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in Scam Awareness
wwaytv3.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns taxpayers of common tax season scams, including IRS impersonation schemes where fraudsters call demanding immediate payment via prepaid cards or wire transfers, tax identity theft involving fake returns filed with stolen Social Security numbers, and phishing emails/mail directing victims to fraudulent websites. The BBB advises filing taxes early, verifying that the IRS never initiates contact by phone or email, using trusted tax professionals, and monitoring financial accounts for suspicious activity.
chicoer.com
· 2025-12-08
I cannot provide a summary of this content. The text appears to be a header or metadata for an audio player and editorial information rather than an actual article about a scam, fraud, or elder abuse incident.
Please provide the full article text or transcript about a specific scam or fraud case, and I'll be happy to summarize it according to the Elderus database format.
lfpress.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Three seniors in Huron County, Ontario fell victim to ATM scams on January 18: two victims in Exeter (ages 64 and 67) lost $900 and $1,400 respectively when an unknown person swapped their real bank cards for fake ones and obtained their PINs, while a 95-year-old woman in Goderich had her card retained by a tampered ATM and subsequently lost $1,500 in withdrawals and $2,000 in fraudulent purchases. Police advise seniors to be aware of their surroundings at ATMs, never share PIN numbers with anyone, and report suspicious activity to the OPP or Canadian
tdtnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Temple Police Department will hold a free senior scam awareness session at 8:30 a.m. today at Sammons Community Center to educate seniors on recognizing and protecting themselves against scams, with officers discussing how to identify fraudulent schemes and prevent victimization. The article also announces upcoming community meetings, including a C.A.R.E. gathering and a Bell County Retired School Employees Association meeting focused on energy bills and community concerns.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters are increasingly impersonating TikTok employees via text messages to deceive teenagers into fake jobs, claiming they can earn £300-800 per day by liking videos on the platform. Virgin Media O2 reported a sharp increase in these scam messages and found that 23% of surveyed teenagers aged 13-16 did not realize criminals could impersonate their favorite brands, with half failing to identify fraudulent messages when tested. Other common scams targeting this age group include false gambling winnings and fake package delivery notifications.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Between December 2024 and January 2025, Coinbase users lost over $65 million to social engineering scams, with scammers impersonating Coinbase through spoofed emails and fake websites to trick victims into transferring funds to attacker-controlled wallets. The actual losses are likely higher, as this figure excludes cases reported only to Coinbase support or law enforcement, with estimated yearly losses from these scams exceeding $300 million. Investigators criticized Coinbase for inadequate security measures and called for urgent improvements including stronger protections against social engineering attacks and restricted account types for new users.
ttnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A bipartisan bill called the Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act was introduced in Congress to combat fraud in the moving and shipping industry, where scammers charge exorbitant fees and hold consumers' belongings hostage. The legislation would give the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration authority to penalize unregistered shippers and allow state agencies to access federal funds to protect household goods and personal possessions. The bill aims to protect consumers—particularly vulnerable populations—from deceptive practices by unscrupulous moving companies that exploit people during relocation.
jcpost.com
· 2025-12-08
Social Security imposter scams remain widespread in the United States, with scammers using deceptive tactics to obtain sensitive information or money through suspicious letters, texts, emails, or calls. The Social Security Administration clarifies that it will never text/email ID images, suspend Social Security Numbers, threaten arrest, demand payment via gift cards or wire transfers, or promise benefit increases for payment. Victims should report suspected scams to the OIG's website at oig.ssa.gov/report and remember that legitimate SSA contact typically occurs via mail or calls only to those who recently applied for benefits or requested agency contact.
azag.gov
· 2025-12-08
Attorney General Kris Mayes warned Arizona sports bettors ahead of Super Bowl Sunday to avoid illegal sportsbooks that lack regulatory oversight, fair play testing, security standards, and anti-money laundering compliance. Red flags include sportsbooks based outside the U.S., deceptive bonus offers, suspicious ads, and "risk-free" bet claims, while consumers should verify licensed operators through the Arizona Department of Gaming website and avoid sharing personal information with unapproved services. Those who fall victim to sports betting scams can report activity to the Department of Gaming or file complaints with the Attorney General's Office.
stocktitan.net
· 2025-12-08
A Norton study reveals that while 60% of online daters encounter AI-generated responses and many welcome AI tools for dating profiles, AI also enables increasingly sophisticated scams. Dating app users face significant threats: 40% have been targeted by scams with 41% of those becoming victims, including catfishing (55%), romance scams (34%), and sextortion (31%), while only 46% of users can identify fake AI-generated images and 27% have had their photos stolen without permission. Norton launched Genie, a free AI-powered scam detection app, to help users identify fraudulent profiles and protect themselves against these evolving threats.
wibc.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns against online romance scams, in which fraudsters create fake profiles to build trust with victims before requesting money for emergencies, visits, or weddings—with victims sometimes losing tens of thousands of dollars. The scammers use seemingly legitimate relationships and emotional manipulation to make detection difficult, though red flags include requests for bank information, excuses to move off dating platforms, and inability to meet in person. The FBI recommends verifying profiles through image searches, moving slowly in online relationships, and never sending money to people contacted only online or by phone.
www3.erie.gov
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams involve fraudsters creating fake online dating profiles to build romantic relationships and eventually request money from victims. Red flags include requests for urgent payments, use of untraceable payment methods, claims of living abroad or military service, reluctance to meet in person, and rapid relationship escalation. According to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, romance scam victims lost over $600 million in 2020 alone, and victims should immediately cease contact, document evidence, report to law enforcement and the FTC, and alert the dating platform.
kristv.com
· 2025-12-08
First Community Bank of Corpus Christi issued a Valentine's Day warning about romance scams, which use fake online profiles on dating apps and social media to exploit victims financially. The advisory identifies key warning signs—including requests for money, inconsistent details, rapid declarations of love, and excuses to avoid in-person meetings—and recommends victims verify identities, remain skeptical of unusual requests, and report incidents to the Federal Trade Commission.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned residents about a government imposter scam involving fraudulent letters claiming recipients owe overdue taxes and threatening property seizure if they call a specified number to pay. The fake letters use personal information from public records and official-looking forms to appear credible, but the actual Michigan Department of Treasury sends official correspondence through the U.S. Postal Service with governor and treasurer names on letterhead. Residents are advised to contact the Treasury Department directly to verify suspicious letters and report suspected scams to the Federal Trade Commission or Attorney General's office.
theindependent.sg
· 2025-12-08
A Singapore product trading company employee transferred S$300,000 to a fraudulent bank account after falling for a phishing scam where fraudsters impersonated the company's supplier by slightly altering the supplier's email address (changing "gmail.com" to "asia.com"). The employee discovered the fraud on January 14 when the real supplier confirmed it had not changed its banking details, and thanks to coordinated efforts between Singapore police, UAE authorities, and Interpol, the full amount was recovered and returned to the company.
sunstar.com.ph
· 2025-12-08
The Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit-Davao Region intensified awareness campaigns against romance scams, particularly in February when Valentine's Day increases vulnerability. Police reported two romance scam cases in 2024, where scammers use social media and dating apps to build romantic relationships with victims before requesting money and personal information, with potential criminal charges including estafa and violations of anti-violence and cybercrime laws. Authorities advised the public to distrust unsolicited romantic advances from strangers and urged victims to report incidents immediately.
digit.in
· 2025-12-08
A 42-year-old Bengaluru resident lost Rs 70,000 after falling victim to a fake traffic challan scam that began with a WhatsApp message claiming his SUV had violated traffic rules. When he clicked a malicious link to download the fraudulent "Vahan Parivahan" app, malware compromised his phone, allowing scammers to access his credit card and make unauthorized transactions to an e-commerce platform. The article advises users to verify traffic fines on official government websites, avoid clicking unknown links, refrain from downloading APK files from unverified sources, and enable two-factor authentication on banking apps.
wrrv.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article warns renters about five red flags in rental scams, including unrealistically low prices, copied photos (detectable through reverse image search), refusal to offer in-person viewings, unverified landlord identity, and requests for unsecure payment methods like wire transfers. The author shares a personal experience nearly falling victim to a Poughkeepsie rental scam listing a 2-bedroom apartment for $1,300 with suspicious characteristics including missing addresses, plagiarized images, and poor grammar. The article advises potential renters to research comparable listings, verify landlord identity, request viewings, and use secure payment methods to protect themselves from rental fraud.
dallasobserver.com
· 2025-12-08
In May 2024, an 86-year-old man nearly fell victim to an impersonation scam requesting a fraudulent electronic funds transfer, an experience that inspired his 15-year-old granddaughter, Tejasvi Manoj, to develop Shield Seniors—a web application designed to protect senior citizens from cyber fraud. The platform features educational content, an AI chatbot, email/text analysis tools, and scam reporting resources, all with senior-friendly design elements, and earned an honorable mention in the Congressional App Challenge in November 2024. Cyber fraud cost elderly Americans over $3.4 billion in 2023, with romance scams alone accounting for $
kymkemp.com
· 2025-12-08
A Humboldt County family narrowly avoided losing money to an AI voice-cloning scam in which fraudsters used artificial intelligence to impersonate their son Izaak and demand $15,000 in bail for a fabricated car accident and DWI charge. The family verified the scam by contacting an attorney, bail bondsman, and ultimately reaching their son at home; however, a similar scam in Harris County, Texas resulted in a $5,000 loss when a couple believed the AI-cloned voice of their son requesting emergency bail money. The FTC advises using personal security questions or code words known only to family members to verify callers' identities, an
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
P.E.I. RCMP is warning islanders about a rising "spoofing" scam in which fraudsters use technology to fake caller IDs to appear as police, courts, or government agencies and pressure victims to move money or provide personal information by falsely claiming their social insurance number has been compromised. Some residents have already fallen victim and sent money to scammers. Police advise residents to hang up on suspicious calls, avoid providing personal or financial information, and verify callers by contacting trusted numbers directly.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
A man in Somerset was defrauded of £39 after scanning a fake QR code affixed to a car park payment board at Anderby Creek in Skegness, Lincolnshire. Lincolnshire Trading Standards warned that the county council does not use QR codes on car park signage and advised motorists to check whether codes are physically stuck over legitimate signage before scanning. QR code parking scams have become increasingly common nationally, with experts recommending drivers verify codes are embedded in original signage and consider alternative payment methods when available.
bucksherald.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
The Thames Valley region reported 1,401 online dating scams over five years, with victims losing an average of over £10,000 each, according to Action Fraud data. Reports increased from 274 in 2020 to a peak of 313 in 2022, with victims spanning all age groups but concentrated among those aged 50-59, and nearly evenly split between men (49%) and women (51%). Action Fraud warns residents to exercise caution on dating apps, particularly around Valentine's Day, and notes that romance fraud carries significant psychological impacts beyond financial loss.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A 77-year-old Walton County, Florida woman lost $129,500 in a Bitcoin scam after receiving unsolicited calls from someone claiming to represent her bank, who instructed her to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM. Once the transaction was completed, the funds were irreversible and unrecoverable, making this the largest fraud case the Walton County Sheriff's Office has encountered. Investigators believe the suspect is likely overseas, making the case difficult to pursue at the local level.
northfortynews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Larimer County Sheriff's Office warns Northern Colorado residents about 13 emerging scams in 2025, including cryptocurrency investment fraud, fake security warnings, rental and car buying scams on online marketplaces, romance schemes, and impersonation of law enforcement or government agencies. Common tactics involve pressure, secrecy, and requests for untraceable payments via Bitcoin, wire transfers, or gift cards. The advisory recommends verifying all financial transactions with official sources, never sending money to unknown parties, and treating urgent demands with skepticism.
thesenior.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Qantas frequent flyer members received phishing emails claiming unauthorized access to their accounts and directing recipients to click a suspicious link to "cancel the operation," though the Qantas database was not hacked. A small number of members fell for the scam and are working with Qantas to secure their accounts; the airline confirmed the scam and reported it to authorities. Authorities advise Australians to avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails, report scams to Scamwatch, and notify their bank if personal information has been compromised.
sundancetimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A Social Security Administration (SSA) public affairs specialist outlined four key warning signs of scams: impersonation of trusted organizations, claims of problems or prizes, pressure for immediate action, and requests for payment via gift cards. The episode featured testimony from scam survivor Kate Kleinert, who lost $39,000 to a romance scam, and provided resources for recognizing and reporting scams through the SSA's website.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
Shrewsbury police issued a fraud alert warning seniors of phone scams in which callers falsely claimed to be from a nonexistent "Shrewsbury Consumer Science Department" and demanded payment for back taxes, directing victims to call (833) 750-2345. The scammers spoofed official caller ID information to appear legitimate, and residents were advised to report such calls to the Shrewsbury Police Department.
hometownsource.com
· 2025-12-08
The Senior LinkAge Line is offering a free virtual presentation on March 12 to educate older adults about health care fraud, waste, and abuse prevention, recognizing that scams targeting seniors are on the rise. The 90-minute session, in partnership with the Senior Medicare Patrol federal program, will cover fraud detection, reporting mechanisms, and personal information protection strategies. The Minnesota Board on Aging's Senior LinkAge Line provides free statewide support to help older Minnesotans and caregivers access services and resources.
ladailypost.com
· 2025-12-08
The Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization (LARSO) launched the Scam Awareness for Elders (S.A.F.E.) initiative with a kickoff event on January 29, 2025, attended by 85 people, featuring a screening of the film "Thelma" and a scam prevention presentation by FBI Special Agent Ryan Davis. The spring 2025 program includes workshops on romance scams, AI literacy, and a book club focused on scam prevention, all offered free to the community through funding from the Non-Metro New Mexico Area Agency on Aging.
pcmag.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article explains how phishing scams work and provides guidance on detecting them. The author, a security software tester with 30+ years of experience, describes how fraudsters create fake websites that mimic legitimate ones (banks, PayPal, Facebook, etc.) to steal login credentials, which they then use to access victims' accounts and drain funds or commit identity theft. Key detection strategies include scrutinizing the address bar for suspicious URLs, checking for poor website design that doesn't match the authentic site, and remaining vigilant for subtle tricks like misspelled domain names or lookalike characters.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines common fraud tactics and prevention strategies, emphasizing that scammers use urgency and panic to manipulate victims into sharing financial or personal information quickly. Key advice includes: taking time to verify requests before acting, being cautious of online shopping deals and "Hi Mum" impersonation scams on social media, scrutinizing emails for subtle fraudulent indicators, and hanging up on unexpected calls to verify identities independently.
rbcroyalbank.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams remain one of the leading fraud schemes globally, with losses rising significantly through the 2020s and online dating scams increasing 72% in the past year. The article provides protective strategies including limiting personal information shared on social media, recognizing common red flags (such as overly perfect profiles, quick declarations of affection, requests for money, or excuses to avoid in-person meetings), and involving trusted friends and family to identify potential scams. Romance scammers exploit emotional vulnerability by researching victims' interests and using coordinated tactics to manipulate people into sending money, causing both financial and emotional harm.
wisbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
With Valentine's Day spending projected to reach nearly $26 billion, the Better Business Bureau warns consumers about four common scams: impostor websites offering counterfeit jewelry and fake dating platforms, romance scams targeting vulnerable individuals who can lose thousands of dollars, wrong number text scams designed to harvest personal information, and fake florist schemes that deliver nothing or substandard arrangements. Consumers should watch for red flags such as extreme discounts, requests for cash transfers or cryptocurrency, fast-moving relationships, and unverifiable business credentials, and should report suspected scams to BBB.org/ScamTracker.
wsmv.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns of romance scams targeting people around Valentine's Day, in which scammers create fake dating profiles (often posing as military members or overseas workers) to build emotional connections with victims before requesting money for fabricated financial crises. Red flags include profiles that seem perfect, requests to move communication off dating platforms quickly, early declarations of love, avoidance of in-person meetings, and requests for money. The BBB recommends verifying information through reverse-image searches, discussing potential matches with trusted friends and family, and reporting suspicious profiles to BBB.org/Scamtracker.
kdsm17.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Romance scams are increasing, with fraudsters exploiting emotional vulnerabilities to manipulate victims into sending money. Key protective measures include being cautious of rapid declarations of love, watching for red flags like requests for personal information or avoidance of in-person meetings, remaining vigilant against AI-generated fake personas, never sending money to strangers, and consulting trusted friends or family before making financial decisions.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:** Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel expanded the Auto Insurance Fraud Unit into the Auto Fraud Task Force to combat both auto insurance fraud and vehicle theft, which increased 48.4 percent over five years with 28,408 reported thefts in 2023. The task force partnered with Michigan State Police to embed a dedicated prosecutor targeting organized auto theft rings in Metro Detroit and collaborated with the FORCE Team, which has charged 14 defendants in connection with hundreds of vehicle thefts in Southeast Michigan.
freepressjournal.in
· 2025-12-08
The Maharashtra Cyber Police issued a public alert warning senior citizens about four prevalent scam types targeting them: digital arrest scams (where fraudsters impersonate police demanding online payment), investment frauds (promising unrealistic returns), sextortion (extorting money after obtaining private photos), and phishing scams (using suspicious links and OTP theft). The alert emphasizes that legitimate authorities never demand online payments or threaten arrest via phone, and advises seniors to verify investments with trusted advisors, avoid sharing personal information online, and report suspicious activity to the Cyber Crime Helpline.
wfla.com
· 2025-12-08
A 77-year-old woman in Walton County, Florida lost $129,500 in a cryptocurrency fraud scheme after scammers impersonating a bank representative instructed her to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM machine. The Walton County Sheriff's Office deemed this the largest fraud case in their county, with investigators believing the suspect is likely operating from overseas and noting that Bitcoin transactions are irreversible, making recovery unlikely. The Sheriff's Office emphasizes that seniors are frequently targeted by these scams and recommends education and awareness programs as the best defense.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Senior citizens in Kolkata are disproportionately vulnerable to digital arrest scams due to a combination of factors including low digital literacy, emotional vulnerability from isolation, generational trust in authority figures, and reduced confidence with age. Mental health professionals and law enforcement attribute the scams' success to elderly victims' concerns about reputation and security, their smaller social networks that prevent them from seeking advice, and the post-COVID shift to digital transactions without adequate support or updated knowledge of cyber threats. Police recommend awareness campaigns and encouraging victims to discuss suspicious requests with others before complying with threats, particularly those involving money.
philarchive.org
· 2025-12-08
This academic paper analyzes how vague definitions of artificial superintelligence (ASI) and inflated claims create opportunities for "epistemic perpetuum mobile" scams that exploit confusion about AI capabilities. The authors examine three competing perspectives in ASI discourse and propose cybersecurity defenses against these scams, warning that such deception increases existential risks through epistemic self-sabotage and could enable authoritarian control.
wccbcharlotte.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau in North Carolina identified the top five scams of 2024, with online purchase fraud, phishing/imposter schemes, employment scams, debt collection fraud, and sweepstakes/lottery scams ranking as the most prevalent threats in the region. These scams increasingly employ sophisticated technology and social engineering tactics, with fraudsters either delivering no products after payment, impersonating trusted entities to steal personal information, or collecting upfront fees for non-existent prizes or jobs. The BBB emphasizes consumer education and vigilance as critical tools to combat these schemes and maintain marketplace trust.
azfamily.com
· 2025-12-08
Arizonans have lost millions of dollars to scams involving unregulated Bitcoin ATMs, with victims typically tricked by fraudsters posing as customer service representatives who direct them to deposit money into these machines. In 2023, Arizona residents reported losing approximately $325 million to such scams, with Peoria alone experiencing nearly $1 million in losses from 24 incidents; one victim, Tamara Glerum, lost nearly $28,000 after being socially engineered into using a Bitcoin ATM. Law enforcement and AARP are advocating for state and federal regulations to require safeguards at Bitcoin ATM operators, as most machines currently lack fraud-detection measures an
25newsnow.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warned the public about a rising phone and voicemail scam in which fraudsters impersonated loan-processing company representatives, often using the name "Jessica," to trick consumers into sharing personal information by claiming they needed final details on loan applications the victims never submitted. The BBB received over 500 reports of this scam between November 2024 and January 2025, and recommends consumers verify company legitimacy, avoid sharing personal information with unknown callers, refrain from calling back unfamiliar numbers, and report suspicious activity.
wifr.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns of a rising scam in which fraudsters pose as loan-processing company representatives, often using the name "Jessica," and contact consumers via unsolicited phone calls and voicemails claiming to discuss loan applications the victims never submitted. The BBB received over 500 reports of this scam between November 2024 and January 2025, and advises consumers to verify company legitimacy, never share personal information with unknown callers, and avoid calling back unfamiliar numbers.
liteonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams spike around Valentine's Day, with scammers targeting vulnerable individuals—particularly recently divorced or widowed seniors—through fake online profiles on dating apps and social media. Over 70,000 Americans fall victim to these "confidence schemes" annually, losing a collective $75 billion over four years through requests for money via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. Homeland Security advises recognizing warning signs such as claims of being abroad, love-bombing, avoiding video calls, and requests for explicit photos, and recommends victims immediately cut contact, refuse financial requests, and report the scammer to the platform.
kfvs12.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams are increasing in 2025, with scammers using AI and cryptocurrency to target vulnerable populations, particularly people over 65. According to the Better Business Bureau, more than 500 people reported romance fraud in 2024 with a median loss exceeding $6,000 per victim, and one recent case involved a man losing $3,000 to an AI chatbot scam. Red flags include refusal to meet in person, stolen or AI-generated profile images, and requests for cryptocurrency payments, which leave no trace once transferred.
wbbjtv.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams cost victims over a billion dollars annually and typically begin with a scammer initiating contact through text or dating apps, building trust over time, and then requesting money, gift cards, or bank account information under false pretenses such as military deployment or travel expenses. Common red flags include stolen profile photos (which can be identified through reverse image searches), requests to move conversations off dating platforms, and inconsistencies in stories. To protect yourself, use unique dating app photos, avoid connecting with people who have no mutual friends, inform trusted contacts about new online connections, and conduct reverse image searches on suspicious profiles.
wrdw.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams cost victims over a billion dollars annually, with scammers using tactics like the "meet-cute" text and military impersonation to build trust before requesting money or financial information, sometimes defrauding victims of tens of thousands of dollars. To protect yourself, use reverse image searches to verify photos, avoid using dating app photos from social media, and consult friends and family about new online contacts, as anyone—from young people targeted in sextortion schemes to lonely older adults—can fall victim to these increasingly sophisticated scams.
fbi.gov
· 2025-12-08
The FBI Philadelphia Field Office warns that romance scammers operate year-round by creating fake online identities to build trust with victims and manipulate them into sending money or personal information. Scammers often escalate these schemes by promising lucrative cryptocurrency investment opportunities through fraudulent websites, then deny withdrawal requests and demand additional fees before disappearing with victims' funds. The FBI advises people to verify online dating profiles, avoid sending money to online contacts, move slowly in relationships, and report suspected scams to the Internet Crime Complaint Center.