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WTVC NewsChannel 9
· 2024-12-08
A Texas woman lost $2,000 in a utility scam when she received a call from someone impersonating CPS Energy, threatening to cut off her electricity and demanding immediate payment via gift cards purchased at multiple stores. The scammer used social engineering tactics—including knowing the victim's account number—to build credibility, and the victim only realized she'd been defrauded after contacting CPS Energy directly, which confirmed they never call to demand payment or threaten same-day disconnection.
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WHAS11
· 2024-12-06
Fraud experts warn consumers to avoid online shopping scams during the holiday season, particularly fake ads on social media and fraudulent package delivery texts from scammers impersonating carriers like UPS and FedEx. To protect themselves, consumers should shop directly through trusted retailers they already use, verify package status by visiting carrier websites directly, and report any scams to police. According to AARP, approximately one-third of consumers are affected by online scams annually.
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KVUE
· 2024-12-06
As holiday shopping moves online, fraud experts warn consumers—particularly older adults with significant assets—to be vigilant against scams, as approximately one-third of consumers fall victim to online fraud during this season. Key risks include fraudulent social media ads, fake package delivery texts with links to copycat websites, and tech support scam pop-ups; experts recommend shopping only at trusted retailers, avoiding suspicious links, and going directly to carrier websites to check package status rather than clicking links in messages.
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CBS LA
· 2024-12-06
A 77-year-old widow lost over $20,000 to a romance scam after meeting a man in a Facebook Christian group who posed as a wealthy oil rig worker. The scam had devastating family consequences—her daughter lost her relationship with her mother and learned during the investigation that her mother had sold the family home for $130,000 below market value, likely funneling most of those proceeds to the scammer. According to the Federal Trade Commission, romance scams caused over $1 billion in losses last year, affecting not just finances but also family relationships and homes.
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Denver7
· 2024-12-04
A 92-year-old pastor in Highlands Ranch and his wife nearly fell victim to a sophisticated scam after a pop-up appeared on their computer warning of a problem; when the pastor called the number in the link, scammers falsely claimed his credit card was used to purchase child pornography in China and pressured him to transfer money to a new bank account. The incident illustrates the heightened fraud risk during the holiday shopping season, with the FBI reporting $39 million in consumer losses to scams in 2023 and an additional $173 million in credit card fraud losses.
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5NEWS
· 2024-12-04
The FBI in Little Rock warns consumers that scammers remain active during the holiday season, using online shopping scams, social media giveaway schemes, and fake charities to steal personal information and money. The FBI recommends verifying charity legitimacy, avoiding unsolicited messages and websites, not sharing personal or financial information, and reporting suspected scams to the FBI at ic3.gov or local financial institutions.
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KHON2 News
· 2024-12-02
Cyber Monday shoppers should beware of fraudulent websites designed to mimic legitimate retailers like Amazon and Walmart. Common holiday scams include non-delivery, non-payment, auction fraud, and gift card fraud, with thousands of victims affected annually. Experts recommend verifying website URLs, checking reviews, understanding return policies, keeping purchase screenshots, and paying with credit cards rather than debit cards for better fraud protection.
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WCHS Eyewitness News
· 2024-12-01
Scammers are impersonating county sheriff's office staff and calling victims about missed jury duty, claiming a warrant exists for their arrest and demanding payment of a fine. The scam uses spoofed local phone numbers, real deputy names, and personal information to appear legitimate, though red flags include requests for case information before appearing in court and pressure to pay fines immediately. Victims are advised to recognize that legitimate jury duty notifications do not include advance case packets or fine demands via phone calls.
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13News Now
· 2024-11-29
Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping increases vulnerability to several common scams: fraudulent social media ads with fake URLs, phony websites selling deactivated or counterfeit gift cards to harvest personal information, and phishing emails with suspicious links. Consumers should verify ad sources and URLs, purchase gift cards only from official retailers, check for spelling errors and https security on websites, and avoid clicking email links unless the sender's address is confirmed legitimate.
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CityNews
· 2024-11-28
Edmonton Police reported four e-transfer scam incidents in November resulting in over $6,700 in losses, primarily targeting buyers on online marketplaces like Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace. From January to August, the police received more than 600 e-transfer scam reports totaling $10.8 million, with scammers using increasingly sophisticated fake websites and pop-ups to trick victims into sending payments.
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This Morning
· 2024-11-27
Gift card scams are a major fraud threat during the holiday season, with Action Fraud reporting losses of £13.5 million to gift card scams in the previous year. Scammers target these popular gifts through various methods including impersonation fraud via WhatsApp, Facebook, email, and text messages, with elderly people being particularly vulnerable. Gift cards are attractive to fraudsters because of their high monetary value and ease of transfer, making it essential for consumers to be cautious when purchasing or gifting them.
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FOX31 Denver
· 2024-11-27
A Denver man lost thousands of dollars after scammers gained access to his Venmo account by using a phishing email to change his password, exploiting his recent grief over his father's death. The hackers transferred funds from his linked checking account before he regained access, and while PayPal later confirmed the breach and pledged to make things right, the incident highlights vulnerabilities across cash transfer apps including Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App. Experts recommend users enable two-factor authentication, transfer money to bank accounts promptly, change passwords regularly, and remain vigilant against common scams like "paid by mistake" schemes and pyramid schemes on these platforms.
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News 4 Tucson KVOA-TV
· 2024-11-27
**Summary:**
This article provides holiday season cybersecurity awareness, warning that scammers and hackers actively target online shoppers during peak shopping periods. Experts recommend three key protective measures: keep devices and passwords up-to-date, shop only through trusted sources while being cautious of suspicious email links and social media ads, and carefully consider what personal information is being shared before responding to communications or making purchases.
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FOX10 News
· 2024-11-26
The Better Business Bureau warns consumers to avoid Black Friday scams during the expanded holiday shopping season, which now begins a week earlier with increased online sales. Key protective measures include reviewing return policies and warranties, checking shop reviews before purchasing, and setting a shopping budget beforehand to avoid falling for deals that seem too good to be true.
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WION
· 2024-11-25
Pig-butchering scams, which have stolen over $75 billion globally, are long-term confidence schemes that combine romance scams, investment fraud, and cryptocurrency deception. Scammers initiate contact through unsolicited text messages, pose as old friends or romantic interests to build trust, and then convince victims to invest in fake cryptocurrency platforms controlled by the fraudsters before disappearing with the money. To protect yourself, never share personal information with online-only contacts and avoid sending money or cryptocurrency to anyone you have not met in person.
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NewsChannel 9 WSYR Syracuse
· 2024-11-22
Online purchase scams rose 125% in 2023, with scammers targeting busy holiday shoppers through fake websites and social media ads. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to scrutinize websites for awkward phrasing, unprofessional design, and tampered logos, and to avoid engaging with suspicious text messages requesting shipping or payment updates, as these are common tactics used to steal personal and financial information.
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First Alert 6
· 2024-11-21
This educational segment highlights that older adults face increased financial scam risks during the holiday season because they typically have savings, home equity, and good credit—making them attractive targets—while also experiencing social isolation and loneliness that scammers exploit. Three common holiday scams targeting seniors include charity fraud, where scammers impersonate legitimate organizations soliciting donations via calls, emails, or texts.
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WCPO 9
· 2024-11-19
**Holiday Shopping Scams Summary:**
Scammers exploit increased online shopping and package deliveries during the holiday season using tactics like fake delivery texts claiming incomplete address information and fraudulent "missed delivery" tags left on doors to trick recipients into calling numbers or clicking links. Consumer experts advise shoppers to track their orders, avoid responding to unsolicited delivery texts, and refrain from clicking unknown links, as these actions can compromise personal information and device security.
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KOIN 6
· 2024-11-19
This educational piece highlights common holiday shopping scams that target consumers during the peak spending season, including fake charity donations, pet deposit schemes, and gift card fraud. The Financial Technology Association's president advises consumers to pause before making any online purchases or payments, verify legitimacy when offers seem too good to be true, and avoid sharing personal information with unverified sources. The key takeaway is that scammers exploit holiday generosity and urgency, making skepticism and caution essential when shopping online during this period.
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TheStreet
· 2024-11-19
Cryptocurrency and other online scams targeting Americans aged 60 and older reached alarming levels, with the number of seniors defrauded of $100,000 or more tripling between 2020 and 2023. The FTC reported $1.9 billion in confirmed fraud losses for this age group in 2023, though estimates suggest the actual figure may reach $62 billion when accounting for unreported cases. Common scams include romance schemes, impersonation of family members or government agencies like Social Security, lottery schemes, and cryptocurrency investment fraud.
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FOX59 News
· 2024-11-18
Black Friday scams are proliferating as holiday shopping season begins. Four major scam types to watch for include: fake social media ads (e.g., North Face offering 80% discounts), copycat websites designed to steal personal information or upload malware, phishing emails offering fake gift card surveys, and bogus delivery alerts via text claiming packages are being held. Consumers should navigate directly to official retailer websites, avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails, and verify tracking information through legitimate sources rather than responding to suspicious messages.
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moneycontrol
· 2024-11-16
**Cybercrime Risk During Diwali Shopping Season**
India's National Crime Record Bureau reported over 1.1 million cyber fraud cases last year, with incidents rising significantly during high-spending periods like Diwali, particularly targeting elderly individuals. Common scams include customer support fraud (using screen-sharing apps to hijack mobile devices), virtual arrest scams (impersonating law enforcement to extort payments), and Aadhaar-enabled payment system fraud. To protect oneself, stay vigilant during shopping seasons, verify legitimacy of support contacts independently, avoid sharing remote access to devices, and be skeptical of unsolicited law enforcement threats.
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WREG News Channel 3
· 2024-11-13
Three Nigerian men in their 40s were sentenced to federal prison for orchestrating romance and investment scams that targeted victims across America from 2017 to 2021, including a Western Tennessee resident who lost $400,000. The perpetrators used fake identities on social media and dating sites, posing as romantic partners and repeatedly requesting emergency financial assistance from victims. Law enforcement urges scam victims to report incidents to police, as victims of romance scams often face additional risks including identity theft when they unknowingly share personal information with fraudsters.
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Hawaii News Now
· 2024-11-13
State officials warned of a real estate scam in which fraudsters sent letters impersonating government entities to individuals and businesses, using false information to solicit investments in non-existent properties. The scammers also impersonated actor Jason Momoa to obtain funds, prompting the actor to publicly deny any association with the schemes. The state's consumer protection agency urged the public to report suspected scams by calling 808-587-4272.
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12 News
· 2024-11-11
Fake job offers are among the fastest-growing scams in the U.S., with fraudsters using text messages and encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp to lure job seekers with attractive work-from-home positions promising up to $1,000 per day. Scammers target vulnerable individuals, particularly those who have lost jobs or are in desperate situations, and attempt to collect personal credentials or financial information. To protect yourself, be wary of recruiters who contact you through encrypted messaging apps rather than official employment platforms or standard business communication channels.
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11Alive
· 2024-11-10
Veterans Day provides scammers an opportunity to target service members and veterans through financial fraud, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting over $350 million in losses to veterans from fraud in the past year alone. To protect veterans, recommendations include enrolling in free credit monitoring services to detect identity theft early, using official sources for scam alerts, and consulting the National Veterans Financial Resource Center for financial guidance and protection strategies. Those suspecting scams should report them to the Federal Trade Commission.
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FOX 2 St. Louis
· 2024-11-07
**Summary:**
Scammers target veterans by impersonating government representatives and fraudulently offering loan forgiveness, mortgage aid, or grants in exchange for upfront processing fees. Veterans and their spouses experience higher median losses to scams than average consumers, particularly through employment scams that exploit frequent military relocations. The BBB advises veterans to never pay upfront for loans or grants, never share personal information with unsolicited callers, and remember that the government communicates via mail only—never by phone, email, or social media.
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WIRED
· 2024-11-05
This WIRED article features "Scammer Payback," a YouTube scam-baiting channel, answering audience questions about common fraud tactics and red flags. The content identifies three major warning signs of scams: scammers pressuring victims to make quick decisions (especially involving gift cards or Cash App transfers), requests for remote access to computers or phones, and demands for untraceable payment methods like Bitcoin or wire transfers. The educational piece emphasizes that time pressure is a deliberate tactic scammers use to prevent victims from consulting family members or others who might intervene.
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NBC10 Boston
· 2024-11-01
During Medicare open enrollment season, scammers impersonate Medicare representatives and insurance agents to trick people into revealing personal information such as Social Security numbers, banking details, and Medicare ID numbers through unsolicited calls, texts, and phishing emails. The BBB has received frequent reports of these fraudulent schemes, which target millions of people seeking insurance plans and can result in identity theft or sale of personal data on the black market. Consumers should verify contacts by hanging up and calling official numbers directly, be wary of anyone offering limited-time enrollment offers, and avoid sharing personal information with unsolicited callers.
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FOX31 Denver
· 2024-10-31
Halloween spending reached a record $12.2 billion last year, but experts warn consumers to beware of scams including fake sweepstakes texts and deceptive giveaways that trick people into sharing personal information. When purchasing costumes, consumers should buy from reputable retailers that verify products meet safety standards and are non-flammable, and should check tags for material listings to avoid allergen exposure, particularly latex allergies.
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CNBC-TV18
· 2024-10-31
Online trading scams have swept across India, affecting unsuspecting investors lured by social media ads and messaging apps that promise huge profits, resulting in losses exceeding 1,400 crore rupees. Scammers use fake photos of stock market experts and fake news articles to build trust, then direct victims to unregistered trading apps where they deposit funds that are never actually invested—instead, scammers show fake profits in the app wallet before eventually disappearing with the money. To protect themselves, investors should verify that trading apps are registered with SEBBI (the stock market regulator) and be wary of "insider tips" offered through social media and messaging groups.
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FSAOutreach
· 2024-10-23
This is an introductory webinar by the Federal Student Aid (FSA) office's Awareness and Outreach team that provides resources on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and educates participants on how to recognize and avoid financial aid scams. The presentation, hosted by Fred Stennis and presented by Isaiah Ellis, offers guidance to students and families navigating financial aid while protecting themselves from fraud, with live representatives available to answer questions and recordings made available for future reference.
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WXYZ-TV Detroit | Channel 7
· 2024-10-23
The Better Business Bureau issued a warning about the "card declined scam," where fraudsters create fake websites mimicking legitimate retailers and display card declined error messages to trick consumers into entering their payment information. In one reported case, a Troy woman attempting to purchase shoes on a counterfeit Nike site had her card information stolen, which scammers then used to attempt a $48 fraudulent charge (caught by her bank). Consumers are advised to verify retailer URLs for misspellings and stop transactions if they encounter declined messages, as these may indicate phishing attempts rather than legitimate payment failures.
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NBC10 Boston
· 2024-10-22
More than half of Americans have been targeted by election-related scams ahead of the 2024 election, with young voters experiencing the highest rates of fraud involving fake polls, donation scams, and disinformation. Common scams include political donation fraud where money does not reach intended campaigns, and election survey scams where fraudsters pose as legitimate news organizations to collect personal information and voting preferences. To protect yourself, verify the legitimacy of donation requests and survey contacts before providing personal information or financial contributions.
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CBC News
· 2024-10-22
Montreal police reported a resurgence of scams targeting seniors involving gold and jewelry in the North End. One scheme involved a couple with a child offering gold or jewelry deals, defrauding a victim of $1,000, while an 87-year-old woman was approached by a woman in an SUV who distracted her with conversation before stealing her gold chain containing a cherished photo of her deceased son.
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WPLG Local 10
· 2024-10-18
A Pinecrest woman received a threatening extortion email from a scammer who claimed to have compromising photos and videos of her and demanded payment. The scammer demonstrated access to personal information including her address, phone number, family members' names, and a photo of her neighborhood, which alarmed her into contacting police. The FBI is encouraging victims of this extortion scam to report it to them.
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Eyewitness News ABC7NY
· 2024-10-18
From 2021 to 2023, the Federal Trade Commission reported that people lost $2.7 billion in social media scams. One common Instagram scam involves scammers contacting users with images from their posts and offering payment for using their photos, then requesting personal information (email, phone number, bank details) before claiming they will send money and asking the victim to forward funds to an "artist." Red flags include unsolicited contact, requests for personal information, and offers that seem too good to be true—recognizing these warning signs can help protect users from becoming victims.
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NOLA.com
· 2024-10-17
AARP Louisiana hosted a fraud awareness townhall event featuring nationally recognized fraud expert and former prosecutor Paul Greenwood to educate seniors about scams targeting older adults. The event aimed to provide practical protection strategies and highlight how fraud impacts seniors beyond financial loss, including emotional and trust-related consequences. AARP encourages seniors to utilize resources like their FraudWatch Network to stay informed about emerging scams and safeguard personal information.
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NOLA.com
· 2024-10-17
AARP Louisiana hosted an educational presentation titled "Unmasking Fraud" featuring nationally recognized fraud expert and former prosecutor Paul Greenwood to address senior fraud targeting older adults in Louisiana. The event emphasized that fraud against seniors impacts not only financial security but also causes lasting emotional and psychological harm, and provided practical strategies for protection. AARP directs people to its Fraud Watch Network resource for current scam information and personal data protection guidance.
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WKRN News 2
· 2024-10-17
Senior fraud represents a $3 billion problem, with scammers primarily targeting individuals aged 55-64 through contractor scams, Medicare fraud, Bitcoin investment schemes, romance scams, phone fraud, and phishing attacks. Phishing scams work by casting a wide net through texts, emails, and social media to trick victims into clicking malicious links or participating in fake surveys and contests that download malware and compromise personal information.
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News 5 Cleveland
· 2024-10-15
A 70-year-old woman in Berea was scammed out of approximately $20,000 in a tech support fraud scheme that began with a fake Microsoft pop-up warning on her computer. After calling the number provided, a scammer gained remote access to her laptop and then coordinated with a accomplice who convinced her that her money was in jeopardy, directing her to withdraw cash from multiple bank locations while remaining on the phone with her throughout the process. The case illustrates how scammers systematically manipulate vulnerable seniors by creating false urgency and overriding their judgment.
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WCPO 9
· 2024-10-14
The Justice Department warned consumers about fraudulent charity scams emerging in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, noting that scammers often impersonate legitimate organizations like the Red Cross and FEMA to solicit donations. Experts advise people to avoid clicking links in unsolicited text messages or emails requesting donations; instead, they should manually type the charity's website into a browser or search for it directly to verify legitimacy before donating.
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CTV News
· 2024-10-11
A Newfoundland senior lost $20,000 in gift cards to a romance scam after a man contacted her on Facebook, claimed to be a widow her age, expressed his love, and gradually requested money. The victim was particularly vulnerable as a recent widow undergoing cancer treatment. Romance scams remain among Canada's top three frauds, with Canadians losing over $52 million annually, often targeting lonely individuals through social media.
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WPRI
· 2024-10-10
According to the FBI, scammers stole more than $3.4 billion from over 100,000 seniors in 2023, with Rhode Islanders age 60+ losing $7.4 million. Common tactics include creating a sense of panic or urgency, impersonating government agencies like the IRS, and using AI technology to clone the voices of loved ones. State leaders emphasize that public education and awareness are key prevention strategies, advising seniors to verify unexpected calls independently rather than responding to urgent requests.
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11Alive
· 2024-10-10
Thousands of people are being targeted by "grandparent scams" where callers impersonate distressed family members claiming to need emergency money. One grandmother nearly lost $99,000 after receiving a frantic call from someone claiming to be her grandson who said he was in a car accident and needed bail money, though she later realized it was a scam. Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to mimic loved ones' voices by extracting audio from social media and other online sources, making these frauds more sophisticated and convincing.
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CFPBLive
· 2024-10-09
This is an introductory webinar hosted by the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau on payments industry practices for combating elder financial exploitation. The session provides participants with access to slides, resources, and a discussion platform to explore strategies and tools for preventing elder financial abuse within the payments sector.
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WQAD News 8
· 2024-10-08
Amazon Prime Days shopping events create opportunities for scammers, with FTC-reported Amazon-related scams resulting in $19 million in losses last year. Consumers should protect themselves by reading verified reviews, avoiding suspicious links, ignoring promotions that require payment, and remembering that Amazon customer support never requests personal details or passwords.
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WSBT-TV
· 2024-10-03
**Summary:**
Following Hurricane Helen, scammers are exploiting people's charitable impulses by posing as legitimate charities or disaster victims through unsolicited calls, texts, and social media posts to solicit donations via wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. To avoid disaster relief scams, the Better Business Bureau and GoFundMe advise verifying charities through give.org or official websites, avoiding pressure tactics that demand immediate payment, and being cautious of unsolicited contact.
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KHON2 News
· 2024-10-02
Employment scams in Hawaii have cost job seekers over $86,000 in losses since the beginning of 2027, with the Better Business Bureau warning of fake job opportunities that increasingly impersonate legitimate companies. Common scam tactics include fake onboarding processes that steal personal information, fraudulent reshipping jobs involving stolen goods, and "task optimization" schemes where victims pay upfront fees for tasks and are tricked into depositing increasingly larger amounts before losing access to their accounts. To protect themselves, job seekers should avoid any employer requesting payment, verify company legitimacy through official websites and BBB.org, and be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.
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WCIA News
· 2024-10-01
Courtney and Teresa, fraud prevention specialists with AARP Illinois, have partnered together as "the Fraud-Fighting Fraudlets" to expand their fraud awareness and prevention efforts across Illinois, combining resources from Springfield and Chicago. The duo emphasizes that scams are constantly evolving and criminals continuously target people of all ages to steal money and personal information, making ongoing education and awareness efforts essential.