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7,397 results in Robocall / Phone Scam
newsweek.com · 2025-12-07
In 2024, the FBI recorded 147,127 scam reports involving Americans age 60 and over, resulting in nearly $5 billion in stolen funds. Arizona had the highest rate of fraud complaints among seniors (88.3 per 100,000 people age 60+), followed by Indiana and Nevada, with imposter scams and tech support scams being the most common types. Experts note that seniors should be alert to unsolicited contacts, unusual payment methods, and pressure to act urgently, as scam attempts and underreporting vary significantly by state.
staysafeonline.org · 2025-12-07
Social Security scams, among the most common frauds targeting Americans, involve criminals impersonating SSA, OIG, or DOJ officials through phone, email, text, or social media to steal money or personal information. Red flags include claims of suspicious activity or benefit increases, pressure to act immediately, and requests for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers—methods the SSA will never use. Victims should hang up, avoid clicking links, never send money through untraceable methods, and report scams to SSA OIG, USA.gov, or the FBI's IC3 to protect themselves and others.
home.treasury.gov · 2025-12-07
In 2024, Americans lost over $10 billion to Southeast Asia-based cyber scams operated by transnational criminal organizations, representing a 66 percent increase from the prior year. The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned 19 scam centers across Burma and Cambodia that used forced labor, debt bondage, and violence to coerce workers into conducting romance and virtual currency investment scams targeting American victims. These operations typically lure victims with promises of romantic relationships or investment opportunities, then steal funds deposited on fraudulent platforms designed to mimic legitimate investment sites.
azcentral.com · 2025-12-07
While Google's systems weren't directly breached, criminals obtained publicly available Gmail user data through a compromised Salesforce tool, giving scammers validated lists of names, emails, and phone numbers to craft more convincing phishing and vishing attacks. The article recommends several protective measures: use unique 16+ character passwords, enable passkeys where available, maintain two-step verification, review third-party app access, and remain skeptical of urgent messages claiming to be from Google or other organizations. Users should also monitor their accounts regularly and verify unexpected requests through trusted communication channels rather than clicking links in messages.
justice.gov · 2025-12-07
Shengsheng He, a California man and co-owner of the Bahamas-based Axis Digital Limited, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for his role in an international digital asset investment scam that defrauded U.S. victims of more than $36.9 million. The conspiracy involved overseas scammers contacting victims through unsolicited social media and dating apps to solicit fraudulent digital asset investments, with stolen funds laundered through shell companies, international banks, and digital asset wallets connected to scam centers in Cambodia. He was ordered to pay $26,867,242.44 in restitution, and eight co-conspirators have ple
consumer.ftc.gov · 2025-12-07
Scammers use unsolicited voicemail and phone calls claiming recipients are "prequalified" for loans (such as a $52,000 loan in this example) to pressure them into revealing personal information like Social Security numbers or bank account details. The scam employs pressure tactics including urgency, fake caller IDs, multiple calls from different numbers, and offers to remove recipients from call lists if they call back. The article advises never calling back, using call-blocking services, and reporting suspicious calls to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
thenewsminute.com · 2025-12-07
Cybercrime police in Coimbatore alerted the public after nearly 50 residents fell victim to a scam where fraudsters impersonated online travel company customer service representatives to steal bank account access. A 60-year-old woman from Kerala lost Rs 18 lakh after fraudsters posed as travel app agents, directed her to download a malicious APK file that granted them remote access to her phone, and then obtained her banking credentials through a fake "test transaction." Police emphasized that legitimate travel platforms never request third-party app downloads or direct transfers and advised citizens to only use official websites and apps for cancellations and refunds.
observervoice.com · 2025-12-07
An Indian woman named Anjali lost 58.5 million rupees (approximately $663,390) in a sophisticated digital arrest scam where fraudsters impersonating law enforcement coerced her into liquidating her savings over five days. Her case exposes significant failures in banking security, as HDFC Bank failed to alert her despite abnormally large transactions, and funds were subsequently funneled through multiple bank accounts with minimal detection; Anjali has filed a complaint with India's consumer court against the banks for deficiency of service, and this case reflects a near tripling of such digital scams reported in India from 2022 to 2024 (123,000
ainvest.com · 2025-12-07
A cryptocurrency user lost approximately $180,000 through a phishing scam, part of a broader August 2025 trend where phishing attacks cost crypto users over $12 million and affected 15,230 victims, with a particularly sophisticated variant called EIP-7702 signature scams responsible for $5.6 million in losses. Scammers used deceptive emails and communications mimicking legitimate services to trick victims into signing fraudulent transactions that drained their funds. Protection measures include verifying URLs, using two-factor authentication, never sharing seed phrases or passwords, and remaining vigilant about suspicious communications.
news.abplive.com · 2025-12-07
A 64-year-old man in Mohali lost Rs 1.5 crore after clicking on a Facebook investment pop-up that redirected him to a fake trading group impersonating HDFC Securities and Upstox. The scammers used forged SEBI certificates and false CEO identities to build trust, initially showing him doubled returns on a small investment before requesting larger sums that were ultimately stolen. Authorities advise verifying company credentials through official channels, avoiding unsolicited investment groups, enabling two-factor authentication, and consulting certified financial advisors before investing.
kristv.com · 2025-12-07
Nueces County, Texas experienced five cyberattacks in July, with three resulting in approximately $2 million in losses, primarily through Business Email Compromise (BEC) schemes where fraudsters impersonate vendors to redirect payments to their accounts. BEC scams are among the top three fraud schemes targeting organizations, along with bill pay fraud and phishing emails, and can be prevented by verifying payment requests through official contact information rather than using details provided in suspicious communications.
presspubs.com · 2025-12-07
Internet scams targeting seniors and vulnerable populations are increasing, employing tactics such as impersonating government agencies via phone/email, compromising contacts through hacked accounts, creating deepfake audio/video, and romance scams on social media. Protection strategies include verifying contacts through known numbers, avoiding links and downloads from unknown sources, and reporting suspected scams to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or 1-877-FTC-HELP.
thealabamabaptist.org · 2025-12-07
Romance scams, increasingly prevalent on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, target vulnerable older adults—particularly widows and widowers—by creating fake identities to extract money and financial information. According to Advocating Against Romance Scammers (AARS), perpetrators use fabricated stories (such as being stranded overseas or in jail) to convince victims to send money, with one documented case involving a widow losing over $40,000. Scammers typically initiate contact on public platforms, move conversations to encrypted messaging apps to avoid law enforcement detection, and exploit emotional vulnerabilities and declining cognitive health in their victims.
ew.com · 2025-12-07
Netflix's docuseries "Love Con Revenge" features Cecilie Fjellhøy and private investigator Brianne Joseph exposing romance scams, with cases including Todd Dean (the "Selfie Scammer"), who defrauded at least eight women of tens of thousands of dollars for a fake wellness startup called Sanjara and was ordered to pay one victim $30,727.50 in court before filing for bankruptcy in December 2023, and Ricky Morrisey, who stole over $13,000 from victim Bridget Phillips while posing as a military veteran with a fabricated tragic backstory, resulting in fraud and larceny
wrif.com · 2025-12-07
Oakland County (Southeast Michigan) experienced a surge in scams targeting bank customers, renters, and seniors, according to AARP Scam Tracker data. Scammers used multiple tactics including fake bank calls claiming account breaches, fraudulent rental listings with stolen photos, impersonation of medical device sellers targeting seniors for credit card information, fake utility workers, and phishing emails promoting bogus antivirus software. Authorities recommend verifying information through official sources, never sharing personal details with unsolicited callers, and contacting Michigan's Attorney General (877-765-8388) or AARP's Fraud Watch (877-908-3360) for assistance.
cheapism.com · 2025-12-07
In 2024, Americans lost $12.5 billion to scams, with adults over 60 being frequent targets due to their savings, limited digital experience, and trust in official-sounding messages. Modern scammers employ sophisticated tactics like AI voice cloning and deepfake videos to impersonate loved ones and government agencies. The article provides ten practical tips for seniors to avoid scams, including not answering unknown numbers, never sharing personal information over the phone, recognizing pressure tactics, avoiding unusual payment methods, verifying identities through trusted sources, and enabling two-factor authentication on accounts.
Crypto Investment Scam Investment Fraud Inheritance Scam Government Impersonation Bank Impersonation Cryptocurrency Crypto ATM Wire Transfer Gift Cards Payment App
states.aarp.org · 2025-12-07
Americans lost $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, a 25% increase from the previous year, with older adults facing particular vulnerability. North Carolina's "Fraud Free Fridays" program offers free monthly educational sessions (broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube) covering emerging scams including cryptocurrency, AI fraud, and holiday schemes, while AARP's Fraud Watch Network provides resources, alerts, and guidance to help people recognize and report fraud in their communities.
phillyvoice.com · 2025-12-07
**Article Type:** Educational/Awareness Piece This educational article outlines common business fraud schemes targeting small business owners, including phony invoices, vendor impersonation, fake consultant services, and fraudulent online advertising schemes. The piece advises business owners to implement protective measures such as verifying vendor legitimacy, requiring multi-party invoice approval, avoiding signing blank documents, and recognizing urgency-based pressure tactics as red flags, noting that over 60% of businesses encountered scammers in 2024.
yahoo.com · 2025-12-07
An 85-year-old grandmother nearly fell victim to an imposter scam when scammers posing as her bank claimed she owed $50,000 in fraudulent charges, then connected her with someone impersonating an FTC official who pressured her to purchase prepaid debit cards for payment. According to the FTC, fraud losses for seniors have surged dramatically, with losses of $10,000 or more quadrupling between 2020 and 2024, as scammers exploit fear and use untraceable payment methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, and prepaid cards. Key protective measures include recognizing red flags such as unexpected contact from institutions, requests for unusual payment
states.aarp.org · 2025-12-07
Most modern scams are operated by organized international criminal networks that fund human trafficking and other violent crimes, making fraud prevention a matter of both personal and global safety. Key protective measures include blocking unknown callers, using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, freezing credit, and regularly monitoring credit reports. Victims should report fraud to local police and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center to help authorities combat these crimes and expose the true scale of the problem.
al.com · 2025-12-07
Cybercriminals are exploiting iCloud Calendar invites to send phishing emails that impersonate Apple's official servers, making fraudulent messages appear legitimate and bypass spam filters. Victims receive fake PayPal receipt notifications directing them to call a "support team," where scammers attempt to extract personal information to compromise accounts and steal money. Apple users are advised to delete unexpected calendar invites with suspicious messages and avoid responding to these phishing attempts.
foxnews.com · 2025-12-07
Criminals are exploiting QR codes by mailing unsolicited packages containing malicious QR codes that, when scanned, direct victims to fraudulent websites to steal personal and financial information or install malware on their devices. This evolved form of the traditional "brushing scam" takes advantage of people's curiosity about mystery packages and the difficulty in identifying suspicious codes before scanning. The FBI warns the public to avoid scanning QR codes from unknown sources and to use strong antivirus protection on mobile devices.
Tech Support Scam Phishing Robocall / Phone Scam Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency Check/Cashier's Check
victoriabuzz.com · 2025-12-07
An Oak Bay resident fell victim to a phone scam in September when a caller impersonating a Telus representative promised lower monthly bills and a free phone upgrade in exchange for sending their current device. The victim sent their phone but never received a replacement, with Telus later confirming the offer was fraudulent. Oak Bay police warn that this scam has been reported across Canada and advise residents to verify offers directly with their service provider before sending devices or personal information.
investopedia.com · 2025-12-07
Text message job scams have surged in recent years, with reported losses rising from $90 million in 2020 to $501 million by 2024. Contrary to expectations, younger Americans—particularly Gen Z (20%) and millennials (16%)—are more vulnerable to these scams than older generations, with young men being especially susceptible due to financial pressures, career inexperience, and the appeal of fast remote income. Among victims who engaged with scam texts, approximately 30% had money stolen from their accounts and 45% shared personal information with scammers.
sebastopoltimes.com · 2025-12-07
A Sebastopol resident, Shai Plonski, fell victim to a romance scam in 2022 that began on Facebook and involved a fake cryptocurrency trading app, resulting in financial loss. The scam is part of a larger trafficking operation where workers from underdeveloped countries are smuggled across borders, imprisoned, and forced under threat of violence to perpetrate romance scams (known as "pig butchering") to repay their traffickers. Plonski is now publicly sharing his experience through a YouTube video to help prevent others from becoming victims of these operations, which are often linked to organized crime and generate millions by exploiting both the trafficked workers and their romance scam victims
forbes.com · 2025-12-07
In February 2024, former U.S. Ambassador Cindy Dyer testified to the Senate about the connection between human trafficking abroad and romance scams targeting older Americans, noting that scam centers in Southeast Asia—particularly Cambodia—force trafficking victims to defraud Americans out of millions of dollars and life savings. The FTC estimated that Americans lost $158 billion to all fraud in 2023, with older Americans reporting $277 million in romance scam losses that year, though actual figures are likely much higher due to underreporting. Experts stress that international cooperation is essential to combat these overseas-based scams, but such efforts have been hindered by reduced foreign aid and weakened international all
dailyrecord.com · 2025-12-07
Scammers are spoofing caller ID to appear as Mount Olive Police Department, with callers impersonating Police Chief Michael Spitzer and requesting banking and personal information from residents. Police warn that legitimate officers never request personal information over the phone and advise residents to hang up immediately and verify any questionable calls by contacting the department directly at their official number.
aol.com · 2025-12-07
Americans lost $12.5 billion to scams in 2024, with adults over 60 being frequent targets due to their savings, limited digital experience, and trust in official-sounding communications. The article provides 10 protective strategies for seniors, including not answering unknown numbers, rejecting unsolicited calls from government agencies, never sharing personal information over the phone, resisting pressure tactics and unusual payment requests (gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency), verifying impersonators through independent sources, consulting trusted contacts before responding to suspicious requests, and enabling two-factor authentication on accounts.
Crypto Investment Scam Investment Fraud Inheritance Scam Government Impersonation Bank Impersonation Cryptocurrency Crypto ATM Wire Transfer Gift Cards Payment App
aarp.org · 2025-12-07
Affinity fraud and friendship scams represent an evolving variation of romance scams where criminals build false bonds with victims by claiming shared interests—such as hobbies, support groups, or online gaming—rather than romantic attraction, exploiting the trust that develops from perceived commonality. Recent victims reported to the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline lost $10,000 and over $100,000 respectively after scammers posed as friends and requested loans via Cash App, Bitcoin, and gift cards with no intent to repay. The scams typically begin with unsolicited contact on social media, friendship apps, or through wrong-number texts, after which perpetrators quickly attempt to establish rapport an
foxnews.com · 2025-12-07
This educational article explains why credit monitoring remains important for retirees and provides protective strategies against identity theft. Seniors lost $4.9 billion to scams in 2024, with scammers targeting retirees who neglect credit monitoring, as stolen identities can be used for loans, credit cards, or insurance applications. The article recommends four steps: monitor credit reports monthly (free weekly reports now available), place a fraud alert if suspicious activity occurs, freeze credit with all three bureaus for maximum protection, and secure personal data online.
upworthy.com · 2025-12-07
A Canadian bank teller prevented a senior citizen from losing $9,000 in a cryptocurrency investment scam. The elderly customer had clicked on a Facebook advertisement months earlier, deposited a few hundred dollars, and was now being told he needed to pay $9,000 upfront to access supposedly generated earnings of $90,000 USD—a classic advance-fee cryptocurrency fraud. The alert teller recognized the scam, showed the customer evidence from Reddit's scam community, and successfully convinced him not to proceed, limiting his actual loss to the initial small deposits.
ksl.com · 2025-12-07
A 20-year-old Colorado woman was charged in Utah with communications fraud, theft by deception, and impersonating a police officer after stealing approximately $1,800 from a Salt Lake County woman using a jury duty scam. The victim received a call from someone claiming to be a sheriff's deputy, threatening arrest for missed jury duty and demanding a fine, which the victim paid via phone transfer and Apple Pay. Investigators traced the financial accounts back to Lexi Navarrette Johnson, whose phone number and accounts matched those used in the scam.
wgal.com · 2025-12-07
UGI Utilities warned customers about scammers using sponsored online ads displaying fake phone numbers that appear when searching for UGI's contact information. When victims called these fraudulent numbers to report gas leaks, scammers attempted to convince them they needed to pay investigation fees, despite UGI never charging for gas leak inspections. The utility company advises customers to use the correct number (1-800-276-2722) or call 911 for gas emergencies, and to verify sponsored ads are legitimate before clicking.
6abc.com · 2025-12-07
Chinese national students in Philadelphia and across the United States have been targeted in an extortion scam in which fraudsters impersonate Chinese law enforcement officers, accuse victims of financial crimes, and demand payment ranging from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars via wire transfer or cryptocurrency. The FBI's Philadelphia Field Office has identified more than 100 victims in the Philadelphia region alone, with hundreds more affected nationwide, and scammers often isolate victims by instructing them not to speak about the alleged investigation and telling them to purchase new phones or relocate. The FBI advises students to hang up on such calls, contact 911 if threatened, and report suspicious activity to the Philadelphia FBI office or the Internet Crime Complaint Center
phillyvoice.com · 2025-12-07
**Article Type:** Educational/Awareness **Summary:** Over 60% of businesses fell victim to scams in 2024, with common frauds including phony invoices, vendor impersonation, fake business consultants, and advertising schemes that target business owners and their employees' financial information. Scammers exploit business automation, credit card processing, and growth opportunities through tactics like spoofed websites, fake testimonials, and demands for immediate payment. Businesses can protect themselves by verifying all communications, checking fine print on agreements, avoiding signing blank documents, and staying alert to red flags such as urgency and promises that seem too good to be true.
ag.ny.gov · 2025-12-07
New York Attorney General Letitia James warned of the "Phantom Hacker" scam, a three-phase coordinated fraud targeting seniors that has stolen over $1 billion since 2024 by impersonating banks and government agencies to gain remote computer access and convince victims to transfer retirement savings via wire, cash, or cryptocurrency. The scam begins with a fake security alert prompting victims to download malware, followed by impersonators claiming to be from the victim's bank and a government agency, creating a false sense of legitimacy to steal funds. The AG advises New Yorkers to avoid clicking unsolicited links, calling provided numbers, granting remote computer access, or transferring
wsmv.com · 2025-12-07
The Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky reported an uptick in "emergency scams" targeting families, particularly as college students return to campus. Scammers impersonate loved ones claiming urgent situations (arrests, accidents, medical emergencies) and request money, using voice-altering technology and social media details to make their pleas convincing. The BBB advises verifying requests by contacting loved ones directly, asking verification questions, and never sending money to unverified sources through payment apps, gift cards, or wire transfers.
koaa.com · 2025-12-07
A 77-year-old Colorado homeowner nearly fell victim to a refinancing scam after being contacted by fraudsters posing as a loan company. After providing personal documents and signing over 100 unread electronic documents, Owen became suspicious when the scammers valued his home at $180,000—six times higher than his bank's actual appraisal of $30,000—and halted the process before losing his home. The FTC recommends that anyone who has shared personal information with suspicious companies contact their bank, check credit reports, and report the incident to authorities.
bobbybones.iheart.com · 2025-12-07
Bobby nearly fell victim to a sophisticated impersonation scam when a caller posing as his bank requested personal financial information and attempted to gain remote access to his banking app through FaceTime, using details like his phone number and address to establish credibility. The article also describes a related border package scam targeting Lunchbox and advises that if any unsolicited call feels suspicious, individuals should independently verify requests with their bank or company rather than trusting caller information or timing.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com · 2025-12-07
In February 2024, 16-year-old Tejasvi Manoj from Frisco, Texas, was inspired to create Shield Seniors—a comprehensive cybersecurity platform—after her 85-year-old grandfather nearly fell victim to an email scam requesting $2,000 from a fake relative. According to FBI data, seniors face escalating threats, with fraud targeting individuals over 60 reaching $5 billion in losses in 2024, a 32% increase year-over-year. Shield Seniors offers educational resources, an AI-powered scam analyzer with 95% accuracy, a chatbot for cybersecurity questions, and reporting tools to help older adults
justice.gov · 2025-12-07
Eight members of a transnational money laundering conspiracy, seven Indian nationals and one Ohio resident, were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 2 to 6 years for laundering proceeds from "phantom hacker" fraud schemes that victimized residents across Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana between May and November 2023. The scam involved fraudsters falsely claiming victims' accounts were compromised, then impersonating law enforcement to pressure victims into transferring their life savings under the guise of account protection. The eight defendants were ordered to pay nearly $4 million in restitution to victims who lost their life savings.
the-sun.com · 2025-12-07
A 95-year-old North Carolina woman lost $18,000 to a door-to-door driveway repair scam in May, where a man falsely claimed to represent the city government and promised subsidized repairs; the work cracked immediately after completion. Brian Alexander Taulton, 57, was arrested in September after defrauding multiple elderly victims of over $100,000 combined through similar home repair schemes across multiple states, and is facing 22 felony charges including exploiting disabled/elderly persons and obtaining property by false pretense.
malwarebytes.com · 2025-12-07
An elderly woman from Hokkaido, Japan lost approximately 1 million yen (US$6,700) in a romance scam after a fraudster posing as a distressed astronaut contacted her on social media in July, gradually building trust before requesting money for "life-saving oxygen" through convenience store transfers. Police in Sapporo classified the case as a romance scam and warned residents of similar schemes. The article provides guidance on protecting oneself from romance scams, including avoiding money transfers to strangers, verifying profile pictures, recognizing red flags like platform-switching requests, and consulting trusted individuals before sharing personal information or funds.
the420.in · 2025-12-07
In February 2024, 16-year-old Tejasvi Manoj from Texas was inspired to act after her 85-year-old grandfather nearly fell victim to a $2,000 impersonation scam. She launched Shield Seniors, a web platform with AI-powered tools that help seniors recognize, analyze, and report online scams through educational resources, a chatbot, email/text analysis (95% accuracy), and direct reporting options. The initiative addresses a critical need, as seniors lost nearly $5 billion to online scams in 2024—a 32% increase from the previous year.
aol.com · 2025-12-07
Idaho's Attorney General warned of a surge in cryptocurrency ATM scams targeting seniors, with reported losses jumping from $19 million in 2023 to over $35 million in 2024. Scammers use fake tech support calls and government imposter schemes to trick victims into depositing cash at cryptocurrency ATMs located in gas stations and convenience stores, where transactions are untraceable and recovery is nearly impossible. One alert convenience store employee prevented two seniors from losing over $30,000 in a single week by unplugging the machine and calling police.
investopedia.com · 2025-12-07
This educational article warns seniors about Medicare scams that surge during fall open enrollment periods. Scammers impersonate Medicare or medical providers via phone calls to trick beneficiaries into revealing Social Security numbers, Medicare card numbers, and other personal information—which criminals use to submit fraudulent claims worth tens of thousands of dollars. The article advises that Medicare will never call unsolicited, recommends hanging up on suspicious callers, and directs victims to call 1-800-MEDICARE for assistance.
securityboulevard.com · 2025-12-07
The "Phantom Hacker" scam, which has stolen over $1 billion in the past year, uses a three-phase impersonation scheme targeting seniors and others by posing as tech support, financial institution, and government representatives to trick victims into transferring funds to fraudulent "safe" accounts via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or cash. The scam's effectiveness lies in its elaborate layering of trusted personas, remote computer access, and official-looking communications that convince victims to move money while remaining silent about the transactions. Experts warn that artificial intelligence will make such scams increasingly convincing and scalable, requiring stronger security controls at the vendor and service provider level to protect vulnerable populations.
nzherald.co.nz · 2025-12-07
An elderly couple in New Zealand lost tens of thousands of dollars after being contacted by phone and tricked into providing their PIN and placing their bank card in their mailbox for collection. Law enforcement and online safety experts described the scam as increasingly sophisticated, noting that scammers use psychological manipulation tactics and that anyone—not just older adults—can fall victim, though only about 17% of scam victims successfully recover their money. The incident highlighted the importance of technology education and warned against allowing family members to assist with online banking, as they may access sensitive information.
news.usps.com · 2025-12-07
The U.S. Postal Service is warning employees and contractors about smishing scams—text message-based cyberattacks where criminals impersonate USPS leadership to steal personal data by requesting credential verification through suspicious links. The advisory recommends employees avoid clicking links in unsolicited texts, be wary of messages from unknown numbers, and report suspicious communications to the Postal Inspection Service.
ksl.com · 2025-12-07
A 20-year-old Colorado woman, Lexi Navarrette Johnson, was charged in Utah with communications fraud, theft by deception, and impersonating a police officer after stealing approximately $1,800 from a Salt Lake County woman using a jury duty scam. Johnson called the victim claiming to be a sheriff's deputy, falsely stating she had missed jury duty and owed a $2,200 fine, threatening arrest if payment wasn't made immediately. Police traced the fraudulent phone number and associated Apple Pay account back to Johnson through a search warrant.