Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 19,276 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
10,158 results
in Scam Awareness
morningstar.com
· 2025-12-07
Quotient Wealth Partners partnered with Carefull, an AI-powered financial safety platform, to help protect clients from fraud, scams, and financial exploitation through continuous monitoring of suspicious transactions and spending patterns. The partnership provides Quotient clients with $1 million in identity theft insurance, a ScamCheck tool to verify suspicious messages, a live Care team for real-time support during scam attempts, and LegacyKit for secure digital asset management. The collaboration reflects growing concerns about sophisticated fraud schemes targeting clients, including remote access tool attacks and impersonation attempts, while also enabling early detection of health changes through unusual spending patterns.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
Quotient Wealth Partners partnered with Carefull, an AI-powered financial safety platform, to help protect clients from fraud, scams, and financial exploitation through continuous monitoring of transactions and accounts. The partnership provides Quotient clients with $1 million in identity theft insurance, a scam verification tool, and digital legacy planning services, addressing the growing threat of sophisticated scams targeting wealthy families and older adults.
foxrgv.tv
· 2025-12-07
A 78-year-old man named Miguel Rodriguez lost approximately $700 to an online romance scam in which a fraudster impersonated a public figure, professed love, and then requested money for various expenses including food, medical bills, and travel. Rodriguez was instructed to purchase gift cards and send images of the codes to the scammer. The incident highlights how romance scams exploit victims' emotions and trust, and experts recommend verifying the identity of anyone requesting money online and limiting personal information shared on social media platforms.
wdrb.com
· 2025-12-07
A Louisville nonprofit called ElderServe held a community workshop to educate seniors on recognizing and preventing scams, as the organization responds to a rise in local fraud targeting older adults, including cases involving home theft, grandparent scams, and credit card fraud. The workshop taught seniors practical defense strategies such as avoiding unknown callers, never saying "yes" on recorded lines, and being cautious of in-person approaches, with participants reporting increased awareness and intention to change their behaviors. ElderServe plans to continue its educational series, emphasizing that awareness is the primary defense against scammers who specifically target seniors.
capecodchronicle.com
· 2025-12-07
**District Attorney Seeks Support For Elder Fraud Abuse Prosecution Unit**
Cape and Islands District Attorney Robert Galibois is requesting funding to establish a dedicated elder fraud prosecution unit, citing a significant surge in cases overwhelming local law enforcement. From 2023 to 2024, Barnstable Police received 393 elder fraud calls, filed 253 reports, but secured charges in only 15 cases, with victims losing hundreds of thousands of dollars to various scams including spoofed bank calls and check theft. The DA is seeking letters of endorsement to present to state officials to secure increased resources for investigating and prosecuting these cases.
provincetownindependent.org
· 2025-12-07
In June, 73-year-old Karen Pagano from Truro nearly lost $40,000 to scammers who impersonated PayPal fraud specialists, gained remote access to her laptop, and attempted to transfer funds from her bank account while keeping her on the phone. Although police intervention prevented the full loss, Pagano experienced significant disruption including delayed retirement and Social Security payments, and has since received six to eight suspicious calls daily. According to local law enforcement, elder fraud is rampant in the Cape and Islands region, with 393 reports filed over 21 months (January 2023–October 2024) but only 15 resulting in charges, reflecting resource
halifaxexaminer.ca
· 2025-12-07
In 2024, Canadians lost $310.5 million to investment fraud, with Nova Scotia seniors accounting for approximately $1.56 million of reported cases in the province. Financial elder abuse—the unauthorized or coercive use of an older person's money—is most commonly perpetrated by family members, caregivers, and financial advisors, with social isolation, cognitive decline, and financial dependence identified as key vulnerability factors. Warning signs include unpaid bills, behavioral changes, requests to sign blank documents, and avoidance of account statements, and experts recommend careful communication with suspected victims and immediate reporting of suspicious activity.
travelandleisure.com
· 2025-12-07
**Summary:**
Scammers are stealing baggage tags from checked luggage at airports to file fraudulent "lost luggage" claims with airlines using passengers' personal information including names and itinerary confirmation numbers. An airline baggage employee warned on Reddit that this scheme is creating delays for legitimate claims, and recommended travelers discard or shred their tags rather than leaving them at baggage claim areas. While this specific targeting method recently went viral, luggage fraud is not new—in 2021, two people were charged with filing over 180 false baggage claims, and a London man pleaded guilty to £75,000 in fraudulent travel insurance claims in 2024.
fox13news.com
· 2025-12-07
During a government shutdown, scammers exploited public confusion about federal benefits by impersonating government officials and contractors via unsolicited calls, emails, and texts, targeting millions of Americans relying on Social Security, Medicare, and SNAP. Consumer protection officials warned the public to avoid sending money via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, and to ignore any demands for payment, as legitimate government agencies never contact people this way. Those believing they were scammed were advised to contact local police, their banks, and file a complaint with the FBI's Crime Complaint Center.
wsaw.com
· 2025-12-07
A "brushing scam" involves scammers sending unsolicited inexpensive items to your address, then requesting that you call a number, scan a QR code, or leave a review—steps designed to collect your personal information. Scammers use this information to make fraudulent purchases and post fake positive reviews on online marketplaces, potentially exposing victims to identity theft and financial fraud. Experts recommend not responding to requests, not scanning QR codes, reporting the package to the retailer and FTC, and monitoring financial accounts for suspicious activity.
wnegradio.com
· 2025-12-07
This educational piece provides eight key prevention strategies to help people avoid scams and fraud. The advice emphasizes avoiding non-traceable payment methods (gift cards, wire transfers), being skeptical of unsolicited communications and official-looking documents, exercising caution with online relationships, protecting personal information, resisting pressure tactics, using secure transactions, and managing social media privacy. The guidance applies broadly to various scam types including romance scams, impersonation fraud, and financial exploitation.
taxlawcenter.org
· 2025-12-07
The IRS has assessed over $160 million in penalties related to fraudulent tax scams promoted on social media, with the problem expected to worsen due to new tax law complexities that create opportunities for scammers. Misleading claims by government officials about the new law's provisions—particularly regarding tax elimination on tips, overtime, Social Security benefits, and auto loan interest—are fueling confusion and making vulnerable populations including older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income workers susceptible to illegitimate tax-saving schemes. The IRS's reduced capacity to combat scams through guidance, education, and prosecution enforcement compounds the risk.
ca.travelpulse.com
· 2025-12-07
Staff at Gander International Airport in Newfoundland noticed a significant increase in catfishing scams, with approximately six victims arriving at the airport in one month believing they were meeting online romantic partners who didn't actually exist. Many of the victims were elderly or widowed individuals who had sent money to their fake online contacts before traveling to the airport, often dressed up and carrying flowers. Airport officials and local RCMP issued public warnings urging people to check on vulnerable loved ones and be cautious of online relationships, especially when money or personal information is requested.
khou.com
· 2025-12-07
This educational piece from the Better Business Bureau identifies common scams targeting older adults, including fake investments, fraudulent online purchases, medical scams, and romance fraud. Dan Parsons, BBB President for Metropolitan Houston and South Texas, provides guidance on recognizing red flags and hiring trustworthy businesses to help seniors and their families safeguard their money and avoid becoming fraud victims.
indianexpress.com
· 2025-12-07
Match Group's Head of Trust and Safety acknowledged the rising concern of romance scams on dating apps, particularly in India, where scammers use "catfishing" to manipulate vulnerable individuals (especially women and the elderly) into financial and emotional losses. To combat repeat offenders, the company is rolling out facial recognition technology called "Face Check" in India, requiring new users to verify their identity through video selfies, and is partnering with Indian law enforcement to respond to reports within 24 hours and support prosecutions.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
A Clay County man lost $120,000 over seven months in a romance scam initiated by someone claiming to be a woman named "Lisa" on TikTok who later moved communications to the encrypted Telegram app. The scammer built an emotional relationship with the victim and repeatedly requested money for various emergencies and expenses, including taxes on a house sale, before the man's family member identified it as a scam. The Clay County Sheriff's Office warns the public to never send money to individuals met only online and notes that cryptocurrency transfers are nearly impossible to recover.
the420.in
· 2025-12-07
A senior telecom executive in Pune lost ₹51.89 lakh in a Facebook-based cryptocurrency scam perpetrated by scammers posing as a fashion designer and agents of a Seychelles-based crypto exchange who promised high returns on Tether (USDT) investments. The victim made over 30 transactions in May 2025 after being deceived by fake credentials and professional documentation shared by the fraudsters. Cybercrime experts identified the case as classic social engineering and warned that cryptocurrency scams are rising due to their difficulty in tracing and immediate financial impact on victims.
taiwannews.com.tw
· 2025-12-07
U.S. companies lost an average of 9.8% of their annual revenue to fraud in the past year—a 46% increase from 2024 and 27% higher than the global average of 7.7%, representing approximately $114 billion in losses among surveyed U.S. business leaders. Account takeover fraud emerged as the most damaging fraud type in the U.S. (31% of losses), followed by synthetic identity fraud (24%) and scam/authorized fraud (23%), with account takeover fraud volume growing 141% globally between H1 2021 and H1 2025.
info.gov.hk
· 2025-12-07
In Hong Kong during the first eight months of 2025, police reported 184 telephone scam cases targeting local tertiary students and 86 cases targeting Mainland students, resulting in approximately $32 million and $75 million in losses respectively. The government has implemented fraud prevention measures under the Theft Ordinance with penalties up to 14 years imprisonment, and is consulting with educational institutions and authorities to strengthen anti-scam awareness programs among students through seminars and enhanced promotional efforts.
pressherald.com
· 2025-12-07
Dalinda Carpenter, a widowed senior in Standish living on Social Security, lost $14,003 to a scam in July when she called a number from fraudulent Apple Pay alert messages and allowed a caller to remotely access her phone, convincing her that hackers were targeting her accounts and that she needed to transfer funds via Western Union to catch them. The scammer made nine transfers of over $1,500 each between July 8-14, leaving Carpenter in financial hardship with mounting debts and no recovery despite reporting the crime to law enforcement and seeking legal assistance.
koaa.com
· 2025-12-07
A Colorado Springs woman lost her entire $37,000 inheritance to a cryptocurrency investment scam after seeing a fraudulent post from a hacked friend's Facebook account. The scammers used a sophisticated multi-layered approach, including fake Bitcoin wallet instructions and a spoofed cryptocurrency website, to make the scheme appear legitimate and promise returns of $194,000. The victim, who was grieving her recently reconnected father, received nothing when she attempted to withdraw her funds, illustrating how investment fraud remains the top scam in Colorado with nearly 15,000 reports in 2024.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-07
A 73-year-old retiree in Shah Alam lost nearly RM6 million (RM5,996,586.51) after falling victim to a phone scam in which fraudsters impersonated anti-financial crime officials and convinced her she was involved in money laundering, instructing her to open bank accounts and deposit her savings. The victim only discovered the fraud when her child alerted her, but by then all funds had been transferred; police emphasized that authorities never conduct financial transactions over the phone and urged the public not to disclose personal banking information or transfer money based on unsolicited calls.
hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-07
Senior citizens receiving Social Security benefits are being targeted by scammers who send fake letters using fabricated U.S. Supreme Court letterhead and forged signatures of justices, claiming recipients are criminal suspects with frozen financial assets and restrictive account limits. The Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General warns recipients to avoid clicking links, verify claims through official government websites, and report suspicious letters to the FTC or SSA-OIG. To protect themselves, people should stay informed about scam tactics, as over 70 million Americans receive Social Security benefits and are potential targets.
aba.com
· 2025-12-07
I cannot provide a summary of this content. What you've shared appears to be a navigation menu or table of contents from a banking organization's website, rather than an article or transcript about elder fraud, scams, or abuse.
To help you, please provide the actual article text or transcript you'd like summarized for the Elderus database.
deloitte.com
· 2025-12-07
The FBI has highlighted "phantom hacker scams," where fraudsters impersonate tech support, banks, and government agents to manipulate victims—particularly seniors—into voluntarily transferring money directly to scammers' accounts. These scams are part of a broader category called authorized push payment (APP) fraud, which is rapidly growing; the Deloitte Center for Financial Services estimates APP fraud losses in the U.S. could reach $14.9 billion by 2028 (up from $8.3 billion in 2024), with investment scams like "pig butchering" driving the majority of growth, fueled by increasingly sophisticated AI-generated deepfakes and social engineering
sandiegouniontribune.com
· 2025-12-07
San Diego County older adults lost over $130 million to scams in a single year, with the FBI-led Elder Justice Task Force identifying more than 4,600 victims and $325 million in losses across the region since 2020. Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics including AI-generated voices, spoofed caller IDs, and elaborate fraud schemes targeting trust and fear. The District Attorney's Office launched a public awareness campaign with the message "Stop. Hang Up. Tell Someone." to empower seniors to pause, disconnect from scammers, and report fraud before losing their life savings.
bgindependentmedia.org
· 2025-12-07
In October 2024, the Ohio Department of Commerce warned Ohioans about rising cyber threats during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, noting that internet crime complaints reached nearly 860,000 nationwide with losses exceeding $16 billion in 2024—a 33% increase from the prior year, with Ohio ranking 7th in the nation with 25,000 complaints. Common scams include one-time passcode interception, cryptocurrency "pig butchering" schemes, financial institution impersonation, government imposter scams, and AI-fueled fraud, with the FTC reporting $12.5 billion in total consumer fraud losses in 2024, including $2
aetv.com
· 2025-12-07
Catfishing—creating false online identities to deceive others—affects an estimated 23% of social media users and resulted in $1.14 billion in reported romance scams in 2024, though experts believe the actual figure is much higher. While catfishing itself is largely legal in the United States due to First Amendment protections, related crimes like fraud and identity theft can be prosecuted, though most police departments lack resources to pursue perpetrators effectively. Red flags include reluctance to video chat or phone call, requests for cash, and fabricated personal details; victims typically must pursue civil claims for recourse.
kmbc.com
· 2025-12-07
A 61-year-old Clay County man lost $120,000 in a romance scam conducted over several months on TikTok, where a scammer posing as a 34-year-old woman named "Lisa" built an emotional relationship with him before requesting money for various emergencies and finally claiming she needed help paying back taxes on her mother's house. The scammer used common tactics including moving the conversation to an encrypted messaging app (Telegram), gradually increasing requests starting with small amounts, having the victim's CashApp account shutdown, and ultimately directing him to send Bitcoin through ATMs in Excelsior Springs and Kearney, making the money nearly impossible to recover. The Clay
abcnews.go.com
· 2025-12-07
Americans lost nearly $250 million to scams using Bitcoin ATMs in 2024, with the FBI reporting this figure more than doubled from the previous year. An 85-year-old Texas woman, Fran Bates, was defrauded of over $40,000 after a scammer posing as her bank convinced her to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM kiosk, with the criminal directing her actions remotely. Experts warn that Bitcoin ATMs have become scammers' preferred method due to the speed and irreversibility of transactions, prompting calls for stricter regulations and leading to lawsuits against major ATM operators like Athena Bitcoin.
6abc.com
· 2025-12-07
A Bucks County woman lost $7,000 to a Bitcoin ATM scam after receiving a call from someone impersonating a law enforcement officer who claimed she had unpaid warrants and needed to pay a bond immediately. The scammer directed her to deposit cash into a Bitcoin ATM using a QR code linked to a crypto wallet, with no way to trace or recover the funds. According to AARP's fraud director, Bitcoin ATM scams are a growing threat nationwide, with an estimated 45,000 machines operating in retail locations that experts say "overwhelmingly serve criminals and scammers."
oig.ssa.gov
· 2025-12-07
The U.S. Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General is warning the public about a government imposter scam using forged U.S. Supreme Court letterhead and fake signatures of Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Sonia Sotomayor to pressure victims into sending money or sharing personal information. The scam letter falsely claims the recipient is a criminal suspect whose Social Security number has been compromised, that their assets have been frozen by the Supreme Court, and that they cannot maintain over $10,000 in bank accounts or $80,000-$100,000 in investments, with follow-up contact typically made via text or phone. Recipients are advised to disregard the letter
indystar.com
· 2025-12-07
**Summary:**
During government shutdowns, scammers target federal employees, contractors, and benefit recipients with fraudulent calls and emails impersonating Social Security, Medicare, and other agencies, falsely claiming benefits are suspended unless fees are paid or personal information is verified. Common tactics include phishing emails with subject lines like "Government Shutdown Notice," fake relief programs requiring wire transfers or gift cards, and malware-laden links designed to steal credentials. Authorities stress that most federal benefits continue during shutdowns and the government never demands payment or sensitive information via phone or email; victims should report fraud to their state attorney general or the FTC.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-07
Cybercriminals are increasingly using sophisticated phishing emails impersonating trusted coworkers and employers to trick recipients into opening malicious attachments or clicking fraudulent links, with AI-generated content making these scams harder to detect. A Texas resident nearly fell victim to such a scam when she received a suspicious email appearing to come from her employer but containing an unopened attachment; she protected herself by changing her password, running virus scans, and enrolling in identity theft protection. To fully protect against these workplace email scams, individuals should review login histories for unauthorized access, enable two-factor authentication on critical accounts, alert their IT department of suspicious emails, and keep all software updated to prevent malware exploitation.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-07
This AARP educational resource outlines five common warning signs of online scams targeting consumers, including urgent/threatening language, unfamiliar sender domains, requests for sensitive information, unrealistic offers, and suspicious links or attachments. The article emphasizes protective measures such as pausing before reacting to pressure, verifying sender authenticity through independent contact information, avoiding sharing personal data via email or text, and enabling two-factor authentication. AARP offers additional resources including a Fraud Watch Network with victim support groups, a scam-tracking map, and watchdog alerts to help people stay informed about emerging fraud schemes.
uta.edu
· 2025-12-07
Assistant Professor Gabriel Aguilar, who was nearly victimized by an employment scam posing as a job offer with a fraudulent check, now researches how scammers use artificial intelligence tools like deepfakes and voice-cloning to target vulnerable populations, particularly Latino communities. His recent study published in the Journal of Business and Technical Communication proposes a framework for teaching AI literacy through technical writing courses to help students and their communities recognize and resist AI-enhanced scams. Aguilar emphasizes that AI did not revolutionize scamming tactics but rather gave scammers more sophisticated tools to make their age-old exploitation methods more convincing.
express.co.uk
· 2025-12-07
According to Citizens Advice, one in five UK residents fell victim to financial scams, prompting cybersecurity companies to develop protective tools. McAfee launched a Scam Detector feature within its Total Protection and LiveSafe packages that identifies suspicious text, email, and video messages across multiple platforms and devices, starting at £10.99 per year. The tool works alongside antivirus protection to help users avoid malware infections and financial fraud schemes.
abcnews.go.com
· 2025-12-07
In 2024, Americans lost nearly $250 million to scams involving Bitcoin ATMs, more than double the previous year, with victims including 85-year-old Fran Bates who lost over $40,000 after being manipulated by scammers impersonating her bank. Bitcoin ATMs have become scammers' preferred method because transactions are irreversible and funds can be transferred worldwide within minutes, making recovery nearly impossible. The FBI and AARP have warned of the growing threat, and authorities have begun taking action, including a lawsuit against major Bitcoin ATM operator Athena Bitcoin, though the company denies responsibility and argues it maintains fraud safeguards.
bnnbloomberg.ca
· 2025-12-07
A Toronto man lost $80,000 to a romance scam after meeting a woman claiming to be from Seattle on social media; she convinced him to invest in cryptocurrency under the promise of tripling his money. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, romance scams have already cost 778 Canadians over $54.6 million in 2024, making it one of the most common frauds in Canada. The Canadian Association of Retired Persons is calling for stricter criminal penalties, mandatory fraud prevention measures at banks and telecoms, and greater bank responsibility in preventing large transfers associated with fraud.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-07
**Bitcoin ATM Scams Target Elderly Americans**
Elderly victims are losing substantial sums to scams involving Bitcoin ATMs, with Americans losing nearly $250 million to such schemes in 2024—double the previous year. Scammers impersonate bank officials and direct victims to deposit cash into Bitcoin ATMs, where funds are transferred to untraceable digital wallets; 85-year-old Fran Bates lost over $40,000 in this manner before a bystander intervened. Federal authorities and state attorneys general are taking action through lawsuits against major operators and new regulations including deposit limits and stricter verification requirements, though most victims never
royalexaminer.com
· 2025-12-07
Shawn Smith, Virginia Senior Medicare Patrol Director, warned seniors at the Front Royal/Warren County TRIAD Senior Expo about three major Medicare scams: government impostors, durable medical equipment fraud, and genetic testing scams, which collectively cost Medicare $60-$80 billion annually. Smith advised attendees to avoid unsolicited calls, never disclose Medicare numbers, scrutinize medical offers, and regularly review Medicare statements for fraudulent charges, noting that the Senior Medicare Patrol offers free assistance through 1-800-938-8885 to help seniors report suspicious activity and protect themselves from becoming unwitting accomplices to fraud.
longisland.com
· 2025-12-07
A 74-year-old woman in East Rockaway withdrew $117,000 between October 1-3, 2025, after receiving a computer warning message and being instructed by phone scammers to withdraw funds to protect her money; she realized the fraud on October 6 and reported it to police. Two suspects were arrested in connection with this scam and a second elder fraud targeting a 78-year-old male in Rockville Centre in August 2025: Jinqin Jiang, 46, charged with Attempted Grand Larceny 3rd Degree and Resisting Arrest, and Chengxiang Jiang, 40
local.aarp.org
· 2025-12-07
**Scam Jam Educational Event - October 16, 2025**
AARP Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Elder Justice Coalition hosted a Scam Jam awareness event at UW-Green Bay to educate attendees about current scams and connect them with fraud-fighting professionals. The event featured a resource fair with multiple Wisconsin organizations including AARP's Fraud Watch Network, the Better Business Bureau, state consumer protection agencies, and local support services, all offering free fraud prevention information, complaint filing assistance, and community presentations.
kgw.com
· 2025-12-07
Oregon is experiencing a troubling rise in financial scams targeting its rapidly aging population, with reports of seniors losing $10,000 or more increasing more than fourfold between 2020 and 2024, while scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated through artificial intelligence and impersonation tactics. Beyond fraud, older Oregonians face compounding vulnerabilities including housing insecurity and homelessness, with seniors on fixed incomes averaging about $1,950 monthly in Social Security struggling to afford rent. Experts emphasize the need to reduce stigma around fraud victimization, increase reporting through services like the Aging and Disability Resource Connection helpline, and invest in supportive housing and renter assistance
abc7news.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers operating from overseas, many in Southeast Asian compounds, are exploiting Bitcoin ATM machines to steal from victims through classic fraud schemes—including impersonation scams, computer hacking claims, and fake legal emergencies—directing them to convert cash into cryptocurrency. Victims like San Jose resident Jim Meduri and an 82-year-old Minnesota woman lost thousands of dollars this way, though some funds have been recovered through blockchain tracking and law enforcement intervention. The DC attorney general has sued Bitcoin ATM provider Athena Bitcoin over inadequate fraud protections, as cryptocurrency theft through these machines has become a major scam tool with victims often unaware their money goes directly to criminals.
privatebank.jpmorgan.com
· 2025-12-07
This J.P. Morgan Private Bank advisory highlights travel booking fraud risks, noting that 35% of adults fell victim to scams while booking travel in 2023 seeking discounts. The piece recommends three protective steps: limiting personal information shared on social media, verifying booking sources, and contacting your banking team immediately if fraud is suspected.
dos.ny.gov
· 2025-12-07
The New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection is warning consumers about event ticket scams and unfair pricing practices, following the FTC's complaint against Ticketmaster and Live Nation for allegedly engaging in illegal resale tactics. Scammers exploit high demand and resale markets by posing as sellers and stealing consumers' money through fake tickets sold on social media, fake websites, and online marketplaces. The agency recommends purchasing only from official sources, using legitimate resale platforms, verifying sellers' credentials, avoiding suspiciously low prices, and paying with credit cards for buyer protection.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-07
**Summary:**
Consumer watchdogs warn that scammers are exploiting federal government shutdown uncertainty by impersonating government agencies via text, phone, and email to target federal employees and benefit recipients, requesting personal information or payment fees under false pretenses. The shutdown simultaneously weakens consumer protections by halting FTC fraud complaint intake, FDA food inspections, and other regulatory functions, leaving vulnerable populations more exposed to exploitation during an economically uncertain period.
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-07
The Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General issued an alert about a government imposter scam using forged Supreme Court letterhead and signatures of justices John Roberts and Sonia Sotomayor to target seniors receiving retirement benefits. The fraudulent letters falsely claim recipients are suspects in criminal proceedings, allege identity theft of their Social Security numbers, and pressure victims to send money and share personal information under threat of frozen assets and account balance restrictions. Victims are advised to ignore the communications, report them to the FTC or SSA OIG, and take immediate steps to freeze accounts and monitor credit if they have already provided information or funds.
uk.pcmag.com
· 2025-12-07
A cybersecurity journalist received a suspicious PR pitch email that exhibited multiple scam indicators: the sender used a generic Gmail address instead of corporate domain, maintained only inactive or spammy social media accounts, provided no website links, and represented a company with a "Poor" TrustPilot rating and complaints from customers who paid for subscriptions but received nothing in return. The article serves as an educational guide identifying common red flags in scam emails, including hijacked "zombie" accounts, vague privacy policies, and generic website design, to help readers recognize and avoid similar fraudulent pitches.