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tntribune.com
· 2026-05-24
This Memorial Day, the Better Business Bureau warns military members, veterans, and their families to be alert for scams that exploit patriotic emotions and charitable giving, including fake charities, phishing emails, fraudulent moving companies, predatory loans, and fake military discounts. Scammers specifically target service members and veterans through schemes like benefits buyout plans, fake rental listings requiring wire transfers, and high-pressure life insurance sales. To protect yourself, research businesses and charities before donating or purchasing, verify organizations through BBB.org and Give.org, and avoid wiring money to unfamiliar sources.
wbbjtv.com
· 2026-05-24
The Tennessee Department of Safety is warning residents about a text message scam where fraudsters impersonate official government agencies to trick people into clicking malicious links or sharing personal information. If you receive suspicious texts claiming to be from TN Department of Safety or TN Drivers Services, do not click any links or provide personal details. Anyone who falls victim to this scam should report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov, and residents can find additional scam prevention tips through the Tennessee Attorney General's Consumer Affairs page.
the-independent.com
· 2026-05-24
An elderly California couple was found dead in what authorities believe was a murder-suicide, but prior to their deaths, the wife had been targeted by a scammer posing as actor Tom Selleck on Facebook who convinced her to send money via gift cards over the course of about a year. While investigators confirmed financial elder abuse occurred, they stressed there is no evidence the scammer was directly involved in the couple's deaths. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited contact from celebrities on social media, never share personal information or send money via gift cards to unverified contacts, and report suspicious activity to authorities or the FTC.
tampafp.com
· 2026-05-24
A North Carolina woman was arrested after defrauding a 66-year-old Florida man of over $100,000 through a two-layer scam involving fake investment opportunities and a fabricated romance with "Elon Musk." Elizabeth Ann Hildbrand posed as a financial broker while also claiming to be romantically involved with the billionaire, convincing the victim to wire money, purchase gift cards, and mail cash that she converted into cryptocurrency. To protect yourself: verify investment opportunities through official channels, be extremely skeptical of unsolicited romantic relationships online (especially with famous figures), never send money or gift card codes to people you haven't met in person, and contact authorities immediately if you suspect fraud.
nbcnews.com
· 2026-05-23
An elderly California couple was found dead in a suspected murder-suicide in May, with investigators determining that the wife had been victimized by a romance scam in which someone impersonated actor Tom Selleck over Facebook and eventually convinced her to send thousands of dollars via gift cards. The scammer initially gained the victim's trust by claiming to have known a deceased high school friend of hers, then gradually requested money for various reasons starting in November. Authorities advise seniors to be cautious of unsolicited contact on social media, verify identities independently before sharing personal information, and never send money via gift cards or wire transfers to people they haven't met in person.
patch.com
· 2026-05-23
An elderly couple in California, Don and Karen Whitaker, were found dead in what authorities believe was a murder-suicide after Karen fell victim to a romance scam where a fraudster impersonating actor Tom Selleck convinced her to send thousands of dollars. Karen, who was in early stages of dementia, initially met the scammer on Facebook and despite warnings from family and friends, continued sending money as the scam escalated from $80 donations to much larger sums. To protect yourself from similar scams, be especially vigilant with elderly relatives—verify requests for money through independent channels, be skeptical of celebrity contact on social media, and report suspicious activity to authorities immediately.
rafu.com
· 2026-05-23
A Covina couple lost nearly $850,000 in life savings and retirement funds after falling victim to an elaborate FBI impersonation scam that lasted over a year. Scammers used spoofed phone numbers, fake video calls with actors dressed as FBI agents, and intimidation tactics claiming the couple was under investigation to coerce them into converting their savings to cryptocurrency. Experts advise that legitimate law enforcement will never call demanding money or ask you to keep investigations secret, and people should always verify by calling official agency phone numbers directly rather than using contact information provided by callers.
dailymail.com
· 2026-05-23
An elderly California couple, Donald and Karen Whitaker (ages 80 and 79), were found dead in their home in an apparent murder-suicide after Karen spent months sending thousands of dollars to an online scammer posing as actor Tom Selleck. Authorities believe this was a case of financial elder abuse that may have contributed to the tragic outcome, though they have not confirmed whether the scammer was directly involved in the deaths. The case underscores the danger of romance and celebrity impersonation scams targeting seniors—people should verify the identity of online contacts independently, never send money to strangers online, and discuss unusual online relationships with trusted family members.
news.meaww.com
· 2026-05-23
A 79-year-old California woman was allegedly victimized by a romance scammer impersonating actor Tom Selleck who convinced her to send hundreds of dollars over an extended period before she and her 80-year-old husband were found dead in their home in May 2024. The scammer contacted Karen Whitaker after she posted on Facebook and developed a fake intimate relationship with her, gradually increasing requests for money from $80 to $800, despite friends and even someone connected to Tom Selleck trying to convince her of the fraud. To protect yourself: be skeptical of unexpected romantic contact from celebrities online, never send money to people you haven't met in person, verify claims independently, and report suspected elder fraud to local authorities immediately.
spectrumnews1.com
· 2026-05-23
Federal authorities are warning of an increasingly sophisticated scam where criminals impersonate prosecutors and FBI agents, contacting victims via phone, text, or email and pressuring them to send money or provide personal information by claiming they're involved in a fraud investigation. The scammers use real law enforcement names and details to build credibility and may even spoof phone numbers to appear legitimate. If you receive such contact, do not provide any money or personal information—legitimate federal agencies never request these over the phone—and report the activity to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
abc30.com
· 2026-05-23
The FBI is warning recent graduates about a surge in job scams that use evolving tactics like social media messages, fake checks, and AI-enabled fraud, with scammers targeting vulnerable job seekers and costing victims millions annually. Common scam tactics include sending fraudulent checks for "work supplies" and requesting victims return portions via payment apps, or soliciting clicks on malicious links. Job seekers should verify opportunities through official company websites, avoid unsolicited job offers, be wary of unfamiliar payment methods, and never click links from unknown sources.
spectrumnews1.com
· 2026-05-23
Federal authorities in Ohio are warning the public about an increasing scam where criminals impersonate prosecutors and federal law enforcement officials to pressure victims into sending money or revealing personal information like credit card numbers. The scammers contact people via phone, text, or email, claiming the victim is involved in a fraud investigation, and may use spoofed phone numbers and real official names to appear credible. To protect yourself, never send money or share personal information if someone claiming to be a government official contacts you unexpectedly—legitimate federal agencies never request money or sensitive information this way—and report any such contact to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
welivesecurity.com
· 2026-05-23
Scammers are creating fake FIFA and World Cup websites that mimic official ticket and merchandise platforms to steal money and personal data from eager soccer fans ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America. Victims are finding these fraudulent sites through sponsored search results, social media ads, and deceptive emails, often falling for them because they're impatient about securing tickets before they sell out. To protect yourself, verify you're on the official FIFA website by carefully checking the URL, avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or ads, and use trusted payment methods rather than direct bank transfers.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-23
Scammers are sending convincing fake inheritance emails claiming recipients are entitled to unclaimed estates and demanding action within 48 hours to create urgency. The emails look professional with official language and formatting, but clicking the "Check My Unclaimed Inheritance" button leads to data theft. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected inheritance claims, never click links in unsolicited emails, and verify any legitimate claims by contacting financial institutions directly rather than through email links.
chicagotribune.com
· 2026-05-22
A city employee in Aurora fell victim to a sophisticated phone scam on April 29, when a caller impersonating a bank representative used deceptive tactics to trick them into disclosing sensitive account information, resulting in the theft of nearly $1.1 million from city payroll accounts. The incident is being investigated by city officials, law enforcement, and cybersecurity experts, though there is currently no evidence that the city's network or resident data were compromised. To protect yourself from similar scams, be skeptical of unsolicited calls asking for account information, verify caller identities through official channels, and never share sensitive financial details over the phone even if the caller seems legitimate.
thepointsguy.com
· 2026-05-22
Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated AI technology to impersonate legitimate companies like American Express and target travelers during summer vacation planning, attempting to steal identities, money, and travel rewards points. The article highlights a case where the author received a convincing but ultimately flawed AI-generated call claiming to be from American Express Security, demonstrating how criminals are using technology to make their schemes more believable. To protect yourself, verify unexpected calls by hanging up and calling the official company number directly, be suspicious of AI-generated voices with lag time or pronunciation difficulties, and never confirm personal information or card details during unsolicited calls.
fdic.gov
· 2026-05-22
The FDIC is hosting a national event for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to help older adults and their families protect themselves from common financial scams including imposter scams, romance scams, and phishing attacks. The program uses the free Money Smart for Older Adults curriculum to teach people how to recognize and avoid these schemes, and will provide updates on emerging fraud threats currently targeting seniors. Older adults, caregivers, and financial institutions can register online to participate in the webinar and learn practical fraud prevention strategies.
wbaltv.com
· 2026-05-22
A congressional committee is pressuring major telecommunications companies like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile to strengthen their defenses against scams, which cost Americans an estimated $200 billion in 2024. The lawmakers are concerned that consumers can't reliably distinguish legitimate messages from scams and want telecom companies to improve their data collection, monitoring, and enforcement efforts against scammers. While carriers blocked billions of scam texts and calls in 2024, unwanted messages continue to reach consumers in large numbers, prompting Congress to demand better protections beyond previous efforts like the 2019 TRACED Act.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-22
Scammers are sending fake Geek Squad billing emails claiming urgent charges of $489.99 for protection plans you never signed up for, designed to pressure recipients into clicking payment links before they think carefully. Red flags include generic greetings without personalization, a confusing mix of unrelated company names (Geek Squad, Razorpay, QuickTax), and artificial urgency claiming charges within 48 hours. To protect yourself, ignore these emails entirely, verify any billing alerts directly with the company's official website or phone number, and remember that legitimate subscription services don't work through unsolicited payment links or demands.
eset.com
· 2026-05-22
Romance scams cost victims an average of $9,400 in 2025, with scammers using increasingly sophisticated AI tools including deepfake videos, AI-generated photos, and chatbots to impersonate fake profiles on dating apps. Anyone using online dating should watch for red flags such as requests to move conversations off the platform quickly, requests for money, or reluctance to meet in person. Understanding how these scams evolve and using the dating app's built-in safety features are key steps to protecting yourself from romance fraud.
wrtv.com
· 2026-05-22
Indiana ranks 8th worst in the nation for scam calls and texts, though overall scam call volume has dropped in recent months as fraudsters shift tactics to use AI for more targeted, personalized attacks rather than mass calling campaigns. Scammers are leveraging artificial intelligence to research victims on social media and craft convincing scripts, while the FTC reports that social media scams—particularly fake job offers and investment schemes—caused the highest financial losses last year. To protect yourself, consider using call-blocking apps like Truecaller (free on Android, paid on iOS) or contacting your wireless carrier about available scam-blocking features.
allears.net
· 2026-05-21
Disney World visitors are being targeted by scams involving fraudulent hotel bookings through unofficial websites, counterfeit tickets sold on third-party platforms like Facebook Marketplace, and unauthorized Disney Vacation Club point rentals. These schemes can result in travelers arriving at resorts without valid reservations or wasting money on fake tickets. To protect yourself, only book hotels and purchase tickets directly through Disney's official website, authorized travel agents, or verified authorized sellers—avoid budget booking sites and third-party resellers, even if they offer discounts.
patch.com
· 2026-05-21
A Scotch Plains resident lost $61,000 in a sweepstakes scam after being told they won a prize and asked to send payment to claim it. These scams typically contact victims via phone, email, text, or social media, requesting money, gift cards, or personal information under the false pretense of prize winnings. To protect yourself, remember that legitimate sweepstakes never require upfront payments to claim winnings, and you should avoid sharing personal or financial information with unsolicited contacts.
blog.knowbe4.com
· 2026-05-21
UK residents lost £102 million to romance scams in 2025, with nearly 11,000 reported cases representing a 29% increase from the previous year, affecting victims who lost an average of £9,500 each. Scammers exploit loneliness by building fake relationships over weeks or months before requesting money through fabricated emergencies or investment schemes, increasingly using AI-generated images and profiles on dating apps and social media. To protect yourself, be skeptical of online romantic connections that quickly develop emotional intensity, never send money to people you haven't met in person, and report suspected scams to authorities to help build intelligence against these criminals.
streamlinefeed.co.ke
· 2026-05-21
Nigerian national Samuel Ugberaese has been extradited to the United States to face federal charges for operating a large-scale romance scam network that targeted elderly and vulnerable people internationally, convincing them to send money through fabricated emergencies and fake investment opportunities. Working with co-defendants, Ugberaese used fake online personas and emotional manipulation to systematically drain victims' life savings across borders. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of online romantic relationships that quickly escalate, never send money to people you've only met online, and verify identities through video calls before any financial transactions.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-21
A woman in Arizona lost nearly $10,000 after scammers impersonated law enforcement officials and convinced her she had missed jury duty and owed a fine. The fraudsters used real names of local judges and officers, created a false sense of urgency about potential arrest, and instructed her to withdraw cash and convert it to Bitcoin through an ATM to pay the supposed penalty. To protect yourself, be aware that legitimate courts never demand immediate payment via cryptocurrency or cash, and always verify official claims by independently contacting the actual government agency using publicly listed phone numbers rather than calling back the number provided by the caller.
nypost.com
· 2026-05-21
Travel scams affect over one in three Americans, with 41% of victims losing money averaging $500 or more, according to new research by Mcafee. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated using AI to create convincing websites and emails, making it harder to spot red flags like typos or poor grammar. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true—especially suspicious social media ads and unsolicited emails promising luxury travel at budget prices—and avoid making urgent booking decisions when stressed about prices or availability.
snopes.com
· 2026-05-21
In May 2026, a viral warning spread across social media claiming criminals were inserting screws into gas pump nozzle holders to trick pumps into keeping transactions open so they could steal gas using victims' credit cards. However, Snopes investigated and found no credible reports of this "screw method" scam actually occurring—even law enforcement agencies that initially promoted the warning, including Maryland's Queen Anne's County Sheriff's Office, later retracted their claims after finding no verified incidents. The takeaway for consumers is to be skeptical of alarming scam warnings on social media and check official sources before sharing them, as this case demonstrates how easily unverified claims can spread widely online.
en.bloomingbit.io
· 2026-05-20
Binance Academy released a guide warning cryptocurrency users about increasingly common scams, including fake giveaway promotions on social media where fraudsters impersonate companies or celebrities and ask users to send crypto upfront to receive larger returns. The guide highlights that crypto is particularly vulnerable to fraud due to its accessibility, fast transfers, and irreversible transactions, and warns users to watch for schemes like pig butchering, deepfakes, pyramid schemes, and phishing attacks. Users should be cautious about any investment opportunity requiring advance payments and remember that legitimate promotions never ask for money upfront.
timesunion.com
· 2026-05-20
An elderly woman in Moreau nearly lost $20,000 to a sophisticated scam after receiving a fake PayPal email claiming fraudulent charges on her account. The scammer convinced her to download remote-access software and wire money to California, but a timely welfare check by a sheriff's deputy and Homeland Security agent interrupted the scheme and prevented the loss. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited emails asking you to verify account information, never grant remote access to your devices, and contact authorities immediately if you suspect you're being scammed.
wnbf.com
· 2026-05-20
New York seniors lost over $408 million to scams last year, with fraud affecting the state at a rate of nearly $47,000 per hour, prompting AARP New York to launch initiatives like their "Big Shred NY!" campaign to help residents safely destroy sensitive documents. Identity theft remains a significant threat as scammers continue using old-fashioned methods like searching through trash for personal information, while imposter scams and poor security habits such as reusing passwords are among the most common fraud tactics. AARP recommends residents avoid answering unsolicited calls, use multifactor authentication, and take advantage of free fraud prevention workshops and resources available year-round to protect themselves.
nypost.com
· 2026-05-20
A Pennsylvania woman lost $24,000 after receiving a text message claiming to be from Apple warning of fraudulent account activity, then following instructions to call a number where scammers posed as bank officials and convinced her to wire money "for protection." This "bank impersonator" scam is spreading rapidly across the country, exploiting people's trust in financial institutions and fear of losing money by creating false urgency. To protect yourself, authorities advise never wiring money based on unsolicited contact—instead, hang up and call your bank directly using a number from your statement or official website.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-05-20
Scammers are increasingly using AI-powered deepfake technology to clone voices and create fake kidnapping scenarios, particularly targeting seniors through emotionally manipulative phone calls that sound like distressed family members demanding immediate payment. The FBI warns that criminals need only a few seconds of audio from social media to create convincing voice imitations, and they often use fabricated videos and photos as "proof" to pressure victims into sending money via cryptocurrency or wire transfers before they can verify the emergency. To protect yourself, pause before responding to urgent requests for money, independently verify any emergency by calling your family member directly, and be cautious about what personal information and audio you share online.
sandmountainreporter.com
· 2026-05-20
A seminar at Guntersville Library educated seniors about fraud and scams, which are increasingly targeting this vulnerable population through tactics like imposter scams, fake urgency threats, and AI-generated voices. According to the Federal Trade Commission, reported losses jumped from $10 billion in 2023 to $12.5 billion in 2024, with seniors being disproportionately preyed upon despite younger people reporting losses more frequently. The presentation recommended learning to recognize common scam tactics, verifying caller identities independently, and staying cautious of unsolicited contact that creates pressure or emotional appeals.
rockymountainvoice.com
· 2026-05-20
Older Americans, particularly those in Colorado, are increasingly vulnerable to sophisticated financial scams that cost seniors nationwide an estimated $27 billion annually. Scammers use phishing emails, fake business and government imposter schemes to target seniors as digital banking and communication become more prevalent. To protect themselves, older adults should verify requests for personal information by contacting institutions directly through official phone numbers or websites, remain skeptical of unsolicited communications, and report suspected fraud to the Federal Trade Commission.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-19
Scammers are sending fake Amazon recall text messages that impersonate the company to trick people into clicking malicious links and potentially compromising their accounts. These messages use convincing details like order numbers and safety warnings, but contain red flags such as generic greetings, vague product descriptions, suspicious links unrelated to Amazon's official domain, and requests to leave the official Amazon platform. To protect yourself, only access your Amazon account through the official website or app, verify any recall notices directly through Amazon's legitimate channels, and never click links from unsolicited text messages—especially those claiming urgent safety issues.
coinlaw.io
· 2026-05-19
Cryptocurrency scams cost victims $5.8 billion in reported losses during 2024, with nearly 150,000 complaints filed to the FBI—a 66% increase from the previous year. The most common schemes include pig butchering (romance/investment scams), high-yield investment programs, rug pulls, phishing attacks, fake exchanges, and impersonation, with pig butchering and investment schemes accounting for over 80% of total losses. To protect yourself, watch for universal red flags like unsolicited investment pitches and pressure to move funds quickly, verify any crypto project or contract before approving wallet transactions, and remember that legitimate investments rarely guarantee high returns or require secrecy.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-05-19
AI scammers are using voice-cloning technology to impersonate loved ones in fake emergency scenarios, with one in four adults experiencing or knowing someone affected by these scams, and 77% of victims losing money (ranging from $500 to $15,000). Criminals need only seconds of audio from social media posts, voicemails, or videos to create convincing voice replicas that exploit panic and emotional reactions, particularly targeting seniors. To protect yourself, verify emergencies through independent contact methods before sending money, be cautious about voice content you share online, and remember that legitimate contacts won't pressure you for immediate payment.
kjrh.com
· 2026-05-19
Scammers are using artificial intelligence to spoof trusted phone numbers—including news stations and government agencies like Medicare—to trick people into revealing personal information, with a recent incident targeting a Tulsa-area woman. According to the FBI, AI-enabled fraud surged dramatically in 2025, generating $893 million in losses and hitting seniors particularly hard, with those 60 and older losing $7.7 billion that year. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls asking for personal or financial information, verify caller identity independently by hanging up and calling the organization's official number, and remember that legitimate agencies won't ask for sensitive data over the phone.
mississauga.com
· 2026-05-18
Canada has updated its travel advisory for Mexico to warn citizens about online romance scams and phishing emails—particularly targeting seniors—as well as serious safety risks including poor road conditions, infrequent traffic law enforcement, and common highway crime. Travellers planning to visit Mexico, especially those meeting someone they connected with online, should exercise extreme caution, avoid travelling alone, verify the identity of online contacts before meeting in person, and stay informed about which regions are under heightened "avoid non-essential travel" warnings due to violence and organized crime. The advisory recommends avoiding travel on highways at night and being aware that fatal accidents are frequent throughout the country.
themirror.com
· 2026-05-18
Two California residents were arrested after attempting to scam a senior citizen twice using an elaborate con involving fake Apple Store charges and false claims about the victim's bank account being linked to illegal content. The scammers successfully stole money in their first con and then demanded an additional $50,000 during a second attempt, but were caught by police during their scheduled meeting with the victim. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited messages or calls claiming problems with your accounts, never withdraw cash based on urgent phone requests, and verify any fraud claims by contacting your bank directly using a number from your official bank materials.
themirror.com
· 2026-05-18
Two Los Angeles residents, Shaohua Sun and Yanwen Gu, were arrested after attempting to scam an elderly man out of thousands of dollars in a sophisticated con that initially succeeded in stealing $25,000. The scammers used fake text messages and phone calls impersonating Apple Store and bank fraud officials, convincing the victim his account was linked to illegal content and pressuring him to withdraw cash and hand it over to someone posing as an undercover officer. Seniors should be wary of unsolicited messages about account problems, verify requests directly with their bank using official phone numbers, and never withdraw large sums of cash based on phone instructions alone.
techradar.com
· 2026-05-18
A new F-Secure study found that 56% of Americans encountered online scams at least monthly in 2025, with 52% of victims losing money—double the rate from the previous year. The research estimates 40 million Americans fell victim to scams in the past year, with scammers increasingly targeting high-value attacks like fake invoices, investment fraud, and banking scams using AI-powered tools for better targeting and impersonation. To protect yourself, verify information from AI chatbots independently, be cautious of unsolicited invoices and investment offers, and shop only on verified legitimate websites rather than relying on AI recommendations for online retailers.
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.
thehill.com
· 2026-05-17
Seniors across the United States lost approximately $27 billion to scams in 2024, with Arizona, Delaware, and Colorado experiencing the highest rates of fraud targeting people over 60, according to a new analysis of Federal Trade Commission reports. Business impostor scams and government impostor scams are the most common types affecting older Americans, who are particularly vulnerable to fraudsters reaching them through phone calls, text messages, emails, and social media. To protect themselves, seniors should verify the identity of anyone contacting them, avoid sharing personal or financial information with unsolicited callers, and report suspected scams to the FTC.
wmar2news.com
· 2026-05-17
Americans lost nearly $21 billion to fraud last year, with scammers using increasingly sophisticated AI-powered tactics through texts, emails, calls, and social media to impersonate trusted contacts and create false urgency. To protect yourself, experts recommend learning to recognize warning signs of common scams, verifying requests through independent contact with the organization, and using digital security tools to safeguard your personal information and finances. Being skeptical of unexpected messages—even from seemingly familiar sources—and taking time before acting on urgent requests are key defenses against these evolving threats.
pcmag.com
· 2026-05-17
During peak travel seasons, scammers target vacation planners through phishing text messages that impersonate toll services, claiming unpaid fees and urging you to click a link to avoid additional charges—but these fake websites steal your payment and personal information. To protect yourself, adopt healthy skepticism toward urgent messages from unfamiliar sources, verify toll charges directly through official carrier websites or phone numbers, and avoid clicking links in unsolicited texts. Taking time to verify requests before responding is your best defense against these scams.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-17
When you Google your name, scammers can easily access the personal information that appears in the top search results—including your address, social media profiles, phone number, and details about relatives—all without hacking or paid tools. This publicly available information helps fraudsters personalize their scams through calls, texts, and emails to make them seem more credible and trustworthy. To protect yourself, you should Google your own name to see what's publicly visible, run a personal data exposure scan to identify information already circulating online, and consider removing your details from people-search sites or requesting that search engines de-index pages containing your personal information.
wfmd.com
· 2026-05-17
When you Google your name, scammers can easily access the same public information that appears in search results—including your address, LinkedIn profile, photos, and relatives' names—without needing any hacking skills or paid tools. This readily available personal data becomes a "seed" that scammers use to target you with precision, researching details about your location, employer, and family to craft convincing fraud schemes. To protect yourself, Google your own name to see what's publicly visible, consider using personal data exposure scans to identify information already circulating online, and be cautious about what personal details you share on social media and public platforms.