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infosecurity-magazine.com
A University of Portsmouth study of nearly 2,000 UK adults (80% over age 75) found that 40% experience phone-based fraud attempts on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, with two-thirds experiencing at least one attempt in six months. Three-quarters of attempted fraud was conducted via telephone (60% voice calls, 11% texts), with victims reporting significant impacts on mental health and quality of life; one elderly woman lost nearly £100,000 after being targeted following her husband's death. The research highlights phone fraud occurring "on an industrial scale" despite conflicting US data showing a shift toward email and text-based scams between 2020-2023.
amac.us
Senior citizens are increasingly targeted by impersonation scammers who pose as the IRS, family members, or trusted businesses to steal money or personal information. The IRS warns taxpayers to be cautious of unsolicited calls, texts, or emails claiming money is owed, and to recognize red flags such as requests for payment via gift cards, threats of arrest, and pressure for immediate action—none of which the legitimate IRS employs. Scammers exploit age-related vulnerabilities and use technology like caller ID spoofing to gain credibility, making education about these tactics essential for protecting older adults.
sunstar.com.ph
Over 200 senior citizens in Carcar City, Cebu participated in a digital literacy training session organized by PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. to protect them from text and online scams such as phishing. The program, conducted in partnership with the city's Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs and a French NGO, aimed to improve digital skills, teach fraud prevention, and provide mental health awareness support for navigating technology safely.
apnews.com
During Amazon Prime Day sales events, scammers intensify phishing and fraud attempts targeting shoppers through fake emails, lookalike websites, and unsolicited calls impersonating Amazon and other retailers. Common scams claim account or order issues to steal payment and personal information, with the Better Business Bureau reporting record phishing reports in 2023 and over 1,230 suspicious Amazon-associated websites appearing in June alone. Experts recommend consumers verify purchases directly on Amazon's app or website and remain vigilant against increasingly sophisticated scams that evolve to use artificial intelligence and create false urgency.
cbsnews.com
The U.S. imposed sanctions on three Mexican accountants and four firms linked to the Jalisco New Generation drug cartel for operating a multi-million dollar timeshare fraud scheme targeting Americans, particularly elderly victims. Timeshare fraud losses reached approximately $39.6 million in 2022 alone, with scammers using sophisticated tactics including impersonating U.S. Treasury officials and employing high-pressure sales tactics via unsolicited calls and emails. The Treasury and FBI issued guidance to banks and the public to remain vigilant against these schemes, recommending verification of company representatives and avoidance of time-sensitive offers.
nbcboston.com
This article warns consumers about scam risks during Amazon Prime Day (July 16) and other summer sales events, when scammers exploit shopping activity with fake websites, fraudulent links, and phishing messages. In June alone, cybersecurity researchers identified over 1,200 suspicious domains impersonating Amazon, with 85% suspected to be malicious, and AI-generated fake sites are becoming increasingly difficult to detect. The article recommends consumers manually enter URLs rather than clicking links, use credit cards for purchases, enable two-factor authentication, and verify prices across retailers to avoid falling victim to fraud.
yahoo.com
The U.S. imposed sanctions on three Mexican accountants and four firms allegedly supporting a timeshare fraud operation run by the Jalisco New Generation drug cartel that targets Americans. Timeshare fraud perpetrated by Mexico-based criminals results in tens of millions in annual losses, with the FBI receiving over 600 complaints in 2022 alone totaling approximately $39.6 million, with elderly Americans being particularly targeted. The Treasury Department and FBI advised banks to remain vigilant against these schemes and reminded consumers to be cautious of unsolicited communications regarding timeshares and high-pressure sales tactics.
nerdwallet.com
This educational article outlines key strategies for avoiding financial scams, noting that 54% of Americans have experienced scam attempts in the past two years, with 18% losing money (median loss of $325, though 32% lost $1,000 or more). Experts recommend four main protective measures: hanging up and contacting companies directly using verified numbers, enabling multifactor authentication and monitoring accounts weekly, familiarizing yourself with common scam types, and recognizing that anyone—regardless of education or income level—can fall victim to fraud.
punchng.com
Tech entrepreneur Kingsley Inegbedion was arrested and charged by the FBI for orchestrating romance scams and business email compromise schemes between April 2020 and May 2023, working with accomplice Efemena Igbe (still at large) to defraud American citizens using fake corporate entities and laundering funds through multiple accounts. The FBI is seeking restitution of funds and forfeiture of property obtained through the scheme, which involved converting stolen money into cashier's checks and cash withdrawals. The article also highlights similar cases including Nigerian crypto executive Linus Williams arrested for fraud and terrorism funding allegations, and the convictions of scammers Hushpuppi (
thewhistler.ng
Nigerian tech entrepreneur Kingsley Inegbedion was arrested by the FBI on a 16-count indictment for his alleged role in a $1.5 million fraud scheme operating from April 2020 to May 2023. Inegbedion and accomplice Efemena Igbe (still at large) operated fake corporate entities to perpetrate romance scams and business email compromise schemes targeting victims. The FBI is seeking full restitution of funds and forfeiture of all property obtained through the fraudulent operation.
tori.ng
Two individuals, Kingsley Inegbedion and Efemena Igbe, were indicted on 16 counts of money laundering and internet fraud for operating romance scams and business email compromise schemes that defrauded American citizens of approximately $1.5 million between April 2020 and May 2023. The defendants posed as legitimate businesses, directed victims to wire money into fraudulent accounts at major banks, and quickly distributed the funds to conceal the scheme; Igbe fled to Nigeria before facing charges while Inegbedion remained to defend himself. The FBI is seeking full restitution and forfeiture of all property obtained through the fraud.
gazettengr.com
The FBI charged Nigerian tech entrepreneur Kingsley Inegbedion and Efemena Igbe with a 16-count indictment for perpetrating romance scams and business email compromise schemes that defrauded American citizens of $1.5 million between April 2020 and May 2023. The defendants created fake corporate entities and directed victims to wire money into fraudulent bank accounts at institutions including HSBC, Citibank, and Navy Federal Credit Union, then quickly transferred funds to conceal the fraud. Igbe fled to Nigeria before charges were filed, while Inegbedion was arrested and remanded in custody; the FBI is seeking full restit
securityboulevard.com
This educational article explains how artificial intelligence is being weaponized by scammers to create more sophisticated and convincing frauds. Scammers are using AI tools including deepfakes, voice cloning, and chatbots to personalize attacks, automate victim targeting, and make deceptive content more realistic and harder to detect. The article emphasizes that awareness of these emerging AI-powered scam tactics is essential for protecting oneself from increasingly advanced fraud schemes.
timesnownews.com
Over Rs 5 crore was stolen from Bengaluru residents in 2023 through FedEx and other courier company impersonation scams, with 163 police cases filed in the city. Scammers contacted victims claiming packages in their names contained drugs or illegal items, then impersonated police and CBI officials via video calls to coerce victims into transferring money to multiple accounts. Notable victims included a retired Lieutenant Colonel who lost Rs 73 lakh, a lawyer extorted for Rs 15 lakh, and a software CEO defrauded of Rs 2.3 crore.
port.ac.uk
**Summary:**
A University of Portsmouth study of nearly 2,000 UK adults over 75 found that two-thirds experienced at least one telephone fraud attempt in the past six months, with 40 percent facing frequent daily, weekly, or monthly attempts—predominantly via landline calls (75 percent of frauds). The research revealed that these persistent scams cause significant anxiety and fear among older adults, with many reporting constant suspicion of communications and reduced quality of life, though the full psychological impact on this demographic warrants further investigation.
actionnews5.com
This article warns consumers about common summer scams including fake vacation rentals, fraudulent hotel payment calls, counterfeit concert tickets, and fake cruise offers that request upfront payments and personal information. Key prevention strategies include using reputable booking sites, verifying listings directly with vendors, avoiding wire transfers and prepaid cards, and regularly monitoring bank and credit card accounts; the article also notes the FBI received over 2,000 complaints about smishing texts impersonating toll collection services. Victims of fraud can contact the Identity Theft Resource Center at 888-400-5530 for assistance.
wcnc.com
During the 2024 election season, scammers are impersonating political campaigns by sending unsolicited text messages to voters, using phishing tactics known as "smishing" to steal personal information or credit card details. These fraudulent messages often request survey participation or promise prizes, requiring victims to click links or enter financial information for shipping costs. Recipients should not respond to or click links in unsolicited political texts and can report suspicious messages to local election offices or the Better Business Bureau.
wilx.com
During Amazon Prime Days sales events, scammers increase phishing and fraudulent website activity, with Amazon being one of the most commonly impersonated companies. Experts advise consumers of all ages to avoid clicking suspicious links or attachments from unknown sources, shop only on verified websites, and report suspicious activity to the Better Business Bureau. Those who fall victim should place a fraud alert on their payment methods immediately.
afr.com
Nina Merrilees lost $11,600 in 2022 after falling victim to a "hey mum" texting scam, where criminals impersonated her daughter to trick her into transferring money to a fraudulent account. Despite the transaction being processed through major banks, she was not reimbursed for the loss, leaving her shocked at the banks' refusal to take responsibility for the fraudulent transfer.
cantonrep.com
A phishing scam involving fraudsters impersonating process servers has been reported to the Better Business Bureau, where callers claim to represent non-existent lawsuits, liens, or legal matters to intimidate victims into providing personal information like Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and addresses. The scammers use pressure tactics, threats of legal action, and sometimes reference family members by name to create urgency and extract sensitive data. To protect themselves, consumers should verify any claims through their local court websites, avoid confirming information to unsolicited callers, and never share personal details about themselves or family members over the phone.
newsfirst.lk
The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) warned of a surge in financial fraud scams where criminals impersonate government agencies through fraudulent emails bearing official letterheads and requesting payments. In the past five months, SLCERT received nearly 7,900 social media-related complaints, with 1,830 specifically involving financial fraud, representing a significant increase in recent days.
wset.com
**Summary:**
The Better Business Bureau warned consumers ahead of Amazon Prime Day (July 16-17, 2024) to watch for scams, including fake websites and phishing emails promoted through social media. The BBB recommended shoppers protect themselves by using encrypted websites, avoiding clicking on suspicious links and ads, and paying with credit cards for fraud protection.
inquirer.com
American consumers lost a record $10 billion to fraud in 2023, with seniors particularly vulnerable, losing over $3.4 billion to romance, grandparent, and technical support scams. While Congress designated May 15 as National Senior Fraud Awareness Day, the editorial argues that symbolic gestures are insufficient and calls for substantial federal funding and coordinated legislation to combat fraud, as current efforts remain disjointed and banking institutions lack adequate support to prevent these crimes.
readingeagle.com
Elder fraud targeting older adults has significantly worsened, with reported losses from investment scams reaching $147 million in 2022—a 213% increase compared to 2020, according to FTC data. Scammers continue to exploit seniors by attempting to steal personal and financial information for fraudulent purposes.
filipinotimes.net
A Philippine legislative bill is advancing to protect senior citizens and persons with disabilities from internet and telecommunications fraud targeting these vulnerable populations. If enacted, the law would impose penalties including fines of at least PHP 500,000 and imprisonment of three months to six years or more for scammers, with severity depending on the amount stolen. The bill aims to address the growing number of fraud complaints against seniors and PWDs while promoting safer use of digital platforms.
mb.com.ph
ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo proposed legislation that would impose jail sentences of three to six years and fines of at least P500,000 on scammers who target senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) through internet and telecommunications fraud. The bill aims to protect vulnerable populations who depend on pensions and savings and are frequently victimized by fraudsters and criminal syndicates. Tulfo cited numerous complaints from elderly and disabled victims whose life savings have been depleted through scams.
fashionjournal.com.au
This article provides dating safety advice from a dating expert for travelers using dating apps during holidays. The piece covers 11 essential tips for avoiding romance scams, catfishing, and harassment—including not oversharing personal information, verifying matches, avoiding suspicious links, video calling before meeting, and meeting in public places while keeping friends informed of plans.
mk.co.kr
A sophisticated scam operation with call centers in Seoul and Incheon targeted victims of previous investment fraud by posing as government compensation agents, then resold their personal information to accomplices who impersonated securities employees to solicit cryptocurrency purchases, resulting in 5.4 billion won in stolen funds. Investment scams are evolving to circumvent new capital market regulations by operating through encrypted messaging platforms and creating fake trading systems (HTS) that display fabricated profits; one victim lost 250 million won after depositing funds into a fraudulent trading platform, and police arrested nine members of a virtual asset exchange operation that stole 9 billion won from 133 people.
mk.co.kr
A sophisticated investment scam organization operating call centers in Seoul and Incheon targeted previous fraud victims by posing as government compensation agents, then pivoted to selling them worthless cryptocurrency after building trust. The scheme, which stole 5.4 billion won from victims, exemplifies evolving fraud tactics that now include fake trading platforms, purchased victim databases from dark markets, and manipulation through social media channels like Telegram and KakaoTalk to circumvent new financial regulations taking effect in August.
theindependent.sg
Cybersecurity has become a household concern in Singapore as digital device usage increases, with common scams including phishing, tech support fraud, grandparent scams using deepfakes, romance scams, and charity fraud targeting everyday users. Industry expert Vishak Raman recommends adopting strong passwords, two-factor authentication, regular software updates, separate networks for smart devices, and household education to mitigate risks. The advice emphasizes verifying authenticity of communications, never granting remote access to unsolicited callers, and confirming identities before sending money or sharing personal information.
heraldsheets.com
In 2023, cryptocurrency users lost nearly $2 billion to rug pulls, scams, and hacks, with losses exceeding $1.4 billion in the first half of 2024. Common crypto scams include phishing attacks (fake websites and emails stealing login credentials), romance scams (emotional manipulation leading to fraudulent investment requests), impersonation and giveaway scams (fake celebrity endorsements and deepfakes), and investment scams (Ponzi schemes and pump-and-dump schemes). Users can protect themselves by understanding these scam types, remaining alert, and staying informed about threats in the cryptocurrency sector.
techbullion.com
A retired engineer from Düsseldorf, Hans Müller, invested a substantial portion of his retirement savings in a fraudulent pig farming investment scheme that promised high returns but ultimately ceased all communications when he attempted to withdraw funds. With assistance from Midwessex Investigations, a private investigation firm specializing in fraud recovery, authorities conducted forensic analysis, cybersecurity tracking, and international law enforcement collaboration to identify the scammers and successfully recover Müller's financial losses.
theguardian.com
**Type:** SIM Swap/Mobile Account Takeover Fraud
Multiple Guardian Money readers had their mobile phone accounts hijacked by fraudsters who then accessed their bank accounts and stole thousands of pounds. Fraudsters typically compromised victims' email accounts first, then impersonated them to mobile providers to obtain replacement SIM cards, allowing them to intercept two-factor authentication codes and drain bank accounts—with reported losses including £6,000 and £3,500. While some banks like RBS refunded victims, the article emphasizes that strong unique passwords, enabling two-step verification on email and banking accounts, and immediately reporting compromised emails are critical defenses against this increasingly common
wthr.com
The Indiana Toll Road Concession Company (ITRCC) is warning the public about smishing scams in which fraudsters send text messages falsely claiming users have unpaid tolls and directing them to click malicious links to avoid late fees. The ITRCC reminds customers that it does not send text messages requesting sensitive information and advises recipients of suspicious messages not to respond or click links, instead verifying messages through the legitimate customer service number (574-675-4010) or filing complaints with the IC3.
my.uq.edu.au
This educational guide provides steps for victims of cybercrime, hacks, scams, and data breaches to contain risks and recover. Key actions include: immediately contacting your bank, changing passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, reporting the scam, and seeking support through services like IDCARE or employee assistance programs. The resource also outlines warning signs of compromised accounts (unauthorized login attempts, suspicious charges, device performance issues) and specific recovery procedures for work accounts, personal accounts, and situations involving organizational data breaches.
dailyprogress.com
Sophisticated overseas scammers are stealing tens of billions of dollars annually from Americans, with the crime wave projected to worsen as the U.S. population ages and technology advances, yet law enforcement agencies lack resources to catch perpetrators and most victims never recover their money. Common scams targeting Americans include romance schemes, grandparent fraud, technical support fraud, and other confidence schemes, with particular vulnerability among older adults who have lost life savings. The challenge is compounded by the ease of committing fraud without consequences, the difficulty of investigating international crimes and cryptocurrency transfers, and the overwhelming volume of cases that stretch thin police and prosecutorial resources.
nptelegraph.com
Sophisticated overseas criminals steal tens of billions of dollars annually from Americans through internet and telephone scams, with the problem projected to worsen as the U.S. population ages and technology advances, yet most perpetrators evade capture and conviction. Victims—particularly older adults—rarely recover their money, losing life savings to romance scams, grandparent scams, technical support fraud, and other schemes, while law enforcement agencies lack sufficient resources to investigate and prosecute the overwhelming volume of cases. The challenge is compounded by difficulty tracking stolen funds converted to cryptocurrency or transferred to foreign bank accounts, leaving authorities struggling to keep pace with what experts describe as a "crisis level" crime wave.
paturnpike.com
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is warning of a resurgent smishing scam in which fraudulent text messages claiming to be from "Pennsylvania Turnpike Toll Services" trick recipients into clicking links and sharing personal financial information by threatening additional charges for overdue tolls. The scam targets random individuals and mirrors similar schemes reported by toll agencies nationwide. Consumers should verify account information only through official channels like the PA Turnpike website or app, and report suspicious messages to the FTC or FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
floridapolitics.com
From 2013 to 2015, Evaldas Rimasauskas conducted a Business Email Compromise (BEC) scam by impersonating the vendor Quanta Computer Inc., sending fraudulent invoices to Google and Facebook that totaled over $100 million in payments. Rimasauskas was arrested in 2019 and sentenced to five years in prison, but his scheme has since inspired numerous copycat criminals targeting municipalities and businesses, with recent incidents in Florida resulting in losses exceeding $1 million in at least one case, though some institutions have successfully blocked fraudulent transactions.
centraloregondaily.com
The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation issued a holiday season alert warning consumers about gift card scams, where criminals contact victims via phone, text, email, or social media to trick them into purchasing gift cards and surrendering the card numbers and PIN codes. Common scammer tactics include creating false urgency, impersonating government agencies, tech companies, family members, or utility providers, and remaining on the phone while victims purchase cards to prevent discovery. Consumers are advised to ignore pressure to act quickly, never share gift card numbers or photos, and verify emergency claims by contacting the person directly.
technobezz.com
Text message scams, or "smishing" attacks, are rising in sophistication and include fake bank alerts, fake prize notifications, impersonation of friends/family requesting money, and fraudulent delivery notices. These scams exploit urgency and emotional triggers to steal personal information and funds. Protection strategies include never clicking suspicious links or providing sensitive information via text, verifying requests through official channels, enabling two-factor authentication, and contacting companies directly using verified contact information.
justice.gov
U.S. and Canadian law enforcement officials met at the 2024 Cross Border Crime Forum to strengthen their partnership on issues including foreign interference, election security, cybercrime, and transnational crime. The Ministers discussed enhancing collaboration on combating malign foreign actors who conduct electoral interference, steal trade secrets, and engage in transnational repression, while also reaffirming commitment to protecting democratic processes and data security. This meeting builds on the "Statement of Partnership to Prevent, Investigate, Prosecute, and Disrupt Cross-Border Crime" signed at the previous year's forum.
wxyz.com
Overpayment scams—in which fraudsters send fake checks or donations and pressure victims to return the "excess" amount—continue to evolve beyond job offers to target non-profits, according to consumer advocates and Better Business Bureau experts. Recent victims include job seekers who were asked to purchase equipment with fraudulent checks and wire refunds via Bitcoin, and a Detroit non-profit that received a fake $7,000 donation with a request to return funds via wire transfer. Red flags include unsolicited job offers, requests for payment through cryptocurrency or specific accounts, and pressure to refund money quickly before checks clear.
mycentraloregon.com
The IRS and Security Summit warned tax professionals to guard against evolving identity theft schemes targeting their businesses and clients, including fraudsters posing as new clients via phishing emails, fake calls and texts, and attempts to steal sensitive tax information like Central Authorization File (CAF) numbers and practitioner credentials. These scams threaten both tax professionals and their elderly and vulnerable clients who may be victims of fraudulent tax return filings. The warning is part of an annual awareness campaign called "Protect Your Clients; Protect Yourself" aimed at educating tax professionals on security threats and identity theft prevention.
greenevillesun.com
A Greene County woman lost $4,500 to a phone scam in which a caller impersonating "Captain Rader" claimed she had missed jury duty and threatened to sign a warrant, then directed her to send money via Bitcoin kiosk. Additionally, fraudulent letters purporting to be from a nonexistent "Clerk's Property Office" are circulating in the area, charging $89 for deed copies that are available free or cheaply through legitimate county Register of Deeds offices.
cbsnews.com
Cybercriminals are launching over 300 fake ticketing websites and perpetrating various scams targeting Paris Olympics attendees, including phishing sites mimicking official Olympic platforms to steal credit card information and personal data. Beyond ticket fraud, scammers are creating fake accommodation listings, hacking public wifi networks to intercept data, and targeting tourists for physical theft of phones, wallets, and valuables. Experts recommend booking through official channels, using paid mobile roaming instead of public wifi, minimizing devices brought abroad, and avoiding unsolicited street interactions to mitigate fraud risk.
autoremarketing.com
The IRS warned car dealerships to remain vigilant against phishing and smishing scams where fraudsters impersonate IRS representatives to trick recipients into clicking malicious links, downloading malware, or providing personal and financial information. The agency advised businesses to avoid clicking unsolicited email and text links, enable multi-factor authentication, and verify sender identity through independent contact methods to protect against these attacks and potential ransomware infections.
yahoo.com
Larry's Law, which took effect in Virginia on July 1, was named after Larry Cook, who lost over $3 million to an online phishing scam in 2020-2021 through more than 70 wire transfers to Thailand. The law, unanimously passed as House Bill 692 and signed by Governor Glenn Youngkin in April, requires financial institutions to train employees to recognize financial exploitation and allows banks to contact emergency contacts when suspicious activity is detected. This legislation addresses a critical gap in elder fraud prevention, as Virginia reported 2,475 elder fraud complaints totaling over $94 million in losses in 2023.
rock929rocks.com
A 42-year-old man, Weikai Zhang, was arrested in Florida after attempting to defraud a 74-year-old woman through a phone scam where he convinced her that her bank account was at risk and persuaded her to purchase over 13 pounds of gold (valued at approximately $500,000) for delivery to her home, which he then planned to steal. Law enforcement officers learned of the scheme before the package arrived and apprehended Zhang near the victim's residence, preventing the loss of her life savings.