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governor.hawaii.gov
· 2025-12-19
Hawaii's Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is warning consumers about sophisticated holiday scams, with state securities regulators handling over 8,800 investigations in 2024 that recovered $259 million in fines and restitution. Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence and new technologies to execute schemes like "pig butchering" (romance scams combined with fake investments) that exploit people's fear of missing out on trending investments. Consumers should be cautious of unsolicited investment pitches, especially those involving new technologies or platforms that build trust through online relationships, and verify any investment opportunities through official channels before committing money.
nbcnews.com
· 2025-12-18
Two families from Pennsylvania and Scotland are suing Meta after their teenage sons died by suicide following "sextortion" scams on Instagram, where predators posed as romantic interests, extracted intimate images, and threatened to expose them unless victims paid money or sent more photos. The lawsuit alleges Meta knowingly ignored this escalating danger for years, prioritizing profits over teen safety, and joins at least four other similar cases against the company. Teens and parents should be aware of this scam tactic, avoid sharing intimate images online, and report suspicious contacts to platform authorities immediately.
wgem.com
· 2025-12-18
A 27-year-old California man has been sentenced to two years in prison after scamming an Illinois resident out of $40,000 through an impersonation scheme. The scammer contacted a rural Barry resident claiming his Social Security number was compromised and that he needed to pay a "federal officer" $40,000 in cash, then showed up at the victim's home to collect the money in person. To protect yourself from similar scams, be wary of unsolicited messages about account issues, remember that legitimate law enforcement will never demand cash payments at your door, and contact local authorities immediately if you're targeted.
abc7news.com
· 2025-12-18
# Holiday Scam Summary
During the peak holiday shopping season, when consumers are expected to spend over $1 trillion, scammers are exploiting distracted shoppers through 12 common schemes including fake social media ads, phishing emails offering free gift cards, fraudulent toll collection texts, and fake job postings. People have lost money to counterfeit items, unauthorized charges, identity theft through gift exchanges, and malware-infected holiday apps. To protect yourself, verify social media products before purchasing, avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails, never share personal information in gift exchanges with strangers, check app privacy policies, and confirm any fees directly with official agencies rather than through text links.
ice.gov
· 2025-12-18
During the 2025 holiday shopping season, online criminals are targeting American consumers with counterfeit merchandise, fraudulent deals, and stolen goods advertised at suspiciously low prices, exploiting the rush and urgency of holiday shopping. The U.S. government's Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center warns that these scams can result in consumers losing money while also supporting illegal operations that harm legitimate businesses and jobs. To stay safe, shoppers should be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, watch out for phishing scams and fake offers, and verify the authenticity of products before making purchases.
wsls.com
· 2025-12-18
During the holiday season, phishing scams—fraudulent texts, emails, and calls impersonating delivery companies, banks, and government agencies—surge significantly, putting shoppers and account holders at risk of having personal and financial information stolen. The Better Business Bureau warns that scammers use tactics like claiming you have undelivered packages or account problems to trick you into clicking malicious links or revealing sensitive data. To protect yourself, delete suspicious messages without clicking links, independently verify sender information through official channels, enable multi-factor authentication on accounts, and back up your data.
kwch.com
· 2025-12-18
Scammers are increasingly using AI technology to target holiday shoppers through fake social media profiles, voice clones, and deepfake videos, with the FBI reporting over 9,000 AI-related fraud complaints in the first seven months of 2025. To protect yourself, experts recommend avoiding suspicious QR codes in unsolicited packages, using a password manager to maintain unique passwords for each account, and enabling multi-factor authentication on all online accounts.
spectrumlocalnews.com
· 2025-12-18
Hawaii officials are warning residents about a surge in holiday scams powered by artificial intelligence and technology, including deepfake voice impersonations of trusted friends, fake investment schemes, and fraudulent trading bots that promise guaranteed returns. According to state regulators, scammers are exploiting people's fear of missing out on tech investments and using AI-generated videos and cloned voices to steal money, with tactics ranging from romance scams to fake cryptocurrency and stock offerings. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment pitches, verify requests for money by contacting friends or institutions directly through known channels, and avoid platforms promising guaranteed returns, especially those using AI or cryptocurrency.
uppermichiganssource.com
· 2025-12-18
Scammers are increasingly using AI voice cloning technology—needing only a three-second audio sample—to impersonate loved ones or authority figures like the IRS to pressure people into sending money, with one in four survey respondents reporting they've experienced or know someone who has fallen victim to this scam. Common tactics include the "hey mom scam" where callers claim a child has been in an accident or kidnapped, and fake IRS calls claiming money is owed. To protect yourself, watch for signs of urgency and anxiety in calls, take time to verify the caller by phoning them back on a trusted number before paying anything, and consider establishing a family code word—if you report suspected scams to police and the FTC, it helps warn others.
rte.ie
· 2025-12-18
Banks are warning of a significant rise in "smishing" scams—fraudulent text messages impersonating banks, delivery services, or government agencies—which accounted for 57% of reported fraud incidents at AIB this year, particularly affecting busy people during the holiday season. Customers are advised to never click links or call numbers from unsolicited texts, always verify contact through trusted sources, and be especially cautious of "safe account" scams where criminals pose as bank staff asking people to transfer funds for security reasons. Additional threats include investment scams promising unrealistic returns, and the key protection is to stay vigilant, hang up on suspicious callers immediately, and seek independent financial advice before any investment.
wired.com
· 2025-12-18
A Chinese AI face-swapping app called Haotian has generated millions of dollars by selling its technology to scammers who use realistic deepfake videos to impersonate romantic interests, friends, or investment advisors in elaborate fraud schemes known as "pig butchering" scams, primarily targeting victims in Southeast Asia. The app's highly realistic results—customizable with up to 50 facial features—allow scammers to conduct convincing video chats that make their deceptions appear legitimate, with research showing the platform has received at least $3.9 million in cryptocurrency payments, much of it linked to criminal activity. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious about video calls with people you've only met online, especially in romantic or investment contexts, and verify identities through multiple independent channels before sending money or sharing personal information.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-18
# Romance Scam Summary
A 45-year-old serial romance scammer named Brandon Kiehm was arrested for stealing nearly $300,000 from a woman he met on the dating app Bumble by posing as a Stanford-educated financial professional and convincing her the money was for a Brooklyn home purchase. This is Kiehm's second major romance scam conviction—he previously defrauded multiple dating app users of $50,000 in 2015-2016 by fabricating stories about needing money for cancer treatment. To protect yourself, be wary of online dating matches who quickly move toward financial requests, use video calls to verify identities, and never wire money or send cashier's checks to people you haven't met in person or for property purchases without independent verification.
wlrn.org
· 2025-12-18
Property deed fraud cases in Palm Beach County have skyrocketed from four to 180 over two years, with senior citizens being particularly vulnerable targets. If you fall victim to fraud, authorities recommend reporting it to law enforcement within 48 hours to maximize your chances of recovering lost funds. Residents can protect themselves by enrolling in the free property fraud alert system available on the county website.
islandernews.com
· 2025-12-18
Scams targeting seniors aged 60 and older have surged to $2.4 billion in 2024, representing a 26% increase from the previous year and a staggering 300% rise since 2020, with the majority of losses coming from cases exceeding $100,000. Key Biscayne Police are raising awareness about these frauds and offering residents guidance on recognizing warning signs. To protect yourself, stay alert to common fraud indicators and consider attending educational sessions like the one being offered by local law enforcement on how to avoid becoming a scam victim.
ca.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-18
An Ottawa senior nearly lost $6,000 in a "grandparent scam" on Tuesday, but quick action by family members and police prevented the theft. Scammers called claiming the victim's grandson was in a car accident and needed bail money, with a man later arriving at the home to collect the cash before being arrested. Police warn that these emotional manipulation scams target seniors frequently and advise people to never trust caller ID, verify requests by calling family members directly at known numbers, and establish a family "safe word" to confirm identities during urgent calls.
jec.senate.gov
· 2025-12-18
# Holiday Travel Scams Alert
Travel scams are surging during the 2024 holiday season, with a 30 percent spike in reported incidents that cost consumers hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Bipartisan leaders from Congress warn that scammers impersonate airlines, hotels, and rental car platforms to target millions of Americans planning holiday trips. To protect yourself, avoid clicking unknown links, use only official websites run by airlines and hotels directly, and verify you're on legitimate sites before entering payment information.
blackchronicle.com
· 2025-12-18
Florida authorities seized $1.5 million in cryptocurrency from a Chinese national involved in an internet investment scam that defrauded a Citrus County resident of $47,421. The case, investigated by the state's Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit, resulted in charges of money laundering, grand theft, and organized fraud scheme against Tu Weizhi. To protect yourself, report suspected investment scams immediately to local law enforcement, be wary of unsolicited investment opportunities online, and remember that legitimate investments never pressure you or guarantee unrealistic returns.
waff.com
· 2025-12-18
The Better Business Bureau has warned consumers about 12 digital scams targeting people during the holiday season, including fake social media ads, counterfeit websites, pyramid scheme gift exchanges, phishing texts claiming toll fees are owed, and fraudulent job postings. These scams primarily steal money and personal information from victims through deceptive links and fake websites that impersonate legitimate businesses and charities. To protect yourself, avoid clicking suspicious links in unsolicitive messages, verify charities through give.org, expect legitimate toll notices by mail rather than text, and be cautious of job offers that don't involve in-person interviews.
atg.wa.gov
· 2025-12-18
Washington state leaders are opposing a Trump administration order that would force the TransAlta coal power plant in Centralia to continue operating beyond its planned shutdown at the end of 2024, calling the move unnecessary and harmful. The plant has been preparing to close for over a decade, has already laid off workers, and lacks remaining coal to burn, making the "emergency" justification baseless according to state officials. Governor Ferguson and Attorney General Brown warn the order will increase electricity costs and pollution while undermining Washington's transition to cleaner energy sources, despite the company's existing plans to convert the facility to a more reliable energy source in partnership with Puget Sound Energy.
spectrumlocalnews.com
· 2025-12-17
Throughout 2025, Hawaii residents fell victim to increasingly sophisticated scams, including phone impersonations of police officers and sheriffs who falsely claimed victims had legal issues and demanded payment via gift cards or other methods. Law enforcement agencies warned the public that legitimate police officers never request payments over the phone and urged residents to be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from authorities. To protect yourself, hang up on unexpected calls from law enforcement, independently verify any legal claims by contacting your local police department directly, and never purchase gift cards or send money in response to phone calls.
savingadvice.com
· 2025-12-17
A sophisticated phone fraud wave is targeting older adults, particularly during winter when seniors spend more time indoors and rely heavily on phone communication. Scammers are using spoofed local phone numbers and impersonating government agencies (Medicare, IRS, Social Security) or medical providers to manipulate seniors into sharing personal information or sending money through high-pressure tactics. Experts advise older adults to remain skeptical of unexpected calls, verify caller identity independently by hanging up and calling official numbers directly, and never provide personal or financial information over the phone.
thesandpaper.net
· 2025-12-17
New Jersey lawmakers have introduced legislation to increase criminal penalties for identity theft and fraud targeting seniors and veterans, who are frequently targeted by scammers due to social isolation and steady government income sources. In 2023 alone, over 2,000 New Jersey seniors reported scams resulting in $251.7 million in losses statewide, while nationally seniors lost $3.4 billion to fraud. The proposed bill would increase penalties by one degree when victims are seniors or veterans—for example, upgrading certain fraud cases from third-degree to second-degree crimes—and has received bipartisan support in the state Senate.
tn.gov
· 2025-12-17
During the 2024 holiday season, Tennessee authorities are warning investors about a surge in sophisticated scams that use artificial intelligence and technology trends to trick people into fraudulent investments, with scammers exploiting consumers' fear of missing out on new opportunities. State securities regulators conducted over 8,800 investigations last year, resulting in $259 million in fines and restitution, showing how widespread investment fraud has become. If you're considering any investment opportunity, especially one involving new technology, verify it through official channels like the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance Securities Division (800-863-9117) before committing your money.
ottawa.citynews.ca
· 2025-12-17
An Ottawa grandfather nearly lost $6,000 to a sophisticated scam in which a caller impersonated a lawyer, claimed his grandson was in a car accident, and demanded bail money—but his family's quick action and police intervention stopped the crime before money was handed over. The scammer used emotional manipulation tactics, insisting secrecy and mentioning a pregnant woman involved in the collision, then sent an accomplice to the home posing as a court-appointed trustee to collect the cash. Police and family officials warn seniors to verify emergency claims by calling family members directly and never to send money based on unsolicited calls, especially when the caller demands secrecy.
adn.com
· 2025-12-17
Scammers posing as government officials and law enforcement are targeting Alaskans with calls demanding payment for missed jury duty or arrest warrants, causing losses exceeding $1.3 million in 2024—more than five times the previous year. To protect yourself, never provide personal information or make payments to callers claiming to be officials, and report suspicious calls immediately to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center and your bank, as early reporting may allow funds to be recovered. The scammers use caller ID spoofing, personalized details, and intimidation tactics to appear legitimate, so staying calm and verifying through official channels is crucial.
pbs.org
· 2025-12-17
Myanmar's military has declared a "zero tolerance" policy for cyberscams and launched high-profile raids on KK Park, a major scam compound, but evidence suggests the crackdown may be largely symbolic. Thousands of displaced scam workers are simply relocating to other operations within Myanmar and abroad, with at least 30 scam compounds still operating along the Thai border and continuing to use services like Starlink despite claimed shutdowns. To meaningfully combat this lucrative criminal industry, experts warn that authorities must arrest the crime syndicates' leaders, seize their assets, and jail them—not just destroy buildings.
franklincountytimes.com
· 2025-12-17
# Holiday Scam Alert Summary
As the holidays approach, scammers are intensifying their efforts to steal money from unsuspecting victims, with Franklin County already reporting cases costing residents thousands of dollars. Common holiday scams include debt relief schemes that extract multiple payments, romance scams requesting money for emergencies, fake deputy calls claiming unpaid fines, and fraudulent online shopping websites. To protect yourself, hang up on suspicious calls and contact local law enforcement immediately, be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true, and shop only on verified websites.
beyer.house.gov
· 2025-12-17
# Scam Alert Summary
American consumers lost an estimated $10 billion last year to scams originating from Southeast Asian compounds that exploit U.S. technology platforms to target victims, prompting bipartisan Congressional leaders to request that federal agencies improve their coordination and efforts to disrupt these fraud networks. Members of Congress from both parties have asked the Department of Justice, Homeland Security, Treasury, State Department, and Federal Trade Commission to detail their current strategies and private sector partnerships to combat these overseas scam operations. Consumers should remain especially vigilant about travel scams during the holiday season and consider verifying unexpected offers through official channels before sharing personal information or money.
abc11.com
· 2025-12-17
# Holiday Scam Alert Summary
During the 2024 holiday season, as spending is projected to exceed $1 trillion, the Better Business Bureau warns consumers about 12 common scams targeting distracted shoppers, including fake social media product listings, gift exchange schemes that collect personal information, suspicious holiday apps with privacy concerns, phishing emails offering fake gift cards, and fraudulent charity solicitations. People have reported losing money on items never received, falling victim to counterfeit products, unexpected charges from fake free trials, and identity theft through fake job postings and toll fee texts. To protect yourself, verify charity legitimacy before donating, check app privacy policies, avoid clicking suspicious links or opening unsolicited emails, verify toll fees directly with official agencies, and be skeptical of job offers and social media deals that seem too good to be true.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-17
# Holiday Travel Scams Warning
As millions of Americans prepare for holiday travel, lawmakers are warning of a surge in travel fraud scams—including fake websites, phony airline and hotel impersonations, and counterfeit bookings—that cost consumers $274 million in 2024 and contributed to $1 trillion in global online travel fraud losses. Criminals are increasingly impersonating legitimate travel platforms to trick travelers into paying for fake trips or accommodations that don't match their online listings. To protect yourself, verify websites directly by typing URLs into your browser rather than clicking links, book only through official airline and hotel websites, and be cautious of unsolicited travel offers on social media or email.
zdnet.com
· 2025-12-17
# Holiday Scams Summary
The US Treasury warns that cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting the holiday season through three main scams: business impersonation (fake emails and websites spoofing trusted companies), gift card draining, and fraudulent social media ads promoting discounted products that are never delivered. These scams are becoming more sophisticated as criminals use AI to impersonate trusted brands and companies, making them harder to detect. To protect yourself, verify websites directly before entering payment information, be skeptical of unusually low prices, avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails, and purchase gift cards only from authorized retailers.
cnn.com
· 2025-12-17
# Crypto ATM Scam Summary
Thousands of Americans, particularly elderly retirees, lost over $250 million in 2024 to scams involving cryptocurrency ATMs, with Circle K convenience stores emerging as a major hub for these frauds. A CNN and ICIJ investigation found that Circle K profited from renting space to crypto ATMs while dismissing responsibility, even as employees witnessed repeated scams at the same locations and police were called repeatedly. Victims should be cautious about unfamiliar pressure to move money through crypto ATMs—especially if contacted by someone claiming to represent banks, government agencies, or tech companies—and should verify requests through official channels before taking any action.
nbcnews.com
· 2025-12-17
Google is suing a Chinese-speaking cybercriminal group called Darcula that sells software enabling scammers to send mass phishing text messages to Americans impersonating trusted organizations like the IRS and postal services to steal personal and financial information. The group's software, called Magic Cat, allows even unskilled cybercriminals to easily target millions of people with fake websites that harvest credit card numbers and other sensitive data. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited text messages asking you to click links or verify account information, especially from government agencies or financial institutions—legitimate organizations typically won't contact you this way, and you should independently verify any requests by calling the official organization directly.
spectrumnews1.com
· 2025-12-17
During the 2024 holiday season, Ohio residents and people nationwide face a surge of sophisticated scams that have cost Americans over $50 billion between 2020 and 2024, with the most common schemes including fake shipping alerts, fake urgent requests from authority figures for gift cards, convincing charity impersonations, phishing for loyalty points, and dangerous public Wi-Fi networks. Consumers of all ages are vulnerable during the busy holiday period when scammers exploit the seasonal chaos to catch people off guard. To protect yourself, take a few seconds to verify shipping notifications directly through official retailer websites, never respond to unexpected urgent requests for gift cards, donate only through official charity channels you've verified independently, avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, and avoid conducting sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi networks.
kctv5.com
· 2025-12-17
# Holiday Scams Surge with AI Technology
The FBI is warning Kansas City shoppers that scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to commit fraud during the holiday season, with over 535,000 Americans losing $13.7 billion to online scams in 2024 alone. Criminals are now using AI to create convincing fake social media profiles, clone voices, forge documents, and produce deepfake videos impersonating loved ones and public figures to pressure victims into quick decisions. To protect yourself, the FBI recommends verifying requests before clicking links, using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and trusting your instincts if something feels suspicious—and reporting any scams you encounter, even if you didn't lose money, helps law enforcement stop future victims.
panewslab.com
· 2025-12-17
A professional angel investor in China lost at least 100,000 yuan in cryptocurrency after unknowingly downloading malware disguised as a game launcher while testing a Web3 project called "MetaToy." The scam began when someone posing as a co-founder contacted him on Telegram and directed him to download the infected software, which compromised his digital wallet. The investor's key advice to the public is to avoid downloading software from unknown sources, never share two-factor authentication details with anyone, and remain vigilant about phishing attempts—even experienced tech professionals can fall victim to these schemes.
infosecurity-magazine.com
· 2025-12-17
During the Christmas shopping season, internet users face a surge of sophisticated AI-powered scams, with security experts detecting over 33,500 phishing emails and 10,000 fraudulent social media ads in just two weeks. Scammers are using AI to create convincing fake delivery notices, e-commerce websites, and charity appeals in flawless local languages, with fake delivery scams increasing 100% compared to last year. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited messages and deals, verify websites before entering payment information, avoid clicking links in unexpected delivery notifications, and be wary of social media giveaway claims—especially from newly created accounts.
13wmaz.com
· 2025-12-17
# Holiday Scam Summary
During the holiday season, scammers target unsuspecting shoppers with fake ads and unsolicited messages to steal money and personal information. The FBI recommends verifying online deals by visiting retailer websites directly rather than clicking promoted links on social media, and treating unexpected texts and emails as red flags. Taking a moment to question whether deals seem too good to be true can help protect you and your loved ones from falling victim to holiday scams.
wmbfnews.com
· 2025-12-17
During the holiday season, the Better Business Bureau warns of imposter scams where fraudsters pose as legitimate businesses on social media, airlines, and utility companies to trick consumers into revealing personal information or making emergency payments. These scams use high-pressure tactics and urgency to bypass critical thinking, targeting shoppers who may be distracted or vulnerable. To protect yourself, use credit cards for purchases (which offer dispute protection), verify websites use secure HTTPS connections, research businesses beforehand, and be skeptical of urgent demands for payment or personal information.
cryptorank.io
· 2025-12-17
A Bitcoin adviser warns of rising "pig butchering" scams—where fraudsters build trust with victims before convincing them to send cryptocurrency to fake trading accounts—after one of his clients lost their entire Bitcoin holdings to such a scheme. These social engineering scams are proving difficult to prevent even when victims use security measures like multi-signature wallets, as scammers manipulate people into voluntarily transferring their funds. Crypto holders should be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities and remember that legitimate investments don't promise unrealistic returns like doubling your money.
news.shib.io
· 2025-12-17
A Bitcoin investor lost his entire retirement savings of 1 BTC in an AI-powered "pig butchering" scam after being approached by someone posing as both a trader and romantic interest who promised to double his investment. Originally reported by The Shib Daily, the scam exploited emotional manipulation tactics typical of pig butchering schemes, which lure victims through fake romantic relationships and investment promises before stealing their funds. To protect yourself, be extremely skeptical of unsolicited investment offers from strangers online, never send cryptocurrency to people you haven't verified through trusted channels, and remember that legitimate traders won't pressure you through romantic appeals or promise guaranteed returns.
tradingview.com
· 2025-12-17
During the holiday season, cryptocurrency users face increased scam risks as cybercriminals exploit increased online activity, heightened emotions, and distraction to trick people into fraudulent schemes like phishing emails, fake wallet apps, and bogus investment opportunities. Crypto users are particularly vulnerable because cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible, making it difficult or impossible to recover stolen funds. To stay protected, users should avoid clicking suspicious links, verify wallet addresses carefully, and take time to authenticate requests before conducting any crypto transactions, especially during busy holiday periods.
idtechwire.com
· 2025-12-17
Identity theft has become criminals' primary target in 2025, with AI-powered attacks making scams easier to execute at scale through stolen credentials, synthetic identities, and automated impersonation—resulting in billions of dollars in annual losses that affect consumers across financial services and social media platforms. The report reveals that weak passwords and outdated authentication methods remain the biggest vulnerability, while many people worldwide lack reliable identity verification systems that fraudsters can exploit. To protect themselves, consumers should strengthen their passwords, enable multi-factor authentication on critical accounts, monitor their credit reports regularly, and be cautious of unexpected account access attempts or requests for personal information.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-16
Online scams are disproportionately targeting seniors, who are vulnerable due to isolation, loneliness, and less familiarity with technology, according to local aging offices. Common scams include fraudulent texts and phone calls (especially during Medicare enrollment and tax season), romance scams on social media, and requests for gift card purchases. Seniors who suspect they've been scammed can contact Lifespan of Greater Rochester at 585-244-8400 or 866-454-5110 (toll-free) for counseling, support groups, and assistance in potentially recovering funds.
journal-news.net
· 2025-12-16
# Fraud Investigation Summary
A Berkeley County resident fell victim to a government impersonation scam in which fraudsters sent a fake Apple Pay alert, then threatened her with false criminal allegations to extort money. Following law enforcement's advice to report the incident to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, the victim's case contributed to international law enforcement raids in Jaipur, India, that shut down fraudulent call centers and arrested approximately 60 suspects. If you receive unsolicited payment alerts or calls impersonating government agencies, hang up, contact official agencies directly using verified phone numbers, and report the incident to IC3.gov, the FBI, or the Federal Trade Commission.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-16
According to a recent Federal Trade Commission report, Americans over 60 lost $2.4 billion to scams in 2024—a 400% increase since 2020—with investment scams, imposter scams, and romance scams being the most common types, primarily spread through social media. Seniors are particularly vulnerable because they often have accumulated savings and may experience age-related brain changes that reduce their ability to detect risk and read social cues. To protect yourself, thoroughly investigate any investment opportunity through the Securities and Exchange Commission before committing money, and be cautious of unsolicited contact on social media.
wgal.com
· 2025-12-16
# Scam Summary
The Federal Trade Commission reports a significant rise in scams targeting older adults, with increasing numbers losing over $100,000 to fraudsters. While seniors are more likely to report scams when they occur, helping warn others, adult children should proactively discuss current scam trends with elderly family members rather than assuming they're aware of the latest threats.
seattlered.com
· 2025-12-16
# Scam Losses Among Older Americans Surge Dramatically
Reported fraud losses for Americans aged 60 and older have skyrocketed to $2.4 billion in 2024—nearly four times higher than the $600 million reported in 2020—with the FTC estimating the actual total damage could exceed $81 billion. Scammers are increasingly targeting seniors through social media platforms with cryptocurrency investment scams and romance schemes, while also impersonating authority figures like law enforcement and banks to pressure victims into transferring large sums of money. To protect yourself, watch for common warning signs: unexpected contact from unknown people, emotional appeals designed to upset you, and artificial pressure to act quickly without thinking.
pennwatch.org
· 2025-12-16
# Scam Summary
An elderly Lancaster County couple lost $1.3 million in a Social Security impersonation scam that began with a phone call claiming their Social Security number was compromised. The fraudsters convinced them to liquidate retirement savings, convert the money to gold bars, and hand them over in person as a supposed "fee" for obtaining a new Social Security number. Authorities warn the public to immediately hang up on any caller threatening legal action or demanding payment for government services, as legitimate government agencies never request payment or personal assets over the phone.
wgal.com
· 2025-12-16
A scammer in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania impersonated a Social Security Administration representative and convinced two residents their Social Security numbers had been compromised, persuading them to liquidate retirement accounts and buy over $1.3 million in gold under the false promise of protecting their money. Older adults appear to be at highest risk for this type of fraud. To protect yourself and loved ones, verify any unexpected calls about benefits or legal issues by contacting family members or official agencies directly, and have conversations with elderly relatives about these common warning signs.