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abc27.com
· 2025-12-16
During the holiday season, scammers are increasingly targeting generous Americans, with data showing that roughly 60% will be targeted by scams this year and one in five will fall victim. Common scams include fraudulent charities, romance scams on dating apps, and impersonators claiming to be from financial institutions. To protect yourself, never give money to people you've met online, be suspicious of requests to move conversations to third-party messaging apps, and always hang up and call your financial institution directly using a number from their official website rather than trusting incoming calls.
agedcareguide.com.au
· 2025-12-16
# Scam Threat Summary
Australian seniors over 50 are facing unprecedented fraud risks as AI-powered scams become more sophisticated, with 84% having encountered or fallen victim to scams and 83% reporting it's harder to trust information than ever before. The most common scams targeting this group involve phishing emails, parcel delivery schemes, and overdue payment demands, often delivered via phone calls, emails, or text messages. To protect themselves, older Australians should regularly fact-check information before believing or sharing it, verify unexpected communications directly with organizations, and remain skeptical of unsolicited contact—particularly those claiming urgency or requesting personal information.
atg.wa.gov
· 2025-12-16
Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown secured a court order blocking the Trump administration's attempts to fine states millions of dollars over their SNAP (food assistance) program operations. The administration had tried to cut off benefits to lawful permanent residents and then threatened states with penalties for not quickly enough implementing contradictory guidance that kept changing. If you receive SNAP benefits as a green card holder or know someone who does, you should know that the court has confirmed your eligibility remains protected, and your state cannot be penalized for delays in implementing unclear federal directives.
foxbusiness.com
· 2025-12-15
# Fraud Losses Among Older Americans Surge to Billions
Older Americans lost an estimated $2.4 billion to financial fraud in 2024, with the FTC warning the true figure could be as high as $81.5 billion when accounting for underreporting—a dramatic four-fold increase from 2020 losses. The surge is being driven by large-scale scams where victims lose over $100,000, and scammers are increasingly using social media as their primary tool to target seniors. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited offers on social media, verify requests for money through independent contact with known institutions, and report suspected fraud to the FTC immediately.
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-15
Scammers are targeting Medicare beneficiaries with fake calls claiming to issue new plastic cards or requesting verification of Medicare numbers to prevent coverage loss—tactics that are entirely fraudulent. Seniors in New York and nationwide are vulnerable to these schemes, which contribute to an estimated $60 billion in annual Medicare fraud losses. To protect yourself, never provide personal information over the phone in response to unsolicited calls, and if you suspect fraud or believe your Medicare number has been compromised, contact the New York State Senior Medicare Patrol at 800-333-4374 or visit www.nysenior.org for assistance.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-15
Scammers are targeting Medicare recipients with fake phone calls claiming to issue new plastic Medicare cards or requesting verification of Medicare numbers to prevent coverage loss, but Medicare never calls people asking for this information and only issues standard paper cards. Seniors and their caregivers should immediately hang up on unsolicited calls asking for Medicare information, never share personal or medical details with unexpected callers, and regularly review their Medicare statements for unfamiliar charges. The New York StateWide Senior Action Council is warning older adults about this recurring scam and urging them to report suspicious activity to protect themselves from fraud.
blackenterprise.com
· 2025-12-15
# Senior Fraud Alert: 2024 Losses Hit Billions
Seniors lost billions of dollars to fraud in 2024, with people over 80 reporting median losses of $1,600 each, according to FTC data showing that older Americans are disproportionately targeted by investment scams, business impersonators, government imposters, and romance scams—often initiated through social media. To protect yourself, authorities recommend becoming familiar with common scams, ignoring suspicious calls and messages, and reporting fraud to ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Free resources like the AARP Fraud Watch Network helpline are also available to help identify and avoid scams.
bankingexchange.com
· 2025-12-15
# Bank Fraud Hitting Seniors the Hardest
Senior citizens are being targeted disproportionately by financial scams, with those over 60 accounting for the majority of the $2 billion in reported fraud losses, though the actual total including investment scams may exceed $80 billion. The problem is worsening, with increasingly sophisticated schemes stealing over $100,000 from individuals, adding significant stress to seniors already worried about their financial security. To protect yourself, stay vigilant about unsolicited financial offers, verify requests directly with your bank using official phone numbers, and consider having a trusted family member review major financial decisions.
consumeraffairs.com
· 2025-12-15
# Fraud Summary
While overall fraud declined in 2024, older Americans age 60 and older continued losing billions of dollars to scams, with impostor fraud, investment schemes, and tech-support scams causing the most damage. Although seniors file fewer fraud complaints than younger people, their individual losses are significantly higher because scammers exploit trust, create false urgency, and target retirement savings. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact claiming legal trouble or account issues, verify requests independently before sending money, and be wary of investment pitches promising guaranteed returns, especially those tied to trendy topics like AI or cryptocurrency.
hometownsource.com
· 2025-12-15
# Fraud and Scams Summary
Minnesota Aging Pathways is offering a free virtual seminar on January 14 to help people—particularly older adults—learn how to prevent, detect, and report fraud and scams, which are increasingly targeting seniors. The presentation will cover fraud prevention strategies and information from the Senior Medicare Patrol federal program, with registration available through Eventbrite or by calling 800-333-2433. To protect yourself, attend educational sessions like this one and learn how to recognize warning signs of scams targeting your personal information.
asaaseradio.com
· 2025-12-15
Cybercrime in Ghana has become increasingly sophisticated and organized, with criminal syndicates using artificial intelligence to create convincing fake identities for romance scams that primarily target lonely, elderly, and retired individuals. Victims often don't report these crimes due to shame or embarrassment about sensitive personal information they've shared with scammers. Experts advise treating all online fraud as organized crime rather than isolated incidents, and urge potential victims—especially seniors—to be skeptical of online romantic advances, verify identities through multiple means, and report suspicious activity despite any embarrassment.
times-herald.com
· 2025-12-15
Detective Sgt. Steve McCook of the Newnan Police Department warned the Kiwanis Club that scams have become increasingly sophisticated and can target anyone regardless of intelligence or education, using emotional manipulation and fear tactics like fake arrest warrants and romance scams to pressure victims into paying with gift cards or cryptocurrency. The detective emphasized that victims can protect themselves by remembering they control the conversation—they can always hang up and call police immediately if something feels suspicious. Key actionable advice: never pay fines or fees over the phone or with gift cards, as legitimate law enforcement will never demand payment this way, and always verify requests by independently calling official authorities.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-15
A Bitcoin investor lost his entire retirement savings to a "pig butchering" scam after being manipulated by someone posing as a romantic interest and investment advisor online. This type of scam uses emotional manipulation and fake identities to convince victims to voluntarily transfer their assets, and they cost victims $5.5 billion in 2024 despite increased law enforcement efforts. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities from online contacts, never send funds based on romantic relationships with strangers, and verify any investment advice through established professional advisors before taking action.
knoe.com
· 2025-12-15
The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about "ghost tapping," a scam where fraudsters exploit tap-to-pay systems and mobile wallets to charge unauthorized amounts, often in crowded environments or through door-to-door schemes. Victims have reported losses ranging from hundreds to over a thousand dollars after being pressured to make tap payments without seeing the total or receiving receipts. To protect yourself, watch for unexpected small "test" charges on your bank statements, always verify transaction amounts before tapping, and request receipts—if you suspect fraud, contact your bank immediately or report it to the BBB.
dimsumdaily.hk
· 2025-12-15
The Hong Kong Consumer Council has warned about problems with matchmaking agencies and dating apps, including mismatched recommendations, fake user profiles, and unrealistic promises about finding partners. In documented cases, consumers paid thousands of dollars but received introductions that didn't match their stated criteria—such as dates significantly older than promised—or faced pressure for additional fees. The Council advises consumers to manage expectations, get clear written terms before signing contracts, and stay alert for online romance scams, while urging service providers to improve user verification and transparency.
goldrushcam.com
· 2025-12-15
# Nevada County Inheritance Mail Scam Alert
Nevada County authorities are warning residents about a fraudulent mail scam targeting vulnerable adults, particularly seniors, claiming they've inherited millions from a life insurance policy. The official-looking letters falsely claim the recipient shares a surname and nationality with a deceased person and offer to split 90% of a supposed $10 million estate between the recipient and a law firm. Residents should be skeptical of unsolicited inheritance claims and contact Nevada County Adult Services (530-265-1639) or the Sheriff's Office if they receive suspicious mail or suspect they've been targeted.
bitdefender.com
· 2025-12-14
During the holiday season, scammers target families—especially seniors—through fake shopping sites, delivery scams, charity fraud, and impersonation schemes, taking advantage of increased online shopping and emotional vulnerability. Grandparents are particularly at risk when searching for gifts or receiving urgent messages claiming a relative needs help. To protect your family, use free verification tools like Link Checker to verify suspicious URLs and Scamio to review questionable messages or charity requests before engaging with them.
freepressjournal.in
· 2025-12-14
Mumbai Police's Cyber Cell is launching an awareness campaign to protect senior citizens from "digital arrest" scams, where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officers and threaten victims into transferring money or sharing personal information. The campaign includes direct home visits to elderly residents in South Mumbai, where officers explain that "digital arrest" doesn't exist under Indian law and that legitimate law enforcement never makes arrests or demands money through phone or video calls. **Actionable advice:** Hang up immediately if anyone calls claiming you're under arrest or investigation, and contact your local police to verify any such claims—this is a clear sign of fraud.
castanet.net
· 2025-12-14
A Kamloops senior lost $5,000 after a scammer impersonated a bank representative, claiming her accounts were compromised and instructing her to purchase gift cards and share the numbers over the phone. Seniors and vulnerable people are being specifically targeted with this type of fraud during the holiday season. To protect yourself, remember that legitimate banks and government agencies will never request payment via gift cards or ask you to provide sensitive information over the phone—if you receive such a call, hang up and contact your bank directly using a number from their official website.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-14
# Fake Online Reviews Scam Summary
Criminals are using AI, bots, and paid workers to generate fake five-star reviews on a massive scale, tricking online shoppers into buying poor-quality or counterfeit products—a practice that remains widespread despite being banned in the UK in April 2024. Between 11-30% of online reviews on major shopping platforms are estimated to be fake, with scammers sometimes creating entirely fraudulent review websites for high-demand items like air fryers and vacuum cleaners. To protect yourself, be skeptical of over-the-top praise (like "changed my life"), check for typos and grammar errors in reviews, buy from recognized brands or trusted retailers, and report suspicious reviews to platforms.
postandcourier.com
· 2025-12-14
The Better Business Bureau warns consumers about multiple holiday scams targeting shoppers and generous donors, including fake websites, phishing emails with malware, fraudulent charity solicitations, and impersonation scams claiming family members need emergency money. Those affected include online shoppers, parents receiving fake Santa letters, job seekers, and anyone approached for charitable donations. To stay safe, use credit cards on secure websites (look for https and lock symbols), verify charity legitimacy at give.org before donating, confirm emergency requests with family members before sending money, and be skeptical of unsolicited emails and shipping notifications.
whyy.org
· 2025-12-14
# Holiday Fraud Summary
During the busy holiday shopping season, fraudsters are increasingly targeting consumers through fake retail websites and phishing scams, as illustrated by the case of Dr. Susan Moyer, who clicked a fraudulent link texting from what appeared to be a trusted contact and nearly lost thousands of dollars before her bank blocked the transactions. According to recent surveys, 89% of U.S. adults have experienced or been targeted by fraud, with scammers using sophisticated tactics like artificial intelligence to create convincing fake sites that are hard to distinguish from legitimate ones. To protect yourself, experts recommend verifying website URLs before entering payment information, checking for security indicators like the lock icon, being suspicious of unsolicited links even from known contacts, and immediately contacting your bank if you notice suspicious activity.
victoriaadvocate.com
· 2025-12-14
The Better Business Bureau warns consumers about 12 common holiday scams, including fake online purchases, fraudulent gift exchanges, malicious apps, phishing emails, and employment scams that exploit increased holiday shopping, travel, and job searching. To protect themselves, consumers should avoid clicking unsolicited links, paying via wire transfer or gift cards, downloading unfamiliar apps, and should verify requests directly with official sources rather than through provided contact information. Being cautious with social media ads, unsolicited messages, and requests for personal information can help avoid falling victim to these schemes during the holiday season.
wnegradio.com
· 2025-12-14
# Delivery Scam Summary
Scammers are sending fraudulent text messages and emails impersonating major delivery carriers like FedEx, UPS, and USPS, asking recipients to click links to "update delivery preferences" or reschedule packages. These fake links lead to phishing sites that steal personal information, financial data, or install malware on devices, with scams becoming especially prevalent during the holiday shipping season. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in unsolicited delivery messages and instead contact the carrier directly through their official website or phone number to verify any delivery issues.
keysnews.com
· 2025-12-14
Police in Monroe County, Florida are alerting residents to a rise in holiday scams, including fraudsters impersonating First Horizon Bank and Florida Highway Patrol officials to trick people into providing personal information or making payments. The scams typically involve unsolicited text messages or calls claiming false debts or license suspension threats, with perpetrators asking victims to pay via gift cards or Bitcoin or to share passwords. Residents are advised to hang up on suspicious callers and contact financial institutions or government agencies directly using official numbers rather than information provided by the caller.
tampafp.com
· 2025-12-14
# Fraud Epidemic Summary
Scam artists stole an estimated $16.6 billion from Americans in 2024, with seniors losing over $4.8 billion alone, prompting U.S. Senators Rick Scott and Kirsten Gillibrand to introduce bipartisan legislation called the National Strategy for Combating Scams Act to coordinate federal anti-fraud efforts before holiday scams peak. The bill aims to unify the currently fragmented federal response to increasingly sophisticated schemes, including AI-driven scams targeting older Americans. Consumers should remain vigilant during the holiday season, verify requests from financial institutions directly, and report suspected fraud to the FBI's Fraud Hotline to help authorities combat these growing criminal operations.
yen.com.gh
· 2025-12-14
Thirty-two Nigerian nationals were arrested in Kasoa, Ghana on December 13, 2025, by the Cyber Security Authority and National Security operatives for allegedly operating romance scams and a cybercrime hub, with investigators seizing 31 laptops and 15 mobile phones used in their operations. The suspects are currently in police custody assisting with investigations, and the seized devices are undergoing forensic examination to support the case. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic relationships with people you haven't met in person, verify identities through video calls, never send money to strangers online, and report suspicious activity to local cybercrime authorities.
womansworld.com
· 2025-12-14
Pig butchering scams are elaborate frauds where scammers build romantic or friendly relationships with victims online to gain their trust, then convince them to invest money in cryptocurrency or other schemes before disappearing with their funds. While less common than other scams like phishing, pig butchering causes the most severe financial damage—accounting for nearly half of all scam losses in the U.S.—because victims often hand over significant savings. To protect yourself, be cautious when someone you've recently met online encourages you to invest money, verify investment opportunities independently, and remember that legitimate connections don't pressure you to move money quickly or use untraceable payment methods.
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-13
# Fraud Summary
In 2024, older Americans reported $2.4 billion in financial fraud losses to the FTC, up 26% from the previous year, though the agency estimates actual losses could reach $81.5 billion when accounting for unreported cases, with investment scams being the primary culprit. Those age 60 and over are particularly vulnerable to large-scale frauds exceeding $100,000, which accounted for 68% of reported losses and can devastate retirement security and cause significant emotional harm beyond financial damage. To protect themselves, older adults should designate a "trusted contact" with their financial institutions who can alert them to suspicious activity and consider working with banks and brokerages that actively monitor for signs of financial exploitation.
countryherald.com
· 2025-12-13
A man in Nashville was arrested for defrauding two elderly victims in Putnam County, Tennessee, of over $268,000 through a sophisticated scam that began with a fake Microsoft pop-up warning. The scammers impersonated bank employees and falsely claimed the victims' accounts were under federal investigation, pressuring them to withdraw money and convert it into Bitcoin and gold coins between September and November. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited pop-up messages or calls claiming to be from banks or tech companies, never withdraw large sums of money based on phone calls, and immediately report any suspected fraud to authorities rather than keeping it secret.
desitalkchicago.com
· 2025-12-13
cobbcountycourier.com
· 2025-12-13
Georgia's Secretary of State's Office has launched efforts to protect residents from holiday scams, particularly through the SPEAR Act program targeting seniors, but evidence suggests younger adults may actually be more vulnerable to scams than older Georgians despite their presumed tech-savviness. Common holiday scams include gift card fraud and compromised charity emails where scammers impersonate legitimate organizations. The article advises consumers to research before donating and highlights that scammers remain active year-round, suggesting people of all ages need protection and awareness regardless of their technological skills.
castanetkamloops.net
· 2025-12-13
# Holiday Scam Warning
A senior in Kamloops lost $5,000 after a scammer impersonated a bank representative and convinced her to purchase gift cards and share the card numbers over the phone. Police are urging community members to remain vigilant, emphasizing that legitimate banks and government agencies never request gift card payments or financial information by phone. If you receive a suspicious call asking for payment, hang up and contact your bank directly or report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
ladailypost.com
· 2025-12-13
# FBI Warns About Account Takeover Fraud Costing Millions
Scammers are targeting millions of people through text messages and calls impersonating trusted companies like Apple, banks, and delivery services to steal login credentials and personal information, with losses exceeding $260 million this year. The fraudsters create fake urgency by claiming accounts are locked or compromised, then direct victims to fraudulent websites that look identical to legitimate ones to harvest their data. To protect yourself, never click links in unsolicited messages, enable multi-factor authentication on all accounts, and go directly to official websites or apps rather than following links from suspicious communications.
pcmag.com
· 2025-12-13
# Holiday Shopping Scam Summary
During the holiday season, scammers target shoppers at an alarming rate—one in five Americans reports being scammed, losing an average of $840 per person. Security experts recommend avoiding online shopping when possible by shopping in-store instead, and if you must shop online, turn off notifications and set aside dedicated, distraction-free time to make purchases carefully. Using security tools like shopping tracker browser extensions can also help verify that websites are legitimate before you enter payment information.
kwch.com
· 2025-12-13
# Scam Summary
A Wichita woman was fraudulently charged $158 by a Lyft driver who claimed she vomited in his car and submitted fake photos from Reddit and Pinterest as evidence. The scam has affected dozens of people nationwide, and the victim is struggling financially as a caretaker for her mother. To protect yourself, the Better Business Bureau recommends photographing rideshare vehicles before rides, reviewing the company's damage dispute policies, and taking advantage of formal dispute resolution processes that many rideshare companies offer.
businessofhome.com
· 2025-12-13
Designers Bill Brockschmidt and Courtney Coleman lost $6,900 in a sophisticated online antiques scam after a criminal hacked into a seller's email account on Proantic (a European antiques marketplace), impersonated the seller, and fabricated fake shipping company communications to appear legitimate. To protect yourself, verify sellers through multiple independent sources beyond the marketplace listing, be wary of requests for wire transfers or additional fees after initial payment, and contact sellers directly through phone numbers or addresses you independently confirm rather than relying solely on email. This scam was notably more convincing than typical fraud because the communications used proper grammar, official-looking headers, and realistic transaction details rather than obvious red flags.
cedirates.com
· 2025-12-13
Ghanaian authorities arrested Frederick Kumi and two accomplices for using AI-powered romance scams to defraud elderly Americans of $8 million, marking a troubling escalation in online fraud that exploits artificial intelligence to create fake identities and simulate emotional connections on dating platforms. The case highlights a critical vulnerability in Ghana's digital ecosystem, as these sophisticated scams damage the country's international reputation and erode global trust in its financial system and tech sector. To combat this growing threat, Ghana needs broader cultural and digital literacy initiatives beyond law enforcement, including public condemnation of fraud and education for young people about the dangers and consequences of cybercrime.
lifehacker.com
· 2025-12-13
Android users now have new tools to identify and protect themselves from scam text messages and calls through Google's Circle to Search and Lens features, which can detect fraud red flags like suspicious urgency, requests for money or personal information, and suspicious links. These tools work across text messages, messaging apps, and social media, and are part of a broader Google security suite that includes real-time scam detection on Pixel phones and in-call protections that prevent actions like app downloads when speaking with unknown contacts. To use Circle to Search, simply long-press your home button and circle suspicious text to scan it, or take a screenshot and open it in Google Lens—especially helpful when you feel pressured to act quickly.
connectgujarat.com
· 2025-12-13
A "pig butchering" scam operating through dating apps has defrauded victims in Gujarat's Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar regions of up to ₹66 lakh each, with fraudsters posing as foreign women to build trust before luring victims into fake investment schemes promising unrealistic returns. Once victims attempted to withdraw their money, they were blocked and asked to pay additional fees, revealing the fraud. To protect yourself, avoid mixing online relationships with financial decisions, verify all investment platforms through SEBI registration, and report suspicious activity immediately to the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.
www3.erie.gov
· 2025-12-12
# Medicare Scams Summary
Criminals are impersonating Medicare officials year-round to trick seniors into sharing personal information through phone calls, emails, texts, and mail—sometimes using spoofed phone numbers and threatening to cancel coverage. Medicare beneficiaries should know that legitimate Medicare never calls unexpectedly asking for your Medicare number or financial information; if contacted, hang up and call Medicare directly using the number on your card. Recent cases show scammers are increasingly bold, with fraudsters submitting hundreds of millions in false claims, so it's critical to report suspected fraud and watch for warning signs of medical identity theft.
abc15.com
· 2025-12-12
Fraud in Arizona has surged dramatically, with over 22,000 residents reporting scams this year and seniors alone losing nearly $67 million, according to the FBI and Federal Trade Commission. The FBI recommends that families use holiday gatherings to have open conversations with relatives—especially elderly grandparents—about potential scams, including warning signs like new online relationships, requests for money, and cryptocurrency investment schemes, which are currently the leading fraud threat in Arizona. Taking time to ask direct questions about these red flags can help prevent people across all demographics from falling victim to scammers who often operate from overseas.
azag.gov
· 2025-12-12
# Holiday Shopping Scam Warning
During the busy holiday season, scam artists ramp up their efforts to steal money from shoppers both online and in stores, according to Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes. The warning applies to all consumers planning to purchase gifts, whether shopping online or in person. To protect yourself, consumers should follow safety tips for online shopping, in-person purchases, gift card buying, and remain alert to suspicious activity throughout the season.
wrdw.com
· 2025-12-12
# Holiday Shopping Scams Target Seniors This Season
As the holiday shopping season intensifies with record travel numbers expected, scammers are increasingly targeting shoppers both online and in person, with senior citizens being the most vulnerable due to technology gaps and a tendency to trust and share personal information too readily. Experts attribute the surge in fraud to holiday urgency tactics like limited-time offers and discounts that catch people off guard. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, avoid sharing unnecessary personal information, and report any scams you experience to authorities—doing so helps protect your community even if it feels embarrassing.
saharareporters.com
· 2025-12-12
A 31-year-old Ghanaian social media influencer known as "Abu Trica" has been arrested for orchestrating a romance scam that defrauded elderly Americans of over $8 million using AI-generated fake identities and intimate conversations to build trust before requesting money for fake emergencies. The suspect allegedly used accomplices in both the US and Ghana to launder the stolen funds, which he then flaunted on social media through luxury purchases that eventually drew investigative attention. Authorities advise seniors to be cautious of online relationships that quickly turn personal, to verify identities through video calls, and to be skeptical of requests for money from people they've only met online.
unodc.org
· 2025-12-12
Criminals across Southeast Asia are using fake job offers on social media to traffic tens of thousands of people into forced criminality, where victims are coerced under threat of violence to perpetrate online scams like romance fraud and cryptocurrency schemes. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime has launched a public awareness campaign called #TrappedInScamCrime to expose this trafficking crisis and help people recognize the recruitment tactics used by criminal networks. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited job offers promising high pay and free travel, especially on social media, and report suspicious recruitment attempts to local authorities.
consumeraffairs.com
· 2025-12-12
Romance scams are surging 64% this holiday season as scammers exploit loneliness to build trust with dating app users before requesting money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency for fake emergencies. About 40% of dating app users report being targeted, with over four in ten falling victim to the deception. To protect yourself, watch for early requests for money, avoid rapid emotional escalation, insist on video calls or in-person meetings, and use reverse image searches to verify someone's identity before sharing personal information or funds.
wfxg.com
· 2025-12-12
# Holiday Scam Summary
An FBI Special Agent warned consumers that holiday scams are particularly prevalent during the festive season, targeting vulnerable populations including the elderly through charity donation schemes, romance scams, and fraudulent shopping transactions. Scammers take advantage of the holiday spirit and increased loneliness to lower people's guards and extract money or personal information. To protect yourself, talk to vulnerable family members about potential scams, be cautious of unsolicited calls or online connections, and report any suspected fraud immediately to your bank and at ic3.gov, as quick reporting significantly increases the chances of stopping fraudulent transactions.
cnn.com
· 2025-12-12
Gift card fraud is a growing concern during the holiday season, with scammers tampering with physical cards in stores by scratching off PINs or replacing barcodes to steal money. Consumers should inspect gift cards for signs of tampering before purchase, avoid buying from suspicious racks, and consider purchasing online from reputable retailers instead to minimize the risk of losing money to fraudsters. The FTC also warns against buying gift cards from online auction sites, as they may be fake or stolen.
abc7ny.com
· 2025-12-12
# Gift Card Scam Summary
Gift card scams cost consumers over $200 million annually, with scammers targeting holiday shoppers who purchase gift cards as presents. To protect yourself, be cautious when buying gift cards—inspect packaging for tampering, purchase from authorized retailers rather than third-party sellers, and avoid buying cards from unsecured displays where criminals may have already compromised them. Additionally, treat gift cards like cash by keeping receipts, registering cards when possible, and checking balances immediately after purchase to catch fraudulent activity early.