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ca.style.yahoo.com
· 2026-07-21
Scammers are posing as police officers to target travelers, either through phone calls demanding money or in-person encounters where they claim to be checking documents, passports, or investigating counterfeit currency. To protect yourself, watch for red flags like poorly fitted uniforms, nervous behavior, unmarked vehicles, and ask to see official identification or contact information for a supervisor. Before traveling, research your destination using the U.S. Department of State's Travel Advisories and stay alert to these common tactics that can happen even near airports or legitimate police stations.
bitdefender.com
· 2026-07-21
Two New York residents have been charged with laundering over $43 million stolen from victims of "pig butchering" investment scams—a fraud scheme where scammers build trust through social media and dating apps before directing victims to fake cryptocurrency trading platforms that show fabricated profits. The defendants allegedly operated a network of shell companies and bank accounts to move the stolen money to China. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment offers on social media or dating platforms, especially those promising high returns in cryptocurrency, and verify any investment opportunity through official channels before sending money.
thenextweb.com
· 2026-07-21
Scammers are sending highly convincing phishing emails that mimic X's real login alerts, tricking users into visiting fake sites or approving malicious apps that give attackers access to their accounts, which are then used for cryptocurrency scams and other fraudulent schemes that affected roughly 57,000 people last year. To protect yourself, verify the sender's email address (X only sends from @X.com or @e.X.com), check where links actually lead before clicking, and never enter your password in response to an email request. If you've already entered credentials, change your password immediately and enable two-factor authentication on your account.
mylondon.news
· 2026-07-21
Martin Lewis, a prominent personal finance expert, issued a warning after nearly falling victim to a WhatsApp scam impersonating Amazon. The scammer called claiming fraudulent activity on his account and pressured him to share a six-digit verification code, threatening to send an unordered iPhone if he didn't comply. Lewis's advice: stay vigilant regardless of your expertise, verify caller identity before sharing sensitive information, and be suspicious of pressure tactics—particularly requests for verification codes that could grant unauthorized account access.
yen.com.gh
· 2026-07-21
Ghanaian actress Lydia Forson recently shared that she fell for a common online scam at age 18 when she received a fake email claiming she'd won $1 million from Coca-Cola. The scam, which has circulated for years targeting people globally, tricks victims into providing personal information through fake websites or forms, with no prize actually existing. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected prize notifications from brands like Coca-Cola (which has repeatedly confirmed such emails are hoaxes), and never share personal or financial details in response to unsolicited messages.
thehill.com
· 2026-07-20
A woman lost her life savings to a romance scammer who manipulated her into withdrawing funds from retirement accounts, and despite law enforcement investigation, the money was never recovered—then she faced an additional blow when the IRS hit her with a tax bill on those withdrawals. While the IRS allows theft-loss deductions for victims of investment scams like "pig butchering" scams, romance scam victims are ineligible because they weren't motivated by profit, creating an unfair distinction in the tax code between people defrauded by different tactics. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious with online dating connections that quickly escalate emotionally or request money, verify the identity of romantic interests through video calls, and consult a tax professional if you've been victimized by any type of scam.
kiplinger.com
· 2026-07-20
A 79-year-old retiree lost $1,400 to a card skimmer installed on an ATM, and while she eventually recovered the money, the experience highlighted how vulnerable seniors are to increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes. The article outlines five major scams currently targeting retirees and emphasizes that fraud deserves more attention in financial planning conversations alongside traditional investment strategies. To stay safe, retirees should regularly monitor their bank accounts for unauthorized transactions, inspect ATMs for signs of tampering before use, and report suspicious activity immediately to their banks.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-07-20
Fraudsters are exploiting digital wallet systems like Apple Pay and Google Wallet by using stolen credit card information obtained through phishing texts, data breaches, and identity theft to make unauthorized purchases that appear legitimate at checkout. The tap-to-pay technology itself is secure, but criminals are targeting the weaker link earlier in the process by tricking people into sharing their financial information through convincing phishing messages that mimic banks and delivery companies. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited texts claiming urgent action is needed, verify requests directly with your bank or company through official channels, and monitor your statements regularly for unauthorized charges.
times.co.sz
· 2026-07-20
Interpol has warned that romance scams and sextortion—where predators threaten to share explicit images unless victims send money or more intimate photos—have become increasingly profitable cybercrimes affecting young people and adults across Africa. These scams typically involve criminals creating fake online identities to build trust before manipulating or stealing from victims, with cases rising exponentially over the past two years. To protect yourself, be cautious about sharing intimate images online, verify the authenticity of romantic interests before deepening relationships, and report suspicious activity to authorities and platform moderators.
sowetan.co.za
· 2026-07-20
An 18-year-old South African girl lost nearly R438,000 of her university education fund in just 20 minutes after a scammer posing as a bank representative called her and convinced her to transfer the money to a different account for "safety." The funds, which her late father had saved in a trust account for her education, were transferred in three separate transactions to a Capitec Bank account, leaving her unable to afford university and causing her significant emotional distress. Her family is criticizing Standard Bank for failing to flag the large, rapid transactions as suspicious activity, and they suspect an inside job given the timing of the call.
newscop.com.au
· 2026-07-20
Queensland police are warning residents about a sophisticated new phishing scam targeting cryptocurrency users, which has stolen nearly $1.47 million from victims in just five days. The scam uses personalized physical letters with QR codes that trick people into visiting fake websites claiming to offer security updates, where criminals steal their digital assets. To protect themselves, cryptocurrency holders should never click unverified links or share private keys, should verify the sender's authenticity before taking action, and should immediately contact their bank and change passwords if they suspect they've been scammed.
kvia.com
· 2026-07-20
Millions of older Americans fall victim to financial scams annually, with the U.S. Treasury identifying $27 billion in suspected elder financial exploitation over a 12-month period, largely through phishing scams and impersonation fraud that exploit increasingly common digital banking and communication channels. A SmartAsset analysis of 2024 Federal Trade Commission data identified which states have the highest rates of reported scams targeting seniors aged 60 and older, as well as the most common scam types by state. To protect yourself, remain cautious of unsolicited communications claiming to be from banks or government agencies, verify requests through official channels before sharing personal information, and report suspected fraud to the FTC.
abc17news.com
· 2026-07-19
Millions of older Americans lose billions annually to financial scams, with $27 billion in suspected elder fraud occurring in just one year, as scammers increasingly use phishing and impersonation tactics through digital channels. A SmartAsset analysis of 2024 Federal Trade Commission data examined fraud reports by state to identify where seniors aged 60 and older face the highest scam rates and what types of scams are most common in each region. Seniors should be cautious of unsolicited communications claiming to be from banks or government agencies, verify requests through official channels before sharing personal information, and report suspected fraud to the FTC.
theguardian.com
· 2026-07-19
Scammers are sending fake emails impersonating X (formerly Twitter) to trick users into revealing their passwords or granting account access by claiming suspicious login activity from unfamiliar locations. Once criminals gain access to compromised accounts, they use them to launch crypto scams, phishing attacks, and spread misinformation. To protect yourself, verify the sender's email address and hover over links before clicking—X will only email from official addresses, and legitimate password reset links won't direct you to suspicious websites.
keyt.com
· 2026-07-19
Millions of older Americans lose billions of dollars annually to financial scams, with the U.S. Treasury identifying $27 billion in suspected elder financial exploitation in a single year. Scammers increasingly use phishing schemes, business impersonation, and government impersonation fraud to target seniors through digital banking and communication platforms. To protect themselves, older adults should verify the legitimacy of institutions before sharing personal information, be skeptical of unsolicited contact, and report suspected fraud to the Federal Trade Commission.
courant.com
· 2026-07-19
Seniors across America lose billions to scams annually, with $27 billion in suspected elder financial exploitation occurring in just one 12-month period, according to Treasury Department analysis. Business imposter and government imposter phishing scams are among the most common methods targeting older Americans, who are increasingly vulnerable as scammers exploit digital banking and communication tools. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact from supposed businesses or government agencies, verify caller identity through official channels before sharing personal information, and report suspected fraud to the Federal Trade Commission.
foxnews.com
· 2026-07-18
Georgia's new House Bill 945, effective July 1, 2026, allows banks and credit unions to pause suspicious transactions they suspect are fraudulent, protecting adults 65 and older as well as those with physical or mental incapacities, dementia, or Alzheimer's disease. Common bank scams involve callers claiming your account is under attack and pressuring you to transfer money to a "safe account" that actually belongs to scammers, potentially turning years of savings into irreversible losses. The law's effectiveness depends on your state, financial institution, and account type, so consumers should stay alert to scam calls, verify requests directly with their bank using official numbers, and consider registering for fraud prevention resources.
fortune.com
· 2026-07-18
A 43-year-old woman named Jean Booth lost $90,000 to a romance scam in which she developed an online relationship with a man named "Donnie" who never existed and whom she never met in person. The scammer repeatedly requested money by fabricating emergencies and claiming to be stuck or in danger, exploiting Jean's belief in people's inherent goodness despite warnings from family and friends. To protect yourself from similar scams, be extremely cautious about online relationships that never progress to video calls or in-person meetings, never send money to someone you haven't verified in person, and listen to loved ones who express concerns about suspicious behavior.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-07-18
Americans lost $3.5 billion to imposter scams in 2025, with criminals posing as bank representatives or government officials to trick victims into sending money or sharing personal information. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to these scams, though younger people can also suffer losses—as illustrated by a case where a 74-year-old woman fell for a phone scam impersonating an FBI agent and wired $12,000 from her daughter's linked account. To protect yourself, verify caller identities through official phone numbers, never wire money based on unsolicited calls, and consider limiting account access for vulnerable family members.
portal.ct.gov
· 2026-07-18
Following severe storms, scammers often exploit homeowners' urgency to repair damage by pressuring them for quick decisions, demanding large upfront payments, or falsely offering to handle insurance claims. Connecticut residents are advised to verify contractor credentials, avoid unsolicited repair offers, only communicate directly with their insurance company using verified contact information, and be wary of anyone guaranteeing claim approvals or inflated settlements. Anyone suspecting fraud should contact the Connecticut Insurance Department's Consumer Affairs Division at (800) 203-3447.
arabamericannews.com
· 2026-07-18
The FBI's Detroit Field Office is warning residents about increasingly sophisticated scams using AI, phone calls, texts, emails, and social media to steal money and personal information, with scammers often creating false urgency to pressure quick decisions. These fraud schemes—including romance scams and fake investment opportunities—typically build trust gradually over weeks or months before requesting payment through hard-to-trace methods like cryptocurrency or gift cards. To protect yourself, verify unexpected communications with trusted contacts, take time before responding to urgent requests, and be suspicious of unsolicited messages or investment offers promising quick returns.
kiro7.com
· 2026-07-18
Millions of older Americans lose billions annually to financial scams, with $27 billion in suspected elder exploitation occurring in just one year, as digital banking makes it easier for scammers to impersonate trusted institutions and reach vulnerable victims. A SmartAsset analysis of Federal Trade Commission data identified which states have the highest rates of fraud targeting seniors aged 60 and older, revealing that phishing scams and imposter fraud are among the most common methods used. To protect yourself, remain cautious of unsolicited communications claiming to be from banks or government agencies, verify requests through official channels before sharing personal information, and report suspected fraud to the FTC.
globalnews.ca
· 2026-07-18
A Rogers customer was tricked into mailing her new phone to scammers posing as Rogers representatives who had detailed knowledge of her account, order details, and delivery information, claiming a loyalty offer required consolidating her phone numbers. After Rogers rejected her fraud claim, stating it wasn't their responsibility, the victim is left without her device and frustrated about how scammers accessed her personal information. To protect yourself, verify any unexpected calls from service providers by hanging up and calling the official company number directly, and be suspicious of requests to send devices back—legitimate companies typically handle returns differently.
wmar2news.com
· 2026-07-18
Savi Security has launched a new AI-powered mobile app designed to protect families from digital scams, which have become the fastest-growing crime in America. The app uses behavioral AI to analyze calls, messages, and communications in real-time to identify and block scams before users engage with them, addressing a gap left by basic phone protections. Americans of all ages are vulnerable—seniors lost a record $7.7 billion in 2025, while Gen Z falls for scams at three times the rate of Baby Boomers—making tools like Savi's text message and voice protection features increasingly important for safeguarding personal communications.
wftv.com
· 2026-07-18
Millions of older Americans lose an estimated $27 billion annually to financial scams, with phishing and imposter fraud being the most common tactics used against seniors as digital banking becomes more prevalent. A SmartAsset analysis of 2024 Federal Trade Commission data identified which U.S. states have the highest rates of reported scams targeting people aged 60 and older, along with the specific scam types most common in each state. To protect yourself, remain cautious of unsolicited contact claiming to be from banks or government agencies, verify requests through official phone numbers or websites, and never share personal or financial information with unverified callers.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-07-18
Scammers are impersonating FTC employees via text messages and sending fake ID photos to trick people into believing they can help recover money lost in previous scams. This "refund and recovery" scam particularly targets fraud victims who are eager to get their money back, making them more vulnerable to manipulation. To protect yourself, remember that the real FTC will never contact you unexpectedly by text or messaging app, and legitimate government employees won't send photo IDs to prove their identity—if you receive such a message, ignore it and report it to the FTC directly.
fruitgrowersnews.com
· 2026-07-17
Georgia's Department of Agriculture has warned farmers about sophisticated online scams targeting agricultural equipment purchases, where criminals use AI to create fake websites and impersonate legitimate farm equipment dealers, then convince buyers to wire money for tractors or equipment that never exists or gets delivered. Farmers across Georgia have lost money to these schemes, which typically start with attractively priced equipment listings followed by contact from fake dealership representatives requesting payment. To protect themselves, farmers should verify sellers directly with dealerships, avoid wire transfers, and report suspected scams to their bank, local law enforcement, and the Georgia Department of Agriculture immediately.
cbsnews.com
· 2026-07-17
Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create deepfakes and clone voices to impersonate trusted individuals and steal millions of dollars from victims. The FBI reported nearly $893 million in AI-enabled scam losses in 2025, with criminals targeting people through romance schemes, fake investments, emergency calls, and "grandparent scams" where they impersonate relatives in distress. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected calls or messages requesting money, verify requests through independent contact with known phone numbers, and report suspicious activity to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
newsday.com
· 2026-07-17
Romance scams are surging in the U.S., with over 49,000 people losing $1.3 billion collectively last year—a 14% increase driven partly by pandemic-related loneliness and isolation that continues to affect millions. Victims like Jean Booth develop emotional connections with fake personas who never meet them in person but repeatedly request money for emergencies, exploiting humans' psychological need for relationships and connection. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that never progress to phone or video calls, verify identities through multiple methods, and never send money to someone you haven't met in person—especially if they claim to be in crisis.
seattlepi.com
· 2026-07-17
Jean Booth fell victim to a romance scam in which she developed a years-long emotional relationship with a man named "Donnie" who didn't actually exist, yet she continued sending him money despite knowing he was fake and receiving warnings from family and friends. The scammer used classic tactics like claiming to be stranded and in danger to manipulate her into providing financial support. The article highlights how romance scams can affect vulnerable individuals emotionally and financially, and serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of verifying online relationships in person and trusting the concerns of loved ones.
telegraphherald.com
· 2026-07-17
Jean Booth fell victim to a romance scam that lasted eight months, during which a man named "Donnie" whom she met online repeatedly asked her for money and stood her up. Romance scams hit record highs in the United States last year, particularly affecting lonely individuals seeking connection during the post-pandemic period. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships where romantic partners ask for money, verify identities through video calls before meeting, and report suspicious activity to authorities.
dailymail.com
· 2026-07-17
Martin Lewis, a well-known financial expert and scam awareness advocate, nearly fell victim to a fraudulent Amazon account scam after receiving a WhatsApp call from someone claiming his account had been hacked and an unauthorized iPhone purchase was being processed. The scammer used pressure tactics to convince Lewis to provide a six-digit code, but he grew suspicious when the caller became pushy and threatening—ultimately discovering the phone number was associated with known scam activity. The key takeaway for consumers is to remain vigilant even when distracted, independently verify caller claims rather than acting under pressure, and use online resources to check suspicious phone numbers before sharing any personal information.
crescent-news.com
· 2026-07-16
This article offers guidance for seniors entering the dating scene, noting that about one-third of Americans 65 and older are single. The piece advises older adults to clarify their dating goals, consider online dating platforms designed for seniors like OurTime and SilverSingles, and maintain honesty in their profiles by using recent photos and being upfront about what they're seeking. While the article primarily focuses on dating advice rather than fraud prevention, it emphasizes transparency as a foundation for healthy relationships.
sqmagazine.co.uk
· 2026-07-16
WhatsApp users lost millions in 2025 as the platform became the second-costliest for social media scams after Facebook, with criminals operating organized "scam centers" (often in Southeast Asia using forced labor) that cycle victims through multiple platforms to avoid detection before directing them to payment or cryptocurrency platforms. Common scams arrive as seemingly innocent messages—wrong numbers, job offers, or investment opportunities—that are actually part of coordinated chains designed to eventually extract money. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited WhatsApp messages offering jobs or investments, avoid clicking links from unknown contacts, and never share personal or financial information with unverified people, especially those directing you to cryptocurrency platforms.
azfamily.com
· 2026-07-16
Two brothers created an AI voice-cloning detection app called Savi after scammers used artificial intelligence to clone their sister's voice and convince their mother she had been kidnapped in order to extort money from her. The Savi app, which recently launched after securing $7 million in funding, was built to help protect people from increasingly sophisticated voice-cloning scams that exploit emotional vulnerabilities by impersonating family members. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected calls asking for money—even if the caller sounds like someone you know—and verify requests through alternative contact methods before sending any funds.
reuters.com
· 2026-07-15
A casino boss in Cambodia allegedly rented properties at his Royal Hill Resort and Casino complex to Chinese scammers and human traffickers operating near the Thailand border. The scheme affected victims of online fraud and human trafficking schemes that were being run from the casino complex location. People should be cautious about online offers and transactions originating from Southeast Asia, verify the legitimacy of any business before sending money, and report suspected scams or trafficking to local authorities.
mainstreetdailynews.com
· 2026-07-15
Alachua County is experiencing a significant scam crisis, with residents losing $6.8 million in 2025 and projections reaching $8.6 million by 2026—far exceeding losses from traditional property crimes. Criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create convincing scams, including deepfake photos and manipulated audio, making it harder for victims to identify fraud. The sheriff's office urges residents to report scams immediately, as quick reporting dramatically improves investigators' chances of recovering funds and holding perpetrators accountable.
miamitimesonline.com
· 2026-07-15
According to recent polling, approximately 3 in 10 Americans have lost money or personal information to scams, with about 1 in 10 experiencing significant financial losses exceeding $500 in the past year alone. Despite widespread victimization, most scam victims don't report incidents to law enforcement or federal agencies, largely because they believe reporting won't help recover their money. Experts and victims suggest that banks, social media platforms, and the federal government need to take greater responsibility for protecting consumers and recovering stolen funds.
thestar.com.my
· 2026-07-15
A 56-year-old housewife in Ipoh lost RM10,500 after scammers posing as customer service officers from an online shopping platform tricked her into providing access to her phone and bank details via a WhatsApp call claiming she had won a prize. The scammers used her credentials to make unauthorized charges—RM4,500 through a "pay later" account and RM6,000 through the platform's loan facility (which was set up as a 24-month repayment plan she never agreed to). Victims should be cautious of unsolicited calls claiming prize winnings, never grant remote access to their phones or share banking information, and immediately contact their bank and file police reports if they suspect fraud, as quick action may help freeze accounts and reverse unauthorized transactions.
alachuachronicle.com
· 2026-07-15
Alachua County law enforcement and Florida Elder Options held a press conference warning residents about rapidly evolving scams—including jury duty, arrest warrant, unpaid toll, and romance scams—that are expected to increase 25% locally over the next year. Scammers use sophisticated tactics to create urgency and isolate victims through extended phone calls or threats, often demanding payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency. Authorities urged residents to simply hang up on suspected scammers, report attempts to police, and not feel ashamed if victimized, as every report helps law enforcement identify and stop criminal networks.
singjupost.com
· 2026-07-15
Pig butchering scams lure victims through fake relationships on dating apps and social media, then convince them to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms that show false profits before disappearing with the money. If you fall victim to this scam, the first three days are critical—you should immediately hire a crypto fraud lawyer and secure all your accounts, because scammers move funds quickly and delay reduces your chances of recovery. Early legal action can help identify the wallets and platforms involved and may preserve recovery options that close off within days.
noticias.foxnews.com
· 2026-07-14
Data brokers collect and sell your personal information—including your address, phone number, and relatives' names—from public records and commercial sources, not just from hacked accounts or weak passwords. This means that even people with strong passwords and good online security habits can have their details exposed on people-search websites, where scammers use the information to make fraudulent calls, texts, and emails sound convincing. To protect yourself, you should take steps beyond strong passwords, such as opting out of data broker services and being cautious about where your information is shared commercially.
wesh.com
· 2026-07-14
Scammers are targeting people across the country—especially in Florida—with fake job offers via text and messaging apps, promising remote work but ultimately pressuring victims to pay upfront fees to "receive" earnings they supposedly earned. One woman lost over $14,600 by transferring college and bank loans after building what she thought was a friendship with a recruiter online. The FTC reports that job offer text scams ranked third among all fraud complaints last year with over 411,000 attempts resulting in $76 million in losses, so if you receive unsolicited job offers by text, the Federal Trade Commission advises you to simply ignore and delete them.
mothership.sg
· 2026-07-14
A Singapore man was targeted by scammers while selling a watch online and fell for a phishing scheme that resulted in his 64-year-old mother losing S$4,600 from her bank account, leaving her with just S$0.12. The scam likely involved fraudulent payment links or fake verification requests that gave criminals access to banking credentials. To protect yourself when selling items online, verify buyer identities independently, use secure payment platforms with buyer protection, and never click links or provide personal banking information through unsolicited messages.
khmoradio.com
· 2026-07-14
A Missouri deputy nearly fell victim to a sophisticated text message scam that impersonated legitimate bank fraud alerts he had actually signed up for; the scam was only detected when the scammer offered to call him, which his real bank had never done. The incident highlights how cybercriminals are using advanced technology, including AI, to make phishing texts appear authentic and convincing to even trained law enforcement. To protect yourself, never click links in unsolicited texts claiming to be from your bank or business—instead, independently verify by contacting the company directly using a phone number you know is legitimate.
abc7news.com
· 2026-07-13
Scammers are targeting travelers with fake hotel and airline websites that appear in paid search results, phishing texts about unpaid tolls, and fraudulent travel offers that request payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. To protect yourself, bypass sponsored search results and visit websites directly, verify toll payment requests by contacting agencies directly, and be wary of travel deals that lack specific details or use suspicious payment methods. The Federal Trade Commission recommends researching companies and reviewing complaints before booking any travel services.
csmonitor.com
· 2026-07-13
Romance scams, where fraudsters pose as romantic interests to deceive victims into sending money or personal information, cost Americans $1.3 billion in 2022 alone. One notable case involved a Spanish dental clinic owner who fell for a fake American soldier on Tinder who later claimed to have found gold bars, only to discover the scammer was operating from Nigeria. To protect yourself, be wary of online dating matches who avoid video calls, make unfulfilled promises to meet in person, or quickly introduce financial schemes—and consider having trusted friends or family members review suspicious communications.
independent.com.mt
· 2026-07-13
Digital scams have surged significantly, with criminals increasingly using fake bank messages and "pig butchering" schemes (where victims are manipulated over time to transfer large sums) to defraud unsuspecting people. Elderly and less tech-savvy individuals are particularly vulnerable, with reported victims losing tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of euros with little hope of recovery. People should be cautious of unsolicited messages claiming to be from banks or financial services, verify requests through official channels, and remain skeptical of online investment opportunities—especially those targeting people during vulnerable emotional periods.
dailymail.com
· 2026-07-13
An 80-year-old Perth man lost his entire $300,000 life savings to a romance scam after meeting someone online who claimed to be a woman from overseas and repeatedly requested money over three years for emergencies, travel, and documents—ultimately leading to the repossession of his home. Romance scams cost Australians $139.9 million in 2025, with seniors over 65 particularly vulnerable, accounting for over a quarter of reported losses. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly move to requests for money, especially through untraceable methods like gift cards, and verify the legitimacy of anyone you meet online before sending any funds.