Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 26,669 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
6,060 results
in Investment Fraud
nypost.com
· 2026-05-18
A Brooklyn developer named Sam Sprei was arrested by the FBI after allegedly bragging to his lawyer about manipulating the court system, including successfully getting two judges removed from his case and claiming connections to courthouse officials. Sprei was involved in a $2 million lawsuit and used schemes like hiring lawyers with prior relationships to judges to force them to recuse themselves from his cases. The advice here is straightforward: if you're involved in legal proceedings, avoid any attempts to improperly influence courts or judges, as federal law enforcement actively investigates such corruption and prosecutors have been making arrests—Sprei's own boastful messages became evidence used against him.
news.bitcoin.com
· 2026-05-18
An international operation led by the U.S., UAE, and China arrested 276 suspects and shut down nine scam operations targeting victims through "pig-butchering" schemes, where criminals build fake romantic relationships online before convincing victims to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency opportunities. These scams have caused over $75 billion in losses globally since 2020, and the operation signals increased international cooperation to combat this growing threat. To protect yourself, be wary of online romantic connections that quickly escalate to investment opportunities, verify the legitimacy of cryptocurrency investments independently, and never send money to people you've only met online.
mexc.com
· 2026-05-18
Authorities from China, the US, and the UAE conducted a historic joint operation in Dubai that arrested 276 suspects and dismantled nine scam compounds running "pig-butchering" investment schemes, which use fake romantic relationships and fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms to defraud victims worldwide. The criminal networks specifically targeted people in Asia, Europe, and North America, stealing millions of dollars through sophisticated social media manipulation and fake investment schemes. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited romantic advances online that lead to investment opportunities, verify cryptocurrency platforms through official channels before depositing money, and report suspicious activity to local authorities.
cryptoadventure.com
· 2026-05-18
Law enforcement agencies from the U.S., China, and UAE dismantled nine cryptocurrency scam centers operating in Dubai, resulting in 276 arrests and charges against six defendants accused of running "pig-butchering" fraud schemes that manipulated victims into fake crypto investments. The scammers targeted people globally by building fake relationships before directing them to fraudulent platforms, where victims lost millions of dollars that were then laundered through various crypto accounts. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities or romantic connections online, verify investment platforms independently, and never transfer funds to unverified sources, especially for cryptocurrency investments.
mexc.com
· 2026-05-18
China, the US, and the UAE jointly dismantled nine cryptocurrency romance scam operations in Dubai, arresting 276 suspects who were running "pig-butchering" schemes that defrauded victims globally. These scammers used fake romantic relationships built on social media to gain victims' trust before directing them into fraudulent high-return crypto investment schemes that often resulted in total financial loss. To protect yourself, be cautious of romantic connections on social media that quickly encourage cryptocurrency investments, verify investment opportunities independently, and never send money to people you've only met online.
phemex.com
· 2026-05-17
Law enforcement from China, the US, and the UAE jointly dismantled nine scam operations in Dubai, arresting 276 suspects who ran "pig-butchering" schemes—where scammers build fake romantic relationships with victims on social media before convincing them to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency. The operation represents the first major collaborative effort between these three nations to combat international telecom and online fraud. People should be cautious of romantic contacts pressuring them to invest in cryptocurrency or other high-return schemes, verify investment opportunities independently, and report suspicious activity to local authorities.
thecooldown.com
· 2026-05-17
An international law enforcement operation led by the FBI, Dubai Police, and China's Ministry of Public Security has dismantled a major "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scam network, resulting in 276 arrests, the shutdown of nine scam centers, and the freezing of over $701 million in laundered funds. The scams targeted Americans through fake investment platforms, often beginning with friendly or romantic contact before manipulating victims into transferring money to fraudulent crypto accounts, sometimes even borrowing from loved ones to invest more. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment offers, especially from people you've recently met online, and verify any investment platform's legitimacy through official regulatory channels before sending money.
yahoo.com
· 2026-05-17
An international law enforcement operation led by the FBI, Dubai Police, and China's Ministry of Public Security has dismantled a major "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scam network, resulting in 276 arrests, the closure of 9 scam centers, and the freezing of over $701 million in laundered crypto assets. The scheme targeted Americans through fake investment platforms, using romantic or friendly contact to build trust before manipulating victims into sending money to fraudulent crypto accounts, with some victims even borrowing from family and friends. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited investment offers from people you meet online, verify investment platforms through official channels before sending money, and never send funds to crypto wallets or accounts you cannot independently verify.
mexc.com
· 2026-05-17
Americans lost over $11 billion to crypto fraud last year, prompting governments worldwide to intensify enforcement efforts, with Myanmar proposing some of the world's harshest penalties including life sentences and even execution for digital currency scammers—particularly those operating forced labor scam centers. The crackdown extends beyond Myanmar, as China has executed people involved in scam operations, and the US has arrested over 200 people and shut down nine scam centers in coordinated efforts targeting compounds across Southeast Asia. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities, romance scams, and requests involving cryptocurrency, and verify the legitimacy of platforms before sending money.
startupfortune.com
· 2026-05-17
Myanmar is proposing severe penalties—including the death penalty and life imprisonment—to combat large-scale online scam compounds that operate across Southeast Asia, which use cryptocurrency and fake investment schemes to defraud victims while exploiting forced labor. These criminal operations, far larger than typical fraud, use tactics like romance scams and fake trading platforms to manipulate victims into sending cryptocurrency that can be quickly moved across borders. The harsh legal response reflects how governments now view cryptocurrency-enabled fraud as a major security threat rather than just a consumer protection issue.
mexc.com
· 2026-05-17
A US law firm is attempting to seize over $344 million in Tether stablecoins linked to Iranian entities to satisfy unrelated legal judgments, though blockchain investigators say this strategy unfairly delays restitution to actual fraud and hack victims. Myanmar's military government has proposed an extreme anti-fraud law including life sentences and death penalties for cryptocurrency scams, targeting the widespread "pig-butchering" schemes where trafficked workers are forced to operate fake investment platforms along the country's borders. The US Senate Banking Committee has advanced the CLARITY Act, a regulatory framework for digital assets and altcoins, moving it toward a full Senate vote after processing over 100 amendments.
gna.org.gh
· 2026-05-17
Two Ghanaian brothers and a U.S.-based woman have been indicted for operating romance scams that targeted elderly Americans through dating websites and social media between July 2024 and April 2026, deceiving victims into sending money via wire transfers to accounts controlled by the conspiracy members. The defendants used fake identities to build fake romantic relationships with victims and funneled stolen funds to co-conspirators in Ghana and other locations. To protect yourself, be cautious of romantic interests you meet online—especially if they quickly ask for money, avoid video calls, or have inconsistent personal details—and verify identities through independent means before sending any funds.
theguardian.com
· 2026-05-16
Scammers are increasingly targeting wealthy athletes through sophisticated schemes ranging from phishing and AI-enabled cyberattacks to fraud by trusted advisers, making sports fraud a billion-dollar criminal enterprise. Notable cases include Shohei Ohtani's interpreter stealing $17 million for gambling debts and an investment adviser defrauding NBA players of $5 million through unauthorized transfers and inflated insurance sales. Athletes and fans attending major sporting events are advised to be cautious with ticket purchases, verify communications from trusted contacts independently, and carefully vet financial advisers and inner-circle members handling their money.
outlooknewspapers.com
· 2026-05-16
Seniors across the country are increasingly falling victim to sophisticated fraud schemes, with losses reported by adults 60 and over skyrocketing from $600 million in 2020 to $2.4 billion in 2024, according to the FTC. Scammers use tactics like fake dating profiles, romance scams, and "pig butchering" schemes (where they build trust over months before tricking victims into depositing money into fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms) to exploit vulnerable older adults. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited messages on dating apps and social media, avoid sharing financial information with online contacts you haven't met in person, and verify investment opportunities through official channels before sending money.
tradingview.com
· 2026-05-16
Myanmar's military government has proposed an Anti-Online Fraud Bill that would impose sentences ranging from ten years to life in prison, and potentially the death penalty, for cryptocurrency fraud and online scamming—with the harshest penalties targeting those responsible for deaths in scam centers that exploit victims into committing fraud. The law represents one of the world's toughest responses to digital currency crime and comes as Southeast Asia has become a hub for sophisticated scam operations (including romance scams and fake investment schemes) that have victimized people globally and prompted coordinated international crackdowns. To protect yourself, remain vigilant about unsolicited investment opportunities, romantic advances from online strangers, and requests for cryptocurrency payments, and verify any financial opportunity through official channels before committing money.
wbay.com
· 2026-05-16
Scammers in Winnebago County, Wisconsin are escalating their tactics by showing up in person at residents' homes, posing as federal agents, police officers, or IRS officials to demand payment for fines or pose as couriers. Victims of all ages have lost significant sums to these in-person scams as well as online schemes like identity theft, cryptocurrency cons, and romance scams, with some cashing out entire retirement accounts. The sheriff's office urges residents to verify any claims by closing the door, calling local authorities to confirm legitimacy, and exercising caution even when dealing with someone face-to-face, since physical presence can make scams seem more credible.
x.com
· 2026-05-16
Older Americans lost over $4.8 billion to fraud in 2024, with seniors being commonly targeted through tech support scams, romance scams, phishing messages, and fake investment opportunities. The FBI emphasizes that awareness and open communication between seniors, families, and caregivers are critical for prevention. People concerned about elder fraud can learn more about prevention strategies from the FBI's website.
thestandard.com.hk
· 2026-05-16
A Hong Kong retiree lost over HK$25 million in an elaborate cryptocurrency scam orchestrated over a year, where fraudsters posing as financial professionals convinced the victim to invest in USDC and then tricked them into authorizing a fake website to drain their digital wallet. Hong Kong police have recorded over 80 similar online investment fraud cases recently and warn the public to be extremely cautious about downloading unfamiliar wallet applications or being asked to link wallets to unfamiliar websites through a wallet's browser. To protect yourself, verify the legitimacy of financial professionals directly with established institutions, never download apps or access websites based solely on a stranger's instructions, and immediately report suspicious banking activity to your bank.
steil.house.gov
· 2026-05-15
A bipartisan group of seven congressmen introduced a resolution to establish May 14th as National Scam Survivor Day, aimed at recognizing victims of fraud and raising awareness about the growing scam epidemic affecting millions of Americans. According to the resolution, scammers stole over $21 billion from Americans in 2025, with seniors, veterans, small business owners, and young people among the most vulnerable targets. The initiative encourages scam survivors to share their experiences to combat stigma and calls for collaboration between government, private sector, and nonprofits to prevent future scams and support those affected.
vocal.media
· 2026-05-15
Romance scammers are targeting people through dating apps and social media, building trust over weeks before convincing victims to invest in fake cryptocurrency schemes, often resulting in thousands of dollars in losses. Experts are urging victims to report these scams immediately because criminals quickly move stolen cryptocurrency through multiple exchanges and laundering channels, making the money nearly impossible to trace within hours. If you suspect you're being scammed, report it right away to law enforcement and fraud reporting platforms rather than waiting—delays significantly reduce the chances of recovering stolen funds.
mexc.com
· 2026-05-15
Blockaid has launched a real-time compliance tool designed to help banks, asset managers, and other institutions monitor their cryptocurrency holdings for fraud and regulatory violations as they increasingly operate in decentralized finance. The new system addresses a critical gap where stolen funds and exploited assets can quickly spread through crypto bridges and smart contracts faster than traditional compliance teams can detect them, with over $2 billion in hacks and exploits occurring in just 18 months. Institutions using this technology can now screen transactions and wallets in real-time, automatically flag suspicious activity before accepting funds, and embed anti-money laundering rules directly into their transaction processes to stay compliant with regulators.
theweek.com
· 2026-05-14
Older adults are increasingly targeted by scams, including new schemes exploiting concerns about upcoming inheritance tax changes and traditional tactics like grandchild impersonation scams, with victims over 65 losing an average of £831 per incident. Scammers use emotional manipulation and request untraceable payment methods like gift cards or wire transfers to steal money and personal data, sometimes resulting in victims losing their life savings within seconds. To protect yourself or loved ones, experts recommend staying vigilant by pausing to verify the source of requests, being skeptical of urgent pleas from "relatives" asking for money, and refusing requests for gift cards or wire transfers.
scmp.com
· 2026-05-14
In a landmark joint operation called Tri-Force Sentinel, the FBI, Chinese Ministry of Public Security, and Dubai Police dismantled nine fraud centers and arrested 276 suspects—mostly from Southeast Asia—who were running high-yield investment scams, "pig butchering" schemes (romance/investment fraud), and cryptocurrency fraud targeting people worldwide. Three of those arrested face federal charges in California for defrauding Americans. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment offers promising unusually high returns, romantic connections from strangers asking for money or investment help, and any pressure to move funds into cryptocurrency or offshore accounts.
ia.acs.org.au
· 2026-05-14
Three Chinese nationals operating a major scam compound in the Philippines were sentenced to life imprisonment after authorities rescued over 1,200 trafficked workers in May 2023. The operation, disguised as an online gambling company, forced victims from multiple countries to conduct romance and cryptocurrency scams targeting people in the Philippines and abroad. The case highlights the dangers of online scams and human trafficking networks, so people should be cautious about unsolicited romantic contacts online and verify investment opportunities through official channels before sending money.
abc15.com
· 2026-05-14
Americans lost $2.1 billion to social media scams in 2025, with Facebook being the primary platform where scammers targeted people through fake investment schemes and deceptive shopping ads. Investment scams were the costliest category at $1.1 billion, while shopping scams were most common, with people tricked into buying non-existent products advertised on social media. To protect yourself, be skeptical of investment opportunities and shopping ads from unknown sellers on social media, verify seller legitimacy before making purchases, and report suspicious accounts to the platform.
mercurynews.com
· 2026-05-13
Older adults are losing billions of dollars to increasingly sophisticated scams, with fraud losses rising from $600 million in 2020 to $2.4 billion in 2024, according to federal data. Seniors are targeted because they often have retirement savings and assets, plus may be less familiar with evolving technology like AI-powered voice mimicry and phishing schemes. Experts advise older adults and their families to be cautious of urgent requests for money, verify caller identities through independent contact information, and stay skeptical of unsolicited communications—especially those creating emotional pressure.
kjrh.com
· 2026-05-13
AI-powered scams stole nearly $900 million from Americans last year and are rapidly growing as scammers use artificial intelligence to create increasingly convincing fraud—including fake dating profiles, deepfake videos, and realistic ads—with average losses more than doubling to over $2,000 per victim. Experts recommend staying vigilant this summer by questioning unsolicited contacts, verifying requests through official channels, and being skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, especially as online shopping and travel bookings increase. The FBI has now flagged AI-enabled scams as a distinct category, warning that these "supercharged" frauds are harder to detect than ever, so consumers should take time to verify authenticity before sharing personal information or money.
smartasset.com
· 2026-05-12
Millions of seniors are targeted by financial scams annually, with the U.S. Treasury identifying $27 billion in suspected elder financial exploitation in a single 12-month period, as scammers increasingly use phishing and impersonation tactics through digital banking and communication channels. SmartAsset analyzed 2024 Federal Trade Commission data to identify which states have the highest rates of reported fraud against people age 60 and older and found that phishing scams, business imposter fraud, and government imposter fraud are among the most common methods used. Seniors should remain vigilant about unsolicited communications claiming to be from banks or government agencies, verify requests through official channels before sharing information, and report suspected fraud to the FTC.
courthousenews.com
· 2026-05-12
Zhao Wang, a Chinese national, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for leading a sophisticated international scam that defrauded over 2,000 elderly Americans of $27 million between 2021 and 2023. The scheme used fake refunds, technical support scams, and impersonation tactics via phone calls and emails to trick victims into sending cash and wire transfers to addresses in Southern California and Nevada, where accomplices used fake IDs to collect the money. Seniors should be wary of unsolicited refund offers, requests to wire money or mail cash, and should verify any claims directly with official institutions by calling known phone numbers rather than using contact information provided by callers.
forbes.com
· 2026-05-12
In 2025, consumers reported 3 million fraud cases resulting in $15.9 billion in losses, with fraud rising 430% since 2020, according to government data. Scammers primarily contact victims through text messages and social media, relying on urgency to pressure people into giving up money. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited financial requests and take time to think carefully before making any financial decisions.
click2houston.com
· 2026-05-12
A new phone scam targeting Houston-area residents impersonates utility companies and claims to send workers to check homes for electrical issues, but actually aims to gain access to people's homes, likely to steal items. The scam is sophisticated enough that it's fooled local law enforcement and the Better Business Bureau, who say they haven't encountered this specific scheme before. To protect yourself, verify any utility company claims by contacting your actual provider directly using a number from your bill, and never let unknown callers schedule home visits without independently confirming the request through official channels.
ourquadcities.com
· 2026-05-12
The Iowa Department of Insurance and Fraud Services is hosting a "Stop the Scammers" event on May 12 in Davenport to educate residents about current fraud schemes, which in 2025 have already prevented $2.7 million from reaching scammers. Attendees will learn about emerging scams including gold bar schemes, SIM swap fraud, and "pig butchering" investment scams that use psychological manipulation to steal money and assets from victims of all backgrounds. The department recommends staying informed about these tactics and reporting suspected scams, as reporting has already recovered nearly $270,000 from fraudsters this year.
bez-kabli.pl
· 2026-05-12
Binance reported that its AI security systems blocked $10.53 billion in attempted cryptocurrency fraud over 15 months, catching over 22.9 million scam attempts in just the first quarter. Crypto scams have become increasingly sophisticated, using deepfake videos, synthetic voices, and AI-generated malware rather than simple phishing tactics, with impersonation scams surging over 1,400% in 2025 and generating significantly higher payouts for criminals who use AI tools. To protect themselves, users should enable all available security features on exchanges, be skeptical of unsolicited messages or help desk requests, and verify identities through official channels rather than clicking links in messages.
goldrushcam.com
· 2026-05-11
A Philippine man pleaded guilty to running a massive book publishing scam that defrauded over 800 Americans—primarily seniors—out of $48 million between 2017 and 2024. The scheme operated through fake literary agencies that promised major publishing deals and Hollywood film adaptations in exchange for upfront fees for taxes and "transaction costs" that never materialized. To protect yourself, be extremely skeptical of unsolicited offers from literary agents, never pay upfront fees for publishing services from agents who contact you first, and verify any agency's legitimacy through established industry databases before sending money.
therakyatpost.com
· 2026-05-11
A retired Malaysian man lost his entire life savings of RM900,000 to a sophisticated investment scam that started with YouTube videos promising easy profits. The scammers used professional-looking websites and showed the victim small returns initially to build trust before requesting larger deposits, eventually disappearing with all the funds—a tactic known as "pig butchering." To protect yourself, be skeptical of investment promises on social media, avoid depositing money based on early returns alone, and report suspicious content using platform reporting features.
theboltonnews.co.uk
· 2026-05-10
Romance fraud cost UK victims over £102 million in a year, with criminals using fake online profiles—increasingly enhanced with AI-generated images—on dating sites and social media to manipulate people into sending money, often tied to bogus investment schemes. Older adults aged 55-74 were hit hardest, though women experienced higher individual losses despite men making more reports overall. To protect yourself, watch for red flags like rapid relationship development, reluctance to video call, or requests for money and cryptocurrency; if you suspect fraud, report it to reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040, and contact your bank immediately if money has been transferred.
dailystandard.com
· 2026-05-10
Law enforcement officials in Auglaize County warned residents about a significant rise in scams, driven by alarming national trends: the FBI received over 1 million fraud complaints in 2025, with phishing, extortion, and investment schemes topping the list, and cyber crimes cost Americans nearly $21 billion overall. Seniors aged 60 and older were hit particularly hard, reporting $7.7 billion in losses—a 37% jump from the previous year—with cryptocurrency and AI-related scams proving especially costly. Residents are urged to stay vigilant against phishing attempts, verify investment opportunities carefully, and be cautious of unsolicited communications, particularly if you're over 60.
mexc.com
· 2026-05-10
The FBI and UAE authorities shut down nine scam centers and arrested 276 suspects in an international operation targeting "pig butchering" fraud schemes—where scammers use fake identities on social media to build trust before luring victims into fraudulent cryptocurrency investments. The operation, which also rescued thousands of human trafficking victims who were forced to operate the scam centers, resulted in the seizure of over $701 million in cryptocurrency and identified nearly 9,000 U.S. victims who lost millions of dollars. To protect yourself, be cautious of new romantic or friendship connections online who eventually push you toward cryptocurrency investments, verify any investment opportunity independently, and never send money or personal information to people you've only met through social media.
cryptopolitan.com
· 2026-05-10
The FBI and UAE authorities dismantled a massive cryptocurrency fraud operation in an international crackdown that resulted in 276 arrests, shut down 9 scam centers, and rescued thousands of trafficking victims. The scammers used "pig butchering" tactics—building fake romantic or friendship relationships on social media before directing victims to fake crypto investment websites—defrauding US citizens of millions of dollars and seizing over $701 million in cryptocurrency assets. To protect yourself, be cautious of strangers who quickly develop romantic or friendship connections online and push you toward investment opportunities, especially cryptocurrency schemes.
forbes.com
· 2026-05-09
Imposter scams—where fraudsters pretend to be trusted entities like the IRS, businesses, or loved ones—have ranked as the #1 scam for nine consecutive years, with the FTC receiving over one million reports in 2025 and losses jumping nearly 20% to $3.5 billion. Government imposter scams surged 40%, particularly fake toll collection messages sent via text that create false urgency to pressure victims into immediate payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. To protect yourself, never respond to unsolicited messages demanding payment; instead, contact the relevant agency directly using official phone numbers or websites to verify any claims before taking action.
click2houston.com
· 2026-05-09
A Houston woman lost $90,000 to scammers who impersonated tech support and then posed as IRS and FTC officials, tricking her into wiring money to a fake federal account shortly after her husband's death. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to these schemes, with Texas reporting over $1.35 billion in fraud losses in 2024 alone, and victims often experiencing severe emotional trauma beyond financial loss. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited pop-ups and phone calls, verify any official communications directly with government agencies using official phone numbers, and never wire money based on threats or claims of identity theft.
yellow.com
· 2026-05-09
Tether, a major cryptocurrency company, has frozen over $514 million in USDT tokens across blockchain networks in the past month as part of increased compliance efforts to combat fraud and illicit activity. The frozen funds were spread across 370 blacklisted addresses, with the majority ($505.9 million) on the Tron network, often used in emerging markets due to low fees. Users should be aware that while these freezes target criminal activity like Ponzi schemes and sanctions evasion, they highlight the risks of cryptocurrency platforms and the importance of using reputable exchanges and being cautious of investment schemes promising unusually high returns.
asiaone.com
· 2026-05-08
Police investigated 225 people across a two-week operation who were allegedly involved in over 564 scams that defrauded victims of more than $4.8 million, with crimes including e-commerce fraud, impersonation schemes, and investment scams. The suspects face serious penalties including up to 10 years in prison for cheating, mandatory caning, and significant fines, with one 23-year-old money mule already sentenced to seven months jail and caning. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited job offers, investment opportunities, and requests from "friends" or officials asking for money or personal information like SIM cards or credentials.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-08
A major international law enforcement operation has resulted in 276 arrests and shut down multiple cryptocurrency fraud networks that targeted Americans and stole millions of dollars through romance scams and fake investment schemes. The coordinated effort involved the DOJ, FBI, and international partners who dismantled at least nine scam centers operating like organized businesses across multiple continents. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited romantic advances or investment opportunities on social media and messaging apps—scammers typically build trust gradually before shifting conversations toward cryptocurrency "investments," a tactic known as "pig-butchering."
ftc.gov
· 2026-05-08
Scammers exploit personal relationships and trust to defraud victims, with romance scams being among the most commonly reported schemes. The FTC and CFTC are raising awareness during Older Americans Month through a webinar featuring a romance scam survivor and government representatives who explain how these scams work and what free protective tools are available. To protect yourself, be cautious about unsolicited romantic advances online, verify the identities of people you meet digitally before sharing personal information, and report suspected scams to the FTC or CFTC.
mexc.com
· 2026-05-08
In 2025, approximately $17 billion was stolen globally through cryptocurrency scams, with impersonation scams (like romance investment schemes) growing over 1,400% year-over-year. Despite victims often believing their losses are irreversible, law enforcement agencies like the FBI and local sheriffs' offices have successfully recovered millions in stolen cryptocurrency—including a Florida case where $450,000 was recovered for a victim who hadn't even filed a police report. If you've lost cryptocurrency to fraud, the article advises filing a police report immediately and contacting law enforcement, as recovery is increasingly possible, while also warning against "recovery scam" services that prey on victims a second time.
waka.com
· 2026-05-07
Contrary to common assumptions, younger adults—particularly Gen Z and millennials—are actually more vulnerable to scams than seniors, with 43% of Gen Z and 39% of millennials engaging with scam attempts compared to just 14% of Baby Boomers. Younger people fall victim to scams tailored to their online behavior, including shopping scams (fake storefronts and deals), employment scams (fake job listings with training fees), romance scams, and deceptive text messages, while seniors are more targeted by tech support scams, imposter scams, and gift card demands. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited messages and job offers, verify web addresses carefully before clicking links, never give remote access to your computer to unknown parties, and remember that legitimate companies will never demand payment via gift cards.
kaspersky.com
· 2026-05-07
Kaspersky researchers have identified "gray websites"—deceptive platforms that trick users into willingly sharing money and personal data by impersonating legitimate services like e-commerce sites, financial tools, and AI platforms, making them harder to detect than traditional phishing attacks. These scams are targeting users worldwide with regional variations, such as fake privacy tools and browser extensions in Europe, and are causing significant financial losses and large-scale data theft. To protect yourself, use security software that can detect gray websites across all devices (Windows, Linux, Android, iOS) by analyzing factors like domain age, IP reputation, and security headers.
yahoo.com
· 2026-05-07
A Canadian man, Stefano Zanetti, was sentenced to over 15 years in prison for leading an elder fraud scheme that targeted elderly people across the United States, including Pennsylvania, causing $1.5 to $3.5 million in losses. The scam involved conspirators calling victims claiming a family member (usually a grandchild) needed bail money, then sending "couriers" to collect cash from their homes. To protect yourself, be suspicious of urgent calls about family members in legal trouble, never withdraw large amounts of cash based on such calls, and verify claims by contacting your family members directly through known phone numbers.
wpxi.com
· 2026-05-07
A Canadian man, Stefano Zanetti, was sentenced to over 15 years in prison for leading a grandparent scam that defrauded elderly people across the U.S., including in Western Pennsylvania, causing between $1.5 million to $3.5 million in losses. The scheme involved conspirators calling elderly victims claiming a grandchild needed bail money, then sending "couriers" to collect cash from their homes. Authorities recommend elderly people verify such urgent claims by contacting family members directly through known phone numbers and never withdrawing cash or giving money to strangers at their doors.