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in Scam Awareness
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WHNT News 19
· 2025-03-19
The Colbert County Sheriff's Office held a scam awareness presentation at the East Colbert Senior Center to educate seniors about fraud prevention. Sheriff Eric Valentine warned attendees to be cautious of suspicious calls, texts, and emails, and emphasized never sharing banking information over the phone, noting that scam victims in the area have lost between $4,000 and $10,000, with recovery being nearly impossible once funds are sent.
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FOX59 News
· 2025-03-18
Americans lost a record $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, a 25% increase from $10 billion in 2023, according to the FTC's annual report. While the number of fraud reports remained stable at 3.7 million, the percentage of reports resulting in actual financial loss increased from 27% to 38%, and median losses per victim rose significantly since 2020. The rise in fraud losses is attributed partly to AI-enabled scams, with government imposter scams, online shopping fraud, and email-based schemes being particularly prevalent, though notably young people are now losing more money than senior citizens.
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12 News
· 2025-03-17
Scammers are targeting Arizona vacationers with existing travel reservations by creating fake websites and customer service numbers that appear in online search results for legitimate airlines and cruise lines like American, United, and Royal Caribbean. One couple lost $2,500 to this customer service scam, which the Better Business Bureau reports has been growing in popularity over recent months as criminals make fake sites increasingly difficult to distinguish from legitimate ones.
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CBS Pittsburgh
· 2025-03-17
U.S. Postal Inspectors warn of multiple text message scams, including fake delivery notifications requesting zip code updates and impostor messages claiming emergencies or offering deals. Postal inspectors note that elderly citizens and isolated individuals are particularly vulnerable targets, and advise consumers to never respond to unsolicited messages claiming to be from USPS or other entities.
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FOX23 News Tulsa
· 2025-03-17
The Better Business Bureau's 2024 Scam Tracker Risk Report identifies the five riskiest scams targeting consumers. Cryptocurrency investment scams rank first, with 80% of victims losing an average of $5,000 through pressure to trade or store funds on fake exchanges; other high-risk scams include employment fraud (fake job offers requesting personal information and payment for training), romance scams (where victims send money to fabricated relationships), and scams using fake checks or overpayment schemes. Scammers continually adapt traditional fraud methods with new twists to exploit victims.
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23ABC News | KERO
· 2025-03-12
Bay Area Toll Authorities warned Bakersfield residents of a scam involving fraudulent text messages claiming unpaid toll violations and threatening license suspension or legal action if payment is not made via a suspicious link. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission spokesperson confirmed that legitimate toll agencies never request payment through text messages or website links, and the scam has cycled through waves of high activity over the past year with periodic mutations to evade detection.
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WREG News Channel 3
· 2025-03-12
The IRS is warning consumers about multiple tax scams active this season, including fraudulent preparers who disappear after filing, phishing emails and texts impersonating the IRS or tax software companies that threaten account holds or offer fake refunds, and unreliable social media advice urging people to misuse W-2s. Consumers should only work with tax preparers who sign returns and never deposit refunds into preparers' accounts, and should verify tax information through official IRS channels rather than social media or unsolicited communications.
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Eyewitness News ABC7NY
· 2025-03-12
SMS phishing scams ("smishing"), along with related voice phishing ("vishing"), remain prevalent threats that consumers regularly receive via text messages and calls. The FBI warns consumers to delete these deceptive messages rather than clicking links, as leaving them on devices can allow scammers to access personal information; scammers typically exploit current news trends and seasonal events like tax season to lure victims.
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WTVC NewsChannel 9
· 2025-03-10
Tennessee is addressing a surge in romance scams targeting seniors through the proposed "Romance Scam Prevention Act," which would require dating apps to implement fraud prevention measures. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Tennessee residents over 60 lost $43 million to scams in 2023, with romance scammers building trust before requesting money or financial access through fabricated stories. Law enforcement recommends contacting local police if suspicious activity seems out of place, as officers can often quickly identify common scam tactics.
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Denver7
· 2025-03-10
According to FBI data, elder scams cost Americans $3.4 billion annually, with reports increasing yearly. Older adults are targeted due to cognitive decline, loneliness, trustfulness, and perceived savings, with scammers exploiting these vulnerabilities through text messages, emails, social media, and impersonation (including AI-generated voices). Families can help prevent fraud by maintaining open conversations about finances, encouraging early financial safeguards, and offering supportive monitoring of transactions.
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WBNS 10TV
· 2025-03-09
A Central Ohio man lost over $42,000 in a romance scam involving cryptocurrency investments after meeting a woman on Facebook who convinced him to invest in her crypto business. The scammer used fake investment screenshots showing growth to encourage continued payments before disappearing with his money, personal information, and Social Security number. The Better Business Bureau reports that crypto investment scams facilitated through online relationships are increasingly common in the Central Ohio area.
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WFMJ
· 2025-03-08
Scammers are creating fake profiles on dating apps powered by AI chatbots that use artificial intelligence to engage victims in romantic conversations before soliciting cryptocurrency payments. These fake profiles typically contain minimal information (just a few photos and a name) and use chat GPT technology to generate convincing messages, allowing perpetrators to manipulate victims into sending hundreds or thousands of dollars. Security experts warn that these AI-powered catfishing scams represent a dangerous evolution of traditional romance fraud targeting dating app users.
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News 5 Cleveland
· 2025-03-07
This educational piece features Frank Salona, president/CEO of the Better Business Bureau in Canton, discussing scam prevention during National Consumer Protection Week. He emphasizes that scams affect all consumers regardless of demographics and highlights seasonal fraud schemes, particularly storm-chasing scams targeting homeowners with fake repair services during severe weather seasons like spring storms and flooding.
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KTNV Channel 13 Las Vegas
· 2025-03-06
A 72-year-old Las Vegas senior named Thea Giles fell victim to scammers who impersonated her bank (City Bank) and convinced her to cut up her debit card and provide account information, resulting in the theft of her life savings. Giles, who was battling cancer, reported being a three-time scam victim but claims the bank provided no assistance in recovering her stolen funds. The scam highlights the vulnerability of seniors to fraud and the inadequate support victims receive from financial institutions.
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wgaltv
· 2025-03-06
The Better Business Bureau's 2024 Risk Scam Report identifies investment/cryptocurrency scams, employment scams, and romance scams as the top three riskiest scams based on exposure, susceptibility, and monetary loss. While the likelihood of experiencing a scam loss decreased 15% year-over-year, the median loss per victim increased 30% to $130, with seniors age 65 and older and young adults age 18-24 reporting the highest median dollar losses, and Publisher's Clearing House impersonation being the most common scam tactic.
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Global News
· 2025-03-05
Michael Campbell was targeted by sophisticated scammers who impersonated Amazon and his bank in a coordinated fraud attempt. The scammers tricked him into authorizing a $10,000 transfer by posing as fraud investigators claiming they needed to trace unauthorized activity, while actually siphoning money from his other accounts. Campbell avoided losing funds when he visited his bank branch in person and discovered the scheme, learning that scammers had also called impersonating him.
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CBS TEXAS
· 2025-03-05
A North Texas man fell victim to a combined romance and cryptocurrency scam after meeting a woman named "Giana" on a dating site for seniors. The scammer built trust through daily communication, then persuaded him to invest in cryptocurrency, ultimately causing him to lose nearly everything. The scam exemplifies how romance fraud is often layered with investment schemes to exploit victims' emotional vulnerability and financial resources.
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KATVchannel7
· 2025-03-05
A USAA bank customer fell victim to scammers impersonating the bank's fraud department who called claiming to warn about suspicious charges on her account. The scammers, who had obtained her personal information, manipulated her into granting them access to her account and stealing thousands of dollars. The incident is part of a growing trend of bank customers being targeted by fraudsters using spoofed caller IDs and social engineering tactics.
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News 5 Cleveland
· 2025-03-04
During National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission highlights the rising threat of imposter scams in Northeast Ohio, where scammers are using phone calls to impersonate insurance agents, family members, and other trusted figures to extort money from victims. Recent cases included attempts to collect "premiums" on a $30,000 life insurance policy and $5,000 in bail money for a supposed grandson's accident, with Cleveland reporting 3,000 imposter scam complaints. Scammers are increasingly using AI technology to improve their impersonation tactics and gain credibility with potential victims.
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The National Desk
· 2025-03-04
A Bankrate survey found that 34% of U.S. adults experienced financial fraud in the past year, with 37% of those losing money. Contrary to assumptions that only older generations are vulnerable, Gen Z and Millennials who fell victim to scams were actually more likely to lose money (53% and 45% respectively), compared to Gen X at 32%. Financial strain from inflation and elevated interest rates is making Americans more vulnerable to scams.
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CBS 13 News
· 2025-03-04
Financial losses from scams in Maine are rising significantly, with scammers employing increasingly sophisticated and relentless tactics that have intensified since the pandemic, according to AARP Maine experts. Common scam types affecting Maine residents include door-to-door scams and romance scams, among others, and anyone can become a victim regardless of demographics. Experts emphasize that knowledge and vigilance are critical to protecting oneself from these evolving fraud schemes.
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CBS4 Indy
· 2025-03-04
A cybersecurity survey reveals that many Americans are overconfident in their ability to avoid online scams, with over a third believing victimization only occurs from oversharing and nearly half thinking misspellings easily identify scams—misconceptions that no longer hold true as scammers increasingly sophisticate their tactics. Despite 75% of respondents agreeing scams should be reported, actual reporting rates are significantly lower, dropping to 14% for romance scams, while seniors remain the most targeted demographic though younger age groups are experiencing the fastest growth in scam victimization.
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National Geographic
· 2025-03-02
Investigative journalist Mariana Van Zeller explores cryptocurrency "rug pull" scams, where fraudsters create fake crypto tokens to steal investor money—a scheme that victimized people of nearly $3 billion in 2021 alone. The episode follows Van Zeller's investigation into young, wealthy scammers who exploit cryptocurrency's unregulated decentralized finance space, and features interviews with victims like Xavier, who lost money across multiple rug pull schemes with no recourse in the largely lawless crypto market.
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NBC Chicago
· 2025-03-01
Naperville police warned residents of scams targeting the community, reporting that residents lost $5.5 million to scammers in one year, with victims ranging in age from 15 to 91 years old. Common scams included cryptocurrency fraud, fake warrant phone calls, tech support scams, online retail scams, and phishing, with scammers often impersonating the IRS, Medicare, tech companies, or financial institutions and pressuring immediate payment via gift cards or wire transfers. Police advised residents to block unwanted calls, resist pressure to act immediately, consult trusted contacts before responding to strangers, and contact their bank and credit bureaus if they believe they've been scammed.
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CTV News
· 2025-03-01
March marks Fraud Prevention Month across Canada, during which law enforcement and community groups collaborate to educate the public about fraud prevention. According to Edmonton police and the Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association, current fraud trends include investment fraud, online employment scams, and romance fraud, with scammers becoming increasingly sophisticated in targeting both money and personal identity. Key prevention advice includes being skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true and verifying whether you initiated contact with the person or organization reaching out.
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WCPO 9
· 2025-02-28
The Better Business Bureau warns that scam attempts are increasing, particularly phishing texts and emails designed to install malware or steal personal information, and fraudulent job postings on employment sites like Indeed offering unrealistically high wages. The BBB recommends being cautious when job hunting, using their scam tracker database to check for similar reported scams, and filing reports of suspected fraud to help alert the community and investigate emerging scams involving cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence.
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THV11
· 2025-02-27
The FBI's Little Rock office is warning the public about a significant rise in cryptocurrency investment fraud, which they identify as the largest and most costly scam currently operating. Scammers use online platforms to build relationships with victims and convince them to invest in cryptocurrency schemes, exploiting the growing popularity and public unfamiliarity with digital currencies. The FBI has launched "Operation Level Up" to combat this fraud and educate consumers before they become victims.
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FOX 47 News
· 2025-02-26
Tax season scams are prevalent, with fraudsters impersonating tax preparers and the IRS to steal personal information and money through threats of legal trouble or false promises of refunds. To protect yourself, verify that tax preparers are legitimate, never provide personal information to unsolicited callers or emails, and remember that the IRS communicates through certified mail only, never by phone or email.
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CBS TEXAS
· 2025-02-26
U.S. senators introduced legislation to combat Bitcoin ATM scams targeting older Americans, following investigations into the use of these machines by scammers. An 80-year-old victim lost $55,000 after falling for a "jailed son" imposter scam directing him to send cryptocurrency through a Bitcoin ATM; once the transaction completed, the funds could not be recovered. With over 4,000 Bitcoin ATMs operating in Texas alone, the proposed bill aims to establish safeguards and accountability measures to protect consumers from these increasingly common schemes.
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CBC News
· 2025-02-26
An 84-year-old senior in Surrey, B.C., fell victim to a phone scam in January when she received a fraudulent email warning of unauthorized bank account activity and called the provided number, where a scammer impersonating a police constable pressured her to withdraw $20,000 from her bank in two transactions. The scammer maintained contact with the victim through 41 phone calls, keeping her in a state of fear and preventing her from contacting anyone else, until she attempted a third withdrawal and her neighbor recognized the scam and reported it to police.
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WWLTV
· 2025-02-25
The St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office and FTC are warning about a nationwide toll scam in which recipients receive threatening text messages claiming they owe unpaid toll fees and face fines or license suspension. The fraudulent texts, often sent from international numbers with embedded links, attempt to steal banking and credit card information; victims are advised to block these messages and contact their state's tolling agency directly using verified phone numbers or websites rather than clicking any links.
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NBC Bay Area
· 2025-02-21
Scammers are increasingly targeting undocumented immigrants by exploiting fears around immigration enforcement and deportation. Victims report losing thousands of dollars to fraudsters posing as immigration attorneys or ICE agents who demand payment for paperwork help or personal information, with scammers even spoofing official ICE phone numbers. Immigration attorneys and law enforcement warn vulnerable immigrant communities to be alert, as ICE does not initiate contact by phone or demand money.
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NBC10 Philadelphia
· 2025-02-20
A local police department warns the public about evolving fraud schemes, including grandparent scams where callers claim a relative needs bail money and social media scams involving QR codes (one victim lost approximately $15,000). Detective Brian Amler advises that fraud prevention requires talking to loved ones about suspicious requests, verifying unusual claims with family members, and recognizing that scammers exploit emotional urgency and pressure to pay immediately.
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WSPA 7News
· 2025-02-19
Nearly half of all scams reported to JP Morgan Chase originate from social media marketplaces, where scammers post heavily discounted listings and pressure buyers to pay through unprotected methods like wire transfers, cash, or gift cards before delivering inferior or nonexistent products. Financial experts recommend using payment methods with purchase protection, such as credit cards, when buying from social media to safeguard against fraud.
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CBS Detroit
· 2025-02-18
Scammers are targeting college students seeking scholarships and grants through two primary methods: calling or mailing fake "scholarship award" letters that require upfront processing fees (which victims never recover), and selling memberships to purported scholarship databases that don't deliver promised results. The Better Business Bureau reports these scams exploit the fact that approximately 25% of college students receive scholarship or grant funding annually.
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News 5 Cleveland
· 2025-02-18
Online romance scams caused $823 million in losses last year according to the Federal Trade Commission, with losses expected to grow due to increasing use of AI technology that makes fraudulent conversations sound authentic and personalized. Older adults are disproportionately targeted because scammers assume they are financially stable with steady retirement income. Red flags include rapid relationship progression, avoidance of in-person meetings, requests for secrecy, and requests for money; victims should report suspected scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
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KVUE
· 2025-02-17
During tax season, two prevalent scams target taxpayers: IRS impersonators and "ghost tax preparers" who prepare returns but refuse to sign them, leaving clients liable for any errors. To protect yourself, verify that tax preparers have a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) through IRS.gov before hiring them, research their credentials on the Better Business Bureau website, and be wary of illegally discounted fees or preparers who take a percentage of your refund.
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PBS NewsHour
· 2025-02-16
Online romance scams target victims across all demographics through psychological manipulation, with perpetrators using fake profiles to convince people to invest money, often via cryptocurrency. Investigative reporter Cezary Podkul notes that victims have lost billions of dollars annually, with some individuals losing over $1 million, and that many scam operations are run by Chinese cybercriminal gangs that recruit trafficked individuals. To protect oneself, people should watch for red flags like unsolicited contact offering investments, seek second opinions from trusted friends, and report suspected scams immediately to local police, the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, and the U.S. Secret Service to aid law enforcement in tracing funds and identifying additional
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KFOR Oklahoma's News 4
· 2025-02-15
**Summary:**
Romance scams increase around Valentine's Day, with scammers creating fake online identities on dating apps to build trust and manipulate victims into sending money via gift cards or cryptocurrency or stealing personal information. The Better Business Bureau warns that older adults and lonely individuals are particularly vulnerable targets, and advises people to be suspicious of quick relationship progression, requests for financial help, and unusual payment methods, while encouraging people to check on vulnerable loved ones.
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NBC 7 San Diego
· 2025-02-15
A San Diego woman lost $32,000 in a romance scam after developing an online relationship over one year with a man posing as an architect working in Poland. The scammer slowly built trust and emotional intimacy before requesting money for various emergencies, exploiting the victim's affection to gain access to her finances. This case illustrates how romance scams differ from other fraud schemes by operating over extended periods to manipulate victims emotionally rather than through immediate pressure tactics.
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WTRF
· 2025-02-14
**Summary:**
The Better Business Bureau and FBI warn that thousands of people fall victim to dating scams annually, particularly around Valentine's Day. Red flags include scammers moving conversations off dating apps to private messaging platforms, quickly professing love, and requesting money or personal information. Experts advise verifying a person's intentions before sharing financial details and to immediately cease contact and review finances if scam activity is suspected.
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WKBN27
· 2025-02-13
A local nonprofit in Youngstown is hosting an educational class to help people recognize and avoid romance scams, which cost victims $23 million in reported losses last year according to the Federal Trade Commission. Romance scams involve fraudsters posing as romantic partners online to gain trust and then manipulate victims into sharing personal information or sending money, gifts, or cryptocurrency. Red flags to watch for include reluctance to meet in person, claims of wealth, requests for secrecy, pressure for money, and "love bombing" tactics.
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ABC15 Arizona
· 2025-02-12
This article warns about three Valentine's Day scams: impostor websites selling fake jewelry, flowers, or dating services that use stolen logos and offer suspicious discounts or request untraceable payment methods; romance scams where fraudsters build fake profiles to establish emotional connections before requesting money; and wrong-number scams that target lonely individuals through unsolicited texts to lure them into conversations. The article advises consumers to watch for red flags including unrealistic deals, requests for cryptocurrency or cash transfers, relationships that move too quickly without in-person meetings, and requests to keep relationships secret.
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wgaltv
· 2025-02-12
Romance scammers build trust with vulnerable victims through fake dating profiles, often impersonating celebrities or researching social media accounts, then manipulate them into sending money through promises of investment opportunities or appeals to help with hardship situations. The FBI warns to protect personal information online, use reputable dating platforms, be suspicious of quick requests to move conversations offline, and watch for claims of overseas locations that prevent in-person meetings. Victims should report romance scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
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Sky News
· 2025-02-11
This educational piece features reformed scammer Elliot Castro, who at age 16 began defrauding people by obtaining their personal information to make unauthorized credit card purchases at restaurants, hotels, and shops, ultimately stealing approximately £2.5 million before being caught and imprisoned. Castro now works with companies on fraud prevention, reflecting on how his criminal activity escalated from a single stolen train ticket to international luxury purchases, and emphasizing that scammers persist relentlessly wherever there is value to exploit. The key takeaway is that awareness of scam tactics and understanding scammer behavior are essential to protecting oneself from fraud.
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CBS Mornings
· 2025-02-11
Relationship investment scams, known as "pig butchering," are sweeping the nation by targeting people seeking romance on dating apps and social media. Sophisticated criminals use fake profiles, AI-generated images, and fabricated romantic connections to persuade victims to invest money in fraudulent business opportunities, resulting in nearly $159 billion in losses in 2023 alone according to one estimate. Federal agencies including the Commodity Futures Trading Commission are partnering with state and nonprofit organizations to warn the public about this growing threat.
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WRSP/WCCU FOX 55/27 Illinois
· 2025-02-09
A local elderly woman lost $60,000 to an email scam impersonating Microsoft, with scammers nearly obtaining an additional $30,000 before police intervened. The scam involved fraudsters sending a fake security warning email, then using remote access to her computer to convince her that her account had been compromised and required payment via gift cards and cash deposits. The scheme escalated over a week with repeated demands totaling $90,000, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of elderly victims to remote access and tech support scams.
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WFMY News 2
· 2025-02-08
Romance scams cost victims over one billion dollars last year according to the FTC, with scammers typically requesting money from online dating prospects around Valentine's Day. The Better Business Bureau notes that victims lose money and experience emotional harm, as scammers are skilled manipulators who build trust before revealing their deceptive intentions. The key to protection is awareness that online romantic interests may not be who they claim to be and vigilance against requests for money from people you have not met in person.
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KY3 News - Springfield, Mo.
· 2025-02-08
Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnot purchased a vintage Pontiac Trans Am hood through Facebook Marketplace, but after the seller claimed shipping issues, requested an additional $50 payment—at which point Arnot realized he had been scammed. The scammer, located in Africa, will likely not be caught or prosecuted, and Arnot's money is unlikely to be recovered; he advises others to buy locally when possible to verify items in person before completing transactions.
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FOX 2 St. Louis
· 2025-02-06
Romance scams are prevalent and increasingly sophisticated, with the Better Business Bureau reporting a median loss of $6,000 per victim. Scammers create fake profiles on dating sites and social media to build trust over weeks or months before requesting money or pushing cryptocurrency investment schemes, and they now use AI to generate realistic photos and communicate with multiple victims simultaneously. To protect yourself, verify profile photos using reverse image search, trust your instincts if something seems too good to be true, independently research any investment opportunities, and avoid clicking links or sharing financial information provided by potential romantic contacts.