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in Scam Awareness
fox8live.com
· 2025-12-08
A 75-year-old Louisiana woman fell victim to a Social Security Administration impersonation scam after receiving fraudulent mail claiming she needed to submit personal information by March 28 to maintain her benefits. The fake letters, which contained grammatical errors and inconsistent fonts, prompted her sister to warn others after discovering the scam. According to the Better Business Bureau, seniors aged 65+ are frequent targets of these scams, with over 260,000 people reporting Social Security-related fraud last year, making it the most impersonated government agency by scammers.
almanacnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Police in the San Francisco Bay Area arrested two suspects in separate elder fraud schemes targeting elderly residents in mid-April. A 22-year-old San Jose man was arrested for allegedly scamming a 77-year-old Menlo Park resident out of $35,000 through text messages impersonating a major retailer and federal agency, while a 57-year-old woman was arrested before completing a PayPal impersonation scam in Atherton that targeted $15,000. Both suspects were booked into San Mateo County Jail on charges including elder abuse and theft by false pretenses, with authorities urging residents to avoid clicking unknown links, sharing personal details, or
wifr.com
· 2025-12-08
As the May 7, 2025 REAL ID deadline approaches, the Better Business Bureau warns consumers to watch for identity theft scams where fraudsters pose as government officials and create fake websites to steal personal information. Scammers use deceptive calls, texts, and emails claiming to help people obtain REAL ID compliance, but legitimate government agencies do not contact citizens unsolicited about REAL IDs. Consumers should avoid suspicious links, refuse to share personal information with unknown sources, and be skeptical of misspelled messages or urgent demands.
wrbiradio.com
· 2025-12-08
Indiana State Police warned the public about text and email scams impersonating legitimate companies like PayPal, Geek Squad, and McAfee, where scammers attempt to trick recipients into calling back and divulging personal information or granting computer access. Sgt. Stephen Wheeles advises recipients of suspicious messages to verify the sender independently, research before responding, and look for red flags in supposedly legitimate communications.
komonews.com
· 2025-12-08
**Tariff Scams Target Consumers and Businesses**
Scammers are exploiting market confusion surrounding tariffs through phishing emails, fake websites, and fraudulent investment schemes targeting consumers and small businesses. Common tactics include impersonating government officials or freight companies to demand immediate payment for fake "tariff fees," with scammers taking advantage of people's heightened emotional states during economic uncertainty. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to verify contact information independently, avoid clicking unsolicited links, and remember that individuals do not pay tariffs directly—any such demand is a scam.
nbcchicago.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warned of a surge in Real ID scams as the May 7 deadline approached, with fraudsters using phone calls, text messages, emails, and fake websites to impersonate government officials and steal personal information. These scams exploited the urgency of the federally mandated deadline to trick victims into revealing sensitive data that could be used for identity theft and financial fraud. The BBB emphasized that legitimate government agencies do not contact people unsolicited about Real IDs and advised individuals to watch for suspicious URLs and messages.
ksby.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Americans reported losing $470 million to text message scams, with the Federal Trade Commission identifying fake package delivery alerts as the most common type, followed by fraudulent bank alerts, fake toll warnings, and "wrong number" scams that often escalate into romantic and investment schemes. Other prevalent scams include task scams that promise online work but ultimately solicit personal investments from victims.
cnn.com
· 2025-12-08
Over 60,000 complaints were filed with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center about unpaid toll text scams, with scammers using location data and fake domains to impersonate state toll services and trick recipients into clicking malicious links. One Massachusetts resident received both legitimate and fraudulent toll texts, ultimately falling victim to confusion between the two and facing collection agency action before resolving the debt. The FBI advises people to avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, verify company contact information independently, and recognize that legitimate toll agencies do not request payments via text.
ic3.gov
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns of an ongoing impersonation scam in which criminals pose as Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) employees to defraud victims, with over 100 reports received between December 2023 and February 2025. Scammers contact victims via email, phone, social media, or forums claiming to recover previously lost funds, then use this pretext to extract financial information and revictimize them. The FBI emphasizes that it never initiates contact with individuals through these channels, does not request payment for fund recovery, and urges victims to report suspicious activity to ic3.gov or the DOJ Elder Justice Hotline.
pahouse.com
· 2025-12-08
State Rep. Leanne Krueger is hosting "Scam Jam," a free educational event on April 25, 2025, in Aston, Pennsylvania, where residents can learn fraud prevention from experts including the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities, Delaware County District Attorney's Office, and AARP Pennsylvania. The two-hour seminar will cover recent elder abuse cases, common community scams, investment fraud, mail fraud, and check washing, with interactive games and resources to help attendees recognize and prevent scams targeting seniors and other residents.
almanacnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Two separate elder fraud cases were arrested in the San Francisco Bay Area in April: a 22-year-old San Jose man was arrested for allegedly scamming a 77-year-old Menlo Park resident out of $35,000 through a text message impersonating an online retailer and federal agency that threatened prison time, and a 57-year-old woman was arrested in Atherton for attempting to impersonate a PayPal representative to extract $15,000 from an elderly resident (though cash was intercepted before being handed over). Both suspects were booked on charges including theft by false pretenses and elder abuse, with authorities advising residents to avoid clicking unknown links,
m.economictimes.com
· 2025-12-08
The Indian Embassy in Myanmar repatriated four additional Indian nationals who were victims of cyber-scam operations in Myawaddy, bringing the total number of repatriated victims to 36 as of mid-April. The Embassy issued warnings against accepting fraudulent job offers and crossing the Myanmar-Thailand border without proper immigration procedures, which can result in future entry restrictions. Myawaddy has become a major scam hub exploiting vulnerable job seekers through illegal border crossings and unauthorized access to communications infrastructure.
kenyans.co.ke
· 2025-12-08
A 69-year-old British man lost his life savings of £85,000 (Ksh14.5 million) to a romance scam involving a fake Kenyan woman named "Anita" whom he met online and agreed to marry. After traveling to Kenya to meet her, he found she did not exist, and upon returning to the UK, he spent six weeks homeless before eventually securing housing dependent on his pension. The case highlights rising romance fraud cases, which increased over 60 percent between 2019 and 2023 in England and Wales, with the victim criticizing his banks for insufficient fraud protections despite acknowledging his own vulnerability to the scheme.
mirror.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
One in eight romance scam victims are in an existing relationship when they fall victim to fraudsters, according to research by the National Fraud Helpline, with the vast majority meeting scammers on dating sites like Match.com and Tinder. Scammers typically target vulnerable individuals by building emotional connections over months before requesting money through elaborate false scenarios. A 68-year-old retired care worker was defrauded of £22,000 by a scammer posing as a widower from Cambridge, who used stolen photographs and fabricated emergencies to manipulate her into sending money between June and November.
punchng.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Olufemi Ojaleye, a Nigerian national, won his deportation appeal after serving seven years in a UK prison for orchestrating a sophisticated fraud scheme that stole between £2,000 and £50,000 from COVID-19 Bounce Back loans intended for small businesses. The Upper Tier Tribunal approved his appeal to remain in the UK based on claims that deporting him would cause undue hardship to his two autistic children who require significant daily support. This case represents a second recent instance of a Nigerian fraud convict successfully avoiding deportation through human rights grounds, following another case involving an £200,000 romance scam perpetrator.
kdhlradio.com
· 2025-12-08
Phishing scams, particularly fake shipping notices impersonating UPS, are the most common fraud targeting Minnesotans, with 69 percent of state residents reporting low confidence in spotting such attempts. One in five Minnesotans have received localized phishing messages that reference nearby towns or businesses, making them increasingly difficult to distinguish from legitimate communications. The article advises consumers to verify deliveries directly through official websites, avoid clicking suspicious links, and be wary of urgent language and requests for personal information.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
An Ojai, California resident lost his life savings after scammers posing as U.S. Marshals Service agents called him and instructed him to send money to an out-of-state location. The Ventura County Sheriff's Office issued a warning about this government impersonation scam, which is part of a nationwide trend; in 2023 alone, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center reported a 60% spike in such scams that defrauded over 14,000 people (mostly older adults) of more than $390 million. The article advises victims to act quickly by contacting their financial institutions, freezing credit, and reporting to authorities,
dailyutahchronicle.com
· 2025-12-08
Phishing and email scams pose growing cybersecurity risks to college students, with scams becoming increasingly sophisticated and sometimes targeting students directly through fake payment links and malicious emails. University of Utah IT officials and students recommend strategies to reduce vulnerability, including avoiding suspicious links, using password managers with unique passwords, reviewing cookie policies, utilizing pop-up blockers, and reporting suspicious activity to IT support. The article emphasizes that even tech-savvy individuals can fall victim to phishing scams, highlighting the importance of vigilance and awareness when handling online communications and data collection.
firstalert4.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2020, Michele Miller, the mother of missing St. Louis woman Bre'ayn Miller, fell victim to an extortion scam in which a caller claimed to be holding her daughter and demanded $7,000; Miller gathered approximately $3,000 before the scammer lowered demands to gift cards and eventually $20, causing significant emotional trauma. The scammer obtained her phone number from missing persons posters and instructed her not to contact police, threatening harm to her daughter. According to the Better Business Bureau, such scams are becoming increasingly common, with scammers using artificial intelligence to mimic victims' voices and exploit families during vulnerable times.
vicksburgnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans lost an estimated $470 million to text message scams in 2024, a five-fold increase from 2020, according to FTC data, with scammers becoming more sophisticated despite fewer overall reports. The most common scams involve fake delivery notifications and job scams that trick victims into clicking malicious links or investing money, though fake bank alerts, toll notices, and messages from wrong numbers can also escalate into fraudulent schemes. The FTC recommends ignoring unsolicited texts and links, contacting companies directly using verified contact information, and forwarding suspicious messages to 7726 to help block similar scams.
scrippsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Americans reported losing $470 million to text message scams, with the most common being fake package delivery alerts containing malicious links. Other prevalent scams included fraudulent bank alerts, fake toll warnings, "wrong number" messages that escalate into romance scams, and "task scams" promising online work that ultimately request personal investment, according to Federal Trade Commission data.
lowyat.net
· 2025-12-08
This article is about video games and does not involve elder fraud, scams targeting seniors, or elder abuse. It describes fraudulent beta test invitations circulating online for The Witcher 4, which scammers used to deceive gaming fans generally—not a demographic-specific fraud scheme. This falls outside the scope of Elderus, a database focused on elder-specific fraud and abuse.
nltimes.nl
· 2025-12-08
Bank helpdesk fraud in the Netherlands declined significantly in 2024, with reported victims dropping 30% to approximately 6,900 people and total losses falling 20% to €23 million. Despite this improvement, the Dutch Banking Association warned that scammers continue evolving their tactics—including coaching victims to ignore legitimate bank warnings and exploiting social media platforms—and stressed the need for ongoing consumer vigilance and stronger identity verification measures by digital service providers.
timesnownews.com
· 2025-12-08
Indian telecom companies Vodafone-Idea and Bharti Airtel are deploying AI-powered systems to combat the rising threat of cyber fraud, including digital arrest scams and AI voice-cloning calls. Vi's Spam SMS solution has flagged over 250 million suspicious messages using machine learning to detect phishing and scam attempts in real-time, while Airtel's spam detection network identified nearly one million spammers daily and flagged 8 billion spam calls and 0.8 billion spam SMS messages within 2.5 months, resulting in a 12% decline in suspicious contact attempts.
freepressjournal.in
· 2025-12-08
An elderly Mumbai resident lost Rs 2.21 crore to fraudsters impersonating Provident Fund managers in a cyber scam that remains unsolved with funds untraced. The article reveals Mumbai's broader cyber fraud crisis, with Rs 1,865 crore defrauded over four years but only Rs 243 crore recovered, as criminals use sophisticated 13-layer money laundering networks through rented bank accounts and cryptocurrency to move stolen funds internationally. Authorities attribute low recovery rates to delayed victim reporting and understaffing in the cyber crime unit, urging citizens to call the 1930 Cyber Helpline immediately if victimized and to avoid sharing financial information online.
local.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
This is an informational resource page for AARP's Fraud Watch Network, a free service offering fraud prevention education, victim guidance, and community alerts to help consumers recognize and avoid scams. The service provides a helpline (877-908-3360), biweekly newsletters, a weekly podcast called "The Perfect Scam," and notes that veterans and active-duty service members face 40% higher risk of losing money to fraud compared to civilians.
mitrade.com
· 2025-12-08
Local law enforcement in Lincoln and Lancaster County have reported a significant surge in digital asset scams targeting elderly residents since 2020, with victims losing millions of dollars—including individual losses up to $1.5 million. Scammers use forged arrest warrants and jury duty impersonation schemes combined with sophisticated social engineering tactics to coerce victims into sending Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, with the funds rarely recovered. Banks and law enforcement are now implementing fraud detection training and urging regulators to address crypto scams, particularly those involving Bitcoin ATMs, as the number of reported incidents continues to rise.
10tv.com
· 2025-12-08
As artificial intelligence advances, scams targeting seniors have become increasingly sophisticated, with Americans aged 60 and older losing $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023. Attorney Carlos Crawford led a free cybersecurity training at a Columbus community center to educate seniors on recognizing common scams including phishing, tech support fraud, fake charities, and romance scams, advising them to watch for red flags like misspelled emails, suspicious sender addresses, and unusual payment requests (cash, cryptocurrency, gift cards). Experts recommend trusting instincts when something feels off and consulting trusted contacts before responding to suspicious communications.
birminghammail.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Barclays warned of a significant rise in romance scams, with the average victim losing £8,000 in 2024—a 37% increase from £5,800 in 2023—and romance scam incidents up 20% in Q1 2025 compared to the previous year. Most scams originated on social media platforms and dating apps, where fraudsters build trust with vulnerable victims (often those feeling lonely) before manipulating them into transferring money. Barclays called for tech companies to implement stronger protections, with 76% of the public agreeing that platforms should do more to prevent romance scams.
leeds-live.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Barclays reported a 20% surge in romance scams during the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2024, with victims losing an average of £8,000—up from £5,800 in 2023. These scams predominantly originate from social media and dating platforms, where fraudsters exploit emotional vulnerability to manipulate victims into transferring money. Barclays and 76% of surveyed consumers are calling for tech companies to implement stronger safeguards to prevent scammers from operating on their platforms.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Secret Service seized the website NFT-UNI.com, which was used in a "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scam that defrauded victims of over $4.5 million from November 2023 to March 2024, including a New York victim who lost $172,405.61. In pig butchering scams, fraudsters build trust with victims through fake online relationships before directing them to fraudulent crypto investment platforms where funds are laundered and disappear. Older Americans are particularly targeted, with the FBI reporting that individuals over 60 lost $3.4 billion to investment fraud in 2023, with cryptocurrency schemes representing $2
en.as.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers increasingly use identity theft and impersonation via messaging apps (WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram DMs, iMessage) to pose as friends or relatives in distress and request urgent money transfers. The Spanish National Police recommend a simple verification tactic: ask the suspicious contact a personal question only a real acquaintance would know, such as "Where did we meet?" to confirm their identity before responding to money requests. This basic security question can effectively prevent victims from falling for these emotionally manipulative scams that exploit goodwill across messaging platforms worldwide.
kfiz.com
· 2025-12-08
Wisconsin has experienced an uptick in text message scams impersonating tolling agencies, directing recipients to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal data, financial information, or identities. To protect themselves, consumers should avoid clicking suspicious links, verify toll charges directly with legitimate agency contact information, report unwanted texts to their service provider, and delete suspicious messages without engaging with them.
goldrushcam.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, consumers lost $470 million to text message scams—five times the amount reported in 2020—with fake package delivery alerts and bogus job opportunities being the most common types reported to the FTC. Other frequent scams included fake fraud alerts from banks, fake toll payment warnings, and "wrong number" scams that often escalate into romance scams involving investment requests. Consumers are advised to forward suspicious texts to 7726, report through their phone's messaging app or the FTC website, avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, and verify any claims through official company contact information.
cantonrep.com
· 2025-12-08
BBB Scam Tracker warns that scammers create fake websites advertised as "sponsored" content on search engines and social media to deceive consumers into purchasing non-existent merchandise or disclosing personal information. These scams target various sectors including retail, passport services, healthcare enrollment, and pet sales, with victims often receiving no merchandise and finding customer support unresponsive or unreachable. The BBB recommends verifying website legitimacy before entering personal or financial information, being skeptical of unusually deep discounts, using BBB.org to confirm business details, and bookmarking official websites to avoid lookalike impostor sites.
indeonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are creating fake websites advertised as "sponsored" content on search engines and social media platforms, targeting consumers seeking everything from retail merchandise to passport renewal services and health care enrollment. Victims click on these deceptive ads believing they're legitimate businesses, enter personal and financial information at checkout, and often never receive their purchases or can locate the fraudulent websites afterward. The BBB recommends verifying website legitimacy before entering personal information, being skeptical of unusually deep discounts, using BBB.org to confirm business details, and keeping official website bookmarks to avoid accidentally visiting impostor sites.
thenigerianvoice.com
· 2025-12-08
Many Nigerians lost over N1.3 trillion in the collapsed CBEX Ponzi scheme due to insufficient education about scam detection and fraud prevention, according to internet safety expert Rotimi Onadipe. Onadipe emphasized that scammers use increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive victims, and stressed that proper fraud awareness education is the strongest defense against such schemes. He noted that the financial losses could have been prevented through better public understanding of how to identify and avoid fraudulent investment platforms.
winknews.com
· 2025-12-08
Fake job offer scams targeting job seekers, particularly via text messages, caused Floridians to lose nearly $16 million in 2022. Scammers pose as employers offering work-from-home positions to steal personal information (Social Security numbers, dates of birth) and money through requests for equipment payments or banking details for "payroll setup." Job seekers should verify offers directly through official company websites, never send money to potential employers, and avoid providing sensitive information or clicking suspicious links.
kbtx.com
· 2025-12-08
A Bankrate survey found that 68% of Americans have experienced financial scams in their lifetimes, with over half reporting incidents in the past year, and 23% admitting to sending money to scammers or paying for phony services. Contrary to assumptions, younger generations (Gen Z and Millennials) are more likely to lose money to increasingly sophisticated scams, while older generations report experiencing scams more frequently overall. The survey recommends avoiding unrecognized email and text links, confirming URLs before clicking, using strong passwords, and reporting suspected fraud to the FTC.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
An AARP report found that approximately 41 percent of American adults (110.1 million people) have experienced fraud or had sensitive information stolen and used fraudulently, a dramatic increase from an estimated 15 percent a decade ago. The report reveals that Americans reported a record $12.5 billion stolen in 2024 according to the FTC, though actual losses are likely much higher when accounting for underreporting; older adults lose more money on average than younger victims, and Black respondents reported the highest victimization rate at 50 percent. Adults 50 and older express significantly higher worry about fraud (64 percent rating their concern 6-10 on a scale)
digit.fyi
· 2025-12-08
Cyber gangs based in Southeast Asia and China conducted investment, cryptocurrency, and romance scams that cost eastern and southeastern Asian countries approximately $37 billion in 2023, with significantly higher global losses. These organized crime syndicates, often operating from compounds in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos using trafficked workers, have expanded their operations to Africa and the Pacific while partnering with drug cartels and criminal organizations worldwide. Despite regional crackdowns that freed thousands of workers, law enforcement efforts have only displaced rather than dismantled these networks, which continue to exploit evolving technologies like cryptocurrency for money laundering and victim targeting.
euronews.com
· 2025-12-08
Transnational organized crime groups from East and Southeast Asia are expanding scam operations globally, with the UNODC estimating hundreds of industrial-scale scam centers generating nearly $40 billion in annual profits through romance scams, fake investments, and illegal gambling schemes. These operations are spreading to Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Pacific islands as authorities intensify crackdowns in Southeast Asia, while emerging technologies like AI, deepfakes, and cryptocurrency facilitate "crime as a service" models that enable rapid adaptation and money laundering networks.
aljazeera.com
· 2025-12-08
A UN report warns that Asian-based cybercrime syndicates operating primarily from Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos have caused an estimated $37 billion in losses across East and Southeast Asia through fake investment, cryptocurrency, and romance scams, with operations now expanding to Africa, South America, the Middle East, and Pacific island nations. The criminal networks, which often employ trafficked workers, have adapted by establishing international money laundering partnerships with drug cartels and mafia organizations while using encrypted digital ecosystems and cryptocurrency to evade law enforcement. Despite temporary disruptions from recent crackdowns that freed approximately 7,000 trafficked workers, UN officials warned that the syndicates quickly migrate operations to new regions
express.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Barclays Bank reported a 20% increase in romance scams in early 2025, primarily occurring on social media and dating platforms, with the average loss rising to £8,000 per victim in 2024 (up from £5,800 in 2023). Adults aged 61 and over are most vulnerable, losing an average of £19,000 per scam, with scammers typically building trust before requesting money under false pretenses such as emergencies, travel costs, or medical bills. The data shows 12% of UK adults have been targeted by or know someone affected by romance scams, and Barclays is calling for tech companies to implement stronger frau
wyomingnews.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
In 2025, Sheridan County law enforcement has received 91 combined fraud reports, with scammers increasingly impersonating law enforcement and medical officers using scare tactics to coerce victims into sending money, and exploiting Facebook Marketplace. The elderly and people over 50 are disproportionately targeted, with at least two victims losing over $150,000 each, though recovered funds are rare since money is typically sent electronically to overseas servers beyond law enforcement jurisdiction.
do.usembassy.gov
· 2025-12-08
U.S. citizens using online dating apps while traveling abroad face risks from romance scams and scammers who exploit location-based apps to lure tourists into dangerous situations involving entrapment or assault. The U.S. Embassy recommends protecting personal information, conducting video calls before meetings, using personal transportation, meeting in public places, and having an emergency contingency plan to reduce vulnerability and ensure safer encounters.
globalinitiative.net
· 2025-12-08
This article discusses the growing threat of online fraud and cybercrime involving India and the United States, highlighting how scammers exploit weak data security and leverage generative AI. India serves as both a hub for scam operations targeting Western victims through fake tech support and loan schemes, and increasingly, a source of victims itself, with Indian nationals being trafficked to scam compounds in Cambodia and exploited to defraud others. The article calls for the US and India to strengthen cooperation against these transnational fraud networks, particularly regarding data breaches—such as the 2023 theft of 815 million Indian citizens' personal information—that provide scammers with the databases they need to target vulnerable populations
people.com
· 2025-12-08
JPMorgan Chase is pursuing additional lawsuits against customers who exploited an "infinite money glitch" discovered in August 2024, which allowed users to deposit fraudulent checks via ATM and withdraw funds before the checks bounced. The bank has filed suits in Georgia, Florida, New York, and Texas against individuals accused of stealing amounts up to $75,000 each, and has sent demand letters to over 1,000 customers since October 2024, with a representative stating the bank will pursue cases "for as long as it takes to hold fraudsters accountable."
wwnytv.com
· 2025-12-08
A Bankrate survey found that 68% of Americans have experienced a financial scam in their lifetimes, with over half reporting incidents in the past year and 23% admitting to actually sending money to scammers. While older generations report experiencing scams more frequently, younger generations (Gen Z and Millennials) are more likely to lose money to increasingly sophisticated cons. To protect themselves, Americans should avoid clicking unrecognized links, verify URLs before clicking, use strong passwords, and maintain unique passwords for each account; victims or those suspecting fraud should report to the FTC.
fox10tv.com
· 2025-12-08
A Bankrate survey found that 68% of Americans have experienced financial scams, with over half reporting incidents in the past year and 23% admitting to sending money to scammers. While older generations are more likely to report experiencing scams overall, younger generations (Gen Z and Millennials) are more likely to lose money to increasingly sophisticated cons that exploit economic stress and technological vulnerabilities. The FTC recommends avoiding unrecognized links, confirming URLs before clicking, using strong passwords, and reporting suspected fraud to the FTC.