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Search across 22,013 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
grandrapidsmn.com
· 2025-12-08
The Senior LinkAge Line® offered two educational classes on May 8, 2024, teaching older adults how to detect, prevent, and report healthcare fraud, waste, and abuse. Participants learned to identify potential Medicare scams, protect their beneficiary numbers, and review suspicious Medicare paperwork through online instruction via Microsoft Teams.
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.
ncwlife.com
· 2025-12-08
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office received multiple reports of scam phone calls impersonating deputies who claimed callers owed money for failing to respond to jury duty summons or court dates, attempting to extort payment. The agency warns the public not to give personal information or money to unknown callers over the phone. Cashmere Valley Bank is hosting a free "Scam Prevention" seminar on April 16 to educate the community on fraud prevention strategies.
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.
legalinsurrection.com
· 2025-12-08
Mexican drug cartel CJNG operates a sophisticated timeshare fraud scheme that defrauded Americans of approximately $40 million in 2022, with some estimates suggesting hundreds of millions annually, targeting elderly U.S. citizens and draining many of their life savings. The scam, which originated in Puerto Vallarta and expanded to tourist destinations like Cancun, involves fake escrow companies, shell corporations, and fraudulent sales pitches convincing victims to pay upfront fees under the guise of Mexican business practices, with documented cases of individual losses exceeding $1 million. The U.S. Treasury has sanctioned 40 Mexican companies and seven fugitives connected to the scheme
9news.com
· 2025-12-08
A Colorado woman lost $158,162 in Ethereum cryptocurrency in a 2022 scam after being deceived by a fake Instagram account impersonating Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin, which promised to double any cryptocurrency sent to it. Federal Secret Service agents, assisted by a private cryptocurrency forensics firm, were able to freeze an account containing approximately $17,000 of the stolen funds, though the suspected scammer is believed to be located in Kazakhstan and the case is not prosecutable locally. Experts note that such scams typically target people unfamiliar with cryptocurrency and that cryptocurrency transactions cannot be reversed once completed.
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.
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.
mychesco.com
· 2025-12-08
AARP Pennsylvania is launching an educational campaign to combat Social Security fraud, which affected approximately 360,000 people through impersonation scams in 2021. The organization recommends protective measures including robocall-blocking applications, online account monitoring, and reporting suspicious activities to authorities, emphasizing that genuine unsolicited Social Security Administration contact is extremely rare. Victims of these scams face risks including identity theft, financial loss, and long-term challenges accessing credit and services.
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.
silicon.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Google filed a lawsuit against two alleged cryptocurrency scammers based in mainland China and Hong Kong who uploaded 87 fraudulent apps that were downloaded by over 100,000 people, defrauding victims of tens of thousands of dollars each through "pig-butchering" romance scams. The developers used fake cryptocurrency investment apps that promised high returns but prevented withdrawals and demanded additional fees of 10-30 percent, ultimately severing contact once victims' funds were exhausted. Google seeks to block the defendants from accessing its services and claims $75,000 in damages from the investigation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
foxreno.com
· 2025-12-08
A Reno resident lost $17,000 in an elaborate phone scam after searching online for Amazon Prime support and being redirected to scammers impersonating the FTC and Wells Fargo, who threatened legal action and demanded cryptocurrency deposits. Washoe County residents lost over $500,000 to bitcoin scams in 2023, prompting the sheriff's office to warn the public that legitimate businesses and government agencies never request payment in cryptocurrency and that scammers increasingly use personal information and threatening tactics to manipulate victims.
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.
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.
foxreno.com
· 2025-12-08
A Reno resident lost $17,000 in a phone scam that began with a fake Amazon Prime support call and escalated when scammers impersonating the FTC and Wells Fargo threatened legal action and convinced the victim to withdraw cash and convert it to cryptocurrency. Washoe County residents lost over $500,000 to bitcoin scams in 2023, and authorities warn that legitimate businesses and government agencies never request cryptocurrency payments, while scammers increasingly use personal information and threatening tactics to pressure victims.
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.
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.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
In Greater Manchester, 15,623 fraud cases were reported to Action Fraud in the past year, with online shopping/auction fraud being most common (3,100 cases), followed by advance fee fraud (1,500 cases). Notable cases included serial fraudster Cieran McNamara, who manipulated four women into sending over £300,000 through romance scams before being sentenced to seven years in prison, and a separate case where a man defrauded a woman of £50,000 on a widows' dating site. Other scams included pet fraud, concert ticket fraud, and designer goods schemes targeting victims through emotional manipulation and online platforms.
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
longisland.com
· 2025-12-08
A 94-year-old man in Valley Stream was defrauded of $246,968 in September 2022 after receiving a phone call from someone posing as a Publishers Clearing House representative who claimed he had won a prize but needed to pay taxes first. The victim wrote multiple cashier checks before realizing the scam and contacting police; after an investigation spanning nearly two years, 27-year-old Jamario Smellie of Brooklyn was arrested in April 2024 and charged with Grand Larceny in the second degree.
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.
ny1.com
· 2025-12-08
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez warned New Yorkers about "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scams, in which fraudsters lure victims through dating apps and group chat platforms into fake crypto investments, with documented losses ranging from $118,000 to $420,000 per victim and an estimated $3 billion stolen nationally in the past year. The DA's office has seized over 20 fraudulent crypto websites and domains that collectively defrauded victims of nearly $3 million, though law enforcement faces challenges in tracking perpetrators and recovering funds due to rapid cryptocurrency transfers and non-compliant exchanges. Officials urge victims to report crimes immediately, noting that actual case numbers are
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.
salemnews.net
· 2025-12-08
Columbiana County Sheriff's Office warns residents of a spoofing scam where criminals impersonate sheriff's deputies using the civil office phone number and real deputies' names, threatening arrest and demanding payment via cryptocurrency or gift cards. Sheriff Brian McLaughlin emphasizes that legitimate law enforcement will never request money for warrants or court dates, and advises residents to hang up and call the sheriff's office directly at 330-424-7255 if they receive such calls. One victim avoided losing money when she encountered the sheriff in person after a scammer directed her not to contact the office.
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
m.economictimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 65-year-old man in India lost over Rs 3 lakh after contacting a fake Swiggy customer service number found through a Google search to report an undelivered order; the scammers initially defrauded him of Rs 35,000, then exploited his attempt to recover the money by extracting his credit card details, cloning his SIM card, and gaining phone access to steal an additional amount. His son, an influencer, shared the incident on social media to raise awareness and sought assistance from Delhi Police, emphasizing the vulnerability of elderly, less tech-savvy individuals to such frauds. Swiggy clarified they do not operate an official customer care number
m.economictimes.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
A senior citizen in Delhi lost approximately Rs 3.35 lakh after searching Google for Swiggy's customer care number and calling a fraudulent number, initially losing Rs 35,000 and then having his SIM cloned and credit card details stolen by scammers. His son, Nikhil Chawla, raised awareness on social media and contacted Delhi Police, while Swiggy clarified they offer only in-app chat support and urged customers to report such fraudulent numbers to cybercrime authorities. The incident highlights the vulnerability of elderly populations to tech-enabled scams involving impersonation of legitimate service providers.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 43-year-old auto-rickshaw driver from Thane, India fell victim to an e-challan scam after receiving a text message about a traffic violation and installing a fraudulent app called Vahan Parivahan, resulting in unauthorized transactions of Rs 50,000 from his account despite deleting the app quickly. E-challan scams use phishing messages, fake websites, and malicious apps impersonating traffic authorities to steal personal financial information and login credentials from victims. To protect themselves, people should avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, verify traffic violations directly with official authorities, use only government websites ending in ".gov.
connexionfrance.com
· 2025-12-08
This article describes multiple fraud schemes targeting people in France, including overpayment scams where fraudsters pose as robbery victims to trick people into withdrawing cash on their behalf, and text message phishing scams impersonating official agencies like ANTAI (driving fine collection) and La Poste with fake links to fraudulent websites. The article also mentions that French authorities detected over 40,000 home renovation fraud cases in 2024 and notes that scammers often exploit victims' desire to help others or comply with authority by creating artificial urgency.
wiltsglosstandard.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Five elderly residents in Gloucestershire fell victim to courier fraud on April 2 when scammers impersonated police officers, claiming unauthorized bank card purchases had been made and instructing victims to withdraw cash and buy Euros to hand over to a "police courier" as evidence. The fraudsters used fake names and called local numbers, targeting victims with an average age of 79 years old. Gloucestershire police urge residents to warn elderly friends and relatives about this scam and report suspicious calls to stopthinkfraud.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS has identified six common tax scams proliferating before the April 15 filing deadline, including phishing/smishing, fraudulent Employee Retention Credit promoters, fake IRS account setup assistance, false fuel tax credit claims, misleading offer-in-compromise "mills," and fake charities. Scammers exploit fear and greed through unsolicited texts, emails, and calls impersonating the IRS—which the agency never does—and should be avoided by remembering that the IRS only initiates contact by mail, never requests payment information by phone, and never threatens legal action or guarantees refunds.
wbur.org
· 2025-12-08
"Pig-butchering" is a major online scam operation that has generated approximately $75 billion and involves criminals targeting vulnerable people through digital currency exploitation, human trafficking, and international crime networks operating from compounds in Southeast Asia. The scam uses sophisticated social engineering tactics and digital currency to defraud victims, with victims losing substantial sums while perpetrators operate across borders with connections to organized crime groups.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
A Hong Kong finance worker lost $25.6 million after being deceived in a video conference where the CFO and executives were entirely computer-generated deepfakes, representing a sophisticated AI-enabled fraud scheme. Criminals are increasingly weaponizing generative AI tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E to create convincing fake voices, videos, and identities for various scams including celebrity endorsement frauds, romance schemes, sextortion, and phishing emails. Experts warn that AI technology has dramatically lowered the barrier for fraud perpetration, enabling an "industrial revolution for fraud criminals" with potentially endless victims and losses.
abc7chicago.com
· 2025-12-08
A Naperville woman lost $2,000 to a sophisticated spoofing scam where fraudsters used caller ID technology to impersonate Chase Bank with the bank's actual phone numbers. The scammers claimed to protect her from fraud, obtained her trust by referencing her transaction history, and convinced her to share authentication codes sent to her phone, which they used to transfer $2,000 through the Zelle app. Banks never request personal information or authentication codes via unsolicited calls, and customers should hang up and call their bank directly using the number on their card if they suspect fraud.
adirondackdailyenterprise.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines common tax season scams and protection strategies. Scammers typically use fear, urgency, and money as tactics to trick taxpayers into sharing personal information or paying for fraudulent services, with identity theft being particularly prevalent—the IRS received 294,138 identity theft complaints in 2023, and victims wait an average of 19 months for resolution. Experts recommend verifying that contacts are genuinely from the IRS (which communicates only by mail), researching tax professionals through official directories, and avoiding unsolicited phone calls to prevent falling victim to these scams.
abc11.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI in North Carolina is warning consumers about a surging cryptocurrency investment scam that has cost North Carolina victims over $65 million in 2023, with investment fraud involving crypto rising 53% nationally from $2.57 billion in 2022 to $3.944 billion in 2023. Scammers use social media research and fake websites/apps to build trust with victims, displaying fake profits to encourage larger investments, then disappear with all funds when victims attempt major withdrawals. The FBI advises victims not to be embarrassed and to report scams quickly, though recovery is difficult since cryptocurrency is unregulated.
theverge.com
· 2025-12-08
Google is suing two app developers based in China and Hong Kong who allegedly uploaded 87 fraudulent cryptocurrency trading and investment apps to the Google Play Store, defrauding over 100,000 users of between $100 to tens of thousands of dollars each through "pig butchering" romance scams since at least 2019. The scheme involved fake initial contact messages that led victims to download the fraudulent apps, which displayed fake investment balances but prevented users from withdrawing their money. Google claims it suffered over $75,000 in damages investigating the fraud and is seeking to hold the developers accountable and recover unspecified damages.
sandiegouniontribune.com
· 2025-12-08
New York City authorities disrupted an online "pig butchering" cryptocurrency fraud operation that stole millions of dollars by gaining victims' trust through dating apps and social media, then directing them to fake investment platforms. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez seized 21 web domains used in the scheme; reported victims in Brooklyn alone lost over $4 million, with individual losses ranging from $22,680 to $118,000, though actual losses likely total billions nationally due to underreporting. Investigators traced stolen funds through multiple cryptocurrency addresses to foreign exchanges, with at least one perpetrator operating beyond U.S. jurisdiction.
veronapress.com
· 2025-12-08
On March 28, Verona Police arrested 23-year-old Jiale Yang after receiving an anonymous tip that he would commit elder fraud that afternoon; Yang falsely identified himself as an IRS agent and obtained $30,000 in cash from the victim, who had been deceived by a pop-up claiming her computer had a virus and directed her to "Apple Support" where she was told her money was involved in criminal activity. The article also outlines five common types of elder fraud schemes: grandparent scams, government impersonation scams, phishing scams (which increased from 114,702 reports in 2019 to 298,878 in 2
govtech.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2022, seniors aged 60 and older filed 88,262 fraud complaints resulting in $3.1 billion in losses, according to FBI data. Solano County responded to this spike by launching the Solano Senior Fraud Prevention Center (SolanoScamCenter.org) to educate residents and provide resources for fraud prevention and reporting, offering guidance on identifying government impersonation, social media scams, prize schemes, and urgent account compromise claims. The center provides contact information for filing reports with Adult Protective Services, law enforcement, and regulatory agencies to help victims respond and protect their finances.
cfodive.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS released its 2024 "Dirty Dozen" list of tax scams targeting both businesses and consumers, including questionable employee retention credit (ERC) claims, fraudulent fuel tax credit claims, and phishing scams designed to steal IRS account credentials. The IRS has already protected over $1 billion in revenue from erroneous ERC claims, while warning that unscrupulous preparers are misleading taxpayers about fuel eligibility and creating fictitious documents to support improper credits. Business owners and corporate officers who sign tax returns remain legally responsible for their accuracy, even if they relied on third-party preparers' advice.