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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
An 87-year-old woman in Rochester, Minnesota lost $18,000 in a grandparent scam on February 22 when a caller impersonated her son, claimed to be in a car accident, and directed her to a fake attorney who demanded bail money. A man in a medical mask collected the cash from her home, and she only discovered the fraud after calling her actual son to verify. Police noted the in-person collection was unusual for phone scams, and without surveillance footage or a clear suspect description, identification was unlikely.
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
A Pune jobseeker lost Rs 2.5 lakh (approximately $3,000) after clicking a malicious link provided during a fake HR interview for a web3 company on Twitter/Discord, which installed malware that compromised his digital wallet and drained his cryptocurrency assets. The scammer posed as an HR representative, built rapport through legitimate-seeming technical interviews, then directed him to download what he believed was an internal communication app. Jobseekers should verify company authenticity through official channels, avoid downloading files from unverified sources, and be skeptical of unsolicited offers on social media.
news18.com
· 2025-12-08
A 22-year-old Pune product designer and cryptocurrency trader lost Rs 2.5 lakh (approximately $3,000) after a fake employer contacted him on Twitter with a job offer, then directed him to download what was presented as an internal communication app but was actually spyware that drained his cryptocurrency wallet. The scammer, using the handle 'crankybugatti,' initially built credibility by conducting design interviews on Discord before sending a malicious app link through a fake HR representative. The victim has since raised awareness about the scam on social media and advised others to verify employment offers and avoid downloading applications from unverified sources.
soyacincau.com
· 2025-12-08
A 57-year-old Malaysian civil servant nearly lost her life savings of RM150,000 to a phone scam in which fraudsters impersonated Maybank and government officials, instructing her to withdraw cash for alleged unauthorized transactions and mule account activities. A quick-thinking Maybank branch manager recognized the scam during the withdrawal and froze the victim's accounts, preventing the loss. The incident highlights the importance of bank staff vigilance and customer awareness of common scam tactics, particularly unsolicited calls requesting personal banking information or fund transfers to unknown accounts.
thepointsguy.com
· 2025-12-08
Advances in technology and social engineering are enabling sophisticated scams that cost consumers billions of dollars annually. Visa's 2024 Threats Report identifies four major scams on the rise, including pig butchering (romance) scams where fraudsters use AI and deepfake technology to build trust with victims over weeks or months before convincing them to invest in fake cryptocurrency platforms—affecting 10% of surveyed adults and resulting in billions in losses. The report notes that beyond financial victims, these scams often involve human trafficking victims forced to participate in the fraud operations.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Social Security scams targeting the 68 million American beneficiaries use five common tactics: impersonating SSA officials to steal personal information, falsely claiming benefits have been suspended, alleging overpayment and threatening legal action, promising automatic benefit increases that require activation, and offering fraudulent investment schemes to multiply benefits. The Social Security Administration advises recognizing scams by the four "P"s—scammers pretend to be official, present problems or prizes, pressure immediate action, and request specific payment methods—and remembers that SSA will never threaten arrest, demand personal information to activate benefits, or pressure immediate payment.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
IRS impostor scams peak during tax season, with consumers reporting $5.8 million in losses in 2023, typically initiated through robocalls using spoofed caller IDs that appear legitimate. Scammers demand payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency for alleged back taxes under threat of arrest, or pose as the IRS offering refunds to steal personal information like Social Security numbers and bank details. The key defense is to never trust unsolicited IRS contact, regardless of personal information the caller may possess, and instead verify any tax-related communication through official IRS channels or trusted contact information.
sequimgazette.com
· 2025-12-08
The Sequim Police Department warned residents about IRS impersonation scams, where fraudsters contact people by phone, mail, or email demanding tax payments and personal information. Thousands of people have lost millions of dollars to these scams, and residents are advised to hang up on suspicious calls, avoid sharing personal information, and report suspected scams through the Washington State Attorney General's Office website.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers continue sending fraudulent text messages to Illinois drivers claiming unpaid tolls of $12 with pending $50 late fees and directing them to fake websites to collect credit card and bank account information, even after authorities shut down the original website. The Illinois Tollway and federal authorities have been working to stop the scheme, but the automated texts persist as scammers use a "shotgun approach" sending mass messages hoping a small percentage of recipients will fall victim. The FTC reports that imposter scams like this remain a top fraud category, with scammers increasingly favoring text messages and emails over phone calls to initiate schemes.
moneyweek.com
· 2025-12-08
Online purchase scams are increasing significantly, with Santander customers losing £7.3 million in 2023 (a 32% increase from 2022) to fraudsters posing as sellers on online marketplaces, with an average loss of £500 per victim. To protect yourself, remain vigilant for red flags such as pushy sellers, fake or missing images, prices that seem too good to be true, and unprotected payment methods, as sophisticated scammers increasingly use AI to create convincing fraudulent listings for high-demand items like smartphones, gaming consoles, and collectibles.
cbs2iowa.com
· 2025-12-08
Law enforcement in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is warning seniors about an evolving "grandparent scam" that uses AI to impersonate distressed relatives and manipulate victims into withdrawing large cash amounts, sometimes picked up by couriers posing as family members. Scammers use social media information and spoofed phone numbers or deepfake voices to create urgency and pressure victims to act quickly without verification. Police recommend establishing a family password system for emergencies, verifying unexpected requests by calling trusted contacts directly, and reporting suspected fraud to the Federal Trade Commission.
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
A 41-year-old man from Thane, India lost Rs 50,000 after downloading a fraudulent app disguised as the legitimate "Vahan Parivahan" e-challan payment application, which he installed after receiving a fake text message claiming to be from Panvel Traffic Police about a traffic violation. The scammers gained unauthorized access to his bank account and conducted multiple transactions without requiring him to share his OTP, draining Rs 50,000 before he realized the fraud and uninstalled the app. Police registered a case under the Information Technology Act for identity theft and cheating by personation, and advised the public to verify official communications through legitimate channels rather than
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
AARP South Carolina is launching a fraud prevention education initiative to help members protect themselves from financial exploitation. The organization offers resources on preventing elder abuse, identifying Medicare and veterans scams, and evaluating suspicious calls at aarp.org/scfraud, along with a series of upcoming fraud prevention events featuring former prosecutor Paul Greenwood, who specializes in elder fraud cases.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
An 83-year-old Marin County, California woman lost $30,000 in a phone scam where a caller impersonated her bank's fraud department and convinced her to withdraw cash, which was then collected from her home by the scammer. The suspect, Hao Canh Diep, was apprehended when he attempted to target the woman again for an additional $25,000, and he was charged with financial elder abuse and grand theft. The article also highlights a separate check-washing scam that defrauded a Massachusetts business owner of $13,000 and provides general tips for avoiding scams.
ny1.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines common tax season scams and protection strategies. Scammers typically use fear, urgency, and financial incentives to trick taxpayers into sharing personal information or money, with identity theft being particularly prevalent—the IRS received 294,138 identity theft complaints in 2023, leaving victims waiting an average of 19 months for refund processing. Experts recommend verifying the legitimacy of tax professionals, remembering that the IRS contacts people only via official mail and websites, and avoiding sharing personal information with unsolicited callers.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
During tax season, scammers commonly target taxpayers through identity theft, impersonation, and fake tax preparers, exploiting fear, urgency, and promises of money to trick victims into sharing personal information or paying fees. The IRS received 294,138 identity theft complaints in 2023, with affected taxpayers waiting an average of 19 months for refund processing. To protect yourself, recognize scammer tactics, verify that contact from the IRS comes only via physical mail, research tax professionals through official directories, and avoid sharing information with unknown callers.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
This article outlines two prevalent online scams and how to avoid them. The first involves fraudsters sending fake wire instructions via spoofed email addresses during real estate transactions, causing victims to transfer hundreds of thousands or millions to criminal accounts; the second uses spoofed phone calls or emails impersonating legitimate banks to trick people into logging into fake websites or revealing two-factor authentication codes, compromising their accounts. The article recommends countering these scams by enabling two-factor authentication, confirming wire instructions verbally rather than via email, and never responding to unsolicited calls or emails—instead calling the official number on your card or account statement.
thereporter.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2022, people aged 60 and older filed 88,262 fraud complaints with the FBI resulting in $3.1 billion in losses. Solano County launched the Solano Senior Fraud Prevention Center (SolanoScamCenter.org) to combat a spike in scams targeting local seniors and provide resources for victims and their families. The center offers prevention tips including verifying government communications, identifying fake social media identities and sweetheart scams, skepticism toward prize offers, caution about urgent account compromise notices, and regular financial monitoring, along with reporting resources and assistance from Adult Protective Services.
wnem.com
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel visited the Flint Association of the Deaf to warn senior citizens, particularly deaf and hard of hearing individuals, about common scams. The most prevalent scams involve fraudsters impersonating banks, credit unions, or utility companies to steal credit card and bank account information, and Nessel advised never trusting caller ID and instead calling back using verified phone numbers. She emphasized that vulnerable populations across all communities are targeted and urged residents to contact the Michigan Department of Attorney General at 1-877-765-8388 or file online complaints if they suspect scam activity.
newswire.lk
· 2025-12-08
A Melbourne woman in her 60s was prevented from losing $2,000 to a romance scam when a NAB bank employee identified red flags—including her inability to name the supposed recipient, increasingly coercive messages, and a timely call from the scammer during the transaction. The employee's intervention saved her from joining hundreds of Australians who lost approximately $40 million to romance scams in the previous year, with NAB reporting a 29 percent year-on-year increase in romance scam reports.
gettysburgconnection.org
· 2025-12-08
This educational article defines scams as trust-based fraud exploiting victims' emotions and provides practical defense strategies against common schemes. According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers lost over $10 billion to fraud in 2023 (a 14% increase from 2022), with imposter scams and email being the most prevalent fraud type and contact method respectively. Key warning signs include unsolicited calls using spoofed numbers, requests for unusual payment methods (cash, gift cards, cryptocurrency), and high-pressure tactics designed to trigger fear and override critical thinking.
patriotledger.com
· 2025-12-08
A 77-year-old Hingham woman lost $9,500 to a grandparent scam in which a caller impersonated her grandson, claiming he needed money for hospital bills after a car accident, then a fake federal agent arranged for a driver to pick up the cash from her home. When the scammer called requesting an additional $5,000 the next day, the woman became suspicious and contacted police, who intercepted the second pickup and arrested no one, though the investigation remains ongoing.
newstalk870.am
· 2025-12-08
The Benton County Sheriff's Office warns residents of an ongoing phone and text scam where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officers claiming to be captains with urgent matters requiring payment. The scammers use spoofed phone numbers and automated systems that mimic the sheriff's office to trick victims into calling back and providing personal or financial information. Law enforcement agencies never contact citizens by phone or text requesting money, and residents should never click suspicious links or provide banking information to unknown callers.
techlicious.com
· 2025-12-08
According to Hiya's State of the Call report, the average consumer wastes 9 minutes per week on spam calls, totaling 7.6 hours annually, while those who fell victim to phone scams lost an average of $2,257 in 2023—a significant increase from $360 in 2022. The article recommends protecting yourself by avoiding calls from unknown numbers, never sharing personal or financial information over the phone, and using call blocking apps like Robokiller, Hiya, or Truecaller to filter scam calls.
ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, impersonation scams targeting consumers reported more than 330,000 business and nearly 160,000 government impersonation cases to the FTC, resulting in combined losses exceeding $1.1 billion—more than triple the losses from 2020. Scammers have evolved their tactics, shifting from phone calls to text and email communications, increasingly requesting payment through bank transfers and cryptocurrency, and often impersonating multiple organizations within a single scam. The five most common impersonation scams include fake account security alerts, bogus subscription renewals, fraudulent giveaways or government money offers, false legal threats, and fake package delivery notifications—all designed to
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are increasingly using AI technology, including deepfake videos, to impersonate celebrities and defraud fans by offering fake personal connections, VIP access, investment opportunities, or charity support. Victims should be cautious of unsolicited celebrity contact on social media or messaging platforms, as legitimate celebrity interactions are rare, and should report suspected scams to local law enforcement or AARP's Fraud Watch Network.
kiplinger.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax season brings heightened risk of scams including "smishing" (phishing via text messages), where scammers impersonate the IRS to trick taxpayers into revealing Social Security numbers and financial information through urgent messages and malicious links. The IRS recommends verifying sender identity through independent communication methods, enabling multi-factor authentication, and remaining skeptical of unsolicited emails or texts, particularly those claiming to be from tax agencies or requesting sensitive information, as the IRS never initiates contact via email, text, or social media.
therecord.media
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, impersonation scams cost victims approximately $1.1 billion—more than triple the 2020 losses—according to FTC data reporting 330,000 business impersonation cases and 160,000 government impersonation cases. The delivery method has shifted, with text messages and emails now accounting for 40 percent of reported scams compared to phone calls (32 percent), and scammers increasingly impersonating multiple organizations within a single fraud targeting fake account alerts, subscription renewals, prizes, and law enforcement impersonation.
ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
A new Federal Trade Commission rule targeting government and business impersonation scams took effect, as data revealed these frauds generated $1.1 billion in reported losses in 2023—more than three times 2020 losses. The five most common tactics include fake account security alerts, phony subscription renewals, bogus giveaways, fabricated legal threats, and false package delivery issues, with scammers increasingly using text and email rather than phone calls and preferring bank transfers (40% of losses) and cryptocurrency (21% of losses) as payment methods.
wftv.com
· 2025-12-08
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody warned residents about tax debt relief scams targeting the millions of taxpayers owing the IRS money, as scammers contact victims via email, phone, text, and mail claiming to offer special programs or insider knowledge to negotiate reduced tax settlements. The scammers use high-pressure tactics and promise to settle debts for pennies on the dollar, seeking to exploit victims' financial stress during tax season. Moody advised Floridians to contact the IRS directly, verify any company's legitimacy through research, ignore unsolicited communications, protect personal information, and consult with trusted tax professionals before engaging with relief offers.
theweek.com
· 2025-12-08
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) has defrauded U.S. timeshare owners of $288 million over five years through a sophisticated scam operating from Mexican call centers in Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, and Acapulco. Scammers posing as sales representatives contact timeshare owners offering to buy back their properties, then demand upfront fees for listing, taxes, or government fines, with victims wiring hundreds of thousands of dollars before realizing the fraud. The U.S. Treasury Department and FBI have issued warnings about the scheme, which particularly targets elderly U.S. citizens and relies on English-speaking operators,
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
San Diego County Deputy District Attorney Scott Pirrello leads an Elder Abuse Unit that has partnered with the FBI and other agencies through the Elder Justice Task Force to combat elder financial fraud, which resulted in approximately $97 million in losses in San Diego County alone in 2023. The unit prosecutes cases ranging from grandparent scams to tech-support fraud, such as a 2023 case where a 22-year-old man stole over $200,000 from a 65-year-old woman through a fake Microsoft pop-up and fraudulent Chase Bank calls. While reported losses nationwide exceeded $1.6 billion in 2022 for adults
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Two retired Georgia law enforcement veterans with combined 75+ years of experience—Joe Gavalis and Dan Flynn—volunteer with the North Georgia Elder Abuse Task Force Foundation to combat elder fraud through training, education, and prevention work. They have facilitated over 60 law enforcement trainings and reached approximately 8,000 older adults with fraud prevention presentations covering common scams like credit card fraud, grandparent scams, and romance schemes. Their work addresses a critical gap, as Americans reported 2.6 million fraud incidents in 2023 with $10 billion in losses, with elder victims often experiencing catastrophic financial impact.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Illinois State Police Trooper Jason Wilson and AARP Illinois are working to combat fraud in the state, where consumers reported $244.7 million in losses to fraud in 2023. Wilson highlights common scams like phishing emails and fake refund schemes, and recommends preventative measures including not engaging with unknown callers, avoiding suspicious links, using two-factor authentication, and reporting crimes despite potential embarrassment. AARP Illinois is offering a five-part online fraud prevention series with expert speakers to educate the public on recognizing and avoiding elder fraud.
amac.us
· 2025-12-08
Medicare scams involve fraudsters impersonating government representatives to trick older Americans into providing personally identifiable information such as Social Security numbers, Medicare numbers, and bank account details. Common schemes include false refund offers, free medical equipment promotions, and new card notifications, with government impersonation fraud losses exceeding $136 million in 2022 alone. To protect themselves, Medicare enrollees should verify caller identity through official channels and never provide personal or financial information in response to unsolicited contacts.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell established a new Elder Justice Unit to combat the frequent and pervasive fraud targeting older residents, with director Mary Freeley coordinating resources across multiple bureaus to enhance prosecution and education. In 2023, Massachusetts consumers reported over 87,000 fraud cases resulting in $142.3 million in losses, though experts note significant underreporting due to shame and lack of awareness. Common scams include impostor fraud targeting bank and government agency impersonation, grandparent scams, and cryptocurrency schemes, with prevention experts recommending victims slow down and avoid emotional reactions that bypass logical thinking.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Shannon and Kit Abell are retired professionals in Roanoke County, Virginia who volunteer as fraud prevention educators through the Triad program, a partnership between AARP, law enforcement, and community groups designed to reduce crime against older adults. Shannon delivered 52 fraud prevention presentations in 2023 covering scams such as romance fraud, identity theft, and grandparent scams, while the Triad program has expanded from over 200 Virginia locations at its peak to 59 chapters, with AARP and state officials working to revitalize participation. The program emphasizes peer-to-peer education and local law enforcement involvement to build community trust and help victims connect with appropriate resources.
news.trendmicro.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines emerging AI-enabled scams targeting the public, including deepfake celebrity giveaway scams, AI voice cloning used to impersonate family members or demand ransom for kidnapped children, and deepfake video attacks on business platforms like Microsoft Teams (with one Hong Kong firm losing $25 million to fraudsters impersonating their CFO). The article advises consumers to verify collaborations through official websites and social media accounts and warns of AI-generated fake news and romance scams as additional threats.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
A couple in Derbyshire listed a £700 gaming laptop on Facebook Marketplace and were scammed by a man who posed as a genuine buyer, gained their trust by visiting their home and meeting their newborn daughter, then used a fake banking app to trick the husband into providing his bank details before leaving with the laptop and blocking contact. Reports to Action Fraud show Facebook Marketplace scams have surged dramatically, from 4,923 complaints in 2019 to 20,735 in the most recent year, with scammers using tactics like building rapport, fake urgency, and emotional manipulation to deceive victims.
trendmicro.com
· 2025-12-08
AI-generated deepfakes and voice cloning technology are increasingly being exploited by scammers to perpetrate fraud against unsuspecting victims. Common schemes include fake celebrity giveaways using deepfake videos, voice cloning to impersonate family members or authority figures for ransom demands and the "grandparent scam," and impersonation attacks via business platforms like Microsoft Teams and WhatsApp that have resulted in significant financial losses (including a $25 million case involving a deepfake CFO). Victims should verify collaborations through official websites and social media accounts, be cautious of unsolicited messages requesting meetings, and report suspicious activity to authorities.
fallriverreporter.com
· 2025-12-08
A 77-year-old Massachusetts woman lost $9,500 to a "grandparent scam" in which a caller claimed to be her grandson in need of emergency cash for a car accident involving a pregnant woman. When scammers attempted to extract an additional $5,000 by impersonating a federal agent, the victim became suspicious and contacted police, who intercepted the second pickup and apprehended the driver (who was unknowingly hired through a ride-share app). The case remains under investigation, and police are urging public awareness to help prevent this common scheme targeting seniors.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
East Haven, Connecticut residents were warned about a lottery scam sent via mail claiming they won $500,000 from "Global Link Lottery Inc." and enclosing a fraudulent $6,985 check supposedly for taxes and fees. The scam instructed recipients to call a number to claim their winnings, but police warned that the check is fraudulent and cashing it would make the recipient liable for the lost funds, while calling the number could result in identity theft.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece identifies five key indicators of scam websites: unnatural or misspelled URLs that resemble legitimate sites, missing HTTPS security and untrusted certificates, unrealistically low prices with limited payment options, unprofessional content with poor grammar and low-quality images, and negative reviews or absent contact information. Consumers should verify website legitimacy through these checks before making purchases or sharing personal information online.
sourceofthespring.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Marshals Service warned against scammers impersonating law enforcement officials who use spoofed government phone numbers, fake badge numbers, and names of real judges to demand payment via Bitcoin ATMs, claiming victims face arrest for identity theft or missed jury duty. The agency clarified that legitimate marshals never demand payment by phone or request financial information, credit card numbers, or wire transfers. Victims should report incidents to the Federal Trade Commission and local law enforcement.
uk.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Suzanne Famula, 39, was defrauded of £20,810 by Christopher Harris, 41, whom she met on the dating app Hinge in November 2020. Harris used a romance scam scheme, repeatedly claiming he had serious health conditions and requesting money for medical expenses, mortgage payments, and bills over their five-month relationship. Harris was sentenced to 30 months in prison in February 2023 after pleading guilty to fraud by false representation, and Famula is now campaigning to establish romance fraud as a specific criminal offense with dedicated victim support.
7news.com.au
· 2025-12-08
A woman in her 60s was stopped from sending A$2,000 to a scammer posing as her Turkish boyfriend after a quick-thinking NAB bank teller noticed red flags in her story—including that she couldn't name her "boyfriend," had never met him, and was being directed to send money to a stranger in Sydney instead. The scammer had created an emotional narrative about needing money for medical treatment in the UK, with an increasingly coercive tone, and even called during the transaction to pressure her. NAB reported a 29% increase in romance scam complaints, with Australians losing an estimated A$40 million to such scams in 2023, with those
shawlocal.com
· 2025-12-08
This letter describes two scams targeting consumers: fake purchase confirmation emails with suspicious attachments designed to trick recipients into clicking links or opening files, and phone impersonators claiming to be from medical facilities who request personal information to "update patient profiles" and likely file fraudulent insurance claims. The writer advises deleting suspicious emails without opening attachments, monitoring bank accounts regularly, and never providing personal information to unsolicited callers—particularly warning that elderly patients with frequent medical visits are vulnerable targets.
straitstimes.com
· 2025-12-08
At 64, Madam Esah Ali is a tech-savvy senior who narrowly avoided a scam four years ago when a fraudster impersonated an immigration officer requesting payment for a purported overseas parcel. Motivated by this experience, she joined Project PRAISE, a Singapore Police Force and RSVP partnership, and now conducts anti-scam awareness presentations to seniors at community centers, emphasizing the importance of not sharing personal information online and warning that even IT-savvy individuals can fall victim to scams. In 2023 alone, Singapore reported over 46,000 scam cases resulting in losses exceeding $650 million.
boston.com
· 2025-12-08
A 77-year-old Hingham woman lost $9,500 in a "grandparent scam" after receiving a call from someone claiming to be her grandson who needed money for a pregnant woman's medical expenses; a second caller posing as a federal agent arranged for pickup via a ride-share driver. The victim became suspicious when the scammer called again requesting an additional $5,000, prompting her to contact police, who apprehended the ride-share driver (who was unaware of the scam and faced no charges). Hingham police note that grandparent scams remain common and increasingly sophisticated, with scammers using personal information from social media and even AI voice-cloning technology
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
Wells Fargo customer Julia Gibson lost $2,500 through a Zelle scam after fraudsters impersonated bank employees and convinced her to transfer funds; she initially received a provisional credit but the bank later reversed it, leaving her account at $0 with overdraft fees. The article notes that scammers use Zelle and similar money-transfer apps because transactions cannot be reversed once sent, and banks often fail to reimburse victims since customers technically authorize the transfers themselves. Key prevention advice includes being skeptical of urgent requests, never sending money to unknown contacts, and knowing that legitimate banks will never ask customers to send funds via Zelle or to overseas accounts.