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in Identity Theft
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.
thesandpaper.net
· 2025-12-17
New Jersey lawmakers have introduced legislation to increase criminal penalties for identity theft and fraud targeting seniors and veterans, who are frequently targeted by scammers due to social isolation and steady government income sources. In 2023 alone, over 2,000 New Jersey seniors reported scams resulting in $251.7 million in losses statewide, while nationally seniors lost $3.4 billion to fraud. The proposed bill would increase penalties by one degree when victims are seniors or veterans—for example, upgrading certain fraud cases from third-degree to second-degree crimes—and has received bipartisan support in the state Senate.
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.
ksltv.com
· 2025-12-17
Delivery scams have surged during the 2025 holiday season, with fake websites impersonating the U.S. Postal Service increasing 850% and fake DHL sites up 206%, targeting millions of Americans who expect package deliveries. Scammers send text messages about delivery issues to trick people into clicking malicious links and entering personal information on fake websites. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in unsolicited delivery texts; instead, go directly to the official carrier website or call the company directly to verify any delivery issues.
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.
idtechwire.com
· 2025-12-17
Identity theft has become criminals' primary target in 2025, with AI-powered attacks making scams easier to execute at scale through stolen credentials, synthetic identities, and automated impersonation—resulting in billions of dollars in annual losses that affect consumers across financial services and social media platforms. The report reveals that weak passwords and outdated authentication methods remain the biggest vulnerability, while many people worldwide lack reliable identity verification systems that fraudsters can exploit. To protect themselves, consumers should strengthen their passwords, enable multi-factor authentication on critical accounts, monitor their credit reports regularly, and be cautious of unexpected account access attempts or requests for personal information.
fdic.gov
· 2025-12-16
During the busy holiday shopping season, identity theft and scams increase significantly, making December's National Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month an important reminder for consumers to protect themselves. The FDIC offers free Money Smart educational resources that teach people how to recognize phishing attempts, protect personal financial information, and take action if they become victims—including steps like reviewing credit reports and freezing credit, with specialized guidance available for older adults who are frequently targeted by scams. Consumers can access these tools at FDIC.gov/MoneySmart, while educators and community groups can use the materials to conduct local workshops and help people stay vigilant throughout the year.
cxodigitalpulse.com
· 2025-12-16
Telegram scams are surging in India, with fraudsters using the platform's encrypted channels to promote fake investment schemes, lottery wins, and job offers that have cost Indians over ₹1,100 crore in the first half of 2025 alone. Scammers typically start by flooding public channels with promises of quick profits, then move victims to private chats where they use deepfakes and psychological pressure to extract money through UPI payments or malware-infected apps. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment pitches on Telegram, never share personal details with unknown contacts, and avoid clicking links or downloading files from untrusted sources.
bankingexchange.com
· 2025-12-15
# Bank Fraud Hitting Seniors the Hardest
Senior citizens are being targeted disproportionately by financial scams, with those over 60 accounting for the majority of the $2 billion in reported fraud losses, though the actual total including investment scams may exceed $80 billion. The problem is worsening, with increasingly sophisticated schemes stealing over $100,000 from individuals, adding significant stress to seniors already worried about their financial security. To protect yourself, stay vigilant about unsolicited financial offers, verify requests directly with your bank using official phone numbers, and consider having a trusted family member review major financial decisions.
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.
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.
cedirates.com
· 2025-12-14
Ghanaian authorities arrested 32 suspects involved in an organized romance scam operation in Kasoa that defrauded victims across multiple countries by building fake emotional relationships online. The Cyber Security Authority conducted the raid as part of a broader government crackdown on cybercrime, which has been surging in Ghana and affecting both local and international victims. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly turn romantic, avoid sending money to people you've never met in person, and report suspicious activity to local authorities or cybercrime agencies.
gistmania.com
· 2025-12-14
# Romance Scam Summary
A 40-year-old Nigerian man, Daniel Chima Inweregbu, has been sentenced to 33 months in prison for running a romance scam that defrauded at least four American women of over $405,000 between 2017 and 2018. The scheme involved posing as a fictitious man named "Larry Pham" on social media and dating platforms to build fake romantic relationships and convince victims to send money. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic interests who quickly ask for money, verify identities through video calls, and never send funds to unknown accounts, especially for emergencies or travel-related expenses.
lilifepolitics.com
· 2025-12-14
A WalletHub study ranked New York 30th nationally in elder abuse prevention, with below-average funding for eldercare services and protections, though the state performed well in nursing home quality and volunteer ombudsman programs. New York has an estimated 300,000 senior victims annually, with a concerning statistic that only 1 in 24 elder abuse cases are actually reported. To protect seniors, families should watch for warning signs like unexplained injuries, poor hygiene, isolation, and malnutrition, and report suspected abuse to local authorities or adult protective services.
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.
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.
lilifepolitics.com
· 2025-12-12
New York ranks 30th nationally in elder abuse protection and prevention funding, according to a WalletHub study, with particular weaknesses in spending on elder care services and ombudsman programs. The state has an estimated 300,000 senior victims annually, with the concerning reality that reported cases represent only about 4% of actual abuse incidents. Residents should watch for warning signs of elder abuse including unexplained injuries, poor hygiene, isolation from loved ones, and signs of malnutrition, and report suspected abuse to local authorities or adult protective services immediately.
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.
cnn.com
· 2025-12-12
Gift card fraud is a growing concern during the holiday season, with scammers tampering with physical cards in stores by scratching off PINs or replacing barcodes to steal money. Consumers should inspect gift cards for signs of tampering before purchase, avoid buying from suspicious racks, and consider purchasing online from reputable retailers instead to minimize the risk of losing money to fraudsters. The FTC also warns against buying gift cards from online auction sites, as they may be fake or stolen.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-12
A 22-year-old Chinese student at Purdue University lost nearly $70,000 after a scammer posing as a Chinese law enforcement official convinced him his identity was being used for criminal activities in China. The victim made wire transfers in October and December before contacting his parents, who verified with actual Chinese police that his identity had not been stolen and he was not under investigation. This case highlights the importance of independently verifying claims from authorities through official channels rather than acting on unsolicited contact demanding immediate payment.
jdsupra.com
· 2025-12-12
The article discusses 2025 trends in Directors & Officers (D&O) liability insurance affecting corporate leaders and their companies. Key developments include the Trump administration's deregulation policies expected to reduce enforcement actions and litigation risks, along with emerging concerns around artificial intelligence, ESG issues, and employment practices that could create new liability exposures. While the piece doesn't describe a specific fraud scheme affecting the general public, it advises company directors and officers to stay informed about regulatory changes and emerging risk areas when evaluating their insurance coverage and governance practices.
wcax.com
· 2025-12-11
# Article Summary
A 77-year-old Brattleboro volunteer named Elliot Greenblott fights cybercriminals by deliberately exposing himself to scams and tracking their tactics as coordinator for AARP Fraud Watch in Vermont. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated with AI technology, and Greenblott emphasizes that no one is too smart to be victimized, even warning that personal information is widely available regardless of precautions. To protect yourself, Greenblott recommends putting up barriers to impede criminals' use of your information—such as monitoring credit cards closely, verifying website URLs before entering sensitive data, and staying informed about the latest scam tactics through community resources.
ibtimes.co.uk
· 2025-12-11
Identity theft in America has surged dramatically, with criminals using AI technology to create fake accounts, forge IDs, and impersonate trusted contacts—causing over half of victims to accumulate unwanted debt and experience significant credit score drops of 50-200 points. The problem has become so widespread that three in five American families now report a child targeted by identity theft, affecting access to mortgages, loans, and job opportunities. To protect yourself, monitor your credit reports regularly, use strong authentication methods, and consider credit monitoring services; if you suspect identity theft, contact the FTC and your financial institutions immediately.
aol.com
· 2025-12-10
Seniors are increasingly targeted by scammers who exploit their savings, home ownership, and relative unfamiliarity with technology to commit fraud. Common scams include unsolicited calls selling unnecessary products like medical-alert devices, lottery/prize schemes requiring upfront fees, and fake mobile health clinics that bill insurance and Medicare using stolen personal information. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls and emails, never pay upfront fees for prizes you've won, verify any medical services through official channels, and report suspicious activity to the FTC.
douglascountysentinel.com
· 2025-12-10
A Douglas County man lost $150,000 in an online romance scam between January and August, becoming one of approximately 64,000 victims who fell prey to such schemes in 2023, which collectively cost Americans $1.14 billion according to the FTC. Romance scammers typically initiate contact through dating apps or social media, build fake emotional relationships, and gradually request money for emergencies or immediate needs. To protect yourself and elderly relatives, never send money, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers to anyone you haven't met in person, and be wary of sad stories or requests for financial help from online acquaintances.
▶ VIDEO
ABC 7 News - WJLA
A DC-area jet pilot's identity was stolen and used in romance scams targeting vulnerable women seeking love online for years after 2018. Scammers posed as the real Pat Marsh to build relationships and request money from victims; one victim nearly lost $37,000 before the real Marsh intervened. The FBI estimated these fake online romance schemes have stolen over $1 billion, with scammers continuing to use Marsh's identity across multiple states to defraud unsuspecting victims.
pcmag.com
# Scam Text Message Protection
Many people receive multiple scam texts daily targeting them with phishing messages about taxes, free gifts, and other schemes. The good news is that enabling your phone's built-in message filtering—available in both iOS and Android—automatically separates texts from unknown senders into a separate folder, making it easy to avoid these scams. Experts recommend staying skeptical of any messages from unfamiliar numbers, never clicking links in suspicious texts, and ignoring offers that don't apply to you, as scammers increasingly use fake "wrong number" tactics and romance schemes to manipulate victims into sending money or joining fraudulent investments.
pbs.org
# Holiday Shopping Scams Summary
During the 2025 holiday shopping season, online scammers are increasingly targeting consumers with counterfeit items and never-delivered purchases, which cost people over $700 million last year. Scammers are using advanced AI technology to impersonate legitimate businesses and commit identity theft, making fraudulent schemes harder to detect as shoppers hunt for deals. To protect yourself, verify seller authenticity before purchasing, use secure payment methods like credit cards that offer fraud protection, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true or suspicious communications claiming to be from companies you know.
fox13now.com
During the holiday shopping season, scammers are sending fake text messages and emails claiming to be from shipping companies or retailers, asking recipients to click links to update delivery information or warning that packages will be returned if personal details aren't provided. These scams aim to either steal money through bogus fees or harvest personal information and install malware that can be used for identity theft and account fraud. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages and instead go directly to retailer or shipping websites to track packages, and never pay fees to expedite delivery through suspicious links.
patch.com
# Fraud Targeting Seniors and Veterans
New Jersey lawmakers are advancing a bill that would impose harsher criminal penalties for identity theft targeting seniors and veterans, who are increasingly vulnerable to scams due to social isolation and steady income sources. In 2023 alone, over 2,000 New Jersey seniors reported scams resulting in $251.7 million in losses statewide, while seniors nationally lost more than $3.4 billion to fraud. The proposed legislation, which has bipartisan support, would increase penalties by one criminal degree when seniors or veterans are victimized—for example, raising certain identity theft cases from a third-degree to second-degree crime—to better protect these populations from fraudsters.
fox59.com
Identity theft in the United States has surged dramatically, with victimization rates jumping from 43% to 78% in a single year, while concerns about AI-driven fraud have climbed to 90%, according to Debt.com's latest survey. Children have become particularly vulnerable targets, with 61% of respondents reporting that a child or family member had their identity compromised, up from just 23% the previous year, causing significant financial damage and credit score impacts for affected families. Experts advise consumers to implement stronger protective measures and utilize clearer reporting systems, as fraudsters are now using AI to commit crimes faster than families can respond or prevent them.
prnewswire.com
# Identity theft cases in the U.S. have surged dramatically, with scammers increasingly targeting children and using AI-powered tactics to steal personal information and damage credit records. The annual Debt.com survey reveals that victims are experiencing growing financial consequences across all age groups, indicating that identity theft is becoming a widespread family issue rather than an isolated problem. Consumers should remain vigilant by monitoring their credit reports, protecting children's personal information, and being cautious of AI-based scams that have become more sophisticated and convincing.
uk.news.yahoo.com
# Article Summary
Scammers are increasingly using "spoofing" attacks to impersonate banks, sending text messages that appear to come from legitimate bank numbers and asking victims to confirm personal details like their date of birth through follow-up calls. These scams are rising during the holiday shopping season when people are spending more money and are more vulnerable, exploiting the trust people have in their banks' communication channels. To protect yourself, be cautious of unexpected bank messages, never confirm personal details over the phone or text, and independently verify any banking communications by calling your bank directly using a number from your statement or their official website.
pcmag.com
This educational article addresses the widespread problem of spam calls in the US, noting that over 40% of Americans never answer unknown calls due to spam concerns. The piece provides practical guidance on blocking unwanted calls using built-in features on Android and iOS devices, as well as carrier-specific tools like AT&T's ActiveArmor and Verizon's Call Filter, many of which are available for free or at a low monthly cost.
pcmag.com
Cryptocurrency scams resulted in $9.3 billion in reported losses in 2024, with $5.8 billion specifically from investment fraud schemes; seniors over 60 suffered approximately $2.8 billion in losses. Scammers increasingly use AI-generated deepfakes of celebrities and trusted contacts to convince victims to invest in fake cryptocurrencies or surrender wallet access. The article advises investors to verify the legitimacy of coins and sources, never share private wallet information, use multi-factor authentication, and carefully examine exchange website URLs before investing.
losaltosonline.com
Los Altos, where over 20% of the population is age 65+, has experienced significant elder fraud and abuse in recent years, with the police department responding to 12 elder abuse cases resulting in charges, 23 Adult Protective Services reports, and 17 identity theft and check fraud cases involving elderly victims since the beginning of the year. Most elder financial abuse involves strangers using email/text scams impersonating legitimate companies, phishing links, ATM card theft through distraction tactics, and emerging technologies like AI voice cloning and cryptocurrency schemes. Law enforcement emphasizes that seniors should avoid clicking suspicious links, verify caller identities through independent contact, remain cautious of emerging scam technologies
tradingview.com
Scammers are exploiting the UK's upcoming corporate transparency reform by sending phishing emails and making fraudulent calls to company directors, falsely claiming to represent Companies House and requesting personal information like dates of birth under the guise of identity verification requirements. Starting November 18, 2025, an estimated 6-7 million UK directors and significant shareholders must verify their identity through official GOV.UK channels, but Companies House has warned the public that only GOV.UK should be used for verification and to disregard unsolicited requests. The new identity verification system aims to improve corporate record integrity, though it faces early cyber security challenges as fraudsters exploit the reform announcement.
onmanorama.com
A cyber fraudster impersonated Kollam's District Police Chief through a fake WhatsApp account to solicit ₹40,000 from police personnel, but the scam failed when alert officers recognized the suspicious tactics. Police registered cases under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and IT Act, and are tracing a bank account in New Delhi linked to the fraud. This incident is part of a growing trend in Kerala where scammers impersonate senior officials via WhatsApp to deceive both law enforcement and corporate employees.
mytotalretail.com
Back-to-school shopping season creates a surge in retail fraud activity, with fraudsters exploiting the high volume, time pressure, and omnichannel complexity of the period through return fraud, refund abuse, fake storefronts, phishing, and account takeovers. Retailers lost an estimated $101 billion to return-related fraud and abuse in 2024, with nearly 75 percent of retail executives citing this as their top operational concern during peak shopping periods. To combat these schemes, merchants are implementing real-time fraud detection across unified commerce channels, monitoring suspicious patterns in customer behavior, and empowering teams to act quickly on suspicious transactions.
wnegradio.com
The BBB warns of an ongoing phishing scam where callers impersonate process servers, claiming victims have unpaid debts, liens on their homes, or are involved in fictitious court cases to pressure them into revealing sensitive personal information like Social Security numbers and dates of birth. Scammers use intimidation tactics, threats of arrest, and claims of imminent home visits to create urgency, sometimes also targeting family members and friends; their goal is identity theft rather than legal service. Consumers should be wary of unsolicited calls with scare tactics and verify claims independently through official channels before providing any personal information.
aol.com
Former U.S. Postal Inspector Scott Kelley, 51, of Massachusetts, was indicted on 45 counts for stealing over $330,000 in cash from packages mailed by elderly victims of a Jamaican lottery telemarketing scam between 2019 and 2023. Kelley, who led the Mail Fraud Unit investigating senior citizen scams, used his position to intercept approximately 1,950 flagged packages, launder the proceeds through money orders and multiple bank accounts, and even framed a subordinate for a separate $7,000 evidence locker theft. He faces up to 20 years in prison on each wire fraud and mail frau
tampafp.com
**Scam Type:** Mail interception fraud and money laundering related to Jamaican lottery scheme targeting elderly victims
**What Happened:** Former U.S. Postal Inspector Scott Kelley, 51, was arrested and indicted on 45 counts for allegedly stealing over $330,000 in cash from approximately 1,950 packages sent by elderly victims of a Jamaican telemarketing scam between 2019-2023. Kelley, who led the Mail Fraud Unit tasked with investigating scams targeting seniors, allegedly used his position to intercept victim mail, launder proceeds through money orders and multiple bank deposits, steal $7,000
straitstimes.com
A Singaporean woman in her 40s named Sabrina lost $250,000 to scammers impersonating Shanghai police officers who claimed she was involved in a money laundering scheme and threatened her with arrest and deportation to China. Despite her bank accounts being frozen and Singapore police warning her of the scam, she persisted in withdrawing her life savings and handed the cash to a stranger at a park; Singapore police recovered the money two weeks later. Government official impersonation scams surged dramatically in the first half of 2025, with victims losing $126.5 million compared to $67.2 million in the same period of 2024.
globalvoices.org
In 2024, Brazilian scammers used deepfake videos impersonating well-known TV journalists and broadcasters to promote a fake government program called "Resgata Brasil," claiming victims of data breaches or people with forgotten bank funds could receive up to 7,000 reales (approximately $1,300 USD) in compensation. The phishing scheme tricked victims into clicking malicious links and surrendering personal data, with journalist Sandra Annenberg among those whose images and voices were illegitimately used in the fraudulent videos. The scam reflects a broader digital security crisis in Brazil, where nearly one-quarter of citizens over 16 fell victim to digital fraud schemes between
wifr.com
The Better Business Bureau warns consumers to remain vigilant against seasonal scams during the Labor Day weekend, noting that scammers exploit holiday distractions and increased spending activity. Common Labor Day scams include fake vacation rental listings, counterfeit event tickets, fraudulent websites mimicking legitimate sales, phishing emails and texts, door-to-door contractor schemes, and fake charities. The BBB recommends verifying vendors and websites, booking through trusted platforms, using official ticket vendors, researching charities before donating, and avoiding unsolicited ads and links.
losalamosreporter.com
April Guadalupe Hernandez was indicted by a Bernalillo County grand jury for assuming the identities of licensed nurses and illegally providing hospice care, including mis-transcribing a medication order that nearly resulted in a fatal morphine overdose. Hernandez, a certified nurse assistant, allegedly stole the identities of three nurses from Texas, California, and Kansas to gain employment at three healthcare facilities over 18 months, defrauding them of approximately $40,000. She faces 19 charges including identity theft, nursing without a license, elder abuse, and violations of the Nursing Practice Act, with a potential sentence of up to 27.5 years in prison
escalontimes.com
This educational article reports that online scams caused a record $16.6 billion in losses in 2024, with 73% of U.S. adults experiencing some form of online scam or attack. The article outlines common scam tactics (unsolicited contact, promises of easy money, requests for personal information or upfront payments) and describes six prevalent scam types including counterfeit merchandise, charity fraud, cryptocurrency investment fraud, bogus debts, home repair scams, and emergency/grandparent scams that specifically target seniors. Awareness of these warning signs can help individuals avoid becoming victims.
theriverbanknews.com
This educational article reports that scams cost Americans $16.6 billion in 2024, with 73 percent of U.S. adults experiencing online scams or attacks. The piece outlines common red flags—unsolicited contact, promises of easy money, requests for personal information or upfront payments—and describes prominent scam types including counterfeit merchandise, charity fraud, cryptocurrency investment schemes, bogus debts, home repair scams, and emergency/grandparent scams that particularly target elderly individuals.
finance.yahoo.com
A financial expert shares insights on common scams targeting individuals and businesses, with particular focus on the "emergency bank fraud" call scam where fraudsters impersonate bank employees to trick victims into moving funds to fraudulent accounts. One client lost $25,000 after receiving such a call, while another lost $50,000 due to password reuse that allowed scammers access to multiple accounts. The expert recommends protection measures including unique passwords managed through password managers, multifactor authentication on all accounts, and staying informed about current scam tactics to recognize red flags before falling victim.
forbes.com
Tech support scams cost consumers $1.464 billion in 2024, with scammers impersonating major tech company representatives and tricking victims—particularly Millennials and Gen Z—into believing their computers have security problems requiring expensive paid services. Common tactics include fraudulent pop-ups with phone numbers, phony calls with spoofed caller IDs, and requests for remote computer access or cryptocurrency payments; legitimate tech companies never initiate contact about security problems, request remote access, or demand cryptocurrency payment. One Massachusetts man was nearly defrauded of $12,000 through a cryptocurrency ATM before an off-duty police officer intervened.