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gisuser.com
Romance scams cost victims an average of $2,000, with total losses exceeding $1 billion in 2023 alone, and 50% of Americans using dating apps between 2018-2023 experienced catfishing. Scammers use stolen photos, love bombing tactics, and requests to move communication off-platform before eventually asking for money, cryptocurrency investments, or personal financial data. To protect yourself, avoid sending money to online contacts, decline investments in digital assets, request video chats to verify identity, and trust your instincts if communication seems inconsistent or suspicious.
technology.inquirer.net
Government agencies (CICC and DOJ) and online bank Maya discussed the eight most common online scams affecting Filipinos—including phishing, identity theft, ransomware, online shopping fraud, tech support scams, social media scams, investment/crypto scams, and romance scams—at the Protecta Pilipinas launch event. Panelists warned that scams have become increasingly sophisticated, with criminals using tower hijacking techniques to send spoofed messages from legitimate institutions and targeting online shoppers with losses ranging from ₱3,500 to ₱17,000. Authorities advised the public to avoid clicking suspicious links and carefully verify messages claiming to be from
express.co.uk
A convincing phishing scam impersonates Spotify by sending fraudulent emails claiming payment failures and threatening account cancellation, using official branding and logos to appear legitimate. The scam directs victims to a fake login page that harvests personal information including names, addresses, dates of birth, and credit card details, which could be used for unauthorized payments and identity theft. Spotify advises users never to share payment information via email and to verify account issues directly through the official platform.
ktar.com
**Article:** "Beware of 'quishing' emails! These scary scams can hurt your computer"
Phishing scams exploit human emotions through social engineering and malware-laden links or attachments, with cybercriminals increasingly using "quishing" (QR code phishing) to bypass email security filters. If you fall for a phishing scam, immediate steps include scanning for malware if you clicked a link, changing your password from a secure device using a 12+ character unique password, enabling two-factor authentication on all accounts, and monitoring for credential stuffing attacks where hackers use stolen login information across multiple websites.
the-sun.com
A WhatsApp scam targeting parents circulated widely during the Christmas season, in which a scammer posed as a school parent and sent victims a code claiming to add them to a group chat for organizing a Christmas party—the code would actually grant the scammer access to all of the victim's WhatsApp data and personal information. A mother from Coventry nearly fell victim but recognized the suspicious code before clicking it, and WhatsApp has since rolled out protective measures including alert notifications that show who created a group, when it was created, and who added you, allowing users to verify legitimacy before joining.
dimsumdaily.hk
A phishing scam in Hong Kong impersonated the Water Supplies Department with fake overdue payment notifications containing malicious links; one victim lost HK$15,000 (approximately USD $1,923) after entering her credit card and verification code on a fraudulent website designed to mimic official communications. Multiple reports emerged of similar scams claiming small overdue fees of HK$28.26 to appear legitimate, with the fraudulent messages sent under sender names like "HKSW." The Water Supplies Department issued an alert confirming they do not send hyperlinked messages and advised the public that authentic communications begin with a "#" symbol, while urging victims to contact police and report suspicious
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Model Shivankita Dixit lost Rs 99,000 in a "digital arrest" scam where fraudsters impersonating CBI officials contacted her via WhatsApp, falsely accusing her of involvement in human trafficking and drug smuggling, then coerced her into paying money to avoid arrest. Digital arrest scams are a sophisticated cybercrime tactic where scammers impersonate law enforcement, use video calls and fake documents to establish credibility, and exploit victims' fear through false allegations and threats of legal action. Key prevention measures include verifying caller identity through official sources, avoiding disclosure of sensitive information, staying calm under pressure, and reporting suspicious activity to authorities immediately.
losaltosonline.com
Los Altos crime prevention officer Rod Sayre visited a senior center to warn homeowners about spring-season scams targeting seniors, noting that scam artists become more active during this time of year alongside seasonal pest problems. The article emphasizes the need for senior homeowners to be vigilant and informed about fraud risks, though specific scam details are not provided in the available excerpt.
news4jax.com
Xiao Kun Cheung, 58, was charged in Georgia for operating a multi-state elder fraud scheme that extorted over $1 million from seniors up to 92 years old through phone calls and pop-up messages falsely claiming their accounts were compromised. Cheung convinced victims to withdraw cash, purchase gift cards, and buy gold bars under the pretense of government safekeeping, and was arrested attempting to collect $132,000 in gold bars from one victim. The case highlights the broader crisis of elder fraud, with Americans over 60 suffering $3.5 billion in losses in 2023, including $92 million in Georgia alone.
cnn.com
The FBI has warned of increased cyber scams during the holiday season, and CNET senior cybersecurity reporter Bree Fowler provides guidance on protecting oneself from these threats. The video segment offers cybersecurity advice and protective measures specifically tailored to the holiday shopping and online activity period.
dailydodge.com
Wisconsin's Division of Trade and Consumer Protection reported an increase in sextortion scams conducted via email and text, where scammers falsely claim to possess compromising videos or information and threaten to share it with the victim's contacts unless paid in cryptocurrency. The scammers use publicly available information like Google Maps photos and false claims about unsafe website visits to appear credible. Officials recommend victims not respond to messages, avoid sending money, change passwords on all accounts, and report incidents to the state's consumer protection hotline.
forbes.com
Research from Which? revealed that parcel delivery scams impersonating major couriers (USPS, Amazon, DHL, Royal Mail, InPost) are spiking ahead of the 2024 holiday season, with scammers using fake delivery notifications to pressure victims into clicking malicious links that steal credentials and enable fraud. Gmail's smart summary card feature, powered by AI defenses that block 99.9% of phishing attempts, offers additional protection against these scams when combined with user awareness and existing platform security measures.
forbes.com
The FBI has issued a public service announcement warning of increasing AI-generated scams targeting smartphone users, including deepfake audio and video calls impersonating loved ones, celebrities, and authority figures to commit fraud at scale. The agency advises users to hang up and independently verify caller identity, establish a secret word with family members for emergency verification, and avoid sharing sensitive information with online or phone-only contacts, as AI tools are becoming sophisticated enough that experts may struggle to distinguish authentic from fabricated content.
whas11.com
During the holiday season, scammers in Indiana are impersonating USPS representatives and sending text messages claiming packages are held due to invalid zip codes, with links designed to trick recipients into clicking. The Floyd County Sheriff's Office warns recipients to delete these messages and verified with the post office that this is a scam. Authorities advise checking package status directly through tracking apps or contacting the postal service directly rather than responding to unsolicited messages.
wbrc.com
The Better Business Bureau identified twelve common holiday scams affecting consumers, including misleading social media ads, fake shipping text messages, gift card fraud, and counterfeit product listings that steal credit card information. The BBB advised consumers to remain vigilant during the holiday season by verifying retailer legitimacy, checking gift card packaging for tampering, and avoiding suspicious discounts on popular items, as scammers typically disappear after collecting payment or personal data.
atlantanewsfirst.com
"Gift card draining" is a growing scam where fraudsters steal gift card numbers and activation codes either by physically tampering with cards in stores or using computer bots to test thousands of card numbers to find those with available funds. To protect against this scam, consumers should purchase gift cards from behind the register, verify they haven't been tampered with, keep receipts, consider virtual gift cards, and use cards promptly; many retailers have added security measures like scratch-offs, warning labels, and security access labels applied at checkout.
click2houston.com
A Houston woman named Kimberly Relford lost $100 in a rental scam after finding a fraudulent listing on Redfin for a 3-bedroom home listed at $1,500. She sent a non-refundable PayPal payment to a scammer posing as "Peter" and received a lease agreement, but discovered the fraud when she contacted the actual property owner. Redfin confirmed the listing was created using a stolen identity and has emphasized its multi-layered fraud detection system, while experts advise renters to verify properties in person and confirm that real estate agents are certified before making any payments.
bbc.com
A mother from Coventry nearly fell victim to a WhatsApp scam when a man posing as someone from her son's school called her and sent a code claiming to invite her to a parents' Christmas party group; the code would have actually granted the scammer access to all her WhatsApp data and personal information, but she recognized the threat and hung up. Consumer rights experts warn that such scams are increasingly common and can have devastating consequences, as scammers only need an email and password to attempt accessing bank accounts, shopping platforms, and payment services.
patriotnewsmn.com
A concerned citizen nearly fell for an impersonation scam where a caller claiming to be law enforcement demanded $15,000 bail to release the victim's daughter from jail after a purported car accident; the parents avoided loss by verifying the claim at the actual jail and discovering their daughter was safe. The article documents multiple similar law enforcement impersonation scams in Wright County, Minnesota, where scammers pose as sheriffs or court officials demanding payment or personal information, and provides guidance that legitimate law enforcement never calls demanding cash payments and advises victims to hang up and contact the actual agency directly.
en.cibercuba.com
A Cuban recent arrival to the U.S. was scammed out of $100 at Walmart when a stranger sold him costume jewelry disguised as 14-carat gold chain, using tricks like burning it and testing it with a magnet to appear authentic. The victim shared his experience on TikTok as a cautionary tale, highlighting how newly arrived migrants are vulnerable to such scams due to unfamiliarity with common deceptive practices in the country. The incident underscores the need for migrants to exercise caution when approached by strangers offering deals that seem too good to be true.
salinapost.com
A 40-year-old Salina woman lost $1,900 to an impersonation scam after searching online for Cox Communications customer service and calling a fraudulent number. The scammers falsely claimed her account was flagged for illegal activity, then posed as Chase Bank representatives to convince her to purchase gift cards as a supposed security measure. Police emphasize that legitimate companies never request payment via gift cards and recommend contacting businesses directly using official account statements or card backs.
indiatoday.in
A woman from Mumbai's Gorai area lost Rs 6.37 lakh after clicking on an Instagram reel advertising a part-time job that promised quick earnings for simple tasks like liking videos. The scammers used a classic bait-and-switch scheme, initially providing small payments for basic tasks to build trust, then convincing her to invest larger amounts in "higher-paying" opportunities before demanding additional "tax" payments to release non-existent profits. The case was reported to Borivali Police and authorities are urging the public to verify job offers and avoid clicking suspicious social media links.
deseret.com
The Better Business Bureau issued a scam alert warning about misleading social media ads (appearing on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok) promoting personalized gifts that arrive in poor quality, with errors, or vastly different from their online descriptions, with unresponsive customer service making refunds difficult or impossible. The BBB recommends consumers research companies before purchasing, verify website legitimacy (checking for HTTPS, proper grammar, and authentic reviews), be skeptical of too-good-to-be-true offers, and use credit cards rather than debit cards for easier dispute resolution.
justice.gov
Xiao Kun Cheung, 58, a Chinese national, was indicted for his role in a multi-state elder fraud conspiracy that targeted seniors up to age 92 across Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee, swindling over $1 million through phone calls and pop-up messages falsely claiming compromised accounts, then persuading victims to withdraw cash, purchase gift cards, or buy gold bars. Cheung was arrested in March 2024 while attempting to collect approximately $132,000 in gold bars from a victim in Pooler, Georgia, and faces charges including wire fraud and extortion with potential penalties up to 20 years in prison. The case
cbs6albany.com
A 27-year-old man from Flushing, NY was arrested after defrauding a Montgomery County senior of over $40,000 through a fake cryptocurrency scam involving fraudulent emails and threatening phone calls. The suspect, Zixiong Wang, was apprehended during an arranged money exchange in Amsterdam and was also found to be wanted in Delaware for similar crimes against an elderly victim. Wang was remanded to jail without bail, with authorities noting additional suspects may be involved in the ongoing investigation.
dailygazette.com
An elderly Montgomery County resident lost $40,000 in a cryptocurrency investment scam where the suspect posed as customer service and falsely claimed the victim's activity was being monitored. When the suspect, Zixiong Wang, 27, of Flushing, attempted to collect additional funds at a predetermined location in Amsterdam, New York State Police arrested him on charges of third-degree attempted grand larceny and criminal possession of cocaine; investigators also discovered he was wanted in Delaware for similar crimes against an elderly victim.
amny.com
Romance scams surge during the holiday season as fraudsters exploit loneliness and generosity, particularly targeting vulnerable populations including older adults through online dating platforms and social media. In 2022, older Americans lost nearly $240 million to romance scams according to the FTC, and a free educational webinar on December 10 featuring Homeland Security Investigations and AARP New York will provide tools to recognize scam tactics, verify identities, and access victim support resources.
telus.com
**Article:** "I know where you live!": the latest sextortion scam exposed
The "Hello Pervert" sextortion scam emails intimidate victims to pay in cryptocurrency by threatening to expose compromising content and now include a new tactic—photos of recipients' homes obtained from Google Maps Street View. To protect themselves, victims should never pay or respond to such emails, report them to law enforcement and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, and take preventive measures including blurring their homes on Google Maps, conducting dark web scans, maintaining strong passwords, and running regular security scans on all devices.
blog.knowbe4.com
The IRS issued an advisory warning taxpayers of holiday-themed shopping scams, including phishing emails impersonating delivery services and the IRS itself that trick victims into disclosing personal information such as Social Security numbers, bank accounts, and passwords. These scams are expected to intensify during the holiday season and tax season, potentially leading to identity theft and fraud. The IRS recommends avoiding unsecured Wi-Fi, maintaining updated security software, using strong passwords, and enabling multi-factor authentication to protect against these threats.
scamwatch.gov.au
This educational resource provides guidance for scam victims on immediate response steps: contact financial institutions to halt transactions, use IDCARE (Australia/New Zealand's identity support service) for recovery planning, report the fraud to relevant authorities and warn others, and remain vigilant against follow-up scams since one in three victims experience repeat fraud. The article emphasizes the importance of seeking financial counseling and mental health support, as scams can cause significant emotional and financial distress.
click2houston.com
Rental fraud is increasing, with 5.2 million U.S. renters losing money according to 2022 research, typically involving scammers posting fake listings at drastically reduced prices on platforms like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, collecting deposits before disappearing. To protect themselves, renters should verify listings through legitimate platforms, visit properties in person, avoid unusually low prices, obtain written agreements, never send money before meeting the landlord, and resist pressure to act quickly—red flags include refusal to meet in person, vague listing details, and requests for unconventional payment methods like wire transfers or gift cards.
ftc.gov
This is an educational awareness piece, not a news report of a specific fraud incident. It does not fit the Elderus database focus on elder fraud cases.
**Summary (if needed for general reference):** The FTC and IRS warn small business owners that the busy holiday shopping season creates vulnerability to scams and tax-related identity theft, and recommend implementing strong data security (encryption, multifactor authentication, employee training), learning to recognize common scams, and reporting suspicious activity to the FTC or identity theft to IdentityTheft.gov.
news.uthsc.edu
This educational article outlines common red flags across multiple scam types—including romance, delivery, grandparent, and tech support scams—and provides prevention strategies. Key advice includes not responding to unexpected texts, hanging up and calling back through verified numbers, establishing family safe words, refusing suspicious payment methods (gift cards, crypto, wire transfers), and being cautious on social media and dating apps. The article recommends victims stop payment immediately, take screenshots for evidence, and report incidents to their bank, local police, or relevant authorities.
deseret.com
The Better Business Bureau issued a scam alert warning consumers about misleading social media ads for personalized gifts that appear on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Scammers lure shoppers with ads for customized products; when items arrive, they are often poor quality, contain errors, or differ from descriptions, with unresponsive customer service making refunds impossible. To protect themselves, consumers should research companies before purchasing, verify website security (HTTPS), check for red flags like poor grammar, read third-party reviews, and pay with credit cards rather than debit cards for easier dispute resolution.
fintech.global
Federal financial regulators and FinCEN issued guidance to combat elder financial exploitation, citing FinCEN analysis showing $27 billion in suspicious activities linked to financial abuse of older adults in the year ending June 2023. The statement recommends that banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions implement risk management strategies including employee training, transaction monitoring, trusted contact processes, and prompt reporting to authorities and law enforcement. These measures aim to protect elderly account holders from financial exploitation while helping institutions strengthen their defenses against this form of abuse.
jdsupra.com
Federal financial regulators (FRB, CFPB, FDIC, FinCEN, NCUA, OCC, and state regulators) issued a joint statement providing guidance to financial institutions on identifying, preventing, and responding to elder financial exploitation, which causes an estimated $28.3 billion in annual losses in the U.S. The agencies recommend practices including enhanced governance and monitoring, employee training on red flags, transaction holds, designated trusted contacts, and filing Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) when exploitation is suspected.
lexology.com
Federal financial regulators (FRB, CFPB, FDIC, FinCEN, NCUA, OCC, and state authorities) issued a joint guidance statement providing strategies for financial institutions to identify, prevent, and respond to elder financial exploitation, citing annual losses of $28.3 billion nationally. The guidance recommends practices including enhanced risk management policies, employee training on red flags, transaction holds, designated trusted contacts, and filing Suspicious Activity Reports, while clarifying these are recommended practices rather than new regulatory requirements.
consumerfinancialserviceslawmonitor.com
Multiple federal financial regulators (FRB, CFPB, FDIC, FinCEN, NCUA, OCC, and state agencies) issued a joint statement providing guidance to financial institutions on identifying, preventing, and responding to elder financial exploitation, noting the practice does not create new regulatory requirements. The statement highlights that elder financial exploitation causes an estimated $28.3 billion in annual losses in the U.S., with recommended strategies including enhanced governance, employee training, transaction holds, trusted contact designations, and Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) filing.
dailysentinel.com
A 2019 Financial Advisor article by Karen DeMasters, citing Comparitech research, reveals that elder financial abuse in the United States is vastly underreported—with actual cases potentially reaching 5 billion annually costing $27.4 billion, compared to the previously reported 200,000 cases and $1.7 billion. One in ten Americans over 65 experience financial abuse, with an average loss of $2,415, perpetrated primarily by trusted family members or acquaintances who exploit victims' reluctance to report due to shame, fear, or lack of awareness, though telephone scams are expected to increase significantly.
13wmaz.com
A Chinese national, Xiao Kun Cheung, was arrested and charged for his role in a scam that defrauded elderly people across the U.S. of $1.2 million through fake pop-ups and phone calls claiming computer or financial account compromises. Cheung and his co-conspirators convinced victims to withdraw money to purchase gift cards and gold bars, which were then collected by conspirators posing as government agents; victims in Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee were affected. Cheung faces up to 20 years in prison and was charged with wire fraud, extortion conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy, and drug possession charges.
daily-tribune.com
Chatsworth Police Chief Josh Etheridge warned residents of an uptick in international scams targeting elderly victims through robocalls and fraudulent emails, noting that once victims purchase gift cards and provide the card numbers, the money cannot be recovered. The scammers often impersonate government agencies or trusted organizations to pressure victims into immediate payment, exploiting the elderly population who are viewed as trusting and less aware of modern fraud tactics. Police urge residents to report suspected scams and provided warning signs including requests to pay via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, as well as pressure to act immediately without verification.
citizensvoice.com
A 60-year-old woman from Mocanaqua was scammed on Facebook after developing a romantic relationship with an unknown person who claimed to be in the military and needed money for overseas deployment. The victim sent a large sum of money before reporting the incident to state police in May. Police warn residents to be cautious of fake social media profiles and to avoid sending money to unknown online contacts.
wvua23.com
The Better Business Bureau warns holiday shoppers to watch for common scams including misleading ads, fake gift cards, phishing emails and texts, and fraudulent online marketplaces. The BBB recommends slowing down before purchases, price-checking items, using credit cards for fraud protection, verifying return policies, and enabling two-factor authentication on accounts. Victims of holiday fraud should dispute charges with their credit card company, cancel compromised cards, change passwords, and report incidents to local police and state attorneys general.
digitalinformationworld.com
"Malvertising" (malicious digital advertisements) is rapidly increasing as a scam vector, with a 42% month-over-month increase in US cases in 2023 and 41% growth from July-September 2024, primarily originating from Vietnam and Pakistan. Scammers use these deceptive ads in search results to distribute malware, conduct investment scams, credit card fraud, phishing attacks, and romance scams, with ads disguised as legitimate businesses that steal victim information when clicked. Internet users across all websites are at risk, as malvertising is difficult to detect and remove; Google blocked 5.5 billion ads in 2023 but sc
foxnews.com
During the holiday season, scammers deploy sophisticated phishing emails impersonating trusted companies like Apple, Target, Temu, and delivery services to trick recipients into revealing personal and financial information. Common tactics include fake giveaway offers, free product promotions, package delivery alerts with artificial urgency, and deceptive survey requests that use official logos, capital letters, and urgent language to appear legitimate. Users are advised to verify tracking numbers and sender addresses before clicking links, and to be skeptical of unsolicited prize notifications and requests for personal information.
taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov
The IRS warns that scammers are using social media to mislead taxpayers into claiming ineligible tax credits—including the Fuel Tax Credit, sick and family leave credits, and overstated withholding—promising "free money" refunds. Thousands of false refund claims have resulted in significant delays, with the IRS freezing questionable returns and requiring taxpayers to provide documentation or face penalties; taxpayers must promptly amend their returns to remove fraudulent credits to resolve the issue.
kfyrtv.com
This educational article provides seven tips for protecting against holiday scams and identity theft during the busy shopping season. Key advice includes practicing caution with online marketplaces and using traceable payment methods, avoiding fake delivery notification scams (particularly impersonating USPS), safeguarding passwords with unique credentials and multifactor authentication, and checking for card-skimming devices at ATMs and payment terminals. The article emphasizes that online shopping scams affected 82% of targeted victims in 2023, and card skimming costs over $1 billion annually, making holiday vigilance essential.
carleton.edu
During the holiday season, scammers target shoppers and donors through fraudulent shipping notifications, fake charities, bogus order confirmations, and counterfeit online stores. Common tactics include phishing emails and texts impersonating delivery services (UPS, FedEx, USDA) to steal personal information, fake charity websites that exploit generosity, and fraudulent retailers offering steep discounts that deliver counterfeit goods or nothing at all. To protect yourself, verify communications directly with organizations, avoid clicking unexpected links, use two-factor authentication, monitor financial accounts, and report suspicious activity to ic3.gov or relevant authorities.
hawaiinewsnow.com
This educational article provides seven tips for protecting against holiday season scams and identity theft, including practicing caution with online shopping, avoiding phony delivery scams (particularly those impersonating the USPS), using strong password security practices, checking for card-skimming devices at ATMs and payment terminals, verifying charity legitimacy, being skeptical of unsolicited contacts, and monitoring financial accounts. The article notes that online shopping scams affected 82% of victims with financial losses in 2023, and that card skimming costs consumers and financial institutions over $1 billion annually.
consumer.ftc.gov
**Summary:**
Unsolicited text messages offering job positions are a common scam targeting job seekers, wherein fraudsters impersonate recruiters and request personal or financial information or prompt recipients to click malicious links to steal money or identity. To protect yourself, use legitimate job search sources like Career OneStop, avoid clicking links or responding to unexpected texts, research companies online before engaging, and report suspicious messages to the FTC and your phone carrier.