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tucsonlocalmedia.com
Oro Valley residents are being heavily targeted by scammers who initiate contact via phone, email, text, and online, then exploit fear, greed, or isolation to request payment through cryptocurrency, gift cards, or payment apps. Attendees at a local "Outsmarting Scammers" presentation shared losses ranging from $15,000 to half their fortunes, with common scams including romance schemes ("pig butchering"), tech support fraud, and grandparent impersonation scams. Law enforcement emphasized that scams follow predictable patterns and are nearly impossible to recover from, advising residents to verify suspicious emails, avoid providing remote computer access, and remain skeptical of unsolicite
moneysense.ca
Young Canadians aged 18-34 are increasingly targeted by phishing scams, with nearly one-third falling victim despite being digitally native. Common schemes include fake boss emails requesting gift card purchases, fake delivery notifications from online shopping, employment scams offering unpaid gig work, and romance scams involving coerced intimate photos, with fraudsters contacting victims via email/text (74%), phone calls (64%), social media (43%), and online dating apps (10%). Cybersecurity experts recommend vigilance against authority figures requesting unusual favors and caution when sharing personal information in response to unsolicited messages.
ky3.com
The Department of Justice notified Medicare recipients in the Ozarks of a May 2023 data breach involving personally identifiable information compromised on systems of Greylock McKinnon & Associates (GMA), a DOJ contractor. While no confirmed cases of identity theft or fraud resulting from the breach have been reported, affected individuals were offered fraud resolution services and credit monitoring; experts recommend recipients verify letter authenticity by calling the DOJ directly at 1-844-979-6702 and consider freezing their credit as a proactive protective measure.
which.co.uk
An Age UK survey found that nearly 4.9 million people over 50 fear answering the phone due to scam risks, with 2.8 million also anxious about opening their doors, leading some to withdraw from society by avoiding the internet, smartphones, or going outside. Analysis of ONS data indicates approximately four people over 50 are scammed every minute, with older adults particularly vulnerable to doorstep scams (90% of victims aged 65+), postal scams (average victim age 75), and phone scams involving impersonation and number spoofing technology. Age UK recommends five prevention steps: stop and avoid on-the-spot decisions, check credentials,
calgaryherald.com
A 41-year-old Vermilion man was charged with fraud after posing as a lawyer in a grandparent scam targeting a 75-year-old woman in Lethbridge, Alberta. The scammer convinced the senior that her grandson needed bail money, resulting in her handing over $3,400 in cash to a courier who arrived at her home; he was arrested when he returned for additional money, and some cash was recovered during a search of his motel and vehicle. Police commended the victim for contacting a family member despite being told not to discuss the matter, and are investigating whether there are additional victims.
kiplinger.com
A Senate report reveals that retirees across multiple states have been targeted by scams resulting in both significant financial losses and substantial IRS tax bills, with victims unable to deduct theft losses under current tax law. The report profiles cases such as a Pennsylvania retiree who lost $765,000 to a cryptocurrency scam and subsequently faced a $220,000 tax bill, highlighting how the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act narrowed the theft loss deduction for individuals to only federally declared disasters. Senator Bob Casey calls for reversing these tax limitations to protect fraud victims from bearing additional tax burdens on their stolen retirement savings.
iredellfreenews.com
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of North Carolina is warning residents about IRS imposter scams and other fraud schemes that disproportionately target older adults, with the FBI's 2023 Internet Crimes Report noting that individuals 60 and above filed 101,068 complaints and sustained $3.4 billion in losses—the highest among all age groups. Common scams include government impersonation (IRS, SSA, sheriff's office), tech support scams, romance scams, grandparent scams, and non-delivery schemes, with authorities emphasizing that reporting fraud helps recover stolen funds and identify emerging criminal trends.
newstopicnews.com
The U.S. Attorney's Office issued a warning about IRS imposter scams and other financial fraud schemes disproportionately targeting older adults, which cause substantial monetary losses and emotional distress. According to the FBI's 2023 Internet Crimes Report, individuals aged 60 and above filed 101,068 complaints and sustained $3.4 billion in losses, with tech support scams, government impersonation, romance scams, and non-delivery schemes being the most common schemes. Federal prosecutors conducted educational "Fraud Bingo" sessions at senior centers to help older adults recognize scam tactics and encourage fraud reporting to authorities.
wimsradio.com
The U.S. Marshals Service and FBI are alerting the public to widespread imposter scams in which callers falsely claim to be law enforcement officials, telling victims their identities have been stolen and instructing them to withdraw cash and purchase gift cards—tactics that are entirely fraudulent. The Marshals Service has received daily inquiries from victims nationwide who have lost tens of thousands of dollars, and emphasizes that it never requests money, financial information, or monetary instruments by phone. Victims are urged to report suspected scams to the FBI and Federal Trade Commission, or contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311.
news.azpm.org
Kitboga, a computer engineer-turned-Twitch streamer with 1.2 million followers, is a prominent "scam baiter" who poses as vulnerable individuals to waste scammers' time and expose their tactics through livestreamed videos. Americans lost a record $12.5 billion to internet crimes in the past year (a 22% increase from the previous year), yet law enforcement lacks resources to investigate most cases; Kitboga aims to reduce actual victims by keeping fraudsters occupied while educating viewers about common scams like tech support fraud, romance scams, and pig butchering schemes. He was inspired to start scam baiting in 2017 after
cpr.org
Internet scammers targeted over 10,000 Coloradans in the past year, stealing $187.6 million, with investment fraud, business email compromise, and tech support scams causing the largest losses statewide. People 60 and older were the most victimized group and suffered the greatest financial losses, while tech support scams and extortion schemes saw notable increases; nationally, phishing, personal data breaches, and cryptocurrency investment fraud (up 50% in losses) emerged as significant threats.
nasdaq.com
This educational piece identifies six scams targeting Costco members: fake Costco websites mimicking the real site, phishing emails/texts offering fake giveaways or membership renewals, fraudulent reimbursement texts requesting banking details, delivery scams impersonating postal services, and fake job offers with unusually high pay or upfront fees. The article advises members to verify URLs and sender addresses, navigate directly to Costco.com rather than clicking suspicious links, and call Costco directly about any concerns instead of responding to unsolicited communications.
abcactionnews.com
SunPass and the FBI warned drivers about a phishing scam using text messages claiming unpaid toll fees and directing recipients to fraudulent websites to steal personal information. The FBI received over 2,000 complaints about these "smishing" texts, which contain nearly identical language and urge immediate payment to avoid fees. Consumers are advised to verify account status through official websites, contact customer service directly, and file complaints with the IC3 if they receive such messages.
wftv.com
SunPass issued a warning about rising phishing scams in which fraudsters impersonate toll operators and send text messages demanding payment to avoid fees, directing recipients to fake websites designed to steal personal information. The toll collection system emphasized that it does not send such unsolicited text messages to customers.
abc7news.com
A reformed Nigerian scammer who stole over $70,000 through romance and tax-related fraud now works for Social Catfish to combat similar schemes, as government impersonation scams surge nationwide. California experienced record losses of $88.3 million in 2023, with the FBI reporting $394 million lost to government impersonation scams overall—a 63% increase from 2022. The five most prevalent tax-related scams targeting victims include Turbo Tax phishing, fake accountant schemes, IRS spoofing calls, unclaimed refund emails, and fraudulent Employee Retention Credit promotions.
justice.gov
A Texas man, Oluseun Martins Omole, pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy for operating a scheme that defrauded thousands of U.S. victims of over $12 million in consumer electronics between February 2018 and March 2023. Working with a Nigerian-based criminal enterprise, Omole received fraudulently obtained goods through romance scams, fake online marketplace listings, and employment scams, then repackaged and shipped them overseas while earning hundreds of thousands in fees. He faces up to 20 years in prison and has agreed to pay restitution and asset forfeiture as part of his plea agreement.
khou.com
The FBI is warning the public about a nationwide "smishing" scam targeting toll road users, with over 2,000 complaints received since early March across at least three states, including Texas. These fraudulent text messages falsely claim recipients owe unpaid tolls and include links impersonating legitimate state toll services, designed to trick people into sharing personal and financial information. The FBI recommends verifying toll accounts through official websites, contacting legitimate customer service numbers, and filing complaints with the IC3 if targeted.
govtech.com
Law enforcement arrests alone are insufficient to combat ransomware; a multi-pronged approach targeting various ecosystem vulnerabilities—including cryptocurrency wallets, initial access tools like Qakbot, and criminal infrastructure—is more effective. Defenders should address basic security gaps and be aware that many successful ransomware attacks use decades-old techniques rather than sophisticated methods, while youth perpetrators in communities like "The Com" often employ social engineering tactics targeting specific employees on LinkedIn. Experts recommend early intervention and legitimate opportunities (such as bug bounty programs) to redirect tech-savvy individuals away from criminal activity rather than relying solely on arrests and imprisonment.
mirror.co.uk
In 2023, over 374,000 fraud cases were reported to the UK's Cifas National Fraud Database, with identity theft comprising 64% of incidents (237,000+ cases) and criminals increasingly using AI, deepfakes, and social engineering tactics to steal consumer details and compromise bank accounts. Cifas members prevented £1.8 billion in fraud losses, but warned that economic pressures and account takeover attempts—including sophisticated voice spoofing for security questions—represent growing threats to consumers across banking, finance, insurance, and retail sectors.
justice.gov
The U.S. Attorney's Office in North Carolina warned the public about IRS imposter scams and other financial fraud schemes targeting older adults, particularly around Tax Day. According to the FBI's 2023 Internet Crimes Report, individuals 60 and older filed 101,068 complaints and sustained $3.4 billion in losses, with tech support scams, government impersonation, phishing, romance scams, and non-delivery schemes being the most common schemes. Federal prosecutors used an interactive "Fraud Bingo" educational tool at a senior center to help older adults, caregivers, and community workers recognize fraud tactics and report suspicious activity to help recover stolen funds and identify emerging
justice.gov
A Canadian man, Patrice Runner, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for operating a psychic mass-mailing fraud scheme that defrauded over 1.3 million victims—primarily elderly and vulnerable Americans—of more than $175 million between 1994 and 2014. The scheme involved sending fraudulent letters falsely attributed to psychics Maria Duval and Patrick Guerin, promising wealth and happiness in exchange for fees, then bombarding victims who paid with dozens of follow-up letters requesting additional payments. Runner, who operated through shell companies in Canada and Hong Kong while living in multiple countries, was extradited from Spain in 2020 to face federal charges of mail
wowo.com
The U.S. Marshals Service and FBI are warning of a surge in sophisticated phone scams where criminals impersonate law enforcement officials, using real badge numbers, officer names, and spoofed government phone numbers to appear credible. Victims in the Northern District of Indiana and across the nation have been deceived into withdrawing cash, purchasing gift cards, and transferring funds under false claims that their identities were stolen or bank accounts compromised, with losses reaching tens of thousands of dollars. Authorities urge victims to report incidents to the FBI and FTC, and remind the public never to share financial information with unsolicited callers or send money to anyone claiming to be law enforcement.
michigan.gov
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel re-issued an alert in April 2024 warning small and midsized business owners about tax scams targeting entrepreneurs during tax season, including W-2 phishing schemes, fraudulent Employer Identification Number websites, and IRS imposter calls demanding immediate payment. Scammers use threats of legal action, fake tax bills, and refund promises to deceive business owners and employees, putting company data and finances at serious risk. The AG recommends businesses implement security protocols, train employees to recognize scams, and report suspected fraud to the IRS, FTC, or FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
npr.org
Kitboga, a software engineer-turned-Twitch streamer with 1.2 million followers, poses as elderly people and other characters to waste scammers' time and expose their tactics, inspired by his grandmother's vulnerability to tech support scams. By documenting his interactions with fraudsters on livestream, he educates viewers about common scams including romance schemes, pig butchering, and gift card fraud, while Americans lose a record $12.5 billion annually to internet crimes. His scam-baiting efforts aim to reduce the number of actual victims by keeping perpetrators occupied and helping people recognize fraud through his educational content.
wccbcharlotte.com
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Charlotte issued a warning about IRS imposter scams and other financial fraud schemes targeting older adults, noting that victims often suffer substantial monetary losses and emotional distress. According to the FBI's 2023 Internet Crimes Report, individuals aged 60 and above filed 101,068 complaints and lost $3.4 billion to fraud, with tech support scams, government impersonation, phishing, romance scams, and non-delivery schemes being the most common schemes. Federal prosecutors conducted "Fraud Bingo" education sessions at senior centers to teach older adults about fraudster tactics and encourage reporting to help identify trends and recover stolen funds.
welivesecurity.com
This article examines cryptocurrency fraud threats, particularly as Bitcoin's value surges and a halving event approaches, attracting both legitimate interest and malicious actors. The main threats include malware like Lumma Stealer and crypto drainers (which stole $59 million and $47 million respectively), phishing scams using spoofed social media accounts and fake investment platforms, and social engineering attacks such as celebrity impersonation schemes. The article advises cryptocurrency users to protect themselves against these unregulated market threats through awareness and digital security practices.
wired.com
Ryan, a self-employed business owner, invested $750 in a Rebel Satoshi memecoin presale in early 2021, attracted by what appeared to be legitimate credentials including a Yahoo Finance press release and credit card payment option. After the token's March launch, the developers changed the terms of token distribution, the price collapsed 65%, and the project pivoted to promoting a different token—all indicators of an exit scam that technical analysis confirmed contained suspicious code designed to benefit the developers. This case exemplifies how scammers exploit FOMO (fear of missing out) in the memecoin market, where presale scams increased fivefold in March 2021 with approximately
mercurynews.com
Thirty-one Marin County residents lost $33 million to online investment scams in 2023, with the FBI's San Francisco territory reporting nearly $400 million in total losses across multiple counties, and nationwide losses reaching $4.5 billion (a 38% increase from the prior year). Scammers typically promise unrealistic returns on "innovative" investments or cryptocurrency schemes, either failing to invest victims' money or investing only a portion while pocketing the rest. The FBI advises victims to report schemes immediately to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, as those involving wire transfers may be recoverable with prompt reporting.
wafb.com
The IRS warned that imposter scams were the top fraud category in 2023, with scammers increasingly posing as IRS agents via phone calls, emails, and social media to demand immediate payment for alleged tax debts and threaten arrest. The IRS clarified that it will never call demanding immediate payment or contact about taxes owed without first mailing a bill, and provided guidance for reporting such scams to the Treasury Inspector General, IRS, and Federal Trade Commission.
au.finance.yahoo.com
A NAB banker in Hobart prevented an 80-year-old customer from losing $10,000 to a phone scam after noticing red flags when he requested a cheque and gave inconsistent explanations for the withdrawal. The scammers had called the man, instructed him to drain his account and lie to bank staff, and made threats to prevent him from seeking help. The banker's intervention and questioning saved the customer's entire account balance and highlighted the importance of bank staff vigilance in protecting vulnerable elderly customers from increasingly sophisticated fraud.
9news.com
Colorado residents lost more than $187 million to cybercriminals in 2023, an increase of nearly $9 million from 2022, with investment fraud ($60 million), business email compromise ($57 million), and tech support scams ($23 million) being the top three fraud types reported in the state. Nationally, seniors were the most victimized age group with over 100,000 complaints totaling more than $3 billion in losses, while those over 60 accounted for more than half of tech support scam losses. The FBI received over 880,000 cybercrime complaints nationwide in 2023 with potential losses exceeding $12.5
opb.org
Kitboga, a Twitch streamer and "scam baiter," poses as vulnerable characters (like an elderly woman named Edna) to waste scammers' time and expose their tactics, preventing them from targeting real victims. With Americans losing a record $12.5 billion to internet crimes in the latest year—a 22% jump from the previous year—Kitboga uses his 1.2 million Twitch followers to educate viewers about common scams including tech support fraud, gift card scams, and "pig butchering" (romance-investment scams involving cryptocurrency). Inspired by his grandmother's vulnerability to scams and a chatbot
the-sun.com
Cybersecurity experts at Trend Micro have identified five prevalent Google Chat scams targeting users: romance scams involving emotional manipulation and requests for money, phishing attempts seeking personal information, fake tech support messages claiming account issues and requesting payment or remote access, fraudulent job offers, and investment scams promising high returns. Users are advised to be skeptical of unsolicited messages offering deals that seem too good to be true, avoid sending money to people known only online, never grant remote access to devices, and verify the identity of anyone requesting information or immediate action.
thaiexaminer.com
Thai police disrupted a transnational call scam network operating across Asia that planned to use Elon Musk's Starlink satellite system to bypass traditional telecommunications networks and conduct fraud operations targeting Thai residents. The operation, believed to be Chinese-controlled and staffed by Burmese, Thai, Lao, and Chinese personnel, was based in the Golden Triangle region near Laos and Cambodia; authorities intercepted a shipment of high-tech communications equipment valued at approximately ฿5.4 million destined for the area. This discovery marks the first time Starlink technology was found being used for criminal purposes in Thailand and comes after reports indicating Thai people are highly susceptible to online
wgal.com
The Better Business Bureau identifies the top 10 scams targeting small businesses, which are attractive to scammers because business owners are often distracted and lack robust cybersecurity support. Common schemes include phony invoices for unordered supplies, stolen identity/brand hijacking through fake websites, directory listing scams, phishing emails, office supply fraud, and vanity award scams (which charge fees for worthless honors). Small business owners should be aware of these tactics to protect themselves from financial losses.
fox23.com
The Oklahoma Attorney General's Office is warning the public about scammers impersonating the AG's Office and claiming victims have won money, then demanding fees to collect the supposed winnings. Callers have used 918 area codes, spoofed the official AG phone number, and displayed "unknown" caller IDs, though no financial losses have been reported yet. The AG advises Oklahomans to never wire money or share personal information with unsolicited callers claiming to be government officials, to verify caller identity independently, and to disregard caller ID information as it can be faked.
kiro7.com
The Seattle Aquarium warned patrons about a fraudulent ticket scam promoting four tickets for $9.95 under the guise of an anniversary sale. The scam is part of a nationwide scheme targeting Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited sites with fake discounted tickets, and the aquarium advises visitors to purchase tickets only through its official website or at the gate.
marinij.com
Thirty-one Marin County residents lost $33 million to online investment scams in 2023, according to an FBI report, with the broader San Francisco territory reporting nearly $400 million in losses across multiple counties. The typical scam involves criminals promising unrealistic returns on investments (often cryptocurrency-related) and either failing to invest victim funds or pocketing most of the money, exploiting victims' lack of knowledge about complex financial products. Nationwide, online investment fraud losses reached $4.5 billion in 2023, a 38% increase from the prior year, and the FBI recommends victims file complaints immediately through its Internet Crime Complaint Center, as some funds may be recoverable
wrexham.com
A North Wales mother lost £250 after falling victim to a Taylor Swift ticket scam, prompting local police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to launch awareness campaigns about fraudulent ticket sales. In North Wales, there were 59 ticketing fraud cases over 12 months totaling approximately £17,500 in losses, with reports rising 200% between February and March 2024. Police advise purchasing tickets only through official sellers using credit cards or PayPal, avoiding bank transfers to unknown vendors, and being cautious of unsolicited offers that seem too good to be true.
noozhawk.com
The city of Goleta partnered with the Santa Barbara District Attorney's Office and the Greater Goleta Santa Barbara Lions Club to hold a community scam-prevention presentation called "Name that Tune, Stop that Scam!" on April 15. The program educated seniors and caregivers about current local and nationwide scams, protection strategies, and victim resources, addressing the fact that one in five seniors becomes a victim of abuse or fraud, with nearly 90% of elder abuse cases involving family members.
heraldmailmedia.com
A 75-year-old Maryland woman lost $86,000 in a tech support scam that began with a fake iPad security alert. After being directed to call a fake "Apple Support" number, scammers convinced her that her bank accounts were compromised and persuaded her to withdraw cash and purchase gift cards to "secure" her money. The scam was interrupted when a bank security officer at F&M Trust recognized the suspicious $62,500 withdrawal and alerted authorities, leading to the arrest of two New York men who arrived at her home to collect the cash.
nzherald.co.nz
Offshore scammers stole approximately $6.7 million from 25 New Zealand victims who shared their stories with the Herald, with only $700,000 recovered, representing part of hundreds of millions stolen annually from Kiwis. The scams involved sophisticated fraudsters posing as investment advisers from major banks (Citibank, HSBC, Macquarie) using fake prospectuses and call-routing software to appear legitimate, while directing victims to deposit money into local "holding accounts" controlled by money mules. Victims—including business owners, retirees, health workers, and a politician—experienced significant emotional trauma and shame, with most complaints to the Banking
bangkokpost.com
Over 100 hotels across Japan fell victim to phishing scams between June and March that targeted Booking.com users and their customers' credit card information. Fraudsters sent deceptive emails to hotel staff, and once clicked, the links compromised hotel accounts and enabled criminals to send fake payment requests to guests, directing them to fraudulent websites to steal card details. The Japan Tourism Agency instructed Booking.com to investigate the widespread scheme, which mirrors similar phishing campaigns reported globally across Europe, the United States, and other regions.
mix957gr.com
Scammers are sending text messages that mimic legitimate bank alerts to Michigan residents, directing them to fake banking websites designed to steal login credentials and account access. The scam is particularly effective because banks do send genuine account alerts via text, making fraudulent messages appear authentic, and older adults and teens are especially vulnerable. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to watch for red flags including sender phone numbers, embedded links, and URLs with extra characters, as legitimate banks typically request only yes/no replies rather than directing users to click links.
justice.gov
John Kyle Muller of Boulder, Colorado pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud for operating a prize notice scam from 2012 to February 2018 that defrauded thousands of consumers, predominantly elderly victims, of over $15 million. The scheme involved mailing millions of fraudulent notices claiming recipients had won cash prizes, then charging $20-$50 fees to claim non-existent rewards, while victims received only worthless reports or trinkets. Muller and his co-conspirators were shut down in February 2018 through U.S. Postal Inspection Service search warrants and a federal court order.
globalnews.ca
Teqare, an Indigenous-owned tech company in Manitoba, created a scam prevention workshop for elders after co-founder Zachary Flett's grandmother nearly fell victim to a phone-based gift card scam. The workshop covers common scams including romance, phishing, and text-based fraud, and addresses the shame victims often experience; participants at the first workshop in March 2024 with Sagkeeng First Nation responded positively, with one elder even deciding to purchase a cellphone after gaining confidence in digital safety.
click2houston.com
Job scams are a growing threat, with the Better Business Bureau reporting approximately 14 million people exposed to employment scams annually, including 371 reports in Houston last year. Scammers pose as legitimate companies on job sites like LinkedIn and Indeed, using fake HR representatives to conduct interviews and commonly offer work-from-home reshipping jobs or secret shopper positions that leave victims unpaid. Red flags include requests for upfront fees or bank account information, vague job descriptions, unusually high pay, and pressure to accept quickly—victims should verify company websites, conduct video interviews, and report suspected scams to the BBB.
fox61.com
Tax season scams are prevalent, with identity theft being one of the most common, where fraudsters file tax returns in victims' names to claim refunds—the IRS received 294,138 identity theft complaints in 2023, and victims wait an average of 19 months for resolution. Scammers typically use tactics based on fear, urgency, and financial incentives to trick people into sharing personal information or money, often impersonating the IRS or tax professionals. Experts recommend verifying IRS contact through official channels (mail or their website), researching tax professionals through reputable directories, and avoiding unsolicited phone calls to protect against tax-related fraud.
northjersey.com
Morris County authorities warned seniors that Americans lose over $10 billion annually to scams including fake bank notifications, phony job offers, and romance fraud, noting that many senior victims don't report losses due to embarrassment and fear of losing independence. The Prosecutor's Office Financial Crimes Unit provided protection tips including avoiding suspicious links and attachments, never sharing ID or passport information via webcam, and refusing requests for wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency payments. Authorities emphasized that victims should report fraud immediately to increase chances of financial recovery and aid law enforcement investigations.
da.sonomacounty.ca.gov
Scammers are impersonating legitimate student loan debt relief representatives through emails and phone calls, using aggressive language, promises of forgiveness, requests for login credentials, and unofficial contact information to defraud borrowers. The Department of Education emphasizes that legitimate representatives will never request StudentAid.gov passwords and that borrowers can access loan modification services for free through their loan servicers. Victims should contact their loan servicer and bank, change their FSA ID password if compromised, and file complaints with the Department of Education, FTC, or CFPB.