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bitdefender.com
· 2026-05-01
Scammers are flooding TikTok with AI-generated deepfake videos of celebrities like Taylor Swift and Rihanna to promote fake money-making programs and reward schemes that actually steal personal data. These manipulated videos use real footage made to look like celebrity endorsements for services like "TikTok Pay," often redirecting users to fraudulent third-party websites that mimic TikTok's branding. To protect yourself, be skeptical of celebrity endorsements on social media, verify offers directly through official platforms rather than clicking ads, and never enter personal information on redirected third-party sites.
ambcrypto.com
· 2026-05-01
Law enforcement agencies from the FBI, Dubai Police, and China's Ministry of Public Security arrested 276 individuals and shut down nine cryptocurrency fraud centers in the first four months of 2026, targeting a surge in crypto scams that have cost American victims millions of dollars. The scams primarily used a "pig butchering" scheme where fraudsters posed as friends or romantic partners to build trust before tricking victims into investing in fake cryptocurrency projects and stealing their funds. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment offers from online contacts, verify the legitimacy of investment platforms independently, and never send money to people you haven't met in person or verified through official channels.
timesleader.com
· 2026-04-30
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday and State Senator Lisa Baker hosted a scam prevention event at the Kingston Active Adult Center, where about 65 seniors learned how to recognize and avoid increasingly sophisticated scams targeting older adults. The event, led by David Shallcross from the Attorney General's Senior Protection Unit, focused on teaching seniors to identify red flags and take action when something seems suspicious, as scammers are becoming more aggressive and convincing. Pennsylvania has the third-highest percentage of seniors in the nation, making scam awareness education particularly important for protecting vulnerable older residents.
wcvb.com
· 2026-04-30
Scammers are sending phishing emails disguised as party invitations from legitimate platforms like Evite, Punchbowl, and Paperless Post, with malicious links that can steal personal information or install malware when clicked. To protect yourself, hover over links to verify they lead to official domains, be suspicious of unexpected invitations especially from unknown senders, and confirm invitations directly with the sender if you're unsure. If you encounter this scam, report it to the impersonated platform, the Federal Trade Commission, and mark it as phishing in your email provider.
pcmag.com
· 2026-04-30
According to a Federal Trade Commission report, people lost $2.1 billion to scammers operating on social media platforms in recent years, with criminals using tactics like deepfakes created from public photos and impersonation of celebrities or acquaintances. Anyone can fall victim to these scams, which exploit trust and familiarity across major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. To protect yourself, stay skeptical of unsolicited messages, take time before responding, and think critically—especially when money or personal information is requested, as legitimate contacts typically won't pressure you for either.
inquirer.com
· 2026-04-30
Fraud losses hit a record $15.9 billion in 2025, with scammers increasingly using AI-generated fake websites, emails, and videos to target people on social media and through phishing attempts. Investment, romance, crypto, and impostor scams are the main culprits, with nearly 30% of victims reporting the scam started on social media. To protect yourself, question unsolicited offers, avoid clicking links in suspicious emails or texts, access financial accounts only through official websites or apps you type directly into your browser, and trust your instincts if something seems off.
kltv.com
· 2026-04-30
A new report from the Consumer Federation of America estimates that Americans lost approximately $119 billion to online scams in 2024—potentially double or triple the officially reported numbers—with investment fraud, crypto schemes, and tech support scams being among the costliest categories. The report reveals that most scams go unreported to authorities, masking the true scale of the problem, which disproportionately affected residents in California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois. To protect yourself, experts recommend pausing when something seems suspicious and independently verifying requests by calling organizations directly using numbers you find yourself, rather than responding to unsolicited contacts, while also reporting scams to help authorities track the problem.
moaa.org
· 2026-04-30
Social media scams cost Americans $2.1 billion in 2025, with Facebook alone accounting for $794 million in losses, according to the FTC—marking an eight-fold increase since 2020. Military-connected consumers were particularly vulnerable, reporting $548 million in losses during 2024, primarily through investment scams and impostor schemes where fraudsters pose as VA officials or military members to steal personal data. To protect yourself, learn to recognize common scam tactics, verify the identity of anyone requesting personal information or money, and report suspected fraud to the FTC website.
globaldatinginsights.com
· 2026-04-30
Americans lost a record $2.1 billion to scams originating on social media in 2025, with Facebook being the primary platform, according to the FTC. The most common scams involved fake shopping ads (40% of cases), investment fraud ($1.1 billion in losses), and romance scams that exploited trust to solicit money. To protect yourself, the FTC recommends limiting your personal information visibility, avoiding unsolicited investment advice from online contacts, and thoroughly researching products and sellers before making purchases.
tradingview.com
· 2026-04-30
Authorities in Dubai, the US, and China dismantled a major "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scam network, arresting 276 suspects and preventing approximately $562 million in losses while alerting nearly 9,000 potential victims. The scheme involved scammers building trust with investors over time before directing them to fake cryptocurrency platforms and convincing them to deposit money, sometimes by borrowing or liquidating their savings. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment opportunities, especially those involving cryptocurrency, and verify any investment platform's legitimacy through official regulatory channels before transferring funds.
rd.com
· 2026-04-30
Scammers are exploiting Google's sponsored advertising system to place fraudulent websites at the top of search results that appear legitimate, tricking users into clicking on fake sites impersonating trusted brands like American Airlines, department stores, and luxury retailers. These scams either sell counterfeit products or use phishing tactics to steal personal and credit card information for identity theft and account hacking. To protect yourself, verify website URLs carefully, avoid clicking sponsored links without checking the source, and use official apps or phone numbers directly from company websites rather than those found through search results.
bangkokpost.com
· 2026-04-30
A European man was arrested in Pattaya after hacking a hotel's database and using it to send fraudulent messages to guests claiming they had damaged property and demanding compensation payments. The scam affected over 35 people—both Thai and foreign nationals—who lost approximately 100,000 baht before the hotel discovered the scheme and alerted police. Authorities advise tourists who receive unexpected damage claims from hotels to contact the hotel directly to verify the request before paying, and to report any suspicious communications to police.
theredstonerocket.com
· 2026-04-29
Modern scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence technology to commit fraud, with reported losses exceeding $13 billion annually, according to FBI officials who spoke at an educational event. Common schemes include voice cloning (which requires only three seconds of audio), romance scams, investment scams, and government impersonation—with one victim losing $20,000 after hearing an AI-cloned voice of her grandson. To protect yourself, experts recommend establishing family code words to verify identities, being skeptical of video and audio requests for money, and watching for telltale signs of AI-generated content like unnatural mouth movements.
rhinotimes.com
· 2026-04-29
The Guilford County Sheriff's Office is launching a free four-week "Senior Academy" program in May to help older adults and their caregivers recognize and avoid fraud and scams, which increasingly target seniors. The hands-on program will cover topics including scam prevention, home safety, elder abuse awareness, and legal readiness through interactive sessions rather than lectures, with participants receiving a certificate upon completion of all four weekly sessions. Seniors should be aware of common scams like fake law enforcement demanding payment via gift cards, and this academy offers practical, real-world advice on spotting warning signs and protecting themselves.
gizmodo.com
· 2026-04-29
Three men in Toronto were arrested for operating SMS blaster devices—machines that trick phones into connecting to fake cell towers and then send fraudulent text messages impersonating banks and service providers to steal personal and financial information. The scheme, detected in November 2025, potentially affected tens of thousands of devices and posed risks not only to financial security but also to public safety, as victims couldn't reach emergency services while connected to the rogue networks. Police warn this is an emerging threat and advise the public to be cautious of unsolicited text messages asking for personal information, verify requests directly with institutions, and report suspicious activity to authorities.
nbclosangeles.com
· 2026-04-29
Americans lost $2.1 billion to social media scams in 2025, with losses surging eightfold since 2020 as fraudsters exploit easy access to billions of potential victims across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Investment scams were the most lucrative for criminals, stealing $1.1 billion, while shopping and romance scams were also prevalent, with scammers using hacked personal information to target victims by age, interests, and habits. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities and shopping deals on social media, verify the authenticity of people you connect with before sharing personal information, and avoid clicking suspicious links or ads.
fortune.com
· 2026-04-29
Americans lost $2.1 billion to social media scams in 2024—eight times more than in 2020—with nearly 30% of fraud victims reporting the scams started on social media, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Facebook was the biggest target for scammers, costing users $794 million, followed by WhatsApp and Instagram, though Meta's platforms have been criticized for displaying billions of high-risk scam ads daily, many from Chinese advertisers. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, especially on social media platforms, and verify offers through official channels before providing money or personal information.
nypost.com
· 2026-04-29
Nearly a third of all scam victims in 2025 reported being defrauded through social media, with losses reaching $2.1 billion, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Shopping scams were the most common type, involving fake ads leading to counterfeit or non-existent products, while investment scams caused the most financial damage despite being less frequent. To protect yourself, avoid clicking on unfamiliar shopping ads, be skeptical of investment opportunities on social media, and verify seller legitimacy before making purchases.
globalpeople.com.cn
· 2026-04-28
Chinese seniors are increasingly embracing AI tools to enhance their daily lives, but many face anxiety about making mistakes or falling victim to scams. To address these concerns, cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen have launched specialized AI training programs tailored for elderly residents, featuring hands-on instruction with dedicated support, familiar starting apps like WeChat, and integrated fraud prevention education that teaches seniors how to block spam, enable delayed fund transfers, and avoid unwanted subscriptions. These initiatives help seniors safely learn AI technology while building confidence in an increasingly digital world.
en.sedaily.com
· 2026-04-28
Romance scams in South Korea have surged dramatically, with reports jumping 73% from 2024 to 2025 and causing an estimated $100 million in damages, while criminal tactics are becoming increasingly sophisticated through AI-generated images and organized international rings. Police struggle to combat the problem because they lack a dedicated data tracking system, making it difficult to understand the full scope of victims and case patterns. To protect yourself, be cautious of new romantic contacts on social media and dating apps who ask for money—especially after building trust quickly—and verify identities through video calls before engaging financially.
thenextweb.com
· 2026-04-28
Americans lost $2.1 billion to scams originating on social media in 2025, with nearly 30% of all reported scam losses beginning on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—an eightfold increase from 2020. Investment scams were the most costly ($1.1 billion), while shopping scams were most frequently reported, with victims typically tricked by fake advertisements or redirected to counterfeit brand websites. To protect yourself, be skeptical of investment opportunities and shopping deals on social media, verify seller legitimacy before purchasing, and never trust unsolicited financial advice from online "advisers" or investment groups.
wmar2news.com
· 2026-04-28
Americans lost over $20 billion to scams in 2023—the highest amount ever recorded—with the FBI receiving more than 1 million fraud complaints for the first time, according to their new Internet Crime Report. Criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to clone voices, create fake videos, and send convincing phishing emails that impersonate trusted people and businesses, making scams harder to detect and more convincing than ever. The FBI advises caution with unsolicited emails and phone calls claiming to be from banks or investment firms: verify by calling the official number on your statement or account, check for spelling errors and suspicious links, and never click links in unexpected emails.
foxnews.com
· 2026-04-28
Scammers are sending fake emails impersonating the Social Security Administration with polished logos and urgent language to trick people into downloading malware or providing personal information. The emails contain red flags like random sender addresses (not .gov domains), grammatical errors, and pressure to click download buttons before a deadline. To protect yourself, verify sender addresses are official .gov domains, look for spelling mistakes, and never click links or download attachments from unsolicited emails—instead contact the agency directly through their official website if you have concerns.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-04-28
A Chicago bus driver fell victim to a sophisticated phone scam after receiving a voicemail claiming to offer a 50% bill discount and free phone from his wireless carrier. The scammers, who had obtained personal information like his name and address, tricked him into ordering a phone through the AT&T app and paying sales tax, then requested additional information to "activate" the device—part of a scam that has cost Americans $1.5 billion. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited calls offering deals, verify offers directly with your service provider using a number from your bill (not one provided by the caller), and never share personal details like device serial numbers with unknown callers.
abcnews.com
· 2026-04-28
Craig Wilkinson, a disabled veteran, lost $172,000 after responding to a Facebook ad for what he believed was a legitimate financial company, only to discover he was communicating with scammers impersonating the firm's employees who lured him into fake investment classes via WhatsApp. According to the Federal Trade Commission, scammers increasingly use social media platforms to target people by leveraging personal information, interests, and shopping habits, creating fake profiles and customized pitches that appear more legitimate than traditional scams. To protect yourself, verify companies directly through their official websites or phone numbers before responding to social media ads, and be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities or requests to move conversations to messaging apps like WhatsApp.
consumerreports.org
· 2026-04-28
Scammers are sending text messages impersonating toll agencies and demanding payment for unpaid tolls or tickets, but legitimate U.S. toll agencies have confirmed they never text customers requesting payment. These sophisticated scams often look authentic with proper formatting, local phone numbers, and fake government URLs, and they use urgency tactics like threatening credit score damage or license suspension to trick people into clicking links and sharing personal information. To protect yourself, ignore any toll payment texts, go directly to your state's official tolling agency website by typing the URL yourself, or call the official customer service number rather than using any links from unsolicited messages.
nbcnews.com
· 2026-04-27
Immigrants facing deportation fears are becoming easy targets for scams, with fraudsters posing as immigration lawyers on social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp to exploit desperate families. One Venezuelan woman in New York lost money to such a scheme after seeking help for a detained family member, falling victim to convincing fake USCIS documents and professional video calls from someone claiming to be an attorney. Immigration experts warn these social media fraud schemes have surged recently, so immigrants should verify lawyers through official bar associations, work only with in-person meetings and official contact information, and be wary of promises for quick case resolutions.
wdel.com
· 2026-04-27
Delaware residents are being warned about a scam text message that impersonates court notices and tricks people into scanning QR codes to pay fake traffic or toll violations. The fraudulent messages claiming to be from the Justice of the Peace Court are spreading across the state and neighboring areas, but legitimate courts never issue violation notices via text or email. Authorities advise recipients to report these messages as junk, never click links or provide payment information, and contact the court directly by phone if they have questions about an actual case.
cointribune.com
· 2026-04-27
US authorities have seized $700 million in cryptocurrency linked to Chinese scam networks operating in Southeast Asia that defrauded American victims through "pig butchering" schemes—where scammers build trust before directing victims to fake investment platforms. The crackdown also involved shutting down over 500 fraudulent investment websites, arresting two Chinese nationals, and freezing an additional $344 million in Tether stablecoins suspected of Iran sanctions evasion. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited investment offers, verify crypto platforms through official channels before depositing funds, and report suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.
newstalkkzrg.com
· 2026-04-26
Criminals are using fake e-signature emails to trick people into clicking malicious links or entering personal information by pretending you need to urgently sign important documents. These scams target both individuals and businesses, and can result in identity theft, financial loss, or malware infections. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unexpected signing requests, watch for urgent language, verify sender information directly through official company websites rather than using contact details from the email itself, and remember that legitimate companies typically contact you beforehand before asking for signatures.
wpgtalkradio.com
· 2026-04-25
South Jersey drivers are being targeted by a fake text message scam that impersonates the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, claiming they have an unpaid toll and pressuring them to act quickly by clicking a link and entering their banking or credit card information. The scam uses official-looking logos and website design to appear legitimate, but once victims provide their personal and financial details, scammers can steal their money and use the information for identity theft or other fraud. To protect yourself, do not click links in unsolicited toll-related texts, and verify any toll notices by contacting the NJMVC directly through official channels rather than information provided in the message.
breakingnews.ie
· 2026-04-25
A 28-year-old Dublin man pleaded guilty to laundering nearly €3,000 that was stolen from a woman through a phishing scam, where she clicked a malicious link in a text message and entered her bank details. The victim was reimbursed by her bank, and the defendant brought €3,000 in compensation to court; he has since turned his life around by earning a criminology degree and finding employment. To protect yourself from similar scams, never click links in unsolicited text messages and always verify requests for bank details through official channels directly contacting your bank.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-04-25
Social Security scams are surging, with searches for "social security scams" increasing to 550,000 in the last month, primarily affecting Americans receiving Social Security benefits who are vulnerable to identity theft and fraud. Scammers typically impersonate government officials via phone calls or phishing emails to steal Social Security numbers and access to SSA benefits, but you can protect yourself by recognizing red flags like non-.gov email addresses, misspelled agency names, and requests for personal information that the SSA would never ask for. To stay safe, verify that any SSA communication comes from an official .gov email address, never click suspicious links, and never share your Social Security number with unknown callers.
abc11.com
· 2026-04-25
Scammers are sending fake text messages impersonating Amazon's "Product Safety Team" to claim that items customers purchased have been recalled, with the goal of tricking people into clicking malicious links that steal their login credentials and payment information. To protect yourself, never click links in unsolicited texts, verify URLs match Amazon's official website before entering any information, and remember that Amazon only notifies customers about real recalls through their account, email, or phone—never through text messages asking you to click a link. If you receive a suspicious message, report it directly to Amazon at amazon.com/ReportAScam.
peninsuladailynews.com
· 2026-04-25
Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics—such as impersonating distressed family members or authority figures—to pressure people into sending money quickly through wire transfers or other hard-to-trace methods. A local resident nearly lost thousands of dollars in a "grandparent scam" but avoided it by contacting a family member to verify the story. To protect yourself, slow down when pressured for immediate payment, independently verify requests by contacting organizations directly using trusted phone numbers, and remember that legitimate businesses won't demand urgent payments via unconventional methods like wire transfers or gift cards.
nbclosangeles.com
· 2026-04-25
A Southern California preschool owner lost over $5,000 after clicking on a fake electronic invitation that appeared to be from a friend, which was actually a phishing scam designed to steal her login credentials and access her email account. Cybersecurity experts warn that these schemes trick people into entering their usernames and passwords on fake websites, giving scammers access to personal accounts and financial information. If you suspect you've been targeted, act quickly by changing your passwords and contacting your bank or financial institution to report unauthorized transactions.
6abc.com
· 2026-04-25
The Pennsylvania Turnpike is launching a pilot program to send text messages to drivers about unpaid tolls, which officials say could speed up collections, but the move comes amid growing concerns about toll-related text scams that have been targeting drivers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Toll-by-plate customers who haven't paid their first invoice will be the initial focus of the program, and the turnpike has clarified that legitimate messages won't request direct payment. Drivers should verify unpaid tolls directly through the E-ZPass website rather than responding to unsolicited text messages, and be cautious of any texts demanding immediate payment for tolls.
wtkr.com
· 2026-04-25
Scammers are increasingly using timing and artificial intelligence to create convincing phishing emails that exploit recent purchases or activities, as demonstrated when a consumer reporter received a suspicious email coinciding with an Etsy order she had just placed. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, these bad actors don't necessarily track your online activity but instead send mass emails hoping to catch victims at vulnerable moments, relying on urgency and unexpected messages to prompt hasty clicks. To protect yourself, ignore unsolicited emails, verify messages through official apps or websites directly, don't click suspicious links, and remember that legitimate companies will follow up if needed—digital literacy and caution matter more than any demographic factor.
cbsnews.com
· 2026-04-24
Fraud targeting Florida seniors over 50 has surged, with criminals stealing over $258 million in 2025, often through convincing email and phone scams impersonating trusted companies like Apple. One victim lost over $2,300 after responding to a fake billing alert email and providing personal information, a scenario that repeats daily as scammers exploit data from online profiles and interactions. To protect yourself, experts recommend trusting your instincts when something feels off, avoiding responses to unknown contacts, being cautious about free apps and online quizzes that harvest personal data, and pausing to verify suspicious requests before sharing information or money.
clickondetroit.com
· 2026-04-24
A 99-year-old Michigan woman received a fraudulent letter impersonating the IRS that requested her bank account information for a supposed tax refund, but her daughter Rita recognized it as a scam after confirming no refund was actually due and spotting a suspicious QR code that legitimate IRS letters don't use. To protect yourself, verify IRS communications directly by contacting the agency yourself rather than responding to unsolicited letters, and be wary of unusual elements like QR codes in official-looking correspondence. Seniors and their families should stay vigilant about sharing personal information and consider having trusted relatives review suspicious documents before responding.
wmar2news.com
· 2026-04-24
Three Maryland women—Dolores Miller, Judith Boivin, and Jane Dean—lost thousands of dollars to separate scams involving fake bank representatives and fraudulent alerts, but connected through an AARP support group and now meet monthly to help each other cope and warn others about these schemes. The scams often impersonated legitimate companies like Amazon and banks, using social engineering tactics to convince victims to withdraw and transfer their savings, with one woman nearly losing over $57,000 before a vigilant bank manager intervened. Experts and the victims themselves advise people to hang up on unsolicited calls claiming fraud, independently verify bank contact information before responding, and never withdraw large sums of money based on phone instructions alone.
home.treasury.gov
· 2026-04-24
The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Cambodian Senator Kok An and 28 associates who operate scam networks that have stolen millions from American victims through romance and investment fraud schemes, using digital assets and operating from casinos and office parks across Southeast Asia under political protection. The fraudsters target vulnerable Americans by posing as romantic interests or investment advisors, convincing them to transfer savings that are then stolen and laundered through the network, while some perpetrators are themselves human trafficking victims forced to participate under threats. Americans should be extremely cautious of unsolicited online romantic or investment contacts, verify investment opportunities through official channels, and report suspicious activity to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
denvercatholic.org
· 2026-04-24
Scammers are impersonating Catholic priests and spiritual leaders through fake emails to exploit parishioners' generosity and trust, typically asking them to purchase gift cards under the guise of urgent "errands." The Denver Catholic article warns that these fraudsters create convincing-looking emails with formal religious language from fake email addresses, relying on recipients' desire to help their trusted spiritual authorities before they think critically. To protect yourself, verify any unusual requests directly with your church leadership through official contact information, watch for grammatical oddities and suspicious email addresses, and remember that legitimate church leaders won't ask you to buy gift cards or send codes via email.
mirror.co.uk
· 2026-04-24
Investigative journalist Kaf Okpattah warns that scams targeting UK residents are increasingly common and sophisticated, with criminals using text messages impersonating banks and postal services, as well as fake social media messages from friends. Even Okpattah himself fell victim to a scam when he clicked on a malicious Instagram link claiming to be from a friend asking him to vote in a cycling tournament, which led to him losing access to his accounts after entering his login credentials. The key takeaway is to stay vigilant and think twice before clicking links or entering personal information, especially when distracted, as scammers are skilled at catching people at vulnerable moments.
thisismoney.co.uk
· 2026-04-24
A retired couple in Lancashire lost nearly £100,000 of their life savings in a 2016 phishing scam where fraudsters impersonated their bank, though they managed to recover about half the amount after fighting with their bank. The significant losses forced them to abandon plans for comfortable retirement, including holidays and repairs to their cherished 1960s Alfa Romeo sports car. Years later, the couple was surprised to have their car fully restored by the hosts of the TV show Car SOS as a touching gesture of goodwill, reminding them that recovery is possible even after devastating fraud.
wired.com
· 2026-04-23
A WIRED journalist discovered that AI models have become alarmingly effective at executing social engineering scams, with one attack—crafted entirely by the open-source AI model DeepSeek-V3—successfully mimicking his specific interests in robotics and AI to manipulate him into clicking a malicious link. The scam targeted the journalist by demonstrating how modern AI can personalize phishing attacks with convincing details and build trust through multiple email exchanges. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited messages that reference your specific interests or professional work, verify any projects or people mentioned through independent research, and avoid clicking links or opening attachments from unknown senders, especially those directing you to third-party platforms like Telegram.
shu.edu
· 2026-04-23
Cybercriminals are sending phishing emails that impersonate Amazon Prime renewal notices, using urgent language about payment issues to trick users into clicking malicious links that steal login credentials and financial information. Anyone with an Amazon account is potentially at risk, as these fake emails use official branding and sender names like "Prime Notification" to appear legitimate. To protect yourself, avoid clicking email links, navigate directly to Amazon.com instead, verify suspicious requests through trusted contact methods, and enable multi-factor authentication on your accounts.
wknofm.org
· 2026-04-23
Impersonation scams are now the most common fraud reported to the FTC, with criminals pretending to be government agencies, banks, or companies to steal money and personal information through convincing text messages and emails—the FTC recorded approximately 850,000 reports with nearly $3 billion in losses in 2024. To protect yourself, verify any unexpected contact by independently looking up official contact information, never send money or share personal details with unsolicited callers, avoid clicking links in suspicious messages, and remember that caller ID can be easily faked. For help checking a business's legitimacy or reporting scams, visit bbb.org or call 800-222-8754.
ktvu.com
· 2026-04-23
An Oakland woman whose French bulldog went missing in January was targeted by scammers who used AI-generated images to trick her into paying for her dog's return. When someone texted claiming to have found her dog and sent a photo as proof, she initially believed them, but later discovered the image was fake. Pet owners searching for lost animals should be cautious of payment requests from strangers, verify any photos through reverse image searches, and work only with official animal shelters and trusted recovery services.
daytondailynews.com
· 2026-04-23
Job scams have tripled since 2020, with losses jumping from $90 million to $501 million, as fraudsters increasingly use fake postings on job boards, social media, and email to trick job-seekers into giving up money or personal information. Scammers pose as recruiters or legitimate companies, sometimes offering unrealistic wages like $80-$100 per hour for simple tasks or remote work that doesn't actually exist on the company's career page. To protect yourself, be skeptical of job offers that seem too good to be true, verify positions directly on official company websites, and never provide personal information or upfront payments to unknown recruiters.