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in Scam Awareness
news4jax.com
· 2026-07-17
Florida's Attorney General and Jacksonville Sheriff's Office successfully recovered $710,000 for a victim of a cryptocurrency fraud scheme involving fake work-from-home product review jobs. The scammers convinced the victim to deposit increasing amounts of cryptocurrency under the promise of earning commissions and guaranteed returns, then disappeared after stealing all the funds and claimed the money was stuck in the blockchain. To protect yourself, be wary of work-from-home opportunities that ask for upfront fees, equipment costs, gift cards, or cryptocurrency deposits, and always independently verify any job opportunity directly with the company before proceeding.
crescent-news.com
· 2026-07-16
This article offers guidance for seniors entering the dating scene, noting that about one-third of Americans 65 and older are single. The piece advises older adults to clarify their dating goals, consider online dating platforms designed for seniors like OurTime and SilverSingles, and maintain honesty in their profiles by using recent photos and being upfront about what they're seeking. While the article primarily focuses on dating advice rather than fraud prevention, it emphasizes transparency as a foundation for healthy relationships.
bbc.com
· 2026-07-16
Guernsey authorities are expanding education programs to protect children from online sexual risks, including deepfakes, sextortion, grooming, and nudifying apps, after reporting 20 cases of child sexual exploitation, 96 of sexual abuse, and 72 of harmful sexual behavior in 2025. Schools have increased digital safety lessons tailored by age group, while parents are being offered guidance on online safety. Children and parents should be aware of these emerging threats and take advantage of educational resources available to understand how to recognize and avoid exploitation online.
housingwire.com
· 2026-07-16
Fairway Home Mortgage launched Fairway SAFE, a nonprofit initiative offering free education and resources to help seniors, their families, and financial professionals recognize and prevent financial scams—which are increasingly targeting older adults through social engineering, impersonation, investment fraud, and romance scams. The organization is hosting a free national webinar on July 29 featuring fraud prevention expert Steven J. Weisman, who will teach practical steps seniors can take to protect themselves and recognize warning signs of financial exploitation. Seniors and their families should take advantage of free educational resources like this webinar and learn to ask questions about suspicious financial offers, as education is one of the most effective tools in preventing fraud.
ecommercebytes.com
· 2026-07-16
Scammers are exploiting fake tracking IDs (FTID) to defraud both eBay buyers and sellers, with victims losing hundreds of dollars in the process. The scam works by using fraudulent tracking numbers to falsely claim items were delivered, or by buyers submitting fake return packages while keeping the original items. To protect yourself, verify that tracking actually shows legitimate package delivery and consider additional documentation like photos or signatures when selling high-value items.
sqmagazine.co.uk
· 2026-07-16
WhatsApp users lost millions in 2025 as the platform became the second-costliest for social media scams after Facebook, with criminals operating organized "scam centers" (often in Southeast Asia using forced labor) that cycle victims through multiple platforms to avoid detection before directing them to payment or cryptocurrency platforms. Common scams arrive as seemingly innocent messages—wrong numbers, job offers, or investment opportunities—that are actually part of coordinated chains designed to eventually extract money. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited WhatsApp messages offering jobs or investments, avoid clicking links from unknown contacts, and never share personal or financial information with unverified people, especially those directing you to cryptocurrency platforms.
manxradio.com
· 2026-07-16
A major international cybercrime investigation targeting a transnational criminal network will be discussed at the 2026 Countering Financial Crime Conference in August, with presentations from the US Treasury and UK National Crime Agency focusing on sanctions enforcement and combating "pig butchering" online investment fraud schemes. The conference aims to strengthen the Island's financial sector by sharing knowledge about how these criminal operations work and how to prevent them. Attendees can learn about protective measures against investment fraud schemes that typically target victims by building false relationships and trust before stealing their money.
yahoo.com
· 2026-07-16
An elderly Texas woman lost $100,000 in a cash pickup scam after being deceived about fraudulent activity on her bank accounts, which scammers used to pressure her into withdrawing money outside normal banking channels over several days. Two suspects, MD Imran Hossain and his wife Zakia Hossain, were arrested at a Family Dollar when the victim's grandsons intervened during a final planned cash pickup. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls about bank fraud—legitimate banks will never ask you to withdraw cash and hand it over; always hang up and call your bank directly using a number from your statement or their official website.
investmentnews.com
· 2026-07-16
Adults over 60 lost more than $7.7 billion to scams in 2025—a 59% increase from the previous year—with the actual figure likely much higher due to underreporting. While new legislation authorizing temporary holds on suspicious transactions provides some protection, financial advisors emphasize that the real defense comes from proactive planning years in advance, including designating trusted contacts, setting up staged authority structures, and involving families in financial decisions before problems arise. To protect yourself, establish clear decision-making frameworks with your advisor and family members now, monitor accounts regularly for suspicious activity, and ensure someone you trust knows your financial plans.
alligator.org
· 2026-07-16
# Alachua County Sheriff's Office Issues Fraud Warning
The Alachua County Sheriff's Office (ACSO) is warning residents about a significant rise in scams, with fraud cases projected to increase over 25% in the county this year. The warning comes as various types of fraudulent schemes continue to target local residents and their finances. To protect themselves, residents are advised to remain vigilant, verify the legitimacy of requests for personal or financial information, and report suspicious activity to local authorities immediately.
prnewswire.com
· 2026-07-16
Fairway Home Mortgage launched Fairway SAFE, a new nonprofit initiative to help seniors protect themselves from financial scams and fraud, which disproportionately target older adults through tactics like impersonation, investment fraud, and romance scams. The organization is offering free educational resources and hosting a complimentary webinar on July 29 featuring fraud expert Steven J. J. Weisman to teach seniors how to recognize warning signs and prevent becoming victims. Seniors and their families are advised to take advantage of these free educational resources to increase their financial awareness and learn practical strategies for protecting themselves from scams.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-07-16
CBS News correspondent Matt Gutman nearly fell victim to an imposter scam in 2025 when a caller claiming to be from his bank's fraud protection team convinced him there was illegal activity on his account and instructed him to withdraw cash in person—a tactic designed to steal the money. Gutman only realized he was being scammed after he'd already started the withdrawal process at his bank branch and reconsidered the caller's suspicious request. Experts advise that legitimate banks will never ask you to withdraw cash to catch fraudsters or tell you to keep the situation secret from bank employees—if you receive such a call, hang up and contact your bank directly using the number on your card.
yahoo.com
· 2026-07-16
CBS correspondent Matt Gutman narrowly avoided falling victim to a sophisticated phone scam in which a caller impersonated his bank's fraud department, claiming hackers had targeted his account and urging him to withdraw cash without telling bank staff. The scammer demonstrated knowledge of Gutman's recent account activity and even details about his daughter's account to build credibility. Gutman shared key warning signs to protect others: verify calls by dialing the number on your bank card rather than using the caller's number, be suspicious if anyone asks you to withdraw money, and recognize that legitimate banks won't try to isolate you from staff.
legit.ng
· 2026-07-16
Nollywood actor Frederick Leonard warned the public that scammers are impersonating him and charging fees for fake auditions, targeting aspiring actors who believe they're auditioning for his production company. Leonard emphasized that legitimate auditions are always free and announced only through his verified social media accounts, urging people to disregard any fee-charging schemes claiming to be associated with him. To protect yourself, only trust official announcements from verified celebrity accounts, remember that legitimate auditions never require upfront payments, and report suspicious impersonation accounts to social media platforms.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-07-15
Romance scams cost consumers $1.16 billion in the first nine months of 2025, with AI making it easier for scammers to create convincing fake identities using stolen or manipulated photos. To help combat this, Euclid Squared launched CaraComp, a new AI tool that verifies whether two faces belong to the same person in about five seconds and produces court-ready forensic reports—giving everyday people and investigators the same advanced technology that scammers use. The takeaway for consumers: if you're uncertain about someone's identity online, tools like this can help verify whether their photos are authentic.
reuters.com
· 2026-07-15
A casino boss in Cambodia allegedly rented properties at his Royal Hill Resort and Casino complex to Chinese scammers and human traffickers operating near the Thailand border. The scheme affected victims of online fraud and human trafficking schemes that were being run from the casino complex location. People should be cautious about online offers and transactions originating from Southeast Asia, verify the legitimacy of any business before sending money, and report suspected scams or trafficking to local authorities.
yahoo.com
· 2026-07-15
A 33-year-old Las Vegas woman named Jiaying Chen was arrested for orchestrating a serial marriage scam in which she used fake identities to marry multiple men simultaneously and convince them to give her money, which she then gambled away at casinos. Between 2019 and 2024, she obtained seven marriage certificates while using aliases and fraudulent IDs, and is currently married to six men; she allegedly convinced victims to provide over $300,000 that she lost gambling. People seeking serious relationships should verify their partner's identity through independent means, be cautious about requests for money early in relationships, and watch for signs of inconsistency in personal details or background stories.
wgal.com
· 2026-07-15
A retired surgeon in Naples, Florida lost over $700,000 after scammers impersonating his bank convinced him his accounts were being fraudulently accessed and instructed him to convert his savings into gold and hand it to a courier. Consumer experts warn that legitimate banks, law enforcement, and financial advisors will never ask you to transfer money, buy gold, or purchase cryptocurrency for "safekeeping"—any such request is a scam. If you receive unsolicited fraud alerts, hang up and call your bank directly using the number on your official statement rather than any number provided in the alert.
mainstreetdailynews.com
· 2026-07-15
Alachua County is experiencing a significant scam crisis, with residents losing $6.8 million in 2025 and projections reaching $8.6 million by 2026—far exceeding losses from traditional property crimes. Criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create convincing scams, including deepfake photos and manipulated audio, making it harder for victims to identify fraud. The sheriff's office urges residents to report scams immediately, as quick reporting dramatically improves investigators' chances of recovering funds and holding perpetrators accountable.
miamitimesonline.com
· 2026-07-15
According to recent polling, approximately 3 in 10 Americans have lost money or personal information to scams, with about 1 in 10 experiencing significant financial losses exceeding $500 in the past year alone. Despite widespread victimization, most scam victims don't report incidents to law enforcement or federal agencies, largely because they believe reporting won't help recover their money. Experts and victims suggest that banks, social media platforms, and the federal government need to take greater responsibility for protecting consumers and recovering stolen funds.
community.triblive.com
· 2026-07-15
A Franklin Park man who fell victim to a cryptocurrency scam worked with police and the FBI to catch a courier attempting to collect $70,000 from him as part of the scheme. The victim had already lost $447,000 to previous couriers before authorities arrested Qiao Yun Zhang, a Staten Island woman who was hired as a courier and paid $1,000 to pick up the money without knowing the full details of the operation. To protect yourself: be extremely cautious with cryptocurrency platforms, never trust unsolicited requests for "transaction fees" or wire transfers, and contact authorities immediately if you suspect you're being scammed rather than continuing to send money.
cbsnews.com
· 2026-07-15
Scammers in Howard County are calling residents while impersonating police officers, claiming victims have unpaid fines or arrest warrants and demanding payment via gift cards—though no one has been successfully defrauded yet. Police recommend verifying any such calls directly with your local police department and never sending money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to unknown callers, especially if pressured to act quickly. If you receive a suspicious call, trust your instincts and report it to Howard County police at 410-313-2200.
thestar.com.my
· 2026-07-15
A 56-year-old housewife in Ipoh lost RM10,500 after scammers posing as customer service officers from an online shopping platform tricked her into providing access to her phone and bank details via a WhatsApp call claiming she had won a prize. The scammers used her credentials to make unauthorized charges—RM4,500 through a "pay later" account and RM6,000 through the platform's loan facility (which was set up as a 24-month repayment plan she never agreed to). Victims should be cautious of unsolicited calls claiming prize winnings, never grant remote access to their phones or share banking information, and immediately contact their bank and file police reports if they suspect fraud, as quick action may help freeze accounts and reverse unauthorized transactions.
alachuachronicle.com
· 2026-07-15
Alachua County law enforcement and Florida Elder Options held a press conference warning residents about rapidly evolving scams—including jury duty, arrest warrant, unpaid toll, and romance scams—that are expected to increase 25% locally over the next year. Scammers use sophisticated tactics to create urgency and isolate victims through extended phone calls or threats, often demanding payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency. Authorities urged residents to simply hang up on suspected scammers, report attempts to police, and not feel ashamed if victimized, as every report helps law enforcement identify and stop criminal networks.
wmbfnews.com
· 2026-07-14
United Community Bank is warning residents of the Myrtle Beach area about a rising wave of elder fraud, where scammers use urgency, secrecy, and emotional manipulation to pressure seniors into sending money or revealing personal information. Families can help protect their elderly loved ones by maintaining regular conversations about scams, setting up account alerts, using strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and teaching seniors to verify requests before acting on them. Red flags to watch for include unexpected calls or texts demanding immediate payment, particularly those creating a false sense of urgency.
yahoo.com
· 2026-07-14
Scammers posing as Federal Trade Commission agents targeted an elderly Massachusetts woman, convincing her not to call police and persuading her to withdraw thousands of dollars by falsely claiming her finances were compromised and promising government reimbursement. Police arrested Suqi Chen of New York in connection with the scam after detectives coordinated with the victim to intercept a second cash pickup on June 22. To protect yourself: be suspicious of unsolicited calls claiming financial fraud, never withdraw cash based on phone instructions, verify caller identity independently using official numbers, and always report such incidents to local police rather than following caller instructions not to do so.
noticias.foxnews.com
· 2026-07-14
Data brokers collect and sell your personal information—including your address, phone number, and relatives' names—from public records and commercial sources, not just from hacked accounts or weak passwords. This means that even people with strong passwords and good online security habits can have their details exposed on people-search websites, where scammers use the information to make fraudulent calls, texts, and emails sound convincing. To protect yourself, you should take steps beyond strong passwords, such as opting out of data broker services and being cautious about where your information is shared commercially.
cutoday.info
· 2026-07-14
The Defense Credit Union Council urged Congress to strengthen fraud prevention measures to protect military members, veterans, and federal employees who face growing threats including identity theft, account takeover, payment scams, and AI-enabled fraud. Credit unions serving these populations are implementing multiple safeguards like member education, transaction monitoring, and law enforcement partnerships, but the organization is asking Congress to provide better tools and coordination without unfairly shifting liability to financial institutions for scams originating outside their control. Servicemembers and veterans are particularly vulnerable due to deployments, frequent relocations, and reliance on federal benefit systems, making fraud prevention in this community a national priority.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-07-14
A Connecticut woman lost nearly $900,000 in retirement savings to a romance scammer she met on a dating app, devastating her ability to retire and putting her home at risk. Romance scams cost consumers over $1.4 billion in 2025 and particularly target older adults with accumulated savings and assets. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic connections that quickly ask for money or personal financial information, verify profiles independently, and never send funds to someone you haven't met in person.
themetrodetroitnews.com
· 2026-07-14
The FBI is warning Michigan residents about increasingly sophisticated scams that start with friendly messages on dating apps, social media, or texts, then manipulate victims into fake cryptocurrency investments—a scheme called "pig butchering" where criminals build trust before directing people to fraudulent crypto platforms that steal their money instantly and irreversibly. These scams, which also include romance, grandparent, and AI-based variants, have become a major focus for the FBI, with victims losing entire life savings (one case involved $350,000) and facing financial ruin. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited contact from strangers, especially those quickly pivoting conversations to investments, verify investment platforms independently before sending money, and remember that cryptocurrency transactions cannot be reversed once sent.
postandcourier.com
· 2026-07-14
Mount Pleasant Police Department reported a significant surge in fraud cases in 2026, with 213 reported incidents and losses exceeding $4 million as of July. Seniors and vulnerable groups are being targeted through common scams including bank fraud (fake fraud alerts directing victims to transfer money), courier scams (using Uber drivers to transport stolen funds), and impersonation schemes (fraudsters posing as law enforcement or bank officials). To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls or messages claiming fraud on your account, never transfer money based on such requests, and verify any official contact by calling your bank directly using a number from their official website or card.
counton2.com
· 2026-07-14
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina has experienced a significant surge in fraud cases, with 213 reported incidents so far in 2026 and one case involving a loss exceeding $4 million, particularly targeting seniors and vulnerable populations. Police emphasize that legitimate banks and law enforcement will never request payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency, and they urge anyone suspecting they're being scammed to report it immediately to local authorities. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited requests for payment, verify caller identities directly through official channels, and never provide personal or financial information to unknown parties.
wesh.com
· 2026-07-14
Scammers are targeting people across the country—especially in Florida—with fake job offers via text and messaging apps, promising remote work but ultimately pressuring victims to pay upfront fees to "receive" earnings they supposedly earned. One woman lost over $14,600 by transferring college and bank loans after building what she thought was a friendship with a recruiter online. The FTC reports that job offer text scams ranked third among all fraud complaints last year with over 411,000 attempts resulting in $76 million in losses, so if you receive unsolicited job offers by text, the Federal Trade Commission advises you to simply ignore and delete them.
cryptotimes.io
· 2026-07-14
A 70-year-old chartered accountant in Madhya Pradesh lost ₹21.06 crore in a "pig-butchering" crypto scam after being lured on WhatsApp to invest in Bitcoin and Tether through a fake trading platform that showed fake profits. Simultaneously, police in Lucknow arrested nine people running an international money laundering operation that converts stolen funds into cryptocurrency and funnels them to China-based syndicates. To protect yourself, avoid unsolicited investment pitches on social media, verify investment platforms independently before sending money, and be wary of schemes offering quick profits—legitimate withdrawals in early stages are a common tactic to build false trust.
aol.com
· 2026-07-14
Ohio seniors face widespread exploitation through various forms of elder abuse, including phone scams, financial exploitation by caregivers or family members, and schemes that drain lifetime savings, often going unreported due to shame or fear. Law enforcement and prosecutors report these crimes are neither rare nor isolated, with victims often discovered too late after significant financial, physical, or emotional damage. Residents and officials are being urged to support stronger law enforcement measures, improved prosecutions, and accountability systems to protect vulnerable seniors from predators who exploit trust and isolation.
wsmv.com
· 2026-07-14
The Simpson County Sheriff's Office in Kentucky is warning residents about a rental scam on TikTok where scammers post fake listings using photos of real properties in the area and direct interested renters to contact them via text or phone, despite the properties having legitimate owners or real estate agencies. Potential renters are at risk of losing money if they pay deposits or fees to these fraudsters. To protect yourself, verify rental listings directly with known real estate agencies or property owners, never pay upfront fees to unknown contacts, and report suspected scams to local law enforcement immediately.
khmoradio.com
· 2026-07-14
A Missouri deputy nearly fell victim to a sophisticated text message scam that impersonated legitimate bank fraud alerts he had actually signed up for; the scam was only detected when the scammer offered to call him, which his real bank had never done. The incident highlights how cybercriminals are using advanced technology, including AI, to make phishing texts appear authentic and convincing to even trained law enforcement. To protect yourself, never click links in unsolicited texts claiming to be from your bank or business—instead, independently verify by contacting the company directly using a phone number you know is legitimate.
abc7news.com
· 2026-07-13
Scammers are targeting travelers with fake hotel and airline websites that appear in paid search results, phishing texts about unpaid tolls, and fraudulent travel offers that request payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. To protect yourself, bypass sponsored search results and visit websites directly, verify toll payment requests by contacting agencies directly, and be wary of travel deals that lack specific details or use suspicious payment methods. The Federal Trade Commission recommends researching companies and reviewing complaints before booking any travel services.
csmonitor.com
· 2026-07-13
Romance scams, where fraudsters pose as romantic interests to deceive victims into sending money or personal information, cost Americans $1.3 billion in 2022 alone. One notable case involved a Spanish dental clinic owner who fell for a fake American soldier on Tinder who later claimed to have found gold bars, only to discover the scammer was operating from Nigeria. To protect yourself, be wary of online dating matches who avoid video calls, make unfulfilled promises to meet in person, or quickly introduce financial schemes—and consider having trusted friends or family members review suspicious communications.
abc7ny.com
· 2026-07-13
New York State's Department of State has warned immigrants about scams targeting vulnerable populations, particularly those with limited English proficiency, where fraudsters pose as immigration officials to steal personal information and money by exploiting the complexity of the immigration system. The article also highlights that the American Liver Foundation is working to address severe health disparities in liver disease among Hispanic and Latino communities through culturally tailored education and support programs. Immigrants should be cautious of anyone claiming to be an immigration official and verify credentials through official channels before sharing personal information or money.
cryptobriefing.com
· 2026-07-13
Singapore police and cryptocurrency exchanges including Coinbase worked together from April to May to prevent over 145 people from losing $4.2 million to crypto scams by using blockchain analytics tools to detect and stop fraudulent transfers in real time. The scams targeted victims through various methods including government impersonation, fake investment promises, job offers, and romance schemes. The collaboration demonstrates how law enforcement and crypto platforms can cooperate to intercept fraud before funds are lost, rather than trying to recover stolen money after the fact.
independent.com.mt
· 2026-07-13
Digital scams have surged significantly, with criminals increasingly using fake bank messages and "pig butchering" schemes (where victims are manipulated over time to transfer large sums) to defraud unsuspecting people. Elderly and less tech-savvy individuals are particularly vulnerable, with reported victims losing tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of euros with little hope of recovery. People should be cautious of unsolicited messages claiming to be from banks or financial services, verify requests through official channels, and remain skeptical of online investment opportunities—especially those targeting people during vulnerable emotional periods.
news.sbs.co.kr
· 2026-07-13
A Ghanaian influencer named Frederick Kumi has been extradited to the United States after allegedly defrauding over $8 million from elderly Americans through romance scams, using fake AI-generated identities to build trust before requesting money under false pretenses like medical emergencies or investment opportunities. Kumi, who had over 100,000 social media followers and displayed a lavish lifestyle online, faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. To protect yourself, be cautious of romantic connections from strangers online, especially those who quickly move conversations to dating apps or request money, and verify identities through video calls before engaging financially.
dailymail.com
· 2026-07-13
An 80-year-old Perth man lost his entire $300,000 life savings to a romance scam after meeting someone online who claimed to be a woman from overseas and repeatedly requested money over three years for emergencies, travel, and documents—ultimately leading to the repossession of his home. Romance scams cost Australians $139.9 million in 2025, with seniors over 65 particularly vulnerable, accounting for over a quarter of reported losses. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly move to requests for money, especially through untraceable methods like gift cards, and verify the legitimacy of anyone you meet online before sending any funds.
mwakilishi.com
· 2026-07-13
Ghanaian social media influencer Frederick Kumi was extradited to the U.S. to face charges for orchestrating a romance scam that defrauded American citizens of approximately $8 million by creating fake online personas to build relationships with vulnerable victims, primarily older adults seeking companionship. The case highlights a broader crisis of international romance fraud, with the FTC reporting $547 million in consumer losses to such schemes in 2021 alone, and underscores how digital platforms enable criminals to operate across borders with relative ease. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic interests who quickly profess deep feelings, avoid sending money to people you've only met online, verify identities through video calls, and report suspicious activity to the FTC or your local authorities.
mwakilishi.com
· 2026-07-13
Ghanaian social media influencer Frederick Kumi was extradited to the United States to face charges for orchestrating a romance scam that defrauded American citizens of approximately $8 million by creating fake online personas to build relationships with vulnerable victims, primarily older Americans, before requesting large sums of money. Romance scams have become a widespread international problem, with the FTC reporting $547 million in consumer losses in 2021 alone, and this case highlights how digital platforms enable criminals worldwide to exploit people emotionally and financially. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that develop quickly or request money, verify the identity of people you meet online, and report suspicious activity to the FTC or local authorities.
entertainmentnow.com
· 2026-07-13
CBS News correspondent Matt Gutman, an experienced investigative reporter who has covered countless fraud cases, nearly fell victim to a highly sophisticated phone scam in July 2026 when a caller impersonating his bank's fraud protection team convinced him to withdraw cash from his account. The scammer gained credibility by knowing personal details about Gutman's accounts and even referencing actual suspicious activity in his daughter's account, then instructed him to withdraw his money in cash to "catch fraudsters"—a classic scam tactic. Gutman only realized something was wrong when he went to the bank teller, and he shared his experience publicly to warn others that these scams are extremely convincing even to knowledgeable people; if someone calls claiming to be from your bank and asks you to withdraw cash, hang up and call your bank directly using the number on your statement.
wftv.com
· 2026-07-12
The Marion County Sheriff's Office successfully recovered over $600,000 for scam victims, including one person who regained $450,000, by tracking stolen funds through investigations. The scams affected local residents like Ryan Johnson, who lost significant money while in a vulnerable life situation. Sheriff Woods advises residents to verify recipient identities before sending money, avoid rushing into transactions, and report suspected scams immediately, as quick action significantly increases the chances of fund recovery.
wired.com
· 2026-07-12
Adoption scams represent an especially cruel form of online fraud where criminals impersonate adoption agencies to steal money from desperate prospective parents by offering fake children who don't exist. According to this article about "The Yahoo Boys," scammers like a woman nicknamed "Miracle" have stolen tens of thousands of dollars from vulnerable people seeking to adopt, causing devastating emotional and financial harm. To protect yourself, verify adoption agencies through official government databases, never wire money before meeting the child in person, and work only with licensed, established organizations.