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wcpo.com
This article discusses consumer concerns about artificial intelligence technology and its potential to enable fraud. According to a survey by Boss Revolution, 48 percent of Americans feel less "scam-savvy" due to AI, and 69 percent believe AI will significantly impact financial scams, as the technology enables scammers to create more convincing phishing emails and text messages with perfect grammar and impersonations of known contacts. While experts acknowledge these risks, they emphasize that AI also has legitimate benefits for everyday tasks and financial management when used responsibly.
wmar2news.com
The Maryland Board of Elections warned voters about text message scams targeting registered voters with false claims that they are not registered to vote, directing them to click malicious links to "re-register" before a deadline. The scammers aim to steal personal information, spread election disinformation, and undermine confidence in the electoral process. To protect themselves, voters should verify voter registration status only through official state websites (`.gov` domains) and report suspicious election-related messages to the Board of Elections.
turnto23.com
A survey reveals that 48% of Americans feel less "scam-savvy" due to rising AI technology, with 69% concerned that AI will significantly increase financial scams. Experts warn that AI-generated scams are becoming harder to detect, as the technology enables more convincing impersonations, persuasive emails, and grammatically flawless phishing messages, though one in three respondents admitted difficulty identifying AI-based scams impersonating someone they know. While consumers express fear and distrust about AI's potential for fraud, particularly during the election year, experts acknowledge both the genuine risks and the beneficial applications of AI technology in everyday life.
belfasttelegraph.co.uk
A journalist fell victim to a multi-stage online scam that began when he clicked a fraudulent parcel delivery email and paid £1.50, compromising his bank card details. Scammers then attempted follow-up exploitation through a sophisticated spoofed phone call impersonating his bank's anti-fraud team, building credibility by referencing legitimate details before requesting sensitive information—a request that triggered his suspicion and led him to verify with his actual bank. The scammers ultimately did not extract money from his account, but the incident demonstrates how even internet-savvy individuals can be vulnerable to well-executed social engineering tactics that combine initial credential theft with psychological manipulation.
benzinga.com
An Arup employee was defrauded of $25 million after scammers used deepfake technology to impersonate the company's CFO and colleagues on a video call, convincing the employee to transfer the funds. McAfee has launched a new Deepfake Detector tool designed to identify AI-generated audio and video in real-time, which could help prevent similar scams by alerting users to manipulated content before they act on it. Cybersecurity experts warn that AI tools like ChatGPT have lowered barriers for criminals to conduct deepfake fraud, though such scams have occurred for years with voice spoofing and other deception tactics.
au.finance.yahoo.com
An Arup engineering firm employee was tricked into transferring $25 million to scammers via a deepfake video call impersonating the company's CFO and colleagues. McAfee has launched the McAfee Deepfake Detector tool to identify AI-generated audio and video content, which could help prevent such fraud by alerting users to suspicious communications before money is transferred.
cbsnews.com
Linda Pierce of Colorado was targeted by tech support scammers who posed as Apple support and falsely claimed to represent FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act), convincing her to withdraw $3,000 in cash and purchase $3,000 in gift cards to resolve a fake account security issue. The scammers kept Pierce confused about the fraudulent nature of the scheme by claiming to help her restore her own money, but she ultimately lost the funds after sending images of the gift card codes to the perpetrator. Through persistent follow-up with retailers and her credit union, Pierce recovered approximately $1,500 from Target gift cards and is awaiting a response from Walmart.
masslive.com
Baystate Medical Center fell victim to a business email compromise scam in which fraudsters hacked into an email account and intercepted a legitimate financial settlement, causing the hospital to wire $700,000 to the wrong party; while some funds were recovered with law enforcement assistance, Baystate lost over $420,000 and is suing JPMorgan Chase for negligence in not flagging the fraudulent account. The FBI reports that business email compromise scams cost companies $50 billion over a decade, and experts recommend verifying sender identities by phone, scrutinizing email addresses for subtle spoofing, maintaining strong cybersecurity practices, and reporting compromised accounts immediately to prevent emotional decision-
theweek.com
Following high-demand concert ticket sales like the Oasis reunion tour, scammers are increasingly targeting fans with fake tickets and websites, with Lloyds Banking Group reporting over 600 customers lost an average of £332 each to fraudulent Taylor Swift ticket sellers. To protect yourself, verify websites through trusted sources and look for security indicators like HTTPS and padlock symbols, avoid pressure tactics that rush purchasing decisions, pay by credit card rather than PayPal's friends and family option, and purchase only from authorized official sellers or STAR-certified resale platforms.
nbcboston.com
Cybercriminals are using artificial intelligence to personalize extortion emails that falsely claim to have compromising videos and threaten to share them unless victims pay ransoms in Bitcoin (typically $2,000). The scam emails include real personal details like victims' names, addresses, phone numbers, and photos of their homes gathered from online sources, making them appear credible and frightening, though the alleged videos do not actually exist. Authorities recommend recipients ignore these emails entirely, avoid engaging with scammers, and take preventive measures like covering webcams and changing default passwords.
whyy.org
The Federal Trade Commission is warning consumers about rising phone and email scams that cost Americans nearly $3 billion annually, often perpetrated by scammers impersonating businesses or government agencies. Common red flags include unexpected contact requesting money or personal information, artificial urgency, demands for secrecy, and requests for payment via untraceable methods like cryptocurrency or gift cards. The FTC urges the public to report suspected scams through ReportFraud.ftc.gov or by calling 877-382-4357, and advises verifying sender email addresses and checking with trusted contacts before responding to suspicious communications.
justice.gov
Three individuals—Chidi Olujie, Jennifer Chibueze, and Jessica Nortey—were charged with conspiring to launder over $1 million in proceeds from romance scams and other online frauds between 2016 and 2019, allegedly using shell companies and fraudulent bank accounts to move stolen money. The defendants face up to 20 years in prison on money laundering conspiracy charges plus an additional two years for aggravated identity theft. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia and investigated by the FBI's Washington Field Office.
actionnewsjax.com
The Federal Trade Commission is warning consumers about scammers who use QR codes as a theft tool, either by placing fraudulent codes on parking meters or sending them via text and email with false pretexts (such as undelivered packages or account issues). When scanned, these QR codes direct victims to spoofed websites or install malware designed to steal personal information and credentials. The FTC recommends verifying URLs for misspellings, avoiding unsolicited QR codes, and maintaining updated software and strong passwords to protect against this scam.
newsweek.com
Gloria Mooney, a 73-year-old New Jersey widow, lost over $50,000 in a romance scam after being targeted by a scammer posing as "Henry," an oil rig worker on Facebook. The scammer, traced to Nigeria, used a stolen celebrity photo and exploited Mooney's loneliness and emotional vulnerability following a 2023 car accident, convincing her to send money via gift cards, Bitcoin, wire transfers, and by withdrawing her 401k and personal savings with promises of repayment. Despite efforts by her family and authorities including the FBI, the funds could not be recovered.
mwakilishi.com
A 69-year-old widower from Suffolk, England, was defrauded of approximately £100,000+ (Sh14.35 million) in a romance scam involving a fake Kenyan woman named "Anita" introduced by a friend who orchestrated the scheme. After being convinced to send money for supposed home improvements and wedding preparations, Lodge discovered the deception upon traveling to Nairobi and subsequently became homeless, sleeping at Heathrow Airport and shelters. The case exemplifies a broader trend of online romance fraud with significant psychological impacts on victims, including shame and mental health issues, as reported by law enforcement agencies tracking rising cybercrime rates globally.
news4jax.com
A Clay County, Florida sheriff's deputy intervened to stop a Bitcoin ATM fraud targeting an elderly woman who had been contacted by scammers posing as her bank after she mistakenly reached a fraudulent number while searching for Xfinity customer service. The scammers convinced her that fraudulent transactions required her to withdraw funds and deposit them via Bitcoin ATM to "protect" her money, a scheme that is irreversible and untraceable due to the scammers' use of virtual private networks and offshore locations. The Sheriff's Office has investigated 15-20 similar Bitcoin ATM fraud cases in recent months and is warning residents to be alert, as victims lose money immediately upon deposit with no
marketscreener.com
This educational piece from Chad White, General Counsel for Brookdale Senior Living, identifies four common senior scams: tech support/phishing scams, family/romance scams, non-payment scams, and "get rich quick" investment schemes. The content provides guidance on identifying and protecting against these fraud types to reduce victimization risk, and directs suspected victims to contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311.
2news.com
The FBI received over 880,000 complaints about online blackmail scams in a single year, indicating the widespread prevalence of this fraud type. Online blackmail scams involve criminals threatening to expose compromising information or images unless victims pay money, targeting vulnerable individuals across age groups.
cyberscoop.com
Franklin Ifeanyichukwu Okwanna, a 34-year-old Nigerian man, was sentenced to five years in prison and ordered to pay nearly $5 million in restitution for his role in a business email compromise (BEC) scheme that targeted multiple companies between 2016 and 2021. Okwanna and his co-defendant Ebuka Raphael Umeti used phishing emails to compromise computer systems and email accounts, then deceived victims into sending wire transfers, resulting in over $5 million in losses.
aetv.com
This article explains money laundering methods and how criminals exploit financial systems and technology rather than documenting a specific elder fraud case. The piece discusses "smurfing" (dividing illegal cash into small deposits across multiple people to avoid bank detection) and how criminals increasingly recruit money mules through social media by offering quick payments for using their bank accounts. It notes that technology platforms and cryptocurrencies unintentionally facilitate money laundering because they share similar characteristics criminals seek—high transaction volumes, international reach, and minimal regulation.
cbsnews.com
Online blackmail scams are rising, with scammers sending mass emails that threaten to expose embarrassing footage or information, often personalized with publicly available details like names, addresses, and street view images to appear credible. These emails can be identified as fraudulent by looking for red flags such as urgent deadlines, awkward wording, generic language, and a lack of specific details about the alleged compromising content. Recipients should not reply to or pay these emails, instead reporting them as phishing or spam to their email provider or IT department, as legitimate blackmailers would provide specific evidence of their claims.
wvua23.com
"Quishing" (QR code phishing) is a rising scam in Alabama and nationwide that embeds malicious URLs into QR codes, commonly placed on parking meters and other locations to trick victims into visiting fraudulent websites. The Better Business Bureau reports an alarming increase in these scams, particularly in parking lots where people scan codes hurriedly without verifying website legitimacy. Experts recommend stopping to confirm QR code destinations before scanning, never sharing personal information with unfamiliar sources, and immediately changing passwords and reporting to the attorney general's office if you suspect exposure to a malicious QR code.
wokv.com
Scammers are using fake QR codes placed on parking meters or sent via text and email to trick people into scanning them, with the goal of stealing personal information or installing malware on devices. The Federal Trade Commission advises consumers to scrutinize unexpected QR codes for suspicious URLs with misspellings, avoid scanning codes from unsolicited messages, and maintain strong passwords and updated software to protect themselves from this fraud method.
jdsupra.com
A recent data breach exposed 2.9 billion personal records including social security numbers and contact information, prompting discussion of workplace fraud risks. Employers face increasing sophisticated scams targeting payroll and sensitive employee data, such as fraudulent email requests to change direct deposit information or purchase gift cards. The article recommends employers verify suspicious requests by calling contacts directly, scrutinize unfamiliar email addresses and unusual language patterns, and implement data privacy training to protect employees and company information.
malwarebytes.com
The "Hello pervert" sextortion scam has evolved to include new pressure tactics: threatening to use Pegasus spyware and including photos of victims' homes obtained from Google Maps and data breaches. Scammers use stolen passwords from previous data breaches and falsely claim to have compromising footage of victims viewing pornography, demanding payment within 24 hours or threatening to share the content with contacts and visit their physical addresses. These threats are entirely fraudulent—Pegasus is government-controlled spyware never used by common criminals, and scammers have no actual footage or surveillance capability.
entergynewsroom.com
Following hurricane season, scammers impersonate Entergy utility representatives to defraud customers by demanding fees for power reconnection, sending malicious emails and texts, and visiting homes to steal money or personal information. Customers are advised to hang up on callers demanding reconnection fees, avoid clicking suspicious links, verify in-person visitors' identification, and report scams directly to Entergy and the Federal Trade Commission.
cbsnews.com
Online blackmail scams are sending hundreds of thousands of personalized emails threatening to expose embarrassing footage or compromising information, often including victims' names and addresses obtained from public databases. These scams can be identified by vague language, urgent deadlines, and lack of specific details about alleged misconduct—legitimate threats would include evidence. To protect yourself, use email filters and spam reporting tools offered by providers like Gmail or Outlook, never reply to or pay blackmail emails, and report them as phishing.
shawlocal.com
According to the National Council on Aging, financial scams targeting seniors cost approximately $3 billion annually, causing both monetary losses and significant emotional distress to victims who are often targeted for their perceived vulnerability and trust. Common schemes include Medicare/health insurance fraud, phishing scams, investment fraud, and grandparent scams, all of which rely on deception to steal sensitive information or money. Seniors can protect themselves through education and awareness, with resources available including a free community workshop offered by Home Instead on September 12, 2024, at the DeKalb Public Library covering fraud prevention strategies and protection techniques.
patch.com
Communities First Initiative, Jewish Community Housing Corporation, and Valley National Bank held a 2-hour educational workshop in South Orange, New Jersey to teach senior citizens how to avoid scams, fraud, and identity theft, addressing a significant rise in financial crimes targeting older adults. According to the FBI and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, elder fraud complaints increased 14% in 2023 with victims losing an average of $33,915 each, totaling over $3.4 billion, with many seniors failing to report incidents due to embarrassment or fear of losing independence. The presentation aimed to provide seniors with tools and resources to recognize and protect themselves from increasingly sophisticated scams, including phone and internet fraud.
morningstar.com
This educational podcast features AARP's Kathy Stokes discussing how to protect oneself from investment fraud, with particular focus on growing threats from cryptocurrency-related scams and the use of artificial intelligence by fraudsters. The piece emphasizes identifying warning signs of investment fraud and provides resources including AARP's Fraud Watch Network Helpline (877-908-3360) and guidance on recognizing common scam tactics targeting investors of all ages, though older adults face heightened risk.
ksal.com
Evergy utility company is warning customers about two escalating scams: one targeting seniors by falsely claiming $200 refunds through the Evergy Cares Kansas Fund in exchange for account information, and another offering discounts in exchange for credit card numbers over the phone. The company emphasizes that legitimate assistance is provided directly to accounts only after customer-initiated contact, and regulated utilities cannot offer unsolicited discounts, advising customers to verify caller identity, avoid sharing personal information, and contact Evergy directly through official channels when suspicious.
kfdi.com
Evergy warned customers about two recent scam attempts targeting both seniors and general customers: one falsely claiming the utility company would return $200 to seniors through its Evergy Cares Kansas Fund in exchange for account and personal information, and another offering immediate discounts in exchange for credit card numbers over the phone. Evergy clarified that its assistance program provides direct account credits (not cash refunds) only after customers initiate contact, and that legitimate rate changes require state regulatory approval rather than phone-based offers. The company provided guidance including verifying employee identity before sharing information, avoiding unsolicited emails/texts about bills, and reporting suspected scams through its website or local law enforcement.
digit.in
A 55-year-old woman from Panchkula, Haryana lost Rs 1.47 lakh after clicking a fake net banking link in a text message claiming her points were expiring; she entered her bank credentials and Rs 98,127 was immediately withdrawn, followed by another Rs 49,112 before she could block transactions. The article advises protection through skepticism of unsolicited messages, avoiding unknown links, verifying sources directly with institutions, using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and regularly monitoring bank statements for unauthorized activity.
fox10phoenix.com
Sextortion scammers are now incorporating personal information and Google Street View photos of victims' homes into threatening emails to increase intimidation and credibility. The emails claim the sender has compromised the victim's computer and recorded them via webcam, demanding $2,000-$2,200 in Bitcoin within 24 hours or threatening to distribute the video to contacts. The FBI reports these scams originate primarily from West Africa and Southeast Asia, and recommends victims not send money, disable webcams, report the accounts to platforms, and contact law enforcement.
krebsonsecurity.com
A personalized variant of the sextortion scam is circulating via email, claiming to have compromised recipients' webcams and threatening to release fabricated videos unless victims pay approximately $2,000 in Bitcoin within 24 hours. The emails now include recipients' names and photos of their homes obtained from online mapping services like Google Maps, along with threats to contact them physically or distribute videos to their contacts. The FBI advises victims not to send compromising images, to avoid opening suspicious attachments, and to cover webcams; those targeted should report incidents to their local FBI office or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
theverge.com
Bitcoin ATM scams have surged dramatically, with losses increasing nearly 10-fold from $12 million in 2020 to $114 million by 2023, and victims already losing $65 million in the first half of 2024 alone. Scammers impersonate bank or government officials via phone, text, or pop-ups to convince victims their accounts are compromised, then direct them to deposit cash into Bitcoin ATMs (which they falsely call "safety lockers") by scanning a QR code that transfers funds to the scammer's wallet, with a median loss of $10,000 per victim. Vermont and Minnesota have enacted laws limiting daily crypto kio
ottawacitizen.com
A 62-year-old Ottawa woman lost approximately $50,000 through a romance scam and subsequent money recovery schemes. After a man posing as a U.S. military officer on Facebook convinced her to send gift cards and cryptocurrency over three years, she was then targeted by a second scammer claiming he could recover her losses, leading her to borrow an additional $20,000 from family and friends in failed recovery attempts. The victim, who lives on disability payments, is now in debt and sharing her story to warn other vulnerable people about these interconnected fraud schemes.
saultstar.com
A 62-year-old former Sudbury woman lost nearly $50,000 to a romance scam and subsequent money recovery schemes over three years, exhausting her life savings and leaving her $13,000 in debt to family and friends. After accepting a Facebook friend request from someone claiming to be a U.S. military officer, she sent money via gift cards and Bitcoin after being pressured and worn down by promises of repayment and eventual visits. When she attempted to recover her losses through a second fraudster claiming to represent a recovery firm, she lost an additional $20,000 in multiple failed schemes before finally recognizing the pattern.
finextra.com
This article discusses general challenges faced by major online dating platforms Tinder and Bumble, including their vulnerability to romance scams, phishing attacks, and identity theft, as well as operational challenges around data privacy compliance, competitive pressures, and user safety management. While the piece identifies romance scams as a threat on these platforms, it does not detail any specific fraud cases, victim impacts, or financial losses. This is a general awareness piece about cybersecurity and operational risks in the online dating industry rather than a report of actual elder fraud incidents.
wdtv.com
The Better Business Bureau issued a warning about rising pet scams, particularly puppy scams where fraudsters advertise purebred dogs at discounted prices on websites but never deliver the animals after victims pay fees. To avoid pet scams, consumers should adopt locally to meet sellers in person, thoroughly research breeders, request medical records and pedigree documentation, and watch for red flags like suspiciously low prices, flashy websites, and poorly written communications.
cionews.co.in
Cryptocurrency scams surged in 2024, with billions of dollars in fraudulent inflows, and blockchain analytics show that 43% of year-to-date fraud went to newly created wallets, indicating a significant rise in new schemes. Scammers have shifted tactics from complex Ponzi schemes to more targeted approaches like romance scams and address poisoning, with romance scams experiencing an 85x increase since 2020 and causing the largest financial impact per victim. The average lifespan of scams has compressed from 271 days in 2020 to just 42 days in 2024, making detection harder, though law enforcement and blockchain analysis tools continue to help recover
philomathnews.com
Seniors lose approximately $3 billion annually to scams, making them prime targets due to their savings, home ownership, good credit, and often lower digital literacy. The article identifies 10 common scams targeting older adults, including romance scams (fraudsters posing as romantic interests), funeral scams (exploiting grief over deceased spouses), grandparent scams (impersonating grandchildren in emergencies), phishing (fake emails from financial institutions), Medicare fraud, and tech support scams, among others. Prevention strategies include securing social media accounts, verifying contact information through reverse searches, and calling family members directly to confirm emergencies.
morningstar.com
Investment fraud targeting older adults is growing significantly, driven by emerging technologies like cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence that make scams increasingly sophisticated and convincing. According to Kathy Stokes, AARP's director of fraud prevention, Americans lost a record $10 billion to scams and fraud in 2023, with crypto-related schemes and AI-enabled fraud posing particular threats to financial security. Stokes emphasizes the importance of education and awareness as key protective measures for older adults vulnerable to these evolving fraud schemes.
wdrb.com
The Better Business Bureau reported multiple scams circulating in the Kentuckiana region, including fraudulent charity phone calls impersonating firefighters, Facebook scams advertising fake businesses, auction fraud, and RiverLink phishing scams. The BBB advised residents to hang up on unfamiliar charities and verify organizations online, avoid clicking third-party social media links, and visit company websites directly before making purchases. Using credit cards for transactions is recommended as a more secure payment method.
planadviser.com
This article provides guidance on cybersecurity best practices for retirement plan sponsors to defend against fraud, account takeovers, and emerging threats like AI-generated deepfakes. Key recommendations include implementing a comprehensive program covering people (employee training), processes (regular policy reviews and updates), and technology (data protection and incident response plans), along with adding IT representation to plan committees and conducting rigorous vendor due diligence. The article references the SPARK Institute's cybersecurity framework and Department of Labor guidelines as resources for establishing security controls and resilience measures.
hackread.com
**Summary:**
Cybersecurity researchers identified a global phishing campaign since 2023 targeting pizza restaurant chains, particularly in Canada, that uses domain spoofing and typosquatting to create fake order websites and steal customer credit card information and one-time passwords. The scammers registered malicious domains mimicking major chains including Domino's, Pizza Pizza, Boston Pizza, Panago, and Little Caesars, using paid search advertising to boost visibility; as of early 2024, the campaign had claimed multiple victims with documented losses of approximately S$27,000 (Singapore dollars) in one variant alone. Customers can protect themselves by verifying domain names carefully, enabling multi-factor authentication
english.factcrescendo.com
A viral social media post falsely claiming PepsiCo was hiring for work-from-home positions directed users to a fraudulent third-party website designed to steal personal and banking information. PepsiCo confirmed the scam and warned that fraudsters impersonate the company through fake job postings, websites, and recruiter emails to deceive job seekers, advising people to verify opportunities only through official channels and be suspicious of unsolicited offers or requests for sensitive information.
intelligentciso.com
Cryptocurrency scams surged in 2024 with billions in illicit inflows, with 43% of scam proceeds going to newly created wallets, indicating a sharp rise in fresh schemes compared to prior years. Scammers are shifting tactics from lengthy Ponzi schemes to shorter-lived, targeted campaigns like romance scams (pig butchering), which have grown 85-fold since 2020 and cause the worst average victim impact; one fraud shop alone facilitated $10.5 million in romance scam activity from 2022-2024 by selling millions of fraudulent social media profiles. Experts advise vigilance against unexpected communications and immediate caution when money transfers
abc45.com
An elderly woman with dementia in Asheboro, North Carolina, lost $25,000 to a scammer who posed as a tech support representative after she contacted a fictitious number online seeking device help. The scammer convinced her to purchase gift cards and send cash over several days of contact, resulting in approximately $4,000 in gift cards and $25,000 in cash. The Asheboro Police Department is urging elderly residents to verify suspicious requests with loved ones or local authorities before sending money and encouraging retailers to intervene when customers make large gift card purchases.
foxbusiness.com
Scammers are impersonating recruiters via text messages and emails to target job seekers in a competitive labor market, using "smishing" and phishing attacks to steal personal information or money. Americans receive an average of nearly 12 scam messages daily, with criminals using data breaches, AI personalization, and phone spoofing to make fraudulent job offers appear legitimate, often resulting in victims paying money to fake recruiters. Similar text-based scams also impersonate the U.S. Postal Service, highway toll authorities, and real companies like Idea Grove.