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foxreno.com
The Reno Police Department reported an uptick in scams targeting local residents and hosted a senior awareness session covering various fraud types, including ATM skimmers, fraudulent checks, and impersonation schemes that have resulted in losses of hundreds of thousands of dollars. The session provided protective measures such as monitoring credit card statements, inspecting currency and checks for signs of fraud, and remembering that legitimate law enforcement never requests payment information over phone, text, or email.
wlbt.com
The Federal Trade Commission reported over 170,000 imposter scam reports totaling more than $645 million in losses as of mid-2024, with an average loss of $780 per victim. Pennsylvania's assistant chief deputy attorney general highlighted that wire transfers account for 75% of scams in the state and stressed the need for banks to implement stronger fraud prevention measures similar to those used in credit card protection. Officials urged scam victims to immediately report incidents to their state attorney general's consumer protection division and the FTC to freeze funds and prevent further fraud.
al.com
**Summary:**
Quishing (QR code phishing) is an emerging scam where fraudsters post QR codes in public locations or send them via email/text to direct victims to fake websites impersonating legitimate organizations, collecting personally identifiable information like Social Security numbers and financial details for identity theft and fraud. To protect yourself, verify the source of QR codes before scanning, avoid scanning codes from unsolicited messages, contact relevant organizations to report suspicious codes, safeguard personal information, and block spam messages through your carrier.
kbtx.com
The Federal Trade Commission reported over 170,000 imposter scam cases in the current year, resulting in losses exceeding $645 million with an average loss of $780 per victim. Pennsylvania's Attorney General's office has established a dedicated team to respond to scam reports by contacting victims, freezing funds, and working with law enforcement to shut down fraudulent communications, while urging consumers to report scams immediately to their state attorney general's office and the FTC. Officials are also pushing banks to take greater responsibility for preventing wire and check fraud, similar to their established fraud prevention practices in the credit card industry.
chaffeecountytimes.com
Vacant land scams have surged in recent years, with real estate and rental fraud losses exceeding $396 million in 2022 according to the FBI. Scammers impersonate property owners, creating fake documentation and pressing buyers to conduct expedited, remote transactions to steal proceeds before legitimate owners discover the fraud. To protect themselves, buyers should insist on in-person meetings and property visits, verify seller information through independent research, use local title insurance companies, and work with experienced local real estate professionals rather than relying solely on electronic communications.
weareiowa.com
Elderly Iowans lost over $16 million to scams in the past year, with FBI data showing this is likely underreported and mirrors rising national trends among seniors. Investment scams pose the greatest financial threat to older adults, while newer schemes like phantom hacker scams convince victims to convert assets to precious metals and cash for supposed protection. The FBI advises victims to contact their financial institutions immediately to freeze assets, avoid clicking unsolicited links, verify government officials independently, and report incidents to law enforcement.
capitalethiopia.com
Job recruitment scams are proliferating in South Africa, where high unemployment (32%) makes job seekers vulnerable to fraudsters who impersonate recruiters on social media or post fake job listings to extract money or personal information. Common tactics include fake Department of Employment and Labour schemes demanding R250 for background checks and requiring upfront payments for transportation or training, with victims reporting non-existent job offers. Red flags include unsolicited offers via social media, unprofessional communication, unusually high remote salaries, and requests for payment or sensitive personal data—legitimate employers never charge jobseekers for recruitment services or request ID numbers and bank details early in the process.
localnewsonly.com
In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the FBI Dallas released findings from the 2023 Elder Fraud Report showing that elder fraud complaints increased 14% with reported losses totaling over $3.4 billion, averaging $33,915 per victim, with Texas accounting for over 7,000 complaints and $278.3 million in losses. Tech support scams were the most commonly reported elder fraud type in 2023, followed by personal data breaches, romance scams, non-payment/non-delivery scams, and investment scams. The FBI identified a formulaic tech support scam pattern where victims' computers are frozen with pop-ups claiming illegal activity, then
enquirerjournal.com
North Carolina's Senior Consumer Fraud Task Force released a new 23-minute fraud prevention video and expanded resources to combat rising scams targeting seniors, following World Elder Abuse Day in June. According to the FTC, Americans lost a record $10 billion to fraud in 2023 with a median loss of $500, with scammers increasingly targeting smaller amounts to avoid law enforcement detection. The state now offers simplified reporting through a dial-211 hotline, the N.C. Attorney General's fraud hotline, and AARP's Fraud Watch helpline to help victims recognize and report fraud without shame.
justice.gov
On June 15, 2024, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Kentucky observed World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, highlighting that one in ten people over 60 experiences some form of elder abuse, with an estimated $28.3 billion lost annually to elder fraud scams. In 2023, Kentucky's FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center received 908 complaints from individuals over 60 reporting $12.8 million in losses, more than any other age group combined. The Justice Department brought nearly 300 criminal and civil actions against over 650 defendants in the past year who stole more than $1.5 billion from 2.4
webwire.com
Tietoevry Banking's 2023 fraud prevention report analyzed 3.4 billion transactions and prevented NOK 2.7 billion in fraud, with a 90 percent detection rate stopping approximately 70 percent of fraud attempts without customer loss. The report reveals a significant surge in digital fraud methods, including a 70 percent increase in card/account fraud attempts, 300 percent rise in digital wallet fraud, and over 150 percent growth in social engineering attacks, with phishing attempts up 60 percent. Key emerging threats include AI-enabled fraud techniques such as deepfake voice calls, "secure account" fraud, romance scams, and extortion schemes, requiring
yahoo.com
This article provides guidance on avoiding phone scams, which cost Americans $851 million in 2023 according to the FTC. The primary recommendation is to never answer calls from unknown numbers—instead, let them go to voicemail and verify legitimacy afterward. The article explains common scam tactics (spoofed caller IDs, personal information, urgency triggers) and advises using phone settings to automatically silence unknown callers, noting that scammers can successfully spoof even recognizable company names and that consumers should not overestimate their ability to outsmart experienced fraudsters.
wsiltv.com
Phishing scams involve scammers mass-sending fraudulent emails, text messages, or phone calls to trick recipients into compromising their digital security, often through malware that can hijack devices. The Better Business Bureau's Cape Girardeau Regional Director Sydney Waters provides guidance on how to identify whether communications are legitimate or phishing attempts.
ourlocalcommunityonline.com
The IRS warns of increasing impersonation scams targeting older adults, where scammers pose as the IRS or other agencies via phone, email, or text to steal personal information and money. Scammers pressure victims into immediate payments through gift cards or wire transfers by claiming false tax liabilities or refunds, using tactics like caller ID spoofing to appear legitimate. The IRS clarifies that it typically initiates contact by mail, never demands immediate payment via prepaid cards or wire transfers, and never threatens law enforcement involvement or requests payment without allowing dispute opportunities.
forbes.com
Cybersecurity researchers identified a wave of sophisticated scams targeting Trump 2024 campaign donors following the campaign's announcement of cryptocurrency donations in May 2024 and Trump's subsequent conviction in late May. Fraudsters created convincing replica websites (such as donalbjtrump.com) and phishing pages that mimicked the legitimate campaign site, strategically updating content to align with campaign messaging, and offered false opportunities like a $2,000 dinner with Trump at Mar-a-Lago; while the exact amount stolen is unknown, the real campaign raised over $50 million in 24 hours after the verdict, suggesting significant fraud losses. Notably, researchers confirmed that scammers are
cnn.com
Dennis Jones, an 82-year-old Virginia man, lost his entire life savings to a "pig butchering" scam after being groomed online for months by a woman claiming to be named Jessie who convinced him to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency; devastated by financial ruin, he died by suicide before his family could help him recover. Pig butchering scams, run primarily by Chinese criminal gangs operating from Southeast Asia, involve con artists building relationships with victims over months before pressuring them to invest in fake cryptocurrency platforms, with the FBI estimating these scams stole nearly $4 billion from American victims in the past year alone—a 53% increase from the previous year
theconversation.com
In 2023, Americans age 60 and older lost more than $3 billion to scammers, with elder fraud complaints to the FBI increasing 14% year-over-year, though actual losses are likely much higher due to underreporting and unreported incidents. Older adults are particularly vulnerable because they tend to be more trusting, have accumulated savings and good credit, and may lack familiarity with technology, making them attractive targets for tech-support scams, romance schemes, investment fraud, and call-center operations. Prevention through education on identifying and reporting fraud is critical to mitigating this epidemic's financial and psychological consequences.
post-journal.com
Medicare will never initiate calls to you—if you receive an unsolicited call claiming to be from Medicare, it is a scam. The NY Statewide Senior Action Council and NYS Senior Medicare Patrol offer educational resources and fraud detection assistance to help seniors protect their Medicare information and identify potential scams. A Senior Safety Summit held in Chautauqua County on June 21 provided seniors an opportunity to connect with representatives from law enforcement, consumer protection, social services, and elder law organizations to learn fraud prevention strategies and address personal safety concerns.
stuttgartdailyleader.com
The IRS issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting seniors, in which fraudsters pose as government officials from the IRS, Social Security Administration, and Medicare to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and texts. Scammers use tactics such as spoofed caller IDs, fabricated urgent scenarios (false tax debts or prize claims), and demands for immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to pressure victims into quick compliance. The IRS recommends that anyone receiving unexpected calls from alleged IRS representatives should hang up immediately and verify any claims by calling the official IRS customer service line at 800-829-1040.
abccolumbia.com
The IRS has issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting South Carolina seniors, in which fraudsters pose as government officials (IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare) or businesses to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and text messages. Scammers use tactics including caller ID spoofing, fabricated claims of debts or prizes, pressure for immediate action with threats of arrest or deportation, and demands for payment through cryptocurrency, wire transfers, gift cards, or payment apps. The IRS advises recipients of unexpected calls to hang up immediately, avoid returning calls to provided numbers, verify communications directly with the IRS at 800-829-1040, and report suspected sc
foxbusiness.com
Travel scams cost American consumers over 30,000 complaints in recent years, with common schemes including fake travel websites that mimic legitimate booking sites, suspicious payment requests demanding gift cards or wire transfers, and fraudulent vacation rental listings on popular platforms that don't exist or don't belong to the scammers. Experts advise travelers to watch for red flags such as pressure to book immediately, deals that seem too good to be true, requests to leave established websites for payment, and unusual payment methods, as these tactics are commonly used during peak travel seasons when consumers are excited and vulnerable.
cedars-sinai.org
Healthcare scams targeting vulnerable populations—including older adults, new mothers, surgery patients, and people with chronic conditions—have caused Americans to lose $10.3 billion to internet fraud in 2022 alone. Common scams involve impersonators contacting victims via phone, text, or email to steal personal information, banking details, or convince them to wire money by creating a sense of panic about their healthcare coverage. To protect yourself, verify caller identity before sharing sensitive information, read communications carefully for red flags, avoid clicking suspicious links, and contact your healthcare provider directly if you're unsure about any request.
indiatoday.in
Binance co-founder Yi He fell victim to an impersonation scam on X (formerly Twitter) where fraudsters used her identity to promote a fake "MemeCoin" token, resulting in multiple users losing significant sums of money. He publicly called on Elon Musk to address the rampant spread of fake crypto news on the platform, noting that a security firm previously reported approximately 57,000 victims lost about $47 million to crypto phishing scams facilitated via X. The article also highlights the broader issue of crypto scams, including "Crypto Romance" scams identified by the FTC, where scammers build emotional connections with victims to exploit them.
dailyfreeman.com
Cyber scams targeting the elderly are increasing, with common tactics including fake Microsoft security alerts, spoofed text messages from banks, Social Security impersonation calls, and phishing schemes to steal tax refunds. Elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable due to their trust in government agencies and legitimate-sounding callers. The author emphasizes that individuals must learn to verify communications and remain suspicious, as government agencies struggle to combat scammers operating globally and often from foreign nation-states.
m.economictimes.com
CEO fraud attacks, where cybercriminals impersonate corporate executives to trick employees into sending money or sensitive data, have increased two to three times over the past year, with sophisticated fraudsters leveraging artificial intelligence, social engineering, and social media research to craft convincing phishing emails. Victims have included major corporations and educational institutions like IIMs, with some losses reaching Rs 3-4 crore, though actual incidents likely exceed reported cases due to companies' reluctance to disclose breaches. Security experts emphasize that improved employee awareness training, verification protocols for high-value requests, and stricter monitoring systems are essential to combat these organized criminal operations.
wbko.com
The FBI reports a significant surge in elder fraud, with $1.6 billion in losses from January to May 2024—nearly $300 million more than the same period in 2023—and warns that 2023 saw elder fraud complaints rise 14% resulting in $3.4 billion in annual losses. Common scams targeting seniors include tech support, romance, investment, and government impersonation schemes, which cause financial and psychological harm to vulnerable populations. The FBI recommends victims and potential targets verify unknown contacts, resist urgency tactics, avoid sharing personal information with unverified sources, and report suspected fraud to local FBI offices or IC3.gov.
cryptopolitan.com
CISA warned of increasing impersonation scams targeting crypto investors, where fraudsters pose as government employees to solicit wire transfers, cash, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. The FTC simultaneously issued an alert about romance scams involving cryptocurrency, where scammers build emotional relationships with victims before manipulating them into fake crypto investments. Both agencies advise verifying caller identity through official channels and rejecting unsolicited requests for money or personal information, emphasizing that legitimate government agencies never request such payments.
devdiscourse.com
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) in India issued a public alert warning of fraudsters impersonating customs officers who use phone calls and SMS to extort money from victims by threatening legal action or claiming to hold packages. The scammers exploit fear of customs violations and penal action to coerce payments from targeted individuals. In response, the CBIC launched a multi-modal awareness campaign utilizing newspapers, social media, and field formations to educate the public on recognizing and protecting themselves from these scams.
wired.com
Business email compromise (BEC) scams cost victims $26 billion annually, with con artists impersonating colleagues or executives via email to steal money or sensitive information through tactics like requesting gift card purchases or direct deposit changes. Experts recommend two primary defenses: first, recognize and pause when an email triggers emotional urgency or requests secrecy, as these psychological manipulation tactics impair critical thinking; second, always verify suspicious requests through a separate communication channel using contact information from your phone or official company sources, never from the email itself.
advantagenews.com
**Summary:**
Madison County Sheriff's Department warned residents about a jury duty scam in which callers impersonated police sergeants and claimed victims had missed jury duty. The scam targeted personal information; residents are advised that legitimate jury duty notices arrive by mail and law enforcement will never call about missed jury duty.
goldrushcam.com
The IRS issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting senior citizens, in which fraudsters pose as government officials (IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare) to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and text messages. Scammers use tactics including caller ID spoofing, false claims of tax debt or prize winnings, threats of arrest or deportation, and demands for immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. The IRS advises seniors to hang up on unexpected calls claiming to be from the IRS, verify communications through official channels at 800-829-1040, and report suspicious activity.
metrobyt-mobile.com
This is not a news article about fraud or elder abuse, but rather an instructional guide for Google's Scam Shield app. The content provides step-by-step directions for users to download and use the app's features, including reporting scams and spam calls, managing allow lists and blocked numbers, viewing caller details, and accessing premium protection features—designed to help users identify and filter unwanted or fraudulent calls.
uk.news.yahoo.com
Mexican drug cartels, including the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Gulf Cartel, and Sinaloa Cartel, have stolen over $300 million from American seniors through elaborate timeshare property scams over the last five years. The cartels operate call centers that conduct extensive research on victims, then use high-pressure sales tactics, forged documents, and spoofed emails to convince them to pay upfront fees or sign power-of-attorney forms. The FBI warns seniors never to pay upfront fees for timeshare settlements and to be suspicious of anyone claiming to be a government official threatening arrest or legal action related to timeshare issues.
newsantaana.com
The FBI reports that elder fraud losses reached $1.6 billion from January to May 2024, a nearly $300 million increase from the same period in 2023, with complaints rising 14% annually. Common schemes targeting older adults include tech support scams, romance scams, investment scams (which saw 419% increase in losses from 2021-2023), and government impersonation scams. The FBI recommends seniors verify unfamiliar contacts, resist pressure to act quickly, avoid unsolicited offers, never share personal information with unverified sources, and report suspected fraud to the FBI or IC3.gov.
becu.org
Elder fraud continues to rise significantly, with older Americans losing over $3.4 billion in 2023 alone—an average of $33,915 per victim and representing an 11% increase in losses from the prior year. The most common scams targeting seniors include tech support fraud (where scammers pose as legitimate companies to gain computer access), imposter scams (impersonating government agencies or financial institutions), and romance scams (criminals building fake relationships to extract money). Protective measures include avoiding unsolicited contact, never downloading software from unknown contacts, and never sharing sensitive information or credentials with unverified callers.
aol.com
The FBI reports a significant increase in elder fraud cases, with $1.6 billion in losses from January to May 2024—nearly $300 million more than the same period in 2023—and notes that Texas alone lost over $278 million in 2023. The most common schemes targeting older adults include tech support scams, romance scams, investment scams, and government impersonation scams, with investment fraud showing the sharpest growth (up 419% in losses from 2021-2023, largely due to cryptocurrency). The FBI emphasizes that seniors should verify unknown contacts, resist pressure to act quickly, avoid sharing personal information with unverified sources, and monitor their
cpapracticeadvisor.com
The IRS has renewed warnings about impersonation scams targeting older adults, where fraudsters pose as government officials to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and text messages. Scammers use tactics including spoofed caller IDs, fabricated urgent debts or prize claims, threats of arrest or deportation, and demands for immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. The IRS advises recipients of unexpected calls claiming to be from the IRS to hang up immediately and verify legitimacy by calling the official IRS number (800-829-1040) rather than using any number provided by the caller.
webcenterfairbanks.com
Scammers are impersonating IRS agents to target seniors, using spoofed caller IDs and stolen personal information to create false urgency around unpaid taxes, refunds, or lottery fees, then requesting payment via unconventional methods like gift cards or wire transfers. The IRS never initiates contact via text, email, or social media, never demands immediate payment, and never requests prepaid cards or credit card information over the phone; victims should hang up and call the official IRS number (800-829-1040) to verify. Anyone targeted by such scams should contact the Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11.
hayspost.com
The IRS issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting senior citizens in Kansas and nationwide, where fraudsters pose as government officials to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and texts. Scammers use tactics including caller ID spoofing, fabricated tax debts or refunds, threats of arrest or deportation, and demands for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. The IRS advises recipients of suspicious calls claiming to be from the IRS to hang up immediately and contact IRS customer service at 800-829-1040 to verify any legitimate tax issues.
postandcourier.com
In observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the IRS Criminal Investigation's Charlotte Field Office is promoting fraud awareness to combat the rising tide of financial crimes against seniors. According to the FBI's 2023 Internet Crimes Report, individuals aged 60 and above filed 101,068 complaints and sustained $3.4 billion in losses from scams including tech support fraud, government impersonation, phishing, and romance schemes. The IRS employs education, criminal investigations, and public-private partnerships to combat elder fraud, with recent prosecutions including a home health care operator sentenced to 45 months for stealing over $1 million from elderly clients and an investment fraudster sentenced to
whig.com
Phishing remains one of the most prevalent fraud tactics, with scammers using emails, text messages, and phone calls to steal personal information and money by impersonating banks, government agencies, and tech support. The Better Business Bureau reports phishing text messages are increasing in frequency and now incorporate artificial intelligence to create more convincing messages. Common warning signs include requests to confirm financial information, claims of account problems, urgent language with typos, and unsolicited links or offers; victims should verify suspicious communications directly with legitimate organizations before clicking links or providing information.
boothbayregister.com
Moving scams are fraudulent schemes perpetrated by rogue online operators who lure customers with lowball estimates, demand deposits or upfront payments, and then either fail to appear, raise prices at the last minute, or hold belongings hostage demanding additional payment. To protect yourself, obtain multiple quotes, verify company references, and remember that the cheapest option is not always the safest when moving valuable personal belongings.
businessinsider.com
Phishing scams targeting weight loss drugs like Ozempic increased 183% from January to April, with scammers exploiting the high cost of these medications (approximately $1,000 monthly) by posting fake offers on social media platforms like Facebook and Craigslist. Criminals impersonate doctors and pressure victims to share personal information and use unconventional payment methods such as Bitcoin, Zelle, and Venmo—red flags indicating fraudulent activity. McAfee recommends consumers verify official retailers, avoid suspiciously low prices, check for complete product details, and report scams to relevant financial institutions to attempt fund recovery.
wfsb.com
Phishing reports doubled in 2023, with the Better Business Bureau receiving a record 9,238 reports, while Connecticut specifically saw phishing complaints rise from 58 in 2022 to 84 in 2023. Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create more convincing phishing messages via email, text, and voicemail to trick people into divulging personal information. To protect themselves, people should be suspicious of unexpected messages with urgent subject lines and avoid responding to anything that appears suspicious.
shoredailynews.com
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15) prompted Virginia State Police to highlight common scams targeting older adults, including a software update scam that defrauded one Virginia senior of $36,000 and the "Grandparent scam" using AI voices to impersonate grandchildren in distress. The advisory recommends independent verification of requests, avoiding gift card or cryptocurrency payments, establishing trusted "buddy systems," and regular financial audits to help vulnerable adults protect themselves from fraud and identity theft.
nbcdfw.com
An elderly woman in White Settlement, Texas was targeted by a scammer posing as a Chase Bank security employee who instructed her to withdraw and deposit $40,000 in Bitcoin at an ATM while on a video call. A bystander, Myndi Jordan, noticed the victim depositing money at a Chevron gas station and called police; Sergeant James Stewart arrived and intervened before the full amount could be transferred, stopping the transaction after $23,900 had already been deposited. Police were able to coordinate with Bitcoin to recover the deposited funds, and authorities are warning the public that scammers can spoof bank phone numbers and use coercion and threats to manipulate victims into
clarksvilleonline.com
Scammers are targeting travelers with fraudulent airline ticket schemes, using fake websites and spoofed customer service numbers to sell counterfeit tickets, then claiming flights are canceled to extract additional fees. The Better Business Bureau reports numerous cases where victims believed they purchased legitimate discounted flights but were directed to pay extra charges or rescheduling fees to non-existent airlines. To protect against these scams, consumers should book directly through official airline websites, verify flight information independently, check website security, and use credit cards for online purchases.
punchng.com
The U.S. government announced increased efforts to pursue international scammers targeting American citizens, following a business email compromise scheme that defrauded a U.S. company of approximately $8 billion (N8 billion). Scammers used spoofed emails to redirect payments to fraudulent accounts, with funds transferred to cryptocurrency wallets and banks in multiple countries including Nigeria; U.S. authorities successfully seized approximately $5.3 million held in domestic banks before it could be transferred overseas. The Department of Justice is directing victims of cryptocurrency scams, romance scams, investment scams, and business email compromise fraud to report through a dedicated government website to support investigation and recovery efforts.
independent.co.uk
Eddie Redmayne fell victim to an email hacking scam that sent fraudulent messages to all his contacts requesting money, with Warren Beatty being the only recipient to offer assistance by leaving a voicemail offering to help bail him out. Redmayne confirmed the incident on Late Night With Seth Meyers, noting that Beatty's generosity stood out among his contacts who received the deceptive email.
cbc.ca
Prince Edward Island residents are being warned about a text message scam impersonating the Court of Justice, which falsely instructs recipients to pay parking tickets using credit card information via a fake website with a poorly cropped government logo. Government officials emphasize that while this particular scheme is new, scammers continuously evolve their tactics, and residents should verify legitimacy by contacting organizations directly using known phone numbers and avoid pressure tactics, spelling errors, and unsolicited requests for financial information.