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in Robocall / Phone Scam
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonating FTC agents are stealing an average of $7,000 per victim in 2024, more than double the $3,000 average from 2019, according to FTC warnings. The scheme typically involves fraudsters posing as government agents who pressure victims to move money to protect their accounts, often directing them to withdraw cash, purchase cryptocurrency or gold, or transfer funds—tactics the FTC explicitly states it never employs. The FTC received 228,282 complaints about government impersonation scams in 2023, highlighting a broader fraud crisis that cost Americans $10 billion in losses last year.
fortune.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonating FTC agents are increasingly successful in 2024, stealing an average of $7,000 per victim—more than double the $3,000 average from 2019. The FTC warns that legitimate agents never demand money transfers, direct victims to Bitcoin ATMs or gold purchases, or threaten arrest, and the agency received 228,282 complaints about government impersonation scams in 2023. Overall fraud losses reached a record $10 billion in 2023, with data showing that while younger adults are more susceptible to scams, those over 40 typically lose larger amounts.
wyff4.com
· 2025-12-08
Global scam losses exceeded $1 trillion last year, with Amazon phishing scams among the most prevalent. Amazon has eliminated over 40,000 phishing websites and 10,000 fraudulent phone numbers impersonating the company, resulting in a 15% decrease in fake Amazon scams. The primary threat involves scammers calling unsolicited claiming a large purchase was made and requesting account information to "verify" it; consumers should verify purchases directly through their Amazon account and report suspicious activity to amazon.com/ReportAScam.
tillamookheadlightherald.com
· 2025-12-08
A 2023 study analyzing Federal Trade Commission data found Oregon ranked 13th most defrauded state in the US, with $97.5 million lost across 29,002 fraud reports. Imposter scams were the most common fraud type in Oregon at 23% of all reports, followed by identity theft (15%) and online shopping scams (9%). The analysis provides guidance on recognizing and avoiding these common scam categories, emphasizing the importance of never sharing personal information with unknown callers and verifying legitimacy through official channels.
amac.us
· 2025-12-08
Scams are widespread dishonest schemes used by bad actors to defraud victims through various channels including text, phone, email, and in-person contact, with the goal of stealing money or personal information for identity theft. According to 2023 Gallup data, 15% of Americans reported being scam victims in the past year, with nationwide fraud losses exceeding $10 billion, including $4.6 billion from investment scams and $2.7 billion from imposter scams. The FTC monitors scam trends and urges consumers to protect themselves by safeguarding sensitive information, remaining vigilant against impersonators, and reporting fraud at reportfraud.ftc
sachsenews.com
· 2025-12-08
Sgt. Brent Merryman of the Sachse Police Department educated seniors about common scams targeting elderly people, noting that scammers exploit older adults' larger assets, trust, leisure time, and potential loneliness. Common scams include fake charity calls following disasters, family emergency schemes, and fraudulent tech support offers claiming to remove computer viruses. The presentation emphasized that awareness is key to preventing elder fraud.
globalnews.ca
· 2025-12-08
Regina police are warning seniors about "grandparent scams" in which fraudsters call posing as grandchildren or police officers claiming an emergency requiring immediate payment of thousands of dollars for bail, car repairs, or legal fees. Multiple reports were received over three days, with some scammers fraudulently claiming to be officers who would pick up bond money at victims' homes. Police urge anyone experiencing or suspecting such fraud to contact them immediately.
wach.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warned South Carolina residents about escalating romance scams that target vulnerable populations, particularly elderly individuals, through social media, email, and text messaging by building trust over weeks or months before requesting money. Losses from these scams in South Carolina increased dramatically from $5 million in 2016 to $59 million in 2023, with 2024 projections exceeding that figure. The FBI advised potential victims to pause contact, consult trusted friends or family, and reconsider why they trust the person reaching out.
keyt.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, scammers impersonating Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) stole approximately $875,000 from nearly 43,000 customers across California, with an average loss of $785 per victim. The scams, which peaked in early 2024 with $67,000 stolen in January alone, targeted vulnerable populations including seniors, low-income communities, and non-English speakers through phone calls and emails demanding immediate payment via prepaid cards to avoid service disconnection. PG&E advises customers to verify bills through official channels, use only legitimate payment methods (checks, money orders, or ACH transfers), and report suspected scams to authorities or
wltx.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, 277 South Carolinians lost over $11 million to romance scams, though only 29 cases were reported to state authorities, indicating significant underreporting of this growing threat. Sandra Shealy exemplified the impact when she lost approximately $85,000 after developing trust with a scammer on Facebook who used fake photos, videos, and Zoom calls; she is still repaying the debt. The FBI emphasizes that romance fraud and confidence scams are increasingly common due to easier fake persona creation with AI technology and urges victims to report incidents to improve prevention efforts.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
Albertans reported losing over $156 million to fraud since 2020, with losses reaching $62.5 million in 2023 alone—a fivefold increase from 2020—though experts estimate only 5-10% of incidents are reported due to victim reluctance and embarrassment. Investment scams, particularly cryptocurrency fraud, accounted for nearly 58% of 2023 losses ($35.9 million), followed by spear-phishing attacks that took $8.5 million, with technological advancements and the unregulated nature of cryptocurrency enabling fraudsters to operate across borders with relative anonymity.
pineandlakes.com
· 2025-12-08
The Walker office reports receiving daily scams and phishing attempts using various methods to steal personal and financial information from victims. The article highlights three specific scam types: tax season phishing emails impersonating the IRS to collect sensitive information; tech support scams using fake calls or pop-ups to trick users into paying for nonexistent computer problems; and general warnings about unsolicited communications requesting personal data. Victims have lost tens to thousands of dollars to these schemes, though many people successfully identify and report the attempts before losing money.
kslnewsradio.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating the College Board and ACT/SAT organizations in phone calls to parents, using personal information about students (names, addresses, schools, testing dates) to appear legitimate and convince parents to pay for test-prep courses. Victims have been charged hundreds of dollars (at least $250 reported) via credit cards, with the Better Business Bureau advising parents to verify any test-prep solicitations directly with their child, school, or the College Board before providing payment information, as legitimate organizations do not request credit information over the phone.
brainerddispatch.com
· 2025-12-08
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
**Death-Hoax Scam Using AI-Generated Obituaries**
Scammers are creating fake AI-generated obituaries of real, living people and posting them on low-quality content sites to generate ad revenue through clicks and search traffic, a scheme recently discovered when Los Angeles Times reporter Deborah Vankin found a false obituary about herself online. The scam targets high-traffic names and fills obituaries with keywords to rank in Google searches; while not directly targeting victims for money, the scheme exploits ad networks and has the potential to significantly impact public figures and celebrities. Users should verify the legitimacy of online obituaries, as personal information is readily available on the
iphoneincanada.ca
· 2025-12-08
Wayne and Diana Stork of the Greater Toronto Area lost $166,000 (primarily $140,000 in Bitcoin from a Coinbase account plus additional funds from trading and TFSA accounts) when fraudsters used a SIM swap scam to gain control of Wayne's phone number at a Freedom Mobile retail store in Toronto. The scammers intercepted two-factor authentication codes to drain his accounts, and while Wealthsimple reimbursed some losses, Freedom Mobile has not provided compensation six months after the incident. The article highlights how SIM swap scams—where fraudsters trick wireless carriers into transferring a victim's phone number to a SIM card they control—remain a
ca.movies.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2018, e-commerce scams were Singapore's leading fraud type with 2,125 reported cases totaling $1.9 million in losses, with approximately 70% occurring on the Carousell marketplace involving electronics and event tickets. Other rising scams included loan scams (which doubled to 994 cases) and China officials impersonation scams (surging 60.6% to 302 cases), though internet love scams declined by 20% following intervention by the Transnational Commercial Crime Task Force, which recovered over $1.4 million and closed 600 bank accounts.
koamnewsnow.com
· 2025-12-08
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond warned consumers about a rising wave of cryptocurrency ATM scams targeting elderly victims, where scammers convince people their banks are failing and convince them to withdraw funds and deposit them into virtual currency kiosks, with the crypto then sent irreversibly to the scammer's wallet. The advisory also detailed other related scams including romance scams, pig butchering schemes, fake investment platforms, computer antivirus scams, and impersonation of government agencies, all designed to trick victims into making cryptocurrency payments. Drummond advised Oklahomans to never pay anyone demanding advance cryptocurrency payments and to contact relatives or the Oklahoma Attorney General's office if victimized.
columbiavalleypioneer.com
· 2025-12-08
This editorial highlights the persistent threat of fraud despite increased public awareness, noting that scammers continue to successfully target victims using various tactics. The piece details specific current scams including CRA tax refund text messages and follow-up BC Hydro impersonation calls, and one woman nearly lost access to her bank account before recognizing red flags. The editor advises readers to verify claims through official government websites, remain skeptical of unsolicited offers, and remember that "if it's too good to be true, it probably is."
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
Shelley Smith, a 60-year-old Canadian woman, lost approximately $500,000 to a romance scam in 2021-2022 after meeting a man using a fake identity on the dating app Zoosk. The scammer, posing as "Carl Pettersson," gradually manipulated Smith into providing financial support by fabricating emergencies and problems, while isolating her from friends and family who might have warned her. Smith's case illustrates common romance scam tactics—including avoiding in-person meetings, creating false credibility by displaying wealth, and using guilt and emotional manipulation—and serves as a cautionary tale about how vulnerable individuals can fall victim to sophisticated catf
wbay.com
· 2025-12-08
Tech support scammers use fake pop-up warnings claiming a computer is locked or infected to frighten users into calling fraudulent support numbers, where victims may lose money, install malicious software, or divulge personal information. The FBI and FTC report these scams are generating record profits, though one Wisconsin woman avoided financial loss by immediately shutting down her computer and seeking help from a trusted IT professional. To avoid these scams, users should never call numbers on security pop-ups, never grant remote access to strangers, and instead contact trusted tech support or use security best practices like two-factor authentication and regular software updates.
wusa9.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonating "The Tax Group" are using voicemail messages before Tax Day to target taxpayers with offers to enroll them in a fake "Zero Tax Initiative" program, claiming past tax debts can be made non-collectible. The Better Business Bureau and IRS website confirm no such program exists, and the legitimate Tax Group business has reported being spoofed; experts note that tax preparers cannot access filing history without explicit permission, and the IRS never initiates contact by phone, text, or email.
abc7chicago.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns that using voice technology on smartphones to search for or auto-dial phone numbers can inadvertently connect users with scam numbers staffed by fraudsters posing as legitimate business representatives. These scammers can then steal payment information or personal data from unsuspecting callers. The BBB recommends using traditional search engines to verify numbers, consulting official business websites for contact information, and carefully checking URLs to avoid fake websites.
ncdoj.gov
· 2025-12-08
The Guilford County Sheriff's Office warned of a rising phone scam in which callers impersonate deputies using real officer names and spoofed phone numbers to demand immediate payment of fines under threat of arrest. The article provides guidance that legitimate law enforcement will never call to threaten arrest, victims should independently verify callers' identities, and payments via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency are red flags indicating fraud.
fox17online.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, U.S. consumers lost a median of $1,167 to travel and vacation scams, prompting the Better Business Bureau of West Michigan to issue warnings about common tactics used by scammers who exploit travelers with unrealistically low prices and fake deals. The BBB recommends consumers plan ahead, research thoroughly, obtain written trip details, use credit cards for payment, and avoid posting travel plans on social media to prevent falling victim to scams year-round.
newschannel6now.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau reports that AI-powered phone scams are increasing, with scammers using artificial intelligence to imitate loved ones' voices and create urgent situations claiming danger. Contrary to common assumptions, young adults aged 18-24 are the primary targets, not seniors, and these scams represent old fraud tactics repackaged with modern technology. Last year, Americans lost nearly $9 billion to various scams; experts recommend hanging up and calling loved ones directly at their known number to verify any emergency claims.
boothbayregister.com
· 2025-12-08
Peer-to-peer payment apps like Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App lack fraud protections, making them attractive targets for scammers who can quickly transfer stolen funds with virtually no possibility of recovery. To protect yourself, avoid unsolicited money requests and only send funds to people you know personally, treating P2P transactions like cash that cannot be reclaimed. Report suspected scams to local law enforcement or contact AARP's Fraud Watch Network at 1-877-908-3360.
times-georgian.com
· 2025-12-08
Former Georgia Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health-care fraud after ordering unnecessary medical tests through a Texas lab in exchange for $260,000 in kickbacks, working with Dr. Jeffrey Gallups. The scheme involved submitting fraudulent insurance claims exceeding $2.5 million to private insurers, which paid the lab nearly $700,000, and included obstruction of justice when Oxendine instructed Gallups to lie to compliance officers and federal agents. Oxendine faces sentencing in July.
bostonherald.com
· 2025-12-08
Boston Police reported a resurgence of grandparent scams in which callers claim to hold a child hostage and demand ransom payment, often using recordings of children crying to manipulate family members into paying. The department advised potential victims to verify the caller's information by asking specific questions about the supposed hostage, contacting the person directly to confirm their safety, and immediately reporting the scam to local police and the Federal Trade Commission.
sundayworld.com
· 2025-12-08
The Black Axe gang, a West African organized crime network with approximately 1,100 members in Ireland, has amassed a fortune primarily through cyber fraud rather than drug trafficking. The gang specializes in investment scams, romance fraud, and Business Email Compromise (BEC) schemes, with 226 Irish victims of investment fraud losing an average of €40,000-€50,000 each in the past year, while €7 million has been stolen through romance fraud targeting vulnerable women over the past five years. Irish law enforcement has made over 377 arrests as of last June and continues weekly operations under Operation Skein, which contributes to Interpol's international Operation
cybershack.com.au
· 2025-12-08
An 80-year-old tech-savvy reader named John fell victim to an online scam after clicking on a fake ad-blocker offer, compromising his credit card and personal information; scammers made several fraudulent purchases within 24 hours before he took corrective action. The article outlines common online scam types—including email phishing, SMS fraud, malware/ransomware, and fake websites—and provides protective measures such as using clean email addresses, running malware detection software, maintaining backups, and remaining skeptical of unsolicited offers. The key message is that online scams affect people across all technical skill levels, and awareness combined with proactive security practices can help
blogto.com
· 2025-12-08
Toronto residents are experiencing a surge in scams targeting seniors and vulnerable citizens, including fraudulent speeding ticket texts, rental listing scams (with victims losing up to $3,600), 407 ETR toll highway payment scams via text message, and grandparent scams that have defrauded over 200 Toronto victims of more than $1 million since 2021. Recent cases include an 87-year-old who lost $10,000 when scammers falsely claimed her grandson needed bail money for drug possession charges, highlighting how fraudsters exploit urgency and trust in authorities to manipulate victims.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-08
Police warn that lonely and retired seniors are susceptible to investment and love scams, with victims losing substantial sums including one retiree who lost RM2 million in a cryptocurrency investment scheme and a 60-year-old widow who transferred RM200,000 to a fake online romantic interest. Scammers exploit victims' lack of cybersecurity awareness and isolation by posing as investment opportunities or authority figures on social media, with victims often refusing to believe they've been defrauded. Authorities recommend frequent family contact, cybersecurity education, and vigilance against online relationships that involve requests for money or gifts.
cantonrep.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonate legitimate businesses via email, claiming subscriptions have expired or will auto-renew, and direct recipients to fake websites to steal credit card and personal information. Consumers should verify emails by checking sender addresses for red flags, contacting businesses directly using official phone numbers, tracking subscription dates, and consulting BBB Scam Tracker before providing payment information. One victim received a fake Sirius XM renewal notice the day after their actual renewal date but avoided loss by verifying their account directly with the company.
masslive.com
· 2025-12-08
Boston-area police warned residents of a kidnapping and ransom phone scam targeting parents and relatives, in which callers falsely claim to be holding a child hostage and demand ransom while playing audio of children crying in the background. Victims are advised to contact police immediately, attempt to reach the allegedly kidnapped child through normal channels, ask the caller for specific location and physical description details, and report the caller's phone number to authorities. The Federal Trade Commission should also be notified regardless of whether victims paid money.
nwfdailynews.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article discusses common scams targeting the public, particularly elderly individuals. It covers traditional fraud like the "grandchild in jail" scheme where scammers pose as a relative needing bail money, as well as modern digital scams including fake package delivery notifications requesting payment and credit card information, and fraudulent refund offers designed to exploit victims' greed by asking for financial details.
heraldextra.com
· 2025-12-08
The Social Security Administration recently warned of increasing fraud schemes in which scammers change bank account numbers to divert benefit checks to themselves. AARP's Fraud Watch Network offers free, comprehensive resources to help people of all ages combat fraud through educational materials, scam-tracking maps, real-time alerts, and a community reporting system. The platform covers various fraud types including identity theft and online scams, accessible via newsletters, social media, and a dedicated website.
wpxi.com
· 2025-12-08
A 67-year-old New Castle, Pennsylvania man lost $18,600 ($15,000 in cash plus $3,600 in gift card codes) in October after clicking on a malware pop-up that mimicked Microsoft or the FBI and prompted him to call a scammer for technical support. Pennsylvania State Police warn the public to avoid calling numbers on suspicious pop-ups, never allow remote computer access to unknown parties, and remember that legitimate companies never request payment via gift cards or cash; victims should contact their bank, change passwords, and consider a credit freeze.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Allegheny County Sheriff's Office reported an increase in phone scams over a 10-day period targeting medical and education professionals. Scammers impersonated legal authorities, claiming victims missed jury duty or court testimony and threatened arrest unless they paid fines via gift cards or payment apps. Authorities identified requests for gift card or app-based payments as a red flag indicator of fraudulent calls and urged victims to report them to the sheriff's office.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
A pharmacist fell victim to an elaborate impersonation scam when scammers spoofed the Ohio Board of Pharmacy's number, falsely claiming her license was linked to a narcotics investigation and threatening arrest unless she paid a $500,000 bond. Over three months, the scammers manipulated her into moving $500,000 of her savings and retirement funds into a "protected account" and taking out two additional loans totaling $250,000, all of which went directly to the fraudsters. The article notes that scams are rising nationally, with Americans losing over $159 billion in 2023, and that professionals with specialized licenses and higher incomes—such as pharmacists
express.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A YouTube motoring personality highlighted a used car scam where he purchased a Ford Focus ST using an outdated V5 ownership document, which the seller retained. When the YouTuber later sold the vehicle to a friend, it was rejected for trade-in due to outstanding finance that had been taken out after the sale, potentially exposing both parties to vehicle repossession despite clean pre-purchase checks showing no prior finance.
hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 65-year-old woman from Bengaluru lost ₹77,000 after ordering spoilt milk online and attempting to return it. When she called a fake customer service number found online, a fraudster posing as a platform executive instructed her to use PhonePe to transfer money to a UPI ID under the guise of receiving a refund, then obtained her UPI PIN to steal the funds. The woman filed a complaint with cyber police, who registered a case under the Information Technology Act and took steps to freeze the fraudster's account.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
A 34-year-old woman lost $60,000 in a wire fraud scam when she received a fraudulent email impersonating her title company to send a down payment for a home purchase in Memphis, Tennessee in January 2023. Scammers had hacked the title company's system to obtain property details and mimic the agent's communication style, making the fake email appear legitimate until she noticed a misspelled realtor's name an hour after wiring the funds. Although the Secret Service eventually recovered her money, she missed out on the property purchase, highlighting the increasingly sophisticated nature of wire transfer fraud targeting real estate transactions.
nzherald.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
Last year, New Zealanders reported losses of nearly $200 million to scams, though actual losses may exceed $2 billion when unreported cases are considered, with two-thirds of Kiwis encountering scams monthly. ASB Bank is spearheading a multi-sector anti-scam initiative with telcos, police, and social media companies, while launching an awareness campaign that outlines common scam types—including phishing, marketplace fraud, investment schemes, and romance scams—along with protective measures such as verifying contacts directly, inspecting goods in person, researching investments thoroughly, and guarding personal information.
cyberdaily.au
· 2025-12-08
During Ramadan and Eid Fitr celebrations, scammers targeting Saudi Arabia and other regions have stolen between $70-$100 million through various fraud schemes, with the criminal group known as the Smishing Triad primarily responsible. The scams employ multiple tactics including fake logistics delivery notifications (impersonating companies like Aramex), romance scams, fake charities, and phishing sites mimicking banks and bill payment platforms, often using personal data from previous breaches to appear legitimate and bypass security measures like two-factor authentication. Victims are directed to counterfeit websites where their financial information, banking credentials, and personal data are harvested for unauthorized charges, identity theft, and recruitment
6abc.com
· 2025-12-08
West Chester, Pennsylvania police received over 25 calls over a weekend from residents targeted by scammers posing as police officers claiming they had warrants or felonies pending, an international scam that is difficult to trace. Authorities warn that scammers are attempting to obtain personal information from victims, with past cases showing that people who provide information believing it will resolve legal issues often experience additional fraud problems. Imposter scams reported to the FTC increased 12% year-over-year, and while no confirmed victims were reported in this particular incident, residents are advised to contact police if they receive such calls.
hawaiipolice.com
· 2025-12-08
The Hawai'i Police Department issued a warning after receiving multiple reports of scammers calling Big Island residents while impersonating police officers or court officials using spoofed caller ID numbers displaying HPD phone numbers. The fraudsters claim victims have outstanding warrants and attempt to extract personal information or payments, though legitimate HPD officers never request such information or money over the phone. Residents are advised to verify caller identity through official channels, refuse to share personal details, remain skeptical of urgent threats, and contact police dispatch at (808) 935-3311 to verify suspicious calls.
helpnetsecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and costly, with consumers losing more money despite fewer individual reports, according to Visa research. Key threats include pig butchering scams (targeting 10% of adults via fake cryptocurrency schemes), inheritance scams (affecting 15% of adults), humanitarian relief scams, and triangulation fraud (costing merchants up to $1 billion monthly), all leveraging generative AI and emerging technologies to deceive victims more effectively. Additionally, threat actors are exploiting organizational vulnerabilities, with PRA fraud attacks rising 83% and ransomware cases increasing 300% year-over-year, while over one-third of scam victims do not report their losses, indicating actual
longmontleader.com
· 2025-12-08
A 2023 QRFY study found that Colorado ranked seventh in the nation for fraud losses, with residents losing $161.2 million total ($2.8 million per 100,000 residents) across 40,625 reported scams to the FTC. Imposter scams were the leading fraud type at 19% of incidents, followed by identity theft at 17%, with scammers commonly posing as banks, utilities, or police to trick victims into sending money or purchasing gift cards via phone, email, or text.
wibx950.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are sending fraudulent emails impersonating streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime, claiming memberships have expired and directing recipients to click links and enter credit card information. The Better Business Bureau warns consumers to verify emails directly with companies, watch for red flags like suspicious sender addresses and poor grammar, track subscription renewal dates, and report suspected scam emails rather than clicking links or providing payment information.