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wafb.com
· 2025-12-08
Smishing scams—fraudulent text messages impersonating delivery services like USPS, FedEx, and UPS—have increased significantly, with Americans receiving 78 billion robotexts in the first half of 2023 alone and 1.1 billion delivery-related texts in December 2023. Scammers use these messages to trick recipients into clicking malicious links to steal personal information, install malware, or collect fake delivery fees. The FTC and USPS recommend ignoring suspicious texts, never clicking links from unknown senders, using text-blocking apps, and reporting suspected smishing by emailing screenshots to USPS without clicking the link.
actionnews5.com
· 2025-12-08
The FTC and U.S. Postal Inspection Service warned of a significant increase in "smishing" scams—fraudulent text messages impersonating shipping companies and USPS—with Americans receiving 78 billion robotexts in the first half of 2023 alone. Scammers use these messages to trick recipients into clicking malicious links or providing personal information for identity theft, malware installation, or fraudulent payment collection. Consumers are advised to ignore suspicious texts, avoid sharing personal information, report suspected smishing to USPS, and note that the postal service only sends texts from five-digit numbers to those who have opted in and never includes clickable links.
techradar.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating FTC and U.S. government workers to defraud victims, particularly elderly people, by claiming accounts are compromised and directing them to purchase gold bars or withdraw cash to send to couriers. The FTC has issued a warning clarifying it never demands money, threatens arrest/deportation, or directs consumers to Bitcoin ATMs or gold purchases; the FBI received over 14,000 government impersonation reports in the past year, with median losses increasing from $3,000 in 2019 to $7,000 in 2024.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
A renter lost $5,430 to an apartment rental scam after finding a fraudulent listing on Apartments.com and wiring money for first month's rent, security deposit, and last month's rent to a scammer posing as a legitimate realtor. The scammer, who was impersonating someone currently imprisoned for drug trafficking, cut off contact after receiving the payments, and the victim reported the incident to police and the FBI after discovering the fraud. The current tenant had reportedly flagged the listing as fraudulent to Apartments.com a week before the scam occurred, but the website did not remove it in time to prevent the victim's loss.
businessinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
Regina Smith, a 34-year-old experienced real estate investor, fell victim to wire fraud in January 2023 when she sent a $60,000 down payment to a scammer who had spoofed emails from her title company for a Memphis property purchase. The fraudster had hacked into the title company's system to access transaction details and create a convincing fake email, causing Smith's home purchase to fall through and resulting in a total loss of her down payment. This case illustrates how real-estate wire fraud is increasing significantly, with the FBI reporting that one in 20 homebuyers and sellers experienced such scams in recent years, with median losses exceeding $70
wyff4.com
· 2025-12-08
Global scam losses exceeded $1 trillion last year, with Amazon phishing scams among the most prevalent. Amazon has eliminated over 40,000 phishing websites and 10,000 fraudulent phone numbers impersonating the company, resulting in a 15% decrease in fake Amazon scams. The primary threat involves scammers calling unsolicited claiming a large purchase was made and requesting account information to "verify" it; consumers should verify purchases directly through their Amazon account and report suspicious activity to amazon.com/ReportAScam.
tillamookheadlightherald.com
· 2025-12-08
A 2023 study analyzing Federal Trade Commission data found Oregon ranked 13th most defrauded state in the US, with $97.5 million lost across 29,002 fraud reports. Imposter scams were the most common fraud type in Oregon at 23% of all reports, followed by identity theft (15%) and online shopping scams (9%). The analysis provides guidance on recognizing and avoiding these common scam categories, emphasizing the importance of never sharing personal information with unknown callers and verifying legitimacy through official channels.
themerrimack.com
· 2025-12-08
Invoice fraud is a growing threat to businesses of all sizes, with scammers using three primary methods: creating fake invoices that spoof legitimate vendor emails, sending threatening overdue payment notices to induce panic, and embedding malware in fake invoices to steal financial data. Businesses can protect themselves by establishing verification procedures for orders and payments, contacting vendors directly to confirm invoices, and avoiding rushed payment decisions.
amac.us
· 2025-12-08
Scams are widespread dishonest schemes used by bad actors to defraud victims through various channels including text, phone, email, and in-person contact, with the goal of stealing money or personal information for identity theft. According to 2023 Gallup data, 15% of Americans reported being scam victims in the past year, with nationwide fraud losses exceeding $10 billion, including $4.6 billion from investment scams and $2.7 billion from imposter scams. The FTC monitors scam trends and urges consumers to protect themselves by safeguarding sensitive information, remaining vigilant against impersonators, and reporting fraud at reportfraud.ftc
wach.com
· 2025-12-08
I appreciate you wanting me to summarize this article, but the text you've provided only contains the page layout and navigation elements from a news website, not the actual article content.
To provide an accurate summary for the Elderus database, I would need the full article text about the FBI's romance scam warning in South Carolina. Could you please share the complete article content, including the body text and details about the scam warnings?
ktvq.com
· 2025-12-08
Montana's Commissioner of Securities and Insurance office is conducting community education across the state to help residents identify scams and recognize vulnerable populations, particularly seniors who are targeted because they typically have more accumulated wealth. The office has identified pig-butchering schemes—a cryptocurrency-based twist on romance scams where perpetrators contact victims online and eventually solicit money or investment advice—as a rising threat in Montana. The CSI emphasizes that education and awareness of common red flags are the most effective prevention methods.
alaskapublic.org
· 2025-12-08
Alaska experienced a 91% surge in internet scam losses from 2022 to 2023, jumping from $16.5 million to $31.5 million—nearly double the national average increase of 21%—with seniors over 60 representing about 300 victims but accounting for over $8.7 million (more than a quarter of total losses). The FBI identified the three main fraud types affecting Alaskans as compromised business emails, investment fraud, and romance scams, while emphasizing that actual losses are likely underreported. Authorities stress prevention through strong passwords, anti-virus software, caution with virtual relationships, and reporting incidents to the FBI's Internet Crime
reviewjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational piece warning Medicare beneficiaries about phone scams falsely claiming to represent Medicare and offering new plastic cards with chips. The article advises that legitimate Medicare will never call requesting personal information, recommends using a safety script to refuse unsolicited callers, and directs fraud victims to report scams to the Senior Medicare Patrol at 877-808-2468.
nbcwashington.com
· 2025-12-08
A 64-year-old woman in Leisure World, Maryland was defrauded of nearly $800,000 after a caller posing as a federal investigator convinced her to convert her savings into gold bars under the guise of protecting her from identity thieves. The suspect, Wenhui Sun, collected the gold bars in multiple parking lot exchanges before fleeing with the stolen assets. This cash-to-gold scam has affected at least a dozen seniors in Montgomery County, though police arrested Sun after setting up a sting operation with a decoy victim and $376,000 in gold bars.
au.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Two Australian families each lost $10,000 to rental scam advertisements on social media, where scammers copied legitimate property listings, forged tenancy agreements, and collected bond payments before victims discovered other occupants already living in the properties. This type of fraud has increased significantly over the past six months, with renters advised to verify properties in person, contact real estate agents directly, search addresses online, and avoid paying bonds or deposits until confirming legitimacy. The scam also poses risks of personal information theft, as criminals often request copies of identity documents during the rental process.
keyt.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, scammers impersonating Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) stole approximately $875,000 from nearly 43,000 customers across California, with an average loss of $785 per victim. The scams, which peaked in early 2024 with $67,000 stolen in January alone, targeted vulnerable populations including seniors, low-income communities, and non-English speakers through phone calls and emails demanding immediate payment via prepaid cards to avoid service disconnection. PG&E advises customers to verify bills through official channels, use only legitimate payment methods (checks, money orders, or ACH transfers), and report suspected scams to authorities or
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
Albertans reported losing over $156 million to fraud since 2020, with losses reaching $62.5 million in 2023 alone—a fivefold increase from 2020—though experts estimate only 5-10% of incidents are reported due to victim reluctance and embarrassment. Investment scams, particularly cryptocurrency fraud, accounted for nearly 58% of 2023 losses ($35.9 million), followed by spear-phishing attacks that took $8.5 million, with technological advancements and the unregulated nature of cryptocurrency enabling fraudsters to operate across borders with relative anonymity.
pineandlakes.com
· 2025-12-08
The Walker office reports receiving daily scams and phishing attempts using various methods to steal personal and financial information from victims. The article highlights three specific scam types: tax season phishing emails impersonating the IRS to collect sensitive information; tech support scams using fake calls or pop-ups to trick users into paying for nonexistent computer problems; and general warnings about unsolicited communications requesting personal data. Victims have lost tens to thousands of dollars to these schemes, though many people successfully identify and report the attempts before losing money.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a consumer alert in March 2024 warning renters and homebuyers about fraudulent real estate listings on platforms like Zillow and Facebook Marketplace. The scams involved non-existent properties, artificially low prices, and upfront deposit demands, with one example requiring a $4,500 deposit before viewing and another property used for four separate scams. The alert advises consumers to watch for red flags including wire transfer requests, requests for verification codes or personal financial information, spelling/grammar errors, and prices significantly lower than comparable properties in the area.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
This article outlines three spring scams targeting homeowners: fake wire transfer requests from scammers impersonating lenders or realtors during home closings (which are difficult to reverse once sent), fraudulent home warranty solicitations claiming coverage is expiring or expired, and scams involving fake home cleaning or lawn service companies. The article advises homeowners to verify payment instructions directly with lenders using known phone numbers, avoid high-pressure urgency tactics, and confirm legitimacy of companies through official websites and trusted reviews before engaging services or sending money.
brainerddispatch.com
· 2025-12-08
dal.ca
· 2025-12-08
This is not an article about elder fraud, scams, or abuse. It is an internal communication from Dalhousie University describing updates to their employee information portal and newsletter system. This content is not relevant to the Elderus database.
iphoneincanada.ca
· 2025-12-08
Wayne and Diana Stork of the Greater Toronto Area lost $166,000 (primarily $140,000 in Bitcoin from a Coinbase account plus additional funds from trading and TFSA accounts) when fraudsters used a SIM swap scam to gain control of Wayne's phone number at a Freedom Mobile retail store in Toronto. The scammers intercepted two-factor authentication codes to drain his accounts, and while Wealthsimple reimbursed some losses, Freedom Mobile has not provided compensation six months after the incident. The article highlights how SIM swap scams—where fraudsters trick wireless carriers into transferring a victim's phone number to a SIM card they control—remain a
ca.movies.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2018, e-commerce scams were Singapore's leading fraud type with 2,125 reported cases totaling $1.9 million in losses, with approximately 70% occurring on the Carousell marketplace involving electronics and event tickets. Other rising scams included loan scams (which doubled to 994 cases) and China officials impersonation scams (surging 60.6% to 302 cases), though internet love scams declined by 20% following intervention by the Transnational Commercial Crime Task Force, which recovered over $1.4 million and closed 600 bank accounts.
koamnewsnow.com
· 2025-12-08
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond warned consumers about a rising wave of cryptocurrency ATM scams targeting elderly victims, where scammers convince people their banks are failing and convince them to withdraw funds and deposit them into virtual currency kiosks, with the crypto then sent irreversibly to the scammer's wallet. The advisory also detailed other related scams including romance scams, pig butchering schemes, fake investment platforms, computer antivirus scams, and impersonation of government agencies, all designed to trick victims into making cryptocurrency payments. Drummond advised Oklahomans to never pay anyone demanding advance cryptocurrency payments and to contact relatives or the Oklahoma Attorney General's office if victimized.
columbiavalleypioneer.com
· 2025-12-08
This editorial highlights the persistent threat of fraud despite increased public awareness, noting that scammers continue to successfully target victims using various tactics. The piece details specific current scams including CRA tax refund text messages and follow-up BC Hydro impersonation calls, and one woman nearly lost access to her bank account before recognizing red flags. The editor advises readers to verify claims through official government websites, remain skeptical of unsolicited offers, and remember that "if it's too good to be true, it probably is."
kyuk.org
· 2025-12-08
Alaska's internet fraud losses nearly doubled from $16.5 million in 2022 to $31.5 million in 2023—a 91% increase that far outpaced the national 21% rise—with the FBI noting actual losses are likely underreported. While older adults (60+) represented only about 13% of Alaska's 2,338 fraud victims that year, they accounted for over $8.7 million in losses (more than 25% of the total), with the top fraud types being compromised business emails, investment scams, and romance scams. The FBI emphasizes prevention through strong passwords, caution with virtual relationships and suspicious links,
wbay.com
· 2025-12-08
Tech support scammers use fake pop-up warnings claiming a computer is locked or infected to frighten users into calling fraudulent support numbers, where victims may lose money, install malicious software, or divulge personal information. The FBI and FTC report these scams are generating record profits, though one Wisconsin woman avoided financial loss by immediately shutting down her computer and seeking help from a trusted IT professional. To avoid these scams, users should never call numbers on security pop-ups, never grant remote access to strangers, and instead contact trusted tech support or use security best practices like two-factor authentication and regular software updates.
wusa9.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonating "The Tax Group" are using voicemail messages before Tax Day to target taxpayers with offers to enroll them in a fake "Zero Tax Initiative" program, claiming past tax debts can be made non-collectible. The Better Business Bureau and IRS website confirm no such program exists, and the legitimate Tax Group business has reported being spoofed; experts note that tax preparers cannot access filing history without explicit permission, and the IRS never initiates contact by phone, text, or email.
dailypress.net
· 2025-12-08
A couple in West Virginia nearly fell victim to a debt consolidation scam after receiving an unsolicited call promising to negotiate with creditors and consolidate payments, but their son's investigation using the Better Business Bureau's Scam Tracker revealed numerous complaints against the company. The article also warns consumers against online shopping scams that steal financial information or send counterfeit goods, and advises shopping only at trusted retailers to ensure legitimate products and returns policies.
nasdaq.com
· 2025-12-08
Spring's increased home buying and selling activity creates opportunities for scammers to exploit homebuyers and sellers through fake wire transfer requests, impersonation of lenders and realtors, and fraudulent home warranty solicitations. Consumers are advised to verify payment instructions directly with their lender or agent using known phone numbers, avoid wire transfers under pressure, consider certified checks as alternatives, and research home warranty companies through trusted sources like Consumer Reports before making any payments.
sundayworld.com
· 2025-12-08
The Black Axe gang, a West African organized crime network with approximately 1,100 members in Ireland, has amassed a fortune primarily through cyber fraud rather than drug trafficking. The gang specializes in investment scams, romance fraud, and Business Email Compromise (BEC) schemes, with 226 Irish victims of investment fraud losing an average of €40,000-€50,000 each in the past year, while €7 million has been stolen through romance fraud targeting vulnerable women over the past five years. Irish law enforcement has made over 377 arrests as of last June and continues weekly operations under Operation Skein, which contributes to Interpol's international Operation
cybershack.com.au
· 2025-12-08
An 80-year-old tech-savvy reader named John fell victim to an online scam after clicking on a fake ad-blocker offer, compromising his credit card and personal information; scammers made several fraudulent purchases within 24 hours before he took corrective action. The article outlines common online scam types—including email phishing, SMS fraud, malware/ransomware, and fake websites—and provides protective measures such as using clean email addresses, running malware detection software, maintaining backups, and remaining skeptical of unsolicited offers. The key message is that online scams affect people across all technical skill levels, and awareness combined with proactive security practices can help
tradingview.com
· 2025-12-08
Cryptocurrency fraud surged to a record $4.6 billion in 2023, with U.S. crypto investment scam losses reaching $3.94 billion—a 53% increase from 2022. The rise correlates with Bitcoin's price increases, as fraudsters capitalize on heightened market interest through schemes including pump-and-dump tokens, romance scams (up 85-fold since 2020), and social engineering tactics, with approximately 80% of targeted Americans losing an average of $3,800.
dailymaverick.co.za
· 2025-12-08
Financial institutions in South Africa hosted an educational webinar during Global Money Week highlighting six prevalent scams: phishing (fake banking/government websites), courier fraud (fake clearing tax fees), spoof emails (impersonation for money transfers), romance scams (one victim lost over R1 million), travel booking scams (fake accommodation websites), and investment scams with unrealistic guaranteed returns. Experts advised consumers to verify secure website indicators, confirm requests by phone, use reverse image searches, book through reputable agencies, and be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true or pressure quick decisions.
u.today
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, cryptocurrency fraud reached alarming levels, with scams generating at least $4.6 billion in revenue and U.S. crypto investment scam losses surging 53% to $3.94 billion. The most prevalent schemes included pump-and-dump token manipulation and romance scams (which increased 85-fold since 2020), with approximately 80% of targeted Americans losing money, with a median loss of $3,800. SEC Chair Gary Gensler warned that fraud and abuse in the crypto space are correlated with Bitcoin's price increases, highlighting risks from inadequate disclosures by intermediaries pooling digital assets.
blogto.com
· 2025-12-08
Toronto residents are experiencing a surge in scams targeting seniors and vulnerable citizens, including fraudulent speeding ticket texts, rental listing scams (with victims losing up to $3,600), 407 ETR toll highway payment scams via text message, and grandparent scams that have defrauded over 200 Toronto victims of more than $1 million since 2021. Recent cases include an 87-year-old who lost $10,000 when scammers falsely claimed her grandson needed bail money for drug possession charges, highlighting how fraudsters exploit urgency and trust in authorities to manipulate victims.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Spring's busy home-buying and home-improvement season creates opportunities for scammers to target homeowners through three main schemes: fake wire transfer requests impersonating lenders or realtors to intercept down payments and closing costs, fraudulent home warranty solicitations claiming policies are expiring or offering fake coverage, and home improvement scams. Homeowners can protect themselves by verifying payment instructions directly with lenders through known phone numbers, avoiding high-pressure tactics, using certified checks when possible, and purchasing warranties only from legitimate companies verified through Consumer Reports or trusted referrals.
cantonrep.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonate legitimate businesses via email, claiming subscriptions have expired or will auto-renew, and direct recipients to fake websites to steal credit card and personal information. Consumers should verify emails by checking sender addresses for red flags, contacting businesses directly using official phone numbers, tracking subscription dates, and consulting BBB Scam Tracker before providing payment information. One victim received a fake Sirius XM renewal notice the day after their actual renewal date but avoided loss by verifying their account directly with the company.
nwfdailynews.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article discusses common scams targeting the public, particularly elderly individuals. It covers traditional fraud like the "grandchild in jail" scheme where scammers pose as a relative needing bail money, as well as modern digital scams including fake package delivery notifications requesting payment and credit card information, and fraudulent refund offers designed to exploit victims' greed by asking for financial details.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
A pharmacist fell victim to an elaborate impersonation scam when scammers spoofed the Ohio Board of Pharmacy's number, falsely claiming her license was linked to a narcotics investigation and threatening arrest unless she paid a $500,000 bond. Over three months, the scammers manipulated her into moving $500,000 of her savings and retirement funds into a "protected account" and taking out two additional loans totaling $250,000, all of which went directly to the fraudsters. The article notes that scams are rising nationally, with Americans losing over $159 billion in 2023, and that professionals with specialized licenses and higher incomes—such as pharmacists
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
A 34-year-old woman lost $60,000 in a wire fraud scam when she received a fraudulent email impersonating her title company to send a down payment for a home purchase in Memphis, Tennessee in January 2023. Scammers had hacked the title company's system to obtain property details and mimic the agent's communication style, making the fake email appear legitimate until she noticed a misspelled realtor's name an hour after wiring the funds. Although the Secret Service eventually recovered her money, she missed out on the property purchase, highlighting the increasingly sophisticated nature of wire transfer fraud targeting real estate transactions.
nzherald.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
Last year, New Zealanders reported losses of nearly $200 million to scams, though actual losses may exceed $2 billion when unreported cases are considered, with two-thirds of Kiwis encountering scams monthly. ASB Bank is spearheading a multi-sector anti-scam initiative with telcos, police, and social media companies, while launching an awareness campaign that outlines common scam types—including phishing, marketplace fraud, investment schemes, and romance scams—along with protective measures such as verifying contacts directly, inspecting goods in person, researching investments thoroughly, and guarding personal information.
cyberdaily.au
· 2025-12-08
During Ramadan and Eid Fitr celebrations, scammers targeting Saudi Arabia and other regions have stolen between $70-$100 million through various fraud schemes, with the criminal group known as the Smishing Triad primarily responsible. The scams employ multiple tactics including fake logistics delivery notifications (impersonating companies like Aramex), romance scams, fake charities, and phishing sites mimicking banks and bill payment platforms, often using personal data from previous breaches to appear legitimate and bypass security measures like two-factor authentication. Victims are directed to counterfeit websites where their financial information, banking credentials, and personal data are harvested for unauthorized charges, identity theft, and recruitment
floridadaily.com
· 2025-12-08
Taufiq Mohammed Kailani of Daytona Beach was arrested for using a business email imposter scam to defraud two construction companies of $60,725 by posing as an employee and sending a counterfeit bank letter to trick one company into wiring funds. Kailani exploited an elderly victim he met through a romance scam to open a fraudulent bank account and withdraw the stolen money, which the victim unwittingly facilitated. He was charged with organized fraud, fraudulent use of personal identification information, and money laundering, with bail set at $1.5 million.
businessworld.in
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams in India have evolved significantly, with scammers increasingly using AI-generated deepfakes and voice technology to create convincing fake profiles and impersonate romantic interests. According to 2023 reports, 43% of Indians fell victim to AI voice scams (83% of whom lost money), 77% encountered AI-generated fake profiles on dating apps, and 66% have been targeted by online dating scams. Experts recommend public education on scam warning signs, stronger regulations from dating platforms and law enforcement, and user vigilance—particularly protecting vulnerable populations like elderly widowed individuals—through identity verification and avoiding sharing sensitive personal information with online strangers.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article provides guidance on identifying common cyber scams and protecting oneself online. It identifies six prevalent scam types targeting all age groups—including phishing, sweepstakes, investment, lawsuit/tax, romance, and tech support scams—and recommends seven safety practices such as using strong passwords, updating devices, and exercising skepticism toward unsolicited offers. The piece emphasizes that cybercrime is a rising threat and encourages reporting suspicious emails to CISA.
longmontleader.com
· 2025-12-08
A 2023 QRFY study found that Colorado ranked seventh in the nation for fraud losses, with residents losing $161.2 million total ($2.8 million per 100,000 residents) across 40,625 reported scams to the FTC. Imposter scams were the leading fraud type at 19% of incidents, followed by identity theft at 17%, with scammers commonly posing as banks, utilities, or police to trick victims into sending money or purchasing gift cards via phone, email, or text.
wibx950.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are sending fraudulent emails impersonating streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime, claiming memberships have expired and directing recipients to click links and enter credit card information. The Better Business Bureau warns consumers to verify emails directly with companies, watch for red flags like suspicious sender addresses and poor grammar, track subscription renewal dates, and report suspected scam emails rather than clicking links or providing payment information.
canberratimes.com.au
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Western Australian scam victims lost over $20 million across 1,398 reported incidents, with investment scams (primarily cryptocurrency) accounting for $12.1 million and dating/romance scams causing $3.7 million in losses. Facebook-based scams topped reported cases, up 62% from 2022, including fake classifieds, rental listings, job offers, and cryptocurrency schemes, with authorities recommending consumers use secure payment methods and verify legitimacy before sharing personal information or funds online.