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finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-01-16
Older adults nationwide lose billions of dollars annually to increasingly sophisticated scams involving investment fraud, impersonation schemes, and technology-driven attacks, prompting the San Diego Seniors Community Foundation to expand its fraud prevention education programs across Southern California with a $200,000+ grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation. The foundation will reach more seniors, caregivers, and families through in-person and virtual education events, as scammers now use advanced tools like AI, voice cloning, and spoofed phone numbers to impersonate trusted contacts and institutions. Experts emphasize that the best defense is education and awareness before fraud occurs, rather than trying to recover losses after the fact.
wgem.com
· 2026-01-16
The Quincy Police Department has appointed Detective Katie Hatch as its new Elder Service Officer to help protect seniors from increasingly sophisticated scams involving phone calls, social media impersonation, and fake government agencies. Elderly residents are particularly vulnerable to financial exploitation, and Hatch's key advice is straightforward: don't answer calls from unknown numbers and hang up without being polite if unsure who's calling. Seniors and their families can seek help from Hatch's office at the Quincy Senior & Family Resource Center, available Monday-Thursday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by calling (217) 592-3604.
cbsnews.com
· 2026-01-16
An 83-year-old Ohio man was convicted of murdering an Uber driver in March 2024 after he mistakenly believed she was part of a scam to extort $12,000 from him. Both the man and the driver fell victim to the same fraud scheme—the man received threatening calls demanding bond money for a relative, while the driver unknowingly picked up a package at his home as part of the scam and was shot six times. To protect yourself, be skeptical of urgent calls demanding money for relatives, never assume someone is a threat based on a scammer's claims, and contact police if you receive extortion threats rather than taking matters into your own hands.
recorder.com
· 2026-01-16
An Idaho woman named Jennifer Grasmick is accused of helping drain $338,000 from the town of Orange through fraudulent invoices, but her attorney claims she was actually a victim of a romance scam who unknowingly deposited and transferred funds to cryptocurrency for a foreign scammer posing as a love interest. Grasmick, described as a vulnerable senior citizen with limited education and health issues, allegedly never received any money herself and had no knowledge of the fraudulent invoice scheme. The case highlights how romance scammers target vulnerable people online and manipulate them into laundering stolen funds through cryptocurrency, which is difficult to trace.
inkl.com
· 2026-01-16
Starting January 2026, over half of U.S. states have implemented new "Safe Harbor" laws that allow banks to freeze customer accounts for up to two weeks if they suspect elder financial exploitation, leaving thousands of retirees unable to access their own funds for routine transactions. Banks now have legal immunity to delay transfers without fear of lawsuits, causing AI-driven systems to aggressively flag legitimate transactions—like gifts to grandchildren—as potential scams. To navigate these changes, seniors should contact their bank in advance to understand their specific policies, inform institutions about planned large transfers, and verify any account holds directly with their bank rather than responding to unsolicited contacts.
yahoo.com
· 2026-01-16
New York's Manhattan district attorney is pushing lawmakers to criminalize unlicensed cryptocurrency operations, warning that regulatory gaps allow criminals to launder an estimated $51 billion annually through platforms that ask few questions about money sources. Unlicensed crypto ATMs—which charge fees up to 20%—have become a preferred tool for moving proceeds from guns, drugs, fraud, and terrorism financing without oversight. To protect consumers and cut off criminal activity, prosecutors are urging lawmakers to require all crypto businesses to obtain licenses and implement customer verification procedures (know-your-customer rules).
whnt.com
· 2026-01-15
# Tax Scam Summary
Scammers are impersonating the IRS during tax season, either demanding immediate payment for supposed back taxes via wire transfer or prepaid debit card (threatening arrest if you don't comply), or requesting personal information under the guise of issuing refunds—tactics that can lead to identity theft and particularly target college students. These fraudsters use sophisticated tactics like fake badge numbers, spoofed caller IDs showing Washington D.C., and official-looking emails to appear legitimate, but the real IRS always initiates contact by mail first and allows time for questions. To protect yourself, be suspicious of any urgent pressure to pay immediately or share personal information, and remember that legitimate IRS agents won't demand payment by wire transfer or prepaid debit card.
localmemphis.com
· 2026-01-15
Shelby County officials are warning residents about an increase in scam calls where fraudsters impersonate sheriff's office and pretrial services employees, using personal information to pressure families into sending money via Zelle, Cash App, or bank transfers to supposedly help release an incarcerated person. These scammers typically call during off-hours to create urgency, but legitimate county offices will never request payment over the phone or through digital payment platforms for such services. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately and report it to Memphis Police at 901-545-COPS or Shelby County Pretrial Services at 901-222-4000.
kxan.com
· 2026-01-15
# AI-Powered Scams on the Rise
Artificial intelligence is making scams increasingly sophisticated and difficult to detect, with criminals now able to create convincing deepfake videos and voice impersonations that can target anyone from government officials to everyday citizens. Recent examples include an FBI warning about AI-generated voice memos impersonating senior U.S. officials and a Round Rock Police alert about fake AI videos of home invasions paired with alarming texts designed to frighten parents and teens. To protect yourself, stay alert for red flags in suspicious messages and calls, verify unexpected communications through official channels before responding, and remember that AI-generated content can look and sound remarkably authentic.
readingeagle.com
· 2026-01-15
Pennsylvania's Attorney General is warning residents about a surge in utility scams where fraudsters impersonate utility companies through fake websites and phone calls to steal personal information or demand immediate payments. The scams typically use pressure tactics claiming past-due bills to frighten customers into providing banking details or making payments through unconventional methods like gift cards or wire transfers. To protect yourself, verify utility company contacts by calling the number on your official bill directly, access company websites by typing the address manually rather than using search results, and be suspicious of urgent payment demands or requests for personal information over the phone.
wxyz.com
· 2026-01-15
Scammers in the Detroit area are impersonating jail officials and calling families of recently arrested individuals, claiming their loved ones have been transferred to distant jails and need payment for tether fees to be released. In a new twist on this scheme, a Highland Park woman was told her son would be released on an electronic monitor but needed to pay $1,000, with the scammers sending fake official emails from non-government addresses to request payment. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unexpected calls about jail transfers, verify any requests by calling the actual jail directly using official phone numbers, and watch for red flags like requests to pay via email or non-government email addresses.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-01-15
Starting January 2026, over half of U.S. states enacted "Safe Harbor" laws that allow banks to freeze senior citizens' accounts for up to two weeks if they suspect financial exploitation, protecting the institutions from lawsuits while doing so. While these rules aim to prevent elder fraud, they can inadvertently lock legitimate account holders out of their own funds, preventing them from paying bills or making routine transfers. Seniors should contact their banks to understand their specific hold policies, document the purpose of large transfers clearly, and consider discussing transaction patterns with their banks in advance to avoid unexpected account freezes.
newburytoday.co.uk
· 2026-01-15
Dating scams in the UK have surged dramatically, with over 900 cases reported to Thames Valley Police alone since 2022 and more than £100 million stolen nationally in the past year, as scammers create fake identities to build false relationships and exploit victims emotionally and financially. The scams are rising across the country, with some regions like Nottinghamshire seeing a 152% increase in reports, though experts believe the true number is likely much higher due to underreporting. People using online dating should be vigilant and cautious about sharing personal or financial information with new connections.
spectrumlocalnews.com
· 2026-01-15
# Fraud Scams Affecting Older Adults
Older adults lost $2.4 billion to fraud in 2024, with increasing cases of romance scams, investment scams, and imposter schemes targeting vulnerable seniors. Lifespan of Greater Rochester's Fraud Awareness Network provides free support groups for fraud survivors aged 60 and older, helping them share experiences in a safe environment and emphasizing that victims are not at fault. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited online relationships and financial requests, verify investment opportunities independently, and contact Lifespan at (585) 244-8400 or join their free virtual support group that meets every Tuesday if you've been targeted.
azfamily.com
· 2026-01-15
Scammers stole over $400,000 from Sedona residents in 2025, with 67 police reports filed related to fraud and phone scams, targeting both elderly residents and younger people through AI impersonation schemes. The problem is part of a nationwide trend, with Americans losing $196 billion to scams in 2024 and Arizonans losing over $521 million. To protect yourself, avoid clicking suspicious links, be wary of urgent money requests from people claiming to be friends or family, and keep your passwords updated.
wbrc.com
· 2026-01-15
Pelham, Alabama police are warning about a surge in cryptocurrency scams targeting senior citizens, where criminals impersonate law enforcement and threaten victims with arrest or jail time unless they pay in Bitcoin. The scammers use scare tactics and keep victims on the phone to coerce them into cryptocurrency transfers, which are harder to trace and faster than traditional bank transactions. If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from police, hang up immediately and call your local police department directly to verify the claim rather than providing any payment information.
quiverquant.com
· 2026-01-15
Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized the Trump Administration for efforts to weaken the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), arguing that these actions put senior citizens at greater risk of financial scams and fraud. Warren emphasized that the regulatory safeguards provided by the CFPB are essential for protecting vulnerable older adults who are particularly susceptible to financial exploitation. To stay safe, seniors should remain vigilant about unsolicited financial offers, verify the legitimacy of financial institutions before sharing personal information, and consider consulting trusted family members or financial advisors before making major financial decisions.
fox21online.com
· 2026-01-15
# Gold Bar Scam Alert for Minnesota Seniors
Scammers in Minnesota are targeting older residents by pressuring them to wire large sums of money (often six figures or more) to purchase gold bars, which are then handed to a "courier" and stolen. These schemes, which may be connected to romance or investment scams, can seem convincing because the gold is purchased from legitimate businesses in the victim's name, but the Minnesota Department of Commerce warns they pose financial and potential physical dangers. To protect yourself, watch for red flags including pressure to act quickly, requests for secrecy, large wire transfers, and any demands involving gold bars.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-01-15
# Crypto Scam Summary
Cryptocurrency scams reached a record $17 billion in losses during 2025, driven by AI-powered deepfakes and impersonation tactics that made fraud schemes significantly more convincing and profitable. The average scam payment tripled to $2,764, with scams using AI tools generating 4.5 times more money per operation than traditional scams, while government impersonation scams using deepfaked images of officials surged over 1,400%. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected requests from government agencies, financial institutions, or crypto platforms—especially via text or video calls—and verify communications through official channels directly.
tradingview.com
· 2026-01-15
Impersonation scams targeting cryptocurrency users surged dramatically in 2025, with reported incidents jumping 1,400% compared to 2024, while the average amount stolen per scam increased by over 600%. Scammers impersonated trusted organizations like Coinbase (one scheme stole nearly $16 million) and used AI-powered tools to make their operations more efficient and profitable. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited communications claiming to be from exchanges or financial institutions, never share passwords or account access with anyone, and verify contact directly through official channels before responding to requests for sensitive information.
eldoradospringsmo.com
· 2026-01-14
The Better Business Bureau reports that investment, cryptocurrency, employment, and romance scams were the biggest threats to consumers in 2025, with online scams accounting for over 61% of reports and 78% of financial losses. Scammers increasingly use social media to target victims, with nearly 36% of scam reports involving social media contacts who lure people through ads or posts. To protect yourself in 2026, the BBB recommends trusting your instincts if something feels suspicious, avoiding sending money to strangers (especially via payment apps or cryptocurrency), and researching retailers before making online purchases.
thesun.co.uk
· 2026-01-14
Steve, a 39-year-old Army veteran, became a victim of identity fraud when scammers stole his photo from the internet and used it in romance scams globally, leading his girlfriend Jennifer to receive approximately ten messages weekly from people worldwide—including jealous threats and accusations—who believed they were in relationships with him and some of whom had lost significant money to the scammers. The scammers exploited Steve's public appearances on survival shows like Bear Grylls Wild Reckoning and Discovery's Naked & Afraid to make their fake profiles seem more credible. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic interests, especially if they avoid video calls, ask for money, or their stories seem inconsistent—and verify someone's identity through multiple channels before developing an emotional or financial connection.
womansworld.com
· 2026-01-14
Scammers are impersonating celebrities like Reese Witherspoon on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, sliding into fans' direct messages to build fake relationships before requesting personal information or arranging fraudulent meetings. Witherspoon herself recently warned fans about multiple fake accounts using her name to manipulate people, with some imposter profiles already gaining thousands of followers. To protect yourself, be skeptical of direct messages from celebrities, verify accounts through official verification badges, and never share personal information or agree to meetings with unverified accounts.
khou.com
· 2026-01-14
A Houston woman lost her entire life savings of $20,000 to scammers who impersonated Wells Fargo bank officials and the FBI, using convincing text messages and even forged FBI letterhead to convince her to withdraw cash and deposit it into a fraudulent Chase Bank account. The scammers kept her on the phone throughout the process, instructing her step-by-step to move money from her savings to checking, withdraw it in cash, and then deposit it at an ATM using a fake account they created. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited contact claiming to be from your bank or government agencies—legitimate institutions will never ask you to withdraw cash or use ATMs during investigations, and you should hang up and call your bank directly using a number from your statement to verify any fraud alerts.
attorneygeneral.gov
· 2026-01-14
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday is warning residents about scammers impersonating utility companies through fake websites appearing in Google searches, fraudulent phone numbers, and posed as utility employees who pressure customers into revealing personal information or making payments by claiming bills are overdue. The scams target utility customers seeking to pay bills or resolve account issues, with scammers using fear and urgency to trick victims into surrendering banking details. To protect yourself, verify any utility contact by hanging up and calling the number on your actual bill, be suspicious of unsolicited calls requesting personal or banking information, and report suspected scams to Pennsylvania's Bureau of Consumer Protection.
jdsupra.com
· 2026-01-14
FINRA announced proposed rule changes in January 2026 to help financial firms combat fraud, which has cost Americans over $16 billion annually with seniors losing at least $4.8 billion in 2024. The new rules would allow firms to place temporary holds on suspicious transactions, extend hold periods for seniors and vulnerable investors, and encourage customers to designate trusted contacts who can help prevent fraud. Investors of all ages should consider naming a trusted contact person with their financial firms and remain vigilant about unauthorized account activity, especially if they receive unsolicited requests for money or account access.
asiatimes.com
· 2026-01-14
# Crypto Scams Surge to $14 Billion in 2025 with AI-Powered Tactics
Cryptocurrency scams reached at least $14 billion in 2025, more than doubling from $12 billion in 2024, with scammers using artificial intelligence, impersonation tactics, and sophisticated phishing to target victims more effectively than ever before. The average scam payment jumped dramatically from $782 to $2,764, while impersonation scams—where fraudsters pose as government agencies or legitimate organizations—grew by 1,400% year-over-year. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited cryptocurrency investment opportunities, verify the authenticity of official communications through independent channels before responding, and never transfer funds based on messages or calls claiming to be from government agencies or authority figures.
ntd.com
· 2026-01-14
A Senate committee is holding a hearing to address the growing problem of international scams targeting seniors, particularly fraud operations linked to China that are costing older Americans significant money. Experts from organizations focused on national security and fraud prevention are presenting evidence on how these scams work and their impact on vulnerable populations. Seniors should be cautious of unsolicited calls, messages, or emails requesting personal information or money, and should verify requests through official channels before responding.
ibtimes.co.uk
· 2026-01-14
Scammers posing as government officials are draining retirement accounts from older Americans at alarming rates, with adults over 60 losing $2.4 billion to fraud in 2024—a fourfold increase since 2020. These "government imposter" schemes, now the third-largest scam category targeting seniors, trick victims into emptying their 401(k)s and bank accounts by fabricating crises like identity theft or criminal investigations and claiming their money needs to be moved for "protection." To stay safe, older adults should never transfer money based on unsolicited calls or messages, verify requests directly by calling official government agencies using numbers from their official websites, and remember that legitimate government agencies will never ask for emergency fund transfers.
capitolcitynow.com
· 2026-01-14
The Taylorville Police Department is warning about a rising wave of cryptocurrency scams that primarily target senior citizens through fake calls claiming kidnappings, unpaid bills, or compromised bank accounts, then directing victims to Bitcoin kiosks to send money. A law passed in August 2024 capped new user exchanges at $2,500, but scammers now instruct victims to visit multiple machines to bypass the limit. Police advise that any request to send cryptocurrency is a major red flag—hang up on suspicious calls, verify requests by calling organizations directly, and never send money through these machines, as cryptocurrency transfers are nearly impossible to recover once sent internationally.
highlandradio.com
· 2026-01-14
A scam targeting Irish motorists has emerged through fake NCT (National Car Test) websites that clone the legitimate site and trick users into paying €60-€600 for non-existent test slots. Several people fell victim to the scam after finding the fraudulent site through search engine results last weekend. To protect yourself, always verify you're using the official NCT website and be cautious of links from search results, especially when making online payments.
infosecurity-magazine.com
· 2026-01-14
# Crypto Fraud Summary
Cryptocurrency fraud losses reached record highs in 2025, with criminals stealing at least $14 billion and expected totals reaching $17 billion, driven primarily by sophisticated impersonation scams that increased 1,400% in volume and often involve AI-powered tactics and organized crime networks like the Chinese "Smishing Triad." Victims are being targeted through increasingly blurred fraud methods combining impersonation, romance scams, investment schemes, and social engineering, with scammers using AI tools to efficiently reach and manage more victims simultaneously—operations linked to AI vendors generating 4.5 times more revenue than traditional scams. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited crypto investment opportunities and impersonation attempts (especially from fake exchanges or officials), enable strong authentication on financial accounts, and verify contact information independently before responding to any requests for money or personal information.
techflowpost.com
· 2026-01-14
# Cryptocurrency Scams Surge to $14 Billion Annually with AI-Powered Fraud
Cryptocurrency scams have reached $14 billion globally, with fraudsters increasingly using artificial intelligence tools to steal significantly more money per scam—averaging $3.2 million compared to $700,000 for non-AI scams. Victims are targeted through social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Tinder via "pig butchering" scams, where criminals pose as romantic interests or investment advisors to lure people into depositing money on fake cryptocurrency exchanges before vanishing with the funds. To protect yourself, verify investment opportunities independently before sending money, be skeptical of unsolicited investment pitches on social media, and report suspicious activity to platform moderators and law enforcement.
securityboulevard.com
· 2026-01-14
Organized crime groups based in Southeast Asian compounds (particularly in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos) have scaled up elaborate fraud operations that generate up to $60 billion annually, with specialized service providers now offering "pig butchering-as-a-service" tools that enable scammers to rapidly deploy romance, investment, and sextortion schemes targeting victims worldwide. These operations exploit tens of thousands of trafficked workers and have expanded beyond Southeast Asia to Africa and South America. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited romantic advances or investment opportunities from online contacts, verify investment opportunities through official channels, and report suspicious activity to local authorities or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
the420.in
· 2026-01-14
# Cybercrime Summary
Digital fraud operations across India are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with criminals using tactics like impersonation, fake accounts, and mobile-based scams to steal money from businesses and individuals. Recent law enforcement actions shut down a cyber fraud ring in Jharkhand and arrested scammers in Karnataka who impersonated a company CEO via WhatsApp to defraud a senior manager of 80 lakh rupees. To protect yourself, verify unexpected financial requests through independent channels (calling the person directly using a known number), never transfer money based solely on digital messages, and report suspicious activity to authorities immediately.
vermontbiz.com
· 2026-01-13
Vermont saw a 12% increase in scam reports in 2025, with 3,982 reports filed to the state Attorney General's office, with computer tech support scams continuing to dominate (over 25% of cases) alongside rising debt collection and government imposter scams, particularly targeting SNAP benefit recipients. Vermont residents should never respond to unsolicited calls, emails, or texts—especially those threatening legal action—and should instead verify suspicious requests by contacting trusted contacts or the Attorney General's Consumer Assistance Program directly. Free protection resources are available through the VT Scam Alert System, which has already enrolled roughly 9,000 residents to receive scam warnings.
positivelynaperville.com
· 2026-01-13
The Better Business Bureau warns that scammers are expected to be especially aggressive during the 2026 tax season, using imposter calls, texts, emails, and fake letters to steal personal information and money from taxpayers who are feeling pressured. Additionally, the BBB cautions Chicago Bears fans to avoid purchasing counterfeit tickets through fraudulent websites, social media ads, and scam messages. To protect yourself, never share your Social Security number unless you're certain you're dealing with a trusted source, and purchase tickets only from official, verified vendors.
pymnts.com
· 2026-01-13
According to a recent survey of over 15,000 U.S. consumers, nearly one in five adults have experienced a scam in the past five years, with younger generations (millennials and Gen Z) facing the highest risk at 22-24% compared to just 14% for older adults. Fraudsters typically use email, phone calls, and social media to impersonate trusted entities like banks and government agencies to deceive victims. To protect yourself, remain vigilant about unsolicited communications, verify requests through official channels before sharing information, and be especially cautious on social media platforms if you're younger.
sg.finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-01-13
# Fraud Alert Summary
AARP Pennsylvania is warning residents about five sophisticated scams targeting older adults in 2026, including employment scams, recovery scams, digital arrest schemes, blackmail emails, and romance scams. Losses from impostor scams among seniors have surged dramatically—jumping from $55 million in 2020 to $445 million in 2024—and experts predict artificial intelligence will make scams even harder to detect this year. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited offers or threats, verify requests before acting, and report scams to local law enforcement or AARP Pennsylvania at 1-877-908-3360.
deltaplexnews.com
· 2026-01-13
# Lottery Scam Conviction
A man from out of state was sentenced to 10 years in prison for defrauding a 76-year-old Arkansas resident in a lottery scam scheme that promised an $11 million Jamaican lottery prize. The victim lost approximately $57,000 before law enforcement intervened during a cash exchange in May 2025, where the perpetrator attempted to hand over a briefcase containing only printer paper instead of winnings. Authorities advise elderly citizens and others to be suspicious of unsolicited lottery claims requiring upfront payments, as legitimate lotteries never ask winners to pay fees to collect winnings.
ashleycountyledger.com
· 2026-01-13
A man named Portier Guytan was convicted in January 2026 for running a financial scam that targeted an elderly Crossett resident, who was defrauded of $50,000 after being told he had won an $11 million Jamaican lottery. The scam began in May 2025 when the 76-year-old victim received a call from someone claiming he had won the lottery and needed to send money to claim his prize. To protect yourself from similar scams, be skeptical of unexpected lottery winnings or prize notifications, never send money upfront to claim prizes, and verify claims by contacting official authorities directly.
city-journal.org
· 2026-01-13
Foreign criminal gangs operating on the West Coast are running sophisticated fraud schemes targeting Americans, with the most common being credit card theft and elder fraud. According to law enforcement, organized groups—particularly from Romania—steal credit cards from gyms and other public places, then use mobile equipment in their vehicles to commit fraud before moving along major corridors like I-5. To protect yourself, experts advise monitoring your credit card activity closely, securing your phone and cards at gyms and public venues, and being cautious about unsolicited contacts, especially regarding financial or personal information.
wvnews.com
· 2026-01-13
Scammers are exploiting confusion about Medicare's 2026 prescription drug coverage changes to target seniors, taking advantage of lingering worries about outdated policies like the "donut hole." Seniors can protect themselves by learning the facts about new Medicare rules and contacting the New York State Senior Medicare Patrol (800-333-4374) if they suspect fraud, such as unauthorized plan enrollment or compromised Medicare numbers. Medicare fraud costs taxpayers over $60 billion annually, making awareness and reporting essential for seniors and caregivers.
gmanetwork.com
· 2026-01-13
# Fraud Alert Summary
Scammers are impersonating the Philippine Bureau of Immigration in romance scams, falsely claiming that parcels from foreign "boyfriends" have been intercepted and require fees to release. The BI clarified that it does not intercept packages, collect delivery fees, or operate under a "Ministry of Interior," and has referred cases to cybercrime authorities for investigation. People should verify suspicious emails directly with government agencies, avoid sending money to online acquaintances claiming to have shipped packages, and never share personal information with strangers requesting government fees.
swanseabaynews.com
· 2026-01-13
# Romance Scam Summary
Dating scams have surged dramatically across South Wales and the UK, with reports rising 18% in South Wales and 16% in Dyfed-Powys over three years, affecting people of all ages and genders—particularly those aged 40-59—and costing victims £106 million nationally in 2024/25 alone. Scammers exploit loneliness and trust by building fake romantic connections to extract money, leaving victims not only financially devastated but also psychologically damaged with lasting shame and difficulty trusting others. Experts advise being extremely cautious about sending money to anyone you haven't met in person, and note that many victims never report their experiences, meaning the true scale of the problem is likely much larger than reported figures suggest.
womansworld.com
· 2026-01-13
Scammers pose as talent scouts and casting agents to lure aspiring actors and models with fake opportunities for major film and TV roles, often targeting them through email, text, or social media. These frauds typically aim to steal money or banking information, and may even pressure victims to attend in-person meetings in unsafe locations or enroll in unnecessary acting classes. To protect yourself, watch for red flags like pressure to pay upfront fees or demands for banking details before auditioning—legitimate casting calls never require payment in advance.
prnewswire.com
· 2026-01-13
AARP Pennsylvania is warning older adults about five emerging scams in 2026, as reported losses from impostor scams targeting seniors have surged dramatically from $55 million in 2020 to $445 million in 2024, with artificial intelligence expected to make these schemes even harder to detect. Scammers exploit fear, loneliness, and financial stress using increasingly sophisticated tactics, particularly targeting adults age 60 and older. To protect yourself, verify any suspicious requests before acting, report scams to local law enforcement, and contact AARP's fraud hotline at 1-877-908-3360 or visit aarp.org/pafraud for free resources and assistance.
prnewswire.com
· 2026-01-13
Scammers are targeting Medicare seniors by exploiting confusion about the 2026 prescription drug coverage changes, particularly the outdated "donut hole" concept that no longer exists. Seniors are being contacted by fraudsters using these Medicare rule changes as a pretext to steal personal information or enroll them in unauthorized plans. To protect yourself, verify any Medicare-related communications directly with official sources, never give your Medicare number to unsolicited callers, and report suspected fraud immediately to the New York State Senior Medicare Patrol at 800-333-4374 or nysenior.org.
wreg.com
· 2026-01-13
Scammers are increasingly targeting people through cryptocurrency ATM machines at grocery stores and other locations, with victims losing significant money through fake investment schemes, romance scams, and extortion tactics. The FBI and Secret Service are working together to raise awareness after discovering that cryptocurrency fraud is now the top way people are losing money to scams, with criminals often calling victims and directing them to these ATMs while walking them through the transaction step-by-step. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited calls promising guaranteed high investment returns, avoid cryptocurrency ATMs when contacted by strangers, and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.
redhotcyber.com
· 2026-01-13
Pig butchering scams—where criminals pose as romantic interests to convince victims to invest in fake schemes—have evolved from small operations into a sophisticated "Pig Butchering-as-a-Service" (PBaaS) model, allowing criminal groups to launch large-scale fraud campaigns as easily as subscribing to a digital service. Criminal providers like "Penguin" now sell ready-made fraud packages that include victim databases, fake investment platforms, stolen social media profiles, and automated management systems, dramatically lowering the technical skills required to launch these scams globally. To protect yourself, be cautious of romantic contacts who quickly pivot to investment opportunities, verify the legitimacy of investment platforms independently, and never send money to people you've only met online—especially for investment purposes.