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in Identity Theft
vietnam.vn
· 2026-04-21
Criminals are exploiting security vulnerabilities in photobooth QR code systems to access and steal personal photos and sensitive data, which they then use for identity fraud, fake profiles, and scams. The attack doesn't require advanced technical skills—malicious actors can easily guess or alter the simple links behind QR codes to access other users' images, and with AI tools, they can collect massive amounts of data to facilitate fraud. To protect yourself, be cautious when using photobooths in public spaces, avoid sharing photobooth links on social media, and report any suspicious activity or unauthorized data access to local authorities.
tpr.org
· 2026-04-20
The San Antonio Police Department warns that online scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with criminals using AI-generated content, spoofed phone numbers, and high-pressure tactics to impersonate authorities and trick victims into sending money via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. San Antonio seniors are particularly targeted, with 330 crimes reported in 2025, and impostor fraud—where scammers pose as police or government officials—being the most common scheme. To protect yourself, authorities recommend hanging up on suspicious calls and verifying claims directly with official agencies, avoiding unfamiliar numbers, being skeptical of urgency or secrecy demands, and consulting trusted contacts before sending money.
abc30.com
· 2026-04-18
An AARP survey reveals that scams have become increasingly sophisticated, affecting people of all ages—with 4 in 10 adults reporting financial or identity theft losses, and an estimated $196 billion stolen in 2024 alone. Common vulnerabilities include answering unknown calls or clicking links from unsolicited emails and texts, habits that 22% and 12% of adults respectively engage in regularly. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links or calling numbers in suspicious messages; instead, independently verify any account issues by logging into your official account or contacting the company directly through their official website.
foxnews.com
· 2026-04-18
Scammers are targeting vulnerable people—particularly older and recently widowed players—through casual online games like Words With Friends by building fake friendships that eventually turn into requests for money and gift cards. These romance scams cost victims billions annually and are among the most expensive fraud categories reported to the FTC. To protect yourself or loved ones, be cautious of new online game contacts who quickly become personal, avoid sharing personal details or sending money to game acquaintances, and report suspicious behavior to local police and the FTC.
latimes.com
· 2026-04-18
California hospice providers have been systematically defrauding Medicare and vulnerable elderly patients by billing for end-of-life care for people who weren't actually terminally ill, a problem that was exposed in 2020 but has persisted despite promised reforms and a licensing moratorium. Despite years of pledges to strengthen oversight and enact new regulations, state officials have failed to implement meaningful protections, allowing the scams to continue and allegedly costing taxpayers over $260 million. Patients and their families should be cautious about hospice recommendations, verify a patient's actual medical condition before enrollment, and report suspicious billing practices to state health authorities or Medicare.
1440wrok.com
· 2026-04-18
An elderly couple in their 80s in Palos Park, Illinois was robbed by scammers posing as water department workers who wore uniforms and gained entry to their home by requesting to check water service, while accomplices stole jewelry inside. Senior citizens are frequently targeted by these "ruse burglary" schemes that rely on impersonation, urgency, and deception, with billions of dollars lost annually to such fraud. To protect yourself, verify the identity of any utility workers or officials by calling the company directly before allowing them inside, never let strangers into your home without proper identification, and consider asking a trusted family member or neighbor to be present during such visits.
ksltv.com
· 2026-04-18
Utahns lost over $2.5 million to scams in 2025, with romance scams, identity theft, and impostor business schemes being the most common threats targeting the community. Scammers typically build false trust by impersonating businesses, government agencies, or romantic interests, then use fear tactics to pressure victims into sending money. To protect yourself, experts recommend preparing a "rehearsal script" in advance and staying vigilant about verifying the identity of anyone requesting money or personal information before engaging further.
yahoo.com
· 2026-04-17
A 79-year-old Bradenton widower lost $31,000 in a romance scam after meeting a person posing as "Julia" on Facebook in 2023, who claimed to be a woman in the UK needing money to relocate to Florida. Benjamin Yakah, who was using stolen photos from an unsuspecting West Virginia woman, was arrested in Minnesota and convicted of grand theft, receiving one year in jail and four years of probation while being ordered to repay the victim. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly involve requests for money, verify identities through video calls, and alert authorities if you suspect you're being scammed—especially if family members express concerns about your online relationships.
patch.com
· 2026-04-17
A 79-year-old Florida widower lost $31,000 to a romance scammer who posed as a British woman named "Julia" on Facebook for eight months, claiming she needed money to relocate to be with him. Benjamin Yakah from Minnesota was arrested, convicted of grand theft, and sentenced to one year in jail plus probation after police discovered he was using stolen photos and had targeted other victims in multiple states. Police warn that romance scams are among the top five fraud tactics used against Americans, especially seniors, and recommend that older adults seek printed resources about fraud prevention from local authorities.
ksltv.com
· 2026-04-17
Utahns lost over $2.5 million to scams in 2025, with romance scams, identity theft, and impostor business schemes being the most common threats, particularly targeting older adults. Scammers use psychological manipulation—building trust, creating fear, or impersonating businesses and government agencies—to convince victims to send money or share personal information. To protect yourself, experts recommend preparing a "rehearsal script" in advance, verifying requests through official channels before responding, and being cautious of anyone pressuring you for immediate action or asking for personal financial information.
fox13news.com
· 2026-04-17
A new scam uses fake CAPTCHA screens to trick people into running hidden commands on their computers, giving hackers full access to personal information like passwords and banking details. Scammers exploit people's automatic behavior by asking them to press Windows Key + R followed by Ctrl + V, which pastes a malicious command into the computer. To protect yourself, experts recommend staying alert and questioning unexpected CAPTCHA requests, especially those that ask you to run keyboard commands rather than complete standard verification tasks.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-04-17
Americans lost approximately $21 billion to online scams in 2025, with seniors over 60 particularly vulnerable, losing $7.7 billion combined, according to FBI data. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated by using AI tools to create convincing deepfakes and personalized messages, with the average American receiving 14 scam messages daily, making it difficult even for cautious people to spot fraud. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unexpected messages even from seemingly trusted sources, verify requests through direct contact with the organization, and be aware that one-third of people struggle to distinguish deepfakes from legitimate videos.
jdsupra.com
· 2026-04-17
Americans lost over $20 billion to cybercrime in 2025, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Report, with criminals increasingly using cryptocurrency for money laundering and generative AI tools to create sophisticated scams like deepfakes and voice cloning. Older adults were hit particularly hard, experiencing dramatic increases in romance scams (up 30%), phishing attacks (up over 100%), and government impersonation schemes (nearly doubled). To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited contacts requesting money or personal information, verify requests through official channels before responding, and be especially wary of AI-generated audio or video that seems suspicious.
qns.com
· 2026-04-17
A Corona woman named Catalina Corona pleaded guilty to stealing $9.5 million from an elderly Long Island couple over seven years while working as their personal assistant—she forged their signatures on checks to pay off her own credit card debt and buy luxury items from brands like Louis Vuitton. The victims, an investment banker and his wife, trusted Corona with their finances as part of her job managing bills and travel arrangements, but she exploited that access without their knowledge or consent. To protect yourself from similar scams, be cautious about granting financial access to household staff or caregivers, regularly monitor your bank statements, and consider requiring dual signatures or additional verification for large transactions.
scdailypress.com
· 2026-04-15
A mother and daughter who ran a nonprofit after-school program in Silver City pleaded guilty to Medicaid fraud, agreeing to pay $6 million in restitution and serve over 10 years in prison combined. They submitted false claims to Medicaid for services never provided, illegally used the Social Security and Medicaid numbers of children and adults, and fabricated psychological disorders—affecting 31 victims, mostly children. To protect yourself, monitor your Medicaid statements for unauthorized charges, check your credit reports regularly, and immediately report any suspicious use of your Social Security number to authorities.
intelligentciso.com
· 2026-04-14
Researchers have linked a widespread Android banking trojan to scam compounds in Cambodia, particularly the K99 Triumph City site, which has been used to commit fraud across at least 21 countries—with Indonesia, Thailand, Spain, and Türkiye hit hardest. The malware-as-a-service operation creates fake banking and government apps that, once installed, give scammers complete control of victims' phones, allowing them to steal facial recognition data, intercept security codes, and drain bank accounts. To protect yourself, avoid downloading banking or government apps from unknown sources, use official app stores only, enable additional security features beyond SMS codes (like biometric authentication from your bank's official app), and be suspicious of unexpected requests to download apps or provide personal information.
ca.finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-04-12
A woman named Marie lost her entire savings, home, car, and jewelry to a romance scammer over three years, forcing her to work into her 70s. Her daughter took complete control of her finances to prevent further losses, but now Marie—who has rebuilt $200,000 in savings—is struggling to regain financial independence. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reports that romance scams cost victims over C$58 million in 2024, though the actual number is likely 10-20 times higher since most victims don't report it; to protect yourself, be cautious of charming strangers on dating apps and social media who move quickly to build emotional connections before requesting money.
m.dailyhunt.in
· 2026-04-12
AdultFriendFinder users face increasing risks from romance and phishing scams, where fraudsters pose as potential partners to steal personal information, money, or lure victims to malicious websites. According to the Federal Trade Commission, romance scams now cause more financial losses than any other scam type, making vigilance especially important on adult dating sites that attract bad actors. Users should be wary of requests for money or personal information, suspicious off-site links, and avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails claiming to be from the platform.
wbay.com
· 2026-04-11
Americans lost a record $15.9 billion to fraud and scams in 2025, with 4 in 10 adults (roughly 103 million people) reporting they've been victimized, according to a new AARP survey. Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics like deepfake voice cloning, fake websites, and convincing phishing emails that are harder than ever to detect. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or texts, don't respond to suspicious messages (which puts you on scammer lists), verify requests by contacting companies directly through official channels, and use protective software like antivirus and firewalls.
foxnews.com
· 2026-04-11
A woman named Rosette unknowingly called a scammer after searching for Allianz travel insurance on Google and clicking on a fake phone number in the search results, giving the fraudster her credit card number and birth date before realizing the deception. This "search result scam" is a rapidly growing fraud tactic where scammers create fake listings in Google results to impersonate legitimate companies, exploiting people's trust in search engines and their distracted state during time-sensitive situations like travel booking. To protect yourself, verify phone numbers directly from official company websites rather than clicking links from search results, stay alert even when callers sound professional, and monitor your credit card accounts closely for unauthorized charges.
nbcmiami.com
· 2026-04-11
Scammers are creating fake CAPTCHA pages that mimic legitimate security verification tools to trick users into downloading malware like "StealC" virus, which can steal passwords, login credentials, and personal data. Red flags include error messages asking you to press specific key sequences—if you see this, close the tab immediately and navigate directly to websites by typing the address rather than clicking links. To protect yourself, use passkeys and enable multi-factor authentication on your accounts, and if you suspect you've been infected, disconnect from the internet immediately.
cnbc.com
· 2026-04-11
Scammers are impersonating the Social Security Administration through fake calls and emails to trick people into sharing their Social Security numbers or clicking malicious links that can lead to identity theft and financial loss. Searches for "social security scams" have surged over 550,000 times in the past month, indicating widespread concern among the public. To protect yourself, avoid sharing your Social Security number with unknown callers, be suspicious of unsolicited SSA emails, and consider enrolling in an identity protection service that offers credit monitoring, dark web monitoring, and fraud alerts.
kwqc.com
· 2026-04-11
Identity theft and fraud are surging, with over 1 million cases reported to the FTC last year and Americans losing more than $12 billion to fraud in 2025, driven by increasingly sophisticated scams that use artificial intelligence to appear more convincing. Nearly everyone has had their personal information compromised at some point through data breaches or online activity, though many don't realize it until they notice warning signs like unfamiliar charges or denied credit. The most effective protection experts recommend is freezing your credit for free, which prevents scammers from opening new accounts even if they have your personal data, without affecting your existing accounts.
americanbanker.com
· 2026-04-11
Real estate cybercrime losses surged 59% to $275 million in 2025, driven by criminals increasingly using artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency scams to target homebuyers and investors in transactions. The FBI documented over 12,000 real estate-related cybercrime complaints, including AI voice cloning scams designed to trick victims into wire transfers and cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes. Consumers and industry professionals are advised to verify wire transfer requests through independent phone calls, remain skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities, and work with established title insurance professionals who can help protect against fraud and forgery in property transactions.
sfchronicle.com
· 2026-04-11
Scammers are using artificial intelligence to create highly convincing fake IRS messages with perfect grammar, authentic-looking logos, and spoofed phone calls, making it increasingly difficult to spot fraudulent tax communications during filing season. The IRS primarily communicates through mailed letters, so any unsolicited calls or emails claiming to be from the agency are likely scams, and criminals are also using AI to target specific individuals who've recently made major financial changes like buying a home. To protect yourself, verify any IRS communication by contacting the agency directly through its official website or phone number, never provide personal or financial information in response to unsolicited messages, and remain skeptical of communications that create urgency or threaten legal action.
lamag.com
· 2026-04-11
California authorities charged 21 people and arrested 5 in connection with a $250 million hospice fraud scheme that involved using stolen identities from out-of-state residents to file false hospice claims against government insurance programs. The scheme drained resources meant for vulnerable and sick Californians, prompting officials to warn that such fraud undermines trust in critical care programs. Residents should monitor their personal information and be cautious of unsolicited hospice-related communications, as identity theft was a key component of this scam.
newsnationnow.com
· 2026-04-11
California authorities have dismantled a massive hospice fraud scheme that stole $267 million from the state's Medi-Cal program, charging 21 suspects who purchased fake identities on the dark web to fraudulently enroll people in hospice care and bill for services never provided. The investigation, called Operation Skip Trace, resulted in five arrests and the seizure of over $757,000 in cash, with prosecutors emphasizing that no legitimate hospice services were ever delivered despite the brazen billing scheme. Californians should remain vigilant about protecting their personal information and report any suspicious hospice billing or healthcare fraud to state authorities.
cfjctoday.com
· 2026-04-11
Fraudsters in British Columbia's Shuswap region are impersonating federal government workers to convince victims they've committed identity theft, then directing them to deposit thousands of dollars into Bitcoin ATMs. At least two people have been targeted by this scam—one woman lost nearly $12,000—making it a significant threat to local residents. If you receive unsolicited calls claiming to be from government officials accusing you of crimes and asking you to move money, hang up immediately and contact local police, as legitimate government agencies will never demand payment via cryptocurrency or Bitcoin ATMs.
nbcsandiego.com
· 2026-04-10
Scammers are creating fake CAPTCHA verification pages that look like legitimate security checks but actually install malware designed to steal passwords, financial information, and personal data from your computer. Red flags include error messages asking you to press specific key sequences—if you see this, close the tab immediately and never follow the instructions. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links to enter sites; instead, type website addresses directly into your browser, use passkeys, and enable multi-factor authentication on your accounts.
abc7chicago.com
· 2026-04-10
As the April 15 tax deadline approaches, scammers are increasingly targeting taxpayers through fake IRS websites, spoofed calls demanding wire transfers, phishing emails requesting personal information, and fraudulent tax preparers who disappear after filing returns or depositing refunds into their own accounts. The Better Business Bureau warns that even those who have already filed can be victimized, so taxpayers should verify that tax preparers have a current IRS "Preparer Tax Identification Number" and remember that the real IRS will never contact you via unsolicited text, email, or threatening phone calls. To protect yourself, use your phone's built-in scam-detection features, verify the source of any tax-related communications before clicking links or providing information, and leverage email filtering services that flag suspicious messages.
gov.ca.gov
· 2026-04-10
California authorities have charged organized crime groups for running a major identity theft and hospice fraud scheme that defrauded the state's Medi-Cal program in Los Angeles by stealing identities to bill for fraudulent hospice services. The scheme affected Medi-Cal members and cost taxpayers significant funds, with the investigation beginning in 2024 before recent federal regulation rollbacks. Californians should remain vigilant about protecting their personal information and identities, and report any suspicious activity related to their Medi-Cal benefits or hospice services to state authorities.
lobservateur.com
· 2026-04-10
A Baton Rouge caregiver was arrested in April 2026 for stealing over $3,200 from an elderly couple in Laplace by forging checks and making unauthorized withdrawals from their bank account while employed to care for the wife. The 34-year-old caregiver, Demyra Willis, faced 12 felony counts including identity theft and bank fraud after the theft was discovered within weeks of her hiring in April 2024. Authorities recommend families protect elderly relatives by monitoring bank accounts regularly, using a P.O. Box for mail, limiting cash access, verifying caregiver references thoroughly, and establishing clear written guidelines about what caregivers are permitted to do in the home.
cbsnews.com
· 2026-04-10
California authorities arrested five people and charged 21 suspects in a major hospice fraud scheme that defrauded the state of $267 million in Medi-Cal (Medicaid) funds. The alleged fraudsters purchased stolen identities from the dark web to enroll fake patients in Medi-Cal, then created shell hospice companies that billed the government for services that were never provided. To protect yourself, remain vigilant about monitoring your medical records and credit reports for unauthorized activity, and report any suspicious healthcare billing to authorities immediately.
yahoo.com
· 2026-04-10
In 2025, cybercriminals stole over $21 billion from Americans through online scams—a significant jump from $16.6 billion in 2024—with phishing and extortion being the most common tactics, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Report. Seniors over 60 were hit particularly hard, losing $7.75 billion across 201,266 complaints, while cryptocurrency investment scams and AI-powered fraud schemes also surged dramatically. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited messages and links, verify requests through independent contact methods before sharing personal information, and be especially cautious of emotional appeals or investment opportunities that promise quick returns.
yahoo.com
· 2026-04-10
California authorities have dismantled a massive hospice fraud scheme involving 21 suspects who stole $267 million from the state's Medi-Cal program by using stolen identities to fraudulently bill for hospice services that were never actually provided. The investigation, called Operation Skip Trace, resulted in five arrests, the seizure of over $757,000 in cash, and charges including health care fraud, money laundering, and identity theft. To protect yourself, be cautious about unsolicited communications regarding your medical enrollment and regularly monitor your Medi-Cal account for unauthorized activity.
mashable.com
· 2026-04-10
Romance scams on AdultFriendFinder are increasingly common and costly, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting that romance scams now cause more financial losses than any other scam type. Users on the adult dating site are vulnerable to various schemes including phishing attacks where scammers impersonate trusted sources to steal sensitive information and money. To stay safe, users should be aware of common scams, remain vigilant about their account activity, and avoid clicking suspicious links or sharing personal/financial information with unverified contacts.
allhiphop.com
· 2026-04-10
Scammers impersonating musicians stole over $12 million from more than 527 people in romance scams between January 2024 and September 2025, with additional losses from fake record deals, social media hacks, and ticket fraud bringing total music-related fraud to $13.4 million. The FBI warns that criminals are targeting music industry professionals and fans alike—particularly people over 60—using AI-enhanced tactics and operating from overseas "fraud factories" in countries like Cambodia. To protect yourself, pause before acting on unsolicited offers from musicians, be skeptical of high-pressure tactics, and verify identities through official channels before sharing money or personal information.
yahoo.com
· 2026-04-10
In 2025, Americans lost nearly $21 billion to cybercrime—a 26% increase from the previous year—affecting over 1 million victims, with investment scams being the largest category of fraud at $8.64 billion and cryptocurrency losses accounting for over half the total due to its difficulty to trace. Scammers increasingly used AI-generated deepfakes and voice cloning to deceive victims, while older Americans were particularly vulnerable to Bitcoin ATM scams. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities and requests for cryptocurrency transfers, verify contact information through official channels before responding to financial requests, and report suspected scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
foxnews.com
· 2026-04-09
A woman named Dorothy nearly lost $15,000 after receiving a fake Apple Pay text alert claiming an unauthorized $144 charge, which prompted her to call the number in the message and speak with a scammer who impersonated an FBI and FDIC official. The scammer used social engineering tactics—claiming to have personal information about her and creating a false sense of urgency—to pressure her into withdrawing a large sum of cash. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unexpected payment alerts and never call numbers provided in unsolicited texts; instead, contact companies directly using official contact information you find independently.
newsnationnow.com
· 2026-04-09
Social Security beneficiaries are being targeted by an increasing impersonation scam where criminals pose as government officials via phone, email, text, or social media to steal personal information and money by creating false urgency around alleged account problems. The Federal Trade Commission recorded over 330,000 impersonation scams in 2025, a 25% increase, with scammers using spoofed caller IDs, fake badge numbers, and official-looking documents to manipulate victims. To protect yourself, never share your Social Security number with unexpected callers, delete suspicious emails claiming to be from Social Security immediately, and report any suspicious communications to the SSA.
cnet.com
· 2026-04-09
In 2025, cyber fraud reached a record $21 billion in losses according to the FBI, with cryptocurrency investment scams and elder fraud being the biggest culprits—seniors over 60 lost $7.75 billion across 201,266 complaints, while crypto-related fraud totaled over $11 billion. Phishing and spoofing attacks were the most common crime type, and AI-powered scams made frauds increasingly convincing and harder to detect. To protect yourself, verify links before clicking, be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities (especially crypto), and if you're over 60 or helping an elderly relative, take extra precautions like confirming requests through known contact methods before sharing personal or financial information.
newschannel5.com
· 2026-04-09
This article discusses how seniors can protect themselves from financial exploitation through proper legal planning, including powers of attorney, wills, and trusts. Attorney Chris Johnson warns that scams and identity theft pose the greatest threat to older adults' financial security and recommends working with an elder care law firm to establish appropriate legal documents and protections. To reduce vulnerability, seniors should consult with qualified attorneys about setting up proper estate planning tools and remain vigilant against common scam tactics targeting their age group.
mexc.com
· 2026-04-09
In 2025, cybercrime losses surged to over $20.8 billion with more than 1 million complaints filed, a 26% increase from the previous year, according to an FBI report. Cryptocurrency fraud was the biggest culprit, accounting for $11.36 billion in losses primarily through investment scams where victims are manipulated into fake trading platforms, with seniors over 60 being disproportionately affected at $7.7 billion in losses. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities on social media, verify platforms independently before depositing funds, and never rush into financial commitments—legitimate investments don't require urgency or increasing deposits.
theaustraliatoday.com.au
· 2026-04-09
Western Australians lost over $24 million to scams last year, with criminals increasingly using stolen personal data and impersonating banks, government agencies, and trusted brands through SMS, email, and phone calls—investment scams were the costliest at $13.7 million, followed by romance scams at $3.8 million. Premier Roger Cook warned residents to be skeptical of unsolicited contact, verify requests by calling organizations directly, and always consult someone they trust before sharing personal information or transferring money, as scammers are becoming more sophisticated in using AI and data breaches to sound convincing.
whiskeyriff.com
· 2026-04-08
Between January 2024 and September 2025, scammers posing as musicians and industry professionals stole over $12 million from both music fans and industry workers, according to FBI Nashville. The most common scheme was romance scams, where 527 victims lost over $12 million to criminals impersonating musicians, while other tactics included fake ticket sales, industry job scams, and extortion threats. The FBI advises people to be wary of high-pressure sales tactics and verify identities before sending money, especially when dealing with unsolicited music industry or musician-related offers.
perthisok.com
· 2026-04-08
Western Australians lost over $24 million to scammers in 2025, with investment scams being the biggest culprit at $13.7 million, followed by romance and fake charity scams, while new AI-powered and data breach-fueled tactics like bank impersonation calls are making scams increasingly convincing. Older adults aged 65+ and women were disproportionately affected, losing $2.6 million and 65% of total losses respectively. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls or messages claiming to be from your bank, verify contact information independently before sharing personal details, and be wary of investment opportunities and romantic advances from online contacts.
ambcrypto.com
· 2026-04-08
In 2025, cybercrime losses surged to $20.8 billion, a 26% increase from the previous year, with cryptocurrency fraud being the dominant vehicle for theft—accounting for $11.36 billion in losses, particularly through investment scams that manipulate victims into fake trading platforms. Seniors aged 60 and above were hit hardest, losing $7.7 billion, often through social engineering schemes originating on social media and run by organized groups in Southeast Asia. To protect yourself, avoid unsolicited investment offers on social media, verify platforms independently before depositing funds, and be especially cautious if pressured to use cryptocurrency for any investment or financial transaction.
techlicious.com
· 2026-04-08
According to an FBI report released in 2026, Americans lost a record $20.9 billion to online scams in 2025—a 26% increase from the previous year—with investment fraud accounting for nearly half of those losses, particularly through "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scams where fraudsters build trust via social media and dating apps before directing victims to fake investment platforms. The volume of complaints surged to over 1 million for the first time, averaging nearly 3,000 reports daily, indicating that scammers are using increasingly sophisticated techniques that are harder to detect. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment tips from online contacts, verify requests claiming to be from banks or government agencies by calling official numbers directly, and never transfer money to unfamiliar investment platforms or send funds to cover "taxes" on account withdrawals.
cyberscoop.com
· 2026-04-08
Cybercrime losses surged 26% to $20.9 billion in 2025, with the FBI receiving over 1 million complaints—nearly 3,000 per day—marking a 400% increase since 2020. Seniors over 60 were hit hardest, accounting for 37% of all losses despite representing a smaller share of complaints, with investment fraud, business email compromise, and tech support scams being the top three crime types. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities and tech support offers, verify business email requests through independent channels, and report suspected fraud to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).