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wpsdlocal6.com
· 2026-06-26
Barkley Regional Airport in Paducah is warning travelers about online romance scams where scammers pose as people they've met online and request money for airline tickets or travel expenses that never materialize. Local residents have fallen victim to these schemes in increasing numbers, with the Better Business Bureau reporting 123 phishing-style scams across Kentucky in a recent 90-day period. To protect yourself, be cautious about sending money to anyone you've only met online, verify requests through official channels, and remember that legitimate travel companions won't ask strangers for money to purchase tickets.
crowdfundinsider.com
· 2026-06-26
UK's Starling Bank has launched an AI tool integrated into its banking app to help its five million customers identify and avoid romance scams, investment fraud, and deepfake phishing attempts—addressing a sharp rise in fraud losses, including a 23% increase in romance fraud and 40% jump in investment fraud. The AI assistant asks clarifying questions when customers describe suspicious transactions (such as sending money to a new romantic partner) and flags warning signs before money is sent. Customers should use this type of AI-assisted verification when making unexpected financial transfers and speak with their bank's support team if a transaction seems suspicious.
winknews.com
· 2026-06-26
The FBI has issued a warning about scammers using fake websites and alarming pop-up alerts to defraud people, with one North Fort Myers resident nearly falling victim after receiving fake "Microsoft" warnings claiming illegal activity on his computer and being pressured to provide banking information. Florida residents lost $1.5 billion to online scams last year, with criminals using fear-based tactics—such as claims involving child exploitation—to manipulate victims into paying money or surrendering personal information. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in unsolicited pop-ups, never call numbers displayed in suspicious alerts, and contact companies directly using verified contact information if you're concerned about account security.
au.finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-06-26
Multiple Australians have lost their life savings—including one woman who lost $150,000 and a 74-year-old who lost $320,000—to a sophisticated investment scam that fraudulently used Commonwealth Bank branding and images of former investment guru Tom Piotrowski. The scam operated through fake social media ads and WhatsApp groups that promised high returns and free stock advice, targeting vulnerable people including retirees and those saving for medical procedures. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited investment offers on social media, verify any investment opportunity directly with the actual financial institution (not through links in ads), and remember that legitimate financial advisors won't recruit clients through Facebook ads or private messaging groups.
advisorhub.com
· 2026-06-25
Edward Jones has invested in Carefull, a fraud-prevention service that monitors accounts and alerts clients or trusted contacts to suspicious activity, signs of scams, or potential cognitive decline—protecting seniors who lose over $7.7 billion annually to financial fraud. The investment makes Carefull's services available free to Edward Jones' 9 million clients through its 20,000 brokers, and similar tools are now being adopted by other major financial firms. Seniors and their families should consider enabling account monitoring services and setting up trusted contacts who can receive alerts about unusual financial activity.
256today.com
· 2026-06-25
Social media scams cost Americans $2.1 billion last year, with fraudsters using fake investment schemes, phishing attacks disguised as party invitations, and counterfeit shopping ads to steal money and personal information across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited friend requests, investment promises offering "guaranteed" returns, and suspicious links in messages or texts—verify requests directly with contacts and use strong, unique passwords for your accounts.
money.com
· 2026-06-25
A criminal group called "Outsider" has been using AI to create thousands of fake websites and send millions of deceptive text messages impersonating mobile carriers, banks, and delivery services, resulting in $1.9 billion in losses since July 2023. The scam typically lures victims to counterfeit sites through texts about expiring rewards or undelivered packages, where they're tricked into entering banking credentials and one-time passwords that fraudsters use to steal their information. To protect yourself, verify any alerts by contacting your bank or carrier directly using official phone numbers, never click links in unsolicited texts, and be skeptical of urgent requests to log in or claim prizes.
apnorc.org
· 2026-06-25
A new survey finds that 58% of American adults receive suspected scam attempts daily through texts, calls, emails, or online messages, with seniors aged 60+ experiencing them at higher rates and facing particular vulnerability to tech support, investment, and impersonation scams. While 24% of adults report being tricked into sharing personal information and 17% have lost money to scams, only 15% reported incidents to federal law enforcement, suggesting many victims don't pursue formal reporting. Experts recommend that people stay vigilant about unsolicited contacts, verify requests through official channels directly, and report scams to both their financial institutions and relevant authorities rather than relying solely on informal complaints.
foxnews.com
· 2026-06-25
Scammers are targeting families through phone calls impersonating law enforcement and other authorities, creating fake urgency to trick victims into withdrawing cash from banks to send to strangers. According to the FBI and FTC, impostor scams caused $3.5 billion in losses in 2025, with scammers often coaching victims on what to say to bank tellers before they arrive. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited calls demanding immediate wire transfers or cash withdrawals, especially from people claiming to be police or government officials, and contact your bank directly if you're unsure about a request.
bbc.com
· 2026-06-25
If you've been scammed, the article advises staying calm and acting quickly—contact your bank immediately to potentially stop the transaction and freeze compromised accounts. You should gather all details about the scam (scammer contact info, what information you shared, money lost, and payment method) and report it to the appropriate authorities: call 101 or your local police if the scammer is nearby or payment was recent, Report Fraud (0300 123 2040) if you're in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, or Police Scotland if you're in Scotland. Getting a crime reference number from these reports can help your bank assist with recovery.
explorejeffersonpa.com
· 2026-06-25
Pennsylvania State Police are warning residents about a phone scam where fraudsters pose as Comcast representatives and offer bill discounts to trick people into sharing credit card information. An Indiana County man nearly became a victim when he provided his card details to a scammer, though his credit card company caught and blocked the fraudulent transaction. To protect yourself, never give personal or financial information to unsolicited callers—instead, independently verify any offers by contacting the company directly using official contact information.
roseville.ca.gov
· 2026-06-24
Scammers use multiple channels like text messages, phone calls, online ads, and social media to target victims, relying on tactics like urgency and emotional appeals to trick people into lowering their guard. Anyone with a phone or social media account is potentially at risk, making scams a widespread problem. To protect yourself, approach all unexpected communications with caution and verify requests through official channels before responding or sharing personal information.
journal-news.com
· 2026-06-24
Scams have become one of the top crimes affecting communities, with police increasingly unable to help victims after money has already been lost to overseas fraudsters. Common tactics include callers impersonating family members (like grandchildren in distress) or companies requesting payment via gift cards, often with scammers guiding victims through the purchase process. To protect yourself, hang up suspicious calls, independently verify the caller by using contact information from official bills or statements, and never purchase gift cards or send money based on unexpected requests.
theguardian.com
· 2026-06-23
Employment scams have doubled in 2025, with fraudsters using AI technology to impersonate employers and send personalized messages to vulnerable job seekers desperate for work. Gen Z applicants have been hit particularly hard, with about 32% reporting they've fallen victim to job scams compared to 15% of Gen Xers. To protect yourself, verify job opportunities directly through official company websites and phone numbers, be cautious of requests for personal information or upfront payments, and remember that legitimate employers typically don't conduct initial interviews via email alone.
foxnews.com
· 2026-06-23
Scam texts targeting older adults, particularly those with memory issues like dementia, are causing significant financial losses—one 81-year-old woman was charged over $5,000 by a political campaign after clicking malicious links, though the charges were eventually refunded. The article provides guidance on protecting vulnerable seniors by adjusting phone settings, carrier account controls, and payment restrictions to make risky texts and unauthorized purchases harder to complete while still allowing them to use their phones normally. Key steps include enabling text filters, restricting contacts to known numbers, setting up bank alerts, and tightening payment settings to prevent surprise charges.
forbes.com
· 2026-06-23
Cryptocurrency ATM scams have exploded dramatically, with the FTC reporting a 1,000% increase in losses between 2020 and 2023 and $388 million lost in 2025 alone, primarily targeting older adults over 60 who are tricked by scammers impersonating officials into depositing cash. To combat this trend, some states have banned crypto ATMs or imposed transaction limits, and Senator Durbin introduced federal legislation requiring operator registration, customer verification, and fraud warnings. Consumers should never deposit cash into crypto ATMs when requested by someone claiming it's for "safekeeping" or service payments, as these requests are always scams.
bronx.news12.com
· 2026-06-23
Employment scams disguised as work-from-home or "task optimization" jobs are surging, with reports nearly doubling from about 11,700 cases in 2024 to over 23,000 in 2025, according to the Better Business Bureau. Scammers target victims through unsolicited text messages offering quick money for simple tasks, then either steal their bank information or pressure them to pay upfront fees they'll never recover. To protect yourself, avoid unsolicited job offers via text, reject positions promising high pay for minimal work, never pay upfront costs, and hang up immediately if anyone uses high-pressure tactics.
malwarebytes.com
· 2026-06-23
Document delivery scams use official-sounding voicemails claiming you need to accept legal documents to frighten victims into calling back and revealing personal information or money. Scammers target a wide range of people and often already have basic details like names and phone numbers; they then use the call to extract additional personal and payment information, sometimes claiming you owe money on old debts and offering fake discounts to pressure quick payment, with reported losses ranging from $100 to $500. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited calls about legal documents, never give personal or financial information to callers you didn't initiate contact with, and verify any legitimate legal matters by calling official court or government numbers directly.
yahoo.com
· 2026-06-23
Over 88,000 elderly Americans fall victim to fraud annually, with Florida ranking second nationally for elder fraud cases—costing seniors over $293 million in losses in 2023 alone. One Martin County couple lost their home, car, and life savings totaling $141,000 to a years-long sweepstakes scam, ultimately becoming homeless. To protect yourself or loved ones, be wary of unsolicited contact, urgent demands for payment via gift cards or wire transfers, claims of prize winnings, and any requests that seem too good to be true.
bbc.com
· 2026-06-22
A record four million fraud cases were reported in the UK last year, with scammers using tactics like fake "Hi Mum" text messages requesting money, phishing links disguised as delivery notifications, and romance scams to steal banking details and cash. The article highlights that anyone can fall victim—even savvy individuals—and advises people to protect themselves by typing website addresses directly rather than clicking links, never sharing One-Time Passcodes with callers, and being skeptical of urgent requests for money or personal information from unknown sources.
thehackernews.com
· 2026-06-22
INTERPOL has issued a warning about surging phishing, ransomware, and AI-enabled scams affecting individuals and businesses throughout the Asia-Pacific region. These cyber threats are targeting organizations of all sizes, with criminals exploiting software vulnerabilities and using artificial intelligence to make their attacks more sophisticated and convincing. To protect yourself, experts recommend implementing strong security practices such as verifying email senders before clicking links, keeping software updated to patch vulnerabilities, using multi-factor authentication, and maintaining regular backups of important data in case of ransomware attacks.
sanjosespotlight.com
· 2026-06-22
Santa Clara County is raising awareness about financial scams that increasingly target older adults, with a 2025 report showing 4,226 reported allegations of financial exploitation, nearly half involving scams. Common scams include fraudsters impersonating the IRS or banks requesting personal information, as well as real estate fraud targeting seniors with home equity. Experts recommend residents be skeptical of unsolicited contact from financial institutions, use code words with family for verification, and report scams immediately—since recovering stolen money becomes difficult once it's transferred.
techlusive.in
· 2026-06-22
Scammers are exploiting excitement around Grand Theft Auto VI's release by sending fake beta invitation emails and creating fraudulent websites that mimic Rockstar Games' official pages, tricking gamers into sharing personal information or downloading malicious software. According to security researchers, there is currently no official GTA 6 beta testing program, so any emails or websites claiming to offer early access should be viewed with suspicion. Gamers should avoid clicking links from unsolicited emails, verify website URLs carefully before entering personal information, and only trust official Rockstar Games channels for legitimate game announcements.
cnet.com
· 2026-06-21
Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to generate personalized, convincing emails and phishing campaigns that exploit urgency and trust—particularly targeting authors with fake book club offers, though the tactics affect people across all industries. These AI-powered scams can lead to stolen funds, identity theft, malware infections, and extortion, making them harder to spot than traditional scams. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited emails with suspicious praise or job offers, watch for red flags like all-caps text and generic personalization, verify organizations directly through official websites before clicking links, and never provide personal or financial information to unverified sources.
10news.com
· 2026-06-21
As AI travel planning tools like Google's new platform gain popularity for helping vacationers book trips, scammers are increasingly impersonating customer service agents from airlines, hotels, and rental companies to steal money and personal information. According to recent data, 1 in 3 travelers have fallen victim to travel scams, with 41% trusting unsolicited messages without verification. To protect yourself, experts recommend being suspicious of unexpected calls or emails from travel companies, never providing payment or personal information upfront, and always independently verifying contact information before sharing details.
jdsupra.com
· 2026-06-21
Seniors lost approximately $16 billion to scams in 2025, with imposter scams being one of the most common type, where fraudsters pose as government agencies, banks, or family members via phone, text, or email to steal financial information and money. These scams often use fear tactics—such as threatening tax penalties or legal action—to pressure victims into quickly sharing credit card details or personal information. To protect yourself, stay aware of imposter scam tactics, verify the identity of anyone requesting personal or financial information through independent contact methods, and remember that legitimate agencies won't demand immediate payment or threaten you over the phone.
aol.com
· 2026-06-21
Sam Little, a former contestant on BBC's The Traitors, lost his entire £40,000 life savings to a phishing scam after receiving fake text messages from what appeared to be his bank, which led him to unknowingly grant scammers access to his cryptocurrency account. According to UK statistics, 4.6 million people fall victim to cybercrime and fraud annually, with cases increasing 31% between 2024 and 2025. To protect yourself, be wary of unexpected messages claiming urgent account issues and remember that legitimate banks will never ask you to log into accounts during calls, and avoid keeping large sums in cryptocurrency without proper security measures.
cryptopolitan.com
· 2026-06-21
Cryptocurrency fraud has become the leading cybercrime category in America, with victims losing over $11 billion last year, particularly affecting elderly Americans and residents of California, Florida, and Texas through investment scams and fake platforms. FBI Director Kash Patel has warned crypto fraudsters that law enforcement will pursue them across borders by following money trails and leveraging international partnerships, with recent successes including 300 arrests in Dubai and recovery of over $500 million in illicit assets. People should be especially cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities involving cryptocurrency, verify platforms through official channels before depositing funds, and report suspected scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
mexc.com
· 2026-06-21
The FBI has launched an intensified enforcement campaign against cryptocurrency fraud, with Director Kash Patel announcing that authorities will aggressively pursue and prosecute scammers exploiting Americans through fake crypto investment schemes. These scams typically begin with unsolicited contact via text, social media, or dating apps, where fraudsters build trust over weeks before directing victims to fake trading platforms that show fabricated profits and demand additional fees before allowing withdrawals. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment offers, verify platforms through official channels, and never send money to someone you haven't met in person or to unfamiliar investment sites.
mexc.com
· 2026-06-21
FBI Director Kash Patel has warned cryptocurrency fraudsters that law enforcement will pursue and prosecute them, as crypto-related scams have become the dominant form of cybercrime in America—with Americans losing over $11 billion to digital asset fraud last year alone, particularly affecting elderly citizens and residents in California, Florida, and Texas. The FBI is intensifying efforts by following money trails and partnering with foreign governments, recently freezing over 3,000 illicit crypto wallets and recovering more than $500 million in stolen assets. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities involving cryptocurrency, verify the legitimacy of platforms before depositing funds, and never send money to unknown parties or click links from unsolicited messages.
cubaheadlines.com
· 2026-06-21
A Tampa woman fell victim to a scam after texting a number promoted at the Cubatozo Tampa 2026 concert for a chance to win prizes, only to be called days later and told she'd won a travel package that required a $49 "refundable deposit." After the payment went through, she never received the promised meeting details and discovered hundreds of others had experienced the same scam on social media. To protect yourself, verify any prize winnings through official channels before making payments, use credit cards over debit cards for added fraud protection, and immediately contact your bank if you suspect unauthorized charges.
aol.com
· 2026-06-20
Young adults are increasingly targeted by scammers using fake job offers and investment schemes, particularly on platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and social media. Common tactics include requesting upfront fees or personal information for bogus jobs, using fake checks for "training costs," and promising unrealistic investment returns (especially in cryptocurrency), with employment scams accounting for 30% of reported fraud among 18-24 year-olds. To protect yourself, verify job offers directly through official company websites, never pay upfront fees for employment, be skeptical of promises of high returns, and avoid sending money or personal information to unverified sources.
bookandfilmglobe.com
· 2026-06-20
Carlos Barragan's book "The Yahoo Boys" explores the Nigerian romance scam industry through interviews with teenage scammers, motivated in part by his own mother falling victim to one of these schemes. The book profiles four young Nigerian men who use online relationships to manipulate victims into sending money, revealing that despite understanding the real harm they cause, these scammers show little genuine interest in stopping. For those vulnerable to romance scams, the key takeaway is to be wary of online relationships that quickly lead to requests for money, especially from people you've never met in person.
blog.knowbe4.com
· 2026-06-20
Americans lost approximately $900 million to AI-powered scams in 2025, with total scam losses reaching nearly $21 billion—a 26% increase from the previous year. Criminals are using AI technology like voice cloning, deepfakes, and automated scripts to execute sophisticated fraud schemes including romance scams, impersonation of government officials, fake kidnapping threats, and counterfeit influencer accounts. To protect yourself, the FBI recommends verifying identities through official contact channels rather than responding to unsolicited calls or messages, and being especially cautious of government impersonation attempts that use spoofed caller IDs and AI-generated audio or video.
bitdefender.com
· 2026-06-20
Cybercrime in Asia and the South Pacific has grown so rapidly that it now rivals traditional crime, with organized scam operations accounting for over 30% of all recorded crime in more than half of surveyed countries. The threats are evolving fast—criminals are increasingly using AI, ransomware, sophisticated phishing schemes, and infostealer malware to steal credentials and launch attacks on digital banking and financial platforms. To protect yourself, be wary of phishing emails, use strong unique passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and avoid clicking suspicious links or downloading unexpected files.
standard.co.uk
· 2026-06-20
The Traitors star Sam Little lost £40,000 of his life savings in a sophisticated cryptocurrency scam where fraudsters impersonated his crypto platform's customer service, using fake text messages and fear tactics to trick him into calling a fake support number and handing over account access. The scammers drained his account within minutes by creating a convincing fake platform interface and pressuring him to "secure" his account. To protect yourself, verify phone numbers independently through official websites before calling, never provide account access or passwords based on unsolicited communications, and be skeptical of urgent messages claiming unauthorized access attempts.
yahoo.com
· 2026-06-19
A young man named Richie from Lagos, Nigeria, who had a difficult childhood marked by parental separation and family conflict, eventually became involved in romance scams targeting older women—a scheme detailed in a new book about Nigerian scammers. The excerpt traces his path from working as an underpaid baker's apprentice at age 16 to his later involvement in fraud, illustrating how economic hardship and personal circumstances can lead people into criminal activities. For protection, people—especially older adults—should be cautious about online relationships with individuals they've never met in person, verify claims through independent research, and be wary of requests for money or personal financial information.
beachmetro.com
· 2026-06-19
Seniors, particularly women, are increasingly vulnerable to romance scams on dating apps and social media, where scammers build fake relationships to extract money from victims. In 2023 alone, Canadians lost over $50 million to these schemes, with older adults lacking the peer verification that younger dating app users typically employ. To stay safe, seniors should verify matches' identities online before sharing personal information, and anyone who suspects they've been scammed should report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to help law enforcement prevent future incidents.
digitalinformationworld.com
· 2026-06-19
Hundreds of thousands of job seekers, particularly those with language skills or vulnerable circumstances, are being trafficked to Southeast Asian countries under false employment promises and forced to run online fraud schemes like "pig-butchering" scams. Scammers control victims through wage withholding, document confiscation, location tracking, and violence, while also extorting ransom from families. Research based on survivor testimonies identifies warning signs of trafficking recruitment, and experts recommend that job seekers verify employment offers through official channels, be cautious of unsolicited job opportunities abroad, and watch for red flags like requests for upfront payments or pressure to move quickly.
wave3.com
· 2026-06-19
Thousands of students and parents fall victim to scholarship scams each year, with scammers increasingly using AI to create convincing fake websites and apps to steal money and personal information from desperate college applicants. To protect yourself, watch for red flags like guarantees of winning, missing privacy policies, and websites that don't end in .org, .gov, or .edu—and always verify organizations through online searches for reviews and check for legitimate contact information before applying.
bankingdive.com
· 2026-06-19
Banks and credit unions are significantly strengthening their defenses against scams that increasingly target older adults, who reported $7.7 billion in losses in 2024—a 59% increase from the previous year. Major institutions like Fifth Third Bank are expanding their fraud prevention teams, implementing real-time detection systems to intervene during scams rather than after, and training staff to recognize signs of financial exploitation. Customers, particularly seniors, should remain vigilant about unsolicited calls or messages from supposed banks or government agencies, verify requests through official phone numbers, and alert their financial institution immediately if they suspect fraudulent activity.
natlawreview.com
· 2026-06-19
Imposter scams are hitting seniors particularly hard, with elderly people losing about $16 billion to scams in 2025—a significant jump from $12.8 billion the previous year. Scammers impersonate government agencies, banks, or family members through phone, text, or email to trick seniors into revealing personal information or making immediate payments, often using scare tactics like threats of legal consequences. To protect yourself, stay aware of these common tactics, never give out personal or financial information to unsolicited callers, and verify requests by contacting the organization directly through an official number.
aol.com
· 2026-06-19
Older adults lost $7.748 billion to scammers in 2025—a 59% increase from the previous year—according to an IRS warning, with common fraud schemes including investment fraud, government impersonation calls, identity theft, and romance scams. The IRS emphasized that nearly 97% of prosecuted elder fraud cases result in convictions and urged seniors to protect themselves by monitoring accounts, avoiding suspicious links, verifying callers' identities, and never sending money to unknown people. Those who suspect fraud can report it at IRS.gov or contact the Washington D.C. Field Office directly.
bitdefender.com
· 2026-06-19
The "Muse Scam" targets social media users by posing as artists who offer payment for using victims' photos in art projects. Scammers send fake checks for more than the promised amount, then ask victims to wire back the "overpayment" for supplies or fees—by the time the check bounces, the victim's real money is already gone to the scammer. To protect yourself, never wire money based on a check deposit and verify large payments directly with your bank before transferring funds elsewhere.
news.airbnb.com
· 2026-06-19
Online travel scams—including fake booking sites, phishing, and AI-generated fraudulent content—are costing Canadian travellers an average of $2,400 CAD, with about 38% of Canadians having fallen victim. As travellers book summer trips, including for FIFA World Cup 2026, experts partnered with Airbnb recommend booking through reputable platforms and being cautious of unfamiliar websites and payment methods, especially since younger adults often struggle to identify AI-generated scam content despite their confidence. To protect yourself, use established booking platforms that offer buyer protections rather than unfamiliar sites, and verify that travel deals and communications are legitimate before sharing personal or payment information.
wishtv.com
· 2026-06-18
Criminals are increasingly using AI technology to conduct sophisticated scams, with the FBI reporting over 22,000 AI-related fraud complaints in 2025 resulting in approximately $893 million in losses, including $632 million from investment scams alone. These scams target everyday people through realistic AI-generated emails, texts, calls, and voice cloning—often impersonating government agencies or officials—making them harder to detect than traditional fraud. To protect yourself, verify unexpected requests by contacting organizations directly using official phone numbers or websites, scrutinize sender email addresses for subtle spoofing (like "USA.com" instead of official government domains), and be skeptical of unsolicited financial requests regardless of how professional they appear.
ny1.com
· 2026-06-18
Honolulu's Department of Planning and Permitting and Hawaii State Judiciary are warning residents about sophisticated scams involving fake inspection notices, permits, and communications that impersonate government officials. Scammers have sent fraudulent violation notices to evict tenants and fake permit emails requesting wire transfer payments for fake "approval fees"—tactics the real DPP never uses. Residents should verify any government communications directly with the agency by phone or in person, avoid wire transfers for government fees, and never respond to suspicious emails or calls claiming to be from city officials.
chainalysis.com
· 2026-06-18
# Approval Phishing and Crypto Scams
Approval phishing is a sophisticated scam technique where attackers trick cryptocurrency users into approving unauthorized transactions by mimicking legitimate platforms or services. When users grant approval permissions—often unknowingly through fake websites or communications—scammers gain the ability to transfer their crypto assets without additional authentication. To protect yourself, never approve transactions on unfamiliar websites, always verify URLs before connecting your wallet, and use hardware wallets for large amounts of cryptocurrency.
fortune.com
· 2026-06-18
A 76-year-old nearly lost his entire $3 million retirement to scammers, but TIAA's AI system detected the suspicious withdrawal request and alerted the company's fraud team, who ultimately prevented the loss. The incident highlights how artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly important in combating scams, as criminals use AI to clone voices and create deepfakes, while cybercrime losses exceeded $20.8 billion in 2025 with older adults being the primary targets. Experts recommend that financial institutions use AI monitoring combined with human verification to catch fraud, and individuals should be skeptical of unusual withdrawal requests and contact their financial providers directly if they suspect they're being scammed.
time.com
· 2026-06-18
Scammers are using AI to impersonate popular Nashville rock band Sons of Legion on social media, creating convincing fake videos and profiles that trick fans into romantic relationships and sending thousands of dollars to fraudsters posing as the band members. The band reports 50-60 new fake accounts appearing daily, with fans showing up to concerts believing they had been in relationships with the impersonators and had been defrauded of significant money. To protect yourself, verify accounts directly through official band websites or verified social media profiles, be cautious of sudden relationship requests from celebrities or musicians, and never send money to online contacts you haven't met in person—no matter how convincing they appear.