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in Scam Awareness
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-03
Seniors are increasingly vulnerable to financial scams, with the FBI reporting nearly 150,000 complaints from people 60+ in one year resulting in almost $5 billion in losses. Adult children can help protect their older relatives by having open, non-judgmental conversations about finances, starting with their own situation and suggesting mutual monitoring arrangements like account alerts. When addressing concerns, approach the conversation with empathy and patience, asking respectful questions rather than being critical, to encourage honest dialogue about their financial situation.
sg.finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-03
# Medicare Scams Targeting Older Adults
Medicare beneficiaries are experiencing a surge in fraud attempts, with scammers using professional-sounding calls and urgent threats to steal personal information and Medicare numbers or bill for unnecessary services like medical equipment, genetic testing, and supplies never prescribed or received. The scams often impersonate Medicare officials or insurance representatives, using pressure tactics and false warnings about losing benefits to rush victims into sharing sensitive information. To protect yourself, remember that Medicare will never call you—hang up on unexpected calls, never share personal information over the phone, and verify any requests by contacting Medicare directly through their official phone number.
bethesdamagazine.com
· 2026-02-03
Ten individuals have been indicted in connection with government impersonation scams that targeted Montgomery County residents and hundreds of people nationwide, resulting in over $48 million in losses. Senior citizens like an 82-year-old Rockville woman were deceived by fraudulent emails claiming to be from the Social Security Administration, pressuring victims to transfer their savings to overseas accounts or convert funds into gold, cryptocurrency, or cash. To protect yourself, authorities advise being skeptical of unsolicited government communications, never transferring money based on urgent threats, and verifying requests directly through official government channels rather than using contact information provided in suspicious emails.
northlibertyiowa.org
· 2026-02-03
I don't see any article about fraud or scams in the text provided. The article is actually a weekly activities update for seniors (55+) in North Liberty, Iowa, listing upcoming events like board games, chair yoga, a lunch and bingo gathering, and a movie showing. If you intended to share a different article about fraud or scams, please feel free to paste that text and I'll be happy to summarize it for you.
ia.acs.org.au
· 2026-02-03
China executed 11 leaders of a Myanmar-based telecommunications fraud network that generated $2.07 billion through "pig-butchering" scams (fake romance and investment schemes) and illegal gambling operations, while also committing murders, assaults, and illegal detention of workers. The criminal enterprise victimized people across borders with industrial-scale phone and online fraud schemes from 2015 until its dismantling. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited romantic or investment offers online, especially from people you've never met in person, and never send money to unknown parties regardless of their promised returns.
techpolicy.press
· 2026-02-02
"Pig-butchering" scams—where criminals gradually extract money from victims before abandoning them—are surging in the US, with Americans losing an estimated $10 billion in 2024 alone (a 66% increase from 2023), prompting Congress to introduce multiple bills including the Dismantle Foreign Scam Syndicates Act to combat these transnational operations. The scams, primarily run by Southeast Asian syndicates that have diversified away from Chinese targets following local crackdowns, are becoming increasingly sophisticated with AI tools, while critics argue the proposed legislation doesn't adequately address tech platforms and cryptocurrency exchanges that enable the fraud. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited romantic or investment opportunities online, verify requests for money through independent channels, and report suspected scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
azag.gov
· 2026-02-02
# Cryptocurrency ATM Scam Summary
Arizona residents lost over $177 million in 2024 to cryptocurrency ATM scams, with scammers primarily targeting older adults through deceptive phone calls, texts, or emails claiming legal trouble or compromised accounts. Attorney General Kris Mayes warns that if someone pressures you to use a cryptocurrency ATM, you're likely being scammed—once money is deposited, it transfers directly to scammers and is nearly impossible to recover. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact urging you to withdraw cash or use crypto ATMs, and report scams to the Attorney General within 30 days if you've been victimized.
theweek.com
· 2026-02-02
Seniors are increasingly targeted by financial scams, with the FBI reporting nearly 150,000 fraud complaints from people over 60 in one year resulting in almost $5 billion in losses—an average of $83,000 per victim. Older adults are particularly vulnerable due to factors like lower technology familiarity, accumulated wealth, cognitive decline, and isolation, though adult children are often the first to notice warning signs. To help protect elderly family members, experts recommend having open financial conversations and starting slowly by suggesting mutual oversight of accounts, such as setting up alerts together.
lifehealth.com
· 2026-02-02
A $55 million gold scam in Texas defrauded hundreds of seniors who purchased physical gold on the advice of scammers, only to have it melted down and resold—with just 0.7% of the stolen funds recovered. The victims lost their savings not from a bad investment choice, but because they handed their physical gold to criminals, making recovery nearly impossible. If you're considering precious metals investments, the article advises storing them in professional insured vaults or through ETFs rather than keeping physical gold at home or giving it to unvetted individuals, since custody and storage method are as important to protecting your assets as the investment choice itself.
bitdefender.com
· 2026-02-02
Seniors are now spending more time online than young adults, yet families rarely monitor their activities the way they do with children, leaving older adults vulnerable to scams and fraud that often go undetected until problems emerge like missed bills or suspicious contacts. Adults over 65 spend more than three hours daily on devices and own an average of seven connected devices, using them for everything from social media and shopping to banking and video calls. Families should actively check in on elderly relatives' online behavior and device usage to protect them from the risks that come with increased internet connectivity.
khon2.com
· 2026-02-02
Employment scams, where fraudsters pose as legitimate employers to steal money or personal information from job seekers, have nearly tripled since 2020, with reported losses exceeding $500 million by 2024. With 36% of U.S. workers relying on gig work, job seekers are increasingly vulnerable to these schemes that often promise unrealistic wages and work-from-home positions. To protect yourself, avoid any job offers demanding upfront payments or requesting sensitive information like Social Security numbers or bank details before employment begins, and verify job offers directly through official company websites or phone numbers.
unionleader.com
· 2026-02-02
A New York man was sentenced to two to five years in prison for attempting to defraud an elderly Seabrook woman out of $20,000 by impersonating a PayPal representative and instructing her to withdraw cash from her bank. The scam was prevented when a family member recognized the warning signs and alerted police before the perpetrator could collect the money. Seniors should be alert to unsolicited calls claiming urgent financial problems, never withdraw large sums of cash based on phone requests, and immediately report suspected fraud to local police or the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-949-0470.
financialit.net
· 2026-02-02
Romance scams cost UK victims £20.5 million in just six months of 2025, with losses jumping 37% year-over-year as fraudsters increasingly exploit emotional connections to extract money. Victims—particularly those over 55, especially ages 65-74—typically lose an average of £7,500 after sending 11 payments over about three months, as scammers build fake relationships using fabricated stories (claiming to work abroad, in the military, or as celebrities) before gradually requesting money for supposed emergencies or travel. To protect yourself, be suspicious of online relationships that quickly turn romantic without meeting in person, never send money to someone you haven't met face-to-face, and report suspicious behavior to your bank immediately.
ffnews.com
· 2026-02-02
# Romance Scams Surge 37% as Victims Lose Thousands
Money sent to romance scammers jumped 37 percent in a year, with victims losing an average of £7,500 across 11 separate payments over three months, according to a new TSB report. Romance scams are particularly devastating because fraudsters spend months building trust with victims before requesting money, then continually create new reasons to ask for additional payments. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly progress to requests for money, verify identities through video calls before any financial involvement, and consult your bank if you're asked to make multiple payments to the same person.
consumer.vic.gov.au
· 2026-02-02
Romance scam losses in Australia surged in 2025, with reported losses already exceeding the previous year's total by September, affecting people across all demographics but hitting seniors (65+) and women particularly hard financially. Scammers typically build trust over weeks or months through online dating platforms before requesting money or pushing victims into cryptocurrency investments, relying on emotional investment to lower people's guard. If you suspect you've been scammed, contact your bank immediately, report it to ScamWatch and the platform where it occurred, and be cautious of "recovery scams" where fraudsters pose as helpers offering to retrieve your money.
denver7.com
· 2026-02-02
In 2024, Colorado experienced a surge in AI-enabled romance scams, with 409 reported victims losing over $15.8 million to fraudsters who use artificial intelligence to create convincing fake identities, realistic video calls, and legitimate-looking investment websites. Scammers typically target vulnerable individuals through dating apps, build emotional connections, and convince victims to invest in cryptocurrency schemes, with most victims unable to recover their losses. To protect yourself, be cautious of dating app matches who quickly push financial discussions or investment opportunities, verify any investment advice independently with established financial institutions, and report suspicious activity immediately to your bank or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
nypost.com
· 2026-02-02
Approximately 28% of Americans were scammed in the past year, with fraudsters using increasingly sophisticated tactics—especially as technology like AI advances—to target victims ranging from individuals selling items online to government institutions losing tax dollars. The article highlights how even intelligent people fall for scams due to their emotional manipulation and clarity-in-hindsight nature, and notes that some victims have suffered devastating consequences including financial ruin and suicide, particularly from sextortion schemes targeting young people. To protect yourself, be cautious about accepting payments before shipping items, verify payment directly through official accounts rather than emails, and be especially alert to scams involving threats or requests for personal information.
timesandstar.co.uk
· 2026-02-02
Over £630,000 was lost to romance fraud in Cumbria between October 2024 and October 2025, with 74 reported cases primarily affecting people aged 50-79 who were targeted through online dating sites and social media by criminals posing as potential romantic partners. Scammers build emotional trust before exploiting victims financially, and authorities urge people to never send money to online contacts regardless of their circumstances, trust their instincts if something feels wrong, and report suspected scams to Report Fraud (0300 123 2040) or anonymously to Crimestoppers.
vinnews.com
· 2026-02-02
Federal authorities are warning about a widespread scam where fraudsters impersonate prosecutors and law enforcement officers, contacting people via phone, text, or email to claim they're either fraud victims or suspects in investigations. The scammers use fear and intimidation to pressure victims into sending money or revealing personal information through untraceable methods like wire transfers or prepaid cards. To stay safe, remember that legitimate federal officials never demand money or sensitive information over the phone or through unsolicited messages—if you receive such a call, hang up and contact the FBI or your local law enforcement directly.
avenuemail.in
· 2026-02-02
—it describes a community event in Jamshedpur where the Helping Hands Foundation celebrated senior citizens through performances and activities. While the event did include a cyber fraud awareness session led by police to educate elderly participants about digital safety, the main focus was on promoting respect, dignity, and inclusion for older adults. The actionable takeaway for seniors is to attend awareness programs about online fraud protection and take seriously the digital safety education offered by local law enforcement.
ramaonhealthcare.com
· 2026-02-01
Older adults are increasingly targeted by financial scams that exploit vulnerabilities like social isolation and cognitive decline, making them a prime target for fraudsters. Primary care physicians are uniquely positioned to recognize signs of vulnerability in their senior patients and can play a vital role in educating them about prevention strategies and recognizing common scam tactics. The article emphasizes that understanding these scams and their impact can help reduce financial exploitation of this vulnerable population.
alachuachronicle.com
· 2026-02-01
# Romance Scam Summary
Romance scammers create fake online relationships through dating apps and social media, building emotional trust before requesting money for fabricated emergencies or investment opportunities. Seniors and other vulnerable individuals are particularly at risk when they encounter people who declare love quickly, avoid video calls, or ask for financial help. To protect yourself, verify identities before sending money, never gift funds to someone you haven't met in person, and consult trusted friends or family if something feels suspicious—if you suspect a scam, report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov or call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311.
financialexpress.com
· 2026-02-01
Two Indian-origin men have been charged with money laundering for allegedly defrauding elderly people across Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Ohio through schemes impersonating tech workers, Microsoft support, PayPal representatives, and FTC officials. The scammers targeted vulnerable seniors, with at least one victim losing $40,000 in cash. Elderly people should be cautious of unsolicited calls about computer problems or account issues, verify caller identity through official channels, and never send money or personal information to unknown callers claiming to represent major companies or government agencies.
gillettenewsrecord.com
· 2026-02-01
# Scams Cost Americans Billions in 2024
Scams and internet fraud have reached record levels, with the FBI reporting $16.6 billion in losses in 2024, and about 73% of U.S. adults experiencing some form of online scam or attack. Common schemes include counterfeit websites selling fake merchandise, fraudulent charities that exploit disasters, cryptocurrency investment scams, and fake debt collection demands. To protect yourself, verify charities before donating, avoid clicking suspicious links, be skeptical of unsolicited investment offers, and never pay on debts you don't recognize.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-02-01
Banks use fraud-prevention safeguards like location monitoring and merchant category restrictions to protect against theft, but these systems frequently block legitimate transactions—especially during travel, online purchases, or when using certain merchant types like gift cards and crypto platforms. Consumers affected by these false declines can reduce problems by notifying their bank before traveling, updating contact information, enabling transaction alerts, and calling ahead before making large or unusual purchases in restricted categories.
yourvalley.net
· 2026-02-01
Romance scams on social media and dating apps are costing victims significant sums of money by creating fake profiles of military personnel, doctors, or other professionals who build trust before requesting funds for emergencies or financial opportunities. Recent cases in Arizona show victims losing between $55,000 and $151,000 after being convinced to send money for logistics, medical emergencies, or other fabricated needs. To protect yourself, avoid sending money to anyone who won't video chat or meet in person, be especially cautious if they claim to be overseas or unable to verify their identity, and report any suspected scams to local police and the Federal Trade Commission.
mychesco.com
· 2026-02-01
# Pennsylvania's Anti-Fraud Initiative
Pennsylvania's Department of Banking and Securities is hosting free educational events throughout February to help residents, particularly older adults, recognize and avoid scams including romance fraud and identity theft. The sessions will teach warning signs of common scams, risk-reduction strategies, and response procedures if targeted, using formats like "Fraud BINGO" games to engage participants. Residents who suspect they've been scammed are urged to report it by calling 1-866-PACOMPLAI for assistance.
stabroeknews.com
· 2026-02-01
Guyanese citizens face increasing threats from banking fraud, social media scams, and pyramid schemes that exploit trust and technical inexperience. A cybersecurity professional recommends three key protective measures: adopt a "zero trust" mindset by verifying all requests independently (especially by calling banks directly using official numbers), recognize social engineering tactics like romance scams and investment schemes promising unrealistic returns, and enable multi-factor authentication on all financial accounts. Citizens cannot rely solely on police or banks for protection and must take personal responsibility for hardening their own defenses against these sophisticated threats.
pennwatch.org
· 2026-02-01
# Pennsylvania's Fraud Prevention Initiative
Pennsylvania's Department of Banking and Securities is hosting free educational events throughout February to help residents, particularly seniors, learn how to protect themselves from financial fraud, identity theft, and scams. The sessions will cover practical strategies for recognizing warning signs, safeguarding personal information, and include topics like romance scams and identity theft prevention. Residents concerned about their financial security should attend one of these community events to gain actionable knowledge about protecting themselves from common fraud schemes.
foxnews.com
· 2026-02-01
# Tax Season Scams Surge in 2026
Tax scams are increasing this year as confusion grows following the discontinuation of the government-free filing system, with scammers impersonating the IRS through fake emails, texts, and fraudulent tax services to exploit anxious taxpayers rushing to file. The scammers target people's uncertainty about new filing rules and create urgency to pressure victims into acting quickly without verifying legitimacy. To protect yourself, remember that the IRS never initiates contact via email or text message demanding immediate action, and verify any tax-related communication directly with the IRS before responding or providing personal information.
huffpost.com
· 2026-02-01
# Ghost Tapping Scam Summary
A scam called "ghost tapping" allows fraudsters to overcharge customers using tap-to-pay and mobile wallet technology by hiding the transaction amount from the buyer—with victims reporting unauthorized charges of hundreds to thousands of dollars. The Better Business Bureau has received fewer than 10 reports so far, but warns the scam may increase during the holiday season when people use tap-to-pay at craft fairs and street vendors. To protect yourself, always ask to see the payment terminal screen before completing any tap-to-pay transaction to verify the exact amount being charged.
liveandletsfly.com
· 2026-02-01
A traveler in Cancun fell victim to a multi-part Uber scam where the driver requested to meet outside the official airport pickup area, then charged unauthorized fees to the passenger's credit card after the ride. The scam exploited poor cellular connectivity and the traveler's desire to help the driver avoid airport fees, with the resolution ultimately depending on credit card fraud protections. To avoid this scam, passengers should insist on meeting drivers at official designated pickup areas, monitor their payment in real-time, and use credit cards with strong fraud protection rather than debit cards.
wtol.com
· 2026-02-01
Scammers in Lucas County, Ohio are calling residents and impersonating court officials, claiming victims have active warrants and demanding payment over the phone to resolve them. The Lucas County Probate Court and Prosecutor's Office have confirmed these calls are fraudulent, as they never contact people by phone about warrants or request payments this way. If you receive such a call, hang up without sharing personal information and call the prosecutor's office directly at 419-213-4700 to verify the caller's legitimacy.
classiccitynews.com
· 2026-02-01
A 77-year-old Athens woman lost $10,000 in a phone scam after receiving calls impersonating Apple Pay and a federal officer, who convinced her to wire transfer money from her bank account. The scam exploited common tactics like creating urgency around suspicious account activity and impersonating legitimate institutions. To protect yourself, hang up on unexpected calls, independently verify claims by calling official company numbers, block suspicious numbers, and report scams to the FTC at DoNotCall.gov while regularly monitoring your bank statements.
en.clickpetroleoegas.com.br
· 2026-02-01
Scammers are targeting drivers using Brazil's new Free Flow electronic toll system by creating fake websites and sending fraudulent Pix payment requests and fake payment slips to steal money from unsuspecting users. The National Land Transport Agency warns that there is no official centralized website or automatic payment slips—each toll section has its own concessionaire with separate official channels. Drivers should only seek toll payment information directly from official channels and be suspicious of unsolicited payment requests to avoid falling victim to this scam.
dailyhodl.com
· 2026-02-01
An 80-year-old Florida woman is suing JPMorgan Chase for failing to prevent scammers from draining $1.3 million from her account after she fell victim to a fraudulent investment scheme in September 2023. The woman claims the bank flagged the suspicious withdrawals but took no action and failed to report the activity as required by Florida law, while Chase argues she made the transfers voluntarily. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment advertisements, verify opportunities independently before sending money, and alert your bank immediately if you suspect fraudulent activity on your account.
news10.com
· 2026-02-01
# Phone Scam Summary
Washington County residents are being targeted by scammers impersonating Walmart Security and law enforcement officials who claim to investigate fraudulent purchases on victims' accounts, then pressure them to pay fines using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. The scam uses spoofed phone numbers and stolen personal details like partial Social Security numbers to appear credible, but legitimate law enforcement and businesses never request payment or sensitive information over the phone. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately without engaging, and report it to the Federal Trade Commission using official contact numbers you find yourself rather than any numbers provided by the caller.
chaincatcher.com
· 2026-02-01
A 46-year-old Beijing man was sentenced to nearly four years in prison for his role as the "accountant" in a massive "pig butchering" scam that defrauded 174 American victims of $36.9 million through fake cryptocurrency investment platforms. The scam operated by building trust with victims via social media and dating apps, then directing them to invest in fraudulent platforms where their money was quickly converted to cryptocurrency and sent to criminal operations in Southeast Asia. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of romantic or investment contacts on social media and dating apps, verify the legitimacy of any investment platform independently, and never send money to unknown parties claiming to offer cryptocurrency investments.
newspress.co.in
· 2026-02-01
# Fraud Scam Summary
China executed 11 members of the Ming mafia family for running an international crime ring that used fake online romance to lure victims into cryptocurrency fraud, forced labor, and human trafficking across Myanmar, with at least 14 confirmed murders. The gang's leader had been living luxuriously in London with seized assets, while similar operations have ensnared over 70 Indians in Myanmar and Cambodia, prompting rescue missions that have evacuated hundreds so far. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of online romantic relationships that quickly shift toward investment opportunities or requests for money, verify the legitimacy of job offers abroad, and report suspicious activity to authorities immediately.
gilmermirror.com
· 2026-01-31
A $55 million scam in Texas targeted seniors by convincing them to buy physical gold and hand it over to criminals who melted it down and sold it, with only $400,000 recovered so far. Hundreds of victims lost their life savings not from poor investment decisions, but from storing their assets with untrustworthy custodians who stole them. If you have significant savings or cash, experts advise being as careful about *where* you store precious metals and assets as you are about *what* you invest in—avoid giving physical valuables to anyone you don't fully trust, and consider secure, insured storage options like bank vaults or registered depositories.
beavercountyradio.com
· 2026-01-31
# Fraud Summary
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday warned older residents that scammers stole over $76 million from Pennsylvanians in 2025, making seniors a primary target. During Identity Theft Awareness Week events in Dauphin and Luzerne counties, Sunday shared tips on recognizing trending scams and protecting personal information. Older residents should be cautious about unsolicited contacts, verify requests for money or personal details, and report suspected fraud to authorities.
durhamregion.com
· 2026-01-31
An Ajax senior paid nearly $300 for seasonal snow-shoveling services but received only one incomplete service before the company stopped responding, prompting Durham police to warn the public about an increasing snow-removal scam trend. Police report 10-15 similar complaints this season with elderly people being particularly targeted, though victims also include busy workers and people hiring services for family members. To protect yourself, use established, insured companies with written contracts, verify their legitimacy, and avoid paying cash upfront for seasonal services.
ksl.com
· 2026-01-31
Artificial intelligence is making scams more convincing, and older adults—particularly those over 80 in Utah—are being hit hardest, with losses averaging $7,675 per person in 2025, exemplified by one 90-year-old who lost over $500,000 to a fake sweepstakes scam. Researchers tested four popular scam-detection apps (McAfee Scam Detector, Trend Micro Scam Check, Norton Genie, and BitDefender Scamio) and found that Norton Genie performed best, though none reliably caught all scam types, with only one app detecting phishing emails while all four flagged vishing (spoofed caller ID) scams. The takeaway: while scam-detection apps offer some protection, no single tool is foolproof, so people—especially seniors—should remain vigilant by verifying contact
insurancebusinessmag.com
· 2026-01-31
# Email Scam Summary
Cybercriminals are using increasingly sophisticated tricks to steal personal information, including QR codes hidden in email formatting and fake Microsoft Teams messages that look urgent. These attacks target everyday email users by bypassing security systems through clever design (HTML-based QR codes) and social engineering (fake invoices and copyright warnings), then directing victims to phishing pages to steal passwords and financial details. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unexpected QR codes in emails, verify any urgent messages directly through official channels rather than clicking links, and never enter login credentials on suspicious pages—especially if you weren't expecting contact.
attorneygeneral.utah.gov
· 2026-01-31
# Financial Crime Summary
Financial criminals frequently steal personal information like Social Security numbers and financial account details to make unauthorized purchases, open fraudulent accounts, or commit identity theft, leaving victims with serious financial and legal consequences. To protect yourself, stay informed about common scams, report suspicious activity promptly, and monitor your accounts and credit for warning signs of fraud. The Utah Attorney General's office and resources like the Stop Fraud Utah website, Division of Consumer Protection, and FBI website provide practical guidance on recognizing scams, understanding your rights, and reporting suspected fraud.
kgun9.com
· 2026-01-31
# Robocall Scams Summary
Robocalls remain a widespread problem affecting millions of Americans, with common scams targeting people with fake loan offers, fraudulent purchase confirmations, and bogus funeral arrangement calls—some victims report receiving 50+ calls per day. To combat this issue, experts recommend using built-in carrier tools (like AT&T Call Protect, Verizon Call Filter, and T-Mobile Scam Shield) and phone features (iPhone's Silence Unknown Callers and Android call screening), along with third-party apps like Nomorobo and RoboKiller, while also following simple practices like never pressing buttons on suspicious calls or sharing personal information. While robocalls may never disappear completely, combining these technological solutions with cautious personal habits can significantly reduce their frequency to manageable levels.
wbrz.com
· 2026-01-31
# Scam Summary
A Louisiana woman's stepmom fell victim to a phone scam when someone impersonating an AT&T representative convinced her to purchase 10 iPhones across multiple stores, promising reimbursement and free devices that never arrived, leaving her with an $8,500 bill. After months of promised investigation with no resolution and her service being cut off for non-payment, AT&T only responded after the case was escalated to local news. To protect yourself, verify any unexpected offers directly by calling your provider's official customer service number rather than following instructions from unsolicited callers, and be suspicious of deals requiring you to purchase expensive devices upfront with promises of reimbursement.
aol.com
· 2026-01-31
An Arizona woman lost $1.5 million after clicking on a fake tech support website while searching for help with her TV's closed captioning, demonstrating how scammers use convincing fake websites and remote access software to systematically drain victims' accounts over time. The Federal Trade Commission reports that scams targeting older adults have surged dramatically, with a fourfold increase in victims losing $10,000 or more and a sevenfold increase in scams exceeding $100,000. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited tech support offers, avoid clicking links from search results when seeking help, and never grant remote access to your computer or pay upfront fees to unknown callers—instead, contact companies directly using official phone numbers from their legitimate websites.
eset.com
· 2026-01-30
Small businesses and freelancers are increasingly targeted by sophisticated scams that exploit their limited resources and busy schedules, with cybercriminals using AI tools to create more convincing schemes at scale. These scams can result in financial loss, data theft, and reputational damage, affecting everyone from solo entrepreneurs to micro-businesses. To protect themselves, small business owners should invest in affordable cybersecurity solutions designed for small offices and take time to learn about common scam tactics to implement preventive measures.
ksltv.com
· 2026-01-30
Researchers tested four popular scam detection apps and found that they are largely ineffective at catching common fraud tactics, with only Norton Genie successfully identifying a phishing email while the others failed to flag suspicious messages. Older adults in Utah are particularly vulnerable to scams, with people aged 80 and over losing an average of $7,675 to fraud in 2025—nearly 40 times more than younger people—exemplified by one 90-year-old man who lost over $500,000 to a fake sweepstakes scheme. To protect yourself, experts recommend being skeptical of unsolicited messages and calls offering prizes or requesting immediate payment, and consider consulting cybersecurity professionals or trusted contacts before responding to suspicious communications.