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in Tech Support Scams
eset.com
· 2026-05-22
Romance scams cost victims an average of $9,400 in 2025, with scammers using increasingly sophisticated AI tools including deepfake videos, AI-generated photos, and chatbots to impersonate fake profiles on dating apps. Anyone using online dating should watch for red flags such as requests to move conversations off the platform quickly, requests for money, or reluctance to meet in person. Understanding how these scams evolve and using the dating app's built-in safety features are key steps to protecting yourself from romance fraud.
kctv5.com
· 2026-05-22
A courier named Syed M. Makki was sentenced to 15½ years in prison for his role in a nationwide elder fraud scheme that targeted seniors aged 61-80, convincing them to liquidate their savings and retirement accounts to buy gold bars under the false pretense that their money was unsafe. The scammers used malware to place fake Microsoft and government agency phone numbers on victims' computers, impersonating officials to build trust before directing victims to purchase gold and hand it over for "safekeeping." So far, 12 victims have lost more than $6 million to the scheme, and seniors should be wary of unsolicited calls about compromised identities or unsafe bank accounts—especially those pressuring immediate purchases of physical assets like gold.
wrtv.com
· 2026-05-22
Indiana ranks 8th worst in the nation for scam calls and texts, though overall scam call volume has dropped in recent months as fraudsters shift tactics to use AI for more targeted, personalized attacks rather than mass calling campaigns. Scammers are leveraging artificial intelligence to research victims on social media and craft convincing scripts, while the FTC reports that social media scams—particularly fake job offers and investment schemes—caused the highest financial losses last year. To protect yourself, consider using call-blocking apps like Truecaller (free on Android, paid on iOS) or contacting your wireless carrier about available scam-blocking features.
in.mashable.com
· 2026-05-22
The FBI shut down an Indian call center operation and secured guilty pleas from two U.S. executives who knowingly provided telecommunications services enabling tech support scams that defrauded hundreds of elderly Americans out of millions of dollars. The scammers used fake virus warnings to trick victims into calling overseas centers, where they were charged for fake tech support and had their personal data stolen. Elderly Americans should be cautious of unsolicited pop-up warnings and avoid calling unfamiliar numbers, instead contacting their device manufacturer directly if they suspect a virus.
news.webindia123.com
· 2026-05-22
The FBI shut down a major call center scam operation based in India that defrauded hundreds of elderly Americans out of millions of dollars through tech support fraud schemes. Two U.S. executives—Adam Young and Harrison Gevirtz—pleaded guilty to knowingly providing telecommunications services that enabled these scams, along with five India-based scammers who were convicted. The FBI urges people to check on elderly loved ones, report suspicious activity to law enforcement at 1-800-CALL-FBI, and remain vigilant against senior-targeted scams.
incrypted.com
· 2026-05-21
Telegram and the Tether stablecoin have become central to a massive global fraud operation estimated to cause $442 billion in losses by 2025, facilitating schemes like pig butchering scams, sextortion, and fake investments through escrow marketplaces. Criminal syndicates, particularly in Southeast Asia, operate these fraud networks from converted hotels and resorts, with an estimated 300,000 people being held captive and forced to participate under threat of violence. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities, verify contacts independently, and use traditional payment methods rather than cryptocurrency for major transactions; if you suspect you're being scammed or coerced, contact local law enforcement immediately.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-21
A woman in Arizona lost nearly $10,000 after scammers impersonated law enforcement officials and convinced her she had missed jury duty and owed a fine. The fraudsters used real names of local judges and officers, created a false sense of urgency about potential arrest, and instructed her to withdraw cash and convert it to Bitcoin through an ATM to pay the supposed penalty. To protect yourself, be aware that legitimate courts never demand immediate payment via cryptocurrency or cash, and always verify official claims by independently contacting the actual government agency using publicly listed phone numbers rather than calling back the number provided by the caller.
bbc.com
· 2026-05-20
Dozens of romance scammers and fraud criminals operating across the UK and Nigeria have been arrested in a major police operation called Operation Seraphim, which involved 31 arrests across Europe and Africa. Romance scammers typically build fake relationships over months before convincing victims to send money—one victim, Kirsty Guest, lost £80,000 after being manipulated by a scammer posing as "Patrick" who claimed to need help during a business emergency. To protect yourself, be wary of new romantic contacts who rush to build intimacy, never send money to people you've only met online, and verify identities through video calls before any financial involvement.
timesunion.com
· 2026-05-20
An elderly woman in Moreau nearly lost $20,000 to a sophisticated scam after receiving a fake PayPal email claiming fraudulent charges on her account. The scammer convinced her to download remote-access software and wire money to California, but a timely welfare check by a sheriff's deputy and Homeland Security agent interrupted the scheme and prevented the loss. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited emails asking you to verify account information, never grant remote access to your devices, and contact authorities immediately if you suspect you're being scammed.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-19
Scammers are sending fake Amazon recall text messages that impersonate the company to trick people into clicking malicious links and potentially compromising their accounts. These messages use convincing details like order numbers and safety warnings, but contain red flags such as generic greetings, vague product descriptions, suspicious links unrelated to Amazon's official domain, and requests to leave the official Amazon platform. To protect yourself, only access your Amazon account through the official website or app, verify any recall notices directly through Amazon's legitimate channels, and never click links from unsolicited text messages—especially those claiming urgent safety issues.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-05-19
AI scammers are using voice-cloning technology to impersonate loved ones in fake emergency scenarios, with one in four adults experiencing or knowing someone affected by these scams, and 77% of victims losing money (ranging from $500 to $15,000). Criminals need only seconds of audio from social media posts, voicemails, or videos to create convincing voice replicas that exploit panic and emotional reactions, particularly targeting seniors. To protect yourself, verify emergencies through independent contact methods before sending money, be cautious about voice content you share online, and remember that legitimate contacts won't pressure you for immediate payment.
techradar.com
· 2026-05-18
A new F-Secure study found that 56% of Americans encountered online scams at least monthly in 2025, with 52% of victims losing money—double the rate from the previous year. The research estimates 40 million Americans fell victim to scams in the past year, with scammers increasingly targeting high-value attacks like fake invoices, investment fraud, and banking scams using AI-powered tools for better targeting and impersonation. To protect yourself, verify information from AI chatbots independently, be cautious of unsolicited invoices and investment offers, and shop only on verified legitimate websites rather than relying on AI recommendations for online retailers.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-17
When you Google your name, scammers can easily access the personal information that appears in the top search results—including your address, social media profiles, phone number, and details about relatives—all without hacking or paid tools. This publicly available information helps fraudsters personalize their scams through calls, texts, and emails to make them seem more credible and trustworthy. To protect yourself, you should Google your own name to see what's publicly visible, run a personal data exposure scan to identify information already circulating online, and consider removing your details from people-search sites or requesting that search engines de-index pages containing your personal information.
agrinews-pubs.com
· 2026-05-17
A 17-year-old Texas teen named Tejasvi Manoj, honored as Time magazine's Kid of the Year, is teaching seniors how to protect themselves from cyber scams after her own grandfather nearly fell victim to a scammer impersonating a family member. Seniors lose billions annually to scams—$4.8 billion in one year alone from 860,000 reported incidents—because scammers target them as perceived wealthy targets who are less familiar with technology and tend to be trusting. To protect yourself, learn about common scams through the Federal Trade Commission website (ftc.gov) and consider resources like Manoj's Shield Seniors program.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-16
Scammers are sending fraudulent text messages impersonating the California DMV to trick people into paying fake traffic violation fees, using urgent language and official-looking links to pressure quick action. The texts contain several red flags, including coming from a Philippine phone number (+63), using generic greetings like "Dear Driver" instead of personal information, and linking to fake websites rather than legitimate government domains. To protect yourself, ignore unsolicited traffic violation texts, verify any notices directly through official government websites or phone numbers, and never click links or provide payment information from unsolicited messages.
outlooknewspapers.com
· 2026-05-16
Seniors across the country are increasingly falling victim to sophisticated fraud schemes, with losses reported by adults 60 and over skyrocketing from $600 million in 2020 to $2.4 billion in 2024, according to the FTC. Scammers use tactics like fake dating profiles, romance scams, and "pig butchering" schemes (where they build trust over months before tricking victims into depositing money into fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms) to exploit vulnerable older adults. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited messages on dating apps and social media, avoid sharing financial information with online contacts you haven't met in person, and verify investment opportunities through official channels before sending money.
x.com
· 2026-05-16
Older Americans lost over $4.8 billion to fraud in 2024, with seniors being commonly targeted through tech support scams, romance scams, phishing messages, and fake investment opportunities. The FBI emphasizes that awareness and open communication between seniors, families, and caregivers are critical for prevention. People concerned about elder fraud can learn more about prevention strategies from the FBI's website.
prlog.org
· 2026-05-16
Jortty, a new AI-powered platform launched nationwide in May 2026, aims to combat elder fraud—a crisis that costs seniors over $28 billion annually—by offering real-time scam detection, digital literacy tools, and human-centered design specifically tailored for older adults and non-tech-savvy users. Founded by tech experts Julius McGee and Bobby Dorlus, the platform offers free access to core features like scam checking and tech support, with premium tiers available for advanced protection, and includes innovative tools like message analysis (Scamify™), website blocking, phone number verification, and voice-enabled assistance. Seniors and their families can protect themselves by using tools that catch suspicious messages and websites before money is lost, rather than relying solely on traditional cybersecurity designed for tech-savvy users.
law.com
· 2026-05-16
# Summary
I don't see a complete article provided to summarize. You've shared only the title and the opening sentence ("For many retirees and older adults, the threat is not just technology. It is the near-perfect mirror image of credibility."), which isn't enough content to create a meaningful summary about what happened, who was affected, or provide actionable advice.
To help you effectively, I would need the full article text. If you can share the complete content, I'll be happy to provide a 2-3 sentence summary focused on the key details and practical guidance for a general audience.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-15
Scammers are using a "silent voicemail scam" where people receive voicemail notifications without their phones actually ringing, often with no audio content in the messages. The tactic confirms that phone numbers are active and in use, making them targets for future scams, while hoping victims will call back out of curiosity. To protect yourself, avoid returning calls to unknown numbers, use your carrier's call-blocking features, mark suspicious voicemails as spam, and consider registering with the Do Not Call Registry.
vocal.media
· 2026-05-15
Romance scammers are targeting people through dating apps and social media, building trust over weeks before convincing victims to invest in fake cryptocurrency schemes, often resulting in thousands of dollars in losses. Experts are urging victims to report these scams immediately because criminals quickly move stolen cryptocurrency through multiple exchanges and laundering channels, making the money nearly impossible to trace within hours. If you suspect you're being scammed, report it right away to law enforcement and fraud reporting platforms rather than waiting—delays significantly reduce the chances of recovering stolen funds.
floridatrend.com
· 2026-05-15
Florida seniors lost over $388 million to fraud in 2024, with the state reporting nearly 12,000 scam complaints from people age 60 and up—second only to California. Many cases go unreported due to embarrassment or lack of awareness, meaning the actual financial toll is likely much higher. A West Palm Beach AI startup called Jortty is addressing this problem by offering seniors a free or paid service ($19.99/month) that analyzes suspicious emails and text messages in real-time to detect scams, while also providing tech support.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-05-14
Financial scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and targeting seniors at alarming rates, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting that from 2020 to 2024, reports of older adults losing at least $10,000 to scams increased fourfold, and those losing $100,000 or more increased sevenfold. Seniors are particularly vulnerable because fraudsters believe they have substantial savings, and many victims don't report the crimes due to embarrassment, creating a false sense of low risk for scammers. To protect yourself, stay vigilant about recognizing warning signs of scams and be proactive in verifying any unsolicited financial requests before responding.
phillymag.com
· 2026-05-14
Financial scams are surging across Philadelphia and nationwide, with reported losses hitting $16.6 billion in 2024, using increasingly sophisticated methods like fake text messages impersonating bosses or government agencies to trick people into purchasing gift cards or clicking malicious links. Victims aren't necessarily careless—scammers use stolen data from past breaches and AI technology to make their schemes more convincing and targeted. To protect yourself, experts recommend staying skeptical of unexpected requests (especially those demanding urgency), verifying requests through official channels by calling the organization directly, and being cautious about sharing personal information online.
cnbc.com
· 2026-05-14
Capital One is suing unknown operators of large-scale robocall and telemarketing scams that impersonate the bank and its Discover subsidiary to trick customers into confirming transactions or revealing personal information. The lawsuit uses trademark infringement law as a strategy to gather evidence and trace the scammers through the legal discovery process. Imposter scams like these are the most common fraud complaint in the U.S., with over 1 million reports and $3.5 billion in losses last year, so consumers should be cautious of unexpected calls claiming to be from their bank and verify callers directly using official phone numbers.
mercurynews.com
· 2026-05-13
Older adults are losing billions of dollars to increasingly sophisticated scams, with fraud losses rising from $600 million in 2020 to $2.4 billion in 2024, according to federal data. Seniors are targeted because they often have retirement savings and assets, plus may be less familiar with evolving technology like AI-powered voice mimicry and phishing schemes. Experts advise older adults and their families to be cautious of urgent requests for money, verify caller identities through independent contact information, and stay skeptical of unsolicited communications—especially those creating emotional pressure.
vindy.com
· 2026-05-13
A 25-year-old Indian man pleaded guilty to money laundering in a scheme that defrauded six elderly Americans of nearly $5 million, including a 77-year-old Salem resident who lost $61,000 after responding to a fake Microsoft Security pop-up ad and an 82-year-old New York man who was tricked into sending over $3 million to someone impersonating a U.S. Attorney. The scam operated from December 2022 to December 2023 and involved multiple tactics to convince victims to hand over large sums of money. To protect yourself: be suspicious of unsolicited pop-up ads and phone numbers they display, never trust callers claiming to be government officials without verifying through official channels independently, and always verify requests for large money transfers directly with trusted sources before sending anything.
morningjournalnews.com
· 2026-05-13
A 25-year-old Indian man pleaded guilty to money laundering in connection with a $5 million scam targeting elderly Americans, including victims who lost $61,000 and $3 million respectively after responding to fake Microsoft security pop-ups or being impersonated by scammers claiming to be U.S. attorneys. The scheme, which operated from December 2022 to December 2023, involved at least three conspirators who defrauded six older adults across the United States. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unexpected pop-up ads that freeze your computer or unsolicited calls claiming to be from government agencies or tech companies—hang up and call official numbers directly rather than using numbers provided in the suspicious communication.
nbcnews.com
· 2026-05-12
# Summary
Scammers are exploiting Facebook and Instagram by repeatedly purchasing ads that target seniors with fake Medicare offers, using deepfakes and images of celebrities like Trump and Oprah to lure victims into sharing personal data or enrolling in fraudulent programs. A report by the Center for Countering Digital Hate found that 30 active scam accounts generated 215 million ad impressions over the past year, with 73% reaching users over 65, and estimated scammers spent approximately $12.4-$14.3 million on these ads. Meta faces criticism and multiple lawsuits for inadequately removing scam ads and allowing near-identical ads to reappear after being taken down
livenowfox.com
· 2026-05-12
Financial scams targeting older Americans are increasing at an alarming rate, with Arizona reporting the highest number of fraud cases among residents age 60 and older at seven reports per 1,000 people, followed by Delaware and Colorado. Business imposter scams are the most common fraud type nationwide, though government imposter scams are more prevalent in six states including Alaska and Iowa. Experts warn that as digital banking and online payments become more common, older Americans should be vigilant about verifying the identity of anyone requesting financial information and consider reporting suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission.
courthousenews.com
· 2026-05-12
Zhao Wang, a Chinese national, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for leading a sophisticated international scam that defrauded over 2,000 elderly Americans of $27 million between 2021 and 2023. The scheme used fake refunds, technical support scams, and impersonation tactics via phone calls and emails to trick victims into sending cash and wire transfers to addresses in Southern California and Nevada, where accomplices used fake IDs to collect the money. Seniors should be wary of unsolicited refund offers, requests to wire money or mail cash, and should verify any claims directly with official institutions by calling known phone numbers rather than using contact information provided by callers.
jdsupra.com
· 2026-05-12
Students increasingly face digital relationship harms including online threats, image-based sexual abuse, AI-generated exploitation, and romance scams—issues that institutions must address through Title IX and behavioral intervention processes. Colleges and universities should respond based on the actual impact and harm experienced by students rather than getting caught up in debates about whether images are authentic or AI-generated, since the harm to the victim is similar regardless. Institutions are advised to focus investigations on conduct and effects rather than technical proof, and to act quickly since digital content spreads rapidly beyond their control.
click2houston.com
· 2026-05-12
A new phone scam targeting Houston-area residents impersonates utility companies and claims to send workers to check homes for electrical issues, but actually aims to gain access to people's homes, likely to steal items. The scam is sophisticated enough that it's fooled local law enforcement and the Better Business Bureau, who say they haven't encountered this specific scheme before. To protect yourself, verify any utility company claims by contacting your actual provider directly using a number from your bill, and never let unknown callers schedule home visits without independently confirming the request through official channels.
ourquadcities.com
· 2026-05-12
The Iowa Department of Insurance and Fraud Services is hosting a "Stop the Scammers" event on May 12 in Davenport to educate residents about current fraud schemes, which in 2025 have already prevented $2.7 million from reaching scammers. Attendees will learn about emerging scams including gold bar schemes, SIM swap fraud, and "pig butchering" investment scams that use psychological manipulation to steal money and assets from victims of all backgrounds. The department recommends staying informed about these tactics and reporting suspected scams, as reporting has already recovered nearly $270,000 from fraudsters this year.
bez-kabli.pl
· 2026-05-12
Binance reported that its AI security systems blocked $10.53 billion in attempted cryptocurrency fraud over 15 months, catching over 22.9 million scam attempts in just the first quarter. Crypto scams have become increasingly sophisticated, using deepfake videos, synthetic voices, and AI-generated malware rather than simple phishing tactics, with impersonation scams surging over 1,400% in 2025 and generating significantly higher payouts for criminals who use AI tools. To protect themselves, users should enable all available security features on exchanges, be skeptical of unsolicited messages or help desk requests, and verify identities through official channels rather than clicking links in messages.
communitynewspapergroup.com
· 2026-05-11
About 50 residents in Fayette County, Iowa attended an educational presentation on fraud where local law enforcement and financial experts detailed common scams, including an IRS impersonation scam that cost a local senior $7,000. The scammers posed as IRS agents demanding immediate payment via phone call and threatening arrest, exploiting the victim's fear to bypass normal verification processes. Experts emphasized that the IRS never initiates contact by phone demanding payment and advised residents to be skeptical of unsolicited calls requesting money, particularly those creating urgency or threatening legal consequences.
cnbc.com
· 2026-05-10
AI-powered scam calls using deepfake voice technology are becoming increasingly sophisticated and common, with scammers impersonating family members in distress to extort money from victims. One Montana woman nearly fell for the scam when a caller perfectly mimicked her daughter's voice and crying, demanding payment while threatening her—the deception was so convincing that despite suspecting it was a scam, she almost complied out of fear for her daughter's safety. To protect yourself, verify emergencies by directly calling family members using known phone numbers, be skeptical of caller ID (which can be spoofed), and contact police rather than sending money if someone claims a loved one is in danger.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-05-10
Scammers are increasingly using fake QR codes—a tactic called "quishing"—to trick people into visiting malicious websites that steal personal and financial information, often by placing these codes in everyday locations like parking lots, restaurants, and utility bills. Seniors and smartphone users are particularly vulnerable because they tend to scan QR codes without questioning them, and the hidden destination cannot be seen before scanning. To protect yourself, experts recommend carefully inspecting QR codes before scanning, verifying they're from legitimate sources, and being especially cautious with unexpected codes in public spaces or unsolicited packages.
mexc.com
· 2026-05-10
The FBI and UAE authorities shut down nine scam centers and arrested 276 suspects in an international operation targeting "pig butchering" fraud schemes—where scammers use fake identities on social media to build trust before luring victims into fraudulent cryptocurrency investments. The operation, which also rescued thousands of human trafficking victims who were forced to operate the scam centers, resulted in the seizure of over $701 million in cryptocurrency and identified nearly 9,000 U.S. victims who lost millions of dollars. To protect yourself, be cautious of new romantic or friendship connections online who eventually push you toward cryptocurrency investments, verify any investment opportunity independently, and never send money or personal information to people you've only met through social media.
cryptopolitan.com
· 2026-05-10
The FBI and UAE authorities dismantled a massive cryptocurrency fraud operation in an international crackdown that resulted in 276 arrests, shut down 9 scam centers, and rescued thousands of trafficking victims. The scammers used "pig butchering" tactics—building fake romantic or friendship relationships on social media before directing victims to fake crypto investment websites—defrauding US citizens of millions of dollars and seizing over $701 million in cryptocurrency assets. To protect yourself, be cautious of strangers who quickly develop romantic or friendship connections online and push you toward investment opportunities, especially cryptocurrency schemes.
buffalobulletin.com
· 2026-05-09
Digital scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and prevalent in Sheridan, with police reporting major losses including an $80,000 and $16,000 scam already in May alone. Residents are being targeted by various schemes including grandparent scams, bank impersonation, and tech support fraud, with scammers using fear and urgency as their primary tactic. Police advise anyone receiving aggressive or urgent demands over the phone to hang up immediately, as legitimate organizations will never pressure you to act instantly.
postandcourier.com
· 2026-05-09
Scammers steal an estimated $7 billion annually from seniors, with those living with dementia facing heightened vulnerability due to memory and judgment impairment. The Alzheimer's Foundation of America is promoting S.A.F.E. tips—including solidifying security practices, applying blocking tools, and other protective measures—to help caregivers safeguard their loved ones from fraud and identity theft. Families should keep written reminders near phones and computers, use call-blocking technology, and regularly reinforce safety practices to help dementia patients recognize and resist scams.
hometownstations.com
· 2026-05-09
Auglaize County, Ohio has seen over $1 million in scam losses in 2025 alone, with residents falling victim to computer virus schemes, fake fraud alerts, and other deceptive tactics that cost dozens of people significant sums. Three suspects have been arrested in connection with scams involving a $108,000 computer virus scheme and a $30,000+ PayPal fraud scam. Authorities advise residents to be wary of urgent demands, requests for secrecy, and unusual payment methods like wire transfers or cryptocurrency, and to report suspected scams to law enforcement immediately without shame.
thestar.com
· 2026-05-09
Canadians lost $63 million to romance scams in the past year, with scammers creating fake profiles on dating apps and social media to gain victims' trust before requesting money for fabricated emergencies, often leaving people financially devastated and deeply emotionally wounded. The scams disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including older adults, and can result in victims losing their homes, accumulating new debt, and experiencing shattered trust. The article calls on major tech companies to implement stronger protections on their platforms to prevent these predatory schemes.
wrdw.com
· 2026-05-09
Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create convincing fake emails, text messages, and websites that are difficult to spot, making fraud harder to recognize than ever before. However, consumers now have AI tools available to fight back—such as integrating scam detection into the AI chatbot Claude or using free websites like Scamwise.com to analyze suspicious messages and determine if they're fraudulent. Security experts recommend using these tools as a helpful resource, but caution against pasting sensitive personal information like passwords or Social Security numbers into chatbots, and remind users that AI can still occasionally make mistakes.
queencreektribune.com
· 2026-05-09
An Arizona resident named Joyce Petrowski founded R.O.S.E., a nonprofit dedicated to preventing scams, after a loved one fell victim to a romance scam in 2021. While scammers target people of all ages, seniors are particularly vulnerable, and Petrowski combats this through a weekly YouTube radio show, social media tips, newsletters, and in-person presentations that teach people to recognize emotional manipulation tactics used by scammers. Her key advice is to seek recurring scam awareness education and pause to verify with a trusted person before engaging with anyone requesting money or personal information.
wfmj.com
· 2026-05-09
A 24-year-old Indian national pleaded guilty to his role in a $4.8 million tech support scam that targeted elderly people across the country, including a Salem man who lost $61,000. The scammers used fake computer pop-up warnings to trick victims into believing their bank accounts were compromised, then pressured them to withdraw cash or buy gold bars. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected pop-up warnings on your computer, never give personal financial information to unsolicited callers, and verify any security alerts by contacting your bank directly using a phone number from your official statements.
themesatribune.com
· 2026-05-09
A Mesa teenager named Shilo Karakkattu developed ScamSafe, a free website tool that helps seniors and others quickly identify scam calls and fraudulent messages by analyzing suspicious content and explaining warning signs in plain language. The tool was inspired by his grandparents' experiences with IRS robocalls and fake Medicare texts, and addresses a serious problem—Americans over 60 lost nearly $5 billion to scams in 2024, with Arizona particularly affected. ScamSafe requires no login, stores no personal data, is available in six languages, and is designed specifically for users who may be uncomfortable with technology.
hometownstations.com
· 2026-05-09
Auglaize County, Ohio has experienced over $1 million in scam losses in 2025 alone, with about 40 victims reporting financial theft in the county. Local authorities arrested three people connected to scams that defrauded residents of more than $100,000, including a computer virus scheme that stole $108,000 and a fake PayPal fraud claim that initially cost a victim $30,000. Residents are advised to watch for red flags like urgent demands, requests for secrecy, and unusual payment methods (wire transfers, cryptocurrency), and they're encouraged to report suspected scams to law enforcement immediately without shame.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-08
A major international law enforcement operation has resulted in 276 arrests and shut down multiple cryptocurrency fraud networks that targeted Americans and stole millions of dollars through romance scams and fake investment schemes. The coordinated effort involved the DOJ, FBI, and international partners who dismantled at least nine scam centers operating like organized businesses across multiple continents. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited romantic advances or investment opportunities on social media and messaging apps—scammers typically build trust gradually before shifting conversations toward cryptocurrency "investments," a tactic known as "pig-butchering."