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in Identity Theft
marketdataforecast.com
· 2026-05-13
The U.S. online dating market is projected to nearly double from $3.23 billion in 2025 to $6.14 billion by 2034, driven by smartphone adoption, AI-powered matching, and changing social attitudes—with about 40% of heterosexual couples now meeting online. However, the article notes that consumer complaints about online romance scams have increased significantly, highlighting the need for better verification systems on dating platforms. Users should prioritize caution when using dating apps by verifying profiles, avoiding sharing personal financial information, and reporting suspicious activity to platform administrators.
forbes.com
· 2026-05-13
Imposter scams posing as the IRS and other government agencies have nearly doubled in reported losses to $797 million in 2025, with scammers using AI to create convincing fake emails, texts, and calls that exploit people's fear and urgency. A new threat involves fake QR codes mimicking legitimate IRS notices that direct victims to fraudulent websites to steal banking information. To protect yourself, remember that the IRS never initiates contact via text, email, or phone asking for payment or banking details—instead, directly access your IRS account online or contact the IRS through official channels, and be wary of any request for payment via gift cards.
vindy.com
· 2026-05-13
A 25-year-old Indian man pleaded guilty to money laundering in a scheme that defrauded six elderly Americans of nearly $5 million, including a 77-year-old Salem resident who lost $61,000 after responding to a fake Microsoft Security pop-up ad and an 82-year-old New York man who was tricked into sending over $3 million to someone impersonating a U.S. Attorney. The scam operated from December 2022 to December 2023 and involved multiple tactics to convince victims to hand over large sums of money. To protect yourself: be suspicious of unsolicited pop-up ads and phone numbers they display, never trust callers claiming to be government officials without verifying through official channels independently, and always verify requests for large money transfers directly with trusted sources before sending anything.
morningjournalnews.com
· 2026-05-13
A 25-year-old Indian man pleaded guilty to money laundering in connection with a $5 million scam targeting elderly Americans, including victims who lost $61,000 and $3 million respectively after responding to fake Microsoft security pop-ups or being impersonated by scammers claiming to be U.S. attorneys. The scheme, which operated from December 2022 to December 2023, involved at least three conspirators who defrauded six older adults across the United States. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unexpected pop-up ads that freeze your computer or unsolicited calls claiming to be from government agencies or tech companies—hang up and call official numbers directly rather than using numbers provided in the suspicious communication.
click2houston.com
· 2026-05-12
Criminals are increasingly using AI-generated photos, fake videos, and cloned voices to create convincing fake identities on dating apps and social media, targeting women in romance scams that have resulted in victims losing tens of thousands of dollars. Scammers typically push relationships quickly, avoid video calls or in-person meetings, and create fake emergencies to pressure victims into sending money or sharing personal information. To protect yourself, experts recommend doing reverse image searches to verify photos, looking carefully for AI artifacts like blurry areas or odd lighting, never sending money to unverified contacts, and discussing these scams with friends and family to spread awareness.
939theeagle.com
· 2026-05-11
Mid-Missouri banks are reporting a significant surge in fraud affecting residents across all ages and income levels, including identity theft, mail theft, and scams involving impostors posing as FBI agents. According to bank leaders, scammers typically build trust, create urgency, and move money quickly, with community members losing hundreds of thousands of dollars monthly. If you suspect fraud, immediately contact your bank, local law enforcement, and the Missouri Attorney General's office, and stay vigilant by knowing your banker and pausing when something seems suspicious.
wfmd.com
· 2026-05-11
Data brokers expose retirees to significant fraud risk even after they attempt to remove their personal information, because hundreds of data broker companies operate across the U.S. and opting out from one site like Spokeo doesn't remove your data from others. Retirees are particularly vulnerable because their decades of public records, property ownership, and family connections make them attractive targets, and many believe their manual opt-out efforts provide full protection when they only offer temporary coverage on limited sites. To stay safer, people should understand that data brokers continuously pull updated information from public records and will relist removed information within weeks or months, requiring ongoing, repeated opt-out efforts rather than one-time actions.
communitynewspapergroup.com
· 2026-05-11
About 50 residents in Fayette County, Iowa attended an educational presentation on fraud where local law enforcement and financial experts detailed common scams, including an IRS impersonation scam that cost a local senior $7,000. The scammers posed as IRS agents demanding immediate payment via phone call and threatening arrest, exploiting the victim's fear to bypass normal verification processes. Experts emphasized that the IRS never initiates contact by phone demanding payment and advised residents to be skeptical of unsolicited calls requesting money, particularly those creating urgency or threatening legal consequences.
cnbc.com
· 2026-05-10
AI-powered scam calls using deepfake voice technology are becoming increasingly sophisticated and common, with scammers impersonating family members in distress to extort money from victims. One Montana woman nearly fell for the scam when a caller perfectly mimicked her daughter's voice and crying, demanding payment while threatening her—the deception was so convincing that despite suspecting it was a scam, she almost complied out of fear for her daughter's safety. To protect yourself, verify emergencies by directly calling family members using known phone numbers, be skeptical of caller ID (which can be spoofed), and contact police rather than sending money if someone claims a loved one is in danger.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-10
Data brokers operate hundreds of websites that compile and sell personal information like names, addresses, phone numbers, and estimated net worth—primarily targeting retirees with decades of public records. Many people mistakenly believe that opting out of one or two data broker sites like Spokeo or Whitepages fully protects them, but the hundreds of other data brokers still have their information, and even sites they've opted out of often relist data within weeks as public records refresh. To stay protected, retirees should opt out of multiple data broker sites and understand that removal is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix, to prevent their information from being used in scams that can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-05-10
Scammers are increasingly using fake QR codes—a tactic called "quishing"—to trick people into visiting malicious websites that steal personal and financial information, often by placing these codes in everyday locations like parking lots, restaurants, and utility bills. Seniors and smartphone users are particularly vulnerable because they tend to scan QR codes without questioning them, and the hidden destination cannot be seen before scanning. To protect yourself, experts recommend carefully inspecting QR codes before scanning, verifying they're from legitimate sources, and being especially cautious with unexpected codes in public spaces or unsolicited packages.
click2houston.com
· 2026-05-09
A Houston woman lost $90,000 to scammers who impersonated tech support and then posed as IRS and FTC officials, tricking her into wiring money to a fake federal account shortly after her husband's death. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to these schemes, with Texas reporting over $1.35 billion in fraud losses in 2024 alone, and victims often experiencing severe emotional trauma beyond financial loss. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited pop-ups and phone calls, verify any official communications directly with government agencies using official phone numbers, and never wire money based on threats or claims of identity theft.
postandcourier.com
· 2026-05-09
Scammers steal an estimated $7 billion annually from seniors, with those living with dementia facing heightened vulnerability due to memory and judgment impairment. The Alzheimer's Foundation of America is promoting S.A.F.E. tips—including solidifying security practices, applying blocking tools, and other protective measures—to help caregivers safeguard their loved ones from fraud and identity theft. Families should keep written reminders near phones and computers, use call-blocking technology, and regularly reinforce safety practices to help dementia patients recognize and resist scams.
hudsonvalleycountry.com
· 2026-05-09
Scammers are creating fake online dress shops targeting teens and parents during prom season in the Hudson Valley, luring buyers with unrealistically cheap designer gowns and then either sending cheap knockoffs, damaged items, or nothing at all—while potentially stealing personal information for identity theft. Experts advise shoppers to research unfamiliar retailers before purchasing, watch for red flags like poor website quality, suspicious return policies, unusual payment requests (gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency), and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
kenyanwallstreet.com
· 2026-05-09
Sophisticated criminal syndicates are trapping hundreds of Kenyans with false promises of lucrative tech and security jobs abroad, then forcing them into scams and fraud operations in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Golden Triangle region spanning Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. Between 2022 and 2026, over 751 Kenyans were rescued from Myanmar alone, with several deaths reported, while traffickers use rerouting tactics through transit hubs like Dubai and Turkey to evade airport detection. To protect yourself, verify job offers through official channels, be wary of unsolicited international job advertisements, confirm employer legitimacy independently, and contact the Kenyan embassy if an opportunity seems suspicious—while authorities have suspended over 600 non-compliant agencies and are prosecuting 87 traffickers, prevention remains critical.
wfmj.com
· 2026-05-09
A 24-year-old Indian national pleaded guilty to his role in a $4.8 million tech support scam that targeted elderly people across the country, including a Salem man who lost $61,000. The scammers used fake computer pop-up warnings to trick victims into believing their bank accounts were compromised, then pressured them to withdraw cash or buy gold bars. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected pop-up warnings on your computer, never give personal financial information to unsolicited callers, and verify any security alerts by contacting your bank directly using a phone number from your official statements.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-07
A Florida woman named Patricia Escriva fell victim to a SIM swap scam, where criminals hijacked her phone number and used it to access her bank accounts and other online services, draining thousands of dollars within minutes. During a SIM swap attack, scammers trick phone carriers into transferring a victim's phone number to a new SIM card they control, allowing them to intercept security codes and gain access to linked accounts. To protect yourself, enable additional security measures beyond SMS verification codes—such as authenticator apps, security keys, or contacting your bank directly rather than clicking links in messages—and monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.
wfmj.com
· 2026-05-07
A 24-year-old man is pleading guilty to his role in a $4.8 million tech support scam that targeted elderly people nationwide, including a 77-year-old Salem resident who lost $61,000. The scheme used fake pop-up warnings to trick victims into calling fraudsters posing as Microsoft or bank representatives, who then pressured them to withdraw cash or buy gold bars under the false premise of protecting their assets. To protect yourself, ignore unsolicited pop-up warnings on your computer, never call numbers from suspicious ads, and directly contact your bank or tech company using official numbers from their websites if you're concerned about account security.
smdailyjournal.com
· 2026-05-06
Americans are increasingly targeted by text message scams—with the FTC reporting $470 million lost to these schemes in 2024, more than five times the 2020 amount, and seniors losing $4.8 billion alone. Common scams include fake FasTrak toll notices, USPS delivery failures, bank fraud alerts, and court summons, with one person losing over $150,000 to a convincing phishing text. To protect yourself, never click links or QR codes in unsolicited texts, use your phone's "report spam" feature, and remember that legitimate companies like FasTrak and USPS don't request payment via text.
theregister.com
· 2026-05-06
Romance fraudsters stole £102 million from UK victims in 2025, averaging £280,000 per day, with individual losses sometimes reaching £1 million, according to City of London Police figures. The scams disproportionately affected people aged 55-74, with criminals using fake social media profiles to build fake relationships before requesting money for invented emergencies or investments. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited online affection, requests to avoid video calls, sudden investment pitches, and always seek a second opinion from trusted friends or family before sending money to anyone you've only met online.
wrtv.com
· 2026-05-06
A new report shows identity crime is becoming more costly, with 35% of victims losing over $10,000, and scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to make fraud easier and cheaper to execute. Recent victims in Indiana have lost tens of thousands of dollars to banking and investment scams, and the report found that 68% of identity crime victims seriously considered self-harm, highlighting the psychological toll. To protect yourself, avoid relying on Google searches for help after being scammed—instead contact trusted organizations like the Identity Theft Resource Center—and be wary of any "recovery services" that guarantee they can get your money back.
abc7.com
· 2026-05-06
An 80-year-old Irvine resident lost $25,000 after scammers used phone-spoofing technology to impersonate both Apple, the ATF, and the Irvine Police Department, convincing him he needed to pay a "fine" to clear his name of criminal charges. The victim was manipulated over several hours into withdrawing cash and handing it to a stranger in a parking lot, with the money likely being transferred through multiple couriers to destinations outside the U.S. Police advise residents to be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from government agencies or major companies, and to independently verify requests by contacting official numbers rather than using numbers provided by the callers.
gasa.org
· 2026-05-06
The Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) is organizing regional chapters across Latin America to combat online fraud through collaboration between financial institutions, technology companies, government agencies, and law enforcement. The initiative brings together leaders from major organizations like Google, Nasdaq Verafin, and various government bodies to share intelligence and coordinate scam prevention efforts. Organizations and individuals in the region are encouraged to join GASA chapters and participate in upcoming webinars and initiatives focused on strengthening protection against digital scams.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-05
Scammers are targeting drivers nationwide with fake text messages claiming unpaid traffic violations and asking them to scan QR codes to pay small fees (around $6.99), but these messages are actually phishing attempts designed to steal payment information. The scam has affected residents across multiple states including New York, California, Texas, and others, and uses fake court notices with official-looking language and embedded QR codes to bypass security detection. To protect yourself, ignore these texts entirely—legitimate courts communicate through official mail, not unsolicited text messages—and never scan QR codes from unexpected sources.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-04
Scammers are increasingly targeting grieving widows by using publicly available information from obituaries, death records, and data broker websites to create detailed personal profiles and impersonate life insurance companies or other officials to steal Social Security numbers and bank details. According to FBI data, over 52% of crimes against Americans over 60 in 2023 were enabled by personal information available online, making the vulnerable period after a spouse's death particularly dangerous. The article recommends that widows take action within 90 days to opt out of data brokers to limit scammers' access to their personal information.
liverpoolecho.co.uk
· 2026-05-04
A 40-year-old former British soldier from Bootle has become a victim of identity theft by romance scammers who use his photos to create fake profiles posing as military personnel, then manipulate victims into sending money. When scam victims discover the deception, they often find Steven's real social media accounts and direct abuse and death threats at him, despite his innocence. To protect yourself from romance scams, be cautious of military personnel requesting money, verify identities through video calls, and report suspicious accounts to the appropriate authorities rather than confronting the person in the photos.
liverpoolecho.co.uk
· 2026-05-04
A 40-year-old former British soldier from Bootle has had his identity stolen by online romance scammers who use his photographs to create fake profiles impersonating serving soldiers and defrauding victims. When the scam victims realize they've been deceived, they often find Steven Kelly's real social media accounts and direct abuse and death threats at him instead of the actual fraudsters. Although Kelly has reported the issue to Report Fraud (the UK's national fraud reporting center), his case has not been passed to a local police force for investigation, leaving him to endure ongoing harassment from unwitting scam victims.
mexc.com
· 2026-05-03
Canada is considering banning cryptocurrency ATMs to reduce fraud, as scammers frequently direct victims of romance and impersonation scams to these machines to withdraw cash irreversibly. The ATMs are attractive fraud vectors because they offer near-anonymous transactions with minimal identity verification, unlike traditional exchanges. Consumers should be cautious if anyone—especially online contacts—instructs them to use crypto ATMs, and regulators may implement alternatives like transaction limits or mandatory identity checks instead of a full ban.
pandasecurity.com
· 2026-05-02
Cybercriminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create sophisticated scams, deepfakes, and malware that are harder to detect and easier to launch, even for those without technical skills. According to the latest IC3 report, AI-related fraud has already caused over $893 million in losses across more than 22,000 complaints, with the dark web AI market expected to grow significantly in coming years. To protect yourself, stay vigilant about suspicious emails and messages, verify unexpected requests through alternative channels, keep your software updated, and use multi-factor authentication on important accounts.
patch.com
· 2026-05-02
Police in New York arrested two men after discovering three cash-filled packages at an abandoned house that were connected to fraud scams targeting seniors across multiple states, including a $6,700 bank con from Utah, a $12,500 computer virus scam from Illinois, and a $24,500 FBI impersonation scam from Colorado. The suspects were caught retrieving the packages containing a total of $43,700 in stolen funds. Seniors should be cautious of common scams like grandparent schemes, romance fraud, and government impersonation, and verify requests for money by contacting financial institutions or government agencies directly using official phone numbers.
forbes.com
· 2026-05-01
Older adults lost over $7.5 billion to fraud last year, with scammers increasingly using sophisticated tactics to pressure victims into quick decisions. AI-powered detection tools are emerging as a solution, with apps like Shield Seniors using machine learning to identify suspicious activity and alert caregivers or institutions in real time to stop scams before money is lost. Experts recommend implementing built-in verification steps during payment processes that force a deliberate pause, rather than relying on emails or alerts that can be easily missed.
denver7.com
· 2026-05-01
Colorado has passed House Bill 26-1110, which allows banks and credit unions to temporarily pause customer transactions when they suspect fraud targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly older adults. The law, called the "Asset Act," aims to prevent financial losses like the $25,000 stolen from one victim through check fraud, by giving financial institutions a critical tool to intervene before scammers can drain accounts. If you're an older adult or vulnerable to scams, staying informed about fraud prevention through seminars offered by banks and being aware of common scams can help protect your finances, and you should alert your bank immediately if you suspect suspicious activity on your account.
en.cibercuba.com
· 2026-05-01
A mother and son in Miami were charged with exploiting an elderly woman for over three years—the son allegedly used her personal information to open fraudulent credit cards, make unauthorized purchases, and transfer funds from her bank accounts, while the mother, who worked as the victim's caregiver, knew about the crimes but failed to report them. The son faces up to 20 years in prison on charges including electronic fraud and identity theft, while the mother could receive up to three years for concealing the felony. To protect yourself, be cautious about who you allow into your home as a caregiver, monitor your financial accounts regularly, and report any suspicious activity to authorities immediately.
pandasecurity.com
· 2026-05-01
In 2025, Americans lost $929 million to romance and relationship fraud, with sugar baby scams being a major culprit where scammers pose as wealthy benefactors offering financial support but disappear after obtaining upfront fees, gift cards, or personal information from victims. These scams typically begin on dating apps and social media, using fake profiles and emotional manipulation to build trust quickly before moving conversations off-platform. To stay safe, be cautious of profiles promising easy money with no strings attached, avoid sharing personal information or paying upfront fees, and verify claims through independent research before engaging further.
einpresswire.com
· 2026-05-01
Lawrence and Leasa Carter of Sun Valley, Nevada have been indicted on 69 felony charges for allegedly defrauding Nevada Medicaid of at least $2 million through a multi-year scheme involving fake companies, false service claims, and identity theft of vulnerable individuals including seniors. The couple, who had previously been terminated as Medicaid providers, used shell companies to conceal their involvement and submitted false billing for services never rendered. People concerned about Medicaid fraud or suspicious provider activity should report it to their state's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and seniors should monitor their medical records and benefits statements for unauthorized use.
pcmag.com
· 2026-04-30
According to a Federal Trade Commission report, people lost $2.1 billion to scammers operating on social media platforms in recent years, with criminals using tactics like deepfakes created from public photos and impersonation of celebrities or acquaintances. Anyone can fall victim to these scams, which exploit trust and familiarity across major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. To protect yourself, stay skeptical of unsolicited messages, take time before responding, and think critically—especially when money or personal information is requested, as legitimate contacts typically won't pressure you for either.
inquirer.com
· 2026-04-30
Fraud losses hit a record $15.9 billion in 2025, with scammers increasingly using AI-generated fake websites, emails, and videos to target people on social media and through phishing attempts. Investment, romance, crypto, and impostor scams are the main culprits, with nearly 30% of victims reporting the scam started on social media. To protect yourself, question unsolicited offers, avoid clicking links in suspicious emails or texts, access financial accounts only through official websites or apps you type directly into your browser, and trust your instincts if something seems off.
moaa.org
· 2026-04-30
Social media scams cost Americans $2.1 billion in 2025, with Facebook alone accounting for $794 million in losses, according to the FTC—marking an eight-fold increase since 2020. Military-connected consumers were particularly vulnerable, reporting $548 million in losses during 2024, primarily through investment scams and impostor schemes where fraudsters pose as VA officials or military members to steal personal data. To protect yourself, learn to recognize common scam tactics, verify the identity of anyone requesting personal information or money, and report suspected fraud to the FTC website.
rd.com
· 2026-04-30
Scammers are exploiting Google's sponsored advertising system to place fraudulent websites at the top of search results that appear legitimate, tricking users into clicking on fake sites impersonating trusted brands like American Airlines, department stores, and luxury retailers. These scams either sell counterfeit products or use phishing tactics to steal personal and credit card information for identity theft and account hacking. To protect yourself, verify website URLs carefully, avoid clicking sponsored links without checking the source, and use official apps or phone numbers directly from company websites rather than those found through search results.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-04-28
A Chicago bus driver fell victim to a sophisticated phone scam after receiving a voicemail claiming to offer a 50% bill discount and free phone from his wireless carrier. The scammers, who had obtained personal information like his name and address, tricked him into ordering a phone through the AT&T app and paying sales tax, then requested additional information to "activate" the device—part of a scam that has cost Americans $1.5 billion. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited calls offering deals, verify offers directly with your service provider using a number from your bill (not one provided by the caller), and never share personal details like device serial numbers with unknown callers.
consumerreports.org
· 2026-04-28
Scammers are sending text messages impersonating toll agencies and demanding payment for unpaid tolls or tickets, but legitimate U.S. toll agencies have confirmed they never text customers requesting payment. These sophisticated scams often look authentic with proper formatting, local phone numbers, and fake government URLs, and they use urgency tactics like threatening credit score damage or license suspension to trick people into clicking links and sharing personal information. To protect yourself, ignore any toll payment texts, go directly to your state's official tolling agency website by typing the URL yourself, or call the official customer service number rather than using any links from unsolicited messages.
m.dailyhunt.in
· 2026-04-28
A 61-year-old man in Mangaluru lost ₹2 crore in a "Digital Arrest Scam" where fraudsters called claiming his identity had been misused to purchase a SIM card for illegal activities, then threatened him with multiple FIRs and investigations by agencies like the NIA and ED to create panic. The scammers exploited his fear through intimidating calls and false authority to manipulate him into sending money. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming legal trouble or identity theft, verify caller claims independently by contacting official agencies directly, and remember that legitimate authorities never threaten immediate arrest over the phone or demand payments to resolve legal issues.
nbcnews.com
· 2026-04-27
Immigrants facing deportation fears are becoming easy targets for scams, with fraudsters posing as immigration lawyers on social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp to exploit desperate families. One Venezuelan woman in New York lost money to such a scheme after seeking help for a detained family member, falling victim to convincing fake USCIS documents and professional video calls from someone claiming to be an attorney. Immigration experts warn these social media fraud schemes have surged recently, so immigrants should verify lawyers through official bar associations, work only with in-person meetings and official contact information, and be wary of promises for quick case resolutions.
fox5vegas.com
· 2026-04-27
A Sun Valley couple, Lawrence and Leasa Carter, has been indicted on 69 felony charges for allegedly defrauding Nevada Medicaid of at least $2 million through a scheme involving fake companies, false service claims, and stolen identities of vulnerable people and seniors. The fraud operated over several years using shell companies to hide ownership while submitting fraudulent claims for services never provided. To protect yourself: verify any Medicaid communications directly with the state, monitor healthcare statements for unauthorized services, and report suspicious activity to your state's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
koreaboo.com
· 2026-04-26
TV personality Park Eun Ji discovered her identity had been stolen and used in romance scams, with scammers impersonating her on social media to deceive victims—a situation serious enough that the FBI contacted her to verify her identity. Her husband helped clear up the confusion by confirming to authorities that she wasn't behind the fraudulent accounts, noting she isn't fluent in English. To protect yourself, be cautious of social media accounts claiming to be celebrities or public figures, verify accounts through official channels before engaging, and report suspicious profiles impersonating real people.
newportnewstimes.com
· 2026-04-26
Oregon residents filed over 10,000 consumer complaints with the state Department of Justice last year and recovered nearly $1.6 million—a 27% increase from 2024—with fraud, imposter scams, auto industry issues, and telecom complaints being the most common problems. The state's Consumer Advocacy Complaint Program is resolving complaints faster and holding businesses accountable, though fraud and scams continue to rise across the state. If you suspect fraud or a scam, filing a complaint with the Oregon Department of Justice can help you recover money and protect other consumers.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-04-25
Social Security scams are surging, with searches for "social security scams" increasing to 550,000 in the last month, primarily affecting Americans receiving Social Security benefits who are vulnerable to identity theft and fraud. Scammers typically impersonate government officials via phone calls or phishing emails to steal Social Security numbers and access to SSA benefits, but you can protect yourself by recognizing red flags like non-.gov email addresses, misspelled agency names, and requests for personal information that the SSA would never ask for. To stay safe, verify that any SSA communication comes from an official .gov email address, never click suspicious links, and never share your Social Security number with unknown callers.
wtkr.com
· 2026-04-25
Scammers are increasingly using timing and artificial intelligence to create convincing phishing emails that exploit recent purchases or activities, as demonstrated when a consumer reporter received a suspicious email coinciding with an Etsy order she had just placed. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, these bad actors don't necessarily track your online activity but instead send mass emails hoping to catch victims at vulnerable moments, relying on urgency and unexpected messages to prompt hasty clicks. To protect yourself, ignore unsolicited emails, verify messages through official apps or websites directly, don't click suspicious links, and remember that legitimate companies will follow up if needed—digital literacy and caution matter more than any demographic factor.
1440wrok.com
· 2026-04-23
During the first four months of 2026, the Rockford BBB reports that online purchase scams and identity theft are the top threats affecting residents across Northern Illinois and Chicago, with scammers using fake websites, suspicious text messages, and a "brushing" scheme (sending unsolicited packages to create fake verified buyer reviews) to compromise personal information. To protect yourself, avoid responding to vague text messages asking personal questions, be cautious of too-good-to-be-true online deals and social media ads, and monitor for suspicious packages arriving at your address that you didn't order.
cbsnews.com
· 2026-04-22
Hospice fraud is costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, with scammers using stolen identities and fake names to bill Medicare for end-of-life care services that patients don't receive. A Capitol Hill hearing exposed the widespread problem, including a case where a doctor's Medicare claims were fraudulently spread across 126 different hospice providers, and even a Medicare beneficiary whose identity was stolen to enroll her in unnecessary hospice care. Lawmakers from both parties are calling for stronger accountability measures and enforcement to crack down on the fraud and protect the Medicare hospice program.