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thegazette.com
· 2026-06-29
The Better Business Bureau reports a surge in complaints about artificial intelligence and automated customer service systems, with over 100,000 AI-related complaints received since 2023 and 90% of business reviews mentioning AI showing negative sentiment. Consumers are increasingly frustrated by their inability to reach human representatives and resolve issues through automated systems, which scammers are also exploiting as a new method to defraud people. To protect yourself, be cautious when interacting with AI-powered businesses, insist on access to human support when needed, and report suspected scams to the BBB Scam Tracker, FTC, FBI, or your state attorney general's office.
kfiz.com
· 2026-06-29
In 2025, social media scams cost consumers $2.1 billion in reported losses—eight times more than in 2020—with nearly 30% of scam victims saying the fraud started on social media platforms. The most common scams are shopping scams (where fake websites mimic legitimate retailers to steal login credentials and financial information) and romance scams (where scammers build trust with victims before requesting money or pressuring them to invest in fake assets). To protect yourself, avoid clicking ads or links and instead manually type in website addresses, carefully verify URLs before entering any information, and never send money to or invest with people you've only met online.
cryptopolitan.com
· 2026-06-28
A retired man in Florence, Alabama lost over $222,000 in a "pig butchering" crypto scam, where a fraudster posing as a young woman named "Bella" built his trust over time before directing him to fake investment platforms and cryptocurrency wallets. The U.S. government successfully tracked and seized the funds, filing for permanent forfeiture in federal court. To protect yourself, be extremely skeptical of unsolicited romantic or investment offers online, especially those involving cryptocurrency, and never transfer money to unfamiliar wallets or exchanges—particularly through encrypted messaging apps where scammers can operate with less accountability.
cryptopolitan.com
· 2026-06-28
San Antonio residents lost approximately $39 million to scams between January 2024 and April 2026, primarily targeting older adults through fake law enforcement calls demanding Bitcoin ATM deposits. The city has passed an ordinance requiring bilingual warning signs at all 660 crypto kiosks, effective July 1, to alert users about common scam tactics and encourage them to call 911 if pressured to send money. Residents should be aware that legitimate government agencies will never demand immediate payment via cryptocurrency, and they should hang up and independently verify any urgent payment requests before using ATMs.
yahoo.com
· 2026-06-27
A Florida man nearly fell victim to a scam involving fake Microsoft warnings that popped up on his computer, falsely claiming he was involved in illegal activities like child exploitation and gambling to pressure him into calling a fraudulent number. When scammers on the call demanded his bank account information, he hung up and reported it—but his neighbor lost over $2,000 to the same scheme. To protect yourself, ignore pop-up warnings claiming illegal activity on your computer, never call numbers provided in unsolicited messages, and contact Microsoft directly through official channels if you have genuine security concerns.
dailymail.com
· 2026-06-27
Reality TV star Sam Little from The Traitors lost his life savings to cryptocurrency scammers who tricked him into moving his funds by impersonating his bank through a fake phone call, claiming it was for an insurance case. When he tried to report the fraud, the Report Fraud agency declined to help because cryptocurrency cases are considered too complex and time-consuming to investigate. The incident highlights the vulnerability of even savvy individuals to social engineering scams and the challenges victims face in recovering funds, particularly with cryptocurrency-related fraud.
hometownstations.com
· 2026-06-26
A multi-agency investigation dubbed "Operation Money Trap" resulted in the arrest of 22-year-old Anurgdeep Singh, who allegedly collected money as part of an elder fraud scheme targeting a 72-year-old Ohio woman. Scammers had contacted the victim claiming her computer was compromised with illicit material and threatened to expose this information unless she paid them; she complied initially but alerted police when asked for additional payments. Police advise that if you receive similar threatening calls about compromised devices or fabricated material, do not pay and contact law enforcement immediately, as legitimate companies and authorities will never demand payment this way.
winknews.com
· 2026-06-26
The FBI has issued a warning about scammers using fake websites and alarming pop-up alerts to defraud people, with one North Fort Myers resident nearly falling victim after receiving fake "Microsoft" warnings claiming illegal activity on his computer and being pressured to provide banking information. Florida residents lost $1.5 billion to online scams last year, with criminals using fear-based tactics—such as claims involving child exploitation—to manipulate victims into paying money or surrendering personal information. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in unsolicited pop-ups, never call numbers displayed in suspicious alerts, and contact companies directly using verified contact information if you're concerned about account security.
au.finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-06-26
Multiple Australians have lost their life savings—including one woman who lost $150,000 and a 74-year-old who lost $320,000—to a sophisticated investment scam that fraudulently used Commonwealth Bank branding and images of former investment guru Tom Piotrowski. The scam operated through fake social media ads and WhatsApp groups that promised high returns and free stock advice, targeting vulnerable people including retirees and those saving for medical procedures. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited investment offers on social media, verify any investment opportunity directly with the actual financial institution (not through links in ads), and remember that legitimate financial advisors won't recruit clients through Facebook ads or private messaging groups.
dailyhodl.com
· 2026-06-25
Blockchain analytics firm Elliptic and Thailand's police uncovered $520 million in suspicious cryptocurrency transactions across 32 blockchains, linked to theft, money laundering, and "pig butchering" romance scams primarily originating from criminal networks in Cambodia and Myanmar. The investigation identified approximately $14 million in direct victim losses from over 500 suspicious wallets, with criminals exploiting decentralized exchanges and cross-chain bridges that don't require identity verification to launder stolen funds. To protect yourself, use only regulated cryptocurrency exchanges with identity verification requirements, enable multi-factor authentication on crypto wallets, be skeptical of online relationships requesting investment or financial assistance, and report suspicious activity to local authorities.
ctinsider.com
· 2026-06-25
A 72-year-old Connecticut veteran and retired IT recruiter, Regina Stankaitis, fell victim to caregiver theft in 2021 when her hired caregiver stole her identity, checks, and nearly $35,000 in goods within just two weeks—a crime made possible because Stankaitis was vulnerable while recovering from knee surgery and dealing with post-operative complications. The experience left lasting psychological trauma, but Stankaitis has turned her ordeal into advocacy work, publicly sharing her story through AARP to raise awareness about elder financial exploitation and encourage vulnerable individuals to take extra precautions when hiring in-home care. Key advice: thoroughly vet and monitor hired caregivers, especially during periods when you're incapacitated or medicated, and consider implementing safeguards like background checks and financial oversight.
newstimes.com
· 2026-06-25
A 72-year-old Connecticut veteran, Regina Stankaitis, became a victim of caregiver theft in 2021 when her hired caregiver stole her identity, checks, and nearly $35,000 worth of goods within just two weeks—taking advantage of her vulnerability while recovering from knee surgery and experiencing medication complications. Though the trauma has left lasting psychological effects, Stankaitis has turned her experience into advocacy work, publicly sharing her story through AARP to raise awareness and help other seniors recognize warning signs and take protective measures against similar exploitation. The case highlights the risks vulnerable people face when hiring in-home care and underscores the importance of background checks, supervision, and vigilance when selecting caregivers.
foxnews.com
· 2026-06-25
Scammers are targeting families through phone calls impersonating law enforcement and other authorities, creating fake urgency to trick victims into withdrawing cash from banks to send to strangers. According to the FBI and FTC, impostor scams caused $3.5 billion in losses in 2025, with scammers often coaching victims on what to say to bank tellers before they arrive. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited calls demanding immediate wire transfers or cash withdrawals, especially from people claiming to be police or government officials, and contact your bank directly if you're unsure about a request.
theguardian.com
· 2026-06-23
Employment scams have doubled in 2025, with fraudsters using AI technology to impersonate employers and send personalized messages to vulnerable job seekers desperate for work. Gen Z applicants have been hit particularly hard, with about 32% reporting they've fallen victim to job scams compared to 15% of Gen Xers. To protect yourself, verify job opportunities directly through official company websites and phone numbers, be cautious of requests for personal information or upfront payments, and remember that legitimate employers typically don't conduct initial interviews via email alone.
foxnews.com
· 2026-06-23
Scam texts targeting older adults, particularly those with memory issues like dementia, are causing significant financial losses—one 81-year-old woman was charged over $5,000 by a political campaign after clicking malicious links, though the charges were eventually refunded. The article provides guidance on protecting vulnerable seniors by adjusting phone settings, carrier account controls, and payment restrictions to make risky texts and unauthorized purchases harder to complete while still allowing them to use their phones normally. Key steps include enabling text filters, restricting contacts to known numbers, setting up bank alerts, and tightening payment settings to prevent surprise charges.
forbes.com
· 2026-06-23
Cryptocurrency ATM scams have exploded dramatically, with the FTC reporting a 1,000% increase in losses between 2020 and 2023 and $388 million lost in 2025 alone, primarily targeting older adults over 60 who are tricked by scammers impersonating officials into depositing cash. To combat this trend, some states have banned crypto ATMs or imposed transaction limits, and Senator Durbin introduced federal legislation requiring operator registration, customer verification, and fraud warnings. Consumers should never deposit cash into crypto ATMs when requested by someone claiming it's for "safekeeping" or service payments, as these requests are always scams.
abc.net.au
· 2026-06-23
Scammers are targeting Australians with fake ABC News articles promoted through Facebook ads, using AI-generated images of celebrities and politicians to lure people into fraudulent investment platforms like "Hexonix 365," with some victims losing hundreds of thousands of dollars. The fake articles are nearly identical clones of the real ABC News website, complete with dramatic AI-written stories about public figures promoting secret investment strategies, and include fake "editor's notes" claiming ABC has verified the platforms as legitimate. To protect yourself, be skeptical of sensational investment stories on social media, verify news directly on official ABC News websites rather than clicking ads, and remember that legitimate news outlets never promote specific investment platforms in their articles.
openthemagazine.com
· 2026-06-22
In October, Myanmar authorities raided KK Park, a massive scam compound in the border town of Myawaddy that housed thousands of trafficked workers coerced into running sophisticated online fraud schemes targeting victims worldwide. Approximately 3,000 Indian workers were detained in the raid and eventually returned to India after questioning, revealing a highly organized operation where workers lived in dormitories and were assigned to different fraud teams with clear hierarchical management. The account of one Indian worker suggests that many participants, contrary to earlier reports, may have initially worked voluntarily before becoming trapped in the operation.
techlusive.in
· 2026-06-22
Scammers are exploiting excitement around Grand Theft Auto VI's release by sending fake beta invitation emails and creating fraudulent websites that mimic Rockstar Games' official pages, tricking gamers into sharing personal information or downloading malicious software. According to security researchers, there is currently no official GTA 6 beta testing program, so any emails or websites claiming to offer early access should be viewed with suspicion. Gamers should avoid clicking links from unsolicited emails, verify website URLs carefully before entering personal information, and only trust official Rockstar Games channels for legitimate game announcements.
cnet.com
· 2026-06-21
Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to generate personalized, convincing emails and phishing campaigns that exploit urgency and trust—particularly targeting authors with fake book club offers, though the tactics affect people across all industries. These AI-powered scams can lead to stolen funds, identity theft, malware infections, and extortion, making them harder to spot than traditional scams. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited emails with suspicious praise or job offers, watch for red flags like all-caps text and generic personalization, verify organizations directly through official websites before clicking links, and never provide personal or financial information to unverified sources.
cryptopolitan.com
· 2026-06-21
Cryptocurrency fraud has become the leading cybercrime category in America, with victims losing over $11 billion last year, particularly affecting elderly Americans and residents of California, Florida, and Texas through investment scams and fake platforms. FBI Director Kash Patel has warned crypto fraudsters that law enforcement will pursue them across borders by following money trails and leveraging international partnerships, with recent successes including 300 arrests in Dubai and recovery of over $500 million in illicit assets. People should be especially cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities involving cryptocurrency, verify platforms through official channels before depositing funds, and report suspected scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
startupfortune.com
· 2026-06-20
The FBI under Kash Patel is aggressively cracking down on cryptocurrency fraud through coordinated international operations, treating it as organized crime rather than a regulatory issue—including a April 2026 operation that resulted in 276 arrests across scam compounds and a June operation with Meta and other tech platforms that removed 1.4 million fraudulent accounts and seized over $3 million in crypto. Victims are being targeted through "pig-butchering" scams that use fake relationships and investment platforms to steal their money, with cryptocurrency being the preferred vehicle for these crimes. Crypto business founders need to take these enforcement efforts seriously, as the FBI is now moving faster and more publicly than traditional regulators, coordinating with platforms, exchanges, and international law enforcement rather than waiting for formal policy frameworks.
bookandfilmglobe.com
· 2026-06-20
Carlos Barragan's book "The Yahoo Boys" explores the Nigerian romance scam industry through interviews with teenage scammers, motivated in part by his own mother falling victim to one of these schemes. The book profiles four young Nigerian men who use online relationships to manipulate victims into sending money, revealing that despite understanding the real harm they cause, these scammers show little genuine interest in stopping. For those vulnerable to romance scams, the key takeaway is to be wary of online relationships that quickly lead to requests for money, especially from people you've never met in person.
u.today
· 2026-06-20
Americans lost a record $20.9 billion to cybercrime last year, with cryptocurrency fraud accounting for over half of that—$11 billion—through schemes like fake exchanges, investment scams, and "pig butchering" tactics that exploit victims' pseudonymity on blockchain. Elderly Americans were hit particularly hard, losing nearly a third of the total amount, with California, Texas, and Florida seeing the most crypto-related losses. In response, FBI Director Kash Patel vowed to intensify enforcement efforts, noting the bureau has already frozen over 3,000 illicit crypto wallets and recovered $500 million, with plans to expand these asset-recovery operations.
kucoin.com
· 2026-06-20
Americans lost $20.9 billion to cybercrime last year, with investment scams—including crypto fraud—accounting for approximately $10.7 billion of those losses, prompting FBI Director Kash Patel to announce intensified efforts to combat crypto scams. Common tactics include fake exchanges, "pig butchering" schemes, and fraudulent DeFi projects that exploit blockchain's anonymity to evade tracking, with elderly Americans being disproportionately targeted and accounting for nearly one-third of total losses. To protect yourself, avoid unsolicited investment opportunities promising high returns, verify the legitimacy of exchanges and platforms before transferring funds, and be cautious of unfamiliar cryptocurrency projects or complex financial terminology used by bad actors.
digitalinformationworld.com
· 2026-06-19
Hundreds of thousands of job seekers, particularly those with language skills or vulnerable circumstances, are being trafficked to Southeast Asian countries under false employment promises and forced to run online fraud schemes like "pig-butchering" scams. Scammers control victims through wage withholding, document confiscation, location tracking, and violence, while also extorting ransom from families. Research based on survivor testimonies identifies warning signs of trafficking recruitment, and experts recommend that job seekers verify employment offers through official channels, be cautious of unsolicited job opportunities abroad, and watch for red flags like requests for upfront payments or pressure to move quickly.
chase.com
· 2026-06-19
AI-enabled scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using deepfake audio and video to impersonate trusted contacts and personalize attacks at scale, posing a threat to consumers' personal information and financial security. While traditional scams relied on obvious red flags like poor spelling, these AI-powered schemes can be highly convincing, though banks are fighting back with advanced machine learning systems that monitor accounts in real time and analyze transaction patterns to block suspicious activity. To protect yourself, stay alert for urgency tactics, verify requests through independent contact methods, and take advantage of identity theft monitoring services that scan for your information on the dark web and credit reports.
news.airbnb.com
· 2026-06-19
Online travel scams—including fake booking sites, phishing, and AI-generated fraudulent content—are costing Canadian travellers an average of $2,400 CAD, with about 38% of Canadians having fallen victim. As travellers book summer trips, including for FIFA World Cup 2026, experts partnered with Airbnb recommend booking through reputable platforms and being cautious of unfamiliar websites and payment methods, especially since younger adults often struggle to identify AI-generated scam content despite their confidence. To protect yourself, use established booking platforms that offer buyer protections rather than unfamiliar sites, and verify that travel deals and communications are legitimate before sharing personal or payment information.
fortune.com
· 2026-06-18
A 76-year-old nearly lost his entire $3 million retirement to scammers, but TIAA's AI system detected the suspicious withdrawal request and alerted the company's fraud team, who ultimately prevented the loss. The incident highlights how artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly important in combating scams, as criminals use AI to clone voices and create deepfakes, while cybercrime losses exceeded $20.8 billion in 2025 with older adults being the primary targets. Experts recommend that financial institutions use AI monitoring combined with human verification to catch fraud, and individuals should be skeptical of unusual withdrawal requests and contact their financial providers directly if they suspect they're being scammed.
bitdefender.com
· 2026-06-18
In 2025, Americans lost $3.5 billion to imposter scams where criminals pretended to be government agencies, banks, tech support, employers, and romantic partners—a nearly 20% increase from the previous year and the ninth consecutive year this was the most common fraud type. The scams exploit trust rather than technical tricks, with government imposter scams surging 40%, particularly fake toll payment messages that create urgency through threats of penalties. To protect yourself, verify any unexpected requests for payment or personal information by contacting the organization directly using official contact information, never respond to unsolicited messages, and be skeptical of anything demanding immediate action.
tomsguide.com
· 2026-06-18
Seniors aged 60 and older lost $7.7 billion to cybercrime in 2024—a 60% increase from the previous year—with investment scams, crypto fraud, romance scams, and tech support scams being the primary culprits. Fraudsters are now using sophisticated AI tools like voice cloning, deepfake videos, and realistic impersonations to make their scams more convincing than ever, targeting older adults who may be less familiar with these technologies. To protect seniors, families should educate them about red flags in romance scams, scrutinize messages for subtle signs of AI generation (even when grammar appears perfect), and verify requests for money or personal information through independent contact with the supposed sender.
spectrumnews1.com
· 2026-06-17
Scammers stole over $120 million from Kentuckians last year, with seniors aged 60+ losing more than $60 million, as criminals increasingly use cryptocurrency and AI-powered technology to make scams like romance and emergency schemes more convincing. The FBI warns that these frauds are growing more sophisticated and difficult to trace, particularly through the state's 400+ cryptocurrency ATMs. If you suspect a scam, the FBI advises stopping communication immediately, slowing down, and discussing suspicious interactions with trusted family members or friends before taking any action.
sarkaritel.com
· 2026-06-17
Sri Lanka has become a major hub for international cybercrime, with criminal networks relocating from Southeast Asia to operate sophisticated telecom and pig-butchering scams from luxury hotels and guesthouses across the country. Victims worldwide are targeted through fraudulent investment schemes, fake dating profiles, and mass phishing campaigns using stolen identities and SIM-box equipment that can manage hundreds of phone lines simultaneously. Authorities have intensified raids since mid-2024, arresting hundreds of suspected scammers, but victims can protect themselves by being cautious about unsolicited investment opportunities, verifying identities before sending money, and using strong security practices like enabling two-factor authentication and avoiding clicking links from unknown sources.
channelnewsasia.com
· 2026-06-17
A Singapore man lost S$3,800 after clicking on a fraudulent TikTok ad that led him to share his credit card details in a phishing scam; scammers then used his information to create a digital wallet token to make unauthorized purchases. Although his bank recovered S$355, a tribunal ruled the man was largely responsible for the remaining S$3,455 in losses because he ignored multiple warnings and notifications from the bank, demonstrating gross negligence. The case highlights the importance of staying vigilant about suspicious links and heeding bank alerts, as consumers who ignore security warnings may not be able to recover their losses.
straitstimes.com
· 2026-06-17
A man in Singapore lost $3,456 to a credit card phishing scam after clicking a fake link on TikTok and entering his card details, but a court ruled against his claim to recover the money from his bank. The tribunal found him grossly negligent because he ignored multiple warning alerts from his bank over more than a week about unauthorized activity on his account, rather than taking immediate action to report or stop the transactions. The key lesson for consumers: respond promptly to any suspicious account notifications from your bank—ignoring repeated warnings can cost you the ability to recover fraudulent charges, even if you were initially scammed.
cnbc.com
· 2026-06-16
Seniors aged 62 and older are increasingly targeted by reverse mortgage scams, with people over 60 filing over 201,000 fraud complaints in 2025 resulting in $7.7 billion in losses. While reverse mortgages can be a legitimate financial tool for homeowners to access their home's equity, older adults should be cautious of fraudulent schemes, particularly because they are more vulnerable to financial fraud. To protect yourself, it's important to research lenders carefully, verify that any reverse mortgage offer comes from a trusted source, and consider consulting with a financial advisor before committing to any reverse mortgage product.
pandasecurity.com
· 2026-06-16
Financial scam advertisements are proliferating on major social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, prompting formal complaints from European consumer groups against Google, Meta, and TikTok for failing to remove fraudulent ads that reach millions of users. Between December 2025 and March 2026, regulators reported nearly 900 suspected fraudulent ads, but platforms removed only 27% of them—with TikTok performing worst at 21%—suggesting potential financial incentives to overlook scams since Meta earned millions in ad revenue from Medicare-related fraud alone. To protect yourself, scrutinize financial ads on social media carefully, verify claims through official sources rather than links in ads, and report suspected fraudulent content to the platforms immediately.
news.usps.com
· 2026-06-16
Imposter scams—where criminals pose as relatives, romantic interests, or tech support—cost consumers $15.9 billion in 2025 and are becoming increasingly convincing through AI technology. The scams commonly target elderly people and vulnerable individuals by creating urgent situations (medical emergencies, bail money, computer viruses) to pressure victims into sending money. To protect yourself, verify requests through trusted contacts before acting, avoid sharing personal information with strangers online, be wary of urgent money requests, and never grant remote computer access or make payments via gift cards to unsolicited callers.
pcmag.com
· 2026-06-16
Scammers are increasingly using AI to launch sophisticated social engineering attacks through popular messaging apps, SMS, and email, making fraudulent messages nearly indistinguishable from legitimate communications. According to Fraud.org's 2025 report, internet-based scams now surpass phone calls as scammers' primary contact method, with phishing and spoofing attacks nearly doubling year-over-year. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited messages about deliveries or requests from contacts, verify suspicious communications through independent channels, and avoid clicking links or sharing information with unverified senders.
bleepingcomputer.com
· 2026-06-16
The FBI warned that criminals are using in-person couriers to collect cash from victims of cryptocurrency investment scams, where fraudsters build trust through social media and dating apps before luring people into fake investment schemes. When legitimate banks block suspicious transfers, scammers arrange for couriers (who authenticate themselves with passwords or specific dollar bill serial numbers) to pick up cash directly from victims' homes, then show fake gains in virtual wallets to demand even more money for fabricated taxes and fees. To protect yourself, research any cryptocurrency platform thoroughly, never share your home address with unsolicited contacts, avoid giving cash to unknown individuals, and be wary of "love bombing"—excessive flattery and attention used to manipulate victims.
analyticsinsight.net
· 2026-06-16
As cryptocurrency use grows worldwide, so do crypto-related scams—including pig butchering schemes, rug pulls, exchange hacks, and Ponzi schemes—leaving victims needing specialized legal help beyond traditional services. Affected individuals and businesses require a combination of blockchain forensic analysis, asset tracing, legal expertise, and international regulatory knowledge to recover losses and navigate the complex digital asset landscape. When facing crypto fraud, victims should seek out law firms with proven experience in cryptocurrency disputes, blockchain investigations, and cross-border asset recovery rather than attempting to resolve these issues alone.
resultsense.com
· 2026-06-15
Artificial intelligence is fueling a dramatic surge in UK fraud, with over 4.1 million cases stealing nearly £1.3 billion last year—up 31% since 2023. Criminals are using AI to create convincing deepfakes of celebrities and loved ones, making romance scams particularly devastating, with investment fraud losses jumping 40% to record highs. Experts urge consumers to be vigilant about unsolicited contact from relatives or celebrities, while calling on tech platforms and financial institutions to strengthen verification systems and remove fraudulent ads rather than relying solely on post-theft refunds.
floridapolitics.com
· 2026-06-15
Florida seniors face growing threats from sophisticated cybercriminals using AI, cryptocurrency, and the dark web to commit identity theft and financial fraud. While Congress considers the CLARITY Act to help law enforcement combat these crimes, the author warns that the bill contains problematic exemptions that would allow certain cryptocurrency intermediaries to avoid the anti-money laundering oversight that traditional banks must follow, potentially making it easier for criminals to hide their tracks. The recommendation is for Congress to strengthen the bill by removing these exemptions and requiring crypto platforms to meet the same transparency and reporting standards as banks in order to better protect vulnerable seniors.
spacedaily.com
· 2026-06-15
"Pig butchering" is a sophisticated scam where criminals pose as romantic interests or investment advisors, building trust over weeks or months before convincing victims to invest in fake cryptocurrency accounts that show impressive returns until the scammers disappear with the money. The FBI reported over $5.8 billion in losses from this type of fraud in 2024 alone, with victims typically being contacted through fake "accidental" text messages that initiate seemingly genuine relationships. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited messages from strangers, never invest based on advice from people you've only met online, and verify investment platforms through official regulatory agencies before sending any money.
uk.pcmag.com
· 2026-06-15
Many people receive numerous scam and spam texts daily, often from numbers obtained through data breaches and sold on the dark web. The article recommends enabling built-in message filtering features on both iOS and Android phones—which automatically sort unknown senders into separate folders—and remaining skeptical of any unsolicited messages, especially those containing links or requests for money or personal information. Users should only trust messages from saved contacts and be particularly wary of "wrong number scams" where scammers pose as acquaintances or romantic interests to build trust before requesting money or pushing investments.
abc.net.au
· 2026-06-15
Australians lose millions of dollars annually to scam text messages that impersonate legitimate businesses, but starting July 1st, the Australian Communications and Media Authority is implementing a new technology tool to help people identify fake SMS messages more easily. The new system, developed with input from ACMA's Telecommunications and Consumer Lead Samantha Yorke, aims to make it harder for scammers to deceive mobile phone users. While the article doesn't specify the exact mechanics of the detection tool, the technology represents an effort to combat the widespread problem of SMS fraud targeting Australian consumers.
oregonfaithreport.com
· 2026-06-14
Older adults in Oregon are being urged to watch for signs of financial exploitation, which costs seniors over $28 billion annually nationwide and affects roughly 11% of people age 60 and older. The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation warns that scams targeting seniors are becoming increasingly sophisticated, particularly those involving cryptocurrency kiosks and gift cards, and that isolated or lonely older people are especially vulnerable. People should watch for warning signs like overly protective new friends or caregivers, sudden changes in spending habits, and seniors becoming reluctant to discuss their finances.
aol.com
· 2026-06-14
Americans over 60 lost more than $7.7 billion to fraud in the past year—a 37% increase—with the FBI and FTC identifying seven major scams targeting seniors, including AI voice-cloning schemes, government impersonation, tech support fraud, romance scams, investment fraud, and Medicare phishing. To protect yourself, experts recommend creating a family safe word to verify callers' identities and independently confirming any suspicious contacts by calling the person directly using known contact information rather than numbers provided by the potential scammer.
ladailypost.com
· 2026-06-14
Financial exploitation of older adults is a serious and growing problem in New Mexico, with the FBI reporting nearly $56 million in losses from elder fraud in 2025 and regulators handling thousands of complaints involving senior investors. Scams targeting seniors have evolved to include digital asset fraud, social media schemes, and AI-driven impersonation tactics that exploit trust and target retirement savings. Older adults and their families can protect themselves by staying vigilant, learning about common fraud tactics, and contacting the New Mexico Securities Division for free fraud awareness presentations and resources.
shawlocal.com
· 2026-06-13
Romance and investment scams are draining millions from northern Illinois residents, with the FBI reporting over $20 billion lost to scammers nationwide in 2025. Recent local cases include a Kane County resident losing $648,000 to a fake investor met on Bumble who lured them into cryptocurrency investments, and a Huntley man with intellectual disabilities losing $8,000 and vehicle parts to a scammer posing as an attractive woman on a dating app. Law enforcement advises residents to avoid clicking unfamiliar links, responding to unknown contacts, and be especially wary of romance or investment opportunities initiated online, as well as suspicious travel deals and unsolicited money demands.