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nature.com
· 2025-12-08
Vietnamese victims, particularly educated professionals, were lured to Cambodia through fraudulent job postings by Chinese-led criminal syndicates operating "pig-butchering" scams between 2018-2023, where they were trafficked, confined, and coerced into committing cyber fraud against others. This mixed-methods study of 10 cases and interviews with 12 Vietnamese police officers reveals complex multi-layered networks targeting skilled workers with promises of IT, programming, and customer service positions, creating "victim-offender overlaps" where trafficked individuals are simultaneously victimized and forced to victimize others. The research highlights the need for greater focus on the intersection of human trafficking, cyber
thecyberexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
Three Ghanaian nationals were extradited to the United States in August 2025 and charged with operating a fraud ring that stole over $100 million from victims between 2016 and 2023 through romance scams targeting vulnerable and elderly Americans and business email compromise attacks against U.S. companies. The defendants allegedly built fake romantic relationships to manipulate victims into sending money and hacked business emails to trick companies into wire transfers, then laundered the proceeds through intermediaries to West Africa. Each defendant faces charges including wire fraud, money laundering, and receipt of stolen money, with potential sentences up to 75 years in prison if convicted on all counts; a fourth co-conspirator
cybersecuritynews.com
· 2025-12-08
Four Ghanaian nationals—Isaac Oduro Boateng, Inusah Ahmed, Derrick van Yeboah, and Patrick Kwame Asare—were extradited to the United States for orchestrating an international cybercrime operation that defrauded victims of over $100 million through romance scams and business email compromise attacks. The criminal syndicate targeted vulnerable individuals and American businesses using elaborate fake personas for emotional manipulation and sophisticated email spoofing techniques to intercept corporate financial transactions, with stolen funds laundered through a hierarchical structure coordinated from West Africa. Three defendants arrived in the U.S. on August 7, 2025, following extradition facilitate
dig.watch
· 2025-12-08
Four Ghanaian nationals were extradited to the United States and charged for operating an international cybercrime syndicate that stole over $100 million through romance scams and business email compromise (BEC) attacks. The scheme, led by Isaac Oduro Boateng and three others, used fake romantic relationships, email spoofing, and victim profiling to target individuals, while altering business payment details to redirect corporate funds. The stolen money was laundered through a hierarchical network coordinated from West Africa, with the three extradited suspects arriving in the US on August 7, 2025.
bitdefender.com
· 2025-12-08
Four Ghanaian nationals were extradited to the United States for their roles in an international fraud scheme that stole over $100 million from American citizens and businesses between 2016 and May 2023. The criminal enterprise, known as "the Enterprise," primarily used romance scams targeting emotionally vulnerable individuals (often older men and women) and business email compromise (BEC) attacks against corporations, with stolen funds laundered through international bank accounts. The defendants face multiple federal charges including wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy, each carrying potential 20-year sentences.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner lost $240,000 in an imposter scam when a caller falsely claiming to be from JP Morgan Chase convinced him to wire funds to protect his account from fraudulent activity. Imposter scams are the second-highest fraud category, accounting for $2.95 billion in losses in 2024, and commonly originate via spoofed text messages that mimic legitimate banks; consumers should independently verify suspicious communications and never wire funds to "protect" accounts, as legitimate banks never request such actions.
jfs.ohio.gov
· 2025-12-08
Ohio state agencies warn of rising cryptocurrency scams targeting older adults, where scammers contact victims via phone, text, or email claiming they must pay fines or correct banking errors using Bitcoin or gift cards. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and Department of Aging urge residents and families to remain vigilant against these virtual currency fraud schemes.
americascreditunions.org
· 2025-12-08
FinCEN issued guidance alerting financial institutions to a rising trend of scam payments involving cryptocurrency ATMs (CVC kiosks), where scammers contact victims—particularly elderly individuals—via unsolicited calls impersonating banks, government agencies, or tech support to direct them to deposit cash into crypto ATMs. According to FTC data, older adults account for more than two-thirds of all losses from CVC kiosk scams, with criminals often instructing victims to structure transactions across multiple deposits or kiosks to evade reporting thresholds. The advisory identifies red flags for credit unions and CVC operators to detect suspicious activity, including unusual high-value withdrawals, elderly members with no
boston25news.com
· 2025-12-08
A transnational elder fraud ring operating a call center in Santiago, Dominican Republic, defrauded over 400 elderly victims (average age 84) out of more than $5 million through "grandparent scams," with at least 50 victims in Massachusetts. Thirteen individuals have been charged in connection with the scheme, which involved callers posing as grandchildren in distress and then as attorneys requesting emergency funds; four suspects remain at large while nine are in custody. Federal authorities shut down the operation following a two-year investigation and are urging victims to come forward without shame, noting that such schemes are increasingly sophisticated, sometimes aided by AI.
wtoc.com
· 2025-12-08
Beaufort County officials and scam experts held a community awareness event to address the rising rate of elder fraud targeting adults over 60, noting that one in ten seniors will experience some form of elder abuse. Common scams discussed include romance scams (often perpetrated by international actors), jury duty payment schemes, gift card scams, and sophisticated fraud involving fake verification of items for sale. Experts recommend preventing these scams by questioning unsolicited communications, avoiding high-pressure tactics, not sharing personal information unexpectedly, and contacting law enforcement or the National Elder Fraud Hotline (1-833-372-8311) to report suspected fraud.
paymentsjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
The FTC has documented a more than four-fold increase in older adults losing $10,000 or more to impersonation scams over the past four years, with combined losses for seniors losing over $100,000 rising eight-fold from $55 million to $445 million. These scams typically involve criminals posing as representatives from known organizations, government officials, or tech companies to manipulate victims into financial transfers, and they are increasingly sophisticated—using tactics like spoofed emails and phone calls that exploit seniors' tendency to trust callers and respond to urgency and threats. Cybercriminals tailor their approaches by medium (phone calls for seniors, social media for younger users) an
intheblack.cpaaustralia.com.au
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, Australians lost A$2.03 billion to scams, a decline from A$3.1 billion in 2022, though actual losses are likely higher due to underreporting caused by victim shame and embarrassment. Investment scams were the costliest category at A$945 million, often featuring fake trading platforms and impersonated businesses, while remote access scams and other common schemes like romance and phishing scams continue to evolve. Scammers increasingly use artificial intelligence, data from breaches, and organized criminal syndicates to create convincing impersonations, making it essential for consumers to verify investment opportunities independently rather than clicking on
braintreeandwithamtimes.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Kerry Gray, 37, from Essex, was sentenced to a two-year suspended sentence after admitting to defrauding three men of nearly £12,000 between 2022 and 2025 through romance fraud. She created fake dating profiles and social media accounts, building trust with victims before manipulating them into sending money by fabricating stories about cancer, family illness, bereavement, and abuse. The case highlights the severity of romance fraud in Essex, where dating scams resulted in losses of over £2.3 million in 2024, with victims emphasizing the psychological impact and difficulty in forming new relationships after such exploitation.
globalnews.ca
· 2025-12-08
A "smishing" scam targeting North Americans claims recipients have unpaid toll or radar violations and tricks them into clicking malicious links to steal personal information like credit card and driver's license details. The scam has been reported across Canada and the U.S., with authorities including the Competition Bureau of Canada, Ontario Provincial Police, Calgary Police, and the U.S. Federal Communications Commission issuing warnings. To protect yourself, verify sender identity through official websites, avoid clicking suspicious links, and report fraudulent texts to authorities.
bitdefender.com
· 2025-12-08
Modern scams have become increasingly sophisticated, employing AI voice cloning, fake e-commerce sites, deceptive subscription schemes, cryptocurrency pump-and-dump schemes, and fraudulent tech support tactics to deceive even cautious consumers. Key examples include a Hillsborough County family losing $15,000 to an AI voice scam impersonating their daughter and scammers exploiting footballer Diogo Jota's death with fake promotional ads. The article provides detection strategies and protective measures across five common scam types, emphasizing that awareness of red flags and staying informed about evolving fraud tactics are essential defenses.
ca.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Thirteen individuals were charged with operating grandparent scam call centers based in the Dominican Republic that defrauded approximately 400 older adults (average age 84) of over $5 million across the United States by posing as family members in legal trouble needing bail money. Nine of the defendants are in custody, including ringleader Oscar Manuel Castanos Garcia, while four remain at large; the perpetrators used dark web data to target victims, employed scripted calls, and laundered proceeds toward luxury purchases and home upgrades.
home.treasury.gov
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned four Mexican individuals and 13 companies linked to CJNG's timeshare fraud operation in Puerto Vallarta, which has been targeting elderly American timeshare owners since approximately 2012. CJNG, a designated terrorist organization, uses call centers staffed with English-speaking telemarketers to perpetrate complex scams that can last years and result in victims losing their life savings, while generating significant alternative revenue for the cartel's violent operations. Treasury officials warned current and prospective timeshare owners in Mexico to be cautious of unsolicited offers and conduct due diligence before engaging in purchases.
kesq.com
· 2025-12-08
Coachella Valley residents are experiencing rising scam cases through phone calls, texts, and emails, prompting officials to launch awareness initiatives including a Senior Scam Awareness Seminar hosted by Assemblymember Greg Wallis and the Desert Recreation District. Fraud officials are advising older adults not to engage with scammers and directing victims to report incidents to the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, local law enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission, or the FBI depending on the type of fraud.
mcknightsseniorliving.com
· 2025-12-08
Impersonation scams targeting older adults have surged dramatically, with the FTC reporting a four-fold increase in reports of losses exceeding $10,000 and an eight-fold increase in losses over $100,000 (from $55 million in 2020 to $445 million in 2024), totaling nearly $5 billion in fraud losses in 2024. Common scam tactics include fake security alerts impersonating banks, government agencies, and tech companies like Microsoft and Apple, as well as fraudsters posing as FTC officials directing victims to Bitcoin ATMs or cash couriers. Arizona, Indiana, and Nevada reported the highest fraud complaint rates among
thv11.com
· 2025-12-08
The Arkansas Department of Commerce is warning of phishing scams targeting former unemployment insurance claimants, in which scammers impersonate the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services via email to steal personal information like Social Security numbers and dates of birth through fake Wix websites. To avoid the scam, residents should verify that emails come from official @arkansas.gov addresses, avoid clicking suspicious links, and only enter information on official government websites including ezarc.arkansas.gov, arknet.arkansas.gov, login.gov, and launch.arkansas.gov.
malwarebytes.com
· 2025-12-08
Even cybersecurity experts and experienced scam hunters can fall victim to fraud when circumstances align perfectly. The article highlights cases including scam-hunter Julie-Anne Kearns, who was deceived by an HMRC impersonation scam and had her identity stolen, leading to unauthorized loans and credit damage; cybersecurity researcher Troy Hunt, who fell for a phishing attack impersonating Mailchimp; and scam hunter Jim Browning, who was tricked into deleting his YouTube channel. The piece argues against victim-shaming, emphasizing that anyone can be scammed regardless of expertise, and advocates for compassion toward fraud victims rather than judgment.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article provides guidance from the Better Business Bureau on recovering from scams and protecting yourself if you fall victim to fraud. Key recovery steps include placing fraud alerts on credit reports, freezing credit, monitoring accounts weekly, disputing unauthorized charges with financial institutions, and reporting scams to the BBB and relevant agencies like the FTC's IdentityTheft.gov. The article also offers prevention advice such as ceasing contact with scammers, deleting unfamiliar emails, contacting businesses directly to verify requests, and reporting phishing attempts to ic3.gov.
pulse.com.gh
· 2025-12-08
Over 20 Ghanaians have been arrested and prosecuted by US authorities since 2021 for wire fraud, romance scams, and money laundering targeting American citizens, with several high-profile cases involving extradition. Notable cases include Hajia4Reall (Mona Faiz Montrage), who defrauded victims of over $2 million in romance scams and was sentenced to one year in prison with $1.4 million in restitution; Dada Joe Remix (Joseph Badu Boateng), extradited for orchestrating a $100 million romance and inheritance fraud scheme; and three other members of "The Enterprise
redhotcyber.com
· 2025-12-08
Four Ghanaian nationals were indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice for operating an international fraud ring called the "Sakawa Boys" that stole over $100 million between 2016 and May 2023 through romance scams targeting elderly individuals and Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks on corporations. The defendants, extradited to the U.S. in August 2025, held leadership positions in the hierarchical organization and used fake identities to gain victims' trust online, then laundered proceeds through fictitious bank accounts and international transfers. Each faces charges including wire fraud (up to 20 years per count), money laundering conspiracy (up to 20
wfsb.com
· 2025-12-08
A UPS employee in Guilford, Connecticut named Missy prevented a customer from losing $10,000 after identifying red flags in a phishing scam. The victim had received a fraudulent email posing as PayPal claiming unauthorized charges, and when he called the number provided, scammers gained access to his bank accounts and instructed him to wire $10,000 to "correct" a false $45,000 deposit. Missy's alert questioning and call to police stopped the transaction, the money was returned, and she received the Guilford Police Department Citizen Award for her actions.
nbcboston.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are creating convincing fake websites and phishing emails that impersonate legitimate companies like Spotify to steal personal information, payment details, and credentials for fraudulent purposes. Warning signs include urgent calls to action, sender email inconsistencies, spelling errors, and unusual characters in URLs, which can be verified using tools like Google's Safe Browsing. If compromised, users should reset passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and contact their bank immediately.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
This article describes a sophisticated phishing scam impersonating banks like Chase, where deceptive emails warning of unauthorized login attempts trick users into clicking malicious links that install malware (HTA and DLL files) capable of keystroke monitoring, credential theft, and system backdoor access. The article provides guidance on identifying phishing emails by checking sender addresses, spotting grammar errors, recognizing generic greetings, and avoiding suspicious links, while recommending protective measures including antivirus software, two-factor authentication, and manually navigating to official websites rather than clicking email links.
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
Task scams (or gamified job scams) lure victims with unsolicited messages offering easy money for completing online tasks, then show fake earnings in an app and may pay small amounts ($5-$20) to build trust before demanding cryptocurrency deposits to "unlock" withdrawals, after which victims lose their real money. To avoid these scams, ignore unexpected job offers via text or social media, never pay to get paid or access earnings, and be skeptical of offers to pay for positive ratings or engagement.
libn.com
· 2025-12-08
A 78-year-old retired art teacher in Port Jefferson Station lost $15,000 to fraud after receiving a convincing fake Apple Pay notification followed by calls instructing her to withdraw cash for "safekeeping." This case exemplifies a broader wave of sophisticated scams targeting seniors across Long Island and the country, with Suffolk County alone reporting over $126 million in elder fraud losses in 2023, using tactics like AI-generated voices and fake emails that exploit family and financial networks. Elder law attorneys recommend prevention strategies including verifying identities through independent sources, using strong passwords with two-factor authentication, monitoring accounts regularly, and avoiding suspicious emails and links—emphasizing that fraud prevention is both a personal security
khou.com
· 2025-12-08
Thirteen people were charged in a sophisticated "grandparent scam" operation based in the Dominican Republic that targeted over 400 seniors across the United States, resulting in losses exceeding $5 million. The scheme, led by Oscar Manuel Castanos Garcia, involved English-speaking call center workers posing as distressed grandchildren or their attorneys to pressure elderly victims (average age 84) into sending cash via runners and mail, with the funds then laundered back to the Dominican Republic. Victims should report suspected fraud to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or the IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center, and experts advise verifying urgent requests directly with family members before sending
malwarebytes.com
· 2025-12-08
The DOJ extradited and indicted four Ghanaian nationals for allegedly leading a criminal organization that stole over $100 million through romance scams and business email compromise schemes targeting Americans, primarily older men and women. In 2024 alone, nearly 59,000 Americans lost an estimated $697.3 million to romance scams, with the actual losses believed to be significantly higher due to underreporting. The article outlines how these scams operate—building trust through fake relationships before requesting money for fabricated emergencies or investment opportunities—and provides protective measures including verifying profiles, avoiding money transfers to strangers, and reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement.
sentinelone.com
· 2025-12-08
The Department of Justice charged four Ghanaian nationals for operating a $100 million fraud ring from 2016 to 2023 that targeted U.S. companies and vulnerable senior citizens through romance scams and business email compromise attacks, with sentences potentially reaching 20 years per offense. Additionally, the DOJ seized $1,091,453 in cryptocurrency from the BlackSuit ransomware group as part of coordinated law enforcement action to disrupt their operations, which have generated $370 million in ransom payments across over 450 attacks on U.S. critical infrastructure sectors.
wlos.com
· 2025-12-08
Two men, Theodore Anthony Brooks (21) and Real Samuel Wells (19), were arrested in Asheville, North Carolina on August 14 in connection with an armed robbery and carjacking that occurred when a victim met a female contact from an online romance scam at her residence. The victim was robbed at gunpoint, driven several miles away, and his iPhone was later recovered at a residence on Reed Street where police also seized drugs and firearms. Brooks and Wells face multiple felony charges including robbery with a dangerous weapon, kidnapping, conspiracy, and larceny of a motor vehicle, with bonds set at $20,000 and $80,000 respectively, while charges are pending against the female suspect involved in the
828newsnow.com
· 2025-12-08
The Asheville Police Department arrested two men—Theodore Anthony Brooks, 21, and Real Samuel Wells, 19—for an armed robbery and carjacking in Arden, North Carolina on August 14, where they robbed a victim at gunpoint after he entered a woman's residence he had contacted online, then drove off in his vehicle before dropping him off unharmed miles away. The investigation recovered the stolen iPhone and located the suspects at a Reed Street residence, where a search warrant yielded drugs (fentanyl, crack cocaine, marijuana) and firearms; a female suspect remains under investigation. The Asheville Police Department used this incident to highlight romance scams, in which criminals create fake online
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
A BioCatch survey of 800 financial crime professionals across 17 countries found that 81% of Americans believe AI is enabling more sophisticated fraud, with social media and the dark web also facilitating crimes that cost the U.S. $485.6 billion annually in projected losses. Key challenges in combating fraud include poor information-sharing among competing banks, a disconnect between fraud losses (borne by consumers, not financial institutions) and bank priorities, and insufficient law enforcement follow-up on suspicious activity reports. The study reveals that while most financial institutions believe they are winning against fraud, criminal networks are actually outpacing banks' defenses.
jdsupra.com
· 2025-12-08
This article examines how white-collar crime has evolved in the digital age, with global losses from business email compromise exceeding $2.9 billion annually and cryptocurrency money laundering surpassing $3 billion. The piece discusses emerging investigation techniques including digital forensics, blockchain analysis, and machine learning, while highlighting the human impact—including a tragic case where an elderly fraud victim shot a ride-share driver under scammer threat, and noting that elderly victims lose an average of $35,000 per incident with over 88,000 reported cases in 2022.
gulfnews.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article discusses the growing threat of cybercrime and provides practical defense strategies for consumers. Cybercriminals use psychological manipulation tactics (phishing, fake emails, deepfake technology) to exploit trust and urgency, with cybercrime costing the global economy over $1 trillion annually. The article recommends vigilance through several protective measures: verify links before clicking, scrutinize emails for red flags, never share OTPs, monitor bank statements weekly, use transaction limits and card freezes, and report suspicious activity immediately to banks.
governor.ny.gov
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are using fake text messages and spoofed websites impersonating the New York DMV and toll collection agencies to pressure victims into providing personal information by claiming traffic fines or E-ZPass fees are due with urgent deadlines. These phishing schemes particularly target older adults and vulnerable New Yorkers, with the stolen data used for identity theft and fraud. Governor Hochul advised residents to verify suspicious communications directly with official agencies, monitor credit reports, and avoid clicking links or sharing personal information via unsolicited messages.
fox6now.com
· 2025-12-08
Wisconsin officials warn of two scams targeting Amazon users: text messages falsely claiming product recalls and offering refunds that direct victims to fake Amazon sites to steal personal and financial information, and a cryptocurrency investment scam where a fraudster impersonated an online course instructor and convinced a victim to invest $40,000, ultimately resulting in a total loss of $140,000 when fake fees and taxes were demanded before withdrawal. Consumers are advised to never click unsolicited links, be wary of cryptocurrency investment offers on social media, and report suspected scams to Amazon or state authorities.
nebraskapublicmedia.org
· 2025-12-08
Nebraska residents lost a reported $42.5 million to scams in 2024—tripling over four years—with experts attributing the increase to more accessible and affordable artificial intelligence technology that enables scammers to operate at scale and create increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes, including voice cloning and realistic chatbot-generated scams. Peter Hines, a 76-year-old Fremont insurance business owner, lost $936 to a Facebook ad lead scam and was unable to recover the money due to the company's out-of-state location and legal protections in his agreement, highlighting the difficulty of prosecution when scammers operate overseas or across state lines. Authorities recommend limiting online presence,
trinidadexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
A 43-year-old man lost $4,000 to a Facebook loan scam after responding to a fraudulent advertisement for a $30,000 loan in August. The scammer used fake approval emails to request multiple payments—$1,000 for a deposit, $2,000 for processing fees, and $1,000 for taxes—depositing the funds into accounts under false names at RBC banks. He discovered the scam was fake when he visited the legitimate Massy Loan Finance branch, which confirmed the Facebook advertisement and emails were counterfeit.
domainnamewire.com
· 2025-12-08
A domain name expert fell for a fake website scam after clicking a Google ad for a dietary supplement he regularly purchases. He entered his credit card information on a counterfeit .store domain (later discovering the legitimate company uses a .com), but the transaction failed; upon investigation, he found the site had been registered days earlier, contained Chinese-language code, and was harvesting credit card numbers rather than processing legitimate sales. Though his credit card company prevented the charge and he obtained a new card, the incident underscores how even tech-savvy consumers can be vulnerable to scams when rushing through mobile purchases, particularly when enticed by discounts.
legit.ng
· 2025-12-08
Ghanaian football club owner Kofi Boat and two associates were extradited to the United States to face trial for operating a $100 million wire fraud scheme called "The Enterprise" between 2016 and 2023. The criminal network targeted U.S. victims through romance scams and business email compromise schemes, laundering stolen funds through West Africa, with the defendants facing multiple charges that carry maximum sentences of up to 75 years in prison.
mustsharenews.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, Singapore saw scam victims lose S$1.1 billion as criminals employed increasingly sophisticated tactics across social media, messaging apps, dating services, and crypto platforms. To combat this, Meta removed over 7 million fake accounts linked to scam operations, while partnering with Singapore's police force, National Crime Prevention Council, and Cyber Security Agency on a public awareness campaign highlighting seven common scam types (romance, shopping, impersonation, investment, job, account hacking, and messaging scams). The campaign includes an interactive online game to help users recognize scam red flags, and experts emphasize that no one is immune—nearly 71% of 2024 victims were under
the420.in
· 2025-12-08
A 71-year-old woman from Mumbai lost INR 18.5 lakh when she clicked a malicious link disguised as part of a milk-ordering process, allowing scammers to gain unauthorized access to her bank accounts and transfer large sums without her knowledge. The incident highlights the vulnerability of senior citizens to sophisticated phishing attacks that exploit trust in routine online transactions. Local police have launched an investigation and issued advisories urging families to protect elderly relatives by verifying URLs and avoiding clicking unknown links.
monroenews.com
· 2025-12-08
Monroe Community Credit Union held its first fraud prevention event in Dundee on August 6, drawing nearly 50 attendees to the Dundee Area Senior Center. Speakers from MCCU, local police, and an insurance company provided guidance on identifying and preventing scams such as phishing, spoofing, and identity theft, emphasizing strategies like never sharing personal information over unsecured channels, using tap-to-pay methods, and verifying contact details before responding to requests.
sheriffs.org
· 2025-12-08
This resource page addresses the growing problem of consumer fraud and scams, which target people across the country using increasingly sophisticated tactics including impersonation of law enforcement, online marketplace schemes, and international criminal operations. The article emphasizes that law enforcement agencies must adapt their response strategies and use education and awareness campaigns to help communities recognize and protect themselves from scams, with examples including cases where elderly individuals and ordinary citizens lost significant sums to criminals exploiting evolving technology. The National Sheriffs' Association and other agencies provide guidance and resources to help both law enforcement and the public combat this escalating threat.
azfamily.com
· 2025-12-08
Text message scams impersonating delivery services and toll collection agencies are a growing threat that use urgency to pressure victims into clicking malicious links or providing personal information. To protect yourself, ignore unexpected texts if you're not expecting a package or toll charges, verify sender legitimacy, never click links from unsolicited messages, and instead contact companies directly or use official apps to track deliveries and account status.
komando.com
· 2025-12-08
A Chinese cybercrime group stole data on 115 million U.S. payment cards over 16 months through sophisticated "smishing" (SMS phishing) scams that trick users into providing card information via fake payment alerts, with stolen cards immediately loaded into mobile wallets. Modern scams have become more convincing by using legitimately breached customer data (like names and emails) to craft personalized fake messages and employing "phishing-as-a-service" platforms that automate scam delivery and mimic authentic login pages, making them difficult to distinguish from real communications. To protect against these threats, individuals should use unique passwords for each account and employ password managers to prevent
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
A 47-year-old California woman ignored text messages from her toll road account administrator claiming her FasTrak balance was low, believing them to be phishing scams based on widespread warnings from the FTC and FBI. After repeatedly deleting the legitimate messages, her account was deactivated, and she only discovered the problem when receiving an email notice of violation, forcing her to manually restore service and risking potential legal consequences for unpaid tolls.