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in Scam Awareness
cutoday.info
· 2026-07-21
Credit unions serving military members and veterans are increasingly dealing with sophisticated financial crimes including money laundering, identity theft, cybercrime, synthetic identity fraud, and romance scams targeting servicemembers and their families. The Defense Credit Union Council urged Congress to modernize anti-money laundering rules and expand the use of artificial intelligence to help combat these crimes more effectively, noting that fraud can have serious consequences beyond financial loss—including disrupting deployments, damaging credit, affecting security clearances, and harming family stability. The council recommended updating regulations to focus resources on actually preventing criminal activity rather than outdated compliance requirements.
lonestar923.com
· 2026-07-21
A McKinney man named Hung-Chi Chen was arrested in an undercover sting operation after attempting to collect $44,000 from an elderly victim in Sulphur Springs by posing as a Federal Trade Commission agent and claiming her bank account was used for illegal purchases. The Sulphur Springs Police Department set up the operation at the victim's home and arrested Chen when he arrived to pick up the cash, charging him with theft from an elderly individual. Authorities urge people to warn elderly relatives and friends about such scams and to contact law enforcement immediately if they suspect fraudulent activity.
legalexaminer.com
· 2026-07-21
Phone scammers impersonating banks through "spoofing" have become a major fraud problem, with over 191,000 complaints and $215 million in losses reported in 2025, particularly affecting older Americans. Whether you can recover money depends on the type of transfer: if a scammer made an unauthorized transfer, you have stronger legal protections under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, but if you were tricked into authorizing the transfer yourself, banks are typically not liable under current law. To protect yourself, be cautious about unsolicited calls claiming to be from your bank, independently verify requests by calling your bank's official number, and never authorize transfers based on phone requests alone—especially for wire transfers, which offer fewer consumer protections.
staysafeonline.org
· 2026-07-21
Tech support scams trick people by displaying fake virus warnings or making unsolicited calls claiming to be from tech companies, pressuring victims to pay for unnecessary repairs, download malicious software, or grant remote access to their devices. These scams affect anyone online and are constantly evolving across pop-ups, phone calls, emails, and ads. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected security warnings or support calls—legitimate companies won't contact you unprompted about device problems, and you should never grant remote access or pay for repairs based on unsolicited alerts.
virginialawhelp.org
· 2026-07-21
This Virginia Law Help resource provides guidance on protecting yourself from scams and predatory lending practices that disproportionately target low-income people. The article covers common scams, risky loans like payday loans, identity theft recovery steps, debt management alternatives, and mortgage-related fraud, while highlighting Virginia's legal protections and directing readers to legitimate resources. Key advice includes learning to recognize warning signs, safeguarding personal information, and seeking help from legitimate credit counseling services rather than falling victim to debt settlement or foreclosure rescue scams.
bostonglobe.com
· 2026-07-21
Romance scams originating from Nigeria typically involve young men, sometimes as young as 14, who pose as Western women online to manipulate and extract money from victims, primarily in places like California. The scammers use fake profiles, downloaded scripts, and Google searches to build convincing false identities, often targeting lonely men who are seeking romantic connections. To protect yourself, be skeptical of online romantic interests who quickly ask for money, verify identities through video calls, and research new contacts before sharing personal or financial information.
bitdefender.com
· 2026-07-21
Two New York residents have been charged with laundering over $43 million stolen from victims of "pig butchering" investment scams—a fraud scheme where scammers build trust through social media and dating apps before directing victims to fake cryptocurrency trading platforms that show fabricated profits. The defendants allegedly operated a network of shell companies and bank accounts to move the stolen money to China. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment offers on social media or dating platforms, especially those promising high returns in cryptocurrency, and verify any investment opportunity through official channels before sending money.
cambodianess.com
· 2026-07-21
The death of a 22-year-old South Korean student in Cambodia in August 2025 sparked international attention to a major cybercrime crisis, where criminal syndicates operating scam compounds across Southeast Asia—particularly in Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos—force trafficked workers to run online investment fraud and "pig butchering" scams that have stolen billions globally. The incident prompted Cambodia to launch its largest crackdown on these organized networks and strengthen cooperation with South Korea, while also spurring legal reforms to combat the cybercrime industry. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities online, verify the legitimacy of financial platforms independently, and report suspicious activity to authorities.
adexchanger.com
· 2026-07-21
Ofcom released recommendations to combat ad fraud on digital platforms, with experts like Rob Leathern (formerly of Facebook and Google) advocating for platforms to grant third-party access to ad data, proactively alert users who click fraudulent ads, and remove financial incentives that allow platforms to profit from fraud. Currently, users and advertisers often aren't compensated when they fall victim to scams on Google Search or Instagram, while platforms benefit from fraudulent ad placements through advertiser payments and ad credits. The article also notes that major food brands like Kraft Heinz and General Mills face declining sales as GLP-1 drugs reduce sugar and snack consumption among users.
kucoin.com
· 2026-07-21
The Financial Action Task Force released a 2026 report showing that global compliance with virtual asset regulations has slightly improved, with only 1 jurisdiction fully compliant and 34% largely compliant, though significant gaps remain particularly in lower-capacity regions. The report identifies major threats affecting virtual asset users, including pig butchering scams, theft by North Korean hackers, misuse of stablecoins, and unregulated decentralized finance platforms. To protect themselves, users should work with regulated virtual asset providers, be cautious of unsolicited investment schemes, and understand that regulatory gaps still exist in peer-to-peer transactions and offshore services.
mylondon.news
· 2026-07-21
Martin Lewis, a prominent personal finance expert, issued a warning after nearly falling victim to a WhatsApp scam impersonating Amazon. The scammer called claiming fraudulent activity on his account and pressured him to share a six-digit verification code, threatening to send an unordered iPhone if he didn't comply. Lewis's advice: stay vigilant regardless of your expertise, verify caller identity before sharing sensitive information, and be suspicious of pressure tactics—particularly requests for verification codes that could grant unauthorized account access.
yen.com.gh
· 2026-07-21
Ghanaian actress Lydia Forson recently shared that she fell for a common online scam at age 18 when she received a fake email claiming she'd won $1 million from Coca-Cola. The scam, which has circulated for years targeting people globally, tricks victims into providing personal information through fake websites or forms, with no prize actually existing. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected prize notifications from brands like Coca-Cola (which has repeatedly confirmed such emails are hoaxes), and never share personal or financial details in response to unsolicited messages.
thehill.com
· 2026-07-20
A woman lost her life savings to a romance scammer who manipulated her into withdrawing funds from retirement accounts, and despite law enforcement investigation, the money was never recovered—then she faced an additional blow when the IRS hit her with a tax bill on those withdrawals. While the IRS allows theft-loss deductions for victims of investment scams like "pig butchering" scams, romance scam victims are ineligible because they weren't motivated by profit, creating an unfair distinction in the tax code between people defrauded by different tactics. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious with online dating connections that quickly escalate emotionally or request money, verify the identity of romantic interests through video calls, and consult a tax professional if you've been victimized by any type of scam.
iomtoday.co.im
· 2026-07-20
The Isle of Man will host a major Countering Financial Crime Conference on August 12, 2026, featuring presentations from international law enforcement agencies on combating cybercrime networks, investment fraud schemes (known as "pig butchering"), money laundering, and tax evasion. The conference will bring together business leaders and policymakers to discuss emerging financial crime threats, with notable speakers including the US Treasury, UK National Crime Agency, and representatives from HM Revenue and Customs. Those interested in learning about global efforts to prevent financial crime can attend for £60, which includes all-day presentations and meals.
lawenforcementtoday.com
· 2026-07-20
A Wisconsin man was sentenced to three years in prison for his role in a sweepstakes fraud scheme that defrauded an elderly couple of over $431,000 by falsely claiming they had won Publishers Clearing House and Mega Millions prizes and needed to pay taxes upfront. The victims lost money through cash payments, gift card purchases, and unauthorized bank withdrawals over an eight-month period. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited prize notifications requiring upfront payments—legitimate lotteries and sweepstakes never ask winners to pay fees before claiming prizes—and verify any claims directly with the official organization before sending money.
timesfreepress.com
· 2026-07-20
Scammers are sending postcards through the mail claiming recipients have qualified for free gas and grocery gift cards, often from a company called "AAPP," to trick people into paying "processing fees" that end up costing them $5 to $50 or more. The Better Business Bureau has received multiple reports of this scam, which uses official-looking design elements like barcodes and urgent language to appear legitimate and pressure quick responses. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited offers for free money or gift cards, research any company before paying fees, and check the BBB's Scam Tracker page for reports on suspicious mailings.
kiplinger.com
· 2026-07-20
A 79-year-old retiree lost $1,400 to a card skimmer installed on an ATM, and while she eventually recovered the money, the experience highlighted how vulnerable seniors are to increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes. The article outlines five major scams currently targeting retirees and emphasizes that fraud deserves more attention in financial planning conversations alongside traditional investment strategies. To stay safe, retirees should regularly monitor their bank accounts for unauthorized transactions, inspect ATMs for signs of tampering before use, and report suspicious activity immediately to their banks.
sg.news.yahoo.com
· 2026-07-20
Since mid-May, Singapore police have reported at least 12 scams involving calls from eight-digit numbers starting with the digit 3, resulting in approximately $274,000 in losses. Fraudsters impersonate bank or government officials to convince victims that suspicious activity has been detected on their accounts or identities, then pressure them to transfer money or hand over valuables to fake "safe accounts." To protect yourself, never trust unsolicited calls, remember that legitimate government officials will never ask you to transfer money or share banking details, and verify any suspicious claims by contacting the relevant agency directly or calling the ScamShield Helpline at 1799.
thestar.com.my
· 2026-07-20
Romance scams—where fraudsters pose as romantic partners online to extract money from victims—have surged dramatically, with over 49,000 Americans reporting $1.3 billion in losses last year, a 14% increase fueled partly by pandemic-related loneliness and isolation. Victims like Jean Booth, who developed feelings for a boyfriend she never met in person, are targeted because humans have a biological need for connection that can override rational judgment when that need goes unmet. To protect yourself, be wary of online romantic interests who avoid video calls or in-person meetings, never send money to someone you haven't verified in real life, and recognize that scammers often create elaborate backstories involving emergencies or travel obstacles to justify requests for cash.
kvia.com
· 2026-07-20
Millions of older Americans fall victim to financial scams annually, with the U.S. Treasury identifying $27 billion in suspected elder financial exploitation over a 12-month period, largely through phishing scams and impersonation fraud that exploit increasingly common digital banking and communication channels. A SmartAsset analysis of 2024 Federal Trade Commission data identified which states have the highest rates of reported scams targeting seniors aged 60 and older, as well as the most common scam types by state. To protect yourself, remain cautious of unsolicited communications claiming to be from banks or government agencies, verify requests through official channels before sharing personal information, and report suspected fraud to the FTC.
abc17news.com
· 2026-07-19
Millions of older Americans lose billions annually to financial scams, with $27 billion in suspected elder fraud occurring in just one year, as scammers increasingly use phishing and impersonation tactics through digital channels. A SmartAsset analysis of 2024 Federal Trade Commission data examined fraud reports by state to identify where seniors aged 60 and older face the highest scam rates and what types of scams are most common in each region. Seniors should be cautious of unsolicited communications claiming to be from banks or government agencies, verify requests through official channels before sharing personal information, and report suspected fraud to the FTC.
cnbc.com
· 2026-07-19
Scam victims face a compounding financial hardship: beyond losing money to fraud, they often owe taxes on the stolen funds, since most non-investment scams (like romance or imposter scams) don't qualify for tax deductions. The problem has worsened as fraud losses hit a record $15.9 billion in 2025, affecting millions of Americans. A bipartisan bill in Congress called the Tax Relief for Fraud Victims Act seeks to eliminate these tax penalties and allow victims to deduct their losses, though it's unclear if it will pass the full House.
keyt.com
· 2026-07-19
Millions of older Americans lose billions of dollars annually to financial scams, with the U.S. Treasury identifying $27 billion in suspected elder financial exploitation in a single year. Scammers increasingly use phishing schemes, business impersonation, and government impersonation fraud to target seniors through digital banking and communication platforms. To protect themselves, older adults should verify the legitimacy of institutions before sharing personal information, be skeptical of unsolicited contact, and report suspected fraud to the Federal Trade Commission.
uk.news.yahoo.com
· 2026-07-19
A 76-year-old woman in Riverside lost her home and hundreds of thousands of dollars in a romance scam where a man claimed to have $7 million and used repeated promises of repayment to justify ongoing financial requests. Romance scams are particularly effective because they exploit trust and isolation, with each new money request framed as temporary and necessary to unlock the promised wealth. To protect yourself, be wary of online relationships that quickly turn romantic and involve requests for money, especially from people claiming to have delayed access to large sums—legitimate wealthy individuals don't need your funds to access their own assets.
thestar.com.my
· 2026-07-19
Police in Perak, Malaysia arrested 12 Chinese nationals operating an online romance scam call centre from two houses that targeted victims in China, using fake profiles on Telegram and WeChat to lure people into fraudulent investment schemes. The syndicate, which had been operating since June, used attractive fake photos to build trust before convincing victims to make repeated payments with promises of high investment returns. Authorities advise the public to be cautious of individuals met online and to avoid trusting people known only through online conversations, as these are common tactics used in romance and investment scams.
yen.com.gh
· 2026-07-19
Romance scams are costing Americans over a billion dollars annually, with the case of Ghanaian businessman Abu Trica—who faces trial for an alleged $8 million scheme targeting elderly Americans—highlighting the scale of this growing problem. The FBI has intensified efforts to combat cross-border fraud networks, including establishing an office in Ghana, as these scams continue to rise across the United States. To protect yourself, be cautious of romantic relationships that develop quickly online, especially with people who claim to need money or avoid meeting in person.
courant.com
· 2026-07-19
Seniors across America lose billions to scams annually, with $27 billion in suspected elder financial exploitation occurring in just one 12-month period, according to Treasury Department analysis. Business imposter and government imposter phishing scams are among the most common methods targeting older Americans, who are increasingly vulnerable as scammers exploit digital banking and communication tools. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact from supposed businesses or government agencies, verify caller identity through official channels before sharing personal information, and report suspected fraud to the Federal Trade Commission.
ca.finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-07-19
An Edmonton woman named Bonnie Lo, a former Service Canada employee, was convicted of defrauding seniors of nearly $180,000 in Old Age Security and Canada Pension Plan payments over four years by redirecting 176 government checks to her personal bank account; she received an 18-month jail sentence. The fraud was discovered in 2018 when a senior couldn't cash their CPP checks and found they had already been cashed by Lo, prompting an investigation that revealed the systematic theft of vulnerable seniors' benefits. Seniors should monitor their pension statements regularly and contact Service Canada immediately if they notice missing or unauthorized payments, and governments should implement stronger safeguards to prevent employees from accessing and redirecting benefit payments.
times.co.sz
· 2026-07-19
Americans have lost over $16.6 billion to online gambling and investment scams in recent years, with losses jumping 66% in 2024 alone, primarily to operations based in Southeast Asia. Following the arrest of alleged kingpin Chen Zhi in Cambodia, scam networks have relocated to African countries like Eswatini, where authorities are now making arrests and cracking down on foreign nationals operating illegal gambling operations. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities and online gambling offers, verify the legitimacy of platforms before participating, and report suspicious activity to local authorities or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
kvia.com
· 2026-07-18
A Las Cruces family lost over $1,000 to apartment scammers who posed as landlords on rental listing websites, demanding suspicious "key fees" and "administrative fees" while refusing to meet in person and calling from out-of-state numbers. Police warn renters to be cautious of red flags including landlords who only communicate online, claim to be out of town, avoid in-person meetings, or request unusual fees. Always verify properties and landlords in person before sending any money.
foxnews.com
· 2026-07-18
Georgia's new House Bill 945, effective July 1, 2026, allows banks and credit unions to pause suspicious transactions they suspect are fraudulent, protecting adults 65 and older as well as those with physical or mental incapacities, dementia, or Alzheimer's disease. Common bank scams involve callers claiming your account is under attack and pressuring you to transfer money to a "safe account" that actually belongs to scammers, potentially turning years of savings into irreversible losses. The law's effectiveness depends on your state, financial institution, and account type, so consumers should stay alert to scam calls, verify requests directly with their bank using official numbers, and consider registering for fraud prevention resources.
fortune.com
· 2026-07-18
A 43-year-old woman named Jean Booth lost $90,000 to a romance scam in which she developed an online relationship with a man named "Donnie" who never existed and whom she never met in person. The scammer repeatedly requested money by fabricating emergencies and claiming to be stuck or in danger, exploiting Jean's belief in people's inherent goodness despite warnings from family and friends. To protect yourself from similar scams, be extremely cautious about online relationships that never progress to video calls or in-person meetings, never send money to someone you haven't verified in person, and listen to loved ones who express concerns about suspicious behavior.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-07-18
Americans lost $3.5 billion to imposter scams in 2025, with criminals posing as bank representatives or government officials to trick victims into sending money or sharing personal information. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to these scams, though younger people can also suffer losses—as illustrated by a case where a 74-year-old woman fell for a phone scam impersonating an FBI agent and wired $12,000 from her daughter's linked account. To protect yourself, verify caller identities through official phone numbers, never wire money based on unsolicited calls, and consider limiting account access for vulnerable family members.
indianexpress.com
· 2026-07-18
Scammers are increasingly using AI-generated photos, deepfake videos, and forged documents to create convincing fake profiles on matrimonial (dating) websites, targeting financially stable individuals with promises of romance followed by investment schemes. India now ranks third globally for romance scam profiles, with recent arrests in Gujarat exposing networks operating dozens of fake profiles simultaneously to lure victims into fraudulent forex trading platforms. To protect yourself, verify identities thoroughly before meeting, be skeptical of profiles that quickly escalate to investment opportunities, and never send money to unknown contacts, especially for trading or financial schemes.
vice.com
· 2026-07-18
Romance scams cost Americans $1.14 billion in 2023 and continue to grow as scammers use AI and fake identities to deceive dating app users. The luxury dating platform Seeking.com is taking a proactive stance by implementing AI-powered identity verification and selfie checks to catch potential scammers before they can contact real users, rather than waiting for victims to report fraud after the fact. Users can protect themselves by being cautious about sharing personal information, using alternative phone numbers until they're confident in a match, and using safety apps when meeting strangers.
kiro7.com
· 2026-07-18
Millions of older Americans lose billions annually to financial scams, with $27 billion in suspected elder exploitation occurring in just one year, as digital banking makes it easier for scammers to impersonate trusted institutions and reach vulnerable victims. A SmartAsset analysis of Federal Trade Commission data identified which states have the highest rates of fraud targeting seniors aged 60 and older, revealing that phishing scams and imposter fraud are among the most common methods used. To protect yourself, remain cautious of unsolicited communications claiming to be from banks or government agencies, verify requests through official channels before sharing personal information, and report suspected fraud to the FTC.
globalnews.ca
· 2026-07-18
A Rogers customer was tricked into mailing her new phone to scammers posing as Rogers representatives who had detailed knowledge of her account, order details, and delivery information, claiming a loyalty offer required consolidating her phone numbers. After Rogers rejected her fraud claim, stating it wasn't their responsibility, the victim is left without her device and frustrated about how scammers accessed her personal information. To protect yourself, verify any unexpected calls from service providers by hanging up and calling the official company number directly, and be suspicious of requests to send devices back—legitimate companies typically handle returns differently.
wmar2news.com
· 2026-07-18
Savi Security has launched a new AI-powered mobile app designed to protect families from digital scams, which have become the fastest-growing crime in America. The app uses behavioral AI to analyze calls, messages, and communications in real-time to identify and block scams before users engage with them, addressing a gap left by basic phone protections. Americans of all ages are vulnerable—seniors lost a record $7.7 billion in 2025, while Gen Z falls for scams at three times the rate of Baby Boomers—making tools like Savi's text message and voice protection features increasingly important for safeguarding personal communications.
wftv.com
· 2026-07-18
Millions of older Americans lose an estimated $27 billion annually to financial scams, with phishing and imposter fraud being the most common tactics used against seniors as digital banking becomes more prevalent. A SmartAsset analysis of 2024 Federal Trade Commission data identified which U.S. states have the highest rates of reported scams targeting people aged 60 and older, along with the specific scam types most common in each state. To protect yourself, remain cautious of unsolicited contact claiming to be from banks or government agencies, verify requests through official phone numbers or websites, and never share personal or financial information with unverified callers.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-07-18
Scammers are impersonating FTC employees via text messages and sending fake ID photos to trick people into believing they can help recover money lost in previous scams. This "refund and recovery" scam particularly targets fraud victims who are eager to get their money back, making them more vulnerable to manipulation. To protect yourself, remember that the real FTC will never contact you unexpectedly by text or messaging app, and legitimate government employees won't send photo IDs to prove their identity—if you receive such a message, ignore it and report it to the FTC directly.
fruitgrowersnews.com
· 2026-07-17
Georgia's Department of Agriculture has warned farmers about sophisticated online scams targeting agricultural equipment purchases, where criminals use AI to create fake websites and impersonate legitimate farm equipment dealers, then convince buyers to wire money for tractors or equipment that never exists or gets delivered. Farmers across Georgia have lost money to these schemes, which typically start with attractively priced equipment listings followed by contact from fake dealership representatives requesting payment. To protect themselves, farmers should verify sellers directly with dealerships, avoid wire transfers, and report suspected scams to their bank, local law enforcement, and the Georgia Department of Agriculture immediately.
cbsnews.com
· 2026-07-17
Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create deepfakes and clone voices to impersonate trusted individuals and steal millions of dollars from victims. The FBI reported nearly $893 million in AI-enabled scam losses in 2025, with criminals targeting people through romance schemes, fake investments, emergency calls, and "grandparent scams" where they impersonate relatives in distress. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected calls or messages requesting money, verify requests through independent contact with known phone numbers, and report suspicious activity to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
wuft.org
· 2026-07-17
The Alachua County Sheriff's Office warns that elder fraud is escalating rapidly, with projections of $8.7 million in losses by 2026 and seniors already accounting for over half of reported scam losses. Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated tactics including fake arrest warrants, romance scams, and AI-generated voice impersonations to target vulnerable people over 60, potentially devastating their life savings. Authorities recommend screening unknown calls, avoiding leaving voicemail greetings, establishing code words with family members, and reporting fraud immediately to police—emphasizing that victims shouldn't feel shame, as reporting quickly improves the chances of solving the crime.
bnonews.com
· 2026-07-17
Multiple U.S. states, including North Carolina and Maryland, are expanding bank powers to combat rising financial exploitation of older adults by allowing financial institutions to temporarily freeze suspicious transactions for up to 30 days and notify authorities when fraud is suspected. Elder financial abuse costs older Americans approximately $28.3 billion annually through sophisticated scams involving impersonation, romance schemes, and AI-generated communications, prompting these legislative changes to provide protection before victims suffer irreversible losses. Older adults should remain vigilant about unsolicited financial requests, verify contact information independently before responding to urgent money requests, and consider designating a trusted contact with their bank who can be alerted to suspicious activity.
britt.senate.gov
· 2026-07-17
U.S. Senator Katie Britt questioned Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche during his confirmation hearing, raising concerns about elder financial fraud alongside other law enforcement priorities like violent crime reduction and illegal immigration. Senator Britt highlighted the DOJ's recent achievements, including the lowest murder rate since 1900 and a 184% increase in violent crime arrests. While the article doesn't provide specific details about fraud cases or victims affected, Senator Britt's focus on elder financial fraud suggests this is an area of concern for consumers, particularly seniors who should remain vigilant about protecting their personal financial information.
laniercountynewsonline.com
· 2026-07-17
A Lanier County couple was arrested after investigators discovered 114 criminal warrants related to repeatedly stealing thousands of dollars from an elderly victim's debit card through unauthorized ATM withdrawals. Karl and Rebecca Polutnik were each given $300,000 bonds after surveillance footage helped identify them as suspects in the fraud scheme. The case highlights the growing problem of financial exploitation targeting seniors, which can silently drain retirement savings and destroy decades of financial security, making it crucial for families to monitor elderly relatives' bank accounts and statements regularly for unauthorized activity.
newsday.com
· 2026-07-17
Romance scams are surging in the U.S., with over 49,000 people losing $1.3 billion collectively last year—a 14% increase driven partly by pandemic-related loneliness and isolation that continues to affect millions. Victims like Jean Booth develop emotional connections with fake personas who never meet them in person but repeatedly request money for emergencies, exploiting humans' psychological need for relationships and connection. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that never progress to phone or video calls, verify identities through multiple methods, and never send money to someone you haven't met in person—especially if they claim to be in crisis.
seattlepi.com
· 2026-07-17
Jean Booth fell victim to a romance scam in which she developed a years-long emotional relationship with a man named "Donnie" who didn't actually exist, yet she continued sending him money despite knowing he was fake and receiving warnings from family and friends. The scammer used classic tactics like claiming to be stranded and in danger to manipulate her into providing financial support. The article highlights how romance scams can affect vulnerable individuals emotionally and financially, and serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of verifying online relationships in person and trusting the concerns of loved ones.
seattlepi.com
· 2026-07-17
Romance scams, where perpetrators build fake relationships to extract money from victims, have surged dramatically in the United States, with over 49,000 people losing $1.3 billion to these schemes last year—a 14% increase from the previous year. The rise is fueled partly by pandemic-related isolation and loneliness, as scammers exploit people's fundamental human need for connection and love. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that never progress to phone or video calls, never send money to someone you haven't met in person, and report suspicious activity to the FTC immediately.
dailymail.com
· 2026-07-17
Martin Lewis, a well-known financial expert and scam awareness advocate, nearly fell victim to a fraudulent Amazon account scam after receiving a WhatsApp call from someone claiming his account had been hacked and an unauthorized iPhone purchase was being processed. The scammer used pressure tactics to convince Lewis to provide a six-digit code, but he grew suspicious when the caller became pushy and threatening—ultimately discovering the phone number was associated with known scam activity. The key takeaway for consumers is to remain vigilant even when distracted, independently verify caller claims rather than acting under pressure, and use online resources to check suspicious phone numbers before sharing any personal information.