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ibtimes.co.uk
Barclays UK released research revealing the top 10 scams affecting British consumers in 2024, finding that one in five people were scammed and a third know someone who was. The most common scams include fake delivery notifications (51%), HMRC impersonation (42%), purchase fraud (40%), and online marketplace scams (38%), with the bank advising consumers to verify companies, avoid pressure tactics, and be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true. Barclays and tech companies like Google are implementing better detection tools, though consumers must remain vigilant with strong passwords and skepticism to protect themselves.
news.kbs.co.kr
Marriage matchmaking apps have become vehicles for romance scams, including a case where a man in his 30s lost 200 million won after building rapport with a woman who lured him into a fake investment scheme involving fake online trading sites and subsequent requests for tax payments. Additional scams on these platforms include photo theft, where fraudsters steal images from real users to create fake profiles and approach victims. Over 1,200 romance scam cases were reported last year, with experts noting that users are less suspicious when approached through dating apps and are more likely to trust financial requests from matches they've emotionally bonded with.
boothbayregister.com
The Federal Trade Commission estimated that criminals stole approximately $61.5 billion from adults age 60 and over in 2023, with elder financial abuse coming from both known perpetrators and stranger scams. AARP highlights preventive measures including adding trusted contacts to financial accounts, freezing credit to prevent unauthorized accounts, and using robocall/text blockers to reduce exposure to phone-based scams. The article emphasizes that these proactive steps can significantly protect older adults' financial security.
kdhlradio.com
Minnesota Department of Public Safety issued a warning about scam text messages threatening residents with fines and license suspension for alleged outstanding traffic tickets. The texts falsely claim to be from the "Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles" or "DPSMN," include fake official language and links to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal information, and demand payment via wire transfer or similar methods. Officials recommend not responding to or clicking links in these messages, deleting them, and contacting Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) directly through drive.mn.gov if verification is needed; anyone who has already provided information or money should contact their bank and report the incident to law enforcement.
abc.net.au
Consumer Protection WA warned of escalating scratchie mail scams involving fake scratch-off tickets offering $US240,000 prizes sent via registered post from Kuala Lumpur, which request personal identification details and payment to claim winnings. Five West Australians lost $30,550 total to these scams over the past year, with scammers using collected personal information for identity theft, loans, and other fraudulent purposes. Since 2020, Australians have lost more than $5.8 million to unexpected winnings scams overall, and authorities advise recipients to never share ID documents and remember that legitimate prizes never require payment to claim.
globalnews.ca
Barbara Grant, a 75-year-old Canadian, lost $800,000 CAD in life savings to a romance scam that began on a dating site during the pandemic. She was deceived by someone claiming to be "Michael Janda" who built an emotional connection with her over nearly a year, eventually requesting money through fabricated emergencies in Qatar, which was funneled through intermediary "mules" to overseas accounts. After discovering the scam in November, Grant hired a private investigator and pursued complaints with her bank TD and the Ombudsman, but was denied compensation; her case highlights broader concerns about inadequate bank monitoring systems, as TD faced billions in penalties across North American juris
boredpanda.com
A woman fell victim to a romance scam when an online boyfriend requested $10,000, but she initially rejected her coworker's warning and only recognized the deception when unable to provide the money. The article highlights that romance scams cost victims over $1.14 billion in 2023, with scammers building trust over time before requesting money, and recommends warning signs include unsolicited contact, requests for funds, reluctance to meet in person, and profiles that seem too good to be true.
silversurfers.com
This article describes seven prevalent scams on social media targeting users: fake shop accounts, phishing scams with malicious links, fake giveaways, investment scams promising high returns, romance scams, impersonation scams, and charity scams exploiting crises. The article advises users to verify sources, avoid clicking unsolicited links, use strong passwords with two-factor authentication, and stay educated about evolving fraud tactics to protect themselves and report suspicious activity to platforms.
westsidespirit.com
This educational article outlines scam prevention strategies for seniors based on a training session at the JCC Marlene Myerson Center in New York. Key scam types targeting older adults include romance scams (exemplified by a woman who sold her house after being deceived by a fake Amnesty International worker), postal fraud, charitable giving scams, and text message schemes originating from the Philippines. The training recommends three defense strategies: slowing down decision-making, consulting friends or neighbors before acting, and avoiding any response, payment, or personal information disclosure, as scammers rely on speed and isolation to succeed.
nwestiowa.com
Four Sioux Center banks—American State Bank, Northwest Bank, Peoples Bank, and Primebank—are partnering with local police to present a free fraud awareness education event on June 11, aimed at helping community members recognize and prevent scams. While the presentation targets the 55+ demographic, organizers emphasize that all age groups are vulnerable to fraud, with data showing adults 18-59 are actually 34 percent more likely to report fraud losses than older adults. The event will address common scam tactics including impostor scams, romance scams, and cryptocurrency fraud, teaching attendees to recognize red flags like urgency, unnerving pressure, and unexpected contact.
journal-news.com
A 67-year-old Ohio woman was victimized by a cryptocurrency scam where she was instructed to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM via QR code—one of hundreds of similar cases targeting seniors in Ohio in 2024, often impersonating companies like Amazon, FedEx, or federal agencies. Americans aged 60+ lost nearly $4.89 billion to internet fraud in 2024 (a 46% increase from 2023), with cryptocurrency scams being particularly difficult to reverse once funds are transferred through digital wallets and mixers that obscure transaction origins. Law enforcement emphasizes that quick reporting is critical to recovering funds, and legitimate companies never request payments
wwnytv.com
The U.S. Government Accountability Office released a 116-page report urging the creation of a government-wide strategy to combat fraud and scams, identifying critical weaknesses including no centralized estimate of scam-related losses, no uniform definition of scams, and fragmented inter-agency coordination. The report found that federal agencies lack risk assessments and adequate consumer education efforts, and recommended that the FBI lead a unified initiative to define scams, develop countermeasures, and establish consistent fraud prevention messaging—including prominent warnings at retailers like gift card locations. The GAO director emphasized the importance of consumer reporting, stating that filing scam reports helps agencies identify patterns and take preventive action before fraud becomes widesprea
news9.com
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Service Oklahoma are warning drivers of a text message scam falsely claiming to be from the Oklahoma DMV requesting payment for overdue traffic fines. Recipients should not respond to or click links in these fraudulent messages, which threaten penalties for unpaid traffic violations.
witn.com
Officials in Pitt County, North Carolina warned residents of a widespread DMV scam text campaign, where scammers impersonate the Department of Motor Vehicles and other trusted entities (UPS, tolls, jury duty) to create false urgency and pressure recipients into making immediate payments. The scam texts, which originate from random codes or email addresses rather than phone numbers, use threats of license revocation, jail time, or financial penalties to manipulate victims. Authorities advise residents to never click suspicious links, verify payment websites independently, and report suspicious texts to their mobile carrier or the Federal Trade Commission, noting that legitimate DMV communications never request payment via text.
fox13memphis.com
Tennessee law enforcement agencies warned residents about fraudulent text messages impersonating the Department of Motor Vehicles, claiming recipients have outstanding traffic tickets and threatening driver's license or registration suspension unless fines are paid via fake websites. The scammers use official-looking messages and links to trick victims into providing payment information. Authorities advised residents to avoid clicking suspicious links, verify contact information directly through official channels, and report scam messages to the Federal Trade Commission or Internet Crime Complaint Center.
westsidespirit.com
This educational article outlines scam prevention strategies shared at a training session in New York targeting older adults. Key advice includes slowing down, consulting friends or neighbors before responding to suspicious requests, and avoiding sharing personal information—as scammers rely on speed and isolation to succeed. Common scams affecting seniors include romance scams, postal fraud, charitable giving scams, and text message schemes, with perpetrators often prioritizing theft of personal data (like Social Security numbers or credit card information) over individual payments.
waka.com
The Alabama Tombigbee Regional Commission held a free Fraud Summit in Selma to educate residents about common scams targeting seniors, including text messages impersonating postal services or toll road operators. Attendees were advised not to respond to suspicious communications, avoid clicking links, and contact police if targeted, as these scams aim to steal personal information from victims' phones.
kttc.com
A U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report identifies significant gaps in federal anti-fraud coordination, finding that 13 agencies lack a unified strategy, clear definitions of scams, government-wide loss estimates, and risk assessments needed to combat fraud proactively. The report recommends establishing a government-wide coordinated approach led by the FBI, improving consumer education and awareness, and urging the public to report scams rather than remain silent, while noting inconsistent fraud warnings across retailers like gift card sellers demonstrate the need for standardized consumer outreach.
roanoke-chowannewsherald.com
Detective Darrell Rowe of the Northampton County Sheriff's Office presented at an Elder Abuse Awareness event to educate older adults about financial exploitation, which includes family members misusing benefits or bank accounts and strangers conducting home repair scams, grandchild bail scams, and IRS impersonation scams. Rowe emphasized that victims are often reluctant to report abuse due to shame and that it is difficult to recover lost money, recommending community members verify suspicious calls with family and report potential scams to law enforcement or DSS before sending any money.
torontoguardian.com
Romance scams cost Americans $1.3 billion in 2022, with nearly 70,000 people reporting losses, according to recent findings. Contrary to common assumptions, adults aged 18-59 are 13% more likely to fall victim than those over 60, though older victims typically lose nearly twice as much money per scam. Romance scammers employ sophisticated tactics including creating fake personas (military personnel, offshore workers, or those with emergencies), moving conversations to private messaging apps, and gradually requesting financial assistance, with half of 2023 fraud cases originating on mainstream social media rather than dedicated dating sites.
verywellmind.com
This educational article from Verywell Mind explains that phishing scams and fraud are widespread in the digital age, using psychological manipulation tactics that can deceive even intelligent individuals. The piece emphasizes that banks never initiate contact about suspicious account activity, and advises readers that falling victim to scams is not a reflection of intelligence or gullibility but rather a result of sophisticated criminal tactics. It also stresses the importance of self-compassion for scam victims and introduces a series covering common fraud types, psychological vulnerabilities exploited by scammers, and prevention strategies.
goerie.com
Police are warning the public about a widespread DMV text message scam that threatens to suspend vehicle registration unless victims click malicious links and pay fake fines, with reports across multiple states including Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, and New Jersey. The scam is part of a broader wave of "smishing" (SMS phishing) attacks designed to steal personal and financial information by creating panic and prompting immediate action. To protect yourself, do not click links in unsolicited DMV texts, report suspicious messages to the FTC and your wireless provider, and verify any requests directly through your state's official DMV website or phone number.
al.com
The Mobile Police Department warned residents of a "pine straw scam" operating in the Spring Hill area, where scammers quote low initial prices ($8 per roll) but charge victims thousands of dollars (up to $5,000) upon job completion without providing accurate estimates beforehand. Police advise citizens to verify business reputation, obtain written agreements before paying, and never pay upfront costs without documentation.
businessinsider.com
Text message job scams have surged dramatically, with reported losses reaching $470 million in 2024—five times the 2020 amount—making job offers the second most common scam after fake package delivery. Scammers pose as recruiters from well-known companies, using increasingly sophisticated AI-crafted messages to lure vulnerable job seekers with unrealistic offers, then steal personal information (Social Security numbers, IDs, bank details) or trick victims into sending money for supposed work equipment. The problem is expected to worsen as economic uncertainty and remote work demand increase, making people more susceptible to these plausible-seeming frauds.
wgal.com
The Federal Trade Commission warned of investment scams on social media where hackers compromise victims' accounts to post bank account screenshots and fake investment opportunities promising quick returns with little risk, typically requesting a few hundred dollars via cryptocurrency or payment apps before blocking the victim. The FTC advises consumers to resist pressure to act immediately, research companies using terms like "scam" or "fraud," and remember that no legitimate investment guarantees returns. Victims should alert their compromised contacts directly in case their accounts have been hacked.
latimes.com
Scammers are running fake social media advertisements impersonating the California DMV and offering 50% discounts on vehicle registration renewals, requesting personal information and payment via Cash App. State law prohibits the DMV from offering discounted registrations, and the department never solicits personal or financial information through unauthorized channels or social media. Residents should only renew registrations through the official DMV website, kiosks, or offices, and should verify any suspicious offers by contacting the DMV directly.
pennlive.com
DMV officials across multiple U.S. states issued advisories in May warning citizens about text message scams impersonating the DMV and demanding payment for fake "outstanding tolls" or traffic violations, with messages threatening license suspension, penalties, or legal action. The fraudulent texts use official-looking ".gov" links and domain variations (such as "ezpassnj") to appear legitimate, targeting unsuspected victims in at least ten states including New York, New Jersey, Florida, and California. Authorities recommend recipients delete the messages immediately, avoid clicking links or providing information, and report the scams to the FTC or their service provider via the SPAM hotline (7726).
denver7.com
The Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles is warning residents of a text message scam claiming recipients have outstanding traffic tickets and threatening license suspension or prosecution to pressure them into paying fake fines. The DMV clarified it never initiates contact via text and advises recipients not to click links or provide personal information, while the Better Business Bureau recommends verifying sender identity, avoiding suspicious links, and reporting such messages as junk.
consumer.ftc.gov
Dishonest businesses are impersonating legitimate substance abuse treatment centers through paid search ads, misleading callers about their identity and redirecting them to unwanted or distant treatment options. To protect yourself, verify contact information by accessing company websites directly rather than relying on search results, distinguish between paid ads and organic results, and use trusted resources like FindTreatment.gov to locate legitimate treatment services.
pajaronian.com
Seniors in three California communities attended a town hall meeting where Santa Cruz County District Attorney Jeff Rosell and Sheriff Chris Clark provided guidance on current scams targeting older adults, including phone, text, postal service, credit card, and door-to-door fraud schemes. Law enforcement advised residents to hang up on unrecognized callers, request suspicious in-person transactions occur at a police station, verify government contacts use official domains (not .com or .net), use credit cards instead of debit cards, and refuse unsolicited door-to-door offers. The presentation emphasized that legitimate businesses rarely conduct transactions at someone's home, and residents should report scams to the Federal Trade Commission or local authorities.
ffxnow.com
Fairfax County leaders are advocating for a coordinated regional approach to combat senior fraud, noting that inconsistent messaging across jurisdictions weakens prevention efforts. The county's Silver Shield campaign has reached over 60,000 residents since 2017, but data shows the problem remains significant—the county's Financial Exploitation Task Force handled nearly 160 cases in fiscal year 2024 involving $19 million in losses, with only about 20% recovered. County officials plan to work with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments to develop consistent anti-fraud messaging across the D.C. region and potentially statewide.
nysenate.gov
**Summary:**
A senior fraud prevention forum is being held in Glenmont, NY on June 23 to educate seniors and community members about avoiding common scams and fraud. The event, hosted by Senator Patricia Fahy, AARP New York, and local officials, highlights that senior fraud costs consumers over $3 billion annually and has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic.
saltwire.com
Whitbourne RCMP reported two grandparent scam attempts targeting elderly victims in June 2025, in which scammers impersonated police and family members to request emergency funds. One victim lost $20,000 after being told her grandson needed bail money and was coached on how to withdraw cash discreetly; a second attempted scam was prevented when a family member intervened after the victim was pressured to purchase gift cards. The RCMP warns that scammers use fear-based tactics and advises residents to verify claims directly with sources and never share personal information.
leaderadvertiser.com
The Montana Department of Justice is offering a free educational class on June 11 at the First Christian Church of St. Ignatius to help seniors recognize and avoid telephone and internet scams, as well as financial exploitation. An Elder Justice prosecutor and investigator will provide information on identifying scams, protecting oneself, and reporting exploitation if it occurs.
charkoosta.com
The Montana Department of Justice is hosting an educational class on "Elder Scam and Exploitation Self Defense" on June 11 in St Ignatius, where an Elder Justice Prosecutor and Investigator will teach participants how to identify and avoid telephone and internet scams, recognize financial exploitation, and respond if they or someone they know becomes a victim. The free class is open to all community members.
yahoo.com
Nirav Patel was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for his role in an imposter scam that defrauded multiple elderly victims across the Midwest of thousands of dollars in life savings. Patel, operating from Chicago, would collect money and gold from victims after scammers impersonating federal agents threatened them with identity theft and legal consequences, sometimes calling up to 12 times daily; the collected funds were then sent to accounts in India. In 2024, gold bar schemes similar to this operation stole $219 million nationally, making imposter scams the most common type of criminal scheme as of March 2025.
wave3.com
AARP hosted its Summer Scam Jam event in Louisville, Kentucky to educate seniors about rising fraud schemes, as reported losses reached $12.5 billion in 2024. One victim, Mary Ellen Strange, lost approximately $378,000 over seven weeks to an Amazon impersonation scam that used fear tactics and false law enforcement claims, leaving her facing additional IRS debt. Common fraud schemes include impersonation scams (family members, law enforcement, and customer service representatives), and AARP stressed that anyone regardless of education level can become a victim.
lptv.org
Minnesota's Department of Public Safety is warning residents of a scam involving fake text messages impersonating the state's motor vehicles department, falsely claiming unpaid traffic tickets and threatening legal action to pressure recipients into payment. The scam texts often escalate in threatening language across multiple messages and direct victims to click links that steal personal information. DPS advises residents not to open any payment links in unsolicited texts and notes that the department never requests payment via text message; victims should report incidents to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
wpst.com
A scammer in Mercer County, New Jersey impersonated a Lieutenant from the Prosecutor's Office, calling a victim and claiming a family member had an outstanding warrant requiring a $10,000 Bitcoin ATM deposit. The Mercer County Prosecutor's Office warns that legitimate law enforcement will never request money, financial information, or personal details over the phone, and advises residents to hang up and report suspicious calls immediately.
patch.com
Minnesota state officials warned residents of a phony text message scam impersonating a non-existent "Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles (DPSMN)" that falsely claims recipients have outstanding traffic tickets and threatens license suspension and credit damage unless they pay through a suspicious link. The Minnesota Department of Vehicle Services confirmed the scam is circulating statewide and emphasized they never request payment via text. Officials advised residents to delete the messages, avoid clicking links, and report suspected scams to the Minnesota Attorney General's Office or Federal Trade Commission.
theaustraliatoday.com.au
The Australian Federal Police reported a sharp rise in cryptocurrency ATM scams between January 2024 and January 2025, with 150 reported cases resulting in losses exceeding $3.1 million (averaging over $20,000 per victim), though authorities suspect significant under-reporting. Investment scams were most common, followed by extortion and romance scams, predominantly affecting women and people over 51. The AFP, AUSTRAC, and JPC3 have launched a joint taskforce and are placing warning materials at crypto ATM locations, urging the public to avoid sending cryptocurrency to strangers and to report suspicious activity.
yahoo.com
**Summary:**
A Google and Morning Consult survey found that over 60 percent of Americans report increased scam attempts in the past year, with email and text being primary channels; the FBI has documented a 33 percent year-over-year spike in online scams. Google is combating this threat with AI-powered detection tools that block 99.9 percent of phishing attempts, expanded scam flagging on Android, and safer login options like passkeys and two-factor authentication. Consumers can further protect themselves by enabling two-factor authentication, using password managers, and learning to identify red flags such as urgent language and suspicious links.
spectrumnews1.com
Scammers in Wisconsin are impersonating the Wisconsin Department of Transportation DMV by sending text messages claiming unpaid traffic violations or final notices, attempting to trick recipients into revealing personal information or clicking malicious links. The Wisconsin DMV received a large volume of complaints on June 2 and noted similar scams had recently targeted Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, New Jersey, Georgia, and New York. The DMV advises residents not to respond to unsolicited texts, avoid clicking links, and warns to be suspicious of communications requesting money or creating urgency.
ia.acs.org.au
Australian police warned of a surge in cryptocurrency ATM scams, with 150 reported incidents in 2024 resulting in approximately $3.1 million in losses, averaging over $20,000 per scam. Investment scams were the most common type, with 72 victims aged over 51, and one elderly man lost $1.4 million in a romance scam involving crypto ATMs. In response, financial watchdog AUSTRAC implemented new regulations including $5,000 transaction limits, mandatory scam warnings, and enhanced customer due diligence requirements for crypto ATM operators.
newscop.com.au
Women aged 50 and older account for the majority of crypto ATM scam victims in Australia, with 150 reports received over 12 months (January 2024-2025) totaling $3.1 million in losses, averaging over $20,000 per report. The most common scams involved investments (63 cases), extortion emails (35), and romance scams (24), with authorities warning that actual losses are likely significantly underreported due to victim embarrassment or lack of awareness. The AFP recommends vigilance against common warning signs including unsolicited requests to use crypto ATMs, promises of guaranteed high returns, and pressure from new romantic partners or strangers to invest
blog.google
A 2025 survey conducted with Morning Consult reveals that U.S. consumers are increasingly aware of rising online scams, with over 60% perceiving an increase in scam attempts and one-third having experienced a data breach, while the FBI reported online scams reached a record $16.6 billion in losses the previous year (up 33% annually). The study found that security practices vary significantly by generation, with older Americans (Gen X and Baby Boomers) relying on traditional passwords and two-factor authentication, while Gen Z is adopting more modern authentication methods like passkeys and social sign-ins that offer better protection against phishing and data breaches.
azfamily.com
According to a CNET survey, 96% of U.S. adults receive at least one scam email, text, or phone call weekly, with Americans losing $470 million to text scams alone in 2024. Scammers use urgent messaging tactics around bills, packages, and banking to trick victims, and their tactics are becoming increasingly sophisticated with AI. To protect yourself, experts recommend filtering messages to known senders only, using carrier spam-blocking tools, and never responding to or clicking links in suspicious messages.
wndu.com
Residents of South Bend, Indiana received fraudulent text messages impersonating the Indiana Department of Motor Vehicles, claiming unpaid traffic tickets and threatening vehicle registration suspension unless recipients clicked a link and paid a "fine" by June 6. The scam can be identified by several red flags: it comes from a suspicious email address, references nonexistent agencies ("Indiana Department of Vehicles" and "North Indiana State Administrative Code"), and promises an illegal 35% service fee. Police advise recipients not to click the link and note that legitimate DMV issues are handled through official mail, not text messages.
wymt.com
Elder fraud is a rapidly growing crisis, with victims losing over $3 billion in 2023 at an average loss of $33,915 per person, particularly targeting older adults with cognitive decline and substantial wealth. Financial exploiters are frequently family members or caregivers rather than strangers, taking advantage of conditions like dementia to manipulate victims. To protect elderly relatives, experts recommend monitoring financial accounts, setting up legal protections like powers of attorney and trusts, and maintaining regular contact with aging parents.
publicnewsservice.org
Medicare loses $60 billion to $80 billion annually to fraud, with common scams including callers requesting Medicare numbers under the pretense of issuing new cards, unsolicited medical equipment deliveries, and strangers offering fraudulent free services like house cleaning that are billed to the government. The Senior Medicare Patrol advises beneficiaries to regularly check their Medicare summary notices on MyMedicare.gov and remain vigilant for red flags such as charges for services never received or from unfamiliar providers, and warns that some scammers trick people into unknowingly enrolling in hospice care, which can result in Medicare denying essential surgeries or medications.