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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
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NBC10 Boston
· 2025-01-09
Hundreds of Massachusetts residents received fraudulent text messages impersonating E-ZPass (Easy Drive MA), requesting payment for tolls, in what authorities are investigating as a "smishing" scam with FBI involvement. One victim clicked the malicious link and was directed to a fake payment page; the scam messages originated from a Philippines phone number and contained spelling errors that revealed their fraudulent nature. Cybersecurity experts advise users not to click links in unsolicited text messages and to verify directly with official sources before providing payment information.
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WXYZ-TV Detroit | Channel 7
· 2025-01-08
Jury duty phone scams are increasing across Oakland County, Michigan, with scammers impersonating law enforcement and claiming victims owe money for missed jury duty to frighten them into paying. A Birmingham resident nearly fell for the scam after receiving a realistic voicemail from a local number with prompts mimicking the sheriff's department, though the Oakland County Sheriff's Department warns the public to recognize these calls as fraudulent schemes.
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WGN News
· 2025-01-07
The Better Business Bureau released its top 10 local scams of 2024, with online purchases through fake websites ranking as the #1 threat, followed by phishing scams, employment scams, debt collection scams, and social media shopping scams involving counterfeit products. Consumers are advised to verify companies through the BBB before providing personal or financial information, avoid clicking suspicious links in emails or social media ads, be wary of unsolicited urgent requests, and recognize that legitimate debt collectors must notify in writing before taking action.
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ET Now
· 2025-01-06
Digital arrest scams are rapidly proliferating in India, with victims including influencer Ankush Bahuguna (held virtually for 40 hours), a 50-year-old businesswoman (lost 1.6 crore rupees), and a 65-year-old woman (lost 46 lakh rupees). In 2024 alone, Indians lost approximately 120 crore rupees across multiple states, with Karnataka reporting 109 crore rupees in losses from 641 cases. The scam operates through video calls where criminals impersonate authorities and coerce victims into believing they are under digital arrest, demanding payment to resolve fabricated legal issues.
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FOX Carolina News
· 2025-01-06
Laurens County Sheriff's deputies are warning residents of resurgent phone scams in which callers impersonate law enforcement or court officials, claiming victims have missed jury duty or have outstanding warrants and using spoofed caller IDs and real deputy names to appear legitimate. Deputies advise residents to hang up immediately without providing personal or banking information, as the sheriff's office does not conduct business this way.
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25 News KXXV
· 2025-01-06
Woodway Public Safety Department is warning residents about a rising number of scams in the community, including imposter scams where callers pose as bank representatives to steal personal information and money, bank jugging (where criminals rob people leaving banks), and Facebook Marketplace fraud involving fake items. The department notes that scam frequency is increasing, particularly during the holiday season, with AI technology making imposter scams more sophisticated and harder to detect.
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IRSvideos
· 2025-01-06
This is an educational webinar presented by the IRS and FTC during National Tax Security Awareness Week that covers common identity theft and tax-related scams, methods for identifying and reporting fraud, the IRS Identity Protection PIN program, and resources for protecting against identity thieves. The 75-minute presentation includes technical guidance for participants and a live Q&A session to address audience questions about fraud prevention and recovery.
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PBS NewsHour
· 2025-01-04
Pig-butchering investment scams have cost victims worldwide an estimated $75 billion over the past four years, with Americans alone losing $4.6 billion in 2023, through fake romantic relationships that manipulate targets into investing in cryptocurrency on fraudulent platforms. The scams typically begin with a wrong-number text leading to conversation with a fake attractive persona who builds trust over 90 days before pressuring victims to invest increasingly large sums until they lose their life savings. Beyond the financial victims, the scammers themselves are often human trafficking victims forced by Asian organized crime syndicates (primarily Chinese, but including Yakuza and Korean groups) operating from compound cities built specifically to run these
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FOX 17 WXMI
· 2025-01-03
The Better Business Bureau identified online purchase scams as the top scam type in 2024, where victims visit fraudulent websites that either fail to deliver purchased items or steal their information, with individual losses typically ranging from $20-$50 but affecting hundreds of people across the state. Phishing scams, which doubled in West Michigan last year, are also increasingly prevalent, with scammers sending deceptive text messages claiming packages are late or toll fees are owed to trick victims into providing payment or personal information.
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ABC11
· 2025-01-01
**Summary:**
Experts warn that scammers are increasingly using generative AI in 2025 to create more realistic fraudulent websites, deepfake videos and audio, and fake social media content, making scams harder to detect. According to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance, consumers lost over $1 trillion to scams in 2024, and the FBI has issued alerts about criminals exploiting AI to commit fraud at larger scales and increase the believability of their schemes. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant in protecting their money and personal information as scam tactics continue to evolve.
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wgaltv
· 2024-12-30
Sweepstakes and lottery scams rank as the #5 most common fraud scheme of 2024, claiming hundreds of thousands of victims annually through letters, phone calls, and emails that falsely claim they've won a prize. Scammers use tactics including fake checks (which bounce after victims deposit them), requests for gift card payments for taxes and fees, or demands for cryptocurrency, but victims can avoid this scam by remembering they cannot win a lottery they never entered.
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KPRC 2 Click2Houston
· 2024-12-30
The Better Business Bureau warns homeowners in disaster-affected areas to be cautious of home repair scammers who exploit vulnerable property owners seeking contractor services. Residents are advised to research contractors thoroughly through online reviews and the BBB website (bbb.org), verify BBB accreditation to ensure the business is required to respond to complaints, and confirm proper licensing and insurance before hiring.
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ABC11
· 2024-12-28
Federal authorities warn that AI-powered impostor scams are on the rise, with criminals using artificial intelligence to replicate the voices of loved ones claiming to be in emergencies (such as drunk driving accidents requiring bail) to pressure victims into sending money. The scams, also known as "grandparent scams" or "kidnapping scams," require only seconds of audio from social media to generate convincing fake conversations that sound nearly identical to real family members. Experts caution that victims should independently verify emergencies by contacting family members directly rather than responding to urgent calls requesting immediate payment.
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KVUE
· 2024-12-27
The FBI is warning of an emerging AI-powered "kidnapping scam" where criminals use artificial intelligence to mimic the voices of loved ones—typically claiming they've been in an accident or arrested—to pressure victims into sending money for bail or emergency assistance. A victim named Anthony received a call from what sounded exactly like his son claiming he needed bail money for a drunk driving accident, with a follow-up call from a fake attorney to arrange payment. Law enforcement notes that criminals only need a few seconds of audio from social media to clone someone's voice and create convincing fake conversations, making these scams increasingly difficult to detect.
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Hawaii News Now
· 2024-12-26
Honolulu police warn that romance scams are increasingly targeting elderly seniors, particularly during the holiday season when isolation increases vulnerability. Scammers create fake dating or social media profiles to build emotional connections with seniors, eventually claiming to be in love while requesting money. The scheme became especially prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic when seniors were homebound and lonely.
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CNN-News18
· 2024-12-26
Cyber crimes in India surged dramatically in 2024, with the tech-driven region of Hyderabad experiencing a 64% rise in overall crime and an 882% increase in digital arrest scams, reaching losses of 80 crores compared to 6.2 crores the previous year. Cyber fraud cases accounted for 11,900 incidents (23% of all crimes in the region), with citizens losing over 700 crores to fraudsters through job scams, trading frauds, and SMS phishing schemes. The segment emphasizes the importance of avoiding calls from unidentified numbers and highlights ongoing efforts to combat the escalating digital crime problem across the nation.
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FOX 32 Chicago
· 2024-12-24
Police departments nationwide are warning consumers about "brushing scams," in which recipients receive unsolicited packages containing small items and QR codes. Scammers use these QR codes to phish for personal information such as bank account details, credit card numbers, and login credentials. Authorities advise recipients not to scan unknown QR codes and to discard suspicious packages rather than investigate them.
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WHNT News 19
· 2024-12-23
This educational segment from News 19 highlights increased scam risks during the holiday season when people shop online and donate to charities. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to verify website URLs carefully (scammers often alter one or two letters), use credit cards instead of debit cards for added protection, and research charities before donating to ensure legitimacy and proper fund disclosure. The BBB offers a free Scam Tracker tool with customized survival kits to help victims of identity theft and account compromise take appropriate next steps.
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CBS Mornings
· 2024-12-23
**Summary:**
The Federal Trade Commission warns consumers that scammers can steal gift card numbers and PINs before purchase, with gift cards being the most requested holiday item at 53% of shoppers' wish lists. Shoppers should inspect gift cards for signs of tampering such as removed protective stickers or scratched barcodes, and alert store managers if found, as scammers may tamper with cards in batches and drain funds loaded onto them.
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Scripps News
· 2024-12-22
In 2024, scammers are targeting all demographics with increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes, as reported losses reached $10 billion—the highest annual total on record. The most common scams include impostor schemes, online shopping fraud, fake job opportunities, and investment scams, with 80% of investment scam victims losing money. The piece highlights how scammers exploit personal information and worst fears, noting that artificial intelligence is making these schemes even more difficult to detect and avoid.
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FOX 2 St. Louis
· 2024-12-20
Local police departments in Bridgeton and Kirkwood issued warnings about an evolving "brushing scam" that combines unsolicited package shipments with QR codes included in the packaging. In brushing scams, online sellers ship random products to real addresses and post fake positive reviews to boost sales, but this new variation includes QR codes that, when scanned, may direct recipients to malicious websites designed to steal personal and financial information. Authorities advise consumers to avoid scanning QR codes on unsolicited packages, monitor credit annually, and exercise caution with any unexpected shipments requesting online engagement.
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FOX4 News Kansas City
· 2024-12-20
During open enrollment season, scammers are targeting people with unsolicited robocalls and text messages offering free incentives like groceries or housing to enroll in health insurance, then requesting personal and financial information to "confirm eligibility." KC Care warns consumers to avoid these scams by only initiating enrollment themselves and working with licensed, trained insurance navigators rather than responding to unsolicited contacts, with free navigator services available through official channels like GetCovered.org (Kansas) and ShowMeCoverage.org (Missouri).
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WBAL-TV 11 Baltimore
· 2024-12-19
Delivery scams are the most prevalent business impersonation fraud, with over 330,000 cases reported nationwide last year, half involving shipping. Scammers send fraudulent emails and texts impersonating delivery companies like USPS, FedEx, or DHL, claiming package delivery problems and requesting payment or personal information, with tactics becoming more convincing due to AI. To protect yourself, verify communications by visiting carrier websites directly rather than clicking links, watch for urgent language and suspicious email addresses, and if compromised, reset login credentials and place a fraud alert on your credit report.
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FOX 2 St. Louis
· 2024-12-19
Scammers target gift cards by tampering with them in stores using handheld scanners to capture card information, then checking balances and either creating counterfeit cards or using the information for unauthorized purchases. Consumers can protect themselves by inspecting packaging for signs of tampering (stickers on barcodes, opened packaging, scratched security codes), purchasing cards with minimal identifying information, buying directly from official retailer websites, and avoiding discounted gift card offers on social media that may direct them to fraudulent sites.
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13 ON YOUR SIDE
· 2024-12-18
Law enforcement agencies are warning the public about "brushing" scams, where victims receive unexpected packages with QR codes prompting them to scan and discover the sender's identity. While authorities warn that scanning these codes can lead to drained bank accounts, cybersecurity experts clarify that the scams typically involve sellers shipping cheap items to random addresses to post fake positive reviews, with QR codes more commonly directing users to phishing websites that steal personal information rather than directly accessing phone data. Authorities recommend recipients of unsolicited packages verify their existing accounts and change passwords as a precaution.
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KHON2 News
· 2024-12-18
The Better Business Bureau identified 12 common holiday scams, with misleading social media ads and imposter websites being the most prevalent. The list includes phishing emails, fake charities, puppy scams, unsafe holiday apps, and counterfeit product sales. To protect themselves, consumers should avoid interacting with unsolicited messages, only shop from trusted businesses, verify website authenticity, report scams to the BBB and financial institutions, and contact local law enforcement if money is lost.
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FOX 5 New York
· 2024-12-13
Amazon Prime customers are being targeted by increasingly sophisticated lookalike scams during the holiday season, with scammers impersonating Amazon through text messages and emails that are difficult to distinguish from legitimate communications. Over 1,000 Amazon scam sites were registered in just two months, and cybersecurity experts report that one in five adults are clicking on these fraudulent messages. Consumers are advised to be cautious of unsolicited Amazon communications and delete suspicious messages immediately.
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Inside Edition
· 2024-12-11
A Miami doctor's photos were stolen and used in a "pig butchering" romance scam to fraudulently lure wealthy single men on dating sites, resulting in victims losing hundreds of thousands of dollars. The doctor discovered the identity theft when strangers began sending flowers to her workplace and showing up in person, prompting her to publicly warn others on social media about the sophisticated scheme.
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WFAA
· 2024-12-08
Plano Police warned residents about an impersonation scam in which scammers spoofed the police department's phone number and claimed to be Sergeant James Babb, requesting Bitcoin or gift cards from callers. At least one victim lost $10,000 to the scheme. Police emphasized that legitimate officers never solicit money by phone and advised residents to hang up and call the department directly to verify any suspicious calls.
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Good Morning Britain
· 2024-12-02
Television personality Linda Robson nearly fell victim to the "Hi Mum" scam when a fraudster impersonating her daughter Bobby contacted her via WhatsApp, claiming to have dropped her phone and requesting £150 for bills. Robson became suspicious when the scammer couldn't answer her call and provided incorrect information about her dog's name, ultimately avoiding financial loss. The incident highlights that approximately 40% of British adults have been targeted by scams in the past year, prompting Robson to work with BT and charity AB Ability Net to raise awareness about this common fraud tactic.
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Inside Edition
· 2024-12-01
Virgin Media2, a London-based company, deployed an AI-generated answering machine named "Daisy" that mimics an elderly woman to waste scammers' time and gather information about their tactics. Since launch approximately one month prior, Daisy has intercepted about 1,000 robocalls, with the longest call lasting 40 minutes, and is designed to keep potential fraudsters on the line as long as possible to discourage future scam attempts.
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CityNews
· 2024-11-28
Edmonton Police reported four e-transfer scam incidents in November resulting in over $6,700 in losses, primarily targeting buyers on online marketplaces like Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace. From January to August, the police received more than 600 e-transfer scam reports totaling $10.8 million, with scammers using increasingly sophisticated fake websites and pop-ups to trick victims into sending payments.
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FOX31 Denver
· 2024-11-27
A Denver man lost thousands of dollars after scammers gained access to his Venmo account by using a phishing email to change his password, exploiting his recent grief over his father's death. The hackers transferred funds from his linked checking account before he regained access, and while PayPal later confirmed the breach and pledged to make things right, the incident highlights vulnerabilities across cash transfer apps including Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App. Experts recommend users enable two-factor authentication, transfer money to bank accounts promptly, change passwords regularly, and remain vigilant against common scams like "paid by mistake" schemes and pyramid schemes on these platforms.
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Atlanta News First
· 2024-11-27
This educational piece advises consumers on avoiding online shopping scams during the holiday season, particularly on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Key recommendations include using credit cards rather than debit cards or payment apps (Venmo, Zelle, PayPal linked to bank accounts) for online purchases, as debit transactions offer no fraud protection if merchandise is not received. The article warns of red flags such as steep discounts, unfamiliar retailers, social media influencer sales, and fraudulent ads offering fake beauty products and counterfeit gifts.
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News 4 Tucson KVOA-TV
· 2024-11-23
The Pima County Sheriff's Department warns of a "family emergency scam" targeting residents, in which scammers call claiming a family member has been kidnapped or injured and demands money be sent immediately without contacting authorities. Scammers use AI technology to synthesize victims' family members' voices by harvesting audio from social media platforms, and often call at odd hours to catch victims off-guard. Authorities recommend verifying callers by independently contacting family members directly from your phone rather than using the number provided by the caller.
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First Alert 6
· 2024-11-21
This educational segment highlights that older adults face increased financial scam risks during the holiday season because they typically have savings, home equity, and good credit—making them attractive targets—while also experiencing social isolation and loneliness that scammers exploit. Three common holiday scams targeting seniors include charity fraud, where scammers impersonate legitimate organizations soliciting donations via calls, emails, or texts.
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FOX43 News
· 2024-11-21
Fox 43's consumer awareness segment examines how much personal information is publicly available online and discusses whether consumers should pay companies to reduce their digital footprint. Cybersecurity experts advise monitoring your own online presence by searching your name and using tools like ChatGPT to identify what information exists about you, noting that significant personal data is sold behind the scenes and impacts daily life.
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moneycontrol
· 2024-11-16
**Cybercrime Risk During Diwali Shopping Season**
India's National Crime Record Bureau reported over 1.1 million cyber fraud cases last year, with incidents rising significantly during high-spending periods like Diwali, particularly targeting elderly individuals. Common scams include customer support fraud (using screen-sharing apps to hijack mobile devices), virtual arrest scams (impersonating law enforcement to extort payments), and Aadhaar-enabled payment system fraud. To protect oneself, stay vigilant during shopping seasons, verify legitimacy of support contacts independently, avoid sharing remote access to devices, and be skeptical of unsolicited law enforcement threats.
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WREG News Channel 3
· 2024-11-13
Three Nigerian men in their 40s were sentenced to federal prison for orchestrating romance and investment scams that targeted victims across America from 2017 to 2021, including a Western Tennessee resident who lost $400,000. The perpetrators used fake identities on social media and dating sites, posing as romantic partners and repeatedly requesting emergency financial assistance from victims. Law enforcement urges scam victims to report incidents to police, as victims of romance scams often face additional risks including identity theft when they unknowingly share personal information with fraudsters.
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Hawaii News Now
· 2024-11-13
State officials warned of a real estate scam in which fraudsters sent letters impersonating government entities to individuals and businesses, using false information to solicit investments in non-existent properties. The scammers also impersonated actor Jason Momoa to obtain funds, prompting the actor to publicly deny any association with the schemes. The state's consumer protection agency urged the public to report suspected scams by calling 808-587-4272.
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CTV News
· 2024-11-12
A Brampton woman lost $230,000 in a Facebook romance scam after being contacted by a man who built a relationship with her over a year, eventually convincing her to send money by claiming he needed funds while working in Texas and expecting a large payment. Romance scams cost Canadians over $52 million in losses last year, with scammers using social media platforms to establish trust before requesting money from victims.
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4 News Now
· 2024-11-10
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) warned the public about a phone scam in which fraudsters impersonate CBP and Border Patrol agents to solicit personal information from victims nationwide. The CBP advises that legitimate federal agencies do not request money or personal information over the phone, and recipients should hang up on any such calls.
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FOX 2 St. Louis
· 2024-11-07
**Summary:**
Scammers target veterans by impersonating government representatives and fraudulently offering loan forgiveness, mortgage aid, or grants in exchange for upfront processing fees. Veterans and their spouses experience higher median losses to scams than average consumers, particularly through employment scams that exploit frequent military relocations. The BBB advises veterans to never pay upfront for loans or grants, never share personal information with unsolicited callers, and remember that the government communicates via mail only—never by phone, email, or social media.
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WIRED
· 2024-11-05
This WIRED article features "Scammer Payback," a YouTube scam-baiting channel, answering audience questions about common fraud tactics and red flags. The content identifies three major warning signs of scams: scammers pressuring victims to make quick decisions (especially involving gift cards or Cash App transfers), requests for remote access to computers or phones, and demands for untraceable payment methods like Bitcoin or wire transfers. The educational piece emphasizes that time pressure is a deliberate tactic scammers use to prevent victims from consulting family members or others who might intervene.
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FTCvideos
· 2024-11-04
Tech support scammer pop-ups are impostor scams designed to trick victims into calling fake support numbers. Scammers use these deceptive alerts to gain remote access to devices and steal personal information and money from victims. The FTC advises consumers to recognize these pop-ups as fraudulent and avoid calling any numbers displayed on suspicious alerts.
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WWLTV
· 2024-11-03
Lafourche Parish authorities reported a record number of cryptocurrency ATM scams, with over 160 residents defrauded of nearly $1.6 million in a single year. Scammers impersonated law enforcement officers, falsely claiming victims had active fines or warrants, then pressured them to withdraw cash and deposit it into cryptocurrency ATMs. Sheriff Craig Weber emphasized that legitimate government agencies never accept cryptocurrency as payment and urged residents to report suspected scams to his office.
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NBC10 Boston
· 2024-11-01
During Medicare open enrollment season, scammers impersonate Medicare representatives and insurance agents to trick people into revealing personal information such as Social Security numbers, banking details, and Medicare ID numbers through unsolicited calls, texts, and phishing emails. The BBB has received frequent reports of these fraudulent schemes, which target millions of people seeking insurance plans and can result in identity theft or sale of personal data on the black market. Consumers should verify contacts by hanging up and calling official numbers directly, be wary of anyone offering limited-time enrollment offers, and avoid sharing personal information with unsolicited callers.
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FOX31 Denver
· 2024-10-31
Halloween spending reached a record $12.2 billion last year, but experts warn consumers to beware of scams including fake sweepstakes texts and deceptive giveaways that trick people into sharing personal information. When purchasing costumes, consumers should buy from reputable retailers that verify products meet safety standards and are non-flammable, and should check tags for material listings to avoid allergen exposure, particularly latex allergies.
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Arizona’s Family (3TV / CBS 5)
· 2024-10-30
Impostor scams are intensifying as the holiday season approaches, with scammers posing as trusted entities like banks to steal money through deceptive tactics. A common scheme involves fraudsters calling or texting victims claiming fraudulent card activity, then convincing them to hand over debit cards to supposed bank representatives or mail cards to fraudulent addresses. Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to enhance their deception tactics, making these scams more sophisticated and harder to detect.
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NBC10 Boston
· 2024-10-22
More than half of Americans have been targeted by election-related scams ahead of the 2024 election, with young voters experiencing the highest rates of fraud involving fake polls, donation scams, and disinformation. Common scams include political donation fraud where money does not reach intended campaigns, and election survey scams where fraudsters pose as legitimate news organizations to collect personal information and voting preferences. To protect yourself, verify the legitimacy of donation requests and survey contacts before providing personal information or financial contributions.