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wcax.com
· 2025-12-07
A Quechee, Vermont resident nearly fell victim to a check scam when she received a fraudulent letter appearing to be from the IRS with a $2,473.70 check from the U.S. Treasury Department. Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark warns that scammers typically follow up by phone claiming they sent too much money and demanding wire transfers in return, while also potentially phishing for personal information like Social Security numbers. The victim avoided the scam by verifying the check at her bank and advises others to watch for red flags including unexpected money, inability to verify the sender's identity, pressure to act quickly, and emotional manipulation.
kroc.com
· 2025-12-07
A fake permit invoice scam has been circulating across Minnesota, where fraudsters send convincing emails with forged letterhead, legal language, and signatures requesting payment via PDF instructions in an attempt to obtain banking information. Red flags include use of free email domains (such as USA.COM), requests for online payment, and instructions stating "no calls," and residents are advised to verify any suspicious invoices directly with the government agency rather than responding to the email.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-07
According to a 2025 report by KHOU, Generation Z and young adults aged 20-29 in Texas are losing more money to scams than seniors aged 70-79, driven by their high daily online activity and vulnerability to phishing, fake job, and rental scams when facing time pressure. The Federal Trade Commission findings highlight that young people's desperation during job or housing searches makes them susceptible to sophisticated scams, including those using AI. The article advises Texans of all ages to avoid sharing personal information online, verify trusted retailers and contractors, and research charitable organizations before donating to prevent falling victim to common scams circulating in the state.
theindependent.sg
· 2025-12-07
A Punggol resident paid $50 for a Cash-on-Delivery (COD) parcel he assumed a family member had ordered, only to discover no one in his household had made the purchase and the package contained only a plain T-shirt. This is part of a COD scam scheme where fraudsters send unwanted packages to addresses, relying on delivery personnel to collect payment that ultimately returns to the scammers. J&T Express and authorities recommend verifying all COD orders before payment, rejecting suspicious deliveries, and reporting suspicious activity to prevent falling victim to these scams targeting vulnerable recipients.
gizmodo.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers are impersonating Elon Musk to defraud victims through cryptocurrency investment schemes, using tactics including fake livestreams during SpaceX/Tesla events, AI-generated videos, and fake endorsements from family members or political figures. FTC complaints reveal multiple victims, primarily elderly individuals, losing substantial sums ranging from $10,000 to $225,000, with some victims remaining confused about whether they interacted with the real Musk or impersonators. The scams exploit vulnerable populations, including those with serious illnesses or cognitive impairment, and often target victims through YouTube, Facebook, and fake cryptocurrency matching schemes.
pcmag.com
· 2025-12-07
This article discusses how scammers exploit legitimate class action settlement notifications by creating fake settlement websites that harvest personal data from victims seeking payouts. The piece provides broader privacy protection advice, including being cautious of app permissions, using passkeys instead of passwords, and understanding emerging security threats like post-quantum encryption vulnerabilities.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-07
Scammers exploited the Camp Lejeune Justice Act by posing as attorneys and claims administrators, sending phishing emails with malware to steal personal information and demanding upfront administrative fees for payouts. The Better Business Bureau warned that criminals used these tactics to commit identity theft and disappear with victims' money and data, even as law firms spent over $145 million legitimately advertising the settlement opportunity that generated more than 400,000 claims by end of 2022.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-07
Sextortion scams, primarily perpetrated by Nigerian "Yahoo Boys," have targeted young boys online by impersonating peers on social media, coercing them into sending nude images, then blackmailing them for money—with at least 5 confirmed suicides in Canada and over 40 across North America in the past four years. Scammers openly share exploitation techniques and resources on encrypted platforms and flaunt their ill-gotten wealth, while victims like 12-year-old Carson Cleland, who was blackmailed for just $25, face devastating psychological consequences that sometimes result in suicide.
firstcoastnews.com
· 2025-12-07
An ice cream shop owner in St. Johns County, Florida lost over $3,200 when a scammer gained unauthorized access to her Uber Eats merchant account in June, changed the banking information, and redirected payments to themselves. Despite multiple attempts to contact Uber Eats for help, the business owner received no assistance until a local news investigation intervened, after which the company secured the account, restored correct banking information, and scheduled a representative to visit the shop.
studyfinds.org
· 2025-12-07
Americans face approximately 100 scam attempts monthly—significantly more than any other surveyed country—encountering roughly 25 separate fraudulent messages weekly through calls, emails, and texts. Only 23% of people feel confident in spotting fraud, with financial scams cited as the top concern by 46% of respondents, while emerging threats like AI-driven phishing, deepfakes, and fake apps pose increasing risks. Experts attribute heightened vulnerability to weak password practices and urge adoption of stronger authentication methods like passkeys to combat the growing "trust nothing era."
berkshireeagle.com
· 2025-12-07
This educational piece explains why fraud and scam victims deserve compassion rather than shame, contrasting them with armed robbery victims who typically receive community support. The article emphasizes that scams—particularly romance and relationship scams targeting lonely or recently bereaved individuals—are methodical crimes where criminals build trust over time, repeatedly extract money, and compromise personal information that can be exploited for years. Key warning signs include requests to move communication off dating platforms, claims of inability to meet in person, and repeated requests for money, with intervention best approached through trusted third parties when direct intervention may be rejected.
cmscritic.com
· 2025-12-07
This article discusses the rising threat of romance scams enhanced by AI technology, particularly targeting vulnerable populations. Romance scam losses in the United States increased dramatically from $547 million in 2021 to over $1.3 billion in 2024, with victims averaging $15,000 in losses, and the problem is expected to worsen as AI-generated avatars and voice cloning become more convincing. The article emphasizes that seniors aged 50-80 are especially at risk due to widespread loneliness and isolation, and advocates for education and awareness as primary defenses against this emotionally and financially devastating crime.
indianagazette.com
· 2025-12-07
Cyndie Carioli, Senior Justice Advocate for the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, discussed resources available to help senior citizens prevent scams. In 2022, over 12,000 people in Allegheny County lost nearly $8 million to scams, with these numbers growing annually, and modern scams have become increasingly sophisticated beyond simple detection methods like typos.
techxplore.com
· 2025-12-07
Aberystwyth University, Dyfed-Powys Police, and PEGS launched a new guide to combat technology-enabled abuse of people over 60, which includes monitoring via smart devices, mobile tracking, and unauthorized access to accounts. The guide, based on police data and case studies, reveals that 14% of older parents supported by PEGS experienced digital abuse from family members, with one case involving £20,000 stolen through unauthorized smartphone access and another involving stalking via fake social media profiles and Ring doorbell cameras. Between May 2024 and April 2025, over 950 domestic abuse cases involving older victims were reported in Dyfed-Powys
abc7ny.com
· 2025-12-07
New York State announced inflation refund checks ranging from $150-$400 for over 8 million eligible residents, but scammers have begun targeting recipients with fraudulent text messages impersonating the Department of Revenue and requesting payment information. Red flags include non-U.S. area codes, non-dot-gov links, and threats of disqualification; legitimate inflation checks require no action from recipients, and the state will not contact citizens via unsolicited text messages.
freep.com
· 2025-12-07
Criminals are impersonating banks via fake texts and calls to convince customers their debit cards have been compromised, then intercepting replacement cards sent by mail or hiring accomplices to steal them from porches. In a metro Detroit case, David Andrew Williams was arrested in September 2024 after attempting to steal a Chase Bank customer's replacement debit card from a UPS delivery, and was charged with identity theft and theft of financial transaction devices. Debit card fraud ranked as the top payment method for both attempted fraud and actual dollar losses in 2024, with criminals using various tactics including card skimming and exploiting information obtained through spoofed communications to drain bank accounts.
theleafchronicle.com
· 2025-12-07
Consumers lost $470 million to text message scams in 2024, with fake package delivery notifications being the most common type, followed by phony job offers, fraudulent fraud alerts, fake toll notices, and romance scams. The FTC and BBB recommend never clicking links or replying to unexpected texts, not assuming messages from known companies are legitimate, and reporting suspicious messages using the phone's spam reporting feature.
northjersey.com
· 2025-12-07
During government shutdown periods, fraudsters target federal employees, contractors, and benefit recipients with scams impersonating Social Security, Medicare, and food assistance officials, falsely claiming benefits are suspended and demanding fees or personal information to restore them. Common tactics include phishing emails with subject lines like "Government Shutdown Notice," requests for upfront payments via wire transfer or cryptocurrency for fake "relief programs," and malware-laden links designed to steal credentials. Authorities emphasize that most federal benefits are not actually cut off during shutdowns and that legitimate government agencies will never demand money or sensitive information via phone or email.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-07
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned of potential government imposter scams during the federal government shutdown, where fraudsters may pose as officials to steal personal information or money by falsely claiming issues with Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, or SNAP benefits. Nessel advised consumers not to click links or download attachments in suspicious communications, and to verify any government contact directly with the agency, noting that legitimate government agencies never request personal information via email, phone, or text, and never demand payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or payment apps.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-07
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned residents of a smishing scam in which fraudulent text messages falsely claim to be from a nonexistent "State of Michigan Department of Vehicles," threatening license or registration suspension over unpaid tickets and directing victims to fake payment sites to steal personal and financial information. Consumers are advised to delete suspicious texts without clicking links, use spam-blocking tools, and report smishing messages to SPAM (7726) and the Federal Trade Commission.
owensoundsuntimes.com
· 2025-12-07
A Hanover resident lost over $117,000 to a romance scam that began in 2021, in which a scammer posed as a romantic interest on social media and gradually built emotional trust before requesting money for false emergencies and investments. Police report these scams are increasing across Canada with hundreds of thousands in annual losses, though many cases go unreported, and note that investigating these crimes is challenging since perpetrators often operate from offshore locations. Authorities advise residents to be cautious of online relationships that require secrecy or repeated financial requests and to report suspicious interactions.
malwarebytes.com
· 2025-12-07
Cybercriminals created fake Facebook groups targeting seniors by posing as communities offering travel, dance classes, and social activities, then lured members to download malicious Android apps (including Datzbro Trojan and Zombinder) that could steal banking credentials, record audio/video, and enable remote device control. The campaign, which affected victims across Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, South Africa, and the UK, also used phishing overlays and follow-up messaging to compromise payment card information and drain bank accounts. Users are advised to verify Facebook group legitimacy by checking post history, avoid downloading apps from unknown sources, and use mobile anti-malware protection.
aol.com
· 2025-12-07
**Educational/Awareness Piece**
Older adults lose billions annually to online scams, with phishing, tech support scams, and extortion topping the list—the FBI reported $4.8 billion in losses to people age 60+ in 2024 alone. Cybercriminals target seniors believing they have accumulated savings and exploit stereotypes about technological comfort, though scams can deceive anyone regardless of age or tech-savviness. Key protection strategies include avoiding suspicious email links, verifying unexpected messages directly with senders, installing security software, and resisting pressure to act quickly—treating internet navigation as defensive driving that requires constant vigilance.
973kkrc.com
· 2025-12-07
A Sioux Falls retiree nearly fell victim to a "secret shopper" scam after responding to an online job ad and receiving a FedEx package with fraudulent checks and instructions to deposit them and purchase money orders totaling $985. The victim avoided losing money by consulting his banker, who confirmed the checks were counterfeit and could have allowed scammers to drain his entire account. The South Dakota Attorney General's Office warns residents to verify any offers involving money transfers and to contact Consumer Protection if unsure about a job opportunity's legitimacy.
mitrade.com
· 2025-12-07
**Summary:**
The FTC has suspended consumer fraud complaint services during a federal government shutdown, leaving millions of Americans unable to report scams or register with the do-not-call registry. A recent Global Anti-Scam Alliance survey found that 70% of US citizens were scammed in the last 12 months, losing an average of $1,086.70 per victim, with only 44% recovering any stolen funds—highlighting the critical need for functional fraud reporting systems during this period of reduced consumer protections.
nbcbayarea.com
· 2025-12-07
Government shutdown scams are emerging as hackers exploit public concern about benefits and services. Common schemes include threats to suspend government benefits unless personal data is provided, fake offers of emergency financial assistance related to Social Security or other government funds, and fraudulent job offers. Security experts advise treating unsolicited government contact via phone or email with suspicion, as legitimate agencies typically do not proactively reach out to individuals.
consumerreports.org
· 2025-12-07
Texting and messaging scam attempts increased by 50 percent in the past year, with young adults experiencing the highest rise, according to Consumer Reports' 2025 Cyber Readiness Report. The report revealed significant disparities in scam vulnerability: low-income households were three times more likely to lose money from scams than high-income households (29% vs. 10%), and Black Americans who encountered scams lost money at more than twice the rate of white Americans (37% vs. 15%), partly due to lower credit card usage and reliance on less-protected payment methods. Consumers can protect themselves by not replying to suspicious texts, blocking senders, reporting to their mobile provider
popsci.com
· 2025-12-07
Digital fraud and spam attempts in the United States have increased dramatically, with Americans receiving approximately 100 scam attempts per month—significantly higher than other developed nations. While older adults remain frequent targets, Gen Z is experiencing record levels of text message scams due to their heavy reliance on texting, difficulty distinguishing scammers from contacts, and limited scam identification experience. With regulatory protections unlikely to expand soon, consumers are advised to implement personal security measures including password managers, multifactor authentication, and blocking third-party trackers.
healthline.com
· 2025-12-07
Medicare scams occur year-round but peak during the October 15–December 7 annual open enrollment period, taking various forms including spam calls and phishing emails to obtain sensitive health and financial information. These scams continuously evolve with new tactics each year, and individuals should learn to recognize and avoid them through awareness and education.
news.iu.edu
· 2025-12-07
IU community members are receiving phishing emails impersonating job postings and trusted individuals to steal personal information and login credentials. The advisory warns recipients to verify sender email addresses (official IU domains only), avoid clicking suspicious links, never share personal or payment information with unverified sources, and report suspected phishing emails immediately while resetting any compromised passwords.
gbhackers.com
· 2025-12-07
In August 2025, Australian authorities issued scam alerts after fraudsters created fake Facebook groups promoting "active senior trips" to lure seniors into downloading the "Datzbro" Android Trojan malware, which operates as a device-takeover tool capable of stealing banking credentials, intercepting PINs, and enabling remote device control through fake credential-entry screens and overlay attacks. The scam, which operated across multiple countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, targeted vulnerable seniors by using AI-generated posts about social events and requesting nominal sign-up fees that led to payment-card theft via phishing. ThreatFabric researchers discovered the
bitdefender.com
· 2025-12-07
This educational piece observes International Day of Older Persons to highlight the vulnerability of seniors to online scams, including tech support fraud, phishing, investment schemes, and romance/grandparent scams that exploit their trust and relative unfamiliarity with digital threats. The article provides practical cybersecurity advice for older adults—such as pausing before clicking links, verifying urgent money requests, using strong passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication—and describes how comprehensive security solutions with multi-layered protections can help families safeguard seniors' digital lives.
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-07
The Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program issued a warning during Medicare's 2025 Open Enrollment period (October 15-December 7) about a surge in scams targeting beneficiaries, including unsolicited calls, fraudulent mailings, and misleading offers of free benefits or refunds. The program advises seniors to protect their Medicare numbers, avoid clicking suspicious links, hang up on unknown callers, and verify plan information only through official Medicare.gov channels or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Residents can receive free, unbiased assistance from SHINE counselors by contacting MassOptions at 1-800-243-4636 or report suspicious
nclc.org
· 2025-12-07
Consumers lose $158 billion annually to fraud affecting approximately 57,000 new victims daily, according to a National Task Force on Fraud and Scam Prevention report. The report recommends that financial institutions, telecom companies, social media platforms, and tech companies implement stronger protections and accountability measures, while advocating for Congress to close consumer protection gaps, strengthen the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, and hold VoIP providers accountable for facilitating scam calls and texts on their networks.
wrcitytimes.com
· 2025-12-07
Wisconsin Rapids police warned of a surge in scams targeting older residents, with victims losing tens of thousands of dollars through schemes where fraudsters impersonated government officials and banks via unsolicited calls, emails, and texts to convince victims to transfer funds via cryptocurrency or gift cards. Notable cases included a $600,000 Bitcoin conversion, a $30,000 Bitcoin ATM deposit, and a $14,000 cash handoff, with authorities noting that cryptocurrency transfers and overseas origins make these scams difficult to trace. Police advised residents that legitimate agencies never demand payment in Bitcoin, gift cards, or cash, and urged potential victims to verify requests through trusted sources and contact law enforcement before sending money.
winknews.com
· 2025-12-07
A Lake Placid man lost over $100,000 in a job scam involving the purchase and shipment of computers, initially appearing legitimate before the victim became responsible for the full cost. The Better Business Bureau reports employment scams rank among the top three most common scams in Florida, with 57 reported cases in West Florida alone, often featuring tactics like high pay for easy work, mystery shopping, and reshipping schemes. Red flags include unsolicited payment requests, remote positions involving checks, and email-only interviews; victims should verify companies directly, never pay upfront for jobs, and report scams to the BBB or law enforcement.
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-07
During Medicare Open Enrollment Period (October 15-December 7), scammers impersonate Medicare representatives and contact seniors unexpectedly, requesting personal information, Medicare numbers, or payments under the false pretense of issuing new or updated Medicare cards. Medicare never contacts beneficiaries unsolicited to request financial information or payment, as legitimate Medicare cards are free and mailed automatically. To protect yourself, ignore unexpected calls demanding personal information, verify suspicious calls by independently dialing 1-800-MEDICARE, use official resources like Medicare.gov and your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for plan information, and report scams to 1-800-MEDICARE and the FTC at Re
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
A 2025 survey by Iris and the Global Anti-Scam Alliance found that 77% of Americans encountered scams in the past 12 months (averaging daily exposure), with 70% reporting actual victimization and over 20% losing an average of $1,086.70. Despite 82% of scam victims reporting incidents to banks or payment services, only 44% recovered at least some funds, and platforms took discernible action on just 43% of reported scams, revealing a significant gap in institutional support and victim recovery.
ftc.gov
· 2025-12-07
This educational piece advises Medicare beneficiaries and those who know them on avoiding scams during the Medicare open enrollment period (October 15 – December 7). Scammers commonly impersonate Medicare representatives to steal personal information or money by falsely claiming beneficiaries need to provide Medicare numbers, Social Security numbers, or bank details for new cards or fake medical equipment claims—all services Medicare provides for free. The article recommends never sharing personal information with unexpected callers claiming to be from Medicare, verifying calls by hanging up and calling 1-800-MEDICARE directly, and reporting suspected scams to that same number or through the local Senior Medicare Patrol.
morningstar.com
· 2025-12-07
A 2025 report finds that scams cost Americans $64 billion in losses, with 77% of U.S. adults encountering scams daily and 70% reporting being scammed in the past year, averaging $1,086.70 per victim. While 82% of scam victims reported incidents to banks or payment services, only 44% recovered at least some funds, and 57% saw no action taken by platforms despite reporting, revealing significant gaps in institutional response and victim recovery support.
news.virginia.edu
· 2025-12-07
AI is enhancing both traditional scams and creating new fraud methods by automating mass attacks and making previously elite techniques accessible to ordinary fraudsters. Common AI-assisted scams include voice-cloned "grandparent scams," months-long fake relationship "pig butchering" schemes with cryptocurrency investments, synthetic identity fraud, sextortion with AI-generated images, and fake product reviews and job postings. To protect themselves, people should remain skeptical of urgent money requests especially via phone calls from claimed family members, verify identities through independent channels, and slow down decision-making during high-pressure situations.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-07
On September 24, 2025, an elderly man in Colonie, New York, received a phone call instructing him to withdraw $30,000 for a "construction project" in what was identified as an elder fraud scam. Alert employees at Community Resource Federal Credit Union recognized the victim's confusion and notified police, leading to the swift arrest of two suspects: Huifeng Jin and Qinghua Wang of Flushing, NY. Jin was charged with felony assault on a police officer and felony grand larceny, while Wang faced felony grand larceny charges and was released on probation.
malwarebytes.com
· 2025-12-07
Interpol's Operation Contender 3.0 arrested 260 alleged romance scammers and sextortionists across Africa, recovering 1,235 electronic devices and linking 1,463 victims who lost approximately $2.8 million. The criminals used fake online identities to lure vulnerable victims into romantic relationships before demanding money through bogus fees, fraudulent investments, or sextortion schemes involving explicit recordings. The operation highlights a growing problem in Africa where cybercrime accounts for 30% of reported crime, with Americans losing $1.2 billion annually to romance scams with median losses around $2,000.
noozhawk.com
· 2025-12-07
Impersonation and romance scams are increasing in sophistication, targeting both individuals and businesses through spoofed emails, fake profiles, and emotional manipulation. Impersonation scams mimic legitimate businesses (Amazon, Microsoft, banks) with nearly identical domain names and compromised vendor emails to pressure victims into updating banking information, while romance scams exploit individuals seeking connection, sometimes lasting years before victims realize they've lost significant money. Community banks like American Riviera Bank offer advantages in fraud prevention through direct access to fraud investigators who can help identify red flags such as minor domain misspellings, free email services used by established vendors, and pressure tactics requiring immediate action.
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-07
During Medicare Open Enrollment Period (October 15-December 7), scammers impersonate Medicare representatives and contact seniors unsolicited, falsely claiming they need a new Medicare card and requesting Medicare numbers, bank account information, or payments—when legitimate Medicare cards are free and automatically mailed. To protect themselves, seniors should ignore unexpected requests for personal or financial information, verify caller identity by hanging up and calling 1-800-MEDICARE directly, and use official resources like Medicare.gov or their State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for plan comparisons. Suspected Medicare fraud should be reported to 1-800-MEDICARE and the FTC at ReportFrau
wmbfnews.com
· 2025-12-07
Employment scams rank as the second most common scam type and the top riskiest scam for people aged 18-44, according to the BBB's 2024 Scam Tracker Risk Report. Scammers pose as recruiters on job boards and social media, offering fake positions with inflated salaries and requesting personal information (Social Security numbers, banking details) early in the process or asking applicants to cash checks or purchase equipment. Job seekers should verify companies through Google searches and official websites, be wary of unsolicited job offers via text or email, and avoid providing personal information before advancing far in the hiring process.
thenewsstar.com
· 2025-12-07
On June 3, the Terrebonne Parish Government was defrauded of $129,745.16 by a scammer impersonating a Louisiana Department of Transportation Development employee through a targeted phishing email campaign. The attack used social engineering tactics, including forged government documents, a spoofed email address, and fabricated urgency rather than technical exploits, to manipulate employees into authorizing a wire transfer. Authorities arrested one suspect and recovered partial funds, with experts noting this case exemplifies the rising trend of cybercrimes targeting the "human element" rather than system vulnerabilities.
syracuse.com
· 2025-12-07
Governor Kathy Hochul issued a warning about scammers targeting New York's inflation refund checks by sending fake text messages, emails, and direct mail requesting payment information or personal data—information that is not needed to receive the checks. The state automatically mails refunds based on 2023 tax year information already on file, with eligible recipients receiving $150-$400 depending on income and filing status. Hochul advised New Yorkers to ignore fraudulent communications, never provide personal information via unsolicited contact, and report suspicious calls or emails to the state Tax Department.
spectrumlocalnews.com
· 2025-12-07
**Summary:**
Governor Kathy Hochul warned New York residents about scammers impersonating tax officials to steal personal information from people expecting inflation refund checks, which were being sent to approximately 8.2 million households. The scammers used fake text messages, emails, and calls requesting "accurate payment information," though Hochul clarified that the IRS and Tax Department never contact residents unsolicited for personal details. Residents need only meet eligibility requirements to receive their checks automatically and can report suspected fraud to authorities.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-07
Governor Kathy Hochul warned New York residents of scams targeting the state's inflation refund program, in which fraudsters falsely claim via text, email, voicemail, and mail that recipients must provide personal payment information to receive their checks. Approximately 8.2 million New York households are eligible to receive inflation refund checks of up to $400 mailed automatically starting Friday through November, with no action required from recipients, and the state emphasized that legitimate tax authorities do not contact individuals requesting personal information.