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in Scam Awareness
cbsnews.com
Employment scams increased 118% last year, resulting in over $70 million in losses, the FBI reports. Criminals use fake job offers and AI-generated text messages to steal victims' personal information and money. Job seekers should verify job offers directly with companies and avoid sharing personal or financial information with unverified employers.
romesentinel.com
The New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection is raising awareness about financial scams targeting older adults, noting that Americans aged 60 and older lose at least $3.4 billion annually to fraud—the highest amount of any age group. Investment scams represent the costliest fraud type, with losses jumping 38% from $3.31 billion in 2022 to $4.57 billion in 2023, with seniors losing over $1 billion to these schemes in 2023 alone.
fingerlakes1.com
The New York State Department of Consumer Protection is warning seniors about financial scams ahead of National Senior Citizens Day, noting that older adults lost an estimated $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023. The department recommends vigilance and education to combat common scams targeting seniors, including investment fraud, reverse mortgage scams, and government imposter schemes. Officials advise seniors to verify unexpected requests for personal information or money before responding.
newsweek.com
Elder fraud targeting Americans over 60 increased 3% between 2022 and 2023, with victims losing an average of over $36,000 per incident. Arizona, Utah, and Rhode Island experienced the largest increases (36%, 23%, and 22% respectively), with research suggesting scammers are increasingly targeting high-income areas with large senior populations. Prevention measures include educating seniors and financial professionals about common scams, improving digital literacy among older adults, and implementing stronger security settings on financial accounts.
whec.com
An 83-year-old woman in Webster, New York lost $400,000 in four months when her computer was compromised and scammers made 76 fraudulent withdrawals from her bank account, none of which were flagged or stopped by ESL Bank despite many being five-figure amounts. Dan Lyon, a fraud expert at Lifespan, notes that banks typically release funds if customers request them and cites a proposed state budget provision that would have allowed tellers to place holds on suspicious withdrawals—a measure that was removed during spring negotiations but AARP is pushing to reinstate. Experts emphasize that seniors over 60 are deliberately targeted because they hold the nation's wealth
americanbanker.com
A widow lost $87,000 to Social Security Administration impersonators who contacted her two weeks after her husband's death, likely finding her through obituaries. The incident illustrates a broader crisis: over 8.68 million elder fraud cases occur annually in the U.S., costing victims an average of $20,015 each and totaling $113.7 billion yearly, with perpetrators increasingly using AI-generated deepfakes and threatening language to exploit vulnerable seniors unfamiliar with modern technology. Several states are responding by passing laws that require banks to report suspected fraud, block suspicious transactions, and train employees to identify elder exploitation schemes.
communitycare.co.uk
This educational guide from Community Care Inform Adults outlines best practices for social workers protecting vulnerable adults from scams, which are recognized as financial abuse under the Care Act 2014. Key recommendations include treating scams as safeguarding concerns, working multi-agency with police and trading standards, acting quickly to prevent escalation, assessing mental capacity, and developing comprehensive risk assessment and protection plans in partnership with clients. The guide notes that 73% of UK adults have been targeted by scams, with 35% (19 million people) losing money, yet fewer than one-third report the crime to authorities.
foxbusiness.com
During back-to-school season, fraudsters employ multiple scams targeting families seeking savings, including deep-discount shopping scams on social media (offering counterfeit or non-existent brand-name items), textbook scams (selling fake or undelivered books at reduced prices), and financial aid scams. The Federal Trade Commission advises consumers to research sellers beyond social media platforms, use credit cards for purchases, avoid payment methods like gift cards and wire transfers, and buy from official retailers to protect themselves from losing money to these schemes.
wxxinews.org
This discussion addresses the rising prevalence of scams targeting older adults, including text message schemes impersonating government agencies (like the Thruway Authority), unsolicited calls offering medical supplies, and investment fraud from fake celebrities. Experts from law enforcement and elder care organizations, along with a caregiver, discuss how to recognize these scams and respond when a loved one has been victimized.
jdsupra.com
Trademark scams targeting applicants and registrants have increased significantly, with fraudsters using fake invoices mimicking the USPTO, unsolicited phone calls demanding immediate payment, and deceptive emails from purported trademark attorneys claiming competing registrations or trademark conflicts. The scams aim to trick victims into paying bogus fees by creating urgency around losing trademark rights, though the USPTO never sends invoices directly to applicants and legitimate communications go only to attorneys of record. Best practices include verifying all trademark communications with your attorney and ignoring unsolicited offers for trademark services or payment demands.
nbcconnecticut.com
Following devastating storms and flash flooding in Connecticut, the Department of Consumer Protection warned residents to beware of disaster recovery scams, including fraudulent contractors offering low-cost repairs without contracts and fake charities soliciting donations. State officials advised homeowners to verify contractor credentials, insurance, and identification before hiring, research charities before donating, and watch for signs of water damage when purchasing vehicles, as scammers commonly exploit disaster survivors' urgency and vulnerability.
wmtv15news.com
The Better Business Bureau warns college students, particularly freshmen ages 18-24, about six prevalent scams: fake apartment listings (where scammers copy real listings and request deposits for properties that don't exist), fraudulent credit card offers targeting first-time users, identity theft (requiring regular credit report monitoring), fake scholarship and grant offers, and other schemes exploiting their inexperience. The BBB emphasizes the importance of verifying sources, researching offers that seem too good to be true, and protecting personal information to prevent financial and identity-related harm.
states.aarp.org
AARP New York is hosting a free educational webinar on September 18 featuring FTC consumer protection attorney Adam Hersh to help older adults identify common scams, prevent fraud, and report incidents. The session will cover tactics used by fraudsters targeting seniors and provide resources from the AARP Fraud Watch Network, including guidance on protecting personal and financial information.
njspotlightnews.org
The FBI reported that scammers stole approximately $3.4 billion from seniors in 2023, with the actual figure likely higher due to underreporting caused by victim embarrassment and uncertainty. Common scams targeting older adults include mail fraud, online scams, and identity theft, often leveraging fear of missing out and appearing legitimate. To protect themselves, seniors should verify the legitimacy of unsolicited communications by contacting companies directly through official websites rather than using contact information provided in suspicious emails or calls.
kvoa.com
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued an alert about cryptocurrency scams targeting consumers through investment schemes, impersonation fraud, and blackmail extortion. Scammers use phone calls, emails, social media, and dating apps to pose as investment managers, government officials, or love interests to trick victims into buying and transferring cryptocurrency. The Attorney General recommends verifying caller information independently, remaining skeptical of unsolicited requests for cryptocurrency payments, never sharing personal information with unknown callers, consulting trusted individuals before major financial decisions, and reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement.
seehafernews.com
The Manitowoc County Public Safety Committee is hosting an educational event titled "Common Scams and Frauds Targeting Seniors" in partnership with Wisconsin DATCP on August 22nd, with sessions at two locations (Manitowoc County Office Complex at 11 a.m. and Kiel Community Center at 5 p.m.). The free presentations aim to educate seniors about rising scam threats in the community and provide preventative measures, with local police available to answer questions.
prunderground.com
Traverse Bay Farms partnered with financial expert Andy LaPointe to promote senior fraud prevention through his book "Senior Savvy: A Comprehensive Guide to Avoiding Scams." The guide educates seniors on recognizing and protecting themselves from various scams including door-to-door, telephone, phishing, social media, romance, and cryptocurrency schemes, while providing actionable strategies for internet safety, password management, and scam reporting.
asic.gov.au
ASIC released a report examining anti-scam practices at 15 banks outside Australia's four major banks and found significant gaps in fraud prevention and victim support. The review identified inconsistent scam strategies, narrow liability approaches, poor customer service responses, and inadequate staff training, with customers bearing 96% of scam losses during 2022-2023. While overall scam losses decreased 13% to $2.74 billion in 2023, reported scams increased 18.5%, highlighting the need for coordinated industry and regulatory action to improve protections for vulnerable customers.
bluewin.ch
Swiss politician Cédric Wermuth, SP Co-President and Aargau National Councillor, became a victim of identity theft when scammers used his photos for romance scams on Facebook and other online platforms. The fraud was discovered when a bank manager alerted Wermuth that a customer attempted to transfer 100,000 francs to him; Wermuth found at least five fraudulent profiles using his identity details on Facebook alone. He filed a criminal complaint that has been forwarded to the public prosecutor's office.
rfa.org
A South Korean court sentenced the leader of an international scam operation to eight years in prison for luring nearly 60 South Korean victims with promises of high-paying jobs and forcing them into fraudulent crimes in Laos and Myanmar, resulting in losses exceeding 23 billion won ($17 million) between May and October of the previous year. The scam group imprisoned victims in offices within special economic zones, confiscated their passports, and coerced them into illegal activities including voice phishing, investment scams, and romance scams while withholding travel and living expenses. In response to the escalating threat, South Korea imposed a level 4 travel ban on the Lao Golden
wror.com
This educational article reports that New England states rank among the safest for online dating based on rates of romance scams, identity theft, fraud, sex offenders, and STDs, with Vermont ranking #1 nationally and Massachusetts at #17. The article also notes that all six New England states rank in the top 20 most expensive states for dating, with New York leading at $297.27 for an average date compared to the national average of $120.90.
thestar.com.my
Malaysian celebrities, including singer Siti Nurhaliza, cooking influencer Khairul Aming, and former shuttler Lee Chong Wei, have raised alarm about AI-generated deepfake content that misuses their images and voices to promote financial schemes and fraudulent products. The scammers particularly target elderly social media users, using replicated audio and video to deceive victims into purchasing items or investing in schemes. The celebrities and Malaysia's Communications Minister are urging the public to verify online content and calling for social media platforms to label AI-generated material and implement stricter accountability measures.
today.com
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wcpo.com
The article discusses how the average US household has 17 internet-connected devices, making tech support needs common and creating opportunities for scams when consumers search online for help. Legitimate tech support options include Best Buy's Geek Squad and subscription services like Asurion ($24.99/month) and HelloTech ($16.50/month), though consumers should verify company legitimacy through reviews, understand coverage and security protocols, and avoid sharing unnecessary personal information. The article emphasizes caution when searching for tech support online, as scammers often pose as customer service representatives to steal money or access devices.
presidentialprayerteam.org
Victor Ramirez was permanently banned from operating sweepstakes or making prize claims after the FTC settled charges that he defrauded consumers out of over $28 million globally through a scheme involving personalized letters falsely claiming recipients had won large cash prizes if they paid $20-30 fees. The settlement prevents Ramirez from engaging in any future sweepstakes or prize promotions and restricts his use of consumer information obtained through the fraudulent scheme.
wlos.com
This educational resource compiles key contacts and services for preventing and reporting elder fraud, including the National Elder Fraud Hotline (1-833-FRAUD-11), HELPS Non-Profit Law Firm (855-435-7787), AARP Fraud Watch Network (877-908-3360), and local Buncombe County resources. The guide emphasizes the importance of staying informed through watchdog alerts and utilizing community support services to protect elderly individuals from scams and fraud.
azag.gov
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued a warning about cryptocurrency scams targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly senior citizens, which exploit victims' unfamiliarity with digital currencies. Common scams include investment schemes promising high returns with zero risk, impersonation scams claiming account fraud or legal issues that can only be resolved via cryptocurrency transfer, and blackmail scams threatening to release compromising information unless paid in Bitcoin. The Attorney General advises Arizonans to verify caller information independently, remain skeptical of unsolicited requests, recognize that legitimate businesses never demand cryptocurrency payment, protect personal information, consult trusted family members before financial decisions, and report suspicious activity to law enforcement or the Arizona Attorney General's Office.
citizen.co.za
One in ten South Africans fell victim to fraud in Q2 2024, with phishing attacks accounting for 28% of incidents, often involving scammers creating fake social media profiles and cloned websites that fool 53% of consumers into providing personal and financial information. Financial losses ranged from approximately R1,833 to over R18,329, though emotional impacts were often more severe, with 22% of victims requiring months to recover. Consumers can protect themselves by using tools like WHOIS and Google's safe browsing function to verify website legitimacy, while businesses can combat cloning by blocking fraudulent sites and filing takedown requests with hosting providers.
info.gov.hk
From January to June 2024, Hong Kong Police recorded 19,897 scam cases resulting in $4.48 billion in losses, a 66.5% increase from the prior year, with "Impersonating Customer Service" scams being particularly prevalent and causing $379 million in losses. Mainland students in Hong Kong face heightened vulnerability to "Pretend Officials" scams, especially during September and October, with 481 cases reported in the first half of 2024. Police, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and the banking sector launched an "Anti-Scam Month" campaign featuring educational initiatives, including a "Survival Guide" for Mainland students an
wrrv.com
This educational article identifies area codes commonly associated with phone scams targeting New York State residents, noting that approximately 60 million Americans reported phone scams in 2021. The article explains that scammers often use VoIP technology and call spoofing to disguise their true location and identity, and provides a list of nine international area codes (primarily from Caribbean and African nations) and nine U.S. area codes to avoid answering. The article recommends screening unknown calls and performing quick Google searches on unfamiliar numbers to verify legitimacy.
cpr.org
Real estate scammers are fraudulently selling properties they do not own, targeting owners with out-of-state addresses and free-and-clear titles. Sasha Henderson of Parker nearly fell victim to such a scam when she and her husband attempted to purchase 10 acres in Elbert County, but the title company detected suspicious emails and contacted the actual owner out of state, preventing the fraudulent sale from closing. Real estate professionals advise that buyers should always obtain title insurance regardless of whether they are paying cash, and should be cautious of remote transactions, as title companies are better equipped to identify fraud than third-party monitoring services.
cbsaustin.com
The Leander Police Department warned residents of a phone scam in which callers impersonated police officers and requested banking information over the phone. The department emphasized that it never solicits financial details by phone and advised residents to verify caller identity by hanging up and calling official numbers directly, remain skeptical of urgent demands, and avoid trusting caller ID due to spoofing tactics.
newschannel5.com
The Tennessee Attorney General warned consumers about two imposter scams: a jury duty scam where fraudsters pose as court officials threatening fines or arrest for missed jury duty, and a customs/border patrol scam claiming illegal items were shipped in the victim's name. The Federal Trade Commission advised consumers never to wire money or provide personal/financial information to callers claiming to be government officials, and to distrust caller ID and unsolicited links or messages.
sunlive.co.nz
Scammers have been impersonating police officers in phone calls to landline users, claiming victims are fraud victims and instructing them to withdraw cash to be picked up using a code word. Older community members are being specifically targeted; since June, police have made arrests in Auckland and Wellington, with one 26-year-old UK national convicted of defrauding 21 Auckland victims of over $330,000 across 27 fraud charges. Police warn that legitimate officers never request money, banking details, or PINs over the phone, and advise victims to hang up and verify caller details by calling 105.
levittownnow.com
This educational alert from Bucks County Department of Consumer Protection outlines evolving scam tactics targeting seniors, including sweepstakes scams, check fraud, and voice deepfake manipulation schemes where fraudsters use prolonged phone calls to generate fake voice recordings for unauthorized account access. The advisory recommends protecting yourself by not answering unknown numbers, avoiding contest entries, mailing checks only from post offices, using credit cards for payments instead, monitoring accounts for suspicious activity, and immediately reporting fraud to financial institutions.
theadvocate.com.au
In the 2023/24 financial year, Tasmania Police recorded 163 victims of investment scams, with combined losses totaling $7.92 million and an average loss of $48,500 per victim. Older people are particularly targeted through unsolicited phone calls, text messages, and emails offering high-return, low-risk investments, with scammers using fake websites and persistent pressure to extract funds, often followed by recovery scams. Police advise verifying caller identity independently, conducting due diligence on companies, and consulting friends and family before investing, warning that victims are unlikely to recover lost funds.
etnownews.com
Scammers exploit UPI's AutoPay feature by sending fraudulent collect money or autopay requests to users whose UPI IDs they obtain, tricking victims into approving payments for services like Netflix subscriptions that they don't actually use. Since UPI IDs are derived from phone numbers that are widely shared, fraudsters can easily generate fake IDs and send deceptive requests that appear legitimate, causing unsuspecting users to transfer money directly to criminals. Users are advised to carefully verify all payment requests and distinguish between genuine transactions and fraudulent ones before approval.
nbclosangeles.com
"Pig butchering" scams involve fraudsters building trust with victims over weeks or months through dating apps and social media before convincing them to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. In 2023, investment scams resulted in $4.57 billion in losses, with $3.96 billion tied to fake crypto investments, representing a 38% increase from the previous year. One victim lost $152,000 after being courted on a dating app, and while law enforcement has identified funds traced to exchanges in Southeast Asia, recovery remains difficult due to multi-jurisdictional complications and the use of cryptocurrency.
the-review.com
QR codes are increasingly being exploited by scammers to direct victims to phishing websites, fraudulent payment portals, malware downloads, and fake cryptocurrency wallets. Common schemes include placing fraudulent QR codes on parking meters to steal payment information, conducting romance scams that culminate in cryptocurrency investment requests, impersonating utility companies and government agencies to collect fraudulent payments, and sending malicious codes via email or mail. Consumers should verify QR codes before scanning, avoid codes from unsolicited sources, and confirm suspicious requests directly with the legitimate organization or person claiming to contact them.
concordmonitor.com
New Hampshire's Consumer Protection hotline, staffed entirely by unpaid volunteers since 1992, helps residents report fraud and resolve consumer disputes. The article highlights four long-serving volunteers who field calls about scams, faulty purchases, and business problems, noting that crypto scams have become increasingly prevalent—with victims often transferring tens of thousands of dollars after being deceived by impersonators claiming to be from the IRS, PayPal, or Microsoft.
foreignaffairs.co.nz
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nkytribune.com
The Better Business Bureau highlights ten common scams affecting consumers, including auction fraud (wire transfer schemes), fake social media ads using legitimate company logos, employment scams requesting upfront payments or personal information, Facebook Marketplace deals that seem too good to be true, high-pressure debt collection calls, romance scams targeting vulnerable individuals, fraudulent charity donation requests, Amazon account hack phishing attempts, QR code scams leading to malware, and puppy sales scams on Facebook groups. BBB advises consumers to verify companies and charities directly, avoid sharing personal or financial information online or over the phone, use secure payment methods, and research sellers and breeders before conducting transactions.
ksat.com
This article provides consumer protection advice for college students shopping online before the school year begins. The Federal Trade Commission recommends using credit cards for purchases (which offer fraud protection), researching vendors before buying, and keeping records of transactions to avoid scams; students should be wary of sellers requesting payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, and should report any scams to the FTC.
newslj.com
This article provides multiple scam alerts and protective measures: residents received fraudulent PayPal invoices via email impersonation, unrealistic job offers via text promising $1,000+ daily pay for minimal work, and a fake donation request to a nonprofit seeking wire transfer details for a $7,000 "donation." A massive data breach exposed 2.7 billion individuals' Social Security numbers and personal information, with experts recommending credit freezes with major bureaus, strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and vigilance against phishing exploitation of the breach.
theguardian.com
Since 2018, tarot practitioner Rebecca Scolnick has been impersonated over 50 times on Instagram, with scammers creating nearly identical accounts and charging her followers for fraudulent readings. The impersonation problem is widespread among tarot practitioners, exacerbated by tech platforms' institutional disregard—including payment processors banning spiritual services and Instagram's refusal to verify tarot readers—which forces practitioners to use less secure payment methods like Venmo and CashApp that scammers prefer. To address these issues, tarot reader Danielle Baskin created Moonlight, a tarot-specific online marketplace launched in 2023 that verifies practitioners
wsfa.com
Montgomery, Alabama leaders held a free educational workshop for senior citizens to address the growing fraud problem affecting older adults, with 200 fraud cases filed in Alabama that year. Guest speakers including Montgomery County Probate Judge JC Love and other leaders discussed common scams and protective programs like the React Program, which alerts seniors to fraudulent activity related to their property. The workshop highlighted that seniors are particularly vulnerable to fraud due to technology gaps, isolation, and misplaced trust, and provided resources including the Alabama Department of Senior Services and AARP's scam-tracking map.
forbes.com
Elder fraud caused over $3.4 billion in losses in 2023, representing an 11% increase from the previous year, with scammers increasingly employing long-term relationship-building tactics rather than quick-payoff schemes to target seniors aged 60 and older. The article also covers related financial crimes including IRS enforcement of Employee Retention Credit abuse, a Florida man's guilty plea for evading $2.4 million in taxes through trust misdirection, and recommendations to improve IRS services for international taxpayers regarding unreported foreign gifts.
mocoshow.com
Montgomery County authorities charged five suspects in a gold bar scam that defrauded residents of nearly $3 million since January 2023, with investigators estimating close to 20 victims who lost their life savings. In this scam, fraudsters impersonate federal government officials or cybersecurity experts to pressure victims into converting money to gold, which is then stolen. Authorities advise residents not to answer unknown calls or click pop-up ads, to slow down and verify requests, and to remember that the federal government never requests large withdrawals or unusual transactions like gold or gift card purchases.
whmi.com
Livingston County Catholic Charities is hosting educational workshops for seniors and veterans, including a Scam Education and Awareness Workshop on August 21st in Hartland that will teach attendees about current scams, prevention strategies, and steps to take if victimized. Additional events scheduled for September include a workshop on combating loneliness and isolation for seniors and veterans on September 11th, and a charity softball game on September 14th.
mirror.co.uk
This educational article by consumer rights expert Martyn James outlines the growing landscape of fraud in 2024, explaining why scammers are increasingly successful through digital innovation, mass messaging, and sophisticated social engineering tactics. The article cites that 252,626 people lost nearly £341 million to "push payment" fraud in the UK, with some victims losing life savings exceeding £100,000, though £1.2 billion in fraud was prevented last year. James provides practical advice for fraud victims, including immediately contacting their bank via the official number or the 159 stop scams line, and emphasizes the importance of identifying the type of fraud to determine the appropriate response.