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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
stuttgartdailyleader.com
The IRS issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting seniors, in which fraudsters pose as government officials from the IRS, Social Security Administration, and Medicare to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and texts. Scammers use tactics such as spoofed caller IDs, fabricated urgent scenarios (false tax debts or prize claims), and demands for immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to pressure victims into quick compliance. The IRS recommends that anyone receiving unexpected calls from alleged IRS representatives should hang up immediately and verify any claims by calling the official IRS customer service line at 800-829-1040.
abccolumbia.com
The IRS has issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting South Carolina seniors, in which fraudsters pose as government officials (IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare) or businesses to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and text messages. Scammers use tactics including caller ID spoofing, fabricated claims of debts or prizes, pressure for immediate action with threats of arrest or deportation, and demands for payment through cryptocurrency, wire transfers, gift cards, or payment apps. The IRS advises recipients of unexpected calls to hang up immediately, avoid returning calls to provided numbers, verify communications directly with the IRS at 800-829-1040, and report suspected sc
columbiabasinherald.com
Grant County Sheriff's Office received at least six reports on June 5 of phone scams where callers impersonated deputies demanding money deposits to avoid arrest using spoofed numbers. Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman emphasized that legitimate law enforcement never calls to demand payment for fines or warrants, and advised residents to verify caller identity by contacting agencies directly, keep antivirus software updated, and report suspected scams immediately—noting that one senior citizen lost $60,000 before realizing the fraud, with little chance of recovery.
cedars-sinai.org
Healthcare scams targeting vulnerable populations—including older adults, new mothers, surgery patients, and people with chronic conditions—have caused Americans to lose $10.3 billion to internet fraud in 2022 alone. Common scams involve impersonators contacting victims via phone, text, or email to steal personal information, banking details, or convince them to wire money by creating a sense of panic about their healthcare coverage. To protect yourself, verify caller identity before sharing sensitive information, read communications carefully for red flags, avoid clicking suspicious links, and contact your healthcare provider directly if you're unsure about any request.
thekansan.com
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wbtv.com
Scammers are targeting smart TV users through fraudulent pop-ups that appear when users attempt to log into streaming services, claiming there is a problem requiring a phone call or website visit to resolve. The Better Business Bureau warns that victims who comply are pressured to pay fees or grant remote access, allowing scammers to steal personal information. Users can protect themselves by verifying fees, typing URLs directly into browsers, researching phone numbers independently, and refusing remote access requests.
dailyfreeman.com
Cyber scams targeting the elderly are increasing, with common tactics including fake Microsoft security alerts, spoofed text messages from banks, Social Security impersonation calls, and phishing schemes to steal tax refunds. Elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable due to their trust in government agencies and legitimate-sounding callers. The author emphasizes that individuals must learn to verify communications and remain suspicious, as government agencies struggle to combat scammers operating globally and often from foreign nation-states.
mustsharenews.com
Two Malaysian men, aged 26 and 47, were arrested in Malaysia and extradited to Singapore after an international investigation revealed they operated servers that infected Android phones with malware, enabling a syndicate called "Trojan Spymax" to steal banking credentials and conduct fraudulent transactions. At least 1,899 Singaporeans fell victim to these malware-enabled scams in 2023, resulting in total losses of S$34.1 million, with the investigation also leading to arrests of 14 money mules in Hong Kong and four suspects in Taiwan, plus seizure of approximately S$1.8 million in assets.
wbko.com
The FBI reports a significant surge in elder fraud, with $1.6 billion in losses from January to May 2024—nearly $300 million more than the same period in 2023—and warns that 2023 saw elder fraud complaints rise 14% resulting in $3.4 billion in annual losses. Common scams targeting seniors include tech support, romance, investment, and government impersonation schemes, which cause financial and psychological harm to vulnerable populations. The FBI recommends victims and potential targets verify unknown contacts, resist urgency tactics, avoid sharing personal information with unverified sources, and report suspected fraud to local FBI offices or IC3.gov.
kfiz.com
June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, highlighting that while consumers over 60 lose money to scams less frequently than younger people, they lose significantly larger amounts when victimized—averaging nearly $1,000 compared to under $500 for those under 60. Common scams targeting seniors include grandparent scams (using impersonation and AI voice cloning), Medicare scams during enrollment periods, and tech support scams falsely claiming to be from Apple or Microsoft. The article provides prevention strategies for each scam type and guidance on how to supportively help victims by responding with empathy, listening to their experience, validating their story, and assisting with reporting and recovery steps.
sciotopost.com
De-love Kofi Amuzu, 25, of Ohio, was sentenced to 78 months in prison for laundering money from a romance fraud conspiracy targeting elderly victims seeking companionship online. The scheme involved creating fake dating profiles to deceive victims into sending substantial cash, items, and wire transfers totaling over $1.1 million, which Amuzu then transferred to Ghana accounts. Several victims lost so much money they were forced into bankruptcy, and Amuzu has been ordered to pay $835,487.65 in restitution.
cryptopolitan.com
CISA warned of increasing impersonation scams targeting crypto investors, where fraudsters pose as government employees to solicit wire transfers, cash, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. The FTC simultaneously issued an alert about romance scams involving cryptocurrency, where scammers build emotional relationships with victims before manipulating them into fake crypto investments. Both agencies advise verifying caller identity through official channels and rejecting unsolicited requests for money or personal information, emphasizing that legitimate government agencies never request such payments.
devdiscourse.com
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) in India issued a public alert warning of fraudsters impersonating customs officers who use phone calls and SMS to extort money from victims by threatening legal action or claiming to hold packages. The scammers exploit fear of customs violations and penal action to coerce payments from targeted individuals. In response, the CBIC launched a multi-modal awareness campaign utilizing newspapers, social media, and field formations to educate the public on recognizing and protecting themselves from these scams.
wired.com
Business email compromise (BEC) scams cost victims $26 billion annually, with con artists impersonating colleagues or executives via email to steal money or sensitive information through tactics like requesting gift card purchases or direct deposit changes. Experts recommend two primary defenses: first, recognize and pause when an email triggers emotional urgency or requests secrecy, as these psychological manipulation tactics impair critical thinking; second, always verify suspicious requests through a separate communication channel using contact information from your phone or official company sources, never from the email itself.
advantagenews.com
**Summary:**
Madison County Sheriff's Department warned residents about a jury duty scam in which callers impersonated police sergeants and claimed victims had missed jury duty. The scam targeted personal information; residents are advised that legitimate jury duty notices arrive by mail and law enforcement will never call about missed jury duty.
goldrushcam.com
The IRS issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting senior citizens, in which fraudsters pose as government officials (IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare) to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and text messages. Scammers use tactics including caller ID spoofing, false claims of tax debt or prize winnings, threats of arrest or deportation, and demands for immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. The IRS advises seniors to hang up on unexpected calls claiming to be from the IRS, verify communications through official channels at 800-829-1040, and report suspicious activity.
metrobyt-mobile.com
This is not a news article about fraud or elder abuse, but rather an instructional guide for Google's Scam Shield app. The content provides step-by-step directions for users to download and use the app's features, including reporting scams and spam calls, managing allow lists and blocked numbers, viewing caller details, and accessing premium protection features—designed to help users identify and filter unwanted or fraudulent calls.
justice.gov
On June 15, 2024, the U.S. District of South Dakota joined national leaders in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, emphasizing that one in ten older Americans are victims of elder abuse annually. The District highlighted ongoing efforts through initiatives like the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force and Money Mule Initiative to combat common schemes targeting seniors, including romance scams, tech support fraud, Social Security impostor scams, lottery scams, and IRS impersonation scams.
newsantaana.com
The FBI reports that elder fraud losses reached $1.6 billion from January to May 2024, a nearly $300 million increase from the same period in 2023, with complaints rising 14% annually. Common schemes targeting older adults include tech support scams, romance scams, investment scams (which saw 419% increase in losses from 2021-2023), and government impersonation scams. The FBI recommends seniors verify unfamiliar contacts, resist pressure to act quickly, avoid unsolicited offers, never share personal information with unverified sources, and report suspected fraud to the FBI or IC3.gov.
becu.org
Elder fraud continues to rise significantly, with older Americans losing over $3.4 billion in 2023 alone—an average of $33,915 per victim and representing an 11% increase in losses from the prior year. The most common scams targeting seniors include tech support fraud (where scammers pose as legitimate companies to gain computer access), imposter scams (impersonating government agencies or financial institutions), and romance scams (criminals building fake relationships to extract money). Protective measures include avoiding unsolicited contact, never downloading software from unknown contacts, and never sharing sensitive information or credentials with unverified callers.
aol.com
The FBI reports a significant increase in elder fraud cases, with $1.6 billion in losses from January to May 2024—nearly $300 million more than the same period in 2023—and notes that Texas alone lost over $278 million in 2023. The most common schemes targeting older adults include tech support scams, romance scams, investment scams, and government impersonation scams, with investment fraud showing the sharpest growth (up 419% in losses from 2021-2023, largely due to cryptocurrency). The FBI emphasizes that seniors should verify unknown contacts, resist pressure to act quickly, avoid sharing personal information with unverified sources, and monitor their
cpapracticeadvisor.com
The IRS has renewed warnings about impersonation scams targeting older adults, where fraudsters pose as government officials to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and text messages. Scammers use tactics including spoofed caller IDs, fabricated urgent debts or prize claims, threats of arrest or deportation, and demands for immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. The IRS advises recipients of unexpected calls claiming to be from the IRS to hang up immediately and verify legitimacy by calling the official IRS number (800-829-1040) rather than using any number provided by the caller.
webcenterfairbanks.com
Scammers are impersonating IRS agents to target seniors, using spoofed caller IDs and stolen personal information to create false urgency around unpaid taxes, refunds, or lottery fees, then requesting payment via unconventional methods like gift cards or wire transfers. The IRS never initiates contact via text, email, or social media, never demands immediate payment, and never requests prepaid cards or credit card information over the phone; victims should hang up and call the official IRS number (800-829-1040) to verify. Anyone targeted by such scams should contact the Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11.
hayspost.com
The IRS issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting senior citizens in Kansas and nationwide, where fraudsters pose as government officials to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and texts. Scammers use tactics including caller ID spoofing, fabricated tax debts or refunds, threats of arrest or deportation, and demands for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. The IRS advises recipients of suspicious calls claiming to be from the IRS to hang up immediately and contact IRS customer service at 800-829-1040 to verify any legitimate tax issues.
abc7news.com
California and San Francisco law enforcement issued warnings about financial fraud targeting seniors, which costs older adults nearly $3 billion annually. Scams include call center fraud, romance schemes, grandparent scams, and AI-enabled impersonations, with particular targeting of ethnic communities like Chinatown through language-based trust exploitation, including a notable $39 million Ponzi scheme. Authorities urge reporting of suspected elder fraud to police, adult protective services, and the California Attorney General's office to help catch perpetrators and prevent future victimization.
postandcourier.com
In observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the IRS Criminal Investigation's Charlotte Field Office is promoting fraud awareness to combat the rising tide of financial crimes against seniors. 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 from scams including tech support fraud, government impersonation, phishing, and romance schemes. The IRS employs education, criminal investigations, and public-private partnerships to combat elder fraud, with recent prosecutions including a home health care operator sentenced to 45 months for stealing over $1 million from elderly clients and an investment fraudster sentenced to
whig.com
Phishing remains one of the most prevalent fraud tactics, with scammers using emails, text messages, and phone calls to steal personal information and money by impersonating banks, government agencies, and tech support. The Better Business Bureau reports phishing text messages are increasing in frequency and now incorporate artificial intelligence to create more convincing messages. Common warning signs include requests to confirm financial information, claims of account problems, urgent language with typos, and unsolicited links or offers; victims should verify suspicious communications directly with legitimate organizations before clicking links or providing information.
boothbayregister.com
Moving scams are fraudulent schemes perpetrated by rogue online operators who lure customers with lowball estimates, demand deposits or upfront payments, and then either fail to appear, raise prices at the last minute, or hold belongings hostage demanding additional payment. To protect yourself, obtain multiple quotes, verify company references, and remember that the cheapest option is not always the safest when moving valuable personal belongings.
businessinsider.com
Phishing scams targeting weight loss drugs like Ozempic increased 183% from January to April, with scammers exploiting the high cost of these medications (approximately $1,000 monthly) by posting fake offers on social media platforms like Facebook and Craigslist. Criminals impersonate doctors and pressure victims to share personal information and use unconventional payment methods such as Bitcoin, Zelle, and Venmo—red flags indicating fraudulent activity. McAfee recommends consumers verify official retailers, avoid suspiciously low prices, check for complete product details, and report scams to relevant financial institutions to attempt fund recovery.
shoredailynews.com
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15) prompted Virginia State Police to highlight common scams targeting older adults, including a software update scam that defrauded one Virginia senior of $36,000 and the "Grandparent scam" using AI voices to impersonate grandchildren in distress. The advisory recommends independent verification of requests, avoiding gift card or cryptocurrency payments, establishing trusted "buddy systems," and regular financial audits to help vulnerable adults protect themselves from fraud and identity theft.
nbcdfw.com
An elderly woman in White Settlement, Texas was targeted by a scammer posing as a Chase Bank security employee who instructed her to withdraw and deposit $40,000 in Bitcoin at an ATM while on a video call. A bystander, Myndi Jordan, noticed the victim depositing money at a Chevron gas station and called police; Sergeant James Stewart arrived and intervened before the full amount could be transferred, stopping the transaction after $23,900 had already been deposited. Police were able to coordinate with Bitcoin to recover the deposited funds, and authorities are warning the public that scammers can spoof bank phone numbers and use coercion and threats to manipulate victims into
clarksvilleonline.com
Scammers are targeting travelers with fraudulent airline ticket schemes, using fake websites and spoofed customer service numbers to sell counterfeit tickets, then claiming flights are canceled to extract additional fees. The Better Business Bureau reports numerous cases where victims believed they purchased legitimate discounted flights but were directed to pay extra charges or rescheduling fees to non-existent airlines. To protect against these scams, consumers should book directly through official airline websites, verify flight information independently, check website security, and use credit cards for online purchases.
kdrv.com
A Medford, Oregon woman nearly became a victim of a fake warrant scam in June when a caller posing as a Jackson County Sheriff's officer claimed she owed a $45,000 fine for missing jury duty and threatened arrest unless she paid 10% immediately via ATM transfer. The scammer used spoofed caller ID and sent a fake warrant with her real name to increase credibility, but the woman's husband intervened and hung up when payment was requested. According to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, these scams occur daily and have increased recently, with scammers using technology to spoof official phone numbers and requesting payment through untraceable methods like cash, Bitcoin, or gift cards.
au.finance.yahoo.com
An Australian woman lost $2,500 after a scammer impersonating Virgin Money tricked her into providing a one-time passcode via SMS that appeared to come from the bank's official number. The scammer used technology to spoof the bank's phone number, making the fraudulent message appear in the same conversation thread as legitimate bank communications. The incident highlights growing bank impersonation scams, with Australia's National Anti-Scam Centre recording over 6,800 such reports in 2023 resulting in $18 million in losses, and experts warn scams may increase during tax season when fraudsters impersonate the Australian Taxation Office.
independent.co.uk
Eddie Redmayne fell victim to an email hacking scam that sent fraudulent messages to all his contacts requesting money, with Warren Beatty being the only recipient to offer assistance by leaving a voicemail offering to help bail him out. Redmayne confirmed the incident on Late Night With Seth Meyers, noting that Beatty's generosity stood out among his contacts who received the deceptive email.
the-sun.com
86-year-old Sandra Jung of Little Rock, Arkansas lost nearly $10,000 in a tech support scam after seeing a malware pop-up and calling what she believed was Microsoft's official number from a Google search result. The scammer convinced her that an erroneous $15,000 refund (instead of the promised $150) had been deposited and manipulated her into sending back nearly $10,000 to "resolve" the issue. Jung filed a report with the Attorney General's office but is unlikely to recover the funds.
news9.com
Scammers impersonating OG&E utility workers called a local Oklahoma business, falsely claiming an unpaid bill and threatening service disconnection, then directing the employee to pay via prepaid card at Walmart. The business owner and employee nearly fell victim before realizing the scam, noting the callers used a convincing script and seemed knowledgeable. OG&E warns that legitimate utility representatives never request phone payments or direct customers to retailers like Walmart; actual notifications come via mail or email, and customers should hang up and call OG&E directly if contacted by a live person requesting payment.
wmtw.com
Seniors are increasingly targeted by scammers using phone calls impersonating banks or relatives to steal personal information and money. According to FBI data, older Americans lost $1.6 billion to fraud from January-May 2024, with Maine victims alone losing $7.2 million in 2023 (397 cases averaging $18,040 per victim). Experts recommend pausing to verify unexpected urgent calls through known phone numbers and educating older adults about common scams, with organizations like Kennebunk Savings partnering with the Southern Maine Agency on Aging to provide fraud prevention resources and support.
adirondackdailyenterprise.com
Saranac Lake Police Chief Darin Perrotte provided guidance on protecting oneself from financial scams, emphasizing the importance of skepticism toward unverifiable communications and resisting artificial urgency tactics. He outlined why seniors are vulnerable targets—including accumulated assets, trusting nature, and isolation—and recommended verification strategies such as calling organizations back using independently verified numbers and questioning requests for information companies should already have on file. Perrotte stressed protecting Social Security numbers, avoiding text-based financial requests, and remaining aware that exploitation often comes from trusted individuals like family members and caregivers rather than strangers.
abc17news.com
Phishing scams reached a record high in 2023 with 9,288 reports to the Better Business Bureau, and 2024 is on track to exceed this with 3,363 reports in the first quarter alone. One victim, Stacy Keys, lost $800 after clicking a fraudulent Hertz rental website and being instructed to load money onto prepaid cards by phone; scammers are increasingly using technology and AI to mimic legitimate websites and conduct phishing via email, phone calls, and text messages. Since 2021, the BBB has received 23,126 phishing reports with a median loss of $300 each, and victims are advise
wect.com
The IRS issued a warning about impersonation scams targeting older adults in North Carolina, where fraudsters pose as government officials or businesses to steal personal information and pressure victims into making payments via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Common tactics include fabricating urgent tax debts or refund claims, spoofing caller IDs, and threatening arrest or deportation to create a sense of urgency. The IRS recommends hanging up on unexpected calls and verifying communications through official channels (800-829-1040) or their online account portal.
federalnewsnetwork.com
Scammers impersonating federal agencies caused Americans to lose approximately $1.3 billion in the past year, with financial losses surging over sevenfold since 2019. Generative AI technology, particularly voice cloning, has made these impersonation scams more convincing and successful, with criminals posing as Medicare, IRS, law enforcement, and other federal officials to pressure victims into disclosing sensitive information or paying fraudulent fees. The article emphasizes that federal agencies need enhanced tools and tactics to combat these evolving threats, as these scams exploit public trust in government institutions.
sbs.com.au
During Australian tax season, scammers are targeting residents with sophisticated phishing scams impersonating government agencies like the Australian Taxation Office and myGov; Commonwealth Bank data shows 24 percent of Australians have already been exposed to tax-related scams, with only 69 percent able to identify them correctly. Scammers use robocalls, emails, and SMS messages containing malicious links to trick victims into providing personal information or payment under false pretenses of urgent debts or refunds. To protect themselves, Australians should recognize that legitimate ATO communications never include unsolicited links or QR codes, request passwords, show a caller ID, or threaten immediate arrest.
djournal.com
Cyber scams targeting elderly people are increasing, with common schemes including fake Microsoft security alerts, phishing text messages spoofing legitimate companies, and tax refund fraud that uses stolen taxpayer information to file fraudulent returns. Elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable because they tend to trust callers claiming to represent government agencies and are susceptible to tax-related scams. The article advises consumers to verify email, text, and phone communications before clicking links or providing information, remain suspicious of unsolicited contact, and consult resources like the Department of Homeland Security's cybersecurity tips to learn detection and avoidance techniques.
lavanguardia.com
Digital fraud targeting seniors in Spain has surged dramatically, with scam cases against people over 65 increasing 78% between 2019 and 2022 (from 7,568 to 13,479 cases), and digital fraud cases alone rising 21.73% in 2022 compared to 2021. Seniors are vulnerable targets due to lower technology familiarity, trustfulness, and susceptibility to social engineering tactics such as fake investment schemes and fraudulent shopping charges, with 15% of victims losing over €10,000 according to one survey. Experts emphasize that enhanced digital education and protection measures are needed to help older adults navigate the internet safely and avoi
sebastopoltimes.com
Financial exploitation of elderly residents in Sonoma County increased significantly, with Adult Protective Services reporting a 9% rise in abuse reports and 14% increase in investigations from 2022 to 2023, with 19% of over 7,800 allegations involving financial exploitation. Common scams targeting seniors include investment fraud, tech support scams, phishing schemes, and romance scams, which collectively cost victims $3.4 billion nationally in 2023, with romance scams proving particularly damaging due to the emotional manipulation involved. Experts advised seniors to avoid clicking links in suspicious emails or calls, contact companies directly to verify account issues, and be wary of requests for money from online dating
wthr.com
The FBI reported that elder fraud losses reached $1.6 billion from January to May 2024, a $300 million increase over the same 2023 period, with tech support, romance, investment, and government impersonation scams being the most prevalent. To protect themselves, seniors should verify unsolicited contacts through independent research, resist pressure to act quickly, avoid sharing personal information or money with unverified sources, and monitor financial accounts for suspicious activity. Victims should document details of the scam and report it to their local FBI office or IC3.gov.
wtop.com
Elder fraud cases are rising nationally, with scammers using increasingly sophisticated tactics including fake caller IDs and AI voice mimicry to target older adults through lottery scams, tech support fraud, IRS impersonation, and grandparent scams. Prosecution faces significant challenges including overseas perpetrators, underreporting (only 1 in 41 victims report), victim incapacity due to dementia or death, and lack of documentation, with conservative estimates placing annual losses at $3 billion nationally. Authorities recommend victims keep detailed records of financial arrangements, verify callers independently before providing information or money, and report fraud promptly rather than delaying due to embarrassment.
bctv.org
The Internal Revenue Service has issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting senior citizens, where fraudsters pose as government officials (IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare) to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and texts. Scammers use high-pressure tactics and spoofed caller IDs to demand immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency for fictitious tax debts or false refunds. The IRS advises recipients of unexpected calls claiming to be from the agency to hang up immediately and instead contact IRS customer service directly at 800-829-1040 to verify any legitimate tax issues.
wgem.com
Quincy Police arrested a suspect for residential burglary at a retirement home who allegedly stole credit and debit cards from elderly residents' apartments. Police and senior advocates warn that criminals target seniors due to their trust and desire for connection, though most crimes against the elderly involve scams conducted via phone, online, or mail. Authorities recommend family members help protect seniors by reviewing their mail and accounts for suspicious charges, discussing scam recognition, monitoring for unauthorized contact, and maintaining regular check-ins to catch fraud early.