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americanbazaaronline.com
· 2025-12-08
Online scammers stole a record $16.6 billion in 2024, a 33% increase from $12.5 billion in 2023, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, with 859,532 total complaints filed and elderly victims representing over 147,000 complaints. Investment scams caused the largest losses at $6.5 billion, followed by business email compromise at $2.7 billion and tech support scams at $1.4 billion, while phishing remained the most commonly reported cybercrime. The figures represent only reported cases and underscore how the digitalization of daily life has expanded criminal opportunities since 2020.
queenannenews.com
· 2025-12-08
This advice column addresses seniors' concerns about potential identity theft from government data access by recommending protective measures. The writer explains two primary defenses: fraud alerts (which flag accounts for extra verification) and credit freezes (which prevent new accounts from being opened without authorization), both of which are free and don't affect credit scores. The column provides contact information for the three major credit bureaus and suggests that seniors can also monitor their credit through free weekly reports at AnnualCreditReport.com.
ibtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Elderly Americans aged over 60 suffered the largest cryptocurrency scam losses in 2024, accounting for over $2.8 billion of the $9.3 billion in total crypto fraud losses reported by the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. Scammers disproportionately target seniors through investment scams, fraudulent crypto ATMs, and tech-support schemes, exploiting their vulnerabilities by creating artificial urgency around false security threats. The 2024 losses represented a 66% increase compared to 2023, with elderly victims being three times more likely to be scammed than younger demographics.
coincentral.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans lost $9.3 billion to cryptocurrency fraud in 2024, a 66% increase from 2023, with people over 60 suffering disproportionately—accounting for $2.8 billion in losses (30% of total crypto fraud) despite representing only 17% of the population, averaging $83,000 per victim. Investment fraud was the largest scam category affecting seniors, while crypto ATM fraud complaints nearly doubled year-over-year, with elderly victims losing $107 million through these schemes alone. The FBI's "Operation Level Up" initiative has identified and notified potential victims, saving an estimated $285 million since its January 2024 launch.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Seniors lost nearly $4.8 billion to scams in 2024, according to an FBI report, with major fraud types including business email compromise scams ($2 billion), technology support scams ($1 billion), and investment fraud ($6 billion across all ages). Americans aged 60 and above comprised the majority of victims, though those aged 50-59 also suffered significant losses of $2.5 billion, and the FBI notes actual losses may be higher due to underreporting.
abc7.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, seniors lost $4.8 billion to scammers, part of a total $16.6 billion in U.S. fraud losses representing a 33% increase from 2023, according to an FBI report. Investment scams were the leading fraud type affecting seniors, with $6 billion lost across 47,919 complaints, followed by business email compromise scams ($2 billion) and technology support scams ($1 billion). The FBI noted these figures likely underrepresent actual losses due to victim underreporting and emphasized that each number represents a real person whose financial security and trust were compromised.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
AARP's Fraud Watch Network provides comprehensive support for fraud victims, recognizing that scams cause both financial and emotional harm including shame and isolation. The organization offers a helpline (877-908-3360) with trained fraud specialists, plus free peer-facilitated support groups called ReST (Resilience, Strength, and Time) where victims can connect with others and receive emotional guidance to aid recovery.
doralfamilyjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI's 2024 Internet Crime Complaint Center report documented a 33% increase in online scams, with 859,532 complaints totaling over $16 billion in losses. Adults over 60 were hit hardest, filing 147,000 complaints and losing $4.8 billion (43% increase from 2023), with investment scams being the leading fraud type at $6.5 billion in losses overall, followed by compromised business emails, tech support scams, and romance scams.
cybersecuritydive.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI's 2024 Internet Crime Complaint Center report found that Americans lost $16.6 billion to cyber fraud and internet crimes, a 33% increase from 2023, with investment scams causing the most financial damage at $6.6 billion despite being only the fifth most commonly reported crime type. Phishing, spoofing, and extortion generated the most complaints, while business email compromise (BEC) and other persuasion-based scams proved most costly, indicating that social engineering exploits cause greater financial harm than technical vulnerabilities.
verywellmind.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational guide explores the intersection of fraud and mental health, examining how the prevalence of scams—which cost Americans over $12 billion in 2024—creates psychological stress and constant vigilance in daily life. The article discusses how exposure to fraud, whether direct or indirect, can lead to anxiety, distrust, and destabilizing uncertainty, particularly as scammers increasingly use deceptive text messages, emails, and phone calls to target victims through romance scams, impersonation schemes, and fake job offers. The piece emphasizes the importance of protecting one's digital identity and provides strategies for managing the mental health impacts of living in an environment where fraudulent threats are pervasive and often difficult to distinguish
sbs.com.au
· 2025-12-08
A man named Eman lost 500 AUD to a romance scam in which a woman he met online posed as a romantic interest, then directed him to a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment platform showing fake returns before blocking him. According to Scamwatch Australia, romance scams resulted in over $23.5 million in losses in a single year, with scammers using emotional manipulation to gradually increase victims' investments in fake platforms. Beyond financial loss, psychologists note these scams cause significant damage to victims' self-worth, trust, and emotional stability; victims can report such incidents to the ACCC, Australian Cyber Security Hotline (1300 292 371), local police, an
bostonglobe.com
· 2025-12-08
Boston police issued a warning about a surge in online romance scams that use fake dating and social media profiles to deceive victims across all ages and genders. Scammers pose as romantic partners and fabricate emergencies—such as medical bills, travel expenses, or legal fees—to extort money, with tactics increasingly involving cryptocurrency investment schemes and sextortion. The department advised residents never to send money or personal information to people they haven't met in person and to report incidents to local police and the Federal Trade Commission.
home.barclays
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams increased 20 percent in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024, with the majority originating on social media and dating platforms. Victims aged 61 or older were particularly vulnerable, losing an average of £19,000 per scam in 2024, more than triple the overall average of £8,000. Scammers typically build trust quickly before requesting money through fake emergencies, travel costs, or medical expenses, often using emotional manipulation and artificial intelligence to impersonate celebrities or create false urgency.
wyomingnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A Wyoming woman fell victim to a catfish scam after being signed up on a dating site by a family member, where she was contacted by multiple fraudulent profiles posing as widowed professionals with children in boarding school. One scammer, posing as a man from California, built her trust over months through text messages and gifts before manufacturing a crisis to solicit financial help, resulting in her sending "more money than she could afford" before discovering the fraud. The FTC estimates that half of dating site profiles are linked to scammers, and victims often remain silent due to embarrassment, leading to significant underreporting of these crimes.
wcvb.com
· 2025-12-08
Boston police issued a warning about an increasing number of online romance scams targeting people of all ages through dating apps and social media. The scams typically involve perpetrators canceling in-person meetings, requesting money/gift cards/cryptocurrency, and falsely claiming to be in the military or working overseas. Police urge victims to file reports and remind the public not to be embarrassed if targeted by these schemes.
azag.gov
· 2025-12-08
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes warned job seekers to be alert for employment scams, which typically involve fake job postings on websites, social media, and direct contact via phone, email, or text that request personal information like Social Security numbers or bank account details before interviews. The scams often feature unrealistic promises of high-paying jobs with minimal qualifications or remote work opportunities, and may impersonate legitimate employers by replicating logos and using established job boards. Mayes advised job seekers to research employers before sharing information, request in-person interviews, never pay upfront fees, and avoid sending financial or banking details before officially starting a position.
6abc.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, seniors lost $4.8 billion to scams, part of a total $16.6 billion in fraud losses across the United States—a 33% increase from 2023. The FBI identified investment scams as a major threat, resulting in nearly $6 billion in losses, alongside business email compromise scams ($2 billion) and technology support scams (over $1 billion). Officials noted that actual losses may be higher due to underreporting from embarrassed victims.
wral.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are selling stolen personal information like Social Security numbers and dates of birth on the dark web for as little as $7, with identity theft scams resulting in over $125 million in losses in 2023. The Better Business Bureau's 2025 study reveals that fraudsters are increasingly using AI tools to quickly search through billions of stolen data records (including 14 billion pieces found on the now-shut BreachForums site) to commit high-impact identity theft crimes such as opening bank accounts. To protect themselves, consumers should use multi-factor authentication, strong unique passwords, limit personal information shared on social media, and report fraud attempts to law enforcement.
finra.org
· 2025-12-08
Pump-and-dump schemes are long-standing financial scams where fraudsters accumulate low-priced "penny stocks," artificially inflate their price through promotional tactics (including social media campaigns and encrypted messaging), then sell their shares at the peak, causing prices to collapse and leaving other investors with losses. These schemes exploit fear of missing out (FOMO) and take advantage of low-priced stocks with limited public information and illiquid markets where fraudsters can control available shares. Investors can protect themselves by avoiding unsolicited investment advice from strangers and being cautious of social media investment advertisements.
nasdaq.com
· 2025-12-08
Pump-and-dump stock schemes, which have existed for centuries, involve fraudsters accumulating low-priced "penny stocks," artificially inflating their value through misleading promotional campaigns (via email, social media, or encrypted messaging), and then selling their shares at the peak, leaving other investors unable to sell as prices collapse. These schemes exploit fear of missing out (FOMO) and take advantage of low-priced stocks with minimal public information and limited trading liquidity. Investors can protect themselves by avoiding unsolicited investment advice from strangers and being cautious of social media investment promotions.
nbcmiami.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI in Miami warned of an increase in phone scams targeting South Florida residents in which callers impersonate federal officers and demand victims wire or mail money for fake "settlements" or law enforcement investigations. In 2024, Florida residents reported 1,579 impersonation scams resulting in over $12 million in losses; the FBI advises recipients to hang up immediately and report such calls to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
**Gold Bar Scam**
Scammers impersonating government officials convince senior citizens to withdraw their life savings and purchase gold bars, then pose as couriers to steal the gold and disappear. The FBI reported victims lost $219 million to gold bar scams in 2024, with increasing incidents reported in 2025, as record-high gold prices and gold's reputation as a trustworthy investment make it an attractive target for criminals who exploit the difficulty of tracing the precious metal.
citizen.co.za
· 2025-12-08
A 24-year-old woman in Kempton Park was defrauded when a woman posing as a Foschini employee in a fake uniform and name tag convinced her to hand over her handbag by offering a discount, then disappeared with the bag containing cosmetics, a phone, bank cards, and ID. The victim's father reports this is part of a troubling trend, with similar scams occurring at nearby stores like Edgars, and warns shoppers never to hand over bags to anyone regardless of how convincing they appear, while calling for stronger retail security measures.
news.sky.com
· 2025-12-08
Oasis fans lost over £2 million to ticket scams for the band's reunion tour, according to Lloyds Banking Group, with victims losing an average of £436 each and the highest individual loss reaching £1,700. Oasis-related ticket scams accounted for more than half of all reported ticket fraud cases in the UK so far in 2025, with people aged 35-44 most frequently targeted and Edinburgh, Warrington, and Manchester recording the highest numbers of victims. Experts warn that high demand for tickets creates opportunities for scammers, particularly those requesting bank transfers via social media.
mustsharenews.com
· 2025-12-08
A 20-year-old Singaporean TikToker was scammed out of approximately $5,000 (S$4,977) by someone impersonating her boss via phone call, exploiting her role as a personal assistant who regularly handled money transfers. Despite lodging a police report within 20 minutes, she has little chance of recovery as banks cannot force scammers to return funds without their approval. The case highlights the rising trend of impersonation scams in Singapore, where S$7.2 million was lost to such scams in just the first two months of the year.
coingeek.com
· 2025-12-08
A Brazilian judge sentenced Joel Ferreira de Souza to 128 years in prison for laundering proceeds from the Braiscompany Ponzi scheme, which defrauded approximately 20,000 investors of around $190 million between 2020-2023. Simultaneously, the U.S. SEC charged Ramil Palafox with operating a fraudulent crypto and foreign exchange scheme called PGI Global that raised $198 million from investors worldwide, with Palafox misappropriating over $57 million for personal luxury purchases while using remaining funds to pay earlier investors in a Ponzi-like structure.
middlebury.edu
· 2025-12-08
This article discusses how Middlebury Institute students conduct data analysis work for federal agencies to investigate trade-based financial crimes and support law enforcement efforts. The student-led analyses have assisted federal investigations while providing valuable job placement opportunities for participating students.
wytv.com
· 2025-12-08
A Newton Falls Township man reported to the Trumbull County Sheriff's Office that he was scammed via Instagram when someone offered him $500 to paint a profile photo, sent him money, then demanded repayment via Cash App before threatening him with images of violence. After the victim refused, the scammer emailed him graphic images including decapitated heads and armed individuals. Police advised the victim to close his social media accounts, delete his email, and contact his bank.
ktbs.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, over 859,000 Americans reported internet scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, resulting in $16.6 billion in losses—a 33% increase from the previous year. Investment scams caused the largest losses at $6.5 billion, while seniors aged 60+ lost $2.5 billion, with tech support scams being particularly devastating for this group at nearly $1 billion. The report emphasizes that awareness and caution—avoiding suspicious links, refusing remote access requests, and verifying urgent requests—are essential defenses against these schemes.
willistonobserver.com
· 2025-12-08
This advice column addresses seniors' concerns about potential identity theft from government data access, recommending protective measures. The article explains that fraud alerts and credit freezes are free tools that can be placed on credit reports to prevent scammers from opening accounts in one's name, with credit freezes offering stronger protection than fraud alerts. Seniors are advised to contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to set up these protections, or alternatively monitor their credit reports regularly through AnnualCreditReport.com.
goodnewsnetwork.org
· 2025-12-08
A Pittsburgh-area senior couple lost $6,750 to Shiloh Landscaping after paying a $4,000 advance for a retaining wall that was never completed, receiving only materials and excuses over two years. After their story aired on local news, contractor Ray Benvenuti saw the report and donated labor to complete the wall at no cost, with help from a local hardware store. The article also includes Better Business Bureau guidance on selecting contractors, recommending getting multiple bids, verifying insurance, limiting advance payments to one-third of the total cost, and confirming contractor registration with Pennsylvania's Bureau of Consumer Protection.
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
Indian national Hardik Jayantilal Patel, living illegally in the US, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for orchestrating a telemarketing scam that defrauded senior citizens of $3.2 million between March and November 2019. Patel and his network of "runners" impersonated US government officials, threatening victims with fake investigations and demanding cash payments, which the runners then collected and laundered. Patel was ordered to pay $3.2 million in restitution to 85 identified victims and faces removal from the country following his sentence.
the-independent.com
· 2025-12-08
Financial scams targeting older adults are increasingly common and exploit their trust, digital unfamiliarity, and desire for connection. Experts recommend protecting elderly loved ones through open communication about online risks, education on common scam tactics (romance scams, phishing, fake investment offers), establishing family safeguards like passwords to verify caller identity, and encouraging skepticism about unsolicited requests for money or personal information. Teaching seniors to authenticate suspicious messages through alternative contact methods and use verification tools like the Financial Conduct Authority's ScamSmart checker can significantly reduce their vulnerability to fraud.
broadbandbreakfast.com
· 2025-12-08
As broadband adoption among adults 65+ reaches 90%, older adults with significant wealth holdings are increasingly targeted by scammers exploiting online platforms. In 2024, the FTC reported $12.5 billion in consumer losses to scams and fraud nationally, with global losses exceeding $1 trillion, making fund recovery nearly impossible due to money laundering complexities. The article advises older adults to pause before responding to unsolicited communications, verify requests by contacting relatives directly, and avoid "too good to be true" offers, particularly fake employment and quick-cash schemes, while recognizing that scammers now use spoofing, phishing, and AI-generated voice/video imp
cryptopolitan.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans aged 60 and above lost $4.8 billion to cybercrime in 2024, a 43% increase year-over-year, with 7,500 seniors losing $100,000 or more each—more than any other age group, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Report. Seniors are particularly vulnerable due to limited digital literacy, isolation, substantial savings, and advanced, personalized scams; cryptocurrency investment schemes ("pig butchering") alone accounted for $2.8 billion in losses. The article argues that existing U.S. regulations fail to address digital threats adequately, unlike European programs, and calls for systemic reform including real-time fraud detection
thedailyrecord.com
· 2025-12-08
A 75-year-old Maryland resident sued Athena Bitcoin and Genesis Coin in February 2024, alleging the companies knowingly facilitate elder financial abuse by placing ATMs in senior-heavy neighborhoods, charging high fees, and failing to implement fraud-prevention measures. Reynolds lost $13,000 in a tech support scam where she was directed to deposit cash via an Athena ATM using a scammer's QR code. The lawsuit seeks class-action status for Maryland seniors and cites FTC data showing consumers lost over $110 million to Bitcoin ATM scams in 2023, a nearly tenfold increase since 2020.
foxbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, online scammers stole a record $16.6 billion, a 33% increase from the previous year, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, which received over 859,500 complaints. People over 60 were hit hardest, accounting for more than 147,100 complaints and $4.8 billion in losses, with investment scams ($6.57 billion), phishing/spoofing (193,400 complaints), and cryptocurrency fraud ($9.3 billion, up 66% year-over-year) among the most prevalent crimes. Cyber-enabled fraud represented 83% of all losses at $13.
silive.com
· 2025-12-08
Between December 2023 and February 2025, the FBI received over 100 reports of scammers impersonating the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) to target previous fraud victims with promises of fund recovery. The scammers use fake social media profiles, emails, phone calls, and messaging apps to gain access to victims' sensitive financial information, resulting in repeated victimization. The FBI advises that IC3 will never directly contact individuals through these channels, and people should never send money or share personal information with unknown contacts.
explorejeffersonpa.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonating State Troopers and court officials are calling Pennsylvania residents and threatening arrest for missed jury duty or contempt of court, demanding immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. The imposters use spoofed caller IDs, fake case numbers, and victims' personal information to appear credible. Pennsylvania State Police warn that legitimate government agencies never request payment through untraceable methods or personal financial information over the phone, and urge residents to hang up immediately and contact local police if targeted.
6abc.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are increasingly using AI voice-cloning technology to impersonate loved ones in emergency scams, with deepfakes becoming so advanced that even experts struggle to detect them. A Consumer Reports investigation found that four of six popular voice cloning apps lack meaningful safeguards to prevent unauthorized voice replication, and no federal laws currently prohibit this practice. Experts recommend protecting yourself by enabling two-factor authentication on financial accounts, being skeptical of unexpected calls or messages requesting personal information, and maintaining healthy skepticism of anything heard online.
housebeautiful.com
· 2025-12-08
An "upgrade scam" targets Facebook Marketplace sellers by convincing them that a fake payment is pending until they pay to "upgrade" their Venmo or Zelle account—a nonexistent service. Scammers send fraudulent emails impersonating payment platforms, asking sellers to pay fees or refunds before the buyer has actually sent any money, resulting in financial loss for the seller. To avoid this scam, sellers should verify payments directly in their accounts before sending items, ignore pushy buyers, and be skeptical of unsolicited upgrade requests, as legitimate payment platforms process transfers within minutes and have no such upgrade options.
wbng.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI estimates over 250,000 Americans lost more than $16 billion to scams in 2024, with adults over 60 accounting for nearly $5 billion of those losses. Law enforcement officials note that scammers have become increasingly sophisticated, using data mining and personalized tactics to target victims, and emphasize that people should avoid answering unknown calls, verify contact information independently, and promptly report suspicious activity to banks and family members to prevent further damage.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
Cyber scams cost Americans $16 billion in 2024, a 33% increase from the previous year, with California suffering the largest losses at $2.5 billion, according to FBI data. Elderly people accounted for nearly 30% of total monetary losses, with phishing/spoofing being the most common scam type at approximately 193,000 complaints. The FBI recommends verifying sender information, using strong passwords, avoiding wire transfers and gift card payments, and researching businesses before sharing personal or financial information online.
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are increasingly using "wrong number" text messages, often AI-assisted, to identify active phone numbers and build relationships with potential victims for future financial exploitation. In 2024, consumers lost $470 million to text message scams—five times higher than 2020—with scammers targeting life savings and retirement accounts through prolonged "pig butchering" schemes that exploit people's psychological need for connection. One in four Americans has received these deceptive texts, and experts advise not engaging with suspicious messages, as scammers use data dumps combined with AI to create highly believable, personalized scams.
visayandailystar.com
· 2025-12-08
Asian crime syndicates operating multibillion-dollar cyberscam networks have expanded globally from Southeast Asia to South America and Africa despite regional law enforcement raids, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. These organized groups operate scam farms housing thousands of trafficked workers generating tens of billions in annual profits, with the U.S. alone reporting $5.6 billion in losses to cryptocurrency and romance scams in 2023, disproportionately affecting elderly and vulnerable victims. As Southeast Asian governments intensify crackdowns, the syndicates have adapted by exploiting weak governance and corruption to relocate operations, demonstrating the difficulty of containing what officials describe as a global criminal enterprise.
businessday.ng
· 2025-12-08
A UN Office on Drugs and Crime report warns that Asian-led cybercrime syndicates, facing crackdowns in Southeast Asia, are expanding operations to Africa and Latin America, with Nigeria identified as a major target for romance scams, investment fraud, and cryptocurrency schemes. Law enforcement raids in Nigeria between late 2024 and early 2025 have arrested suspects linked to these East and Southeast Asian groups, as the global scam industry generates an estimated $40 billion annually and increasingly employs AI and deepfakes to evade detection. The report calls for urgent international cooperation, stronger cybersecurity infrastructure, and regional collaboration to combat this growing threat to Nigeria's digital economy and financial systems.
wired.com
· 2025-12-08
This is a news roundup covering multiple security and privacy topics. Key points related to fraud include: cybercriminals stole a record $16.6 billion from US entities in 2024 (a 33% increase from 2023), with phishing, spoofing, extortion, investment scams, and business email compromise being the leading crime types; Google's new end-to-end encrypted email feature for Workspace accounts may create new phishing opportunities through fake invitation scams; and various government privacy and security incidents were reported.
levittownnow.com
· 2025-12-08
A 69-year-old Philadelphia woman nearly fell victim to a sophisticated tech support scam in which fraudsters impersonating Microsoft and her bank claimed she had been hacked and threatened arrest, attempting to manipulate her into withdrawing cash to purchase cryptocurrency. The scam exploited heightened emotions and urgency, tactics that have become more effective with AI advancement and access to personal data on the dark web. According to the FTC, Americans lost between $23.7 billion and $158.3 billion to financial scams in 2023-2024, with cryptocurrency transfers and digital payment methods making these crimes particularly difficult to trace and recover from.
kvoe.com
· 2025-12-08
The Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA) is warning drivers about smishing scams impersonating the agency and demanding payment for unpaid tolls via unsolicited text messages with fraudulent payment links. The KTA clarified that it only sends texts to drivers who have voluntarily signed up for alerts through their DriveKS account and does not request payments through text messages. Residents receiving these scam texts are advised to avoid clicking links and instead report the messages to the Internet Crime Complaint Center and Federal Trade Commission.
wifr.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns homeowners of seasonal lawn and garden scams, particularly those involving upfront payments for services where companies later disappear. The BBB recommends researching businesses on BBB.org before hiring, avoiding high-pressure tactics, obtaining written contracts with detailed terms, staggering payments, and using credit cards rather than cash to protect against fraud.