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news.iu.edu
· 2025-12-07
IU community members are receiving phishing emails impersonating job postings and trusted individuals to steal personal information and login credentials. The advisory warns recipients to verify sender email addresses (official IU domains only), avoid clicking suspicious links, never share personal or payment information with unverified sources, and report suspected phishing emails immediately while resetting any compromised passwords.
healthline.com
· 2025-12-07
Medicare scams occur year-round but peak during the October 15–December 7 annual open enrollment period, taking various forms including spam calls and phishing emails to obtain sensitive health and financial information. These scams continuously evolve with new tactics each year, and individuals should learn to recognize and avoid them through awareness and education.
popsci.com
· 2025-12-07
Digital fraud and spam attempts in the United States have increased dramatically, with Americans receiving approximately 100 scam attempts per month—significantly higher than other developed nations. While older adults remain frequent targets, Gen Z is experiencing record levels of text message scams due to their heavy reliance on texting, difficulty distinguishing scammers from contacts, and limited scam identification experience. With regulatory protections unlikely to expand soon, consumers are advised to implement personal security measures including password managers, multifactor authentication, and blocking third-party trackers.
consumerreports.org
· 2025-12-07
Texting and messaging scam attempts increased by 50 percent in the past year, with young adults experiencing the highest rise, according to Consumer Reports' 2025 Cyber Readiness Report. The report revealed significant disparities in scam vulnerability: low-income households were three times more likely to lose money from scams than high-income households (29% vs. 10%), and Black Americans who encountered scams lost money at more than twice the rate of white Americans (37% vs. 15%), partly due to lower credit card usage and reliance on less-protected payment methods. Consumers can protect themselves by not replying to suspicious texts, blocking senders, reporting to their mobile provider
nbcbayarea.com
· 2025-12-07
Government shutdown scams are emerging as hackers exploit public concern about benefits and services. Common schemes include threats to suspend government benefits unless personal data is provided, fake offers of emergency financial assistance related to Social Security or other government funds, and fraudulent job offers. Security experts advise treating unsolicited government contact via phone or email with suspicion, as legitimate agencies typically do not proactively reach out to individuals.
mitrade.com
· 2025-12-07
**Summary:**
The FTC has suspended consumer fraud complaint services during a federal government shutdown, leaving millions of Americans unable to report scams or register with the do-not-call registry. A recent Global Anti-Scam Alliance survey found that 70% of US citizens were scammed in the last 12 months, losing an average of $1,086.70 per victim, with only 44% recovering any stolen funds—highlighting the critical need for functional fraud reporting systems during this period of reduced consumer protections.
973kkrc.com
· 2025-12-07
A Sioux Falls retiree nearly fell victim to a "secret shopper" scam after responding to an online job ad and receiving a FedEx package with fraudulent checks and instructions to deposit them and purchase money orders totaling $985. The victim avoided losing money by consulting his banker, who confirmed the checks were counterfeit and could have allowed scammers to drain his entire account. The South Dakota Attorney General's Office warns residents to verify any offers involving money transfers and to contact Consumer Protection if unsure about a job opportunity's legitimacy.
aol.com
· 2025-12-07
**Educational/Awareness Piece**
Older adults lose billions annually to online scams, with phishing, tech support scams, and extortion topping the list—the FBI reported $4.8 billion in losses to people age 60+ in 2024 alone. Cybercriminals target seniors believing they have accumulated savings and exploit stereotypes about technological comfort, though scams can deceive anyone regardless of age or tech-savviness. Key protection strategies include avoiding suspicious email links, verifying unexpected messages directly with senders, installing security software, and resisting pressure to act quickly—treating internet navigation as defensive driving that requires constant vigilance.
malwarebytes.com
· 2025-12-07
Cybercriminals created fake Facebook groups targeting seniors by posing as communities offering travel, dance classes, and social activities, then lured members to download malicious Android apps (including Datzbro Trojan and Zombinder) that could steal banking credentials, record audio/video, and enable remote device control. The campaign, which affected victims across Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, South Africa, and the UK, also used phishing overlays and follow-up messaging to compromise payment card information and drain bank accounts. Users are advised to verify Facebook group legitimacy by checking post history, avoid downloading apps from unknown sources, and use mobile anti-malware protection.
owensoundsuntimes.com
· 2025-12-07
A Hanover resident lost over $117,000 to a romance scam that began in 2021, in which a scammer posed as a romantic interest on social media and gradually built emotional trust before requesting money for false emergencies and investments. Police report these scams are increasing across Canada with hundreds of thousands in annual losses, though many cases go unreported, and note that investigating these crimes is challenging since perpetrators often operate from offshore locations. Authorities advise residents to be cautious of online relationships that require secrecy or repeated financial requests and to report suspicious interactions.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-07
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned residents of a smishing scam in which fraudulent text messages falsely claim to be from a nonexistent "State of Michigan Department of Vehicles," threatening license or registration suspension over unpaid tickets and directing victims to fake payment sites to steal personal and financial information. Consumers are advised to delete suspicious texts without clicking links, use spam-blocking tools, and report smishing messages to SPAM (7726) and the Federal Trade Commission.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-07
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned of potential government imposter scams during the federal government shutdown, where fraudsters may pose as officials to steal personal information or money by falsely claiming issues with Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, or SNAP benefits. Nessel advised consumers not to click links or download attachments in suspicious communications, and to verify any government contact directly with the agency, noting that legitimate government agencies never request personal information via email, phone, or text, and never demand payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or payment apps.
northjersey.com
· 2025-12-07
During government shutdown periods, fraudsters target federal employees, contractors, and benefit recipients with scams impersonating Social Security, Medicare, and food assistance officials, falsely claiming benefits are suspended and demanding fees or personal information to restore them. Common tactics include phishing emails with subject lines like "Government Shutdown Notice," requests for upfront payments via wire transfer or cryptocurrency for fake "relief programs," and malware-laden links designed to steal credentials. Authorities emphasize that most federal benefits are not actually cut off during shutdowns and that legitimate government agencies will never demand money or sensitive information via phone or email.
theleafchronicle.com
· 2025-12-07
Consumers lost $470 million to text message scams in 2024, with fake package delivery notifications being the most common type, followed by phony job offers, fraudulent fraud alerts, fake toll notices, and romance scams. The FTC and BBB recommend never clicking links or replying to unexpected texts, not assuming messages from known companies are legitimate, and reporting suspicious messages using the phone's spam reporting feature.
freep.com
· 2025-12-07
Criminals are impersonating banks via fake texts and calls to convince customers their debit cards have been compromised, then intercepting replacement cards sent by mail or hiring accomplices to steal them from porches. In a metro Detroit case, David Andrew Williams was arrested in September 2024 after attempting to steal a Chase Bank customer's replacement debit card from a UPS delivery, and was charged with identity theft and theft of financial transaction devices. Debit card fraud ranked as the top payment method for both attempted fraud and actual dollar losses in 2024, with criminals using various tactics including card skimming and exploiting information obtained through spoofed communications to drain bank accounts.
abc7ny.com
· 2025-12-07
New York State announced inflation refund checks ranging from $150-$400 for over 8 million eligible residents, but scammers have begun targeting recipients with fraudulent text messages impersonating the Department of Revenue and requesting payment information. Red flags include non-U.S. area codes, non-dot-gov links, and threats of disqualification; legitimate inflation checks require no action from recipients, and the state will not contact citizens via unsolicited text messages.
techxplore.com
· 2025-12-07
Aberystwyth University, Dyfed-Powys Police, and PEGS launched a new guide to combat technology-enabled abuse of people over 60, which includes monitoring via smart devices, mobile tracking, and unauthorized access to accounts. The guide, based on police data and case studies, reveals that 14% of older parents supported by PEGS experienced digital abuse from family members, with one case involving £20,000 stolen through unauthorized smartphone access and another involving stalking via fake social media profiles and Ring doorbell cameras. Between May 2024 and April 2025, over 950 domestic abuse cases involving older victims were reported in Dyfed-Powys
indianagazette.com
· 2025-12-07
Cyndie Carioli, Senior Justice Advocate for the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, discussed resources available to help senior citizens prevent scams. In 2022, over 12,000 people in Allegheny County lost nearly $8 million to scams, with these numbers growing annually, and modern scams have become increasingly sophisticated beyond simple detection methods like typos.
cmscritic.com
· 2025-12-07
This article discusses the rising threat of romance scams enhanced by AI technology, particularly targeting vulnerable populations. Romance scam losses in the United States increased dramatically from $547 million in 2021 to over $1.3 billion in 2024, with victims averaging $15,000 in losses, and the problem is expected to worsen as AI-generated avatars and voice cloning become more convincing. The article emphasizes that seniors aged 50-80 are especially at risk due to widespread loneliness and isolation, and advocates for education and awareness as primary defenses against this emotionally and financially devastating crime.
berkshireeagle.com
· 2025-12-07
This educational piece explains why fraud and scam victims deserve compassion rather than shame, contrasting them with armed robbery victims who typically receive community support. The article emphasizes that scams—particularly romance and relationship scams targeting lonely or recently bereaved individuals—are methodical crimes where criminals build trust over time, repeatedly extract money, and compromise personal information that can be exploited for years. Key warning signs include requests to move communication off dating platforms, claims of inability to meet in person, and repeated requests for money, with intervention best approached through trusted third parties when direct intervention may be rejected.
studyfinds.org
· 2025-12-07
Americans face approximately 100 scam attempts monthly—significantly more than any other surveyed country—encountering roughly 25 separate fraudulent messages weekly through calls, emails, and texts. Only 23% of people feel confident in spotting fraud, with financial scams cited as the top concern by 46% of respondents, while emerging threats like AI-driven phishing, deepfakes, and fake apps pose increasing risks. Experts attribute heightened vulnerability to weak password practices and urge adoption of stronger authentication methods like passkeys to combat the growing "trust nothing era."
firstcoastnews.com
· 2025-12-07
An ice cream shop owner in St. Johns County, Florida lost over $3,200 when a scammer gained unauthorized access to her Uber Eats merchant account in June, changed the banking information, and redirected payments to themselves. Despite multiple attempts to contact Uber Eats for help, the business owner received no assistance until a local news investigation intervened, after which the company secured the account, restored correct banking information, and scheduled a representative to visit the shop.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-07
Sextortion scams, primarily perpetrated by Nigerian "Yahoo Boys," have targeted young boys online by impersonating peers on social media, coercing them into sending nude images, then blackmailing them for money—with at least 5 confirmed suicides in Canada and over 40 across North America in the past four years. Scammers openly share exploitation techniques and resources on encrypted platforms and flaunt their ill-gotten wealth, while victims like 12-year-old Carson Cleland, who was blackmailed for just $25, face devastating psychological consequences that sometimes result in suicide.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-07
Scammers exploited the Camp Lejeune Justice Act by posing as attorneys and claims administrators, sending phishing emails with malware to steal personal information and demanding upfront administrative fees for payouts. The Better Business Bureau warned that criminals used these tactics to commit identity theft and disappear with victims' money and data, even as law firms spent over $145 million legitimately advertising the settlement opportunity that generated more than 400,000 claims by end of 2022.
pcmag.com
· 2025-12-07
This article discusses how scammers exploit legitimate class action settlement notifications by creating fake settlement websites that harvest personal data from victims seeking payouts. The piece provides broader privacy protection advice, including being cautious of app permissions, using passkeys instead of passwords, and understanding emerging security threats like post-quantum encryption vulnerabilities.
gizmodo.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers are impersonating Elon Musk to defraud victims through cryptocurrency investment schemes, using tactics including fake livestreams during SpaceX/Tesla events, AI-generated videos, and fake endorsements from family members or political figures. FTC complaints reveal multiple victims, primarily elderly individuals, losing substantial sums ranging from $10,000 to $225,000, with some victims remaining confused about whether they interacted with the real Musk or impersonators. The scams exploit vulnerable populations, including those with serious illnesses or cognitive impairment, and often target victims through YouTube, Facebook, and fake cryptocurrency matching schemes.
theindependent.sg
· 2025-12-07
A Punggol resident paid $50 for a Cash-on-Delivery (COD) parcel he assumed a family member had ordered, only to discover no one in his household had made the purchase and the package contained only a plain T-shirt. This is part of a COD scam scheme where fraudsters send unwanted packages to addresses, relying on delivery personnel to collect payment that ultimately returns to the scammers. J&T Express and authorities recommend verifying all COD orders before payment, rejecting suspicious deliveries, and reporting suspicious activity to prevent falling victim to these scams targeting vulnerable recipients.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-07
According to a 2025 report by KHOU, Generation Z and young adults aged 20-29 in Texas are losing more money to scams than seniors aged 70-79, driven by their high daily online activity and vulnerability to phishing, fake job, and rental scams when facing time pressure. The Federal Trade Commission findings highlight that young people's desperation during job or housing searches makes them susceptible to sophisticated scams, including those using AI. The article advises Texans of all ages to avoid sharing personal information online, verify trusted retailers and contractors, and research charitable organizations before donating to prevent falling victim to common scams circulating in the state.
kroc.com
· 2025-12-07
A fake permit invoice scam has been circulating across Minnesota, where fraudsters send convincing emails with forged letterhead, legal language, and signatures requesting payment via PDF instructions in an attempt to obtain banking information. Red flags include use of free email domains (such as USA.COM), requests for online payment, and instructions stating "no calls," and residents are advised to verify any suspicious invoices directly with the government agency rather than responding to the email.
wcax.com
· 2025-12-07
A Quechee, Vermont resident nearly fell victim to a check scam when she received a fraudulent letter appearing to be from the IRS with a $2,473.70 check from the U.S. Treasury Department. Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark warns that scammers typically follow up by phone claiming they sent too much money and demanding wire transfers in return, while also potentially phishing for personal information like Social Security numbers. The victim avoided the scam by verifying the check at her bank and advises others to watch for red flags including unexpected money, inability to verify the sender's identity, pressure to act quickly, and emotional manipulation.
ca.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
This opinion piece argues that Canada lacks adequate community-level protections against online scams, despite strong workplace defenses. The authors advocate for bringing scam awareness into homes through family conversations, simple verification habits (such as confirming suspicious messages with a quick call), and normalizing discussion about fraud to reduce victim shame and reporting barriers. They contend that scams exploit human psychology rather than just technical vulnerabilities, making education and behavioral change essential to closing this protection gap.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
Two men, Danny Piao, 29, of New York City and Chul Paik, 44, of New Jersey, were charged with felony theft for targeting at least 10 elderly residents in Lake County, Illinois through elaborate scams involving fake PayPal and antivirus company emails that tricked victims into withdrawing cash. In one case, an 80-year-old woman lost $17,000, and in another, a Lake Forest resident lost $25,000; investigators used license plate reader technology to identify the suspects' rental vehicle and apprehend them with over $16,000 in cash found in their car. Both suspects were denied pretrial release.
fox61.com
· 2025-12-07
The Better Business Bureau is warning Connecticut residents about a "relief check" phone scam that has generated over 800 reports nationally in less than two months. Scammers call, text, or leave voicemails claiming victims have an unclaimed relief payment and direct them to fraudulent websites that steal personal and financial information, install malware, or enroll victims in unwanted services. The BBB advises residents to hang up on such calls, never visit caller-provided websites, verify information directly with government agencies using official contact details, and avoid sharing personal or financial information with strangers.
wxyz.com
· 2025-12-07
Hundreds of Medicaid and Medicare recipients in Michigan received fraudulent text messages claiming their insurance coverage was terminated, with scammers exploiting federal government shutdown fears to pressure victims into clicking malicious links and surrendering personal information. At least 200 patients of EPIC Health fell victim to the scam, which caused significant disruptions to healthcare delivery and delayed medical care for vulnerable populations with chronic conditions. The Michigan Attorney General issued a warning advising recipients to block messages, avoid clicking links, and report the fraud.
ncdoj.gov
· 2025-12-07
North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson warns that scammers are exploiting the federal government shutdown by impersonating agencies like Social Security Administration, Medicare, and SNAP to steal personal information and money through unsolicited calls, texts, and emails. Residents should never provide personal information, make payments, or wire money in response to these contacts, and should instead hang up and call agencies directly to verify legitimacy. Complaints can be filed with the North Carolina Department of Justice at ncdoj.gov/complaint or 1-877-5-NO-SCAM.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-07
A man named Kent encountered a web injection scam when a fake bank login pop-up appeared during an online financial transaction, successfully tricking him into providing his email and phone number before he recognized the "Credit Donkey" redirect as suspicious and closed his browser. Web injection scams hijack browser sessions to overlay fraudulent verification screens that feel authentic because they appear while users are already logged in, with the goal of capturing login credentials or two-factor authentication codes. To protect against such scams, individuals should monitor accounts daily with login alerts enabled, change passwords using a password manager, check for personal data exposure in breaches, and consider using data removal services to limit scammers' access to personal information.
lbc.co.uk
· 2025-12-07
Approximately 16% of UK adults serve as "financial carers" for older or vulnerable relatives, typically beginning this role in their 30s to help manage bills, track accounts, and protect against scams. Financial carers often experience personal financial strain, with over one-fifth using their own money to cover relatives' expenses and many reducing work hours, while facing knowledge gaps about pensions and financial management. The research highlights the need for better financial education and support tools to help carers manage their dual responsibilities effectively.
markets.financialcontent.com
· 2025-12-07
Indian youth are being trafficked to Southeast Asia and forced to conduct cryptocurrency scams—including fake investment schemes, romance scams, and phishing attacks—while stripped of passports and subjected to brutal conditions. The criminals launder illicit proceeds through cryptocurrencies like USDT and ETH via platforms such as Binance, exploiting the speed and relative anonymity of digital assets for international transfers. This ongoing crisis, active since early 2023, has prompted increased regulatory scrutiny globally and eroded trust in the crypto ecosystem, potentially deterring institutional investors and spurring stricter AML and KYC requirements.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-07
A BBC investigation tracks a sextortion scam operation targeting teenage boys, following the 2024 death of 16-year-old Evan Boettler from Missouri, who took his own life 90 minutes after being blackmailed by a scammer posing as a girl on Snapchat. The reporter traces the digital footprint to Lagos, Nigeria, where "Yahoo Boys" and organized "Hustle Kingdom" gangs operate sextortion networks—luring victims into sharing intimate images then threatening to release them unless paid. Law enforcement has made limited progress despite the FBI's involvement, and social media platforms have refused to cooperate without court orders.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-07
A BBC investigation tracked a sextortion scam operation targeting teenage boys, tracing the perpetrators to Lagos, Nigeria after a 16-year-old American, Evan Boettler, took his own life in January 2024 following a 90-minute sextortion extortion attack. Sextortion—where scammers pose as girls on social media to trick victims into sending intimate images, then threaten to release them unless paid—is one of the fastest-growing online crimes affecting teenagers in the US and Europe. The investigation revealed organized "Hustle Kingdom" operations in Lagos where gangs of young men systematically target victims, with scammers exploiting teenagers' fears about
afp.gov.au
· 2025-12-07
More than 40 percent of Australian cybercrime victims experience multiple types of cybercrime within a single year, with fraud and scam victims being the most vulnerable—80 percent likely to experience another type of cybercrime. Victims who experience three or more cybercrime types are at least three times more likely to report health, financial, and legal impacts compared to single-type victims, with social impacts rising from 20 percent for single-type victims to nearly 50 percent for those experiencing all four types. The Australian Federal Police and Australian Institute of Criminology recommend prevention measures including multi-factor authentication, software updates, and reporting suspicious activity to ReportCyber, while noting that sc
wnegradio.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers use fake social media ads and websites to sell holiday decorations at suspiciously low prices, but deliver either tiny, poorly-made versions of advertised items or nothing at all, making refunds and customer contact impossible. The BBB advises consumers to research unfamiliar sellers, verify contact information, be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, and always use credit cards for online purchases to enable fraud disputes. One reported victim lost $55 after ordering large animated skeleton decorations only to receive 8-inch figurines with minimal functionality.
uk.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
This is not an article about elder fraud, scams, or abuse. The text is a standard cookie consent notice from Yahoo explaining how the company uses cookies and personal data for website functionality, security, analytics, and advertising purposes. It does not contain information relevant to the Elderus fraud research database.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-07
A BBC investigation tracked a sextortion scammer operating from Lagos, Nigeria, who targeted 16-year-old Evan Boettler via a fake female profile on Snapchat in January 2024, extorting him for intimate images and leading to his suicide within 90 minutes of initial contact. Sextortion is one of the fastest-growing online crimes targeting teenagers in the US and Europe, with scammers—often part of organized "Hustle Kingdoms" or working independently—using fake profiles to solicit explicit images and then blackmail victims for money. The investigation revealed that many perpetrators are impoverished young men in Nigeria known as "Yahoo Boys" who operate
marinij.com
· 2025-12-07
Fraud affects people of all ages, with younger adults actually reporting scams more frequently than older generations. The article presents a real case where a bank employee helped prevent a $125,000 wire transfer scam targeting an elderly client whose "niece" claimed to need money in Amsterdam—red flags included a misspelled name, wrong location, and no contact in over 10 years. The piece outlines seven common scam warning signs (pressure to act immediately, suspicious email addresses, requests for financial information, unexpected contact, unusual payment methods, overpayment refunds, and "too good to be true" offers) and recommends verifying information with trusted sources, reporting fraud to the FTC,
wtoc.com
· 2025-12-07
A fraudulent email scam circulating Jasper County, South Carolina targeted residents by sending fake invoices allegedly from Jasper County and requesting wire transfers for inflated amounts. The Jasper County Sheriff's Office alerted the public that the county's Planning & Zoning Department does not send invoices via email and will never request wire transfers, advising residents to verify the legitimacy of any invoice before sending payment.
clickorlando.com
· 2025-12-07
A 75-year-old Florida man lost approximately $15,000 over several months after responding to a text message offering a flexible work-from-home job with promises of $50-$3,000 daily wages. The scammers, posing as "business managers" for Warner Brothers, initially had him perform simple tasks and sent small checks to build trust, then convinced him to invest his own money in cryptocurrency trading with promises of substantial returns that never materialized. Law enforcement noted that such scammers are often located overseas, making prosecution difficult, and advised people to delete unsolicited job offer texts rather than responding.
today.marquette.edu
· 2025-12-07
Marquette University Police Department issued a warning about online and phone scams targeting emails, calls, and text messages designed to steal personal information or money. The advisory provides prevention tips including: verifying suspicious contacts by calling organizations back using trusted numbers, not clicking email links, reporting phishing emails directly, and resetting passwords if compromised. Additional safeguards include spotting imposters, conducting online searches before trusting requests, not relying on caller ID, avoiding upfront payments, using secure payment methods, and consulting trusted contacts before sharing information or money.
fox5dc.com
· 2025-12-07
Chase Bank warns customers of escalating scams where fraudsters impersonate bank staff and law enforcement to pressure victims into withdrawing cash or transferring funds to fake "safe accounts" or couriers, with caller ID spoofing making these schemes increasingly convincing. Nearly half of Chase-reported scams originate on social media platforms through fake listings, phony job/rental offers, and romance schemes, with scammers exploiting irreversible payment methods like Zelle and wire transfers. Chase advises customers to verify callers independently, avoid sharing banking credentials, use secure payment channels, and report suspicious activity to the FTC and the bank immediately.
spectrumlocalnews.com
· 2025-12-07
New York State officials are warning residents about a surge in scams targeting people receiving tax refunds and rebate checks totaling billions of dollars this fall, including fake texts, calls, and emails impersonating state agencies. The state advises New Yorkers not to click links, call back suspicious contacts, or share personal information, and to report suspicious communications to 7726 (SPAM) or call the Consumer Protection help line at 1-800-697-1220. Officials emphasize that legitimate refund checks require no verification since amounts are pre-calculated from tax filings, so any requests to confirm personal details are red flags.