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securitymagazine.com
A Visa report analyzing payment fraud from June to December 2023 found that 15% of U.S. adults have been targeted by inheritance scams, where victims are deceived by fraudsters posing as law firms notifying them of inheritances from relatives and requesting upfront payments. The report also highlighted other major scam trends including "pig butchering" scams (targeting 10% of adults through fake cryptocurrency investments), humanitarian relief scams, and triangulation fraud, while noting that fraudsters increasingly use AI to enhance their attacks and that ransomware cases surged 300% compared to the previous year.
lex18.com
Tax season invites cybercriminals to exploit the chaos of online tax forms through phishing emails impersonating TurboTax or H&R Block, fake IRS calls claiming money is owed, and fraudulent links directing victims to fake sites to harvest login credentials. The IRS received 294,138 identity theft complaints in 2023, with cases taking an average of 19 months to resolve. To protect against these scams, individuals should avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or texts, go directly to official websites through a browser, and remember that the IRS never initiates digital contact to request personal information.
stories.td.com
In 2023, Canadian fraudsters targeted thousands of people, with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre processing over 62,000 fraud reports affecting more than 41,000 individuals and resulting in $554 million in losses. Common scams include the "Bank Investigator" scam, where fraudsters impersonate bank officials or law enforcement to trick victims into wiring money or revealing banking credentials, and the CRA scam. To protect yourself, never provide banking information or remote device access to unsolicited callers, verify the legitimacy of calls by contacting your institution directly, and remember that financial institutions will never ask you to withdraw money or share security codes for investigations.
observerlocalnews.com
A 19-year-old Palm Coast man was indicted in January 2025 for federal wire fraud involving over $800,000, following a separate incident in October 2024 where Flagler Schools lost $719,000 to fraudulent transfer. Elderly residents are increasingly targeted by sophisticated fraud schemes including tech support scams, investment fraud, and impersonation of government officials, with FBI data showing that victims over 60 reported $3.1 billion in losses in 2022—an 84% increase—and cryptocurrency-related losses among seniors jumping 350%. Law enforcement officials note that most cases go unsolved due to funds being transferred overseas or through multiple accounts
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
A 70-year-old retiree, Mrs. Gupta, fell victim to a phishing scam when she clicked a fraudulent email link impersonating her bank and unknowingly entered her login credentials on a fake website. The article uses her case to illustrate how older adults are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals who exploit their unfamiliarity with technology, and provides key protective measures including: being cautious about clicking suspicious links, not sharing sensitive information with strangers, independently verifying bank contacts, and seeking help from family without shame.
cibolacitizen.com
The Social Security Administration and its Office of the Inspector General held the fifth annual "Slam the Scam" Day on March 7, 2024, to combat Social Security imposter scams that disproportionately target seniors and veterans. Scammers use spoofed caller IDs, fake documents, and threats of arrest to trick victims into sending cash, gift cards, or wire transfers by impersonating government officials, with veterans alone losing over $257 million to fraud in 2021. The SSA emphasized that legitimate contact never involves demands for immediate payment, threats, or requests for personal financial information, and urges the public to report suspicious activity to oig.ssa.gov
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Mrs. Gupta, a 70-year-old retiree, fell victim to a phishing scam when she clicked a fraudulent email link that mimicked her bank's website and unknowingly surrendered her login credentials. The article notes that seniors are increasingly vulnerable to online scams as they adopt technology without the digital literacy of younger generations, and cybercriminals exploit this knowledge gap through fear and urgency tactics. Key protective measures include: scrutinizing email senders and suspicious links, avoiding sharing sensitive information with unknown callers, independently verifying bank contacts by calling official numbers, and seeking help from family members rather than remaining silent about potential fraud.
kpbs.org
On March 20, 2024, the U.S. Attorney's Office presented an educational program at San Diego State University featuring Assistant U.S. Attorney Oleksandra Johnson, an elder fraud coordinator, who discussed various methods of elder financial abuse including mail, phone, computer, and in-person schemes. The presentation covered trending fraud types in Southern California such as grandparent scams, romance scams, and investment fraud, while providing information on recognizing signs of financial abuse and prevention strategies.
yourvalley.net
Over 100 Sun City residents attended a March 20 scam prevention seminar hosted by Chase Bank and the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, where officials reported that fraud and scams are rising nationally and particularly in retirement communities. Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Captain Brian Stutsman noted that Arizona ranked 10th nationally for fraud in 2022, with losses reaching over $10 billion in 2023, and that a nine-month period in the Sun Cities resulted in $2.7 million in losses, though actual figures are likely higher due to underreporting caused by shame and embarrassment.
fox29.com
A Delaware County family lost $24,557.89 in a bank impersonation scam when a fraudster called posing as a Wells Fargo representative, claimed suspicious activity on their account, and tricked the victim into repeating text codes that actually authorized a wire transfer rather than stopping one. The sophisticated scheme, completed in 12 minutes with three text messages, exploited the victim's trust in the caller's knowledge of his legitimate transactions and familiarity with banking procedures. Despite reporting the fraud to police and the state attorney's office, Wells Fargo held the victim responsible for the authorized transfer, and the money was deemed irretrievable.
chqgov.com
The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office warned residents of two ongoing scams primarily targeting elderly community members: imposters posing as Department of Social Services representatives going door-to-door to collect sensitive personal information (Social Security numbers, Medicare cards, utility bills) under the guise of distributing free tablets and phones, and fraudsters coercing residents to sign paperwork designating Social Services as their representative payee for Social Security income by threatening cessation of benefits. The Department of Social Services confirmed it does not engage in such activities and urged residents to report any suspicious encounters to local law enforcement.
oilcity.news
In 2023, Wyoming residents and companies lost $13.7 million to scams, with investment fraud being the costliest at $5.7 million, followed by business email compromise ($2.3 million) and data breaches ($1.5 million), according to the CyberWyoming Alliance's annual report. Extortion, tech support, and non-payment scams affected the most victims, while impersonation of companies like PayPal, Geek Squad, and Kohl's and spoofing of individuals were common tactics. The report recommends that business leaders educate employees to verify unusual requests through alternative channels before acting on them.
sent-trib.com
Bowling Green is warning residents and businesses about an escalating utility impostor scam where fraudsters impersonate service technicians, physically enter properties, and demand immediate payment. The Better Business Bureau reports numerous complaints about these coordinated scams, which appear to be targeting the region heavily before moving to other areas. Residents are advised to never allow unidentified individuals into their homes, verify utility worker identities by calling the city directly, and report suspicious activity to police, as legitimate utility employees never demand on-the-spot payment or gift card payments.
ca.movies.yahoo.com
Older adults in Modesto lost thousands of dollars to fraud in 2022, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting a 30% increase in fraud losses nationwide and 3,500 reported incidents in the county. Three prevalent scams targeting seniors locally are romance scams (exploiting social isolation), banking scams (where fraudsters pose as bank IT to gain phone access), and solar scams (linked to the unregulated PACE program). The average loss for victims age 80 and over is $1,500, more than six times the average loss for younger victims, with scammers specifically targeting vulnerable populations including the recently widowed, lonely, or isolated.
thewesternnews.com
Investment scams cost U.S. consumers nearly $5 billion in 2023, prompting Montana's Commissioner of Securities and Insurance to host 16 educational events across western Montana in March to help seniors and adults recognize and prevent financial exploitation. The Montana Department of Revenue also warned of tax season scams, including fraudsters using fake 1-800 numbers mimicking the department's call center to solicit Social Security numbers and payments, along with common schemes involving fake refund fees, property seizure threats, and phishing emails.
ktul.com
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond warned of rising Bitcoin ATM scams targeting elderly residents, where fraudsters convince victims their banks are failing and persuade them to withdraw cash and deposit it into cryptocurrency kiosks at retail locations, with funds then sent irreversibly to scammers' wallets. The advisory also outlined related crypto scams including romance scams, pig butchering, fake investment platforms, computer virus alerts, and impersonation of government agencies, urging Oklahomans never to pay anyone demanding cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers as advance payments.
kmaland.com
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird warned residents about increased imposter scams during tax season, particularly scammers impersonating the IRS who call to solicit personal information. Bird advised against answering unknown numbers, sending payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency, and recommended contacting local law enforcement or the attorney general's office if targeted by scams involving the IRS, UPS impersonation, or romance fraud.
biometricupdate.com
Sumsub's research found that approximately 1 in 100 users on digital platforms are involved in fraud networks, with significant variation by region (Bangladesh at 10.2 percent, U.S. and UK at 0.2 percent each). The company updated its KYC verification platform to better detect and prevent fraud rings, which range from 3 to over 750 members and pose greater risks than individual scammers, with a notable case involving dozens of crypto exchange applicants in Estonia attempting to issue multiple cards to the same address using identical fake documents.
theregister.com
Investment fraud, predominantly cryptocurrency scams, cost Americans $4.57 billion in reported losses—a 38 percent increase from the previous year and significantly more than ransomware losses. The FBI found that these scams often begin with social engineering tactics like romance or confidence cons that evolve into investment fraud, with vulnerable victims subsequently targeted by recovery scams. Victims over 60 were disproportionately affected, accounting for 40 percent of complaints and 58 percent of the $1.3 billion in losses from customer support and impersonation scams.
electronicpaymentsinternational.com
According to global verification platform Sumsub's 2023 research, approximately 1 in 100 digital platform users belonged to organized fraud networks that collectively engaged in multi-accounting, money laundering, and account takeovers. Fraud ring activity varied significantly by region, with Bangladesh (10.2%), Thailand (6.6%), and Vietnam (3.7%) showing elevated rates, while the US and UK reported only 0.2% each; detected networks ranged from 3 to over 750 coordinated members, including a case of Estonian cryptocurrency exchange applicants using identical fraudulent documents. Sumsub warns that fraud rings cause significantly greater damage than individual sc
ca.style.yahoo.com
During the holiday season, cybercriminals exploit increased smartphone use and online shopping to perpetrate various scams including malicious mobile apps, SMS phishing, counterfeit gift deals, fake travel offers, malware-laden e-cards, deceptive games, and fraudulent shipping notifications. These scams aim to steal personal information, credit card details, and compromise accounts through malware downloads or social engineering tactics. Consumers are advised to download apps only from official stores, be suspicious of unrealistically low prices, verify sender information, and monitor bills for unauthorized charges.
theguardian.com
In February 2023, a man fell victim to a sophisticated telephone scam two days before heart surgery, losing £130,000 from accounts at NatWest, PayPal, and Starling Bank after scammers impersonated bank fraud teams. While NatWest and PayPal refunded the losses, Starling initially refused to return £10,000, claiming the victim was not grossly negligent; however, after the case was escalated and Starling learned of the victim's vulnerable circumstances (his daughter's recent murder and impending surgery), the bank agreed to refund the amount. The case illustrates how sophisticated scams can deceive even cautious victims an
the-sun.com
An 82-year-old woman and her 91-year-old husband lost $1.46 million over six months in a sophisticated scam involving fraudsters impersonating a Wells Fargo representative and U.S. Marshal who claimed their accounts were compromised and placed them in a witness protection program. The scammers isolated the couple by threatening legal consequences if they contacted family, directing them to liquidate savings into Bitcoin and gold supposedly held in a Federal Reserve account; the couple realized the fraud in October 2023 after losing contact with the scammer, and one arrest has been made in connection with the crime.
abcactionnews.com
Online scams are growing rapidly across multiple channels (text, email, phone, social media), with cryptocurrency/investment, employment, and online purchase scams ranking as the top three types reported to the Better Business Bureau, while debt relief and romance scams are also rising significantly. Red flags include demands for upfront payment, guaranteed outcomes, and unsolicited contact from scammers who may possess personal information to appear legitimate. Experts warn that consumers should never share personal information or click unknown links, as AI technology will likely make scams increasingly difficult to detect in the future.
states.aarp.org
In 2023, the Federal Trade Commission reported that fraud losses exceeded $10 billion for the first time, a 14% increase from 2022, with investment scams accounting for $4.6 billion and cryptocurrency fraud totaling $1.4 billion. Impostor scams were the most frequently reported fraud type, with victims losing an average of $7,000 each, and email became the primary method criminals used to contact victims, surpassing text and phone calls. The report notes that actual fraud losses likely far exceed reported figures, as most fraud goes unreported.
bgindependentmedia.org
Bowling Green is warning residents and businesses about an escalating utility imposter scam involving individuals posing as service technicians who enter properties and demand immediate payment for utilities. The Better Business Bureau reports numerous complaints about these coordinated scams, which appear to be perpetrated by organized groups targeting the region aggressively. Residents are advised to never allow unidentified individuals entry, verify worker identity by calling the city utilities office at 419-354-6252, and report suspicious activity to police, as legitimate city employees never demand on-the-spot payments or accept gift cards.
nvdaily.com
Virginians lost $205 million to scammers in 2023, with 54,602 fraud reports filed to the FTC, making Virginia the 12th most defrauded state. Identity theft and imposter scams are the most common fraud types, often involving criminals stealing personal information from social media profiles to create fake accounts, impersonate victims, or execute romance scams requesting money and gifts. Law enforcement recommends making social media accounts private, avoiding profile pictures, monitoring credit scores regularly, and reporting suspected scams to local police immediately.
theregister.com
Filipino police rescued 875 workers—including 504 foreigners from Vietnam, China, the Philippines, Rwanda, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Kyrgyzstan—from a forced labor operation disguised as an online gaming company that trafficked enslaved people to conduct romance scams. The victims were lured with false job promises, had their passports confiscated, and were forced to adopt fake identities to extract money from romance scam targets through schemes involving cryptocurrency wins and business investment promises; those who failed to meet quotas faced physical abuse, sleep deprivation, and confinement. Nine individuals were arrested and charged with anti-trafficking violations, with the operation run by Zun Yuan Technology
stories.td.com
New Canadians face heightened vulnerability to financial fraud, with 90% of surveyed newcomers worried about becoming victims and 73% feeling particularly susceptible. Common scams targeting this population include phishing (stealing personal/financial information via fake emails or texts), job scams (fraudsters posing as employers to extract money for fake training or supplies), and romance scams, with 28% of affected new Canadians unsure how to respond if victimized. The best defense is awareness of warning signs, understanding common fraud tactics, and knowing how to report fraudulent activity.
qns.com
A Flushing man, Fei Liang, 39, was charged with scamming more than $600,000 from seniors across the country by impersonating Social Security Administration officials and bank representatives, convincing victims to wire money to accounts he controlled for "safekeeping." Following the charges, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and elected officials held community presentations at senior centers to educate older adults about common scams including government impersonation, sweepstakes schemes, tech support fraud, and the grandparent scam, emphasizing the importance of never sharing personal information with strangers and contacting authorities if contacted by potential fraudsters.
finance.yahoo.com
This educational article outlines five types of auto loan fraud schemes, including yo-yo financing (where dealers falsely claim financing is final then demand worse terms later), car refinance scams (where scammers charge upfront fees to lower payments), and negative equity scams. The article advises consumers to obtain financing before visiting dealerships, contact lenders directly about payment modifications, and carefully review all loan paperwork to avoid these costly schemes that can result in lost money or repossession.
billingsmix.com
Montana's Commissioner of Securities and Insurance warned of a precious metals scam in which fraudsters cold-call elderly victims, offering uncirculated gold coins at artificially low prices with promises of quick profits once the coins arrive from overseas. The scam uses high-pressure sales tactics and requests wire transfers to unknown accounts, while legitimate dealers offer verifiable credentials, physical addresses, and ample time for decision-making rather than urgent cold calls. Consumers should verify company registration and licensing, be wary of unsolicited calls, and understand that commissions on precious metals sales can consume 35% or more of investment value.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
A 99-year-old man in Mumbai lost Rs2.78 lakhs to a utility bill scam after receiving a fraudulent text message claiming his electricity would be disconnected for an unpaid bill; he called the number provided and was tricked into sharing his credit card and PAN card details, enabling four unauthorized transactions. Police have frozen the account receiving the funds and are investigating the case, part of a larger pattern where over 160 light bill fraud cases registered between 2022-2024 have resulted in losses exceeding Rs2.5 crore with only three cases solved.
the-sun.com
Princo Oduro, a 34-year-old former Chase bank employee from Ohio, was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison for operating multiple fraud schemes that defrauded victims of $1.8 million. Using stolen personal information from at least five Chase customers, Oduro ran romance scams—posing as a soldier, medical patient, or precious metals dealer—and laundered stolen funds through PayPal accounts, including targeting a widow by falsely claiming her deceased husband had stored valuable artwork. He has been ordered to pay $1.8 million in restitution.
pymnts.com
The FTC reported a sharp rise in AI-related scam complaints, with mentions of artificial intelligence in ad-related complaints increasing from 2 in February 2023 to 14 a year later, with at least one-third involving social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube. Scammers are using deepfakes and AI impersonation tools to defraud consumers, including one case where a Los Angeles resident lost $7,000 after seeing a deepfake Elon Musk video promising cryptocurrency returns. In response, the FTC proposed new rules to bar impersonation fraud and combat the growing use of AI-driven scams targeting Americans.
cantonrep.com
IRS impersonation scams reappear annually in various forms, with scammers posing as tax agents via phone calls, emails, and mail to either demand immediate payment for back taxes (threatening arrest) or request personal information under the guise of issuing refunds. The IRS will only initiate contact by mail and never demands immediate payment, specific payment methods, or personal financial information over the phone or email. To protect yourself, file taxes early, obtain an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS, and remember that any urgent contact via phone, email, text, or social media claiming to be from the IRS is fraudulent.
wxii12.com
**Summary:**
The Graham Police Department issued a warning about phone scams targeting seniors in their community, in which callers impersonate Federal Trade Commission or Department of Homeland Security agents to coerce victims into withdrawing large sums of cash from their bank accounts. The scammer has used various phone numbers, including spoofed numbers mimicking the police department's main line, with calls coming from the 336 area code. Police advised residents not to share personal or financial information over the phone, not to comply with demands to withdraw money, and to report suspicious calls to authorities or the FBI's Cybercrime Reporting Page at ic3.gov.
newbritainherald.com
Residents at Middlewoods of Newington attended a scam awareness presentation led by local police officers to learn fraud prevention strategies. The event, organized by Chris Pisani of Fore Senior Benefits, focused on scams currently targeting seniors and provided residents with protective measures and information.
itemonline.com
This educational piece warns about Social Security scams in which fraudsters send fake letters, emails, and texts impersonating the Social Security Administration or Office of the Inspector General to steal personal information and money. The article advises recipients to ignore unsolicited contact, independently verify by calling SSA directly, and never share sensitive information through unsecured channels, noting that SSA will never threaten arrest or suspend benefits. Victims should report fraud to the Office of the Inspector General at oig-ssa.gov/report and local law enforcement to help authorities identify and prosecute perpetrators.
spectrumnews1.com
The Cuyahoga County Scam Squad warned of a spike in arrest scams where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement, send fake court documents, and claim victims missed hearings or are under investigation—with a newer variant targeting PPP loan recipients using accurate loan information to appear credible. Scammers pressure victims to pay via gift cards or cryptocurrency, with one local resident losing $7,000 to such a scam this week. Law enforcement urges victims to hang up immediately, as legitimate police never demand money or threaten arrest over the phone, and to report incidents to local police or the Scam Squad hotline.
ksby.com
In 2023, PG&E customers reported a record-high 43,000 utility scams impersonating the company, resulting in nearly $900,000 in losses with an average loss of $785 per victim. Scammers typically targeted elderly and low-income customers by threatening immediate service disconnection and demanding urgent payment via prepaid cards, cryptocurrency, or payment apps. PG&E advises customers to hang up on suspicious calls, verify account details through official channels, and report suspected scams to 1-833-500-SCAM.
wchstv.com
The Huntington Police Department warned residents of an ongoing phone scam in which fraudsters impersonate police officers and claim victims have outstanding warrants to extort money and personal information. One scammer posed as "Sergeant Michael DeVito," leaving voicemails about urgent legal matters to pressure victims into calling back, with similar reports emerging across West Virginia since the beginning of the year. Police emphasized that legitimate law enforcement never solicits money for warrants or requests gift cards or money orders, and urged residents to report such calls to the department.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Actress Mishmee Das nearly fell victim to an impersonation scam where callers falsely claimed to represent a transportation company and threatened her with arrest, alleging illegal substances were being sent to Taiwan in her name to pressure her into providing personal information and filing a fake police report. Das recognized the scam when the callers attempted to connect her to a fake "Mumbai crime branch," but she also revealed that her mother had previously been victimized when someone used her mother's Aadhar card details to fraudulently obtain a bank loan. Das urges the public to be cautious with unknown callers and to recognize that scammers use threats and false authority to manipulate victims into divul
adirondackdailyenterprise.com
Scams targeting vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, are rising statewide through phone calls, social media, and online channels. Common scams include Social Security imposter schemes (threatening suspended benefits or arrest), gift card fraud (posing as government agencies), fake rental listings, and warrant payment demands, with scammers using fear, fake documents, and fraudulent letterhead to coerce victims into providing personal information or money. Authorities recommend verifying caller identity by hanging up and calling agencies directly, never sending gift cards or money to unknown callers, and reporting scams to relevant agencies like the SSA's Office of the Inspector General.
ncdoj.gov
This is an educational advisory from March 2024 providing consumer protection tips for travelers during spring break. The guidance emphasizes verifying travel companies' legitimacy through online research and the Better Business Bureau, reading contracts carefully, obtaining written trip details and confirmations, paying by credit card for refund protection, and reporting suspected scams to the state's Consumer Protection Division. The article does not describe specific incidents or fraud losses but rather aims to prevent travel-related scams before they occur.
wfft.com
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita warns residents to watch for storm repair scams where fraudsters pose as contractors, promise immediate repairs, collect down payments, and disappear with the money. The alert advises Hoosiers to verify contractor credentials and insurance, obtain multiple written estimates, avoid upfront full payment, and never use wire transfers or cash, while warning that legitimate FEMA assistance never requires application fees. Those who suspect scams can contact the AG's office at 800-382-5516.
nzherald.co.nz
Brent Carey, CEO of New Zealand's Netsafe (which receives 15,000 scam reports annually with 25% year-over-year growth), discusses the expanding fraud landscape affecting victims across all demographics. Romance scams and sextortion are particularly devastating, with sextortion complaints up 88% and primarily targeting young males who are blackmailed after sending intimate images to fraudsters posing as young women. A Netsafe and Global Anti-Scam Alliance survey found New Zealanders lost over $2 billion to scams, with the average victim losing $3,165, contrary to the misconception that only elderly people are targeted.
wgme.com
Fraud losses among Maine seniors have surged dramatically, increasing from $2 million in 2021 to $12.7 million in 2022, with tech support scams being among the most common threats to the state's aging population. One Maine senior fell victim to a tech support imposter scam involving malicious popups claiming she had a virus, which prompted her to call a fraudulent number where scammers attempted to access her savings account information. Experts emphasize that education and awareness are critical to protecting Maine's elderly residents, who represent the nation's oldest state population and face heightened vulnerability to fraud schemes.
localprofile.com
Plano Police Detective Vidmar was honored for his role in recovering over $8 million in stolen funds from victims of sweetheart scams, business email compromises, and other fraudulent crimes through his work with the U.S. Secret Service North Texas Financial Crimes Task Force. Working with Judge Ben Smith, Vidmar secured nearly 70 expedited search and seizure warrants targeting fraudulent bank accounts in Plano, Texas, which allowed authorities to freeze assets before criminals could withdraw stolen money. The collaborative effort successfully returned 99.8% of the recovered funds to victims across the United States and Canada over a 3.5-year period.