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mondaq.com
· 2025-12-08
The FTC reported 64,003 romance scams in 2023 resulting in $1.14 billion in losses (median $2,000 per victim), advising consumers never to send money, cryptocurrency, or gift cards to online suitors. The FTC also announced enforcement actions against AI companies engaging in deceptive data practices, published a final rule prohibiting impersonation of government agencies and businesses, and secured a $20.3 million judgment against merchant cash advance company owner Jonathan Braun for defrauding small business owners through misleading practices and unlawful asset seizure.
technode.global
· 2025-12-08
Internet love scams, including "pig butchering" schemes enhanced by AI-generated profiles and deepfakes, are rapidly increasing across Southeast Asia, with victims losing $25.9 million in Singapore (2023), RM43.9 million in Malaysia, and over 476 million baht in Thailand within nine months. Scammers exploit dating apps and AI tools to build emotional connections and manipulate victims into financial investments or divulging sensitive information, causing both financial and psychological harm. Common red flags include rushed declarations of love, refusal to video chat, requests for money, and requests for personal information—victims should remain cautious as scammers use sophisticated emotional manipulation tactics that exploit vulnerability
uk.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
This is not an article about elder fraud, scams, or abuse. Rather, it is a standard privacy and cookie consent notice from Yahoo's website explaining how the company uses cookies and personal data for site functionality, security, analytics, and advertising purposes. No summarization relevant to the Elderus database is applicable.
wpi.edu
· 2025-12-08
WPI Campus Police and the Dean of Students Office warn students of recent scams targeting them through social media, phone calls, and email that have resulted in financial losses over the past month. Scammers use various tactics including impersonating government officials to claim visa or tax problems, fabricating emergencies involving family members, threatening arrest or deportation, blackmail, and demanding upfront payments for jobs. Students should protect themselves by never sending money or personal information to unknown individuals, never confirming personal details even if scammers already possess some correct information, and reporting suspicious contact to campus authorities immediately.
mcafee.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission warns of "quishing"—a new phishing scam using QR codes to steal personal information—as peer-to-peer payment apps and QR code usage have become ubiquitous among Americans. The article advises consumers to scrutinize QR codes and links from unknown sources, verify sender legitimacy, examine URLs for discrepancies, and use strong passwords with multi-factor authentication to protect against these evolving threats. It also highlights how AI-powered security tools can detect fraudulent patterns in real-time and block malicious sites even after accidental clicks.
foxbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
During tax season, scammers increasingly impersonate the IRS through phishing emails, text messages, and fraudulent communications to trick taxpayers into revealing personal information or clicking malicious links. Identity theft remains a major threat, with scammers using stolen personal data to fraudulently file tax returns in victims' names and claim refunds; the IRS received 294,138 identity theft complaints in 2023, and victims typically wait approximately 19 months for resolution. Taxpayers can protect themselves by being suspicious of unsolicited communications, remembering that the IRS primarily contacts people via mail, independently verifying any requests for personal information, and never clicking links in unsolicited messages.
capenews.net
· 2025-12-08
This educational article discusses aging in place and the rising threat of elder fraud, reporting that seniors age 60+ filed 88,262 fraud complaints in 2022 resulting in $3.1 billion in losses—an 82% increase from 2021. Scammers target older adults due to accumulated savings, daytime availability, lower tech literacy, and potential cognitive vulnerabilities, with the five most common scams being government imposter schemes (Medicare, IRS, Social Security), sweepstakes/lottery fraud, phishing/vishing/smishing, tech support scams, and grandparent scams. The article emphasizes that seniors may underreport scams due to fears
lbc.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A Times journalist and a Conservative MP were targeted in a Westminster honeytrap scam involving fake identities ("Charlie" and "Abi") who posed as acquaintances and sent sexually explicit messages in attempts to gather compromising material. MP William Wragg admitted to sharing colleagues' personal phone numbers after being contacted on Grindr, while journalist Harry Yorke recognized the spear-phishing attempt and did not engage, only understanding it was a scam after POLITICO's reporting. Leicestershire police are investigating the incident, which exposed vulnerabilities in how British political figures can be targeted for cyberattacks and potential blackmail.
startribune.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission warns that fraud losses exceeded $10 billion in 2023, with common scams targeting older adults including investment, grandparent, romance, tech-support, tax, and business impersonation schemes. The article emphasizes that anyone can fall victim to sophisticated fraud and recommends slowing down and resisting pressure to act immediately as a key protective measure against scammers.
gobankingrates.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies six common scams targeting Walmart shoppers: bogus job offers that steal personal information, gift card schemes impersonating authorities or charities, phishing emails and fake giveaways designed to harvest data or install malware, fraudulent delivery notifications requesting payment, counterfeit discounted gift cards sold on secondary markets, and spoofed surveys collecting sensitive financial information. The article advises consumers to verify offers through official Walmart channels, avoid upfront payments or gift card demands, and maintain skepticism toward offers that seem too good to be true.
fool.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies five common Medicare scams targeting seniors: unsolicited contact from fake Medicare representatives, false claims that Medicare plans have been canceled, offers of free products or services not covered by Medicare, requests to replace or activate Medicare cards, and pressure to switch to alternative plans during enrollment periods. The article advises seniors to verify information independently through Medicare.gov, never respond to unsolicited contact, protect personal information like Medicare and Social Security numbers, and call Medicare directly with questions rather than trusting solicitors.
news5cleveland.com
· 2025-12-08
An 81-year-old Cleveland woman fell victim to a tech support scam after clicking on a fake news story that triggered pop-ups impersonating Microsoft, resulting in an initial $200 loss and subsequent threatening calls demanding $6,800. The scammers gained remote access to her computer and obtained her driver's license and credit card information before she realized the fraud. Federal Trade Commission officials advise that legitimate companies never request personal or financial information unsolicited, and recommend deleting suspicious pop-ups, hanging up on scam calls, and restarting devices; the FTC recently secured a $26 million settlement against tech support scammers.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies common scams targeting Walmart shoppers, including fraudulent job offers (secret shopper schemes requiring upfront payment), gift card fraud (scammers posing as authorities or charities demanding payment via gift cards), phishing emails and fake giveaways, delivery scams using fake texts/emails about order issues, and counterfeit gift cards sold on secondary markets. The article advises consumers to verify communications directly through official Walmart channels, avoid any requests for upfront payments or gift card purchases, and purchase gift cards only from Walmart or authorized retailers.
edgemedianetwork.com
· 2025-12-08
Senior UK Conservative lawmaker William Wragg admitted to a sexting scam in which he was tricked into sharing colleagues' phone numbers after sending intimate pictures to someone he met on a gay dating app (Grindr). The scammer used the compromising material as blackmail to extort the personal information, with authorities describing the scheme as "spear phishing"—a targeted cyber-attack designed to steal sensitive information from specific groups. Officials urged affected lawmakers to report to police, with Leicestershire Police confirming an investigation into the malicious communications.
thestar.com
· 2025-12-08
British Conservative MP William Wragg admitted to handing over colleagues' personal phone numbers to an unknown man he met on the gay dating app Grindr after being manipulated with intimate photos the man possessed, in what authorities describe as a "spear phishing" sexting scam targeting lawmakers. Multiple current and former parliamentarians were contacted via WhatsApp with compromising information, and police urged those affected to report the incidents immediately. Leicestershire Police confirmed they are investigating reports of malicious communications related to the scam.
ny1.com
· 2025-12-08
William Wragg, a senior British Conservative lawmaker, admitted to disclosing colleagues' phone numbers to an unknown man he met on a gay dating app after being blackmailed with intimate pictures he had sent. The incident is part of a broader "spear phishing" sexting scam targeting parliamentarians, where scammers pose as romantic interests to extract compromising material and sensitive information, with police urging affected lawmakers to report the crimes.
freepressjournal.in
· 2025-12-08
Mumbai Police released guidelines addressing a surge in online investment fraud schemes targeting residents through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, where fraudsters pose as trading "experts" and lure victims into fake stock and IPO investment classes via video apps, ultimately freezing their funds and demanding additional payments to release them. Over the past year, police recovered Rs. 8.3 crores from victims and arrested multiple individuals involved in these schemes, with cases continuing to rise. Citizens are advised to verify investment platforms independently, avoid downloading unauthorized applications, refrain from sharing financial information online, and report suspicious activity to Mumbai Police at 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.
express.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Between January 2020 and December 2023, investment fraud in the UK resulted in £2.6 billion stolen from 98,525 victims, with an average loss of £26,773 per person. Boiler Room fraud and Ponzi schemes were the most common types, accounting for £553 million and £499 million respectively, with 2023 marking the worst year at £527 million lost across 26,740 victims. The FCA advises people to be wary of unsolicited contact, pressure to act quickly, and promises of unusually high returns as key warning signs of investment scams.
cbs19news.com
· 2025-12-08
Virginia experienced 491 tax scam victims in 2023 who lost over $12 million to government impersonation schemes, ranking the state 11th nationally. Scammers primarily target older adults by impersonating the IRS through fake websites (using .com or .net instead of .gov) to steal login credentials and redirect tax refunds within minutes, with potential access to accounts lasting years. The article features a reformed scammer who warns that verifying URLs and protecting IRS account information are critical defenses against these schemes.
nola.com
· 2025-12-08
AARP highlights that fraud schemes targeting older Americans persist in the digital age, with scammers continually developing new tactics to impersonate legitimate entities and access personal financial information. The organization provides comprehensive protective measures including securing sensitive documents, monitoring credit reports, using strong passwords, and verifying businesses before sharing personal information. In 2023 alone, Louisiana residents lost nearly $47 million to fraud with identity theft being the most common type, reflecting a broader national problem where known fraud losses reached between $10-43 billion.
columbian.com
· 2025-12-08
This article provides educational guidance on protecting yourself from tax season scams. Common scams include identity theft (where scammers file false returns in victims' names to claim refunds) and IRS impersonation schemes that use fear, urgency, and promises of money to trick people into sharing personal information. To protect yourself, verify that communications are genuinely from the IRS (which contacts people only by mail), research tax professionals through official directories, and avoid sharing information with unknown callers.
fox43.com
· 2025-12-08
Pennsylvania Turnpike officials identified a phishing scam targeting E-ZPass account holders through fraudulent text messages impersonating toll services and threatening late fees to pressure victims into clicking malicious links. Similar scams have been reported by toll agencies nationwide in recent days. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission advises account holders to verify account information only through official websites and to report suspicious communications to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
chadronradio.com
· 2025-12-08
The Nebraska Attorney General's Office warns of an increase in Family Emergency (Grandparents) Scams, where scammers pose as family members or authority figures in crisis and request urgent payments via phone or text. These imposter scams represent the top fraud category nationally, with over 850,000 reports and 21% resulting in financial losses. The alert recommends verifying callers directly with family members, confirming any authority figures' identities independently, refusing payment requests, and staying calm to protect against these emotionally manipulative schemes.
postandcourier.com
· 2025-12-08
This opinion piece highlights multiple types of elder and consumer fraud affecting South Carolina residents, including gift card scams, cryptocurrency schemes, the "grandparent" impersonation scam, and account takeovers, with documented losses ranging from $30,000 to $39,000. The author provides red flags to recognize scams (requests for gift cards or cryptocurrency, unsolicited requests for personal information, phishing emails) and recommends protective measures such as using strong passwords, utilizing password managers, and paying with credit cards rather than debit cards to limit liability. The piece emphasizes that while individuals have limited recourse, large institutions continue to suffer major data breaches that put personal information into criminals' hands.
paturnpike.com
· 2025-12-08
The PA Turnpike alerted customers to a smishing scam in which fraudulent text messages impersonating "PA Turnpike Toll Services" requested personal financial information by warning of outstanding tolls and late fees. The agency advised customers not to click links in unsolicited messages and to verify account information only through official channels like the PA Turnpike website or approved mobile apps, with victims able to report fraudulent texts to the FTC or FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
silive.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers have stolen tens of millions of dollars in SNAP benefits from EBT cardholders nationwide using card skimming devices placed on payment terminals and phishing scams. To protect themselves, users should inspect card readers for loose or mismatched faceplates, never share their PIN, and utilize the new ConnectEBT app feature that allows them to lock their cards when not in use. New York has approved nearly 12,000 stolen benefit claims and reimbursed over $6.1 million to victims through its benefit recovery program since August 2022.
candid.technology
· 2025-12-08
This educational article describes common Apple Pay scams and protection strategies. The scams detailed include: fake customer support calls seeking personal information, overpayment schemes using stolen cards, phishing texts claiming account compromise, gift card extortion via fake emergencies, and man-in-the-middle attacks through insecure WiFi networks. The article advises users to never share sensitive information with unsolicited callers, verify suspicious links directly with Apple, avoid refunding overpayments, and use secure internet connections when making transactions.
the420.in
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting vehicle owners with fraudulent e-challan (traffic fine) notifications via text messages, tricking them into downloading malicious APK files that compromise their phones and financial data. A businessman from Mumbai lost Rs 3 lakh through unauthorized credit card charges after installing a fake app called 'vahanpalivahann.apk' to pay counterfeit traffic fines. Experts recommend downloading apps only from official sources like Google Play Store, using reputable antivirus software, and verifying the authenticity of unsolicited messages before taking action.
express.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Between January 2020 and December 2023, investment fraud cost UK victims more than £2.6 billion across 98,525 cases, with an average loss of £26,773 per victim. Boiler Room fraud and Ponzi schemes were the most prevalent scams, stealing £553 million and £499 million respectively, with 2023 recording the highest number of victims (26,740) losing £527 million that year alone. The FCA recommends vigilance against red flags including unsolicited contact, pressure to act quickly, and promises of unusually high returns.
timesnownews.com
· 2025-12-08
A businessman from Mumbai was defrauded of approximately Rs 3 lakhs after receiving a fake text message directing him to download a malicious app ("vahanpalivahann.apk") to pay pending e-challan traffic fines. The scam works by tricking drivers into installing fake e-challan apps via SMS or WhatsApp links, which grants scammers access to their bank account information and enables fraudulent transactions. Security experts advise against downloading APK files from third-party sources and recommend using apps from official app stores and paid antivirus software for protection.
news4sanantonio.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly homeowner in Luling, Texas received an unsolicited package of precious metals worth approximately $100,000 after being contacted by a scammer posing as customer support; police intervention prevented the fraudster from collecting the package and led to the arrest of California resident Shalin Amin on money laundering charges. The scam targeted the victim by creating urgency and manipulating them into accepting a shipment they never requested. Authorities recommend avoiding unsolicited precious metals purchases, safeguarding personal information, and reporting suspected fraud to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center or the Elder Justice Hotline.
hamlethub.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
This educational piece outlines key strategies for protecting against hacking and scams. It advises securing internet-connected devices against malware, recognizing common scam tactics (phishing, romance scams, fake tech support, and demands for wire transfers or cryptocurrency), and reporting suspected fraud to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
scoop.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
A 28-year-old Kaikōura man was formally charged for his alleged role in large-scale SMS scams targeting New Zealanders as part of Operation Cargo, a joint investigation by the Department of Internal Affairs and New Zealand Police that uncovered a transnational criminal network responsible for most SMS scams in New Zealand during 2023. The investigation recovered multiple SIM cards, electronic devices actively used to spread scams, and a large amount of cash through a coordinated search warrant. The successful prosecution demonstrates the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation between telecommunications providers, banks, and police in combating evolving SMS scam methods.
azfamily.com
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational podcast series covering consumer protection topics rather than a specific fraud or elder abuse incident. Key episodes address red flags in standard contracts, risks associated with rewards credit cards that can lead to debt, vehicle recalls affecting safety, and credit denial trends affecting consumers. The podcast provides advice on identifying problematic contract clauses, understanding credit card pitfalls, and navigating consumer financial decisions.
wired.com
· 2025-12-08
This article explains the emerging threat of AI-powered voice cloning scams, where fraudsters use artificial intelligence to impersonate family members or trusted contacts in urgent calls requesting money. The article provides expert advice on protection strategies, including hanging up and calling the person back using a verified number, establishing pre-agreed safe words with loved ones, and asking personal questions that only the real person would know to verify authenticity.
wilx.com
· 2025-12-08
Job scams are a growing threat, with approximately 14 million people exposed to employment scams annually, according to the Better Business Bureau. Scammers use legitimate job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor to pose as real companies and recruiters, commonly offering work-from-home reshipping jobs, fake check schemes, and caregiver positions that leave victims unpaid. Red flags include requests for upfront fees, bank account information before employment, vague job descriptions, unusually high pay, and pressure to accept quickly—victims should verify company websites directly, communicate via video chat, and report suspected scams to BBB.org/scamtracker.
wisbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies common scams targeting small businesses, which are particularly vulnerable due to limited cybersecurity resources and accounting processes compared to larger organizations. Key scams include Business Email Compromise (BEC), phony invoices, directory fraud, identity theft, fraudulent charity solicitations, phishing attacks, and office supply scams. The article emphasizes that knowledge and awareness are the best defenses and recommends businesses stay informed about these threats and report incidents when targeted.
6abc.com
· 2025-12-08
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is warning E-ZPass users of a phishing scam in which fraudsters send texts or emails impersonating "PA Turnpike Services" to request personal financial information for allegedly outstanding toll balances and late fees. Similar scams have been reported by toll agencies nationwide, with scammers directing victims to fake PA Turnpike websites; the legitimate way to check accounts is through paturnpike.com, and fraudulent messages should be reported to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
inews.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Cyber crime expert Jake Moore discusses rising online fraud threats in the UK, where online fraud doubled in 2023 to cost £2.3 billion, with romance scams and identity theft among the fastest-growing categories affecting 1.4 million people. Moore advises individuals on essential security practices including using encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp or Signal instead of SMS texts, keeping software and apps updated automatically to patch vulnerabilities, and being cautious about downloading apps like TikTok that pose data privacy risks. He emphasizes that consistent application of basic cybersecurity habits is the most effective defense against increasingly sophisticated scams and hacking attempts.
thesenior.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Remote access scams initiated by phone, text, email, or social media cost Australians $15 million in 2023, with nearly half of 8,975 reported cases beginning via phone calls impersonating banks or service providers. Scammers use increasingly sophisticated tactics—including spoofed numbers, fake social media profiles, and urgent requests for personal information or device access—to install malware, steal data, or make unauthorized purchases. Protection requires verification through official channels, refusing unsolicited requests, and immediately contacting your bank and reporting to Scamwatch if compromised.
thetimesherald.com
· 2025-12-08
Marysville United Methodist Church is hosting Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on April 27 for a community presentation on senior scams, part of the church's "Lunch and Learn" series. According to a University of Michigan study cited in the event announcement, more than two-thirds of older Michigan residents have reported scam attempts in the past two years, with seniors particularly vulnerable to phone, mail, and online fraud. The free event will provide information on how seniors can avoid scams and reduce their victimization risk.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
Brick Township police warn residents, particularly seniors, about active scams in their community, including gift card/cryptocurrency fraud, grandparent scams, email phishing, tech support fraud, and romance scams. The department urges residents to verify caller identities, avoid unsolicited payment requests, maintain strong cybersecurity practices, and report suspected fraud to local police immediately.
altoonamirror.com
· 2025-12-08
The Pennsylvania Turnpike warned E-ZPass account holders of a phishing scam using text messages falsely claiming to be from "PA Toll Services" and threatening late fees to pressure victims into clicking malicious links and providing personal financial information. Similar scams have been reported by toll agencies nationwide, and the Turnpike advised customers to verify account information only through official channels like the PA Turnpike website or PA Toll Pay app, with fraud reports directed to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
santander.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are using fake news on social media to conduct financial fraud by impersonating banks, executives, and well-known individuals with altered images and fabricated investment opportunities. These fraudulent posts mimic legitimate news websites and banking platforms to trick users into clicking links that steal personal and banking information. Recent scams have falsely claimed to offer investment products endorsed by Santander, using an AI-altered image of an executive to appear credible.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Social Security number impersonation scams are among the most common government impostor fraud, with criminals stealing over $100 million annually by pretending to be government officials and requesting personal or banking information. Scammers employ sophisticated tactics such as fake documents, fraudulent letterhead, and threatening calls claiming account suspension or benefit loss to pressure victims into disclosing sensitive data. The Federal Trade Commission recommends never trusting caller ID, never verifying personal information to unsolicited callers, and remembering that the SSA will never demand upfront payment via wire transfer, cash, or gift cards.
rhyljournal.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
North Wales fans have been targeted by ticket fraud scams, including one woman who lost £250 attempting to purchase Taylor Swift concert tickets from a fraudulent source. In the past 12 months, North Wales Police recorded 59 ticketing fraud cases resulting in approximately £17,500 in losses, with reports increasing 200% between February and March 2024. Police and safety experts are urging the public to only purchase tickets through official sellers, use credit cards or PayPal for transactions, and avoid bank transfers when buying from unknown sellers, particularly as demand surges for Taylor Swift and Euro 24 events.
dominicantoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Police in the Dominican Republic arrested Smaylin Berroa Lorenzo for benefiting from a phishing scam that defrauded a citizen in Cotuí of RD$77,931 (approximately $1,450 USD). The scam involved cybercriminals using fake emails and social engineering to steal the victim's confidential information and identity. The suspect was apprehended on a highway in Pedro Brand and turned over to prosecutors for legal proceedings.
dailydot.com
· 2025-12-08
A TikTok user warned about a potential scam where strangers approach people and ask them to order an Uber using their own account, claiming they have cash to reimburse them. The scammer's true intent remains unclear but could involve using the victim's account to rob or defraud the driver, using counterfeit money, or causing damage to the vehicle that would be charged to the victim's account. The user avoided the scam by trusting her instincts when the strangers' story didn't add up, and similar incidents have been reported by other users on TikTok and Reddit.
odt.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
At least a dozen people reported receiving scam calls impersonating police officers claiming they were victims of fraud and attempting to obtain financial information, with calls primarily targeting landline users. Police warned that they never contact people requesting banking details, card numbers, PINs, or passwords, and advised recipients to hang up and verify any caller's identity by contacting the police directly at 105. A similar email scam has also resurfaced using the same impersonation tactic, with police recommending extreme caution with unsolicited emails and advising recipients not to reply.
news4jax.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission warns college students about fake job scams where scammers post ads for virtual positions on job sites and social media, then mail unsuspecting applicants checks to deposit before work begins. Once deposited, the scammers request the applicant send a portion of the funds to another account; the check later bounces and applicants are liable for the withdrawn amount while scammers escape with the transferred money. To avoid these scams, job seekers should research companies and individuals online, verify suspicious offers by contacting employers directly, request written job details, consult trusted contacts, and immediately report suspicious offers to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.