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in Scam Awareness
elkhornmediagroup.com
An uptick in phone and online scams targeting older adults in Eastern Oregon uses sophisticated impersonation tactics—including fraudulent claims from law enforcement, the IRS, banks, and retailers—to pressure victims into sending money or sharing personal information. According to Kai Nichols, an Older Adult Behavioral Specialist, scammers exploit elderly individuals' unfamiliarity with technology and bureaucracy by creating panic through threats of legal action or account compromise. Key protections include never trusting caller ID, refusing to be rushed, and remembering that legitimate law enforcement and the IRS do not demand phone payments or threaten immediate action.
southcoasttoday.com
The "grandparent scam" has stolen millions from elderly Americans by impersonating lawyers, bail bondsmen, or family members to claim a grandchild is in legal trouble or distress and urgently needs cash sent via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. The FBI reported over 92,000 older fraud victims lost $1.7 billion in 2021, with scammers exploiting psychological tactics—calling at odd hours and inducing fear—and now increasingly using AI voice cloning to impersonate relatives. Law enforcement recommends not answering unknown callers, hanging up on urgent money requests, and independently verifying any family emergency by calling the relative directly rather than engaging with the
gridinsoft.com
**Phantom Hacker Scams Target Seniors**
Phantom hacker scams, a variant of tech support fraud, have increased 40% year-over-year and resulted in over $542 million in losses from nearly 19,000 victims during the first half of 2023, with seniors over 60 accounting for 66% of financial losses. Scammers use a three-stage social engineering approach: posing as tech support to claim malware threats, then impersonating financial institutions or government officials to convince victims to transfer funds to "safe accounts" that the criminals control. To protect against these scams, seniors should avoid unsolicited calls,
cbs19news.com
This article discusses Virginia legislation (House Bill 692) designed to protect elderly and vulnerable adults from financial exploitation. The bill would allow seniors to register trusted contacts at their banks who can be alerted during financial emergencies, and requires bank staff training on identifying financial abuse. According to 2022 data, over 88,000 people aged 60+ reported losses totaling $3.1 billion to elder financial scams, with dementia patients particularly vulnerable.
theprescotttimes.com
The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office warned senior citizens that scammers use urgency tactics through calls, texts, emails, and social media to steal money, advising victims to "slow down" and verify requests independently. Recent local cases included a $12,000 grandparent scam using AI-generated voices and a $40,000 Bitcoin fraud, with law enforcement cautioning against clicking suspicious links, using untraceable payment methods, and trusting caller IDs, as scammers impersonate relatives, banks, and government agencies.
bbb.org
This educational piece outlines common tax scams targeting U.S. taxpayers, primarily involving scammers impersonating the IRS through phone calls, emails, and mail. Common tactics include demanding immediate payment via untraceable methods (wire transfers, prepaid debit cards) for alleged back taxes, offering fake refunds in exchange for personal information, and committing tax identity theft using Social Security numbers to file fraudulent returns. Key protective measures include recognizing red flags such as pressure for immediate payment, unsolicited phone/email contact, and knowing that the legitimate IRS initiates contact by mail and never demands specific payment methods or personal financial information over the phone.
wrdw.com
This educational piece explains a recurring sextortion scam in which cybercriminals email victims claiming to have installed screen-recording software and threatening to release compromising images unless Bitcoin payment is made, typically around $1,506. The article clarifies that while scammers may purchase stolen credentials from the dark web, they cannot remotely install software without victim action, and alleged compromising images often come from pirated software downloads rather than actual surveillance. The piece recommends verifying suspicious emails through Google searches and reporting threats to the FBI cyber tip line.
democratandchronicle.com
Online purchase scams were the top fraud affecting upstate New York residents in 2023, with nearly 30,000 reported cases resulting in over $525 million in losses, according to the Better Business Bureau of Upstate New York. Overall, scams cost Rochester-area residents and those in Albany, Buffalo, and Syracuse a combined $653 million in 2023, with employment scams, phishing schemes, sweepstakes/lottery scams, and tech support scams among the other major fraud types reported. The scams employed various tactics including fake checks, impersonation of trusted entities and government agencies, and promises of unearned prizes or loans.
kwch.com
A sextortion scam has resurged, wherein cybercriminals send threatening emails claiming to have installed screen-recording software and possess compromising photos, demanding $1,506 in Bitcoin or threatening to release the images. The scam exploits stolen credentials from the dark web and preys on victims' fear, though the criminals typically lack actual access to victims' devices unless malware was installed through phishing or pirated software downloads. Individuals should verify suspicious emails through Google searches, avoid clicking malicious links, and report threats to the FBI cyber tip line.
newsweek.com
The Social Security Administration warned of a 61.7 percent increase in reported scams between 2022 and 2023, with fraudsters using sophisticated tactics like impersonation, threats of benefit suspension, and demands for immediate payment to steal personal information and benefits from recipients. Scammers employ the "five P's" strategy (Pretend, Prize or Problem, Pressure, Payment) and falsely claim to represent the SSA through fake letterhead, badge numbers, and social media imposter pages. Seniors aged 70-84 lost the highest average amounts ($14,459 per victim in Q3 2023), though those under 50 were statistically more likely to
businessinsider.com
Americans aged 30-49 reported the most investment fraud complaints to the FBI in 2023, with over 13,000 cases, contradicting the assumption that older adults are most susceptible to investment scams. Total losses from investment fraud reached $4.57 billion in 2023—a 38% increase from the previous year—with cryptocurrency scams accounting for $3.94 billion of that total. Scammers typically lure victims through social media and online ads by promising high returns with minimal risk, using fake investment strategies, phony training products, and impersonation of public figures.
spectrumnews1.com
During Consumer Protection Awareness Week, the Federal Trade Commission cautioned that post-storm roofing scams are prevalent, with fly-by-night contractors going door-to-door offering suspicious low-price inspections and repairs. To protect yourself, obtain all contractor details in writing including warranties and materials, verify insurance coverage, check online reviews and Better Business Bureau listings, and avoid paying the full amount until work is completed. Hiring established local roofers is recommended as the most effective way to avoid storm-related contractor fraud.
nbcmiami.com
Americans aged 60 and older lost $3.1 billion to cyberfraud in 2022, with over 88,000 victims experiencing an average loss of $35,101 per person, according to FBI data. Elder fraud is escalating through sophisticated schemes including phishing and impersonation scams that exploit older adults' loneliness, social isolation, and cognitive decline, with women disproportionately affected due to demographic factors. Warning signs include suspicious emails with misspellings, vague signatures, urgent language, requests for personal information, and out-of-character behavior from purported family members.
fcpdnews.wordpress.com
Bank imposter scams, ranked by the FTC as the top scam of 2022, involve fraudsters posing as banks via unsolicited calls or texts to request personal and banking information, with a median reported loss of $3,000 from 2019-2022. The Fairfax County Police Department advises against sharing financial information with unsolicited callers, recommends independently verifying bank contact information through official channels, and warns that legitimate institutions never request payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or remote computer access.
aol.com
The "grandparent scam" has stolen millions from elderly Americans by impersonating a grandchild's lawyer or bail bondsman, falsely claiming the grandchild is in legal trouble or an accident out of state and demanding urgent payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. In 2021, over 92,000 older fraud victims lost $1.7 billion, with scammers exploiting fear and urgency by calling at odd hours. Law enforcement recommends not answering calls from unknown numbers, hanging up without engaging, and calling family members directly to verify—while noting that emerging AI voice-cloning technology makes these scams increasingly difficult to detect.
independent.ie
Sherie Tynan and Darral Poole from Dublin lost €2,800 to a Facebook accommodation scam while booking a villa in Portugal for their wedding in October, after being contacted by a fraudster posing as "Jennifer Haris-Keane," a supposed villa owner who vanished after receiving payment. The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau reports that accommodation scams have resulted in approximately €2 million in losses over the past three years, with authorities warning that social media profiles can be fraudulent despite appearing on trusted platforms, and advising the public to be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.
yahoo.com
In 2023, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul identified the top consumer scams affecting state residents, with construction/home repair fraud leading for the third consecutive year (2,091 reports), followed by identity theft (1,885 reports) and consumer debt complaints (1,683 reports). The Consumer Fraud Bureau recovered over $9 million through mediation and $76 million through enforcement actions, and the office received nearly 20,000 written complaints plus tens of thousands of calls. The attorney general recommends residents protect themselves by guarding personal information, changing passwords frequently, and being cautious of unsolicited communications, especially as scammers increasingly use AI technology.
english.news.cn
In 2023, Japan reported 45.52 billion yen ($308 million) in losses from investment scams via social media and online romance scams combined, with investment fraud accounting for 27.79 billion yen across 2,271 cases and romance scams totaling 17.73 billion yen in 1,575 cases. Victims were predominantly men in their 50s-60s and women in their 40s-50s, with 72.4 percent of romance scam victims manipulated into investing money to maintain the fraudulent relationship. The National Police Agency has directed prefectural police to strengthen prevention efforts and information sharing.
stories.td.com
This educational article outlines major fraud trends affecting consumers in 2024, noting that fraud losses exceeded $10 billion in 2023 with a 14% increase year-over-year. It describes five prevalent scam types targeting older adults: grandparent scams (impersonating distressed relatives), romance scams (building false relationships to extract money), SIM swap scams (hijacking phone numbers to access financial accounts), investment scams (promoting unrealistic opportunities with high-pressure tactics), and mail theft scams (stealing personal information from physical mail). The article provides practical prevention strategies including using family code words, conducting background checks, enabling voice authentication with banks, avoiding unsolicite
doj.state.or.us
In 2023, the Oregon Department of Justice received more complaints about imposter scams than any other type of fraud, with government imposter scams being particularly common—especially those falsely claiming to be from the Social Security Administration or Office of the Inspector General. These scammers use sophisticated tactics including fake credentials and contact through multiple channels to deceive victims into revealing personal information or paying fees for suspended benefits, cost-of-living adjustments, or alleged debts. The article provides guidance on recognizing these scams and recommends protecting oneself by never sharing personal information with unsolicited callers, monitoring credit reports, and reporting incidents to the Oregon Department of Justice.
krtv.com
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen warned the public during National Consumer Protection Week about three prevalent scams: law enforcement impersonation (using spoofed phone numbers to demand immediate payment for fake arrest warrants), cryptocurrency investment and ATM scams (where fraudsters show fake gains to convince victims to deposit large sums, then steal the funds), and technical support scams (where pop-up alerts trick users into calling numbers that give scammers computer access). Knudsen advised avoiding third-party payment apps, wire transfers, gift cards, and cryptocurrency ATMs, and urged Montanans to verify suspicious requests with trusted contacts before sending money.
dispatch.com
As Ohio prepares for the April 8 solar eclipse, consumer watchdogs warn of scams targeting residents through fake eclipse glasses and fraudulent travel/accommodation bookings. Scammers exploit urgency and "fear of missing out" by selling counterfeit eclipse glasses that don't meet safety standards (particularly from unverified online sellers) and false claims of NASA approval, with one 2017 complaint involving over $500 spent on unsafe Chinese-made glasses. Consumers should purchase eclipse glasses only from verified vendors on the American Astronomical Society's official list (including retailers like Kroger and Walmart), avoid non-secure payment methods like Venmo, and be skeptical
nyc.gov
**Summary:**
New York's Department of Consumer and Worker Protection issued a warning during National Consumer Protection Week about AI-enabled scams targeting consumers, including voice-cloning technology used to impersonate family members and deepfake technology to alter images or videos of loved ones. The agency advised New Yorkers to remain vigilant against these evolving fraudulent schemes and provided resources for reporting scams to the FTC and accessing free financial counseling through NYC Financial Empowerment Centers.
dojmt.gov
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen warned residents during National Consumer Protection Week about three prevalent website-based scams: law enforcement imposters demanding immediate payment via wire transfer or cryptocurrency to resolve fake arrest warrants, cryptocurrency investment scams that show false gains before stealing funds deposited into crypto ATMs, and tech support scams using fake pop-up alerts to gain computer access and demand payment for bogus virus removal. The advisory emphasized that legitimate law enforcement and courts never demand immediate payment by untraceable methods, and urged Montanans to verify requests before sending money and report suspected fraud to the Office of Consumer Protection.
drgnews.com
During National Consumer Protection Week 2024, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley highlighted that the Consumer Protection Division received over 64,000 scam complaints in 2023, noting that scammers increasingly use social media to manipulate consumers of all ages into divulging personal information. Key protective measures include resisting high-pressure sales tactics, rejecting unsolicited items, obtaining written contracts for services, hanging up on robocalls, being skeptical of free trials, and consulting trusted contacts before sharing money or personal information. Consumers suspecting scam victimization can report to the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-300-1986 or via https://
ladailypost.com
The Social Security Administration promotes "Slam the Scam Day" and offers resources to help people recognize and report government imposter scams targeting Social Security beneficiaries. Key recommendations include educating communities about these scams, encouraging prompt reporting without shame, and sharing official fact sheets; victims can report incidents to the SSA Office of the Inspector General via www.ssa.gov/scam and follow SSA OIG on social media for updates on emerging scam tactics.
blog.ssa.gov
The Social Security Administration and its Office of Inspector General held their fifth annual "Slam the Scam" Day on March 7 to raise awareness about Social Security imposter scams, which remain among the most commonly reported government fraud schemes. Scammers use sophisticated tactics including spoofed caller IDs, fake documents, and threats of arrest to trick victims into sending cash, gift cards, or wire transfers or disclosing personal information. The agencies emphasized that Social Security will never demand immediate payment, threaten arrest, or request credit card numbers, and urged the public to report scam attempts to oig.ssa.gov.
abc15.com
During National Consumer Protection Week, authorities highlighted impostor scams as one of the most prevalent fraud schemes affecting Americans, who lost $10 billion to scammers in 2023. Impostor scams take multiple forms—including fraudsters posing as law enforcement demanding payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency to avoid arrest, and romance scams that exploit emotional connections to persuade victims to invest in cryptocurrency, often resulting in losses in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Key prevention advice includes: never send money to unknown callers, hang up and verify identities independently, and avoid gift cards or cryptocurrency transfers, as legitimate agencies and organizations will never request payment through these non-traditional methods.
spectrumnews1.com
The Better Business Bureau warned of SAT/ACT prep scams in which fraudsters impersonate College Board representatives, call parents with personal information about their children, and request credit card deposits for purportedly free trial materials that are never sent or refunded. One victim was charged $249.95 after being promised free materials for 30 days with email reminders and return shipping. The BBB recommends verifying companies through their website before paying, confirming requests directly with students, remembering that the College Board never requests payment via phone or email, and using credit cards rather than wire transfers or digital payment apps.
ftc.gov
The Federal Trade Commission will hold an online meeting of the Scams Against Older Adults Advisory Group on April 2, 2024, to review progress from four committees focused on consumer education, industry training, scam detection technology, and effective messaging to prevent elder fraud. The advisory group, established under the Stop Senior Scams Act of 2022, comprises representatives from government agencies, advocacy organizations, and private industry working collaboratively to combat scams targeting older adults. The public webcast begins at 2 p.m. Eastern Time and will be available on ftc.gov without registration required.
cleveland19.com
The Cleveland FBI identified the "phantom hacker" scam as the top fraud targeting senior citizens in 2023, which operates in three phases: scammers contact victims claiming hackers have infiltrated their computers, trick them into installing remote access software, and then impersonate bank representatives to convince victims to transfer money to fake "secure" accounts. Federal authorities warn consumers never to share personal or financial information over phone or email and to report all scam attempts immediately, even if no money was lost, to help track perpetrators and recover funds.
elkhornmediagroup.com
Eastern Oregon is experiencing an uptick in scams targeting older adults and tech-illiterate individuals, with scammers increasingly impersonating law enforcement, the IRS, banks, and retailers to create panic and pressure victims into sending money or revealing personal information. According to Kai Nichols, an Older Adult Behavioral Specialist, these scams are becoming more sophisticated and widespread, with common tactics including phone calls claiming legal action, account compromises, or utility shutoffs, as well as fraudulent links and voice-sampling schemes. Residents are advised never to rely on caller ID, to resist being rushed, and to remember that legitimate law enforcement and the IRS do not demand immediate payment over the phone
nbcbayarea.com
An elderly woman in El Granada, California was victimized by a phishing scam in which she received a fraudulent email impersonating a money exchange company, instructed her to withdraw cash, and met with a courier who took her money and fled. The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office is seeking an Asian male suspect, approximately 6 feet tall and 200 pounds, last seen wearing a blue sweatshirt and dark pants, and urges the public to avoid sharing banking information with unsolicited online or phone contacts requesting money.
news5cleveland.com
National "Slam the Scam" Day highlights government imposter scams, the most prevalent consumer fraud type in 2023, which caused $2.7 billion in losses. Scammers impersonate Social Security officials via phone, text, and email to pressure victims into sending cash or gift cards by threatening arrest or promising benefit increases. Real government officials never threaten arrest for payment or request money transfers, and suspicious activity should be reported to the Social Security Administration or Federal Trade Commission.
jewishlink.news
Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey is hosting a "Senior Scam Prevention" educational program on March 20 at the Lavy House in Westfield, presented by Officer Victoria Smith of the Union County Sheriff's Office. The community event aims to educate attendees of all ages about scams targeting seniors, with light refreshments provided and free registration available by contacting the organization.
justice.gov
The U.S. Attorney's Office and FBI Cleveland are warning about a sophisticated scam targeting Northeast Ohio residents where fraudsters send fake court documents via email, mail, text, or pop-ups claiming victims are being investigated for PPP fraud and must pay cryptocurrency to lift an arrest warrant. The scam combines government impersonation with tech-support fraud tactics, with criminals also posing as law enforcement or federal agencies to pressure victims into sending money, and authorities urge the public to verify communications directly with official agency phone numbers and report suspected scams to the FBI at ic3.gov or the National Elder Fraud Hotline.
thereporteronline.com
Montgomery County Recorder of Deeds Jeanne Sorg is promoting FraudSleuth, a free property alert service that notifies homeowners of suspicious documents recorded against their properties, with over 3,100 residents currently enrolled. The service acts as an early warning system for property fraud rather than prevention, allowing homeowners to take immediate action if fraudulent activity occurs. Homeowners can register using their Parcel ID through the county website or at mobile sign-up events.
yahoo.com
The Fairfax County Police Department reported over a dozen cryptocurrency fraud cases since January totaling more than $150,000, with individual losses ranging from $3,000 to $31,100. Scammers impersonated law enforcement, banks, and government agencies via phone calls and emails to trick victims—often elderly—into depositing money into cryptocurrency ATMs. Police recommend verifying caller identity through official channels, consulting family before transferring large sums, and noting that legitimate law enforcement never requests payment by phone or crypto.
kaaltv.com
An Austin couple nearly fell victim to a Medicare impersonation scam when a caller falsely claimed to be issuing them a new Medicare card and requested their card numbers. Barbara Ruzek avoided the scam by refusing to provide any personal information and hanging up when the caller persisted. Experts advise potential victims to hang up on suspicious callers, independently verify claims by contacting agencies directly, and report suspected fraud to the Social Security Fraud & Prevention hotline at 1-800-269-0271.
wibx950.com
A phishing scam is targeting New York drivers through text messages that impersonate the NYS Thruway Authority and direct victims to a fraudulent website (NYTollServices.com) to steal toll payment information. The scam has no connection to the legitimate New York State Thruway Authority or E-ZPass, and recipients are advised to delete the messages without clicking links. The article emphasizes that phishing techniques are increasingly sophisticated and warns the public to remain vigilant against evolving scam tactics.
nzherald.co.nz
A 26-year-old New Zealand traveler reported that her mother was pickpocketed of €400 ($700) at the Louvre Museum in Paris by women posing as charity petitioners with clipboards, a scam that appears organized and targets tourists at major attractions. The victim spent a day filing a police report and was unable to recover the cash through travel insurance, as most policies do not cover cash theft due to fraud risks. The incident highlights the prevalence of pickpocketing at high-density tourist sites and underscores the difficulty of preventing or recovering losses from such crimes.
spectrumnews1.com
During National Consumer Protection Week, FBI Cleveland warned the public about phishing scams, which accounted for over 298,000 reported crimes in 2023. In that year, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center received 880,418 total complaints with losses exceeding $12.5 billion—a nearly 10% increase in complaints and 22% increase in losses from 2022—with Ohio ranking fifth nationally in complaint volume and seventeenth in victim losses at $197 million. The FBI provided recommendations for both workplace and personal protection, including employee education on phishing identification, use of multi-factor authentication, strong spam filters, and cautious handling of suspicious emails and links.
fcpdnews.wordpress.com
Fairfax County police reported over a dozen cryptocurrency ATM scams since early 2024, with victims losing between $3,000 and $31,100 per incident. Scammers impersonated law enforcement, banks, and government agencies via phone calls to pressure victims into depositing money into Bitcoin ATMs or purchasing gift cards. The Fairfax County Police Department advises seniors to hang up on unsolicited calls, verify caller identities through official contact information, and consult trusted family members before making financial decisions involving unfamiliar technologies or large sums.
cbsnews.com
An 80-year-old woman lost her entire $720,000 life savings to a cryptocurrency scam after being approached by a scammer on social media, leaving her suicidal and unable to recover at her age. According to a Better Business Bureau report, crypto and investment scams were the riskiest fraud type in 2023, with overall scam losses increasing 27 percent that year, as victims are often lured with promises of high returns on unfamiliar investments. The BBB recommends investigating potential crypto investments thoroughly, checking company credentials and online reviews, and being wary of recruiters asking victims to bring in additional investors.
nbcboston.com
Government imposter scams caused consumers to lose nearly $2.7 billion in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission, with scammers posing as government employees via phone, email, text, or social media. These scams follow a consistent pattern using the "5 P's"—pretend, problem, pressure, pay, and prize—to manipulate victims into sending money via gift cards or wire transfers. To protect yourself, ignore unsolicited contact from purported government agencies, avoid clicking links or attachments, and report suspected scams to the FTC or Social Security Administration.
wbay.com
According to a Better Business Bureau report on the riskiest scams, investment scams (including cryptocurrency schemes) and employment scams result in the largest monetary losses, with investment scams having a median loss of $3,800 and over 80% of victims experiencing financial loss, while employment scams averaged $1,995 in losses and saw a 54% increase in reports from 2022. Online scams account for 68% of all fraud reports and are more likely to result in monetary loss than in-person or phone scams, though online shopping scams have dropped from the top positions for the first time since 2019.
country1037fm.com
In 2023, North Carolina residents lost nearly $190 million to fraud, with credit scams and identity theft comprising 36% of all Federal Trade Commission complaints in the state. Identity theft (18% of complaints) involves unauthorized use of personal information and can severely damage victims' credit, while credit scams (18%) often include false reporting or improper use of consumer data by credit bureaus and tenant screening companies. Imposter scams, the third most prevalent fraud type at 14% of complaints, typically involve scammers impersonating acquaintances and requesting money via wire transfer or gift card purchases.
boston.com
Boston police warn of increased home improvement scams targeting residents as spring weather approaches, often perpetrated by international travelers offering cheap initial quotes before claiming additional damage requiring thousands in repairs. Massachusetts residents lost nearly $30,000 to these scams in 2021, with seniors particularly targeted; scammers typically use generic business names, lack proper licensing, and operate without city permits. Homeowners should obtain multiple estimates from verified contractors and report suspected scams to local police with detailed information about the perpetrators.
welivesecurity.com
In 2022, seniors over 60 reported $3.1 billion in cybercrime losses to the FBI across 88,262 incidents, representing an 82% year-on-year increase, though many cases remain unreported. Digital fraudsters increasingly target senior citizens, believing they have more savings but less digital awareness to recognize scams. Common schemes include phishing, romance scams ($734 million in 2022), Medicare impersonation, tech support fraud, online shopping scams, robocalls, government impersonation ($1 billion in combined losses in 2022), and lottery fraud.