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Search across 26,669 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
wafb.com
· 2026-07-15
CBS News journalist Matt Gutman fell victim to a sophisticated phone scam where a caller impersonating a bank fraud protection officer convinced him to nearly withdraw thousands of dollars in cash by claiming it would help catch fraudsters targeting his account. The scammer used detailed personal information and a fake sting operation story to manipulate Gutman, instructing him not to tell bank tellers about the plan—a red flag that finally made him suspicious and prevented the theft. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from your bank, never withdraw large sums of cash based on phone instructions, and always verify such requests by calling your bank directly using the number on your card or statement.
wgal.com
· 2026-07-15
A retired surgeon in Naples, Florida lost over $700,000 after scammers impersonating his bank convinced him his accounts were being fraudulently accessed and instructed him to convert his savings into gold and hand it to a courier. Consumer experts warn that legitimate banks, law enforcement, and financial advisors will never ask you to transfer money, buy gold, or purchase cryptocurrency for "safekeeping"—any such request is a scam. If you receive unsolicited fraud alerts, hang up and call your bank directly using the number on your official statement rather than any number provided in the alert.
theguardian.com
· 2026-07-15
Locksmith scams in the UK have surged 147% in recent months, with fraudsters posing as legitimate tradespeople to charge unsuspecting customers thousands of pounds for simple jobs. One woman was trapped outside her flat with her baby and charged £2,209 after a locksmith claimed she needed a high-security lock drilled open and internal mechanisms replaced. To protect yourself, verify locksmiths through independent reviews and local recommendations rather than relying on sponsored Google results, agree on prices in writing before work begins, and never feel pressured to pay on the spot—legitimate tradespeople typically provide invoices and accept payment methods with dispute protection.
mainstreetdailynews.com
· 2026-07-15
Alachua County is experiencing a significant scam crisis, with residents losing $6.8 million in 2025 and projections reaching $8.6 million by 2026—far exceeding losses from traditional property crimes. Criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create convincing scams, including deepfake photos and manipulated audio, making it harder for victims to identify fraud. The sheriff's office urges residents to report scams immediately, as quick reporting dramatically improves investigators' chances of recovering funds and holding perpetrators accountable.
the-independent.com
· 2026-07-15
CBS journalist Matt Gutman nearly fell victim to a sophisticated phone scam in which a caller impersonated his bank's fraud protection team and convinced him to withdraw thousands of dollars in cash from his local bank branch. The scammer used personal details about Gutman's account and instructed him not to tell bank employees about the "sting operation," which should have been a red flag but almost worked on the experienced reporter. Gutman's key advice: be skeptical of any caller claiming to be from your bank who asks you to withdraw cash or keep the conversation secret, and remember that legitimate banks will never instruct you to hide financial transactions from their employees.
miamitimesonline.com
· 2026-07-15
According to recent polling, approximately 3 in 10 Americans have lost money or personal information to scams, with about 1 in 10 experiencing significant financial losses exceeding $500 in the past year alone. Despite widespread victimization, most scam victims don't report incidents to law enforcement or federal agencies, largely because they believe reporting won't help recover their money. Experts and victims suggest that banks, social media platforms, and the federal government need to take greater responsibility for protecting consumers and recovering stolen funds.
foxy99.com
· 2026-07-15
A Columbus County resident lost $6,500 to a phone scammer who promised a Mercedes and $3.5 million prize, then pressured the victim to buy gift cards and prepaid money cards to claim the winnings. To protect yourself, remember that legitimate prize companies never require upfront payment before awarding prizes, and payment requests via gift cards or prepaid money cards are major red flags for fraud. If you receive a suspicious prize call, hang up and contact your local sheriff's office, the Attorney General's Office, or the Federal Trade Commission to report it.
cbsnews.com
· 2026-07-15
Scammers in Howard County are calling residents while impersonating police officers, claiming victims have unpaid fines or arrest warrants and demanding payment via gift cards—though no one has been successfully defrauded yet. Police recommend verifying any such calls directly with your local police department and never sending money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to unknown callers, especially if pressured to act quickly. If you receive a suspicious call, trust your instincts and report it to Howard County police at 410-313-2200.
wcjb.com
· 2026-07-15
Alachua County residents are expected to lose nearly $9 million to scams in 2026, with over $6.8 million already stolen in 2025, as artificial intelligence makes fraud schemes increasingly sophisticated and harder to detect. Older adults are being disproportionately targeted due to isolation and vulnerability, making them a priority concern for local law enforcement. If you suspect you're being scammed, contact local law enforcement immediately, and organizations like Elder Options are available to provide support and resources to potential victims.
alachuachronicle.com
· 2026-07-15
Alachua County law enforcement and Florida Elder Options held a press conference warning residents about rapidly evolving scams—including jury duty, arrest warrant, unpaid toll, and romance scams—that are expected to increase 25% locally over the next year. Scammers use sophisticated tactics to create urgency and isolate victims through extended phone calls or threats, often demanding payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency. Authorities urged residents to simply hang up on suspected scammers, report attempts to police, and not feel ashamed if victimized, as every report helps law enforcement identify and stop criminal networks.
yahoo.com
· 2026-07-14
Scammers posing as Federal Trade Commission agents targeted an elderly Massachusetts woman, convincing her not to call police and persuading her to withdraw thousands of dollars by falsely claiming her finances were compromised and promising government reimbursement. Police arrested Suqi Chen of New York in connection with the scam after detectives coordinated with the victim to intercept a second cash pickup on June 22. To protect yourself: be suspicious of unsolicited calls claiming financial fraud, never withdraw cash based on phone instructions, verify caller identity independently using official numbers, and always report such incidents to local police rather than following caller instructions not to do so.
noticias.foxnews.com
· 2026-07-14
Data brokers collect and sell your personal information—including your address, phone number, and relatives' names—from public records and commercial sources, not just from hacked accounts or weak passwords. This means that even people with strong passwords and good online security habits can have their details exposed on people-search websites, where scammers use the information to make fraudulent calls, texts, and emails sound convincing. To protect yourself, you should take steps beyond strong passwords, such as opting out of data broker services and being cautious about where your information is shared commercially.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-07-14
A Connecticut woman lost nearly $900,000 in retirement savings to a romance scammer she met on a dating app, devastating her ability to retire and putting her home at risk. Romance scams cost consumers over $1.4 billion in 2025 and particularly target older adults with accumulated savings and assets. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic connections that quickly ask for money or personal financial information, verify profiles independently, and never send funds to someone you haven't met in person.
postandcourier.com
· 2026-07-14
Mount Pleasant Police Department reported a significant surge in fraud cases in 2026, with 213 reported incidents and losses exceeding $4 million as of July. Seniors and vulnerable groups are being targeted through common scams including bank fraud (fake fraud alerts directing victims to transfer money), courier scams (using Uber drivers to transport stolen funds), and impersonation schemes (fraudsters posing as law enforcement or bank officials). To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls or messages claiming fraud on your account, never transfer money based on such requests, and verify any official contact by calling your bank directly using a number from their official website or card.
abc7ny.com
· 2026-07-14
Suffolk County officials are warning residents about an elaborate gold bar scam where fraudsters impersonate government officials, banks, and tech support to trick victims into buying precious metals and handing them over for supposed "safekeeping," after which the gold disappears. The scam particularly targets vulnerable people, especially the elderly, with scammers keeping victims on the phone for hours, pressuring them to withdraw savings and liquidate accounts while using psychological manipulation to prevent victims from seeking help. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited calls pressuring you to buy gold or precious metals, consult your bank directly if contacted about suspicious account activity, and never hand over valuables to unknown parties—banks are now actively monitoring for these schemes.
usatoday.com
· 2026-07-14
CBS News correspondent Matt Gutman nearly fell victim to a sophisticated phone scam where a caller impersonating a bank fraud protection officer convinced him to withdraw his entire bank account in cash, claiming it was necessary to catch fraudsters. Gutman became suspicious when the scammer instructed him not to tell bank employees about the plan and asked him to help with what should be a law enforcement matter, ultimately stopping the scam before withdrawing the money. To protect yourself: be skeptical of unsolicited calls asking you to withdraw cash or move money, never follow instructions to keep bank transactions secret, and verify requests by hanging up and calling your bank directly using the number on your card.
aol.com
· 2026-07-14
Ohio seniors face widespread exploitation through various forms of elder abuse, including phone scams, financial exploitation by caregivers or family members, and schemes that drain lifetime savings, often going unreported due to shame or fear. Law enforcement and prosecutors report these crimes are neither rare nor isolated, with victims often discovered too late after significant financial, physical, or emotional damage. Residents and officials are being urged to support stronger law enforcement measures, improved prosecutions, and accountability systems to protect vulnerable seniors from predators who exploit trust and isolation.
kfvs12.com
· 2026-07-14
CBS News journalist Matt Gutman nearly fell victim to an elaborate phone scam where a fraudster impersonated his bank's fraud protection department and nearly convinced him to withdraw thousands of dollars in cash under the false pretense of catching criminals. The scammer used personal details and false authority to build credibility over more than an hour of conversation, instructing Gutman to keep the withdrawal secret from bank tellers and specifically directing him to his local branch—where scammers would have been waiting to rob him. Gutman advises that legitimate banks will never ask you to withdraw cash to "catch fraudsters," and you should always hang up and call your bank directly using a verified number if you receive suspicious calls about account activity.
uk.finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-07-14
CBS journalist Matt Gutman nearly fell victim to a sophisticated phone scam in which a caller impersonating his bank's fraud protection team convinced him to withdraw thousands of dollars in cash from his local branch under the false pretense of intercepting illegal account activity. The scammer used specific personal details and instructed Gutman not to tell bank employees about the scheme, tactics designed to exploit trust and create urgency. Gutman's advice to viewers is to be skeptical of any request asking you to withdraw large amounts of cash or keep financial activity secret from bank employees, and to hang up and call your bank directly using a number from their official website or card if you receive similar calls.
aol.com
· 2026-07-14
CBS journalist Matt Gutman nearly fell victim to a sophisticated phone scam where fraudsters impersonated his bank's fraud protection team, claiming suspicious activity on his account and instructing him to withdraw thousands of dollars in cash from his local branch under the guise of a law enforcement sting operation. The scammers used convincing details about his account and told him not to inform bank staff, which could have left him vulnerable to robbery after withdrawing the cash. Gutman's warning highlights the importance of being skeptical of unsolicited calls requesting financial action, verifying caller identity through official bank numbers, and remembering that legitimate banks will never ask you to withdraw cash or keep such requests secret.
wsmv.com
· 2026-07-14
The Simpson County Sheriff's Office in Kentucky is warning residents about a rental scam on TikTok where scammers post fake listings using photos of real properties in the area and direct interested renters to contact them via text or phone, despite the properties having legitimate owners or real estate agencies. Potential renters are at risk of losing money if they pay deposits or fees to these fraudsters. To protect yourself, verify rental listings directly with known real estate agencies or property owners, never pay upfront fees to unknown contacts, and report suspected scams to local law enforcement immediately.
khmoradio.com
· 2026-07-14
A Missouri deputy nearly fell victim to a sophisticated text message scam that impersonated legitimate bank fraud alerts he had actually signed up for; the scam was only detected when the scammer offered to call him, which his real bank had never done. The incident highlights how cybercriminals are using advanced technology, including AI, to make phishing texts appear authentic and convincing to even trained law enforcement. To protect yourself, never click links in unsolicited texts claiming to be from your bank or business—instead, independently verify by contacting the company directly using a phone number you know is legitimate.
csmonitor.com
· 2026-07-13
Romance scams, where fraudsters pose as romantic interests to deceive victims into sending money or personal information, cost Americans $1.3 billion in 2022 alone. One notable case involved a Spanish dental clinic owner who fell for a fake American soldier on Tinder who later claimed to have found gold bars, only to discover the scammer was operating from Nigeria. To protect yourself, be wary of online dating matches who avoid video calls, make unfulfilled promises to meet in person, or quickly introduce financial schemes—and consider having trusted friends or family members review suspicious communications.
timesleader.com
· 2026-07-13
Scammers are increasingly using spoofed phone numbers and robocalls to defraud Americans, with nearly 30 billion scam calls and texts received last year, prompting Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday and 48 other state attorneys general to urge the FCC to strengthen regulations blocking scammers' access to legitimate telephone numbers. The article emphasizes that while parents once warned children not to talk to strangers, modern consumers must now heed law enforcement warnings about sophisticated scams that exploit trust by appearing to come from legitimate sources. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited calls and texts, especially those asking for personal information or money, and report suspicious activity to authorities.
cryptobriefing.com
· 2026-07-13
Singapore police and cryptocurrency exchanges including Coinbase worked together from April to May to prevent over 145 people from losing $4.2 million to crypto scams by using blockchain analytics tools to detect and stop fraudulent transfers in real time. The scams targeted victims through various methods including government impersonation, fake investment promises, job offers, and romance schemes. The collaboration demonstrates how law enforcement and crypto platforms can cooperate to intercept fraud before funds are lost, rather than trying to recover stolen money after the fact.
independent.com.mt
· 2026-07-13
Digital scams have surged significantly, with criminals increasingly using fake bank messages and "pig butchering" schemes (where victims are manipulated over time to transfer large sums) to defraud unsuspecting people. Elderly and less tech-savvy individuals are particularly vulnerable, with reported victims losing tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of euros with little hope of recovery. People should be cautious of unsolicited messages claiming to be from banks or financial services, verify requests through official channels, and remain skeptical of online investment opportunities—especially those targeting people during vulnerable emotional periods.
cryptorank.io
· 2026-07-13
A 20-year-old fraudster's cryptocurrency wallet processed over $122 million in stolen funds through cross-chain token swaps designed to hide the money trail, leading to arrests in Thailand as part of Interpol's Operation First Light, which shut down fraud schemes across 97 countries and recovered $293 million while identifying more than 142,000 victims. The case highlights how criminals exploit the complexity of moving money between different blockchains and cryptocurrency exchanges to evade detection, prompting regulators and law enforcement to push for stronger blockchain monitoring tools. To protect yourself, remain cautious of unsolicited romantic advances online, be skeptical of investment opportunities (especially in crypto), and never transfer money or assets to people you haven't met in person.
hellomagazine.com
· 2026-07-13
CBS News anchor Matt Gutman fell victim to a sophisticated phone scam where callers claimed to know details about his bank account and instructed him to withdraw all his cash, falsely warning that bank employees were fraudsters. He nearly complied but became suspicious when told not to explain his actions to tellers, and with help from police and Bank of America staff, he avoided losing his money. Gutman shared his experience on Instagram to warn others, particularly noting that elderly people are frequent targets of this scam—so if a caller instructs you to withdraw large amounts of cash or warns you not to tell bank staff about the transaction, it's a red flag to hang up and contact your bank directly through a trusted phone number.
entertainmentnow.com
· 2026-07-13
CBS News correspondent Matt Gutman, an experienced investigative reporter who has covered countless fraud cases, nearly fell victim to a highly sophisticated phone scam in July 2026 when a caller impersonating his bank's fraud protection team convinced him to withdraw cash from his account. The scammer gained credibility by knowing personal details about Gutman's accounts and even referencing actual suspicious activity in his daughter's account, then instructed him to withdraw his money in cash to "catch fraudsters"—a classic scam tactic. Gutman only realized something was wrong when he went to the bank teller, and he shared his experience publicly to warn others that these scams are extremely convincing even to knowledgeable people; if someone calls claiming to be from your bank and asks you to withdraw cash, hang up and call your bank directly using the number on your statement.
creators.yahoo.com
· 2026-07-12
Scammers are increasingly using sophisticated tactics to exploit busy consumers, with two major threats being criminals impersonating banks (using spoofed numbers to trick people into sending money or revealing sensitive information like Social Security numbers) and fake job postings offering easy remote work that request upfront fees or personal data. To protect yourself, verify any suspicious financial institution contact by hanging up and calling the number on your card directly, research companies before accepting job offers, and be wary of employers who skip interviews or pressure quick decisions. Legitimate banks will never ask you to send money to resolve fraud or provide one-time passcodes, so treat such requests as immediate red flags.
yahoo.com
· 2026-07-12
A sophisticated phone scam nearly tricked CBS News correspondent Matt Gutman into withdrawing his life savings by impersonating a bank fraud protection officer who claimed to know detailed information about his accounts and family. The scammer instructed him to withdraw cash to "catch fraudsters," but the demand that he hide this from bank employees raised red flags and made Gutman realize it was a scam. The incident highlights how convincing these fraud schemes have become—even experienced journalists can nearly fall victim—and experts recommend always verifying caller identity independently and being suspicious when anyone asks you to keep financial transactions secret from your bank.
deadline.com
· 2026-07-12
CBS News journalist Matt Gutman nearly fell victim to a sophisticated phone scam in which a caller impersonating a bank fraud investigator convinced him to withdraw all his cash from the bank under the guise of catching fraudsters. The scammer used convincing details about Gutman's personal information and bank account to build credibility, then instructed him not to tell bank tellers about the withdrawal to avoid alerting supposed criminals at his branch. Gutman avoided losing money by recognizing the scam was implausible before completing the withdrawal, and he's now warning others that such schemes can fool even informed people—so be skeptical of unsolicited calls asking you to withdraw large amounts of cash, and always verify requests directly with your bank using a number you look up yourself rather than one provided by the caller.
foxnews.com
· 2026-07-12
Criminals are using AI-powered phishing scams to impersonate trusted companies like Meta and T-Mobile, creating fake warning messages that threaten account deletion to trick people into clicking malicious links or revealing login credentials. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have been targeted, resulting in millions of dollars in losses. To protect yourself, be suspicious of urgent deletion threats, check for red flags like misspelled names and suspicious attachments, and never click links in unsolicited messages—instead, go directly to the official company website or app to verify any account issues.
theguardian.com
· 2026-07-12
Scammers are creating fake news articles that appear to be from reputable outlets like The Guardian and BBC, featuring well-known figures like billionaire Jim Ratcliffe and financial campaigner Martin Lewis to trick people into visiting fraudulent investment websites. Once victims enter their details on these cloned sites, scammers contact them by phone and persuade them to deposit money into fake investment platforms where no real trading actually occurs. To protect yourself, verify news stories directly on official publisher websites rather than through social media links, be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities, and never provide personal or financial information to unverified sites.
yourohionews.com
· 2026-07-12
Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create convincing fake emails, calls, and messages that impersonate banks, government agencies, and family members, making fraud harder to detect—especially for seniors who may be less familiar with the technology. To protect yourself, experts recommend being skeptical of urgent or unusual requests, starting with small steps to understand AI tools, and always verifying important information directly with trusted sources like your bank or doctor rather than relying solely on what you see or hear online. The key takeaway is that while AI can be helpful for everyday tasks, it's crucial to double-check anything related to finances, health, or legal matters before taking action.
tribune.com.pk
· 2026-07-12
Scam trafficking, also known as "pig butchering trafficking," is a form of modern slavery where criminals lure people with fake job offers, traffic them across borders, and force them to commit online fraud schemes like romance scams and cryptocurrency fraud. According to UN data, approximately 300,000 people from 66 countries are currently trapped in scam compounds, primarily in Southeast Asia's Mekong region, where they're held under duress and coerced into defrauding victims worldwide. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited job offers found on social media, verify employment opportunities through official channels, and report suspicious recruitment tactics to law enforcement.
nydailynews.com
· 2026-07-11
A law enforcement officer's elderly father lost $400,000 to a sophisticated email scam in which criminals posed as customer service, gained remote access to his computer, and manipulated his screen to convince him to wire money to a coin dealer for fake "refunds"—a scam that repeated the next day. Banks and coin shops failed to question the suspicious transactions despite red flags like an elderly customer making unusually large withdrawals for the first time in decades. To protect yourself, scrutinize unexpected invoices, never grant remote access to strangers, verify requests through official company channels rather than numbers in emails, and watch for pressure tactics—banks and businesses should also ask probing questions about large or unusual transactions.
yahoo.com
· 2026-07-11
An elderly woman in Madison County nearly lost $25,000 after scammers convinced her to seal cash in magazines and ship it as a "gift," but her son discovered the scheme and recovered the package in time. According to the FBI, seniors over 60 lost over $7.7 billion to scams in 2025, with complaints from this age group jumping 37% year-over-year. Authorities urge people to check on elderly loved ones regularly and advise never mailing cash, being wary of demands for secrecy or quick action, and calling trusted family members or local police before sending money in unusual ways.
daytondailynews.com
· 2026-07-11
Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson has launched the Romance Impostor Scams Forensic Initiative to combat romance scams that disproportionately target seniors, exploiting their trust and stealing significant amounts of money. The program, which began in mid-July, includes a dedicated hotline for reporting suspected scams and uses digital forensics to help investigators identify patterns and catch offenders across jurisdictions. Ohioans who suspect they or someone they know is being targeted by a romance scam can report it immediately by calling local law enforcement or the Ohio Attorney General's Office at 1-800-282-0515 to prevent further financial harm.
daytondailynews.com
· 2026-07-11
Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson has launched the Romance Impostor Scams Forensic Initiative to combat romance scams that disproportionately target seniors, exploiting their trust to steal money and personal information. The initiative, launching mid-July, will establish a dedicated hotline and use digital forensics to help investigators identify patterns across cases and support law enforcement efforts. People who suspect romance scams can report them immediately to local law enforcement or the Ohio Attorney General's Office at 1-800-282-0515 to help prevent victimization.
springfieldnewssun.com
· 2026-07-11
Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson launched the Romance Impostor Scams Forensic Initiative to combat romance scams targeting seniors in the state, which exploit victims' trust while stealing their money. The initiative will establish a dedicated hotline and use digital forensics to help investigators identify patterns and connect intelligence across jurisdictions. Seniors who suspect they are being targeted by romance scams should report it immediately to local law enforcement or the Ohio Attorney General's Office at 1-800-282-0515.
foreignpolicy.com
· 2026-07-11
Romance scams originating from Nigeria have become a major problem, with nearly one in ten American adults over 50 falling victim and losing over $1.1 billion as of 2023, according to the FTC. A journalist investigated the scam after his own mother was targeted by someone pretending to be a U.S. soldier in Syria but operating from Lagos, Nigeria, discovering that the perpetrators are often young men facing economic hardship rather than purely criminal masterminds. The article suggests protecting yourself by being cautious of online relationships that quickly become romantic, verifying identities independently, and never sending money to people you haven't met in person.
freightwaves.com
· 2026-07-11
Trailer rental scams are surging in the trucking industry, with fraudsters using fake rental ads on Facebook to steal money from owner-operators and motor carriers or trick drivers into transporting stolen trailers. These scams are part of a broader fraud crisis in trucking, where strategic cargo theft has increased 1,500% since 2021 and now accounts for about one-third of all supply chain thefts, costing the industry tens of billions of dollars annually. Truckers should be cautious when responding to trailer rental ads online, verify the legitimacy of rental companies through official channels, and report suspicious offers to authorities.
cutoday.info
· 2026-07-11
Patelco Credit Union's Senior Advocate Program prevented $9.6 million in potential fraud losses during its first year by having trained employees identify and stop suspicious transactions before completion, protecting vulnerable older adults from increasingly sophisticated scams. The most common fraud schemes targeting seniors included family impersonation (26%), tech support scams (12%), and cryptocurrency fraud (10%), with human intervention—rather than automated systems—proving critical to catching these crimes. To protect yourself, be cautious when family or friends ask for money via unexpected contacts, verify requests directly through known phone numbers, and don't provide personal information or access to your accounts to unsolicited callers claiming to be from banks or tech companies.
uk.finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-07-11
Americans lost $3.5 billion to imposter scams in 2025, with criminals posing as bank officials or government agents to trick victims into sending money or revealing personal information. While older adults are frequently targeted, younger family members can also suffer financial losses when scammers exploit shared bank accounts or when relatives try to help victims recover funds. Experts recommend not linking bank accounts across family members, being skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from banks or government agencies, and understanding that money lost to these scams is rarely recoverable.
mediaite.com
· 2026-07-11
CBS News correspondent Matt Gutman shared how he nearly fell victim to a sophisticated phone scam in which a caller impersonating a bank fraud protection officer convinced him to withdraw his entire bank account in cash, claiming it would help catch fraudsters. The scammer knew personal details about Gutman and his accounts, creating a false sense of legitimacy, but red flags emerged when the caller instructed him not to tell bank employees about the plan—a common tactic used by scammers to prevent intervention. The incident highlights the importance of verifying caller identity independently by hanging up and calling your bank directly, and remembering that legitimate financial institutions will never ask you to withdraw large sums of cash or keep banking activities secret.
cybershack.com.au
· 2026-07-11
Scammers are impersonating the Australian Tax Office with fake emails containing fraudulent documents and refund claims designed to steal personal information, credentials, and tax refunds during tax season. Australians lost $2.18 billion to scams in 2025, with July being the peak month, and victims face ongoing risks including identity theft and organized crime involvement. To protect yourself, never click links in unsolicited ATO messages, remember that the real ATO communicates only through myGov accounts and never asks for personal details via SMS or email, and verify any suspicious contact by calling the ATO directly or reporting it to Scamwatch.
cityam.com
· 2026-07-11
Romance scammers operating from Lagos, Nigeria—known as "Yahoo Boys"—target vulnerable people worldwide by posing as attractive, wealthy individuals (often American soldiers or celebrities) and build fake relationships to extract money or valuables from their victims. Journalist Carlos Barragán investigated these scams after his own mother was targeted, eventually traveling to Nigeria to meet the scammers themselves and document their operations and motivations. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of romantic interest from people you've never met in person, especially if they quickly ask for money or claim to have valuable assets to send you—verify identities independently and involve trusted friends or family if something feels suspicious.
yahoo.com
· 2026-07-10
A 20-year-old in Thailand was arrested for moving $122.5 million in stolen funds through cryptocurrency wallets as part of romance scams that targeted victims globally. The case was part of Operation First Light 2026, a massive international crackdown that resulted in 5,811 arrests, recovered $293 million in illicit assets, and identified over 142,000 victims across 97 countries. To protect yourself, be cautious of strangers who build relationships online before proposing cryptocurrency investments, and report suspicious activity to authorities, as criminals use these "pig butchering" schemes to manipulate victims and launder money through multiple cryptocurrencies and blockchains to hide the money trail.