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in Scam Awareness
washingtonjewishweek.com
· 2025-12-31
While seniors are increasingly active online—with 41% spending five or more hours daily on shopping, banking, and social media—they face growing risks from scams, malware, and data breaches. The article recommends practical safety steps including using strong, unique passwords with a password manager and keeping security software up to date to help protect older adults from digital threats. Caregivers play an important role in supporting seniors' digital safety, as even though 61% of seniors can address digital issues independently, increased online engagement brings new security responsibilities.
aol.com
· 2025-12-31
In 2026, the AARP warns of five major scams targeting consumers: employment, recovery, digital arrest, "Hello pervert," and romance scams. Seniors aged 60 and older have been hit particularly hard, with reported losses from impostor scams more than quadrupling since 2020, reaching $445 million in losses of $100,000 or more in 2024. To protect yourself, avoid unsolicited job offers and messages, thoroughly research companies before applying, never pay upfront fees for employment, and be skeptical of unexpected contact from official-sounding sources.
mississippivalleypublishing.com
· 2025-12-31
# Scam Alert Summary
During the holidays, scammers are targeting Iowans with fake inheritance letters claiming they've won money from distant relatives and need to contact a Canadian law firm to claim it. The scam works by asking victims to pay upfront fees and requesting personal information like bank account numbers and Social Security numbers, which can lead to identity theft. To protect yourself and loved ones, delete suspicious emails or letters promising unexpected money, never share personal financial information with strangers, and remember that legitimate law firms never ask for payment upfront to access inheritance money.
pcmag.com
· 2025-12-31
Cybersecurity experts warn that AI-powered scams and deepfakes will pose major threats in 2026, as criminals increasingly use generative AI to automate fraud, create convincing fake videos and voices of loved ones, and craft highly personalized phishing emails targeting everyday people—not just high-profile executives. The scams work by harvesting personal data and photos from social media to impersonate colleagues or family members, then deceiving victims into sending money, revealing sensitive information, or clicking malicious links. To stay safe, people should be skeptical of unexpected requests for money or sensitive information, verify requests through independent contact methods, and be aware that convincing video or audio of someone they know might actually be a deepfake.
jonesbororightnow.com
· 2025-12-31
Arvest Bank is warning customers about a rising scam where fraudsters impersonate banks and use unsolicited video calls to trick people into sharing their screens and revealing passwords or banking information. The scammers typically claim there's suspicious activity or a technical problem requiring immediate attention, then use screen-sharing access to steal money or account details. To protect yourself, never share your screen with callers claiming to be from your bank, watch for red flags, and always contact your financial institution directly through their official phone number if you have concerns—legitimate banks will never request video calls or screen-sharing.
townhall.com
· 2025-12-31
A 79-year-old Florida man was sentenced to pay over $1 million in restitution for running a fake tech support scam that defrauded more than 300 elderly victims out of approximately $3.5 million. The scheme operated through two fraudulent companies that posed as computer support services, convincing vulnerable seniors their computers were infected or hacked and pressuring them to pay up to $150,000 for fake repairs before wiring the money to international co-conspirators. Authorities urge residents, especially seniors, to be cautious of unsolicited tech support calls or pop-ups claiming computer problems, and to verify support requests through official channels before providing payment or access to their devices.
atg.wa.gov
· 2025-12-31
Washington Attorney General Nick Brown issued a statement responding to harassment and unsubstantiated fraud accusations targeting Somali-run home daycare providers in the state. The AG warned that confronting providers at their homes, making threats, filming minors, and spreading unverified claims online are unsafe and potentially illegal, and encouraged anyone experiencing such harassment to report it to local law enforcement or the state's Hate Crimes hotline. If someone suspects actual fraud, Brown advised using proper channels such as contacting the Department of Children, Youth, and Families rather than taking vigilante action.
theranch100.com
· 2025-12-31
# Romance Scam Summary
A 58-year-old Bluewater resident lost $60,000 to a romance scammer who posed as someone with financial troubles on a dating app and convinced the victim to send money through e-transfers and Bitcoin ATM deposits over three months. Police in Huron County reported 11 significant fraud cases between August and December, with most involving cryptocurrency and stock investment scams, highlighting a growing problem in the area. To protect yourself, be cautious of anyone on dating apps asking for financial help, never send money to people you haven't met in person, and avoid cryptocurrency or investment opportunities presented by online strangers.
gazettextra.com
· 2025-12-31
Online scams continue to plague internet users, with celebrity impersonation and "pig butchering" schemes among the latest threats. Scammers create fake celebrity profiles on social media to build trust with victims before requesting money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency—funds that are nearly impossible to recover once sent. To protect yourself, remember that legitimate companies never ask for payment via gift cards or crypto, and be cautious of unsolicited messages from celebrities or investment opportunities online.
english.radio.cz
· 2025-12-31
Czech police are warning of an increasing scam targeting elderly citizens, in which fraudsters lure people abroad with promises of inheritances or romantic relationships, then plant drugs in their luggage without their knowledge—resulting in at least two Czechs being jailed abroad in the past year. The scams are orchestrated by West African criminal groups who contact victims via email or messaging apps using fake identities purchased on the dark web, often covering travel expenses to make the offer seem legitimate. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited offers of money or relationships requiring overseas travel, verify any inheritance claims directly with official institutions, and inform family members of your travel plans.
lakeshoreadvance.com
· 2025-12-31
A 58-year-old Bluewater resident lost over $60,000 to a romance scam after someone on a dating app convinced them to send money via e-transfers and Bitcoin over three months, part of a larger wave of fraud affecting Huron County. Police reported 11 significant fraud cases in the region from August to December 2025, with victims nationwide losing over $544 million to scams in the first nine months of 2025 alone. If you suspect you've been scammed, contact local police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or antifraudcentre.ca—reporting is important even if no money was lost.
kstp.com
· 2025-12-31
Starting January 1, 2026, Minnesota's new law enables courts to quickly intervene and protect vulnerable adults—including seniors and people with disabilities who depend on others for care—from financial exploitation and scams. Instead of waiting weeks or months for emergency conservatorship, victims or trusted contacts can now file a court petition to immediately separate alleged perpetrators from victims and secure or reverse fraudulent transactions, while still allowing victims access to funds for essential living expenses. If you suspect a vulnerable adult is being financially exploited, you can now seek rapid legal protection through the courts rather than waiting for slower traditional remedies.
wral.com
· 2025-12-30
Older Americans lost $2.4 billion to scams in 2024—quadrupling losses since 2020—with investment scams, romance scams, impersonation schemes, and tech support scams being the most costly. To protect yourself, watch for red flags like demands for immediate payment, threats of arrest, requests for money transfers, or promises of prizes in exchange for fees. The FTC encourages everyone to report suspected scams even if no money was lost, as these reports help authorities identify patterns and shut down fraudulent operations before more people are victimized.
consumeraffairs.com
· 2025-12-30
# Quishing Scams Target Older Adults
Criminals are increasingly using "quishing"—a fraud tactic that embeds malicious QR codes in mailed notices, bills, and fake alerts—to trick victims into visiting fake websites or downloading malware that steals personal information. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to these scams because they're less familiar with QR-code technology and more likely to receive official-looking mailed notices about healthcare, government benefits, and finances that scammers exploit. To protect yourself, approach urgent messages with skepticism, verify QR codes by visiting websites directly instead of scanning them, and be especially wary of codes in unsolicited mail or public spaces.
womansworld.com
· 2025-12-30
# Military Romance Scams Summary
Scammers pose as military members on dating apps and social media to exploit people's admiration for those who serve, ultimately aiming to steal money, personal information, or banking credentials from victims. These romance scams are increasingly common because fraudsters use the distance of military deployment as a cover story to explain their unavailability and lack of contact. To protect yourself, be wary of online military profiles—especially those asking for money or personal information—verify identities through official military channels, and remember that legitimate soldiers won't ask for financial help through dating platforms.
kfsk.org
· 2025-12-30
# Fraud Case Summary
A Petersburg man was sentenced to one year in jail for his role in a $100,000 phone scam targeting an elderly resident who was deceived into believing her identity had been stolen by someone impersonating a government agent. Shubham Patel, 25, pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with authorities, though a third suspect remains at large. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls from government agencies, never wire money based on such calls, and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or the FBI.
centralnebraskatoday.com
· 2025-12-30
Grand Island, Nebraska has enacted a new ordinance requiring cryptocurrency kiosks and ATMs to display fraud warning signs in an effort to combat scams that increasingly target residents, particularly older adults. The ordinance, which took effect November 20th, mandates clear warnings and fraud reporting instructions on all machines, with businesses facing $500 daily fines for non-compliance. Residents should be cautious when using cryptocurrency machines and report suspected fraud to local law enforcement immediately.
abcnews.go.com
· 2025-12-30
# Scam Summary
Scammers stole over $333 million from Americans in 2025 using Bitcoin ATM kiosks, more than double the $250 million lost in 2024, according to FBI data. The fraud is particularly prevalent among older adults (median age 71), who are tricked into sending cash through these machines to criminals' digital wallets—a process that takes minutes and makes recovery nearly impossible. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited requests for cryptocurrency payments, verify requests through independent channels before sending money, and remember that legitimate organizations rarely ask for payment via Bitcoin ATMs.
findahelpline.com
· 2025-12-30
This article provides guidance for scam victims in Israel, emphasizing that being scammed is not your fault and advising affected individuals to document the incident, report it immediately to their bank, local police, and relevant cybercrime agencies, and report the scammer to any social media or messaging platforms where contact occurred. The article warns against engaging with anyone claiming to help recover lost money for a fee, as scammers often target victims a second time by posing as recovery experts or lawyers.
6abc.com
· 2025-12-30
Texting and messaging scams have surged 50% in the past year, with Gen Z (ages 18-29) experiencing triple the scam attempts of other age groups, likely because texting is their primary communication method and they have quick access to mobile payments. Lower-income households are three times more likely to lose money in these scams, partly because they rely less on credit cards which offer fraud protections. To protect yourself, avoid responding to unsolicited texts, use your phone carrier's spam-filtering tools, be wary of urgent requests for personal information, and use credit cards rather than payment apps for online purchases.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-30
# Fraud Alert Summary
Scammers are using a clever typosquatting trick where they replace the letter "m" in "microsoft.com" with "rn" (rnicrosoft.com), which appear nearly identical in most fonts, to create fake phishing emails that steal login credentials from unsuspecting users. The attack is particularly effective on mobile phones where URLs are shortened and hard to read carefully, and the fraudulent emails mimic Microsoft's legitimate branding to build false trust before tricking victims into entering passwords or downloading malware. To protect yourself, carefully examine domain names in the address bar before entering any login information, be suspicious of unexpected Microsoft emails asking for credentials, and consider enabling multi-factor authentication on your accounts.
lifehacker.com
· 2025-12-30
# Gift Card Draining Scams: What You Need to Know
Scammers are targeting gift card users through "gift card draining" schemes, where fraudsters steal card information by operating fake balance-check websites or buy-back sites that promise cash for unwanted cards but never deliver. To protect yourself, always check gift card balances directly through official retailer websites or by calling the store, keep receipts and track starting balances, and spend the funds quickly rather than letting cards sit unused. When purchasing physical gift cards, inspect the packaging for tampering such as stickers covering barcodes, and consider registering cards with retailers or transferring funds to your account if available.
abcnews.go.com
· 2025-12-30
# Cryptocurrency Scam Warning Summary
The FBI is alerting Americans to a growing threat of bitcoin ATM scams that have already cost hundreds of millions of dollars. These scams target cryptocurrency users who may be tricked into withdrawing or depositing money through compromised ATMs or fraudulent schemes. To protect yourself, verify ATM legitimacy before use, never share private cryptocurrency keys with anyone, and be skeptical of unsolicited offers promising quick cryptocurrency gains.
cknxnewstoday.ca
· 2025-12-30
A 58-year-old Bluewater resident lost $60,000 after being targeted by a romance scam on a dating app, where a fraudster posed as someone with financial problems and requested money over three months. This case is part of a larger fraud epidemic in Huron County, with 11 significant fraud reports in recent months affecting multiple victims through investment and romance scams, while nationally over 23,000 people lost more than $544 million to fraud in the first nine months of 2025. To protect yourself, avoid sharing personal information or sending money to people you haven't met, be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities, and report any fraud to local police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
cknxnewstoday.ca
· 2025-12-30
A 58-year-old Bluewater resident lost $60,000 in a romance scam after connecting with a stranger on a dating app who claimed to need financial help. Police report this is part of a broader fraud problem in Huron County, with 11 significant fraud cases reported in recent months and over 23,000 Canadians losing more than $544 million to various scams in 2025. To protect yourself, never send money to people you haven't met, avoid sharing personal information or explicit images online, don't invest through unknown platforms, and report any fraud to local police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
jdsupra.com
· 2025-12-30
# Rental Scams Cost Consumers $65 Million
Since 2020, scammers have stolen $65 million from renters through fake listings on Facebook and Craigslist that impersonate legitimate platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, with young adults ages 18-29 being three times more likely to fall victim than other age groups. To protect yourself, verify listings directly through official websites, avoid wiring money to unknown accounts, and use secure payment methods that offer buyer protection. During peak travel seasons like the holidays, extra caution is essential when booking accommodations online.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-30
A man in his 70s from Santa Rosa lost his entire US$500,000 retirement savings to a "pig butchering" scam, where a fraudster posing as a Finnish woman named Alexa built trust with him over five months through daily messages, video calls, and gifts before convincing him to invest in fake cryptocurrency schemes. The scam is part of a growing trend where criminals build intimate relationships with victims to lower their guard before stealing their money, often operating from organized scam centers overseas. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of online romantic connections, especially those quickly encouraging financial investments or cryptocurrency opportunities, and verify investment opportunities through independent sources before sending any money.
decripto.org
· 2025-12-30
Pig butchering scams—where fraudsters build fake romantic or investment relationships through social media to trick victims into cryptocurrency transfers—cost Americans $10-16 billion in 2025 alone, with global losses exceeding $75 billion since 2020, representing a sophisticated criminal industry rather than isolated incidents. The scams operate through scripted, repeatable processes where victims are gradually convinced to invest in fake cryptocurrency platforms that show false profits, then face blocked withdrawals or disappearing scammers when they try to access their money. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited romantic or investment contacts on social media and dating apps, never transfer money to cryptocurrency platforms you haven't independently verified, and report suspicious activity to authorities immediately.
indianexpress.com
· 2025-12-29
Senior citizens over 70 in Chandigarh were targeted in 8 out of 10 major "digital arrest" scams in 2024-2025, where fraudsters impersonating police, CBI, or court officials falsely accused victims of crimes and coerced them into transferring large sums of money while keeping them under constant video surveillance. Victims lost substantial amounts, with one 73-year-old tricked into transferring ₹52 lakh after seeing a fake courtroom, and an elderly couple losing ₹85 lakh. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming official authority, never allow yourself to be isolated on video calls, and verify any legal threats by contacting authorities directly through official phone numbers rather than using numbers provided by the caller.
seatacblog.com
· 2025-12-29
A young entrepreneur named Ashlyn Sidhu founded Your Senior Tech, a program providing hands-on technology training and scam prevention education to seniors across the Puget Sound region, addressing a growing problem as older adults face increasing threats from phishing, fake shipping notices, financial fraud, and AI voice impersonation scams. The program, staffed by trained high school and college students, offers community presentations teaching seniors to recognize red flags like suspicious links, emails, pop-ups, and strange phone calls. Seniors seeking to protect themselves can look for similar local tech support programs that emphasize digital safety education and provide step-by-step guidance they can take home.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-29
# Fraud and Scams Summary
A record $16.6 billion was stolen through internet fraud in 2024, up 33% from the previous year, yet many victims never report these crimes due to embarrassment, shame, or uncertainty about how to file a report. Victims of all ages are affected, though older adults are particularly vulnerable, and unreported scams make it harder for law enforcement to combat the problem effectively. If you're a victim of fraud or scam, report it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), local police, or the AARP Fraud Watch Network—reporting helps create an accurate picture of the fraud epidemic and enables authorities to take action.
b-townblog.com
· 2025-12-29
A young entrepreneur named Ashlyn Sidhu has created Your Senior Tech, a program providing hands-on technology training and scam prevention education to seniors across the Puget Sound region. With scams targeting older adults surging nationally—including phishing, fake shipping notices, financial fraud, and AI voice impersonation—the program teaches seniors to recognize red flags like suspicious links, emails, and unexpected calls. Your Senior Tech uses trained high school and college students to create a judgment-free, intergenerational learning environment, offering community presentations and take-home guides to help seniors feel confident and safe using technology.
signalsaz.com
· 2025-12-29
The City of Chandler is hosting two free fraud-prevention seminars in January 2026 for residents ages 55 and older, featuring AARP's Fraud Watch Network on January 8 and Chandler Police presenting online safety tips on January 22. Seniors can attend either or both sessions (9:30–11 a.m. at ASU Chandler Innovation Center) by registering online or calling 480-782-4362. The events aim to help older adults recognize and avoid common scams through expert education on fraud awareness and cybersecurity.
the-independent.com
· 2025-12-29
AARP has identified five major scams expected to proliferate in 2026—employment, recovery, digital arrest, "Hello pervert," and romance scams—affecting people across all ages, though seniors are particularly vulnerable. Since 2020, losses from impostor scams among adults 60 and older have skyrocketed, with reported losses of $100,000 or more jumping from $55 million to $445 million in 2024, though actual losses are likely much higher due to underreporting. To protect yourself, the FTC recommends ignoring unsolicited job offers, thoroughly researching companies before applying, never paying upfront fees for employment, and being cautious of unexpected messages from supposed recovery agencies or authority figures.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-29
Minnesota has been investigating a massive taxpayer-funded day-care fraud scheme dating back to at least 2014, with federal authorities recently alleging a staggering $9 billion fraud operation involving fake childcare businesses that billed the state for services never provided. Scammers reportedly smuggled millions of dollars out of the country via airport luggage while also paying kickbacks to parents who enrolled their children in these fraudulent facilities but didn't actually use the services. Taxpayers and families needing legitimate childcare assistance were the primary victims, and authorities recommend remaining vigilant about daycare provider legitimacy and reporting suspicious activity to state officials.
crowdfundinsider.com
· 2025-12-29
# Rental Scam Summary
Since 2020, nearly 65,000 consumers have lost approximately $65 million to rental scams, with about half of reported cases originating from fake listings on Facebook. These scams typically involve fraudsters copying legitimate property listings and posting them with their own contact information, then pressuring victims to send money upfront, provide personal information, or sign up for costly credit checks. To protect yourself, verify rental listings by searching the address online, be wary of prices significantly below market rate, avoid sharing personal information until you've agreed to rent, and never send money before viewing a property in person—with young adults ages 18-29 being three times more likely than others to fall victim to these scams.
krmg.com
· 2025-12-29
Scammers are increasingly targeting businesses through tactics like impersonating bosses via spoofed emails to trick employees into purchasing gift cards, and by pitching fake AI business solutions to company leaders. The Better Business Bureau warns that these scams are particularly prevalent during the holiday season and as AI adoption grows. To protect your business, verify unusual requests directly with your boss in person and thoroughly research any new service providers or AI companies on the BBB website before signing contracts or making purchases.
wral.com
· 2025-12-29
North Carolina residents receive roughly 200 million robocalls monthly—among the highest rates in the country—with many calls tied to scams and fraud schemes. To protect themselves, the FCC advises residents to avoid answering unknown numbers, never press buttons to "opt out," refuse to share personal information, and hang up on callers claiming to represent companies or agencies, then independently verify by calling official numbers. Consumers can also use free call-blocking tools from wireless carriers or apps, register with the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce legitimate telemarketing calls, and report scam calls to the FCC to help shut down illegal operations.
bitdefender.com
· 2025-12-29
Romance scams are becoming more dangerous as artificial intelligence automates the most persuasive part of the scheme—building emotional trust with victims over weeks or months before requesting money. These elaborate three-phase scams (Hook, Line, and Sinker) target vulnerable people through fake romantic relationships that eventually lead to fraudulent investment platforms and cryptocurrency schemes, resulting in severe financial loss and emotional trauma. To protect yourself, be suspicious of online relationships that quickly become intimate, avoid sharing personal details with people you haven't met in person, and never invest money based on advice from someone you only know online.
coinlaw.io
· 2025-12-29
Pig butchering scams—sophisticated fraud schemes that use romantic relationships and fake investment opportunities to trick victims into sending cryptocurrency—have cost Americans over $200 million, with individual losses averaging $150,000 or more. These scams, which originate largely from Southeast Asia, have stolen an estimated $75 billion globally by building trust with victims before disappearing with their money. To protect yourself, stay skeptical of unsolicited investment offers and romantic contacts online, report suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately, and avoid sending money via cryptocurrency to unknown sources.
americascreditunions.org
· 2025-12-29
This article highlights the most-read posts from America's Credit Unions Blog in 2025, covering how credit unions support members during crises, the importance of strategic planning, and community banking practices. Key takeaway: Members 1st Federal Credit Union demonstrated crisis preparedness during the federal shutdown by offering payment skips, deferred loans, and financial counseling—services that proved critical since previous shutdowns caused 27% of federal workers to miss mortgage/rent payments. For members facing financial hardship, the actionable advice is to proactively contact your credit union about flexible payment options and seek free financial counseling services rather than waiting until you fall behind.
smh.com.au
· 2025-12-29
Scammers are impersonating airline customer service representatives to defraud stressed travelers by claiming to rebook flights and requesting payment for the difference. The author fell victim after being caught in traffic and missing a flight, giving a fake "United Airlines agent" nearly $2,137 for a supposed Lufthansa rebooking. To protect yourself, contact airlines directly using official phone numbers from their websites rather than responding to unsolicited calls, texts, or emails, and never provide payment or personal information to unverified callers.
fourstateshomepage.com
· 2025-12-29
Scammers are targeting people with Christmas gift cards by creating fake websites that appear to check card balances or activate cards, but actually steal card details and drain the funds. Millions of people are at risk if they use these fraudulent sites instead of going directly to retailers' official websites or apps. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to activate gift cards immediately through the official retailer to protect their balance from theft.
au.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-29
Ticketing scams are costing Australians an average of $432 per incident, with Gen Z and millennials losing significantly more ($750+), often due to the allure of bargain prices and fear of missing out on sold-out events. Nearly one in 10 people fall victim to these scams multiple times, with fraudsters operating primarily through social media and fake online listings. To protect yourself, only purchase tickets from official sellers using trusted payment methods with buyer protection, verify URLs and reviews carefully, and avoid suspiciously cheap deals on social media marketplaces.
qoo10.co.id
· 2025-12-29
# Crypto Scam Summary
Telegram has become a major hub for global cryptocurrency fraud, with Chinese-language markets handling nearly $2 billion monthly in illegal transactions including money laundering, stolen data sales, and fake investment schemes. Victims are being targeted through "pig butchering" scams—elaborate fraud schemes that combine romance manipulation with fake crypto investments—causing an estimated $10 billion in annual losses in the U.S. alone, with many scam operators being trafficked workers in Southeast Asia. To protect yourself, avoid unsolicited investment offers on messaging platforms, never send money to romantic contacts promoting crypto opportunities, and verify investment opportunities through official channels before committing any funds.
coinlaw.io
· 2025-12-29
Andrew Tate, a controversial social media influencer, is under investigation for potential involvement in cryptocurrency money laundering and fraud after analysts linked his wallets to over $30 million in suspicious transfers through privacy-focused blockchain tools and a Texas scam that defrauded investors of $5 million between 2023-2025. While Tate hasn't been formally charged, investigators found his wallets received at least $1.2 million connected to the fraud case, potentially exposing him to civil forfeiture actions and complicating his existing legal issues in Europe. To protect themselves, people should be cautious about cryptocurrency investments, verify the legitimacy of crypto payment processors and platforms, and avoid sending funds through privacy-focused protocols if dealing with unknown parties.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-28
Experts predict that AI-generated deepfakes and gift card scams will surge in 2026, potentially causing identity fraud and financial losses for consumers. Scammers use increasingly convincing fake videos, audio, and messages—sometimes impersonating loved ones—to trick victims into sending money or revealing personal information. To protect yourself, verify the source of communications before clicking links, be skeptical of urgent requests for gift cards or money, and use security-driven digital tools offered by your bank.
mychesco.com
· 2025-12-28
Pennsylvania's Department of Banking and Securities is launching a statewide education campaign in January 2026 with free, in-person and virtual presentations designed to help seniors and the general public recognize and avoid financial scams, identity theft, and fraud. The sessions will be held at libraries, senior centers, and aging agencies across the state, featuring interactive programs like "Fraud BINGO" that teach practical warning signs and protective strategies. Residents can attend these free events, request customized presentations, or contact the department directly at 1-800-PA-BANKS or 1-866-PACOMPLAINT if they've been targeted by a scam.
pennwatch.org
· 2025-12-28
Pennsylvania's Department of Banking and Securities is offering free public educational events throughout January 2026 to help seniors and general consumers protect themselves from fraud, scams, and identity theft. The presentations cover topics including investment fraud, online shopping safety, cybersecurity best practices, and how to recognize warning signs of financial crimes. Residents can attend in-person sessions to learn practical tips like creating strong passwords, identifying secure websites, and protecting personal information online.
indianexpress.com
· 2025-12-28
Fake call centers operating global scams have expanded from major Indian cities into smaller towns across Maharashtra, exploiting cheaper real estate, internet access, and local talent while evading law enforcement. The operations thrive due to weak regulatory oversight—including lax verification of business registrations, unmonitored internet services, and poor coordination between local and central agencies—allowing fraudsters to quickly restart operations even after being shut down. To protect yourself, verify the legitimacy of unsolicited calls from financial institutions or companies, never share personal or banking details over the phone, and report suspicious activity to local authorities or your bank immediately.