers falsely claim victims have missed court summonses or have arrest warrants issued against them and demand personal information or money. Most reported victims recognized the fraud and did not comply, but authorities urge the public to verify any legal concerns independently through official government contact information and to recognize that legitimate agencies never demand payment via phone for warrants or fines.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro announced a civil complaint against cryptocurrency stolen through a Business Email Compromise scheme in which a scammer impersonating Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee Co-Chair Steve Witkoff defrauded a donor of $250,300 in cryptocurrency on December 26, 2024. The scammer, located in Nigeria, used a fraudulent email address with a lowercase "L" substituted for an uppercase "I" to appear legitimate, and laundered the funds through multiple wallets before the FBI recovered $40,300 through blockchain analysis. Law enforcement urges donors to carefully verify email addresses and website URLs before sending cryptocurrency,
yubanet.com
· 2025-12-08
PG&E customers reported over $190,000 in losses to utility scams during 2025, with scammers impersonating utility representatives and threatening service disconnection unless immediate payment is made via prepaid debit cards or digital payment apps. PG&E has received over 10,000 scam reports affecting residential and business customers, with vulnerable populations including seniors and small business owners being targeted. PG&E advises customers never to provide financial information over the phone or email, and to report suspicious contacts by calling 1-833-500-SCAM or visiting www.pge.com/scams.
corporate.target.com
· 2025-12-08
Hiring scams target job seekers by impersonating Target employees or recruitment agencies through text or email, using fake or outdated job postings to solicit recruitment fees or steal personal information. Target only posts legitimate job opportunities on corporate.target.com/careers or through Workday, and will never request personal information via text message. Recipients of suspected recruitment scams should report them as spam on the platform where they received the message.
partnersgroup.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article warns against rising scams impersonating trusted organizations like Partners Group and provides protective measures for potential victims. Key advice includes staying alert to unsolicited contacts, independently verifying company information, and immediately reporting suspected fraud to law enforcement and banks, while Partners Group clarifies it does not solicit investments via phone, email, or social media, and does not offer cryptocurrency investments or conduct business through unauthorized social messaging accounts.
dvidshub.net
· 2025-12-08
Between May 2009 and March 2010, U.S. Strategic Command detected a widespread phishing campaign targeting servicemembers who were financial customers of USAA and Navy Federal Credit Union, with fraudulent emails requesting personal information such as Social Security numbers, account numbers, passwords, and identification details. Although the emails contained official-looking logos and headers designed to appear legitimate, both financial institutions confirmed they never request such information via email. Stratcom officials urged servicemembers to protect personal information, verify requests through official channels, maintain updated security software, and monitor bank statements for suspicious activity.
wftv.com
· 2025-12-08
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is warning the public about a scam involving fraudulent text messages impersonating the DMV, which falsely claim recipients have unpaid traffic tickets and direct them to fake websites designed to look legitimate. The FBI is investigating the scheme, which has generated 450 complaints in Florida (70 from Orange County), with scammers attempting to collect fake fines and extract personal banking information from victims, including one incident where a victim's daughter nearly provided her full bank account number before stopping herself. Authorities advise recipients to ignore these messages, avoid clicking links or sharing financial information, and contact the DMV directly or report the fraud to local law enforcement if concerned.
kashmirreader.com
· 2025-12-08
The Cyber Cell of District Police Kupwara successfully solved multiple online financial fraud cases and recovered Rs 11,06,555.82 from victims including civilians, government employees, and defense personnel who fell prey to job scams, fake investment schemes, fraudulent KYC requests, and impersonation fraud. Police recovered funds through digital evidence collection, coordination with financial institutions, and advanced cyber tactics, and are warning the public to avoid common online threats including digital arrest scams, fake trading platforms, malicious loan apps, and fraudulent calls impersonating telecom companies.
cnynews.com
· 2025-12-08
In early July, Wappinger Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini warned residents of a phishing scam in which fraudsters impersonated Planning and Zoning Department officials using fake email addresses to pressure residents into wire transferring money under the false pretense of being added to Planning Board agendas. Fortunately, no community members fell victim to the scheme; the town clarified it never requests wire transfers or online payments for board agenda placement and urged residents to report suspicious communications to Town Hall.
news.shib.io
· 2025-12-08
Paul Davis, a 43-year-old Southampton resident, lost approximately $255 (£200) to an AI deepfake romance scam in which fraudsters impersonated actress Jennifer Aniston through manipulated images, videos, and "love bombing" messages, ultimately convincing him to purchase non-refundable Apple gift cards. Davis also reported being targeted by similar deepfake schemes featuring Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk over a five-month period, and the article notes a French woman lost approximately $850,000 in a comparable Brad Pitt deepfake romance scam. AI-driven romance scams increasingly target elderly individuals and those with limited technological
cryptorank.io
· 2025-12-08
WhiteRock founder Ildar Ilham was arrested by UAE law enforcement for his alleged involvement in the ZKasino exit scam that defrauded investors of $30 million in presale funds for a purportedly decentralized gambling platform. Ilham will be extradited to the Netherlands to face criminal charges, and investigators found evidence linking him to the WhiteRock cryptocurrency project through suspicious fund transfers and transactions commingling ZKasino stolen funds. The arrest follows the earlier apprehension of co-conspirator Elham Nourzai in April 2024, and concerns remain that WhiteRock itself may be another fraudulent project given its anonymous team
inkl.com
· 2025-12-08
Legitimate $1,400 deposits appearing in some Americans' bank accounts are Recovery Rebate Credits for unclaimed 2021 pandemic payments, not a new "fourth stimulus" as social media claims suggest. Scammers are exploiting confusion around these deposits and unfounded speculation about a potential "DOGE dividend" by running smishing campaigns that trick people into paying fees or verifying identity to access nonexistent stimulus funds. The IRS warns that unexpected tax refund promises are among the year's most common scams, and consumers should verify deposits directly through official IRS channels and never pay upfront fees.
vocal.media
· 2025-12-08
The Health 2.0 Conference highlighted healthcare fraud as a rapidly growing threat targeting seniors, who are vulnerable due to complex medical needs, digital disadvantages, and social isolation that scammers exploit through fake insurance plans, Medicare billing fraud, telehealth scams, and spoofed portals. Healthcare providers, policymakers, and innovators are urged to implement intelligent systems and vigilance to detect red flags such as unexpected charges and unfamiliar providers to protect this vulnerable population.
kaaltv.com
· 2025-12-08
Amazon Prime Day (July 8-11) attracts scammers who use fake order confirmations, price adjustment notices, and gift card offers via email and text to direct shoppers to counterfeit Amazon login pages and steal credentials and payment information. With 200 million Prime members and $14 billion in annual Prime Day sales, thousands of victims fall prey to these schemes yearly. Consumers should protect themselves by never clicking links in unsolicited messages and instead verifying orders directly through the official Amazon app or website, and parents should educate children about these online safety risks.
kgun9.com
· 2025-12-08
Scam calls are increasing in Marana, Arizona, with fraudsters impersonating law enforcement and demanding payment for missed jury duty or arrest warrants, often requesting bitcoin, gift cards, or wire transfers. Americans lose over $25 billion annually to phone scams, and victims should hang up and verify by calling law enforcement directly, never pay money to police over the phone, and report fraud to their financial institution, law enforcement, the FTC, and monitor their credit if compromised.
idahobusinessreview.com
· 2025-12-08
Phishing attacks are escalating in volume and sophistication, with scammers using email impersonation, text messaging (smishing), and phone calls (vishing) to steal personal and financial information from billions of individuals. The article outlines common phishing tactics and provides protective measures including verifying requests independently, recognizing red flags like poor grammar and urgent language, maintaining updated software, and reporting suspicious activity to the FTC or Anti-Phishing Working Group.
koaa.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission is warning consumers about fraudulent travel deals advertised through fake websites impersonating legitimate hotels and airlines, particularly around holiday periods like the 4th of July. Scammers use these fake sites to collect personal information and financial details, which they use to steal money or make unauthorized purchases; experts note that tracking and recovering funds from these schemes is extremely difficult due to the sites being quickly shut down and the use of advanced technology like AI to create convincing fakes. The FTC recommends researching websites, avoiding unsolicited links, and using secure payment methods rather than wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to protect yourself during travel booking.
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonating the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee used fraudulent email addresses to trick victims into sending over $250,000 in cryptocurrency (USDT stablecoin) in December, claiming the funds were donations to the committee. Federal prosecutors filed a civil complaint seeking to seize nearly $40,400 and recover assets for victims, with approximately half of the stolen funds traced to a Binance account linked to an individual in Nigeria.
ainvest.com
· 2025-12-08
Michael Zidell lost approximately $20 million in a romance scam (classified as "pig butchering") in which a scammer posing as a woman named Carolyn Parker built trust with him on Facebook and WeChat before directing him to invest in a fake NFT platform called OpenrarityPro.com. Zidell has filed lawsuits against Citibank, East West Bank, and Cathay Bank, alleging the institutions negligently failed to detect red flags such as account discrepancies, suspicious wire transfer volumes, and transfers that exceeded stated transaction limits, thereby materially aiding the scheme. The case seeks to establish bank accountability for facilitating investment fraud and highlights
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
A Georgia woman named Dorothy lost $30,000 to a "task scam" after responding to a text message offering remote work; the scammers built trust by making initial legitimate payments, then demanded increasingly larger amounts of money under the guise of corrective fees before disappearing. The scam involved fraudulent company credentials, and Dorothy paid via PayPal, wire transfers, and cryptocurrency. The FTC warns that task scams are increasingly common, typically luring victims with unsolicited texts promising remote work in "app optimization" or "product boosting," gaining trust through small initial payments, then requesting larger investments to continue.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Con artists posing as government officials scammed a Washington man out of $500,000 by claiming his Social Security Number had been stolen and pressuring him to liquidate his accounts and hand over cash to a supposed federal courier for "safekeeping." At least 47 victims have come forward across Washington State in what authorities believe is part of a much larger scheme that cost Americans $577 million in Social Security imposter scams during 2024 alone. To protect yourself, watch for three red flags—fear-based messaging, artificial urgency, and demands for secrecy—and never act on such claims without verifying directly with official government sources or trusted contacts.
catholicnewsagency.com
· 2025-12-08
A new anti-fraud initiative called "Protecting the Faithful," led by cybersecurity expert Theresa Payton, has been launched to combat rising scams targeting Catholic parishes and followers of Catholic public figures. Scammers are impersonating priests via email soliciting donations and impersonating celebrities like actor Jonathan Roumie on social media, offering fake promises in exchange for money. The campaign distributes educational materials highlighting red flags such as requests to move conversations to encrypted apps, claims of personal backup accounts, and suspicious links, while urging victims to report incidents to local police and the FBI's IC3.gov without shame.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals have created over 120,000 fake Amazon websites ahead of Amazon Prime Day (July 8-11) designed to steal shoppers' information through phishing traps, malware, and fraudulent listings. While Amazon removed 55,000 phishing sites and 12,000 fraudulent phone numbers in 2024 and partners with law enforcement, consumers should protect themselves by shopping only through official Amazon channels, verifying URLs, avoiding gift card payment requests, and enabling two-factor authentication.
uk.style.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
I cannot summarize this text as requested because it is not an article about scams, fraud, or elder abuse. This is a cookie consent notice from Yahoo's website regarding data collection and user privacy preferences. It contains no information relevant to the Elderus elder fraud research database.
ainvest.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Department of Justice, with assistance from Tether, recovered $40,300 in cryptocurrency from a scam impersonating the Trump inauguration committee, in which victims were deceived by spoofed email addresses with subtle character differences into sending crypto donations they believed were legitimate political contributions. The scammers used phishing messages sent on December 24, 2024, to trick victims into depositing funds into fraudulent wallets, which were then laundered through multiple addresses within hours. Law enforcement officials warn that such impersonation scams cost Americans billions annually and recommend victims verify email addresses, URLs, and official channels before sending any cryptocurrency or assets.
tradingview.com
· 2025-12-08
A malicious GitHub project called "solana-pumpfun-bot" deceived users into downloading what appeared to be a legitimate Solana trading bot, but actually contained hidden malicious code that scanned victims' systems and stole their private cryptocurrency keys. The attacker used fake GitHub accounts to artificially boost the project's credibility through stars and forks, making it appear trustworthy despite being uploaded only three weeks prior. Security researchers advise users to avoid running cryptocurrency tools that access wallets on their main systems and to test such projects only in isolated, sandboxed environments.
vocal.media
· 2025-12-08
This educational guide advises overseas daters on avoiding romance scams in 2025 by emphasizing the importance of using reputable dating platforms with strong security features, verifying profiles through video calls and reverse image searches, understanding cultural differences, and recognizing red flags such as requests for money, avoidance of video calls, and inconsistent personal details. The article notes that scammers increasingly exploit international daters through sophisticated AI-generated profiles, deepfakes, catfishing, and emotional manipulation, taking advantage of language barriers and physical distance.
abc27.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI issued an alert about Scattered Spider, a cybercriminal group targeting the airline industry through social engineering attacks that exploit human trust rather than technical vulnerabilities. Elderly individuals are identified as particularly vulnerable to these scams, which include phishing emails, impersonation of trusted figures, and increasingly sophisticated AI-generated deepfakes; experts recommend verifying requests through official channels, limiting personal information shared online, and establishing identity verification protocols with family members.
pymnts.com
· 2025-12-08
Cisco Talos research reveals a surge in callback phishing scams where attackers impersonate well-known brands via phishing emails containing PDFs with fake logos and phone numbers, tricking victims into calling attacker-controlled lines and disclosing sensitive information or installing malware. Security experts warn that the rise of AI and gaps in identity protection for nonstandard applications are creating new vulnerabilities that criminals are actively exploiting.
thegazette.com
· 2025-12-08
A reshipping scam targeting job seekers has resurged, where applicants believe they are hired for remote "warehouse distribution coordinator" positions with attractive salaries ($3,000+) and minimal hours, but are instead asked to share personal information (Social Security cards, driver's licenses) and unknowingly repackage and ship items purchased with stolen credit cards and banking information. The scam provides no actual paychecks while victims become complicit in moving illegally obtained goods, with employment scams ranking second in BBB Scam Tracker reports for 2024. Red flags include requests for personal/financial information, email-only interviews, unrealistic pay-to-work ratios, and the
golocalprov.com
· 2025-12-08
A Boston truck repair company, Middlesex Truck and Coach, discovered that Chase Bank had fraudulently opened an account under its name without identification verification, which was then used by foreign scammers to collect proceeds from victims of "pig-butchering" schemes—elaborate investment scams that defraud victims of hundreds of thousands of dollars. The account was part of a sophisticated international money laundering operation linked to Asian crime syndicates that funnel stolen U.S. funds through fake bank accounts and cryptocurrency, with pig-butchering scams alone generating an estimated $44 billion annually across Southeast Asia and affecting millions of victims worldwide.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Social Security Administration phishing scams use urgent, alarming messages impersonating government agencies to trick recipients into clicking malicious links or downloading files that steal personal data or install malware. These scams leverage fear and false authority by falsely claiming SSNs are suspended due to serious crimes like money laundering, and often include multiple geographic references and official-sounding details to overwhelm victims into panic-driven action before they can verify the threat.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Charles Uchenna Nwadavid, a 35-year-old married Nigerian real estate worker, pleaded guilty to running a sophisticated romance scam that defrauded six women across Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Kansas of approximately $1.88 million between January and June 2019. Using fake identities, he posed as men working on oil rigs or in overseas positions, love-bombing vulnerable victims and convincing them to send money for medical emergencies or travel expenses, with one victim losing over $896,000. The case reflects a broader epidemic of romance scams targeting older adults, with the FBI reporting nearly 18,000 complaints in 2024
fortune.com
· 2025-12-08
A 35-year-old Nigerian man, Charles Uchenna Nwadavid, pleaded guilty to operating a romance scam that defrauded six women across Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Kansas of approximately $1.88 million between 2019 and 2024. Using fake identities such as "Williams Moore," "Manuel Sykes," and "Edward Nowak," Nwadavid posed as an oil rig worker and other professionals to build romantic relationships with vulnerable women online, then solicited money under false pretenses including medical emergencies and inheritance claims. The case highlights the growing threat of romance scams targeting women over 60, which
al.com
· 2025-12-08
"Brushing" scams involve sending unsolicited, low-cost packages to recipients without their knowledge to create fake verified buyer accounts and inflate product reviews on e-commerce sites. A newer variant of this scam uses QR codes that direct victims to fraudulent websites designed to steal personally identifiable information, indicating the recipient's personal data has been compromised and is at risk for identity theft. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service advises recipients to return unopened packages, change passwords, monitor credit reports, and report suspicious activity to authorities and e-commerce platforms.
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
Job scams target people seeking employment by impersonating legitimate companies and recruiters, typically through personal email addresses or text messages. Scammers move quickly to request sensitive personal and financial information (Social Security numbers, bank details, driver's licenses) before conducting actual interviews, claiming it's needed for employment paperwork or direct deposit. To avoid job scams, verify the recruiter's corporate email address, be wary of requests for personal information before interviews, and research the recruiter and company online for complaints or scam reports.
spectrumlocalnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau reports that impostors are costing businesses billions of dollars through data theft and fake services, with the FBI documenting nearly $1.4 billion in losses related to data breaches across the United States in 2024. Common red flags include unexpected invoices, requests for gift card or prepaid card payments, and urgent demands to renew licenses or domain names. The BBB recommends businesses implement employee training, verify vendor information, use multi-factor authentication, avoid wire transfers and gift cards, and maintain detailed records to protect against fraud.