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yahoo.com
College students ages 18-24 reported the highest median losses to scams in 2023 for the second consecutive year, according to the Better Business Bureau's 2023 Scam Tracker Risk Report. The most common scams targeting this demographic include employment scams (offering remote work with high pay to collect personal information), online purchase fraud (items never delivered or counterfeit), and investment/cryptocurrency scams (median loss of $3,800), which the BBB warns are now the riskiest. The BBB advises students to scrutinize messages for red flags like poor grammar, misspellings, suspicious job offers requesting sensitive data, and investment opportunities that seem too good to
fingerlakesdailynews.com
New York Attorney General Letitia James issued an alert warning about deepfake investment scams using AI-manipulated videos of celebrities like Elon Musk and Warren Buffett to promote fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes on social media platforms. Scammers use these convincing fake videos to lure victims into sending money to fraudulent platforms, often moving conversations to encrypted apps and progressively requesting larger investments before cutting off contact and preventing withdrawals. The AG recommends verifying investment opportunities independently, watching for red flags like guaranteed returns and urgency tactics, and reporting suspicious content to law enforcement and social media platforms.
ferntreegully.mailcommunity.com.au
During Australia's Scam Awareness Week (August 26-30), authorities highlighted the escalating threat of online scams affecting communities nationwide, including fake missing child posts circulating in social media groups. In 2023, Australians reported over 601,000 scams with losses for people over 65 reaching $120 million (a 13.3% increase), with investment scams, remote access scams, and romance scams causing the most harm; scam calls resulted in the highest reported losses at $116 million. Experts emphasize that victims often experience shame and isolation, and recommend community awareness-sharing, trusted support networks, and mental health services to help
theconversation.com
Romance fraud extends beyond online scams to include in-person relationships, where perpetrators use elaborate deception and psychological manipulation to exploit victims emotionally and financially. Australian cases, including writer Stephanie Wood and marketing executive Tracy Hall, illustrate how fraudsters build trust over time before revealing fabricated identities or requesting money for manufactured crises. Australians lost over A$200 million to romance fraud in 2023, with victims experiencing compounded trauma from both financial loss and emotional betrayal that requires long-term recovery.
fijitimes.com.fj
Scammers are targeting elderly and retired women (ages 60-70) through romance fraud schemes, with perpetrators posing as overseas suitors via WhatsApp, sweet-talking victims into sharing nude photos, and then extorting money by threatening to expose the images on social media. One victim lost approximately $500,000 to a local perpetrator who targeted multiple women this way, with close to 10 cases currently pending in court. Authorities advise women to avoid sharing personal information and photos with strangers on social media to prevent falling victim to these extortion schemes.
itwire.com
The ACMA warns the public during Scams Awareness Week to be vigilant against romance scams, where fraudsters initiate contact via social media, WhatsApp, email, and SMS to build trust and manipulate victims into sending money or personal information. Romance scammers typically develop relationships gradually, request intimate images for potential coercion, ask for money under false pretenses, and direct victims to malicious links designed to steal financial or personal data. The ACMA recommends verifying unexpected contacts, avoiding sharing personal information with unknown online contacts, not clicking suspicious links, consulting trusted friends or family about money requests, and immediately contacting banks and telecommunications providers if scammed.
fijivillage.com
Police are investigating multiple romance scam cases, with one victim losing up to $500,000. The scams primarily target retired women who are manipulated into sharing intimate photos, then extorted through threats of social media exposure and blackmail. Several cases involve a single perpetrator posing as an overseas contact via WhatsApp, with at least eight to nine cases currently before the courts.
zeenews.india.com
Dating app scams are increasingly common due to anonymity, rising platform usage, and scammers' ability to exploit users' emotional vulnerability when seeking companionship. Red flags include overly perfect profiles, story inconsistencies, reluctance to meet in person, requests for money, and use of stock photos; common scam types include fake emergencies, phishing, investment fraud, and blackmail schemes. Users can protect themselves by verifying profiles through reverse image searches, meeting only in public places, guarding personal information, and reporting suspicious activity.
cyberscoop.com
Chainalysis reports that online scam cycles have accelerated dramatically, with average scam duration shrinking from 271 days in 2020 to just 42 days in 2024, as cybercriminals shift toward shorter, more targeted campaigns using disposable infrastructure. Forty-three percent of tracked blockchain scam revenues went to newly created wallets, indicating a surge in fresh campaigns, with criminals increasingly employing "pig butchering" tactics—building trust with victims before requesting large sums—rather than broad, long-term schemes. This evolution reflects criminals' adaptation to improved detection methods and represents a more profitable, lower-risk strategy for laundering stolen cryptocurrency and evading law enforcement
miragenews.com
During the 2023-24 financial year, Victorians lost $76.5 million across nearly 70,000 scams, with investment scams accounting for $44.8 million, followed by romance and false billing scams. The Allan Labor Government launched Scams Awareness Week (August 26-30) encouraging victims to share their experiences to reduce stigma, support law enforcement efforts, and prevent others from falling victim to similar scams, particularly "get rich quick" investment schemes that promise unrealistic returns. Consumers are advised to avoid pressure-based investment decisions, seek independent financial advice, and verify company registration with ASIC before reporting suspected scams to their bank, local police, or
baynews9.com
Florida ranked second in the nation for elder fraud complaints in 2023, with seniors reporting nearly $300 million in losses. A Central Florida woman lost $46,000 from her Chase Bank and nonprofit accounts after receiving a call from imposter scammers posing as bank customer service representatives who tricked her into providing verification codes. Imposter scams lead fraud cases nationwide with over $2.5 billion in reported losses, and the FBI reported an 11% increase in fraud cases involving people over 60 from 2022 to 2023.
maryvilleforum.com
Grandparent scams, which surge during the school year, involve scammers impersonating distressed family members to solicit emergency money from seniors, often using social media information and increasingly voice cloning technology. Law enforcement in Maryville, Missouri documented cases where seniors were deceived into sending bail money or visiting police stations, with the FBI reporting over 195 complaints and $1.9 million in losses from January to September of the previous year. Seniors are targeted because they are trusting, have financial resources, and are often reluctant to report fraud due to shame or fear of losing family confidence.
marinij.com
Mead Johnson reached a $2.17 million settlement with California prosecutors from 12 jurisdictions over allegations that its infant and toddler formula products (sold under brands Enfamil, Nutramigen, and Enfagrow) contained elevated lead levels and lacked required Proposition 65 warnings. The company agreed to reduce lead levels in its products through ingredient sourcing changes and will fund environmental projects to reduce lead in California drinking water, with individual counties receiving $35,416 each for consumer protection actions.
lawfaremedia.org
National Public Data, a data broker, was hacked by a group calling itself "USDoD," resulting in the theft and public posting of 2.9 billion records containing names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, family member names, and phone numbers affecting hundreds of millions of people in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. The breach highlights four critical lessons: data brokers are incentivized to collect ever-expanding datasets for profit, large-scale data aggregation creates compounded privacy and national security risks, the data brokerage industry remains largely unregulated despite recent legislative discussions, and regulatory enforcement alone cannot adequately address the systemic problem of privacy-invasive
newyorkfamily.com
This educational article outlines common scams targeting children and recommends preventive strategies for parents and kids. Key scam types include phishing (stealing sensitive data via suspicious links and emails), fake websites mimicking legitimate retailers, fake online offers with "free" or "discount" baits, phone scams impersonating authority figures, and in-person scams involving direct requests for money or counterfeit products. Parents are advised to educate children on recognizing these tactics, verifying website addresses for misspellings, and avoiding sharing personal information with unknown sources or suspicious sites.
ag.ny.gov
New York Attorney General Letitia James warned New Yorkers about deepfake investment scams using AI-manipulated videos of celebrities like Elon Musk and Warren Buffett to promote fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes on social media and messaging apps. Scammers move victims to private encrypted platforms, encourage initial investments on fake websites showing gains, then demand additional fees or taxes before cutting contact, with victims sometimes losing hundreds of thousands of dollars. The alert provides red flags including guaranteed return promises, urgency tactics, celebrity endorsements, and requests to move conversations to encrypted messaging, and recommends victims verify investment professional credentials through FINRA's BrokerCheck and report suspected scams to law enforcement.
longisland.news12.com
**Summary:**
Cybercriminals target consumers during Labor Day weekend sales by using imposter scams and fake retail websites, with imposter scams alone costing Americans $2.7 billion in 2023 and totaling $10 billion lost to all scams that year. To protect themselves, consumers should verify retailers before shopping, avoid clicking links in promotional emails or texts, use credit cards for easier dispute resolution, and be suspicious of extreme discounts (70% off or more). Anyone who falls victim should document details and report the scam to the FTC and law enforcement.
infosecurity-magazine.com
Blockchain analysts report that online scammers are shortening the duration of scams and creating new fraudulent schemes at an accelerated pace to avoid detection, with 43% of cryptocurrency flowing to scam wallets in 2024 originating from newly created accounts. The average scam duration has collapsed from 271 days in 2020 to 42 days in 2024, while "pig butchering" romance scams—where victims are deceived into fake investments—remain highly lucrative, with one Myanmar-based operation netting $100 million year-to-date. Illicit cryptocurrency marketplaces like Huione Guarantee have processed billions in transactions and enabled these scams to
kjct8.com
Online used car scams commonly involve stolen vehicles, salvaged vehicles misrepresented as undamaged, VIN swaps, and fraudulent titles being sold through platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. To protect themselves, buyers should research vehicle history using resources like CarFax or Kelley Blue Book, verify the seller's identity, inspect the car in person, take test drives, and avoid sharing personal information until confident in the purchase. Security experts recommend bringing a knowledgeable person to evaluate the vehicle or consulting a dealership if uncertain about a car's condition.
fox61.com
The Town of Plymouth, Connecticut fell victim to a social engineering scam in which fraudsters, after hacking a town vendor's email account, sent fake invoices with incorrect payment instructions to the Finance Department, resulting in two unauthorized payments of $104,150 each totaling $208,300. The town's finance director resigned, and the incident has been reported to local police, the FBI, and the town's insurance company, which is expected to cover the loss.
13wmaz.com
Scammers in Monroe County, Georgia have been targeting grieving families by impersonating funeral home employees and demanding payment for funeral services, threatening to cancel arrangements if payment isn't made. A recent victim lost thousands of dollars before realizing they had already paid the funeral home in full, with scammers exploiting families' vulnerability during their time of grief. Authorities recommend contacting your funeral home director directly before making phone payments and reporting suspicious calls to the Federal Trade Commission and local sheriff's office.
cbs12.com
A 70-year-old Belle Glade woman was accused of insurance fraud after surveillance video showed her intentionally staging a fall at a Winn-Dixie store in May 2023. The footage allegedly captured Williams unscrewing a water bottle to create a spill, then deliberately falling into it—contradicting her claim that she slipped on an existing liquid. Investigators also discovered she had previously filed a similar slip-and-fall claim against Walmart, leading the Florida Department of Financial Services to charge her with insurance fraud.
abc.net.au
Amy lost $16,000 from her ubank account after falling victim to a common scam where fraudsters impersonated bank staff, obtained her security details via a fake verification process, and authorized push payments to steal her savings; only $7 was recovered. Neobanks and digital banking platforms create vulnerability to fraud through instant payments to new accounts, limited customer service accessibility, and the difficulty in detecting and recovering funds once scammers move money overseas or to cryptocurrency platforms. The National Anti-Scam Centre reported ubank appeared in at least 490 complaints in the prior year with total losses exceeding $500,000.
gov.mo
Fans of a well-known Mainland Chinese boy band became victims of an online ticket scam in Macao, with at least 24 victims reporting losses exceeding 210,000 Macao Patacas since August 23rd. Fraudsters posed as ticket sellers on social media, collected advance payments or deposits, and then ceased contact on the concert day without delivering tickets. Authorities advise purchasing tickets only through official channels and licensed retailers, avoiding unofficial private sellers, and using the Judiciary Police's anti-fraud resources to verify legitimacy.
2news.com
Washoe County partnered with the Better Business Bureau to educate seniors about common scams, as fraud targeting this population is increasing. Imposter scams (posing as Social Security, revenue agencies, or retailers like Amazon) are most frequently reported, while investment, cryptocurrency, and romance scams pose the highest financial risk to those 65 and older; scammers often use phone calls rather than online methods, exploiting seniors' likelihood of answering calls. The BBB emphasizes that reporting scams—even those without financial loss—is critical since only about 5% of victims report fraud, and encouraging community reporting helps prevent others from becoming victims.
usatoday.com
A 20-year nationwide telemarketing scheme defrauded over 150,000 elderly and vulnerable Americans of approximately $300 million through bogus magazine subscriptions and fake cancellation services. Anthony Eugene Moulder and Abdou-Rahmane Diallo, among 64 defendants from 14 states and Canada, were sentenced to prison (10 and 7.5 years respectively) after pleading guilty; Moulder's operation alone scammed $86.6 million by using deceptive sales scripts, while Diallo's scheme collected $30 million by posing as a cancellation service. The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection
2news.com
Investment and cryptocurrency scams pose the highest fraud risk for seniors aged 65 and older, with romance scams ranking as the second most prevalent threat. Senior citizens are increasingly falling victim to scams, according to Better Business Bureau experts who emphasize the need for targeted prevention awareness among this vulnerable population.
au.finance.yahoo.com
Perth widow Maggie Ayres lost tens of thousands of dollars in a romance scam involving a man named "Bryan" who used deepfake technology to impersonate an American real estate agent on video calls and claimed to work on an oil rig. Ayres discovered the fraud when a technical glitch revealed the scammer's actual face during a video call, and authorities report that deepfake-enabled romance scams have affected multiple Western Australian victims, with the state losing $3.7 million to romance fraud in 2023 and $2.9 million already by mid-2024.
7news.com.au
A Perth woman lost tens of thousands of dollars to a romance scammer who used deepfake artificial intelligence to disguise his identity as "Brian," a supposed Sydney engineer working on an oil rig. The scammer built trust through fake documents and video calls with digital filters, then exploited her vulnerability following her husband's death by requesting money for fabricated emergencies on the rig, with the victim only discovering the deception when a technical glitch exposed his real appearance during a video call. This case is part of a broader pattern in Western Australia, where romance and dating scams drained $2.9 million from 26 victims in the year covered by the report, leaving the victim emotionally devastated and financially dependent
miragenews.com
This awareness piece highlights sophisticated investment scams targeting Australians, particularly "pig butchering" schemes where scammers build trust over weeks or months before soliciting cryptocurrency investments. A Queensland victim lost approximately $244,000 AUD after being befriended on Facebook by a scammer who gradually encouraged increasingly larger investments in cryptocurrency, promising substantial returns; when the victim attempted to withdraw funds, the scammer blocked all contact. Recent data from the AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre shows Australians lost at least $180 million to cryptocurrency investment scams in 12 months, with nearly half of all investment scam losses involving cryptocurrency and victims now more likely
finder.com.au
An ANZ customer nearly lost AUD $50,000 to a romance scam involving a woman he met online who claimed her father had left her USD $1.5 million and needed him to send funds for taxes; ANZ's fraud team identified red flags and prevented the transfer. The article outlines six common romance scam scenarios and warning signs, including scammers expressing quick affection, avoiding video calls, and requesting money either directly or indirectly, as part of Scams Awareness Week 2024 education efforts highlighting that approximately 2.5% of Australians have experienced scams.
lycoming.crimewatchpa.com
This educational article provides guidance on avoiding internet and social media scams, which have risen significantly in recent years. Key prevention strategies include being skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true, protecting personal information, verifying website legitimacy (https://), using strong passwords, and avoiding suspicious links and attachments. For victims who have lost money, the article recommends immediately notifying credit card companies and banks, reporting to police, and provides the Williamsport Police Department's non-emergency contact number for local residents.
smartcompany.com.au
In 2023, Australians lost $2.74 billion to scams, with small businesses facing particular risk from phishing, compromised email accounts, false billing, supply scams, and overpayment schemes. ASIC reported removing approximately 20 scam sites daily, highlighting the scale and sophistication of fraud targeting Australian businesses. Key protective measures include verifying email legitimacy, double-checking payment requests, maintaining updated software, training employees to recognize suspicious activity, monitoring online presence, and implementing strong password policies.
bankinfosecurity.com
Job seekers in cybersecurity are increasingly targeted by fraudulent job postings that exploit the field's high demand and remote work prevalence. Common scam tactics include requests for personal information (Social Security numbers, identification), unusually high salaries with quick hiring processes, vague job descriptions, and unprofessional communication. Job applicants can protect themselves by researching companies directly, contacting employers through official websites, and remaining skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.
choosework.ssa.gov
This educational article outlines five key warning signs to identify work-from-home job scams: positions offering unusually high pay or requiring minimal qualifications, companies lacking an online presence or verifiable information, employers requesting upfront payment during the application process, communication through unofficial platforms like WhatsApp, and job offers extended without conducting interviews. Scammers typically seek personal information for identity fraud and money through fake checks or equipment fees, while legitimate employers maintain professional websites, use standard communication channels, and conduct thorough screening processes.
krgv.com
Cybersecurity experts warn travelers to avoid common scams including fake vacation rental listings, fraudulent hotel payment calls, counterfeit concert tickets, and phishing texts about unpaid tolls. To protect yourself, book through reputable sites, verify listings before paying, avoid wire transfers and prepaid cards, call businesses directly to confirm requests, and monitor your bank and credit accounts while traveling. Victims of travel scams can contact the Identity Theft Resource Center at 888-400-5530.
multivu.com
Crimes against seniors resulted in over $3.4 billion in losses in 2023, with more than 100,000 complaints filed by people over 60—an 11% increase from the previous year, according to FBI data. Common senior scams employ tactics such as demanding urgent payment, requesting non-conventional payment methods (wire transfers, cryptocurrency, gift cards), or threatening to contact authorities. Red flags include unsolicited emails, calls, or texts using pressure tactics, and victims or their families can report suspected fraud to the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311.
nuggetnews.com
A resident of Sisters, Oregon fell victim to a Facebook Marketplace firewood scam and is warning others to avoid similar fraud. The scammer used tactics including immediate questionnaire popups and falsely claiming to have oak firewood (unavailable in Central Oregon); the victim worked with authorities to disable a dozen scam pages and recommends paying only on cash-on-delivery terms to avoid upfront payment theft.
hindustantimes.com
An X user received and publicly shared a message from a scammer impersonating Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, who claimed to be stranded at Delhi's Connaught Place and requested ₹500 for a cab fare, promising repayment after reaching court. The obvious scam—which included the detail "Sent from iPad" to appear legitimate—went viral with over 200,000 views and drew humorous responses from social media users mocking the fraudster's transparently fake impersonation.
wa.gov.au
Two Western Australian victims lost over $1.4 million combined to romance scammers in recent weeks, with one victim transferring $825,000 for relocation costs and another losing at least $600,000 to a fake cryptocurrency investment scheme. The scammers employed multiple tactics including coaching victims to evade bank questions, using deepfake AI technology to manipulate video calls, and dragging victims into secondary scams as money mules and fake recovery schemes. Western Australia has recorded $2.9 million in losses across 26 romance scam victims in 2024, prompting authorities to warn people never to transfer money to online-only contacts and to be wary of love interests unw
prnewswire.com
Brookdale Senior Living released educational guidance on protecting seniors from fraud, noting that crimes against seniors totaled over $3.4 billion in losses in 2023, with more than 100,000 complaints filed by people over 60—an 11% increase from the previous year. The article identifies common scam types including tech support scams, romance scams, investment schemes, and non-payment fraud, advising seniors to recognize red flags such as urgent demands for payment, requests for wire transfers or cryptocurrency, and threats from authorities. Resources provided include awareness information at Brookdale.com and the National Elder Fraud Hotline (833-372-8311) for reporting suspecte
floridatoday.com
Seniors are frequently targeted by scammers who exploit their trust and financial stability, with elder fraud causing over $3.4 billion in losses in 2023 and an average victim loss of $33,915. Common scams include fraudulent phone calls impersonating banks or family members, phishing emails and texts, fake charities, Medicare/insurance schemes, tech support scams, and romance scams (which resulted in $1.3 billion in losses in 2022). The article advises seniors to be skeptical of unsolicited contact, verify organizations directly before donating or sharing information, and report suspected scams to the FTC, Department of Justice, or AARP.
abcactionnews.com
The FBI and Sarasota County Sheriff's Office warned of an increase in sophisticated scams targeting senior citizens in which fraudsters impersonate tech support or government officials, convince victims to liquidate assets into cash or precious metals, and then dispatch couriers to collect the money before disappearing. Victims have reported losses exceeding $300,000, and authorities recommend hanging up on scammers, avoiding suspicious links, and reporting incidents to law enforcement immediately.
finance.yahoo.com
A GOBankingRates survey found that Gen Z and millennials fall victim to financial scams at higher rates than older generations, with 35% experiencing phone-related scams compared to 25% of Gen Xers, and 18% of Gen Zers victimized by Social Security scams versus less than 2% of seniors. Fraud prevention experts attribute this vulnerability to younger generations' greater trust in digital platforms, overconfidence in spotting scams, financial pressures, and exposure to recruitment into fraudulent activities on social media, despite 81% of Gen Z believing they can identify AI-generated fraud.
nbcbayarea.com
The Better Business Bureau reported over 250 cases in the past year of people losing money to text message scams in which fraudsters impersonate legitimate companies like retailers, utilities, and the postal service. Scammers use these impersonations to trick victims into revealing personal information or making payments. Recipients of suspicious text messages should avoid responding or clicking links and can report suspected scams using the BBB's free scam tracker.
fox23maine.com
The Better Business Bureau warns that college students are increasingly targeted by scams as the fall semester begins, with fraudsters exploiting this vulnerable population through schemes involving fake scholarships, grants, credit cards, apartments, online shopping, test preparation, and secret shopping jobs. According to BBB representative Cinthya Lavin, scams targeting college students have risen significantly in recent years, and students should be cautious about sharing personal information online and verifying the legitimacy of organizations they interact with.
dispatch.com
The Ohio Turnpike warns of a resurgence of "smishing" scams where fraudsters impersonate toll authorities via text messages to collect payment for fake unpaid tolls and obtain personal financial information. The scam, first identified in April 2024, targets drivers across Ohio and Michigan with fake text links to fraudulent payment websites; the Ohio Turnpike clarifies it never requests payment by text and only uses ezpassoh.com and ohioturnpike.org for legitimate transactions. Consumers are advised to avoid clicking unknown links or replying to suspicious texts, report scams to the FBI's IC3, and verify toll accounts through official websites and customer service numbers.
indeonline.com
The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission is warning of ongoing "smishing" (SMS phishing) scams where fraudsters impersonate toll authorities via text messages to trick drivers into clicking malicious links and revealing personal financial information. The scams, which first emerged in April 2024, are particularly relevant ahead of the Labor Day weekend when travelers are on toll roads; the Ohio Turnpike reminds customers that it never requests payments by text and that only ezpassoh.com and ohioturnpike.org are legitimate payment websites. To protect themselves, drivers should avoid clicking unknown links, delete suspicious texts, keep devices updated, and report any smishing attempts to the FBI's IC3
wfmynews2.com
Online shopping scams exploit consumers by creating fake websites that closely mimic legitimate retailers like Amazon, with 50% of victims reporting they fell for the deal because the price seemed too good to resist. Scammers use cheap phishing kits and domain registration services to build convincing fakes with URLs like "Amazon-id.net" instead of the legitimate "Amazon.com." Consumers can protect themselves by carefully scrutinizing URLs and remembering that legitimate company sites use the format "companyname.com" without hyphens or extra words before the domain extension.
finance.yahoo.com
Seven Maryland residents lost a combined $6.3 million in a gold bar scam where fraudsters posed as federal agents and claimed to be safeguarding assets from identity theft or foreign threats, directing victims to convert cash into gold bars for courier pickup by fake "FBI agents." The Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office believes approximately 20 victims total were targeted in what officials describe as organized crime with international links to India and China, with scammers able to transport the untraceable gold across borders. Seniors are particularly vulnerable, with people over 60 reporting $3.4 billion in cyber fraud losses nationally in 2023.