Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 26,669 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
14,184 results
in Scam Awareness
gottheimer.house.gov
U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer introduced bipartisan legislation called the GUARD Act to combat financial fraud and "pig butchering" scams targeting older Americans by providing state and local law enforcement with federal grant funding and blockchain tracing tools. "Pig butchering" scams involve fraudsters convincing retirees to invest in fake opportunities, with victims over 70 suffering median losses of $9,000 compared to $2,400 for all age groups, and these scams causing over $1 billion in losses in 2022 alone. The bill is supported by multiple organizations including AARP and law enforcement associations.
independent.co.uk
Seniors lost nearly $4.8 billion to scams in 2024, representing a significant portion of the $16.6 billion in total fraud losses reported by the FBI—a 33% increase from 2023. The most common scams targeting older Americans included business email compromise ($2 billion), technology support scams ($1 billion), and investment fraud ($6 billion), with victims aged 60 and above making up the majority of complaints. Texas, California, and Florida reported the highest losses, though the FBI notes actual figures may be higher due to underreporting by victims.
goodmorningamerica.com
Seniors lost $4.8 billion to scammers in 2024, part of a total $16.6 billion in U.S. fraud losses that year—a 33% increase from 2023. Investment scams were the most costly fraud type, resulting in nearly $6 billion in losses, followed by business email compromise scams ($2 billion) and technology support scams ($1 billion). The FBI received 836,000 cyber fraud reports annually and noted that actual losses likely exceed reported figures due to victim underreporting.
sequimgazette.com
Two brothers were sentenced for stealing over $435,000 from a Washington homeowner in a contractor fraud scheme targeting elderly homeowners across the country. Beginning in January 2024, they falsely claimed the victim needed urgent roof and foundation repairs, pressuring him to write checks totaling thousands of dollars while performing minimal or fake work, including demanding $200,000 for non-existent building supplies. The victim expressed profound feelings of shame and betrayal, which experts note are common among fraud victims, while federal agencies provide red flags such as door-to-door solicitation, pressure for immediate payment in cash, and aggressive sales tactics to help seniors avoid similar scams.
localmatters.co.nz
New Zealanders, particularly older adults, are increasingly targeted by "pig butchering" scams, where organized criminal networks operating from Southeast Asia build trust with victims over weeks or months before convincing them to invest in fake cryptocurrency or forex opportunities, then disappearing with their money. Netsafe estimates New Zealanders lost $2.3 billion to scams in 2024, with these schemes employing sophisticated emotional manipulation tactics and following a predictable formula of unexpected contact, false relationship-building, and pressure to invest. The article provides five warning signs to recognize these scams and advises victims to immediately stop contact, alert their bank, preserve evidence, and report the fraud to Netsafe
kokomotribune.com
Senior Fraud Awareness Day (May 15th) is an annual initiative designed to educate and protect elderly citizens from financial scams that increasingly target them due to their trusting nature and potential unfamiliarity with technology. Common fraud schemes include phishing emails, phone scams, identity theft, and deceptive investment opportunities, which can result in significant financial losses and emotional distress for victims. Various organizations and financial institutions are hosting awareness events and workshops on May 15th to teach seniors how to recognize scams, safeguard personal information, and seek assistance if they suspect fraudulent activity.
whsv.com
Scammers are sending fake text messages claiming overdue toll or E-ZPass payments in "smishing" scams designed to steal personal information, credit card data, and bypass multi-factor authentication. Legitimate toll agencies never request payment via text or email and advise recipients to delete suspicious messages immediately, paying attention to unrecognized sender addresses as a key warning sign.
sifted.eu
Phony investors conned an angel investor and multiple startups out of approximately $50,000 to hundreds of thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency by posing as legitimate fund managers and using manipulated QR codes that redirected transactions to fraudulent wallets. The scam, which targeted startup founders and investors across Europe, involved sophisticated tactics including fake identities (claiming ties to the Getty family), AI-generated websites, and pressure tactics to prevent victims from verifying transactions. Of 17 startups targeted since a previous investigation, five lost money, with scammers increasingly using AI and real company names to appear legitimate and bypass due diligence.
unite.ai
AI vishing scams—which use voice cloning and deepfake technology to impersonate trusted individuals—have become increasingly sophisticated and effective, with losses to Americans rising 23% from 2023 to 2024. Recent high-profile attacks include scammers impersonating Italy's Defense Minister to target business leaders like Giorgio Armani (resulting in one $200,000+ loss), hotel staff targeted during peak hours, and elderly individuals tricked out of approximately $200,000 by voices mimicking family members. The proliferation of AI Vishing-as-a-Service platforms like PlugValley has enabled attackers to launch these convincing, automated attacks at scale with custom
wvnews.com
The Harrison County Sheriff's Office warned residents about a recurring phone scam in which callers impersonate law enforcement, falsely claiming victims have missed court dates, have arrest warrants, or owe fines, and demand immediate payment via Bitcoin or gift cards. Elderly residents are particularly targeted due to their respect for authority figures; between 20 and 30 complaints were reported with some victims losing significant amounts of money. Law enforcement emphasized they never request personal information, financial details, or payment over the phone, and urged residents to hang up and report such calls to 911.
gbhackers.com
Between December 2023 and February 2025, the FBI received over 100 reports of scams in which criminals impersonated Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) officials, contacting victims via email, phone, and social media to fraudulently obtain financial information by falsely promising to recover funds from previous scams. The scammers use elaborate tactics including fake female profiles on social media and fictional personas like "Jaime Quin," claiming to be IC3's Chief Director and communicating through Telegram to request sensitive data and payments. The FBI warns that the real IC3 never initiates contact directly and will not request payment or personal information for fund recovery, an
winchesterstar.com
Dementia Friendly Blue Ridge, a new initiative led by regional nonprofit DementiaMatters, is launching in June 2024 to educate businesses, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community organizations across the Northern Shenandoah Valley (Winchester and surrounding counties in Virginia and West Virginia) on how to better support and interact with people living with dementia. The program addresses the region's rising dementia prevalence, with approximately 164,000 Virginians currently living with Alzheimer's disease, and aims to help community members feel safe and welcome while providing caregivers with necessary support through training on communication strategies and dementia awareness.
success.com
Smishing (text-based phishing) attacks cost Americans $470 million in reported losses in 2024, more than five times the 2020 total, with the actual amount likely much higher due to underreporting. The article identifies three trending scams in 2025: fake unpaid toll notices (particularly targeting metropolitan areas), package delivery issues and "brushing scams" using QR codes, and fake job opportunities (losses increased from $90 million in 2020 to $501 million by 2024). Key prevention strategies include never clicking links or responding to unexpected texts, verifying alerts directly through official websites, and reporting suspicious messages to your phone provider an
consumerreports.org
Scammers are increasingly sending fake delivery text messages and emails impersonating FedEx, UPS, and USPS, claiming packages missed delivery or require updated shipping information to lure victims into clicking malicious links or providing personal and financial data. These "smishing" scams are becoming more sophisticated with AI-generated content, realistic branding, and fewer spelling errors, making them harder to detect than traditional phishing attempts. Consumers should verify deliveries by contacting carriers directly rather than clicking links in unsolicited messages, as legitimate delivery services never request payment information or personal details via email or text.
press.aarp.org
The AARP Fraud Watch Network report reveals widespread consumer vulnerability to cyber threats, with over 276 million adults exposed through unverified apps and unreliable social media content, and 203 million lacking multifactor authentication on their accounts. The report emphasizes that consumers can reduce fraud risk through protective measures such as enabling multi-factor authentication, verifying app sources, and staying informed about emerging scams. AARP offers free resources including a fraud helpline (877-908-3360) and peer support groups to help victims and advocates for policy changes to combat the growing fraud problem.
dispatch.com
Scam text messages claiming unpaid Ohio Turnpike tolls have resurfaced, directing recipients to fake payment sites or fraudulent phone numbers to collect payment information. Official toll notices are sent by mail only, though the debt collector Reliant Capital Solutions may send legitimate texts on behalf of the Ohio Attorney General; the FTC advises recipients to verify claims directly with the Ohio Turnpike (440-971-2222 or ohioturnpike.org) and avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages. Victims who clicked links or provided payment should secure their financial accounts and report the scam to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center or the FTC.
wxyz.com
The Troy Police Department is raising awareness about cryptocurrency scams affecting local residents, with victims losing thousands of dollars after being tricked into depositing funds at crypto kiosks. Scammers contact victims via phone, email, or text claiming they owe government fines or bonds, then direct them to withdraw money and purchase Bitcoin or other digital currencies, which cannot be recovered once transferred. Police are posting warning signs at cryptocurrency machines throughout Troy, where approximately 2-3 cases occur weekly, with one victim losing $12,500.
turnto10.com
NordVPN reported detecting a "triple whammy" of scams targeting Google users through Calendar invites containing malicious links, fake Google Meet invitations that distribute malware, and phishing attempts to steal account recovery codes for Gmail takeovers. The cybersecurity firm recommends disabling auto-acceptance of calendar invitations, remaining suspicious of unsolicited emails, and never clicking links from unexpected sources, as approximately 90% of daily emails may be fraudulent or marketing-related.
benitolink.com
Online fraud and identity theft targeting seniors are rising significantly, with the senior population accounting for $3.4 billion in losses out of $12.5 billion total U.S. fraud losses tracked by the FBI. Common scams include phishing and spoofing schemes, with cryptocurrency investment fraud being particularly costly in 2023, affecting approximately 22% victims over age 60. Law enforcement recommends hanging up immediately when warning signs appear (such as demands for immediate payment or claims of official authority) and reporting attempts to authorities, while emphasizing that victims should not feel embarrassed about disclosing fraud since scammers exploit even aware individuals.
linknky.com
A 69-year-old Philadelphia woman nearly fell victim to a sophisticated tech support scam in which fraudsters, posing as Norton antivirus support and her bank's fraud department, pressured her to withdraw cash and purchase cryptocurrency by falsely claiming hackers had downloaded illegal content to her computer and stolen $18,000. The scammer used emotional manipulation, urgency, and knowledge of her banking details to convince her, but she avoided the scheme after recalling a friend who lost $800,000 to a similar scam. Financial scams cost Americans between $23.7 billion and $158.3 billion in 2023-2024, with AI, dark web data access, an
3blmedia.com
PSE&G warns customers about utility scams during National Consumer Protection Week, which involve scammers impersonating utility companies via phone calls, texts, emails, and in-person visits to demand immediate payment (often through gift cards, money transfers, or prepaid cards) by threatening service disconnection. Real victims reported losses ranging from $400 to over $2,400, with scammers using tactics like caller ID spoofing to appear legitimate; PSE&G advises customers to hang up and verify by calling the number on their bill, as the company never requires specific payment methods and offers multiple legitimate payment options including online, mobile app, and digital payment services.
thesenior.com.au
Asian crime syndicates operating multibillion-dollar cyberscam networks have expanded globally to South America and Africa despite intensified Southeast Asian raids, with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime reporting the industry generates tens of billions in annual profits by victimizing people worldwide through schemes like romance and cryptocurrency scams. Many scam workers are trafficked and forced into operations, and criminal groups have adapted by relocating to remote areas with weak governance in Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and now Georgia, Zambia, Angola, and Namibia. The U.S. alone reported $5.6 billion in cryptocurrency scam losses in 2023, with elderly and vulnerable people particularly
yahoo.com
Transnational organized crime groups based in East and Southeast Asia are expanding their scam operations globally in response to increased law enforcement crackdowns, according to a UN report. These criminal syndicates, which operate hundreds of industrial-scale scam centers generating nearly $40 billion annually through romance scams, fraudulent investments, and illegal gambling schemes, have been reported operating in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Pacific islands, with notable operations discovered in Nigeria, Brazil, and Peru. The report warns that as Asian-led groups expand geographically and adopt new technologies like AI and deepfakes, governments face intensifying challenges requiring coordinated responses.
northfortynews.com
**Summary:**
This is an educational awareness piece from Larimer County Sheriff's Office highlighting current scam trends affecting Northern Colorado residents, particularly seniors. Chief Scambuster Barbara Bennett presents 20+ active scams including romance schemes, impersonation frauds (bank, IRS, law enforcement), tech-based scams (DocuSign phishing, hacked Facebook accounts), and marketplace fraud, while proposing a confidential support group for scam victims and their families to address shame and isolation barriers to reporting.
insight.scmagazineuk.com
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports that Southeast Asian cyber fraud networks operating billion-dollar scams are expanding globally through "one-stop-shop" digital marketplaces, establishing new hubs across Africa and collaborating with South American drug cartels despite law enforcement takedowns in Laos, Myanmar, and the Philippines. These industrialized criminal enterprises increasingly target individuals worldwide with sophisticated social engineering and emotional manipulation tactics, including romance scams and fake investment schemes that exploit human vulnerabilities. Experts warn that technological defenses alone are insufficient; comprehensive user education and cybersecurity awareness training are critical to combating these expanding criminal operations.
wilx.com
A Bankrate survey found that 68% of Americans have experienced financial scams, with over half occurring in the past year and 23% admitting to sending money to scammers. While older generations report experiencing scams most frequently, younger generations (Gen Z and Millennials) are more likely to lose money due to increasingly sophisticated cons. The article recommends protecting oneself by avoiding unrecognized links, verifying URLs before clicking, using strong passwords, and reporting suspected scams to the FTC.
wagmtv.com
A Maine resident avoided falling victim to a fake check scam when a Facebook Marketplace buyer mailed her a fraudulent cashier's check for $2,400—significantly more than the $600 agreed price for her car. The victim identified red flags including an incorrect check number placement and a non-existent routing number, then brought it to her bank, which discovered two other identical fraudulent checks and reported them. The scam exploits online mobile check deposits, which may initially appear to clear before bouncing weeks later, leaving victims responsible for the full amount.
buffalobulletin.com
**Summary:**
In 2025, Sheridan County continues to experience rising internet scams with increasingly sophisticated tactics, particularly impersonation of law enforcement and medical officers using scare tactics to demand payment. As of the reporting date, the Sheridan Police Department received 65 fraud reports and the Sheriff's Office reported 26 scams, with victims over age 50 disproportionately affected; at least two victims lost over $150,000 each. Law enforcement recommends reporting suspected scams immediately, using IC3.gov to document losses, and remembering that legitimate law enforcement never demands payment over the phone.
states.aarp.org
In June 2024, Mary Ellen Strange, a retired nurse from Indiana, fell victim to an elaborate impersonation scam in which fraudsters posing as Amazon, FTC, and federal agents convinced her she faced serious federal crimes including money laundering and child pornography. The scammers used a fake "alternative dispute resolution" process to manipulate Strange into withdrawing large amounts of cash from her bank under the false premise that she would receive restitution and clearance letters from government officials. This case illustrates a common elder fraud tactic combining authority impersonation, fear-based manipulation, and false promises of resolution.
local.aarp.org
Mary Ellen Strange, a retired nurse from Indiana, fell victim to an elaborate impersonation scam in June 2024 where fraudsters posing as Amazon, FTC, and federal officials falsely accused her of money laundering, drug trafficking, and other federal crimes. The scammers convinced her to withdraw cash from her bank accounts under the guise of an "alternative dispute resolution" process, exploiting her fear of legal consequences and promises of eventual restitution. This case illustrates how sophisticated fraud schemes manipulate victims through authority impersonation and psychological manipulation, with the victim's story being shared as part of AARP's awareness campaign to encourage fraud victims to speak publicly about their
sjcda.org
Tech support scams use fake pop-up warnings impersonating companies like Microsoft and Apple to trick users into calling scammers, who then falsely claim the device is infected and demand payment for bogus services. Legitimate security warnings from real tech companies never ask you to call a phone number; instead, users should ignore pop-ups, manually update security software, and contact tech support only through official company websites or trusted in-person retailers. The FTC recommends reporting suspected scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and sharing information about these scams with others as a prevention tool.
abc15.com
Scammers are targeting job seekers via unsolicited text messages, WhatsApp, and social media with fake job offers promising high pay and flexible schedules, resulting in over $400 million in losses to Americans according to the FTC. Red flags include unexpected contact from unknown numbers, unrealistic pay claims ($200-$800 daily), requests for personal information or money/gift cards, poor grammar, and pressure to move conversations to other platforms. Consumers should avoid responding to or clicking links in unsolicited messages, independently verify job offers directly with companies, and report suspected scams to the FTC or their phone carrier.
fox10tv.com
A Bankrate survey found that 68% of Americans have experienced financial scams, with over half reporting incidents in the past year and 23% admitting to sending money to scammers. While older generations are more likely to report experiencing scams overall, younger generations (Gen Z and Millennials) are more likely to lose money to increasingly sophisticated cons that exploit economic stress and technological vulnerabilities. The FTC recommends avoiding unrecognized links, confirming URLs before clicking, using strong passwords, and reporting suspected fraud to the FTC.
wwnytv.com
A Bankrate survey found that 68% of Americans have experienced a financial scam in their lifetimes, with over half reporting incidents in the past year and 23% admitting to actually sending money to scammers. While older generations report experiencing scams more frequently, younger generations (Gen Z and Millennials) are more likely to lose money to increasingly sophisticated cons. To protect themselves, Americans should avoid clicking unrecognized links, verify URLs before clicking, use strong passwords, and maintain unique passwords for each account; victims or those suspecting fraud should report to the FTC.
people.com
JPMorgan Chase is pursuing additional lawsuits against customers who exploited an "infinite money glitch" discovered in August 2024, which allowed users to deposit fraudulent checks via ATM and withdraw funds before the checks bounced. The bank has filed suits in Georgia, Florida, New York, and Texas against individuals accused of stealing amounts up to $75,000 each, and has sent demand letters to over 1,000 customers since October 2024, with a representative stating the bank will pursue cases "for as long as it takes to hold fraudsters accountable."
globalinitiative.net
This article discusses the growing threat of online fraud and cybercrime involving India and the United States, highlighting how scammers exploit weak data security and leverage generative AI. India serves as both a hub for scam operations targeting Western victims through fake tech support and loan schemes, and increasingly, a source of victims itself, with Indian nationals being trafficked to scam compounds in Cambodia and exploited to defraud others. The article calls for the US and India to strengthen cooperation against these transnational fraud networks, particularly regarding data breaches—such as the 2023 theft of 815 million Indian citizens' personal information—that provide scammers with the databases they need to target vulnerable populations
do.usembassy.gov
U.S. citizens using online dating apps while traveling abroad face risks from romance scams and scammers who exploit location-based apps to lure tourists into dangerous situations involving entrapment or assault. The U.S. Embassy recommends protecting personal information, conducting video calls before meetings, using personal transportation, meeting in public places, and having an emergency contingency plan to reduce vulnerability and ensure safer encounters.
wyomingnews.com
**Summary:**
In 2025, Sheridan County law enforcement has received 91 combined fraud reports, with scammers increasingly impersonating law enforcement and medical officers using scare tactics to coerce victims into sending money, and exploiting Facebook Marketplace. The elderly and people over 50 are disproportionately targeted, with at least two victims losing over $150,000 each, though recovered funds are rare since money is typically sent electronically to overseas servers beyond law enforcement jurisdiction.
express.co.uk
Barclays Bank reported a 20% increase in romance scams in early 2025, primarily occurring on social media and dating platforms, with the average loss rising to £8,000 per victim in 2024 (up from £5,800 in 2023). Adults aged 61 and over are most vulnerable, losing an average of £19,000 per scam, with scammers typically building trust before requesting money under false pretenses such as emergencies, travel costs, or medical bills. The data shows 12% of UK adults have been targeted by or know someone affected by romance scams, and Barclays is calling for tech companies to implement stronger frau
aljazeera.com
A UN report warns that Asian-based cybercrime syndicates operating primarily from Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos have caused an estimated $37 billion in losses across East and Southeast Asia through fake investment, cryptocurrency, and romance scams, with operations now expanding to Africa, South America, the Middle East, and Pacific island nations. The criminal networks, which often employ trafficked workers, have adapted by establishing international money laundering partnerships with drug cartels and mafia organizations while using encrypted digital ecosystems and cryptocurrency to evade law enforcement. Despite temporary disruptions from recent crackdowns that freed approximately 7,000 trafficked workers, UN officials warned that the syndicates quickly migrate operations to new regions
euronews.com
Transnational organized crime groups from East and Southeast Asia are expanding scam operations globally, with the UNODC estimating hundreds of industrial-scale scam centers generating nearly $40 billion in annual profits through romance scams, fake investments, and illegal gambling schemes. These operations are spreading to Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Pacific islands as authorities intensify crackdowns in Southeast Asia, while emerging technologies like AI, deepfakes, and cryptocurrency facilitate "crime as a service" models that enable rapid adaptation and money laundering networks.
digit.fyi
Cyber gangs based in Southeast Asia and China conducted investment, cryptocurrency, and romance scams that cost eastern and southeastern Asian countries approximately $37 billion in 2023, with significantly higher global losses. These organized crime syndicates, often operating from compounds in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos using trafficked workers, have expanded their operations to Africa and the Pacific while partnering with drug cartels and criminal organizations worldwide. Despite regional crackdowns that freed thousands of workers, law enforcement efforts have only displaced rather than dismantled these networks, which continue to exploit evolving technologies like cryptocurrency for money laundering and victim targeting.
aarp.org
An AARP report found that approximately 41 percent of American adults (110.1 million people) have experienced fraud or had sensitive information stolen and used fraudulently, a dramatic increase from an estimated 15 percent a decade ago. The report reveals that Americans reported a record $12.5 billion stolen in 2024 according to the FTC, though actual losses are likely much higher when accounting for underreporting; older adults lose more money on average than younger victims, and Black respondents reported the highest victimization rate at 50 percent. Adults 50 and older express significantly higher worry about fraud (64 percent rating their concern 6-10 on a scale)
kbtx.com
A Bankrate survey found that 68% of Americans have experienced financial scams in their lifetimes, with over half reporting incidents in the past year, and 23% admitting to sending money to scammers or paying for phony services. Contrary to assumptions, younger generations (Gen Z and Millennials) are more likely to lose money to increasingly sophisticated scams, while older generations report experiencing scams more frequently overall. The survey recommends avoiding unrecognized email and text links, confirming URLs before clicking, using strong passwords, and reporting suspected fraud to the FTC.
winknews.com
Fake job offer scams targeting job seekers, particularly via text messages, caused Floridians to lose nearly $16 million in 2022. Scammers pose as employers offering work-from-home positions to steal personal information (Social Security numbers, dates of birth) and money through requests for equipment payments or banking details for "payroll setup." Job seekers should verify offers directly through official company websites, never send money to potential employers, and avoid providing sensitive information or clicking suspicious links.
thenigerianvoice.com
Many Nigerians lost over N1.3 trillion in the collapsed CBEX Ponzi scheme due to insufficient education about scam detection and fraud prevention, according to internet safety expert Rotimi Onadipe. Onadipe emphasized that scammers use increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive victims, and stressed that proper fraud awareness education is the strongest defense against such schemes. He noted that the financial losses could have been prevented through better public understanding of how to identify and avoid fraudulent investment platforms.
indeonline.com
Scammers are creating fake websites advertised as "sponsored" content on search engines and social media platforms, targeting consumers seeking everything from retail merchandise to passport renewal services and health care enrollment. Victims click on these deceptive ads believing they're legitimate businesses, enter personal and financial information at checkout, and often never receive their purchases or can locate the fraudulent websites afterward. The BBB recommends verifying website legitimacy before entering personal information, being skeptical of unusually deep discounts, using BBB.org to confirm business details, and keeping official website bookmarks to avoid accidentally visiting impostor sites.
cantonrep.com
BBB Scam Tracker warns that scammers create fake websites advertised as "sponsored" content on search engines and social media to deceive consumers into purchasing non-existent merchandise or disclosing personal information. These scams target various sectors including retail, passport services, healthcare enrollment, and pet sales, with victims often receiving no merchandise and finding customer support unresponsive or unreachable. The BBB recommends verifying website legitimacy before entering personal or financial information, being skeptical of unusually deep discounts, using BBB.org to confirm business details, and bookmarking official websites to avoid lookalike impostor sites.
goldrushcam.com
In 2024, consumers lost $470 million to text message scams—five times the amount reported in 2020—with fake package delivery alerts and bogus job opportunities being the most common types reported to the FTC. Other frequent scams included fake fraud alerts from banks, fake toll payment warnings, and "wrong number" scams that often escalate into romance scams involving investment requests. Consumers are advised to forward suspicious texts to 7726, report through their phone's messaging app or the FTC website, avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, and verify any claims through official company contact information.
kfiz.com
Wisconsin has experienced an uptick in text message scams impersonating tolling agencies, directing recipients to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal data, financial information, or identities. To protect themselves, consumers should avoid clicking suspicious links, verify toll charges directly with legitimate agency contact information, report unwanted texts to their service provider, and delete suspicious messages without engaging with them.