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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-16
Online scams are disproportionately targeting seniors, who are vulnerable due to isolation, loneliness, and less familiarity with technology, according to local aging offices. Common scams include fraudulent texts and phone calls (especially during Medicare enrollment and tax season), romance scams on social media, and requests for gift card purchases. Seniors who suspect they've been scammed can contact Lifespan of Greater Rochester at 585-244-8400 or 866-454-5110 (toll-free) for counseling, support groups, and assistance in potentially recovering funds.
journal-news.net
· 2025-12-16
# Fraud Investigation Summary
A Berkeley County resident fell victim to a government impersonation scam in which fraudsters sent a fake Apple Pay alert, then threatened her with false criminal allegations to extort money. Following law enforcement's advice to report the incident to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, the victim's case contributed to international law enforcement raids in Jaipur, India, that shut down fraudulent call centers and arrested approximately 60 suspects. If you receive unsolicited payment alerts or calls impersonating government agencies, hang up, contact official agencies directly using verified phone numbers, and report the incident to IC3.gov, the FBI, or the Federal Trade Commission.
thedailystar.com
· 2025-12-16
Online scams are increasingly targeting seniors, according to Otsego County's Office for the Aging, which reports receiving frequent calls from older adults who have encountered fraud attempts. While scams affect people of all ages, seniors are particularly vulnerable and should exercise caution when responding to phone calls, emails, and other online communications. Local officials recommend that seniors remain skeptical of unsolicited contact and verify the legitimacy of requests before sharing personal information or money.
seattlered.com
· 2025-12-16
# Scam Losses Among Older Americans Surge Dramatically
Reported fraud losses for Americans aged 60 and older have skyrocketed to $2.4 billion in 2024—nearly four times higher than the $600 million reported in 2020—with the FTC estimating the actual total damage could exceed $81 billion. Scammers are increasingly targeting seniors through social media platforms with cryptocurrency investment scams and romance schemes, while also impersonating authority figures like law enforcement and banks to pressure victims into transferring large sums of money. To protect yourself, watch for common warning signs: unexpected contact from unknown people, emotional appeals designed to upset you, and artificial pressure to act quickly without thinking.
countryherald.com
· 2025-12-16
# Romance Scams on the Rise in Berkeley County
Scammers are increasingly using dating apps and social media to prey on people by posing as romantic interests, building emotional connections quickly before requesting money, gift cards, or personal financial information under false pretenses like emergencies or investments. Residents in Berkeley County, South Carolina, are being warned to watch for red flags such as vague personal stories, refusal to video chat, pressure to keep relationships secret, and urgent requests for money. To protect themselves, people should never send money or gift cards to online-only contacts, verify identities independently, and report suspicious activity immediately to local law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission.
abc7ny.com
· 2025-12-16
# Holiday Pet Scam Summary
Scammers are targeting pet lovers during the holidays with fake puppy listings and stolen photos, with the Better Business Bureau warning that 80% of online pet listings may be fraudulent. Victims lose hundreds or thousands of dollars paying upfront for non-existent dogs, plus fake shipping and insurance fees. To stay safe, adopt from reputable local shelters, verify photos through reverse image searches, never wire money or use untraceable payment methods, and remember that suspiciously cheap prices are usually scams.
wmtw.com
· 2025-12-16
# Tech Support Scam Arrest
A Texas man was arrested in Maine during an undercover operation targeting an organized tech support scam where fraudsters pose as legitimate tech support representatives to trick victims into giving them computer access and stealing their money or valuables. The scammers typically claim hackers have compromised the victim's accounts, use personal information to appear credible, and convince people to withdraw cash or buy gold under the guise of protecting their assets, with couriers then collecting the valuables. If you receive unsolicited calls about computer problems or hacking threats, hang up and contact your bank or local police directly rather than following the caller's instructions.
ricochet.com
· 2025-12-16
Elderly individuals, particularly those experiencing cognitive decline, face significant vulnerability to scams and fraud—especially involving technology and phone calls. The author shares personal experience with his aging mother-in-law who nearly fell victim to a scam demanding $5,000 in cash, illustrating how seniors often lack skepticism toward exploiters despite warnings from family members. To protect elderly relatives, families should monitor financial activities closely, help set up call-blocking systems, and establish verification protocols (like always asking seniors to hang up and call you back) before any urgent money transfers are made.
kxan.com
· 2025-12-16
Cryptocurrency scams are causing millions in losses to Austin residents in 2025, with victims losing nearly $4 million while only about $90,000 has been recovered, according to local law enforcement. Scammers typically initiate contact via phone, text, or email claiming the victim's accounts have been compromised, then trick them into depositing cash into cryptocurrency ATMs where the money is converted to digital currency and sent to overseas criminals—making recovery nearly impossible. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact about your crypto accounts and never deposit money into a crypto ATM based on instructions from someone claiming to help secure your funds.
agedcareguide.com.au
· 2025-12-16
# Scam Threat Summary
Australian seniors over 50 are facing unprecedented fraud risks as AI-powered scams become more sophisticated, with 84% having encountered or fallen victim to scams and 83% reporting it's harder to trust information than ever before. The most common scams targeting this group involve phishing emails, parcel delivery schemes, and overdue payment demands, often delivered via phone calls, emails, or text messages. To protect themselves, older Australians should regularly fact-check information before believing or sharing it, verify unexpected communications directly with organizations, and remain skeptical of unsolicited contact—particularly those claiming urgency or requesting personal information.
foxbusiness.com
· 2025-12-15
# Fraud Losses Among Older Americans Surge to Billions
Older Americans lost an estimated $2.4 billion to financial fraud in 2024, with the FTC warning the true figure could be as high as $81.5 billion when accounting for underreporting—a dramatic four-fold increase from 2020 losses. The surge is being driven by large-scale scams where victims lose over $100,000, and scammers are increasingly using social media as their primary tool to target seniors. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited offers on social media, verify requests for money through independent contact with known institutions, and report suspected fraud to the FTC immediately.
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-15
Scammers are targeting Medicare beneficiaries with fake calls claiming to issue new plastic cards or requesting verification of Medicare numbers to prevent coverage loss—tactics that are entirely fraudulent. Seniors in New York and nationwide are vulnerable to these schemes, which contribute to an estimated $60 billion in annual Medicare fraud losses. To protect yourself, never provide personal information over the phone in response to unsolicited calls, and if you suspect fraud or believe your Medicare number has been compromised, contact the New York State Senior Medicare Patrol at 800-333-4374 or visit www.nysenior.org for assistance.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-15
Scammers are targeting Medicare recipients with fake phone calls claiming to issue new plastic Medicare cards or requesting verification of Medicare numbers to prevent coverage loss, but Medicare never calls people asking for this information and only issues standard paper cards. Seniors and their caregivers should immediately hang up on unsolicited calls asking for Medicare information, never share personal or medical details with unexpected callers, and regularly review their Medicare statements for unfamiliar charges. The New York StateWide Senior Action Council is warning older adults about this recurring scam and urging them to report suspicious activity to protect themselves from fraud.
blackenterprise.com
· 2025-12-15
# Senior Fraud Alert: 2024 Losses Hit Billions
Seniors lost billions of dollars to fraud in 2024, with people over 80 reporting median losses of $1,600 each, according to FTC data showing that older Americans are disproportionately targeted by investment scams, business impersonators, government imposters, and romance scams—often initiated through social media. To protect yourself, authorities recommend becoming familiar with common scams, ignoring suspicious calls and messages, and reporting fraud to ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Free resources like the AARP Fraud Watch Network helpline are also available to help identify and avoid scams.
consumeraffairs.com
· 2025-12-15
# Fraud Summary
While overall fraud declined in 2024, older Americans age 60 and older continued losing billions of dollars to scams, with impostor fraud, investment schemes, and tech-support scams causing the most damage. Although seniors file fewer fraud complaints than younger people, their individual losses are significantly higher because scammers exploit trust, create false urgency, and target retirement savings. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact claiming legal trouble or account issues, verify requests independently before sending money, and be wary of investment pitches promising guaranteed returns, especially those tied to trendy topics like AI or cryptocurrency.
wxpr.org
· 2025-12-15
Scammers are increasingly using cryptocurrency kiosks—machines that convert cash into digital currency found in gas stations and grocery stores—to defraud victims by tricking them into depositing money under false pretenses like fake IRS fines or bank hacking alerts. AARP Wisconsin is advocating for state legislation to protect consumers through measures such as daily transaction limits of $2,000, mandatory receipts, and refund options for scam victims. To avoid becoming a target, be skeptical of unsolicited calls demanding immediate payment, especially those directing you to unfamiliar machines or services, and verify any claims directly with the alleged organization through official channels.
hometownsource.com
· 2025-12-15
# Fraud and Scams Summary
Minnesota Aging Pathways is offering a free virtual seminar on January 14 to help people—particularly older adults—learn how to prevent, detect, and report fraud and scams, which are increasingly targeting seniors. The presentation will cover fraud prevention strategies and information from the Senior Medicare Patrol federal program, with registration available through Eventbrite or by calling 800-333-2433. To protect yourself, attend educational sessions like this one and learn how to recognize warning signs of scams targeting your personal information.
times-herald.com
· 2025-12-15
Detective Sgt. Steve McCook of the Newnan Police Department warned the Kiwanis Club that scams have become increasingly sophisticated and can target anyone regardless of intelligence or education, using emotional manipulation and fear tactics like fake arrest warrants and romance scams to pressure victims into paying with gift cards or cryptocurrency. The detective emphasized that victims can protect themselves by remembering they control the conversation—they can always hang up and call police immediately if something feels suspicious. Key actionable advice: never pay fines or fees over the phone or with gift cards, as legitimate law enforcement will never demand payment this way, and always verify requests by independently calling official authorities.
bitbo.io
· 2025-12-15
A Bitcoin investor lost his entire retirement savings to a "pig butchering" scam in which a fraudster posed as both a romantic interest and a professional trader, promising to double his cryptocurrency holdings before disappearing with the funds. These emotionally manipulative scams cost cryptocurrency holders $5.5 billion collectively in 2024 across 200,000 cases, with scammers typically grooming victims over weeks or months before requesting money transfers. To protect yourself, be extremely skeptical of unsolicited romantic or investment offers online, verify identities through independent channels before sending any funds, and remember that legitimate traders will never ask you to send cryptocurrency directly to personal accounts.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-15
A Bitcoin investor lost his entire retirement savings to a "pig butchering" scam after being manipulated by someone posing as a romantic interest and investment advisor online. This type of scam uses emotional manipulation and fake identities to convince victims to voluntarily transfer their assets, and they cost victims $5.5 billion in 2024 despite increased law enforcement efforts. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities from online contacts, never send funds based on romantic relationships with strangers, and verify any investment advice through established professional advisors before taking action.
missourinet.com
· 2025-12-15
Missouri held seven statewide forums in fall 2025 to address elder abuse concerns, where residents reported financial, physical, and emotional abuse targeting seniors—with scams increasingly using artificial intelligence. State Senator Adam Schnelting has drafted legislation (Senate Bill 910) requiring nursing homes and assisted living facilities to carry a minimum of $1 million in liability insurance, as Missouri currently has no such mandate. Seniors should be cautious about unsolicited phone calls and computer-based contacts, and families should ensure their loved ones' care facilities have proper liability insurance coverage.
mirror.co.uk
· 2025-12-15
An 84-year-old grandmother fell victim to a travel scam in 2024 when fraudsters called her while she was searching for flights, offering discounted business-class tickets to Australia and Sri Lanka, which she paid for in installments totaling £3,670 before the company disappeared. The scammers used sophisticated tactics including spoofing a fake ATOL license and offering payment plans—tactics legitimate airlines don't typically use—to appear credible. To protect yourself this holiday season, verify travel companies through official channels rather than trusting unsolicited calls, check ATOL licenses directly on the Civil Aviation Authority website, and remember that airlines and legitimate travel agents typically don't offer installment payment plans.
goldrushcam.com
· 2025-12-15
# Nevada County Inheritance Mail Scam Alert
Nevada County authorities are warning residents about a fraudulent mail scam targeting vulnerable adults, particularly seniors, claiming they've inherited millions from a life insurance policy. The official-looking letters falsely claim the recipient shares a surname and nationality with a deceased person and offer to split 90% of a supposed $10 million estate between the recipient and a law firm. Residents should be skeptical of unsolicited inheritance claims and contact Nevada County Adult Services (530-265-1639) or the Sheriff's Office if they receive suspicious mail or suspect they've been targeted.
bitdefender.com
· 2025-12-14
During the holiday season, scammers target families—especially seniors—through fake shopping sites, delivery scams, charity fraud, and impersonation schemes, taking advantage of increased online shopping and emotional vulnerability. Grandparents are particularly at risk when searching for gifts or receiving urgent messages claiming a relative needs help. To protect your family, use free verification tools like Link Checker to verify suspicious URLs and Scamio to review questionable messages or charity requests before engaging with them.
freepressjournal.in
· 2025-12-14
Mumbai Police's Cyber Cell is launching an awareness campaign to protect senior citizens from "digital arrest" scams, where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officers and threaten victims into transferring money or sharing personal information. The campaign includes direct home visits to elderly residents in South Mumbai, where officers explain that "digital arrest" doesn't exist under Indian law and that legitimate law enforcement never makes arrests or demands money through phone or video calls. **Actionable advice:** Hang up immediately if anyone calls claiming you're under arrest or investigation, and contact your local police to verify any such claims—this is a clear sign of fraud.
castanet.net
· 2025-12-14
A Kamloops senior lost $5,000 after a scammer impersonated a bank representative, claiming her accounts were compromised and instructing her to purchase gift cards and share the numbers over the phone. Seniors and vulnerable people are being specifically targeted with this type of fraud during the holiday season. To protect yourself, remember that legitimate banks and government agencies will never request payment via gift cards or ask you to provide sensitive information over the phone—if you receive such a call, hang up and contact your bank directly using a number from their official website.
postandcourier.com
· 2025-12-14
The Better Business Bureau warns consumers about multiple holiday scams targeting shoppers and generous donors, including fake websites, phishing emails with malware, fraudulent charity solicitations, and impersonation scams claiming family members need emergency money. Those affected include online shoppers, parents receiving fake Santa letters, job seekers, and anyone approached for charitable donations. To stay safe, use credit cards on secure websites (look for https and lock symbols), verify charity legitimacy at give.org before donating, confirm emergency requests with family members before sending money, and be skeptical of unsolicited emails and shipping notifications.
whyy.org
· 2025-12-14
# Holiday Fraud Summary
During the busy holiday shopping season, fraudsters are increasingly targeting consumers through fake retail websites and phishing scams, as illustrated by the case of Dr. Susan Moyer, who clicked a fraudulent link texting from what appeared to be a trusted contact and nearly lost thousands of dollars before her bank blocked the transactions. According to recent surveys, 89% of U.S. adults have experienced or been targeted by fraud, with scammers using sophisticated tactics like artificial intelligence to create convincing fake sites that are hard to distinguish from legitimate ones. To protect yourself, experts recommend verifying website URLs before entering payment information, checking for security indicators like the lock icon, being suspicious of unsolicited links even from known contacts, and immediately contacting your bank if you notice suspicious activity.
wnegradio.com
· 2025-12-14
# Delivery Scam Summary
Scammers are sending fraudulent text messages and emails impersonating major delivery carriers like FedEx, UPS, and USPS, asking recipients to click links to "update delivery preferences" or reschedule packages. These fake links lead to phishing sites that steal personal information, financial data, or install malware on devices, with scams becoming especially prevalent during the holiday shipping season. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in unsolicited delivery messages and instead contact the carrier directly through their official website or phone number to verify any delivery issues.
tokyoreporter.com
· 2025-12-14
A man in Yamagata Prefecture lost approximately 130 million yen (the largest such loss on record for the prefecture) after being targeted by an online romance scam on Instagram and Line, where a person posing as an attractive woman convinced him to invest in cryptocurrency with promises of high returns. The scammer communicated with the victim almost daily over three months, gradually building trust before directing him to send money for cryptocurrency "investments" and various fees. Police are warning the public to be suspicious of requests for money from people they've never met in person, especially those met on social media who quickly bring up investment opportunities.
womansworld.com
· 2025-12-14
Pig butchering scams are elaborate frauds where scammers build romantic or friendly relationships with victims online to gain their trust, then convince them to invest money in cryptocurrency or other schemes before disappearing with their funds. While less common than other scams like phishing, pig butchering causes the most severe financial damage—accounting for nearly half of all scam losses in the U.S.—because victims often hand over significant savings. To protect yourself, be cautious when someone you've recently met online encourages you to invest money, verify investment opportunities independently, and remember that legitimate connections don't pressure you to move money quickly or use untraceable payment methods.
countryherald.com
· 2025-12-13
A man in Nashville was arrested for defrauding two elderly victims in Putnam County, Tennessee, of over $268,000 through a sophisticated scam that began with a fake Microsoft pop-up warning. The scammers impersonated bank employees and falsely claimed the victims' accounts were under federal investigation, pressuring them to withdraw money and convert it into Bitcoin and gold coins between September and November. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited pop-up messages or calls claiming to be from banks or tech companies, never withdraw large sums of money based on phone calls, and immediately report any suspected fraud to authorities rather than keeping it secret.
desitalkchicago.com
· 2025-12-13
castanetkamloops.net
· 2025-12-13
# Holiday Scam Warning
A senior in Kamloops lost $5,000 after a scammer impersonated a bank representative and convinced her to purchase gift cards and share the card numbers over the phone. Police are urging community members to remain vigilant, emphasizing that legitimate banks and government agencies never request gift card payments or financial information by phone. If you receive a suspicious call asking for payment, hang up and contact your bank directly or report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
ladailypost.com
· 2025-12-13
# FBI Warns About Account Takeover Fraud Costing Millions
Scammers are targeting millions of people through text messages and calls impersonating trusted companies like Apple, banks, and delivery services to steal login credentials and personal information, with losses exceeding $260 million this year. The fraudsters create fake urgency by claiming accounts are locked or compromised, then direct victims to fraudulent websites that look identical to legitimate ones to harvest their data. To protect yourself, never click links in unsolicited messages, enable multi-factor authentication on all accounts, and go directly to official websites or apps rather than following links from suspicious communications.
pcmag.com
· 2025-12-13
# Holiday Shopping Scam Summary
During the holiday season, scammers target shoppers at an alarming rate—one in five Americans reports being scammed, losing an average of $840 per person. Security experts recommend avoiding online shopping when possible by shopping in-store instead, and if you must shop online, turn off notifications and set aside dedicated, distraction-free time to make purchases carefully. Using security tools like shopping tracker browser extensions can also help verify that websites are legitimate before you enter payment information.
lifehacker.com
· 2025-12-13
Android users now have new tools to identify and protect themselves from scam text messages and calls through Google's Circle to Search and Lens features, which can detect fraud red flags like suspicious urgency, requests for money or personal information, and suspicious links. These tools work across text messages, messaging apps, and social media, and are part of a broader Google security suite that includes real-time scam detection on Pixel phones and in-call protections that prevent actions like app downloads when speaking with unknown contacts. To use Circle to Search, simply long-press your home button and circle suspicious text to scan it, or take a screenshot and open it in Google Lens—especially helpful when you feel pressured to act quickly.
vol.at
· 2025-12-13
Austrian authorities are warning of a surge in internet investment fraud, particularly during the Christmas season, with organized criminal gangs stealing an average of €53,000 per victim—totaling €110 million last year alone. Victims are targeted through fake financial websites, AI-generated content, and cryptocurrency schemes that promise unrealistic returns, often after fraudsters build trust through social media or dating apps in schemes known as "Pig Butchering." To protect yourself, be extremely skeptical of unsolicited investment offers with guaranteed returns, verify websites independently, and never send money to contacts you haven't met in person, especially if they're pushing financial or crypto investments.
www3.erie.gov
· 2025-12-12
# Medicare Scams Summary
Criminals are impersonating Medicare officials year-round to trick seniors into sharing personal information through phone calls, emails, texts, and mail—sometimes using spoofed phone numbers and threatening to cancel coverage. Medicare beneficiaries should know that legitimate Medicare never calls unexpectedly asking for your Medicare number or financial information; if contacted, hang up and call Medicare directly using the number on your card. Recent cases show scammers are increasingly bold, with fraudsters submitting hundreds of millions in false claims, so it's critical to report suspected fraud and watch for warning signs of medical identity theft.
fox2now.com
· 2025-12-12
A 38-year-old man from Illinois was sentenced to over seven years in prison for targeting elderly women in Missouri and Illinois with elaborate scams, including fake identity theft and computer security alerts that tricked victims into sending large sums of cash. Patel's victims—11 identified across five states—lost a combined amount exceeding $2 million, with individual losses ranging from $50,000 to $148,000. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited alerts about identity theft or account compromise, never send cash to unknown parties, and verify callers' identities by contacting official agencies directly using phone numbers from their official websites rather than numbers provided by the caller.
muslimmirror.com
· 2025-12-12
A 38-year-old Indian national, Lignesh Kumar Patel, was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison for his role in a $2.2 million elder imposter scam where he personally collected cash and valuables from at least 11 elderly victims across five U.S. states as part of a larger international fraud conspiracy that affected 85+ victims. Patel pleaded guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy charges and was ordered to pay over $2.2 million in restitution. Authorities warn seniors to be cautious of scams involving callers posing as government officials, tech support, or family members demanding immediate payment via cash, gift cards, or precious metals.
wmur.com
· 2025-12-12
# Holiday Scams Summary
During the holiday season, scammers exploit shoppers through various schemes including fake social media ads that lead to counterfeit products or subscription traps, illegal pyramid schemes disguised as gift exchanges, and suspicious apps that collect personal data or contain malware. The Better Business Bureau recommends protecting yourself by researching unfamiliar retailers and reading reviews before purchasing, avoiding gift exchanges with strangers that promise unrealistic returns, and carefully checking app privacy policies and permissions before downloading. By staying vigilant about where you shop and what you download, you can enjoy the holidays safely and avoid falling victim to seasonal fraud.
express.co.uk
· 2025-12-12
A Starling Bank customer nearly fell victim to a sophisticated phone scam where a fraudster impersonated a bank employee, claiming suspicious activity on her account and mentioning a fake £20,000 loan taken out in her name to gain her trust and security information. The scammer's tactics included blocking notifications, creating a fake transaction verification, and preventing her from accessing her account, exploiting her assumption that the call was legitimate. To protect yourself, never provide security details over unsolicited phone calls, independently verify any fraud alerts by calling your bank's official number, and be suspicious if a caller prevents you from accessing your own account or claims notifications are blocked.
mashable.com
· 2025-12-11
In 2025, text message-based scams have become the most prevalent threat to internet users, with the E-ZPass toll scam leading the way—scammers falsely claim unpaid tolls and threaten license suspension to pressure victims into clicking malicious links. Other common scams include DMV fraud, fake job offers, romance scams, and malware schemes that affect a broad range of people online. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in unsolicited texts, don't respond to suspicious messages, and if you have concerns about toll bills or other legitimate issues, contact the relevant agencies directly rather than through text.
kcra.com
· 2025-12-11
# Holiday Scams Summary
During the holiday season, scammers exploit shoppers through various schemes including fake social media ads that lead to counterfeit products or subscription traps, illegal pyramid schemes disguised as gift exchanges, and suspicious apps that collect personal data or contain malware. The Better Business Bureau warns that these scams particularly affect holiday shoppers, families, and pet owners who are eager to find deals and gifts online. To protect yourself, research unfamiliar retailers before purchasing, avoid "Secret Sister" and similar gift exchange schemes that promise unrealistic returns, carefully review app permissions and privacy policies before downloading, and stick to trusted retailers and gift-giving with people you know.
kcci.com
· 2025-12-11
# Holiday Scams Summary
During the holiday season, scammers exploit shoppers through various schemes including fake social media ads that deliver counterfeit or non-existent products, illegal pyramid schemes disguised as gift exchanges, and suspicious apps that collect personal data or contain malware. The Better Business Bureau warns that these scams affect holiday shoppers and families across the country, with fraudsters using fake websites, subscription traps, and deceptive gift-exchange posts to steal money and personal information. To stay safe, consumers should research unfamiliar retailers before purchasing, read reviews and privacy policies, verify app permissions, avoid gift exchanges with strangers, and only use trusted retailers for their holiday shopping.
fox21online.com
· 2025-12-11
The Better Business Bureau warns consumers about 12 common holiday scams, including fraudulent social media ads, fake job postings, misleading donation requests, and pyramid schemes like "Secret Santa" exchanges that trick people into sending money to strangers and sharing personal information. Consumers are frequently victimized through online purchase scams, counterfeit goods, unauthorized subscription charges, and payment methods like wire transfers and gift cards that are difficult to reverse. To protect yourself, research businesses and read reviews on BBB.org before making purchases or donations, avoid clicking suspicious social media ads, never pay strangers through untraceable methods, and be skeptical of unsolicited messages and "too good to be true" holiday deals.
wataugademocrat.com
· 2025-12-11
During the holiday season, scammers target shoppers and donors through misleading social media ads, fake gift exchange schemes, and deceptive holiday apps that steal personal information or charge unauthorized fees. Consumers affected include online shoppers, social media users, and charitable donors who may unknowingly participate in pyramid schemes or receive counterfeit items. To protect yourself, research before buying anything online, avoid suspicious social media ads and direct messages from strangers, and never send payments via wire transfer, prepaid cards, or gift cards—especially to unknown recipients.
nbcnews.com
· 2025-12-11
Two U.S. senators sent letters to major AI companies (including OpenAI, Google, Meta, and Microsoft) demanding details about how they're preventing scammers from using their platforms to conduct fraud. Criminals are using AI to identify targets more efficiently and create sophisticated impersonation scams involving fake banks, government agencies, and family members to steal money and personal information. The companies should implement better fraud detection systems, user authentication measures, and government coordination, while consumers can also use AI tools to identify and protect themselves against scams.
qchron.com
· 2025-12-11
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand introduced the National Strategy for Combating Scams Act to address the rising tide of fraud targeting seniors and Americans, with over $16 billion stolen through scams in 2024. The bipartisan legislation would consolidate efforts from 13 federal agencies under FBI leadership to better combat increasingly sophisticated scams using AI and voice deepfakes. Seniors are advised to stay vigilant during the holidays and should report suspected scams to local law enforcement and the FBI.