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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
capitalethiopia.com
· 2025-12-21
The scam industry has evolved from petty crimes into a sophisticated, borderless operation that costs the global economy billions annually and now funds organized crime and destabilizes communities. Digital technology—including social media, cryptocurrency, AI deepfakes, and gig economy platforms—has made it easier for scammers to operate at scale, from forced labor operations running romance scams in Southeast Asia to boiler-room fraud targeting North Americans and pyramid schemes preying on economically vulnerable communities worldwide. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited messages and offers that seem too good to be true, verify contact information independently before sharing personal or financial information, and report suspected scams to local authorities.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-20
Scammers are increasingly targeting people with fake financial-relief schemes, such as phony calls claiming unclaimed relief checks or government assistance payments, asking victims to share personal information—with the BBB receiving over 800 complaints in just two months in 2025. Older adults and people facing financial hardship are particularly vulnerable, and experts warn that these scams will likely intensify in 2026 as AI-generated deepfakes make it harder to distinguish legitimate from fraudulent communications. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls or messages offering easy money or requesting personal information, verify any claims directly with official government agencies or companies, and report suspected scams to the FTC or BBB.
ozarkradionews.com
· 2025-12-20
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway is warning residents about holiday gift card scams, where criminals impersonate government officials, utilities companies, or loved ones to pressure victims into buying gift cards and sharing their codes—money that becomes impossible to recover once spent. These scams exploit urgency and fear during the busy holiday season, targeting popular retailers like Walmart, Target, Amazon, and Apple, with millions of dollars lost nationwide annually. Missourians should remember that no legitimate organization requests payment via gift card, and anyone who suspects they've been scammed should contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-392-8222 or report it online at ago.mo.gov.
wcpo.com
· 2025-12-20
# Fake Delivery Text Scams Surge During Holiday Season
During the holiday shopping rush, scammers are sending fake delivery notification texts to consumers claiming package problems and urging them to click suspicious links or pay fees—with victims in the Cincinnati area already losing hundreds of dollars, including one woman who lost $180 through Zelle. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in text messages and instead check your packages directly through official carrier websites or apps, remembering that legitimate delivery companies never request payment or personal information via text. If you receive a suspicious delivery text, report it to the Better Business Bureau's scam tracker, and always bring packages inside immediately after delivery to prevent theft.
womansworld.com
· 2025-12-20
Romance scammers are posing as celebrities on social media to build fake relationships with victims and steal money, as documented by Reddit users sharing stories of loved ones who lost thousands of dollars and damaged their financial accounts. Victims—often fans of the impersonated celebrities—are manipulated through daily contact, fake gifts, and fabricated meeting plans, leading them to send money for various excuses. To protect yourself, be skeptical of online relationships with celebrities, never send money to someone you haven't met in person, verify identities through official channels, and report suspicious accounts to social media platforms immediately.
aol.com
· 2025-12-20
A 51-year-old New Jersey father lost $280,000 after being targeted by a "pig butchering" scam—a sophisticated fraud scheme that combines romance manipulation with fake investment opportunities. A scammer posing as a woman named Ailis befriended him on Facebook, built emotional trust through daily messages and affection, then convinced him to invest in a fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme that promised high returns. To protect yourself: be extremely skeptical of unsolicited romantic advances from strangers on social media, never invest based on recommendations from people you've only met online, and verify investment opportunities through independent sources before transferring any money.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-20
# Medicare Scam Summary
Medicare scam calls targeting seniors have surged 40% year-over-year, with fraudsters using personal information stolen from the dark web to impersonate healthcare providers and convince older Americans to verify or share their Medicare numbers. The calls come frequently throughout the day from seemingly local numbers, and scammers use convincing scripts claiming seniors need to confirm coverage, update information, or accept new benefits—though Medicare rarely initiates unsolicited calls. To protect yourself, hang up on unexpected Medicare-related calls, never share your Medicare or Social Security number with callers, and verify any legitimate requests by contacting Medicare directly through its official phone number or website.
aol.com
· 2025-12-20
# Medicare Scam Summary
Medicare scam calls have surged 40% year-over-year, with fraudsters using personal data stolen from the dark web to impersonate healthcare officials and pressure seniors into revealing their Medicare numbers or personal information. Scammers use deceptive tactics like claiming to offer new benefits, free equipment, or warning of coverage disruptions, often calling dozens of times daily with spoofed local numbers. To protect yourself: remember that Medicare rarely makes unsolicited calls, verify any requests through official channels by calling Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE, and never share your Medicare or Social Security number over the phone unless you initiated the call.
tbrnewsmedia.com
· 2025-12-20
An 80-year-old woman from North Dakota was tricked by scammers posing as her granddaughter and lawyer who claimed the granddaughter needed bail money after a car accident; she mailed $8,500 in cash, but authorities in Suffolk County intercepted the package before the scammers could retrieve it and returned the money. This "grandchild bail" scam specifically targets senior citizens by creating urgency and requesting secrecy to prevent victims from consulting family members. If you receive a similar call, authorities advise hanging up, verifying the caller's identity independently, and reporting the incident to local law enforcement rather than sending money via mail or wire transfer.
patch.com
· 2025-12-20
An 80-year-old grandmother from North Dakota was nearly scammed out of $8,500 after receiving a phone call from someone impersonating her granddaughter, claiming she had been arrested in Suffolk County and needed bail money. Law enforcement officials intercepted the cash before scammers could access it and arrested those responsible, with authorities emphasizing their commitment to protecting seniors from such predatory schemes. To protect yourself, be suspicious of urgent requests for money from family members, never send cash through the mail for bail or legal fees, and always verify claims by calling your family member directly at a known number or contacting local police.
ktar.com
· 2025-12-20
# Bitcoin ATM Scams Targeting the Elderly
Criminals are using Bitcoin ATMs to steal money from elderly people through scams that typically start with urgent phone calls, texts, or pop-ups impersonating the IRS, Social Security, banks, or law enforcement, then directing victims to withdraw cash and transfer it via Bitcoin ATM where the money cannot be recovered. Older adults are especially vulnerable because scammers create fear and pressure while staying on the phone to guide victims step-by-step, sometimes convincing them to transfer tens of thousands of dollars. To protect yourself or elderly relatives, be suspicious of any unsolicited contact demanding immediate cash withdrawal or cryptocurrency transfers, verify any urgent claims by contacting the organization directly using a phone number from their official website, and remember that legitimate agencies will never ask you to send money via Bitcoin ATM or demand secrecy about financial transactions.
newsday.com
· 2025-12-20
An 80-year-old North Dakota grandmother lost $8,500 to scammers who called pretending to be her granddaughter claiming she needed bail money for a traffic accident, then posed as a lawyer to collect cash sent through the mail. Suffolk County prosecutors and postal inspectors tracked the mailed package to a Shirley address and successfully intercepted and returned the money within two hours of its arrival. To protect yourself, be skeptical of urgent calls from relatives asking for money, never send cash through the mail, and always verify claims by contacting family members directly through known phone numbers.
bangkokpost.com
· 2025-12-20
Thai police have warned seniors and retired government officials about a surge in year-end online scams where fraudsters trick victims into installing malicious apps that allow criminals to remotely steal money from their phones and bank accounts. The scammers exploit leaked personal data and impersonate government officials to appear credible, with victims losing anywhere from tens of thousands to nearly one million baht. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from government agencies, never install apps from unverified sources, and contact the Anti-Cyber Scam Centre hotline at 1441 if you suspect you've been targeted.
blockmanity.com
· 2025-12-20
An 80-year-old woman from St. Charles County lost her entire life savings of $35,000 to a sophisticated cryptocurrency scam that began with a fake PayPal phishing email and escalated through caller ID spoofing and false claims about illegal activity. Scammers manipulated her into withdrawing cash and depositing it into a Bitcoin ATM, after which the funds were transferred to overseas wallets and became irretrievable. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited emails and calls claiming account problems, never click links in suspicious emails, independently verify alerts by contacting your financial institution directly, and remember that legitimate banks will never pressure you to move money to cryptocurrency or ask you to withdraw cash.
telus.com
· 2025-12-20
Scammers are increasingly using AI technology to clone people's voices from social media videos and YouTube, then impersonating loved ones in fraudulent calls to extract money. According to recent research, about one-third of people in North America and Europe encountered deepfake voice scams in 2024, with victims losing an average of $1,479 in Canada and over $6,000 in the U.S. To protect yourself, be cautious about sharing videos online, verify unexpected requests for money by calling the person directly using a known number, and alert your bank if someone pressures you to withdraw cash for an "emergency."
liherald.com
· 2025-12-20
# Fraud Alert Summary
Lynbrook Police are warning residents about a surge in sophisticated scams targeting the community, particularly older adults, where fraudsters impersonate IRS agents, FBI officials, and banks to pressure victims into sending money via Zelle, wire transfers, and gift cards—with losses ranging from hundreds to over $30,000. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming urgent account problems, never send money or buy gift cards based on phone requests, and contact authorities immediately if you suspect fraud, as police can only intervene effectively if caught early before money is transferred electronically.
ciso.economictimes.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-20
Scammers in India are increasingly exploiting Telegram's encrypted channels to run fake investment schemes, lottery scams, and job offer frauds, resulting in over ₹1,100 crore in losses during the first half of 2025. The fraudsters use pressure tactics, deepfake videos, and "pig butchering" schemes to build trust before stealing money through fake trading apps and QR code redirects. Users should be wary of unsolicited investment opportunities on Telegram, avoid scanning unfamiliar QR codes or downloading apps from private chats, and remember that private channels offer no guarantee of safety.
localnewsmatters.org
· 2025-12-19
Marin County authorities have launched a program where local banks alert customers—especially seniors—to potential fraud when they request unusual cash withdrawals or cashier's checks, handing them informational cards that encourage them to reconsider if someone else requested the money. The two-month pilot program involves three branches each of Bank of Marin and Westamerica Bank working with the District Attorney's Office and police to identify victims before scammers can steal their funds. If you're an older adult or helping one, be cautious of unsolicited requests for large sums of money and contact local police before transferring funds to unknown people, particularly around holidays when such scams increase.
ksat.com
· 2025-12-19
San Antonio police report a rising tide of scams targeting seniors, with 330 reported crimes against older adults in 2025, though authorities believe many more go unreported due to victims' embarrassment or shame. The most common scam is imposter fraud, where callers pose as law enforcement or government officials and pressure victims to send money via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers—methods that legitimate agencies never use. Experts recommend that seniors slow down before acting on urgent requests, seek education through community awareness programs, and report scams to authorities so patterns can be tracked and others protected.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-19
During the holiday shopping season, scammers are sending fake delivery tracking texts and QR codes that mimic legitimate retailers, tricking busy shoppers into clicking links that steal their personal information and login credentials. The scam works because people are overwhelmed with genuine package tracking during the holidays and may not notice when something looks slightly off. To protect yourself, be cautious about clicking tracking links in unsolicited texts, verify URLs before entering any information, and consider going directly to retailer websites rather than clicking links from messages.
nbclosangeles.com
· 2025-12-19
Scammers in Orange County have been targeting pet owners by posing as law enforcement and calling to claim their missing pet was hit by a car and needs veterinary payment before release. The criminals request payment through digital apps like Zelle or Venmo, sometimes claiming a nonprofit will cover part of the costs. To protect yourself, don't answer calls from unknown numbers, never send money without verifying the caller's identity through your local animal services or sheriff's office, and remember that legitimate agencies won't demand immediate payment via digital payment apps.
weeklyblitz.net
· 2025-12-19
I'm unable to provide the summary you requested because the article text provided only contains a list of headline titles without any actual article content. To summarize the fraud/scam story about crypto ATMs in convenience stores, I would need the full text of that specific article. If you can provide the complete article body, I'd be happy to create a 2-3 sentence summary focused on what happened, who was affected, and actionable advice for readers.
straitstimes.com
· 2025-12-19
Thailand's military has reframed its border conflict with Cambodia as a "war on scams," claiming recent bombing strikes target cybercriminal compounds operating in the region alongside military installations. The operation addresses a major Southeast Asian crisis involving transnational scam syndicates that have defrauded billions of dollars through schemes like "pig-butchering" (romance scams) and call-center fraud, which have primarily victimized people worldwide seeking online investments or romance connections. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities or romantic contacts online, verify the identity of people you meet digitally, and never send money to strangers or unfamiliar accounts, especially if pressured to do so quickly.
ksdk.com
· 2025-12-18
# Fraud Summary
Scammers in the Fenton, Missouri area posed as fundraisers selling candy bars outside a Walmart, but when customers used tap-to-pay on their phones, the fraudsters altered the transaction amount from $5 to $1,000 and fled the scene. Multiple victims were targeted by at least four or five young males claiming to raise money for a football team, though one victim's bank caught the fraud and prevented the charge. To protect yourself, avoid using tap-to-pay with unfamiliar vendors, treat digital payments like handing over cash, and report any suspicious activity to St. Louis County Police at 314-349-8120.
abc7news.com
· 2025-12-18
Scammers are using AI technology to clone people's voices from social media videos and voicemails, then calling their families to request money for fake emergencies—a scam that's increasingly effective, with 70% of people unable to distinguish cloned voices from real ones and victims losing anywhere from $500 to $15,000. To protect yourself, experts recommend establishing a secret "safe phrase" with loved ones that you can use to verify their identity during suspicious calls.
wsls.com
· 2025-12-18
During the holiday season, phishing scams—fraudulent texts, emails, and calls impersonating delivery companies, banks, and government agencies—surge significantly, putting shoppers and account holders at risk of having personal and financial information stolen. The Better Business Bureau warns that scammers use tactics like claiming you have undelivered packages or account problems to trick you into clicking malicious links or revealing sensitive data. To protect yourself, delete suspicious messages without clicking links, independently verify sender information through official channels, enable multi-factor authentication on accounts, and back up your data.
rte.ie
· 2025-12-18
Banks are warning of a significant rise in "smishing" scams—fraudulent text messages impersonating banks, delivery services, or government agencies—which accounted for 57% of reported fraud incidents at AIB this year, particularly affecting busy people during the holiday season. Customers are advised to never click links or call numbers from unsolicited texts, always verify contact through trusted sources, and be especially cautious of "safe account" scams where criminals pose as bank staff asking people to transfer funds for security reasons. Additional threats include investment scams promising unrealistic returns, and the key protection is to stay vigilant, hang up on suspicious callers immediately, and seek independent financial advice before any investment.
manhattanda.org
· 2025-12-18
# Romance Scam Summary
A 45-year-old man in Manhattan was indicted for stealing approximately $272,000 from a woman he met on the dating app Bumble by posing as a finance professional and convincing her they were buying a home together. Brandon Kiehm used fake identities, forged documents, and elaborate lies about property auctions to repeatedly extract money from the victim between 2020 and 2021. The Manhattan District Attorney warns that romance scams are increasingly common and urges anyone who may be a victim to contact their office at 212-335-8900; people should be cautious when meeting partners online and verify financial transactions independently rather than relying solely on what a romantic partner tells them.
wired.com
· 2025-12-18
A Chinese AI face-swapping app called Haotian has generated millions of dollars by selling its technology to scammers who use realistic deepfake videos to impersonate romantic interests, friends, or investment advisors in elaborate fraud schemes known as "pig butchering" scams, primarily targeting victims in Southeast Asia. The app's highly realistic results—customizable with up to 50 facial features—allow scammers to conduct convincing video chats that make their deceptions appear legitimate, with research showing the platform has received at least $3.9 million in cryptocurrency payments, much of it linked to criminal activity. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious about video calls with people you've only met online, especially in romantic or investment contexts, and verify identities through multiple independent channels before sending money or sharing personal information.
ca.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-18
An Ottawa senior nearly lost $6,000 in a "grandparent scam" on Tuesday, but quick action by family members and police prevented the theft. Scammers called claiming the victim's grandson was in a car accident and needed bail money, with a man later arriving at the home to collect the cash before being arrested. Police warn that these emotional manipulation scams target seniors frequently and advise people to never trust caller ID, verify requests by calling family members directly at known numbers, and establish a family "safe word" to confirm identities during urgent calls.
jec.senate.gov
· 2025-12-18
# Holiday Travel Scams Alert
Travel scams are surging during the 2024 holiday season, with a 30 percent spike in reported incidents that cost consumers hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Bipartisan leaders from Congress warn that scammers impersonate airlines, hotels, and rental car platforms to target millions of Americans planning holiday trips. To protect yourself, avoid clicking unknown links, use only official websites run by airlines and hotels directly, and verify you're on legitimate sites before entering payment information.
blackchronicle.com
· 2025-12-18
Florida authorities seized $1.5 million in cryptocurrency from a Chinese national involved in an internet investment scam that defrauded a Citrus County resident of $47,421. The case, investigated by the state's Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit, resulted in charges of money laundering, grand theft, and organized fraud scheme against Tu Weizhi. To protect yourself, report suspected investment scams immediately to local law enforcement, be wary of unsolicited investment opportunities online, and remember that legitimate investments never pressure you or guarantee unrealistic returns.
businesstimes.com.sg
· 2025-12-18
Thailand's military has reframed its ongoing border conflict with Cambodia as a "war against scammers," claiming recent bombing runs target cybercriminal facilities allegedly operated by Cambodian troops that have defrauded billions globally through schemes like pig-butchering (romance/investment scams) and call-center operations. The conflict has killed dozens and displaced half a million people, with Thailand now stating it has neutralized at least six scam compounds, including sites previously sanctioned by the U.S. government. While authorities in multiple countries are cracking down on these transnational crime syndicates, the general public should remain vigilant against unsolicited contact from romantic interests or investment opportunities, especially those involving cryptocurrency or requests for money.
weeklyblitz.net
· 2025-12-18
I appreciate your request, but the article text provided doesn't contain information about Myanmar's scam-center networks or any specific fraud case details. Instead, it appears to be a list of unrelated news headlines about topics like cocaine seizures, Iran's crackdowns, and Ukraine. To provide an accurate summary about fraud with actionable advice, I would need the actual article content about the Myanmar scam situation mentioned in the title.
spectrumlocalnews.com
· 2025-12-17
Throughout 2025, Hawaii residents fell victim to increasingly sophisticated scams, including phone impersonations of police officers and sheriffs who falsely claimed victims had legal issues and demanded payment via gift cards or other methods. Law enforcement agencies warned the public that legitimate police officers never request payments over the phone and urged residents to be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from authorities. To protect yourself, hang up on unexpected calls from law enforcement, independently verify any legal claims by contacting your local police department directly, and never purchase gift cards or send money in response to phone calls.
savingadvice.com
· 2025-12-17
A sophisticated phone fraud wave is targeting older adults, particularly during winter when seniors spend more time indoors and rely heavily on phone communication. Scammers are using spoofed local phone numbers and impersonating government agencies (Medicare, IRS, Social Security) or medical providers to manipulate seniors into sharing personal information or sending money through high-pressure tactics. Experts advise older adults to remain skeptical of unexpected calls, verify caller identity independently by hanging up and calling official numbers directly, and never provide personal or financial information over the phone.
ottawa.citynews.ca
· 2025-12-17
An Ottawa grandfather nearly lost $6,000 to a sophisticated scam in which a caller impersonated a lawyer, claimed his grandson was in a car accident, and demanded bail money—but his family's quick action and police intervention stopped the crime before money was handed over. The scammer used emotional manipulation tactics, insisting secrecy and mentioning a pregnant woman involved in the collision, then sent an accomplice to the home posing as a court-appointed trustee to collect the cash. Police and family officials warn seniors to verify emergency claims by calling family members directly and never to send money based on unsolicited calls, especially when the caller demands secrecy.
adn.com
· 2025-12-17
Scammers posing as government officials and law enforcement are targeting Alaskans with calls demanding payment for missed jury duty or arrest warrants, causing losses exceeding $1.3 million in 2024—more than five times the previous year. To protect yourself, never provide personal information or make payments to callers claiming to be officials, and report suspicious calls immediately to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center and your bank, as early reporting may allow funds to be recovered. The scammers use caller ID spoofing, personalized details, and intimidation tactics to appear legitimate, so staying calm and verifying through official channels is crucial.
patch.com
· 2025-12-17
Scammers in California are targeting residents with elaborate schemes involving fake romantic relationships, cryptocurrency investment platforms, and impersonations of Chinese police—costing victims their life savings by creating urgency and fear. The scams typically involve building trust through romance or investment education before stealing funds, or using intimidation tactics like threats of extradition to force victims to surrender their assets. To protect yourself, hang up on suspicious calls, never disclose personal information or send money to unsolicited requests, verify contact information through official channels, and report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement.
pbs.org
· 2025-12-17
Myanmar's military has declared a "zero tolerance" policy for cyberscams and launched high-profile raids on KK Park, a major scam compound, but evidence suggests the crackdown may be largely symbolic. Thousands of displaced scam workers are simply relocating to other operations within Myanmar and abroad, with at least 30 scam compounds still operating along the Thai border and continuing to use services like Starlink despite claimed shutdowns. To meaningfully combat this lucrative criminal industry, experts warn that authorities must arrest the crime syndicates' leaders, seize their assets, and jail them—not just destroy buildings.
franklincountytimes.com
· 2025-12-17
# Holiday Scam Alert Summary
As the holidays approach, scammers are intensifying their efforts to steal money from unsuspecting victims, with Franklin County already reporting cases costing residents thousands of dollars. Common holiday scams include debt relief schemes that extract multiple payments, romance scams requesting money for emergencies, fake deputy calls claiming unpaid fines, and fraudulent online shopping websites. To protect yourself, hang up on suspicious calls and contact local law enforcement immediately, be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true, and shop only on verified websites.
beyer.house.gov
· 2025-12-17
# Scam Alert Summary
American consumers lost an estimated $10 billion last year to scams originating from Southeast Asian compounds that exploit U.S. technology platforms to target victims, prompting bipartisan Congressional leaders to request that federal agencies improve their coordination and efforts to disrupt these fraud networks. Members of Congress from both parties have asked the Department of Justice, Homeland Security, Treasury, State Department, and Federal Trade Commission to detail their current strategies and private sector partnerships to combat these overseas scam operations. Consumers should remain especially vigilant about travel scams during the holiday season and consider verifying unexpected offers through official channels before sharing personal information or money.
cnn.com
· 2025-12-17
# Crypto ATM Scam Summary
Thousands of Americans, particularly elderly retirees, lost over $250 million in 2024 to scams involving cryptocurrency ATMs, with Circle K convenience stores emerging as a major hub for these frauds. A CNN and ICIJ investigation found that Circle K profited from renting space to crypto ATMs while dismissing responsibility, even as employees witnessed repeated scams at the same locations and police were called repeatedly. Victims should be cautious about unfamiliar pressure to move money through crypto ATMs—especially if contacted by someone claiming to represent banks, government agencies, or tech companies—and should verify requests through official channels before taking any action.
nbcnews.com
· 2025-12-17
Google is suing a Chinese-speaking cybercriminal group called Darcula that sells software enabling scammers to send mass phishing text messages to Americans impersonating trusted organizations like the IRS and postal services to steal personal and financial information. The group's software, called Magic Cat, allows even unskilled cybercriminals to easily target millions of people with fake websites that harvest credit card numbers and other sensitive data. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited text messages asking you to click links or verify account information, especially from government agencies or financial institutions—legitimate organizations typically won't contact you this way, and you should independently verify any requests by calling the official organization directly.
expresscomputer.in
· 2025-12-17
India experienced a dramatic surge in cybercrime losses, with reported losses exceeding ₹22,845 crore in 2024—a 206% increase from 2023—affecting people across all demographics and professions. Scammers exploit psychological vulnerabilities like fear, urgency (FOMO), overconfidence, and false legitimacy to trick victims into revealing personal information or transferring money. To protect yourself, pause before acting on threatening messages or time-limited offers, verify requests through official channels independently, and remember that scams can target anyone regardless of education or expertise.
kctv5.com
· 2025-12-17
# Holiday Scams Surge with AI Technology
The FBI is warning Kansas City shoppers that scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to commit fraud during the holiday season, with over 535,000 Americans losing $13.7 billion to online scams in 2024 alone. Criminals are now using AI to create convincing fake social media profiles, clone voices, forge documents, and produce deepfake videos impersonating loved ones and public figures to pressure victims into quick decisions. To protect yourself, the FBI recommends verifying requests before clicking links, using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and trusting your instincts if something feels suspicious—and reporting any scams you encounter, even if you didn't lose money, helps law enforcement stop future victims.
13wmaz.com
· 2025-12-17
# Holiday Scam Summary
During the holiday season, scammers target unsuspecting shoppers with fake ads and unsolicited messages to steal money and personal information. The FBI recommends verifying online deals by visiting retailer websites directly rather than clicking promoted links on social media, and treating unexpected texts and emails as red flags. Taking a moment to question whether deals seem too good to be true can help protect you and your loved ones from falling victim to holiday scams.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-17
# Crypto Scams Cause Million-Dollar Losses in Austin
Austin residents have lost nearly $4 million to cryptocurrency scams in 2025 alone, with less than $90,000 recovered, according to police investigators—a problem that's part of a broader global trend. Scammers typically contact victims by phone, text, or email claiming their accounts have been hacked, then pressure them to deposit cash into cryptocurrency ATMs where the money is converted and sent to overseas criminals, making recovery nearly impossible. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contacts about your crypto accounts, verify requests through official channels before taking action, and remember that legitimate institutions will never ask you to move funds to crypto ATMs.
news.shib.io
· 2025-12-17
A Bitcoin investor lost his entire retirement savings of 1 BTC in an AI-powered "pig butchering" scam after being approached by someone posing as both a trader and romantic interest who promised to double his investment. Originally reported by The Shib Daily, the scam exploited emotional manipulation tactics typical of pig butchering schemes, which lure victims through fake romantic relationships and investment promises before stealing their funds. To protect yourself, be extremely skeptical of unsolicited investment offers from strangers online, never send cryptocurrency to people you haven't verified through trusted channels, and remember that legitimate traders won't pressure you through romantic appeals or promise guaranteed returns.
tradingview.com
· 2025-12-17
During the holiday season, cryptocurrency users face increased scam risks as cybercriminals exploit increased online activity, heightened emotions, and distraction to trick people into fraudulent schemes like phishing emails, fake wallet apps, and bogus investment opportunities. Crypto users are particularly vulnerable because cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible, making it difficult or impossible to recover stolen funds. To stay protected, users should avoid clicking suspicious links, verify wallet addresses carefully, and take time to authenticate requests before conducting any crypto transactions, especially during busy holiday periods.