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foxnews.com
· 2026-05-07
A Florida woman named Patricia Escriva fell victim to a SIM swap scam, where criminals hijacked her phone number and used it to access her bank accounts and other online services, draining thousands of dollars within minutes. During a SIM swap attack, scammers trick phone carriers into transferring a victim's phone number to a new SIM card they control, allowing them to intercept security codes and gain access to linked accounts. To protect yourself, enable additional security measures beyond SMS verification codes—such as authenticator apps, security keys, or contacting your bank directly rather than clicking links in messages—and monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.
waka.com
· 2026-05-07
Contrary to common assumptions, younger adults—particularly Gen Z and millennials—are actually more vulnerable to scams than seniors, with 43% of Gen Z and 39% of millennials engaging with scam attempts compared to just 14% of Baby Boomers. Younger people fall victim to scams tailored to their online behavior, including shopping scams (fake storefronts and deals), employment scams (fake job listings with training fees), romance scams, and deceptive text messages, while seniors are more targeted by tech support scams, imposter scams, and gift card demands. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited messages and job offers, verify web addresses carefully before clicking links, never give remote access to your computer to unknown parties, and remember that legitimate companies will never demand payment via gift cards.
codyenterprise.com
· 2026-05-07
Scammers are increasingly targeting small communities by impersonating banks, government agencies, and family members to pressure people into sending money or sharing personal information quickly. The key to avoiding these scams is to pause and verify any unexpected requests by looking up official contact numbers yourself, never clicking links in unsolicited messages, and consulting trusted friends or family before responding. Legitimate organizations won't rush you, threaten you, or demand sensitive information unexpectedly—so if someone is pushing for immediate action, it's a major red flag.
kaspersky.com
· 2026-05-07
Kaspersky researchers have identified "gray websites"—deceptive platforms that trick users into willingly sharing money and personal data by impersonating legitimate services like e-commerce sites, financial tools, and AI platforms, making them harder to detect than traditional phishing attacks. These scams are targeting users worldwide with regional variations, such as fake privacy tools and browser extensions in Europe, and are causing significant financial losses and large-scale data theft. To protect yourself, use security software that can detect gray websites across all devices (Windows, Linux, Android, iOS) by analyzing factors like domain age, IP reputation, and security headers.
ketv.com
· 2026-05-07
Americans lost $2.1 billion to scams on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp in 2025—eight times more than in 2020—with investment scams ($1.1 billion) and romance scams ($298 million) being the most costly, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Scammers use fake profiles, hacked accounts, and fraudulent ads across all age groups, though adults over 80 experienced increased losses. The FTC advises consumers to be cautious of unsolicited investment advice and romantic connections on social media, verify seller legitimacy before purchasing, and report suspicious activity, though the agency warns actual losses are likely much higher since many scams go unreported.
bitdefender.com
· 2026-05-07
Romance scams, particularly targeting older adults, often escalate financially over time while victims become increasingly defensive when family members try to intervene, sometimes cutting off contact entirely. Psychologists explain that pressure and logic-based arguments typically backfire, as people instinctively resist when they feel judged or their independence is threatened, causing them to hold more tightly to the scam rather than abandon it. To help someone in this situation, experts recommend avoiding confrontational approaches that emphasize proof of deception, since victims may interpret such warnings as attacks on their judgment rather than genuine protection.
flagstaffbusinessnews.com
· 2026-05-07
The Better Business Bureau launched its Scam Survival Toolkit to help fraud victims recover, addressing the fact that many scam survivors never report their experiences due to embarrassment or uncertainty about next steps. The toolkit provides practical guidance on financial recovery, account security, and emotional healing, while also offering a scam prevention guide with warning signs to help people avoid future fraud. Those affected by scams are encouraged to report them through BBB Scam Tracker and seek support through the toolkit rather than suffering in silence.
protos.com
· 2026-05-07
A cousin of Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet owned a 30% stake in Huione Pay, a banking firm linked to a $4 billion cryptocurrency laundering operation that was sanctioned by the US and UK and had its license revoked. Hun To claims he held no management role, never contributed capital, and received no profits or dividends from the company, though he was listed as one of three directors. The revelation highlights the murky connections between political elites and alleged international fraud schemes, and serves as a reminder to be cautious about investments involving politically connected figures and to verify the legitimacy of payment platforms before using them.
smdailyjournal.com
· 2026-05-06
Americans are increasingly targeted by text message scams—with the FTC reporting $470 million lost to these schemes in 2024, more than five times the 2020 amount, and seniors losing $4.8 billion alone. Common scams include fake FasTrak toll notices, USPS delivery failures, bank fraud alerts, and court summons, with one person losing over $150,000 to a convincing phishing text. To protect yourself, never click links or QR codes in unsolicited texts, use your phone's "report spam" feature, and remember that legitimate companies like FasTrak and USPS don't request payment via text.
straitstimes.com
· 2026-05-06
Scammers are impersonating high-profile government officials, celebrities, and royalty to trick people into attending fake virtual meetings and transferring money. Victims are typically contacted through social media or messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, then asked to provide personal information and NDAs before being pressured to send funds or make payments. To protect yourself, verify any unexpected meeting invitations directly with the person or organization being impersonated, never click links in unsolicited emails or messages, and avoid sharing identification documents or transferring money based on such requests.
theregister.com
· 2026-05-06
Romance fraudsters stole £102 million from UK victims in 2025, averaging £280,000 per day, with individual losses sometimes reaching £1 million, according to City of London Police figures. The scams disproportionately affected people aged 55-74, with criminals using fake social media profiles to build fake relationships before requesting money for invented emergencies or investments. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited online affection, requests to avoid video calls, sudden investment pitches, and always seek a second opinion from trusted friends or family before sending money to anyone you've only met online.
mexc.com
· 2026-05-06
A new academic study analyzing nearly 98,000 cybercrime forum posts found that contrary to widespread warnings, criminals are not actually using generative AI to significantly enhance their hacking activities—only 1.9% of posts involved AI for criminal purposes, with most mentions being spam, speculation, or complaints that the tools don't work. The highly publicized "Dark AI" products like WormGPT and FraudGPT turned out to be mostly marketing hype, with one developer admitting the service was just an unrestricted version of ChatGPT. While the findings suggest the cybercrime AI threat has been overstated by security vendors and AI doomers, users should still maintain standard cybersecurity practices like strong passwords and caution with suspicious links, as criminals continue adapting even if AI isn't revolutionizing their tactics as feared.
kucoin.com
· 2026-05-06
In 2025-2026, cryptocurrency scams extracted an estimated $17 billion from global investors, with AI-powered deepfakes and "Pig Butchering" schemes becoming the most dangerous threats—extracting 4.5 times more money per victim than traditional scams. These sophisticated operations target emotional vulnerabilities through fake celebrity endorsements and months-long relationship-building on social media and dating apps, particularly affecting high-net-worth professionals. To stay safe, users should enable hardware-based two-factor authentication, verify all celebrity endorsements through official channels, and avoid transferring funds to platforms outside regulated exchanges.
mexc.com
· 2026-05-06
Blockchain investigator ZachXBT has alleged that Tokenlon, a smaller decentralized exchange, facilitated illegal cryptocurrency transfers linked to scam operations, though the claims remain unverified and unconfirmed by law enforcement. The allegation highlights broader concerns about compliance gaps on lesser-known cryptocurrency platforms that lack identity verification requirements, particularly regarding "pig butchering" scams that have caused billions in victim losses globally. Users should be cautious when trading on smaller, less-monitored DEX platforms and verify the legitimacy of any exchange before conducting transactions.
abc7chicago.com
· 2026-05-06
Scammers posing as bank officials and fake FBI agents are conducting sophisticated phone spoofing schemes that trick people into transferring thousands of dollars from their accounts. One Illinois woman lost $40,000 after criminals who had obtained her account details convinced her to move money to a "secured" account, and experts warn that thieves can gather banking information from the dark web or other sources before calling. Banks advise customers to never transfer money or provide access based on unsolicited calls, texts, or online requests, and to verify requests directly by calling their bank's official number.
usatoday.com
· 2026-05-06
Scammers are using a technique called "banking spoof calls" to trick people into transferring thousands of dollars by making their caller ID display legitimate bank phone numbers and impersonating bank representatives who already know account details. Victims have lost significant sums after being convinced to move money to supposedly "secure" accounts, with one Chase customer losing $40,000. To protect yourself, remember that banks will never ask for your username, password, or request that you move money or grant computer access—if you receive such a call, hang up and contact your bank directly using the number on your card or statement, and report any suspected scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
gasa.org
· 2026-05-06
The Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) is organizing regional chapters across Latin America to combat online fraud through collaboration between financial institutions, technology companies, government agencies, and law enforcement. The initiative brings together leaders from major organizations like Google, Nasdaq Verafin, and various government bodies to share intelligence and coordinate scam prevention efforts. Organizations and individuals in the region are encouraged to join GASA chapters and participate in upcoming webinars and initiatives focused on strengthening protection against digital scams.
thestar.com.my
· 2026-05-06
In the first quarter of 2024, Malaysian police reported 61 online scam cases involving tertiary students, resulting in losses of approximately RM303,372, with common schemes including phone scams, job scams, fake PTPTN loan offers, phishing, e-commerce fraud, and romance scams. Students are particularly vulnerable targets, though scammers victimize people across all education and social levels. To protect yourself, verify job offers and financial assistance directly through official channels, avoid clicking suspicious links or sharing personal information online, and report suspected scams to police immediately.
foxbusiness.com
· 2026-05-05
# Summary
Banking spoof callers are impersonating legitimate financial institutions and law enforcement to trick customers into moving their money to fake "secured" accounts, with the FBI warning this is a growing problem. Two victims—Chase customer Jennifer Lichthardt who lost $40,000 and Huntington Bank customer Susie Allgood who lost $5,000—were convinced to transfer funds by scammers who had obtained their personal account information. Banks and the FTC urge customers to never transfer money in response to unsolicited calls or messages claiming to protect their accounts, as legitimate financial institutions do not make such requests.
cryptotimes.io
· 2026-05-05
In 2026, law enforcement agencies worldwide conducted unprecedented crackdowns on "pig-butchering" scams—elaborate romance-based investment frauds that slowly build victims' trust before stealing their cryptocurrency. The actions, including a major Dubai operation that arrested 275 suspects and a $15 billion Bitcoin forfeiture from Cambodia, represent the largest coordinated effort against these scams in history. Victims should be cautious of unsolicited romantic connections offering investment opportunities, avoid granting wallet permissions to unknown parties, and verify investment platforms through official channels before depositing funds.
cxodigitalpulse.com
· 2026-05-05
International law enforcement agencies arrested 276 suspects and shut down nine major cryptocurrency scam networks in a coordinated global operation, recovering over $701 million in stolen crypto assets. The criminal groups used sophisticated "pig butchering" scams—building fake relationships to manipulate victims into fraudulent cryptocurrency investments—and were also linked to human trafficking, forcing workers into scam operations under coercive conditions. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment offers, especially those involving cryptocurrency or promises of quick returns, and verify any investment opportunity through official channels before sending money.
the420.in
· 2026-05-05
A coordinated international law enforcement operation led by Dubai Police, the FBI, and Chinese authorities arrested 276 people and shut down nine cryptocurrency scam centers involved in a ₹5,853 crore fraud scheme. The scammers used "pig butchering" tactics—building trust through fake romantic or friendly relationships to convince victims to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes—and were linked to human trafficking networks that exploited coerced workers. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of online relationships that quickly pivot to investment opportunities, verify cryptocurrency investment platforms independently, and report suspicious activity to local authorities or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
mexc.com
· 2026-05-05
AI-powered cryptocurrency scams have exploded, with reports jumping 456% between May 2024 and April 2025, as fraudsters use artificial intelligence to create highly convincing phishing emails, deepfake videos, and impersonations at scale. Crypto users are particularly vulnerable because blockchain transactions are irreversible and markets operate 24/7, making it nearly impossible to recover stolen funds. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited messages and offers, verify identities through official channels before clicking links or sharing credentials, and be especially cautious of content that seems unusually personalized or urgent.
cryptonews.net
· 2026-05-05
Scammers are exploiting Telegram's Mini Apps feature to create convincing fake cryptocurrency investment platforms that trick users into depositing real money with promises of fake returns. The FEMITBOT scam network uses these embedded apps to impersonate major crypto brands like Binance and OKX, displaying fake account balances and earnings to pressure victims into quick deposits or referral tasks before attempting to withdraw. Users should be wary of any investment offers on Telegram, avoid clicking links from unknown bots, and never deposit money based on returns shown within messaging apps.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-05-05
Email fraud costs the U.S. economy approximately $22 billion annually—nearly double the FBI's official estimates—because most incidents go unreported, according to a TrustNFT research report. The true cost includes not just direct losses but also corporate management expenses, lost productivity, and damage to consumer trust in digital commerce, with older Americans and businesses being particularly vulnerable targets. The research calls for stronger policy and private sector investment in email security infrastructure to address what official statistics severely undercount.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-05
Scammers are targeting drivers nationwide with fake text messages claiming unpaid traffic violations and asking them to scan QR codes to pay small fees (around $6.99), but these messages are actually phishing attempts designed to steal payment information. The scam has affected residents across multiple states including New York, California, Texas, and others, and uses fake court notices with official-looking language and embedded QR codes to bypass security detection. To protect yourself, ignore these texts entirely—legitimate courts communicate through official mail, not unsolicited text messages—and never scan QR codes from unexpected sources.
kaaltv.com
· 2026-05-05
Scammers are sending fake text messages claiming products have been recalled, trying to trick consumers into clicking malicious links and stealing their personal information. One consumer avoided the scam by verifying directly through her Amazon app rather than clicking the suspicious link. To protect yourself, always check for recalls directly on the retailer's app or website, or visit official sources like recalls.gov or the Consumer Product Safety Commission website instead of clicking links in unsolicited messages.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-04
Scammers are increasingly targeting grieving widows by using publicly available information from obituaries, death records, and data broker websites to create detailed personal profiles and impersonate life insurance companies or other officials to steal Social Security numbers and bank details. According to FBI data, over 52% of crimes against Americans over 60 in 2023 were enabled by personal information available online, making the vulnerable period after a spouse's death particularly dangerous. The article recommends that widows take action within 90 days to opt out of data brokers to limit scammers' access to their personal information.
quasa.io
· 2026-05-04
Cambodia has become a global hub for large-scale fraud operations, with organized crime syndicates running fortified compounds that trap workers and conduct sophisticated "pig butchering" romance scams—targeting victims for over $100,000 each through fake investment schemes. The criminal enterprise generates an estimated $19 billion annually (roughly 40% of Cambodia's GDP) and operates with corporate-style infrastructure including HR departments and performance metrics, predominantly controlled by Chinese syndicates with protection from local officials. Potential victims should be extremely cautious of unsolicited romantic or investment opportunities online, especially those involving cryptocurrency, and verify any investment opportunity through independent channels before sending money.
abc.net.au
· 2026-05-03
Several video games on Steam depict scam compound operations where players run fraudulent schemes, upsetting survivors of real scam centers who were trafficked and forced to commit fraud. One survivor, Gavesh, who was trafficked to KK Park in Myanmar and forced to conduct "pig butchering" scams for 16 hours daily, expressed disgust at games like Scam Center Simulator, saying "This is not a game, this is our life." While organized crime syndicates operating real scam compounds steal tens of billions annually according to the UN, if you encounter recruitment offers for data entry or remote work—especially from Southeast Asia—be extremely cautious, verify employers independently, and report suspicious job postings to authorities.
markets.financialcontent.com
· 2026-05-03
Rovetan Token is a new cryptocurrency project designed to simplify digital payments by integrating blockchain technology with AI-powered messaging, allowing users to send cryptocurrency as easily as sending a text message. The project addresses a major barrier to mainstream crypto adoption—the technical complexity of traditional wallets that require users to manage long wallet addresses and understand blockchain mechanics. While the article promotes this as an innovation, readers should exercise caution with any new cryptocurrency projects by researching the team's credentials, understanding the actual technology behind claims, and never investing more than they can afford to lose.
smh.com.au
· 2026-05-03
Financial scams in Australia have cost victims over $2.1 billion between 2020 and 2025, with investment scams, phishing scams, and romance scams being the most expensive, while shopping scams are the most common. Men are disproportionately affected by investment scams (64% of victims), losing an average of $7,000 each, with residents in Victoria and NSW accounting for nearly half of all reported cases. To protect yourself, stay vigilant against increasingly sophisticated scam tactics, verify investment opportunities independently, be cautious of unsolicited financial offers, and report suspected fraud to authorities like Scamwatch.
abc7ny.com
· 2026-05-03
Seniors in America lose approximately $800 million annually to scams, with experts warning that the problem is growing as technology and AI make fraudulent schemes harder to detect. The two main types targeting older adults are imposter scams (where criminals claim to be someone else and demand urgent money) and investment scams (offering unrealistic returns with false urgency), and many cases go unreported due to shame or denial. Seniors are particularly vulnerable because they have accumulated significant liquid assets and limited time to recover financially after retirement, so experts recommend staying skeptical of unsolicited financial offers and reporting suspected fraud rather than suffering in silence.
theatlantic.com
· 2026-05-03
Advanced AI image-generation tools like OpenAI's ChatGPT Images 2.0 can now create highly realistic deepfakes of documents and alerts—including fake prescriptions, bank notifications, IDs, and passports—making them effective weapons for fraud and scams. The technology is particularly dangerous because it can accurately render text within images, a capability previous AI models struggled with, enabling criminals to deceive the general public through convincing forgeries. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected financial alerts or requests, verify communications through official channels directly, and stay informed about emerging deepfake technology so you can spot suspicious imagery.
cbsnews.com
· 2026-05-03
A scam targeting hundreds of people, particularly Spanish speakers in the Denver area, tricked them into believing they had unpaid traffic fines and would be arrested if they didn't pay. The fraudulent text messages included a QR code designed to steal money from victims, causing about 200 people to show up at Denver County Court seeking clarification on Friday. To protect yourself, never respond to suspicious texts about fines, remember that courts never contact people via text or QR codes about legal matters, and report any suspicious messages to local police or Colorado's Stop Fraud hotline at 720-913-9179.
tnonline.com
· 2026-05-03
Pennsylvania's Attorney General is warning residents about a new variation of cash scams where criminals use intermediaries (like Uber drivers) to collect payment in person, after manipulating victims with fake emergencies or fraudulent alerts—two recent cases resulted in over $30,000 in losses. Victims are typically pressured to act quickly and told to withdraw cash for urgent situations like family emergencies or false fraud charges. The state recommends never paying cash to unknown people, ignoring unsolicited calls and pop-ups, and taking time to verify claims rather than acting under pressure.
theguardian.com
· 2026-05-03
Multiple users of Claude, an AI chatbot by Anthropic, have reported unauthorized charges ranging from $200 to €225 appearing on their credit cards for gift card subscriptions they never purchased, with at least one victim losing $400 before catching the fraud. The fraudsters were able to access victims' accounts and have gift cards sent to their email addresses, raising concerns about broader account security breaches. Users experiencing suspicious charges should immediately contact their bank to dispute unauthorized transactions, change their passwords and payment methods, and monitor their accounts closely for further fraudulent activity.
abc7ny.com
· 2026-05-02
Seniors in America lose approximately $800 million annually to scams, with experts identifying two main types: imposter scams (where criminals claim to be someone else and demand urgent payment) and investment scams (fake opportunities promising unrealistic returns). Technology and AI make these scams increasingly difficult to detect, and many victims don't report being scammed due to shame or denial, making the problem even larger than statistics suggest. To protect yourself, be skeptical of urgent money requests, verify caller identities through official channels, and remember that legitimate investments never guarantee unrealistic returns with minimal risk.
pandasecurity.com
· 2026-05-02
Cybercriminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create sophisticated scams, deepfakes, and malware that are harder to detect and easier to launch, even for those without technical skills. According to the latest IC3 report, AI-related fraud has already caused over $893 million in losses across more than 22,000 complaints, with the dark web AI market expected to grow significantly in coming years. To protect yourself, stay vigilant about suspicious emails and messages, verify unexpected requests through alternative channels, keep your software updated, and use multi-factor authentication on important accounts.
vindy.com
· 2026-05-02
Scammers are using deceptive "expert advice" websites and fake tech support services to trick customers into recurring monthly charges by making them believe they're only paying a small one-time fee. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to these scams, which often involve pop-up messages claiming virus infections or unsolicited emails requesting payment for device protection, ultimately giving fraudsters access to credit card information and sometimes even remote control of computers. To protect yourself, never click on suspicious pop-ups—instead hold down your device's power button for 10 seconds to reboot, and be wary of unsolicited contacts about device problems or services requiring payment.
huffpost.com
· 2026-05-02
Cybercriminals are using fake CAPTCHA security checks to trick people into infecting their own computers with malware. The scam, called "ClickFix," mimics the familiar "I'm not a robot" verification but instead instructs users to press specific keyboard commands (like Windows + R, then Ctrl + V) that unknowingly execute hidden malicious code and give hackers access to their devices. To protect yourself, be suspicious of any CAPTCHA that asks you to perform keyboard sequences or follow unusual instructions—legitimate security checks typically only ask you to click a box or solve simple puzzles.
mexc.com
· 2026-05-02
The US, UAE, and Chinese authorities shut down nine cryptocurrency scam centers operating across multiple countries, arresting 276 individuals involved in "pig-butchering" schemes that defrauded American victims of millions of dollars. US victims lost $11.4 billion to crypto fraud in 2025, with older Americans particularly targeted through phishing, extortion, and fake investment schemes. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment offers, verify the legitimacy of any cryptocurrency platform independently, and report suspicious activity to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
mexc.com
· 2026-05-02
In 2026, law enforcement from the FBI, Dubai Police, and China's Ministry of Public Security arrested 276 individuals and shut down nine cryptocurrency fraud centers, with American residents losing millions of dollars to scams. The most prevalent scheme was "pig butchering," where scammers pose as friends or romantic partners to build trust before convincing victims to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency projects and stealing their funds. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment offers from online contacts, verify the identities of people encouraging crypto investments, and never grant wallet access or sign unfamiliar transactions.
wisbusiness.com
· 2026-05-01
Moving scams are on the rise in Wisconsin, with over 21,000 inquiries and 50+ complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau in 2025, with victims losing a median of $532 each. Common scams include hidden fees, massive price hikes, missing items, and goods being held hostage for additional payment. To protect yourself, research moving companies thoroughly before hiring, verify their legitimacy on BBB.org, and be cautious of red flags like requests for large upfront deposits via informal payment methods like Zelle or payment requests sent to personal names without official company information.
sedaliademocrat.com
· 2026-05-01
A fraud expert spoke at a Sedalia church event warning residents about multi-billion dollar scams, emphasizing that victims like Linda Noble—who has been defrauded twice—can take steps to protect themselves. Banking expert Pete Selenke advised people to never hide financial transactions and to welcome questions from bankers about withdrawals, explaining that banks are legally required to monitor suspicious activity to protect customers. The key takeaway for the general audience is that if someone pressures you to hide a transaction or keep financial activities secret, it's a major red flag for fraud.
forbes.com
· 2026-05-01
Older adults lost over $7.5 billion to fraud last year, with scammers increasingly using sophisticated tactics to pressure victims into quick decisions. AI-powered detection tools are emerging as a solution, with apps like Shield Seniors using machine learning to identify suspicious activity and alert caregivers or institutions in real time to stop scams before money is lost. Experts recommend implementing built-in verification steps during payment processes that force a deliberate pause, rather than relying on emails or alerts that can be easily missed.
tribtoday.com
· 2026-05-01
Scammers are operating deceptive websites that trick customers into recurring credit-card charges by posing as "expert advice" services or "tech support" providers, often claiming to offer a one-time dollar charge when they're actually enrolling victims in endless monthly billing schemes. Seniors are particularly targeted through pop-up messages claiming device infections and fake support services, with millions falling victim to these scams that can result in stolen credit card information and compromised computers. To protect yourself, never click on suspicious pop-up messages (instead restart your device), be skeptical of unsolicited tech support alerts, and report such scams to the FBI.
alachuachronicle.com
· 2026-05-01
Scammers are exploiting spring cleaning habits by embedding fake "unsubscribe" links in fraudulent emails that, when clicked, can confirm your email is active or direct you to malicious websites. The Florida Department of Elder Affairs warns people to avoid clicking unsubscribe links on suspicious messages and instead mark them as spam directly through their email provider. If you're unsure whether an email is legitimate, ask a trusted family member or contact your email provider before taking any action.
pandasecurity.com
· 2026-05-01
In 2025, Americans lost $929 million to romance and relationship fraud, with sugar baby scams being a major culprit where scammers pose as wealthy benefactors offering financial support but disappear after obtaining upfront fees, gift cards, or personal information from victims. These scams typically begin on dating apps and social media, using fake profiles and emotional manipulation to build trust quickly before moving conversations off-platform. To stay safe, be cautious of profiles promising easy money with no strings attached, avoid sharing personal information or paying upfront fees, and verify claims through independent research before engaging further.
capenews.net
· 2026-05-01
Modern phishing emails have become increasingly sophisticated, using artificial intelligence to mimic legitimate companies with professional formatting, accurate logos, and polished language—making them much harder to spot than old-fashioned scams with obvious typos and grammar errors. Financial institutions like Martha's Vineyard Bank are seeing a sharp rise in these targeted fraudulent messages, including fake tax-related correspondence that appear genuine at first glance. To protect yourself, trust your instincts if something feels off, verify suspicious emails by contacting the company directly using a known phone number, and report anything suspicious to your bank rather than clicking links or providing personal information.