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the-sun.com
A 73-year-old Michigan woman lost approximately $700,000 over several months after being deceived by a scammer posing as a Federal Trade Commission lawyer who claimed she had won a $3.5 million sweepstakes prize and a new car, but needed to send money upfront to secure the winnings. The victim purchased expensive jewelry and wired checks to the fraudster until a friend convinced her the scheme was illegitimate and urged her to contact police, prompting an investigation by Troy Police Department. The case underscores common sweepstakes scam tactics and highlights the importance of recognizing red flags such as unsolicited prize claims, requests for upfront payment, and impersonation
patch.com
New Jersey residents lost $441.2 million to scams in 2023, a 55% increase from 2022, making the state the fifth-highest in total losses nationwide, according to an FBI report. Over 12,000 New Jersey victims fell prey to various scams including phishing, tech support fraud, and personal data breaches, with seniors accounting for more than half of tech scam losses, particularly those ages 60 and older who lost $3.4 billion nationally.
journalofaccountancy.com
The IRS opened its 2024 Dirty Dozen list of scams with a warning about phishing and smishing scams designed to steal sensitive financial and personal information from taxpayers and tax professionals. Fraudsters impersonate the IRS via deceptive emails and text messages using tactics like fake refund offers or false threats of legal action to trick victims into clicking malicious links or providing personal data that can lead to identity theft. The IRS emphasized it only initiates contact through regular mail, never through email, text, or social media, and provided reporting resources for victims.
news.bloomberglaw.com
The IRS released its annual Dirty Dozen list warning of 12 tax scams, with particular emphasis on phishing and smishing schemes that impersonate legitimate tax organizations to steal personal information. Phishing scams are delivered via email while smishing scams arrive through text messages, targeting both individual taxpayers and tax professionals.
wbrc.com
The FBI warns of text message scams where fraudsters spoof bank phone numbers and convince victims to transfer money to "secure" accounts for protection. One victim, Kelsey Herrett, lost nearly $2,000 after responding to a fake Wells Fargo alert and being guided through account transfers by a scammer who impersonated a bank agent; bank accounts offer less fraud protection than credit cards, and victims typically cannot recover funds they voluntarily transfer. The FTC reported $330 million in losses to text message scams in the previous year, and experts advise never responding to unknown numbers and always verifying urgent requests by calling trusted contacts.
securityboulevard.com
Tax scams escalate during filing season when victims are stressed and vulnerable, with cyber criminals using text messages and phone calls to exploit emotions. Common schemes include SMS fraud demanding immediate payment or offering fake government benefits, and extortion calls using scare tactics threatening jail time or legal action; attackers often include personal information to appear legitimate. To protect yourself, never click links in unsolicited messages or provide information over the phone—instead, log directly into official CRA or IRS accounts to verify any notices.
cavazossentinel.com
This educational article from the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division provides guidance on identity protection and outlines common scams targeting soldiers, veterans, and their families. Key recommendations include using strong passwords, password managers, two-factor authentication, and separating work and personal accounts, while growing threats include impersonation scams (where scammers pose as military officials), romance scams targeting those over 50, credit repair fraud, cryptocurrency schemes, social media account takeovers, and two-factor authentication exploitation. Supervisory Special Agent Deric Palmer emphasizes that data brokers sell personal information for as little as $20, enabling social engineering attacks, and warns that impersonation scams cause reputational
vancouversun.com
British Columbians lost at least $46.4 million to online investment scams in 2023, with losses skyrocketing from $8.5 million in 2021, according to the B.C. Securities Commission. These "pig butchering" scams typically begin with unsolicited social media contact that evolves into a relationship, after which scammers direct victims to fraudulent investment websites, encourage them to invest via cryptocurrency, and then disappear with the money. The B.C. Securities Commission warns the public to be suspicious of unsolicited online messages, avoid investing based on advice from online contacts, and reject promises of quick, large returns.
ici.radio-canada.ca
Richmond, B.C. RCMP warned of a surge in romance-investment scams that cost victims over $16 million in 2023, with 87 reported cases that year and another 12 cases totaling nearly $500,000 in losses between January and March 2024. Scammers groom victims through dating websites and social media over weeks or months, building trust before convincing them to invest in fraudulent schemes, often involving cryptocurrencies and fake investment returns. Police also issued a warning about a "speeding ticket" text scam designed to steal personal and financial information by directing victims to a fake website mimicking the government's legitimate PayBC payment portal.
globalnews.ca
A North Vancouver woman lost nearly $2,000 in a "broken phone" scam after receiving text messages impersonating her son in Spain, who claimed he had lost his phone and needed money for payments he couldn't make through banking apps. North Vancouver RCMP reported this was the fourth such incident in the year with total losses exceeding $10,000, and warned that similar scams often originate from 289 area code numbers. The victim's bank declined her fraud claim, and authorities recommend reporting such incidents to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
insidethemagic.net
Scammers posing as Disneyland Resort employees are targeting senior citizens through text messages offering work-from-home jobs with $2,000-$4,000 monthly income and $30-$75 interview payments. These "pig butchering scams" use fake personas to gain trust before manipulating victims into fraudulent investments and payments, exploiting seniors' potential digital illiteracy and the scam's stated age range of 23-80 years old. Reddit users identified red flags including poor grammar, inconsistent fonts, and the fact that legitimate Disney HR would never impose age caps on employment.
salinapost.com
The North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging and Kansas Legal Services launched a free "Scam Scan" seminar series beginning January 24, 2024, to educate older Kansans on recognizing and preventing common scams. The seminars, presented by managing attorney Corinne Petrik, teach attendees how to identify fraudulent emails, phone calls, and text messages while providing practical prevention tips to protect themselves, their money, and personal information. Multiple in-person sessions are scheduled throughout April 2024 at senior centers across Kansas, with additional resources available through their website.
zdnet.com
This article provides six practical tips for avoiding online, phone, and in-person scams, using a personal anecdote about a friend who nearly fell victim to a fake Google support call. Key protective measures include being suspicious of unsolicited emails and messages, verifying links before clicking them, recognizing "too good to be true" offers, and contacting companies directly rather than through unsolicited channels. The author emphasizes that awareness and vigilance are essential defenses against increasingly sophisticated scammers.
pbs.org
This educational lesson plan teaches grades 6-12 students to identify and respond to online scams through instruction on recognizing suspicious communications via email, text, and phone calls. Key learning objectives include identifying phishing tactics, understanding how scammers manipulate emotions to bypass logical thinking, and knowing how to report scams to authorities like the FTC and APWG. The lesson emphasizes practical security measures such as using multi-factor authentication, avoiding sharing personal information with unknown contacts, and conducting reverse image searches to verify suspicious profiles.
nbcphiladelphia.com
Three New Jersey residents—married couple Martins Friday Inalegwu and Steincy Mathieu, plus Oluwaseyi Fatolu—pleaded guilty to operating a romance scam from 2016 to 2020 that defrauded over 100 victims of $4.5 million. The defendants posed as romantic interests on dating sites and social media to convince victims to send money for fictitious emergencies, with funds wired to U.S. bank accounts, mailed as checks, or transferred overseas to accomplices in Nigeria and Turkey, while the defendants spent proceeds on personal expenses and cash withdrawals.
cbc.ca
Richmond, B.C. RCMP warned of a significant rise in romance investment scams in 2023, with 87 reported cases resulting in over $16 million in losses, continuing into 2024 with 12 cases and nearly $500,000 lost in just three months. These "long-con" scams involve fraudsters grooming victims through dating websites and social media over weeks or months, building trust before convincing them to invest in fake schemes often involving cryptocurrencies and displaying fabricated returns. The RCMP also warned of a separate "speeding ticket" phishing scam using text messages with fake government websites designed to steal personal and financial information.
cbc.ca
Between January 2023 and March 2024, Richmond, B.C. RCMP reported 99 romance scam cases totaling over $16 million in losses, with scammers using dating websites and social media to build trust with victims over weeks or months before convincing them to invest in fraudulent schemes, often involving cryptocurrencies. The article also warns of a separate "speeding ticket scam" where fake text messages direct victims to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal and financial information by impersonating official government traffic violation notices.
deseret.com
During election season, scammers exploit increased political communications by impersonating legitimate candidates and political action committees to solicit donations from voters, with particular targeting of older Americans. The Better Business Bureau and AARP warn against providing personal information via unsolicited emails, texts, and phone calls, and advise verifying organizations through trusted sources before donating. Suspicious activity can be reported to the BBB's Scam Tracker or the FBI.
financialregnews.com
Federal authorities (CFTC, FINRA, and NASAA) issued a joint warning about precious metals investment scams targeting seniors, where fraudulent dealers tout gold and silver as "safe investments" while charging excessive markups, commissions, and fees that prevent investors from profiting. Scammers specifically target retirees and those near retirement by encouraging retirement account rollovers, using fake celebrity endorsements, high-pressure sales tactics, and fake self-directed IRA custodians to steal funds. In September 2020, federal and state authorities filed a civil enforcement action against two precious metals dealers for an alleged $185 million fraudulent scheme targeting elderly people nationwide.
welivesecurity.com
Loan fraud is surging as financial pressures from inflation and rising costs push vulnerable populations to seek credit, with scammers exploiting this desperation through various schemes. Common tactics include advance-fee fraud (requesting upfront payments for loans that never materialize), student loan forgiveness scams, phishing for personal information, and malicious loan apps—with victims in the UK losing an average of £255 ($323) per incident. Those most at risk are young people, seniors, low-income households, and individuals with poor credit scores who are targeted because they're most likely to be desperate for quick funding.
krsl.com
The North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging and Kansas Legal Services are hosting free "Scam Scan" seminars throughout April 2024 to educate older Kansans about recognizing and preventing common scams involving emails, phone calls, and text messages. The seminars, which began in January with high attendance, teach prevention tips to protect participants' money and personal information. Additional sessions are scheduled at senior centers in Glen Elder, Mankato, Ellsworth, and Wilson in April, with registration available at ncfhaaa.com/seminars or by calling 1-800-432-2703.
25newsnow.com
The Illinois Tollway warned customers of a phishing scam involving text messages claiming outstanding toll amounts. Customers should delete suspicious texts and verify any toll issues directly through the official website or customer service line (1-800-UC-IPASS), and report phishing messages to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
investopedia.com
Pig butchering scams are a sophisticated investment fraud scheme in which scammers create fake online identities to build trust with victims before stealing their money, often through fraudulent cryptocurrency investments. The scams use social engineering, AI-generated content, and emotional manipulation to exploit victims' vulnerabilities, with billions of dollars in global losses reported. To protect yourself, ignore unsolicited messages, verify financial advice independently, and immediately report any suspected scam to your bank and law enforcement.
colorado.edu
Employment scams targeting job seekers pose risks of identity theft and financial loss through unsolicited offers, fake interviews, social media impersonation, and requests for upfront payment. Red flags include vague job descriptions with grammatical errors, pressure to respond quickly, offers that seem too good to be true, and any request for money from applicants. Job seekers should verify opportunities through trusted platforms, research companies independently, trust their instincts, and contact Career Services or report suspicious activity to OIT if they encounter potential scams.
thetimes.co.uk
Holidaymakers lost over £12 million to travel fraud last year, with victims averaging £1,851 in losses, according to Action Fraud. Common scams include fake booking websites and clone airline/villa sites, counterfeit ATOL licenses, phishing emails impersonating Booking.com, bogus visa and insurance service fees, and fraudulent airport parking services. To protect themselves, travelers should verify website authenticity, check ATOL certificates at atol.org, pay by credit card for protection, and avoid unsolicited payment requests from booking companies.
vancouversun.com
Richmond RCMP reported a significant rise in romance-investment scams in 2023, with victims losing over $16 million across 87 reported cases, and an additional 12 cases reported in early 2024 resulting in nearly $500,000 in losses. These "long-con scams" involve criminals grooming victims over weeks or months through dating websites and social media, building trust before convincing them to invest in fraudulent schemes, often involving cryptocurrencies and fake investment returns. Police advise the public to be skeptical of unsolicited romantic contacts, especially from attractive profiles, and note that legitimate romantic interests should not involve requests for money.
nationalpost.com
Richmond, B.C. residents lost over $16 million to romance-investment scams in 2023, with 87 reported cases involving criminals who groomed victims over weeks or months through dating websites and social media before convincing them to invest in fraudulent schemes, typically involving cryptocurrencies. Police noted an alarming continuation of the trend with 12 additional cases reported in early 2024 resulting in nearly $500,000 in losses, and suspect actual victim numbers are higher due to underreporting stemming from embarrassment or fear. Authorities advise the public to be skeptical of unsolicited romantic contacts, especially from unusually attractive profiles or strangers promising investment returns.
canberratimes.com.au
In 2023, Western Australian scam victims lost over $20 million across 1,398 reported incidents, with investment scams (primarily cryptocurrency) accounting for $12.1 million and dating/romance scams causing $3.7 million in losses. Facebook-based scams topped reported cases, up 62% from 2022, including fake classifieds, rental listings, job offers, and cryptocurrency schemes, with authorities recommending consumers use secure payment methods and verify legitimacy before sharing personal information or funds online.
wibx950.com
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.
longmontleader.com
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.
forbes.com
This educational article provides guidance on identifying common cyber scams and protecting oneself online. It identifies six prevalent scam types targeting all age groups—including phishing, sweepstakes, investment, lawsuit/tax, romance, and tech support scams—and recommends seven safety practices such as using strong passwords, updating devices, and exercising skepticism toward unsolicited offers. The piece emphasizes that cybercrime is a rising threat and encourages reporting suspicious emails to CISA.
businessworld.in
Romance scams in India have evolved significantly, with scammers increasingly using AI-generated deepfakes and voice technology to create convincing fake profiles and impersonate romantic interests. According to 2023 reports, 43% of Indians fell victim to AI voice scams (83% of whom lost money), 77% encountered AI-generated fake profiles on dating apps, and 66% have been targeted by online dating scams. Experts recommend public education on scam warning signs, stronger regulations from dating platforms and law enforcement, and user vigilance—particularly protecting vulnerable populations like elderly widowed individuals—through identity verification and avoiding sharing sensitive personal information with online strangers.
floridadaily.com
Taufiq Mohammed Kailani of Daytona Beach was arrested for using a business email imposter scam to defraud two construction companies of $60,725 by posing as an employee and sending a counterfeit bank letter to trick one company into wiring funds. Kailani exploited an elderly victim he met through a romance scam to open a fraudulent bank account and withdraw the stolen money, which the victim unwittingly facilitated. He was charged with organized fraud, fraudulent use of personal identification information, and money laundering, with bail set at $1.5 million.
cyberdaily.au
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
nzherald.co.nz
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.
the-sun.com
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.
usatoday.com
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
nwfdailynews.com
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.
cantonrep.com
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.
aol.com
Spring's busy home-buying and home-improvement season creates opportunities for scammers to target homeowners through three main schemes: fake wire transfer requests impersonating lenders or realtors to intercept down payments and closing costs, fraudulent home warranty solicitations claiming policies are expiring or offering fake coverage, and home improvement scams. Homeowners can protect themselves by verifying payment instructions directly with lenders through known phone numbers, avoiding high-pressure tactics, using certified checks when possible, and purchasing warranties only from legitimate companies verified through Consumer Reports or trusted referrals.
blogto.com
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.
u.today
In 2023, cryptocurrency fraud reached alarming levels, with scams generating at least $4.6 billion in revenue and U.S. crypto investment scam losses surging 53% to $3.94 billion. The most prevalent schemes included pump-and-dump token manipulation and romance scams (which increased 85-fold since 2020), with approximately 80% of targeted Americans losing money, with a median loss of $3,800. SEC Chair Gary Gensler warned that fraud and abuse in the crypto space are correlated with Bitcoin's price increases, highlighting risks from inadequate disclosures by intermediaries pooling digital assets.
dailymaverick.co.za
Financial institutions in South Africa hosted an educational webinar during Global Money Week highlighting six prevalent scams: phishing (fake banking/government websites), courier fraud (fake clearing tax fees), spoof emails (impersonation for money transfers), romance scams (one victim lost over R1 million), travel booking scams (fake accommodation websites), and investment scams with unrealistic guaranteed returns. Experts advised consumers to verify secure website indicators, confirm requests by phone, use reverse image searches, book through reputable agencies, and be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true or pressure quick decisions.
tradingview.com
Cryptocurrency fraud surged to a record $4.6 billion in 2023, with U.S. crypto investment scam losses reaching $3.94 billion—a 53% increase from 2022. The rise correlates with Bitcoin's price increases, as fraudsters capitalize on heightened market interest through schemes including pump-and-dump tokens, romance scams (up 85-fold since 2020), and social engineering tactics, with approximately 80% of targeted Americans losing an average of $3,800.
cybershack.com.au
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
sundayworld.com
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
nasdaq.com
Spring's increased home buying and selling activity creates opportunities for scammers to exploit homebuyers and sellers through fake wire transfer requests, impersonation of lenders and realtors, and fraudulent home warranty solicitations. Consumers are advised to verify payment instructions directly with their lender or agent using known phone numbers, avoid wire transfers under pressure, consider certified checks as alternatives, and research home warranty companies through trusted sources like Consumer Reports before making any payments.
dailypress.net
A couple in West Virginia nearly fell victim to a debt consolidation scam after receiving an unsolicited call promising to negotiate with creditors and consolidate payments, but their son's investigation using the Better Business Bureau's Scam Tracker revealed numerous complaints against the company. The article also warns consumers against online shopping scams that steal financial information or send counterfeit goods, and advises shopping only at trusted retailers to ensure legitimate products and returns policies.
wusa9.com
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.
wbay.com
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.