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infosecurity-magazine.com
· 2026-04-14
Law enforcement agencies from the UK, US, and Canada collaborated in "Operation Atlantic" to combat approval phishing scams, where criminals trick victims into granting access to their cryptocurrency wallets through fake alerts and popups. The week-long operation identified over 20,000 victims across 30+ countries, froze $12 million in stolen crypto, and shut down 120 fraudulent websites. To protect yourself, be cautious of unexpected alerts or requests for wallet access, verify communications directly with official apps or services rather than clicking links in messages, and use multi-factor authentication on crypto accounts.
southfloridareporter.com
· 2026-04-14
The FBI reported record cybercrime losses of $20.9 billion in 2025, with cryptocurrency fraud alone reaching $11.4 billion—more than half of all reported losses and representing a 400-fold increase since 2017. Victims of crypto scams lose an average of $62,604 per incident, far exceeding losses from other types of cybercrime, with investment fraud schemes being the most destructive category. The FBI warns that criminals are increasingly using AI to bypass security measures and exploit victims, so people should be extremely cautious about unsolicited investment opportunities, verify the legitimacy of platforms independently, and avoid sending money or crypto to unknown parties.
cryptopolitan.com
· 2026-04-14
Crypto exchange Kraken discovered that two of its support employees illegally accessed customer data on approximately 2,000 accounts, which criminals then used to extort the company by threatening to release sensitive videos unless paid. Kraken refused to negotiate with the attackers, terminated the employees, and is working with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts to identify the culprits. The incident highlights a growing threat across the crypto industry where criminals target company insiders to gain unauthorized access to customer information.
ibtimes.co.uk
· 2026-04-14
Cryptocurrency fraud cost Americans $11.4 billion in 2025, with older adults aged 60 and above losing $4.4 billion—making them the primary targets due to their accumulated savings and unfamiliarity with digital assets. Scammers typically build trust through social media and email by posing as financial advisers, showing fake profit dashboards, then disappear once victims try to withdraw funds. The FBI recommends older Americans verify investment opportunities independently, avoid unsolicited crypto investment offers, and be suspicious of pressure to invest quickly or use unfamiliar platforms.
eurekalert.org
· 2026-04-14
Researchers at the University of Birmingham analyzed recorded conversations from the Enron energy trading scandal to identify the specific linguistic tactics fraudsters use to manipulate trust and orchestrate illegal activity. Enron traders used coordinated conversational techniques—such as creating emotional bonds, projecting competence, sharing insider information, and repairing trust when questioned—to gain access to energy infrastructure and collude with external organizations to artificially drive up energy prices. Understanding these manipulative linguistic patterns can help regulators, compliance officers, and the general public recognize red flags in high-pressure business conversations and be more skeptical of people using excessive rapport-building or insider-information-sharing tactics.
nypost.com
· 2026-04-14
iPhone users worldwide are being targeted by a phishing scam disguised as iCloud storage alerts, which trick victims into clicking malicious links that steal banking information and personal data for illegal resale. The fraudulent emails mimic Apple's branding and create urgency by claiming storage is full or accounts will close within 48 hours, prompting users to "upgrade" their accounts. To protect yourself, avoid clicking any links in unsolicited storage alerts, check your account directly through your phone's settings instead, and report suspicious emails to Apple.
wishtv.com
· 2026-04-14
AI-powered scams cost Americans $12.5 billion in 2024, with criminals using deepfakes and impersonation technology to target people through fake investment schemes ($5 billion lost), job listings ($750 million lost), and fraudulent messages from banks and government agencies. Victims of all ages and backgrounds were affected, from social media users to job seekers. To protect yourself, ignore unsolicited urgent requests via email, text, or phone; hang up and call organizations directly using verified numbers; and never share passwords or personal information with unknown contacts.
southtahoenow.com
· 2026-04-13
The South Lake Tahoe Police Department will host an Elder Fraud Awareness presentation at a senior potluck event on April 16, addressing scams that disproportionately target older adults. The presentation will cover how to recognize, avoid, and report common fraud schemes delivered through phone calls, emails, and online messaging. Senior citizens attending can learn practical protection strategies while enjoying food, music, and community at the Senior Center.
armidaleexpress.com.au
· 2026-04-13
Scammers stole over $2 billion from Australians last year using increasingly sophisticated methods, including "pig butchering" schemes that exploit victims through deceptive relationship-building and investment promises. While most people are aware of traditional scams like unsolicited calls and fake texts from family members, criminals continue to succeed by adapting their tactics to be harder to detect. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unexpected contact offering investment opportunities or romantic connections, verify requests through official channels before sending money, and report suspicious activity to authorities.
kjct8.com
· 2026-04-12
Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics that rely on creating urgency to pressure victims into acting quickly without thinking, according to police officials in Colorado. To protect yourself, watch for red flags like typos and misspellings in emails and texts, be skeptical of anyone claiming to be law enforcement demanding payment over the phone, and take time to verify information before responding. If anything seems suspicious, contact local law enforcement immediately—they encourage these calls and are available to help investigate potential scams.
thehill.com
· 2026-04-12
Cybersecurity experts are warning of a surge in fraudulent tax websites designed to steal personal information from taxpayers filing returns before the IRS deadline, with malicious domains increasing dramatically in March 2025. Scammers are using AI-generated lookalike websites that closely mimic legitimate IRS portals and lure victims with promises of unusually high refunds, then trick them into submitting sensitive data like Social Security numbers and personal identification information. To protect yourself, verify you're on the official IRS website (irs.gov), never click links in unsolicited emails or texts, and be suspicious of offers promising exceptionally large refunds or unusual payment structures.
m.dailyhunt.in
· 2026-04-12
AdultFriendFinder users face increasing risks from romance and phishing scams, where fraudsters pose as potential partners to steal personal information, money, or lure victims to malicious websites. According to the Federal Trade Commission, romance scams now cause more financial losses than any other scam type, making vigilance especially important on adult dating sites that attract bad actors. Users should be wary of requests for money or personal information, suspicious off-site links, and avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails claiming to be from the platform.
donegaldaily.com
· 2026-04-12
Donegal has trained 28 police officers as Digital First Responders to combat a rising wave of cybercrime in the region, which includes phishing scams, romance scams, email compromises, and child sexual exploitation cases. Recent crime data revealed 85 cybercrime incidents in Donegal and Sligo, with phishing scams being the most common threat affecting the community. Authorities urge residents to report any suspicious online activity and are launching cybersecurity awareness campaigns to educate the public about protecting themselves from these threats.
southtahoenow.com
· 2026-04-12
The South Lake Tahoe Police Department will present on elder fraud awareness at a seniors potluck on April 16, targeting the senior community who are frequently victimized by scams. The presentation will cover how to recognize, avoid, and report common fraud schemes conducted through phone calls, emails, and online messaging. The event, which is free for members and $5 for others, also includes food and live music at the Senior Center.
wbay.com
· 2026-04-11
Americans lost a record $15.9 billion to fraud and scams in 2025, with 4 in 10 adults (roughly 103 million people) reporting they've been victimized, according to a new AARP survey. Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics like deepfake voice cloning, fake websites, and convincing phishing emails that are harder than ever to detect. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or texts, don't respond to suspicious messages (which puts you on scammer lists), verify requests by contacting companies directly through official channels, and use protective software like antivirus and firewalls.
nbcmiami.com
· 2026-04-11
Scammers are creating fake CAPTCHA pages that mimic legitimate security verification tools to trick users into downloading malware like "StealC" virus, which can steal passwords, login credentials, and personal data. Red flags include error messages asking you to press specific key sequences—if you see this, close the tab immediately and navigate directly to websites by typing the address rather than clicking links. To protect yourself, use passkeys and enable multi-factor authentication on your accounts, and if you suspect you've been infected, disconnect from the internet immediately.
clickondetroit.com
· 2026-04-11
Scammers are increasingly using AI technology to impersonate banks, the IRS, and employers, causing consumers to lose over $12.5 billion annually—with investment scams alone accounting for $5 billion and job scams costing $750 million. The scams use AI-generated deepfakes and personalized messages to trick people into sending money or sharing personal information. To protect yourself, ignore unsolicited calls, emails, or texts requesting urgent action; hang up and contact institutions directly using official numbers, and never send money or passwords to unknown callers.
jec.senate.gov
· 2026-04-11
Bipartisan leaders are warning Americans about a surge in tax season scams that have affected nearly one in four Americans, with criminals using fake IRS calls, phishing emails, and AI-enhanced tactics to steal personal information and money. Scammers impersonate the IRS through fraudulent websites and calls, but the real IRS won't contact you via social media, demand immediate payment, or threaten law enforcement action. To protect yourself, avoid clicking suspicious links, only use reputable tax services or IRS.gov directly, and verify any tax-related communication independently before sharing personal information.
cnbc.com
· 2026-04-11
Scammers are impersonating the Social Security Administration through fake calls and emails to trick people into sharing their Social Security numbers or clicking malicious links that can lead to identity theft and financial loss. Searches for "social security scams" have surged over 550,000 times in the past month, indicating widespread concern among the public. To protect yourself, avoid sharing your Social Security number with unknown callers, be suspicious of unsolicited SSA emails, and consider enrolling in an identity protection service that offers credit monitoring, dark web monitoring, and fraud alerts.
americanbanker.com
· 2026-04-11
Real estate cybercrime losses surged 59% to $275 million in 2025, driven by criminals increasingly using artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency scams to target homebuyers and investors in transactions. The FBI documented over 12,000 real estate-related cybercrime complaints, including AI voice cloning scams designed to trick victims into wire transfers and cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes. Consumers and industry professionals are advised to verify wire transfer requests through independent phone calls, remain skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities, and work with established title insurance professionals who can help protect against fraud and forgery in property transactions.
northwestsignal.net
· 2026-04-11
Ohio reported 302 fraud complaints from older adults in 2024, with the state ranking eighth nationally for scam complaints targeting seniors—a concerning trend affecting over 2.8 million older Ohioans. Common scams include phishing emails, text messages, phone calls requesting financial information, romance fraud, and AI impersonation schemes. To protect yourself, never respond to unsolicited messages requesting personal information, let unknown calls go to voicemail, and always get a second opinion from local police or trusted family members before sharing any sensitive data or making financial decisions.
1440wrok.com
· 2026-04-11
Scammers in the Chicago suburbs are posing as sheriff's deputies and calling residents with fake claims about missed jury duty, failed court appearances, or arrested loved ones—then demanding payment via gift cards, apps, or cryptocurrency. The Will County Sheriff's Office warns that real law enforcement will never call demanding payment over the phone, especially not in these forms, so residents should hang up and contact their local police department directly using a verified number if they receive such calls. The key to avoiding this scam is to slow down, verify the caller's identity independently, and remember that legitimate law enforcement doesn't pressure people into immediate payments.
sfchronicle.com
· 2026-04-11
Scammers are using artificial intelligence to create highly convincing fake IRS messages with perfect grammar, authentic-looking logos, and spoofed phone calls, making it increasingly difficult to spot fraudulent tax communications during filing season. The IRS primarily communicates through mailed letters, so any unsolicited calls or emails claiming to be from the agency are likely scams, and criminals are also using AI to target specific individuals who've recently made major financial changes like buying a home. To protect yourself, verify any IRS communication by contacting the agency directly through its official website or phone number, never provide personal or financial information in response to unsolicited messages, and remain skeptical of communications that create urgency or threaten legal action.
mexc.com
· 2026-04-11
Following a $45 million cryptocurrency scam bust by US, UK, and Canadian authorities, law enforcement shut down a "pig butchering" fraud ring that used fake app notifications and phishing to steal wallet access from over 3,000 victims, recovering only $12 million of the drained funds. The incident highlights the importance of verified security measures in crypto, such as audited smart contracts and legitimate exchange listings, which legitimate projects like Pepeto have completed to protect users. To avoid similar scams, investors should verify that crypto projects have professional security audits, confirmed exchange listings, and transparent contract documentation before investing.
kvoa.com
· 2026-04-11
A New York man has been convicted of money laundering after helping scammers steal nearly $1 million from elderly victims nationwide, including in Arizona, by funneling the stolen funds through cryptocurrency and offshore accounts. The scam operated by sending phishing emails, text messages, and fake pop-ups impersonating trusted companies like Apple, Microsoft, and PayPal, then tricking victims into believing their accounts were compromised or had received erroneous refunds so they would send their own money to the criminals. Elderly people should be cautious of unsolicited messages claiming account issues, never call numbers provided in suspicious communications, and verify directly with their bank or trusted companies through official channels before taking any action.
housingwire.com
· 2026-04-11
In 2025, cybercrime losses reached $20.8 billion across over 1 million complaints reported to the FBI, with real estate fraud causing $275 million in losses and criminals increasingly using AI-generated emails, deepfakes, and voice cloning to deceive victims. Seniors aged 60+ were disproportionately affected, filing over 201,000 reports with losses totaling $7.75 billion, while investment scams ($8.64 billion) and business email compromises ($3.04 billion) represented the largest loss categories overall. To protect yourself, verify wire transfer requests through direct phone calls to known numbers, be skeptical of AI-generated content and celebrity endorsements in investment pitches, and avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails—particularly those requesting urgent financial action.
cfjctoday.com
· 2026-04-11
Fraudsters in British Columbia's Shuswap region are impersonating federal government workers to convince victims they've committed identity theft, then directing them to deposit thousands of dollars into Bitcoin ATMs. At least two people have been targeted by this scam—one woman lost nearly $12,000—making it a significant threat to local residents. If you receive unsolicited calls claiming to be from government officials accusing you of crimes and asking you to move money, hang up immediately and contact local police, as legitimate government agencies will never demand payment via cryptocurrency or Bitcoin ATMs.
foxbusiness.com
· 2026-04-10
# Summary
Congress's Joint Economic Committee warns that as the April 15 tax filing deadline approaches, scammers are increasingly targeting taxpayers through IRS imposter scams via phone, email, and text using spoofed caller IDs, as well as fraudulent tax preparer schemes. Approximately one in four Americans have fallen victim to tax season scams, which have become more sophisticated with the use of AI and deepfake technology. The committee advises taxpayers to verify communications directly with the IRS at 800-829-1040, avoid clicking suspicious links or QR codes, and be wary of tax preparers demanding high upfront fees or guaranteeing large refunds.
paymentsjournal.com
· 2026-04-10
Online fraud reached an all-time high in the U.S. last year, with Americans losing nearly $21 billion across over 1 million reported complaints, driven largely by cryptocurrency investment scams ($11 billion in losses) and emerging AI-powered fraud schemes ($893 million in losses). Criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create convincing deepfakes and amplify scams at scale, with some organized syndicates operating fraudulent platforms that defraud thousands of victims simultaneously. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities promising high returns, verify the legitimacy of platforms and communications before engaging, and be aware that AI-generated content (deepfakes, convincing emails) is becoming harder to distinguish from authentic sources.
newsbytesapp.com
· 2026-04-10
Americans lost a record $21 billion to online scams in 2025, a 27% increase from 2024, with seniors over 60 being particularly vulnerable—accounting for $7.75 billion in losses and an average of $38,500 per victim. The surge has been fueled by AI-powered scams, including voice cloning used in romance and "grandparent distress" schemes, as well as cryptocurrency investment fraud, with phishing and spoofing remaining the most common attack types. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact, verify requests for money through independent channels, and report suspicious activity to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
nbcsandiego.com
· 2026-04-10
Scammers are creating fake CAPTCHA verification pages that look like legitimate security checks but actually install malware designed to steal passwords, financial information, and personal data from your computer. Red flags include error messages asking you to press specific key sequences—if you see this, close the tab immediately and never follow the instructions. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links to enter sites; instead, type website addresses directly into your browser, use passkeys, and enable multi-factor authentication on your accounts.
abc7chicago.com
· 2026-04-10
As the April 15 tax deadline approaches, scammers are increasingly targeting taxpayers through fake IRS websites, spoofed calls demanding wire transfers, phishing emails requesting personal information, and fraudulent tax preparers who disappear after filing returns or depositing refunds into their own accounts. The Better Business Bureau warns that even those who have already filed can be victimized, so taxpayers should verify that tax preparers have a current IRS "Preparer Tax Identification Number" and remember that the real IRS will never contact you via unsolicited text, email, or threatening phone calls. To protect yourself, use your phone's built-in scam-detection features, verify the source of any tax-related communications before clicking links or providing information, and leverage email filtering services that flag suspicious messages.
yahoo.com
· 2026-04-10
In 2025, cybercriminals stole over $21 billion from Americans through online scams—a significant jump from $16.6 billion in 2024—with phishing and extortion being the most common tactics, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Report. Seniors over 60 were hit particularly hard, losing $7.75 billion across 201,266 complaints, while cryptocurrency investment scams and AI-powered fraud schemes also surged dramatically. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited messages and links, verify requests through independent contact methods before sharing personal information, and be especially cautious of emotional appeals or investment opportunities that promise quick returns.
patch.com
· 2026-04-10
Pennsylvania ranked 6th nationally in internet crime complaints with over 31,000 reported cases resulting in $538 million in losses, according to a new FBI report. Seniors over 60 were hit hardest, losing $215.88 million across 7,088 complaints, though people of all ages fell victim to investment fraud, business email compromise, and tech support scams. The FBI advises residents to be cautious of phishing emails, verify investment opportunities carefully, and be skeptical of unsolicited tech support offers, with AI-generated content now being used increasingly in fraud schemes.
ksl.com
· 2026-04-10
A Utah resident lost over $200,000 in a "pig butchering scam" involving a fraudulent investment company called APL Finance, where scammers posed as financial advisers, encouraged increasingly larger investments that appeared to show gains, then demanded additional payments to "unlock" frozen funds. The FBI has identified more than 30 victims of this scheme in the past year, with millions of dollars lost overall. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited investment offers on social media platforms like WhatsApp, verify any investment company through official financial regulators, and never wire money to personal bank accounts for investments or to "unlock" promised returns.
mexc.com
· 2026-04-10
Binance has partnered with the UK National Crime Agency to combat phishing scams where criminals impersonate regulatory authorities and exchanges to trick cryptocurrency users into revealing their login credentials and funds. These scams typically arrive via spoofed emails, social media messages, or fake support chats claiming urgent account verification is needed, and have targeted users across multiple countries. To protect yourself, verify any compliance notices directly through official exchange websites or apps rather than clicking links in unsolicited messages, enable two-factor authentication, and never share seed phrases or passwords with anyone claiming to be from regulators or exchanges.
mashable.com
· 2026-04-10
Romance scams on AdultFriendFinder are increasingly common and costly, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting that romance scams now cause more financial losses than any other scam type. Users on the adult dating site are vulnerable to various schemes including phishing attacks where scammers impersonate trusted sources to steal sensitive information and money. To stay safe, users should be aware of common scams, remain vigilant about their account activity, and avoid clicking suspicious links or sharing personal/financial information with unverified contacts.
yahoo.com
· 2026-04-10
In 2025, Americans lost nearly $21 billion to cybercrime—a 26% increase from the previous year—affecting over 1 million victims, with investment scams being the largest category of fraud at $8.64 billion and cryptocurrency losses accounting for over half the total due to its difficulty to trace. Scammers increasingly used AI-generated deepfakes and voice cloning to deceive victims, while older Americans were particularly vulnerable to Bitcoin ATM scams. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities and requests for cryptocurrency transfers, verify contact information through official channels before responding to financial requests, and report suspected scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
thenightly.com.au
· 2026-04-09
Australian businesses are losing over $150 million annually to sophisticated email scams where fraudsters impersonate managers or embed themselves in company email chains to request urgent payments or approvals, often timing their requests strategically during busy periods when workers are distracted. These "payment redirection scams" are now more successful than romance scams, with 73% arriving via email that either spoof legitimate addresses or compromise real accounts. To protect yourself, verify any urgent payment requests through a separate communication channel (call the sender directly), be especially cautious of messages arriving at day's end, and check that payment details haven't been altered in ongoing email conversations.
aapnews.aap.com.au
· 2026-04-09
Australian businesses are losing over $150 million annually to sophisticated payment redirection scams, where fraudsters embed themselves in email chains and impersonate managers or suppliers to trick employees into redirecting payments or changing account details. These scams are particularly effective when timed strategically—such as end-of-day when workers are distracted—and use nearly identical email addresses or compromised company accounts to appear legitimate. To protect yourself, verify urgent payment requests through direct contact with the requester using a known phone number, watch for red flags in email tone or unusual payment instructions, and report suspicious messages to your IT department before taking action.
foxnews.com
· 2026-04-09
A woman named Dorothy nearly lost $15,000 after receiving a fake Apple Pay text alert claiming an unauthorized $144 charge, which prompted her to call the number in the message and speak with a scammer who impersonated an FBI and FDIC official. The scammer used social engineering tactics—claiming to have personal information about her and creating a false sense of urgency—to pressure her into withdrawing a large sum of cash. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unexpected payment alerts and never call numbers provided in unsolicited texts; instead, contact companies directly using official contact information you find independently.
newsnationnow.com
· 2026-04-09
Social Security beneficiaries are being targeted by an increasing impersonation scam where criminals pose as government officials via phone, email, text, or social media to steal personal information and money by creating false urgency around alleged account problems. The Federal Trade Commission recorded over 330,000 impersonation scams in 2025, a 25% increase, with scammers using spoofed caller IDs, fake badge numbers, and official-looking documents to manipulate victims. To protect yourself, never share your Social Security number with unexpected callers, delete suspicious emails claiming to be from Social Security immediately, and report any suspicious communications to the SSA.
abcnews.com
· 2026-04-09
The IRS is warning taxpayers about sophisticated AI-generated tax scams ahead of Tax Day, particularly robocalls using realistic IRS terminology and spoofed caller IDs to trick people into believing they're eligible for tax relief or owe money. Scammers are exploiting AI to sound more convincing and use legitimate IRS programs and language to target unsuspecting taxpayers. To protect yourself, remember that the IRS contacts people by mail first (never threatening robocalls), don't give money or personal information to callers demanding immediate payment, and avoid relying on AI tools to fill out tax forms or answer complex tax questions.
ourmidland.com
· 2026-04-09
The Social Security Administration is warning of a surge in impersonation scams targeting retirees, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting a 25% spike in 2025 totaling over 330,000 cases. Scammers impersonate SSA officials through calls, texts, emails, and social media, claiming there are issues with benefits or Social Security numbers and pressuring victims to share personal information or money through tactics like spoofed caller IDs and fake documents. To protect yourself, never share your Social Security number with unexpected callers, verify requests by contacting SSA directly using official contact information, and be wary of unsolicited messages claiming urgent issues with your benefits.
ktvu.com
· 2026-04-09
A Chinese national named Jiandong Chen pleaded guilty to defrauding elderly Americans out of over $27 million through a sophisticated scam operation that used fake tech support calls, bank impersonations, and fake refund schemes to target seniors in their 70s and 80s. The scammers would contact victims via unsolicited calls and emails, convince them they were owed a refund, then "accidentally" overpay them and pressure them to wire the excess money back—which was actually the scammers' goal all along. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected refunds or tech support offers, never wire money to unknown sources, and hang up on unsolicited callers claiming to represent banks or retailers.
cnet.com
· 2026-04-09
In 2025, cyber fraud reached a record $21 billion in losses according to the FBI, with cryptocurrency investment scams and elder fraud being the biggest culprits—seniors over 60 lost $7.75 billion across 201,266 complaints, while crypto-related fraud totaled over $11 billion. Phishing and spoofing attacks were the most common crime type, and AI-powered scams made frauds increasingly convincing and harder to detect. To protect yourself, verify links before clicking, be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities (especially crypto), and if you're over 60 or helping an elderly relative, take extra precautions like confirming requests through known contact methods before sharing personal or financial information.
kolotv.com
· 2026-04-09
Nevada lost over $302 million to cybercrime in 2025, ranking third in the nation per capita, with investment fraud, business email compromise, and tech support scams being the most common schemes. Elderly residents and cryptocurrency investors were hit particularly hard, with seniors reporting $115 million in losses and crypto-related scams accounting for $205 million. The FBI advises anyone who suspects fraud to immediately contact their bank and file a report at ic3.gov.
ibtimes.com.au
· 2026-04-09
Americans lost a record $11.4 billion to cryptocurrency scams in 2025, with investment fraud schemes ("pig butchering") accounting for over $7 billion of that total, according to an FBI report. Scammers typically target victims through social media and dating apps, luring them into fake investment platforms with promises of quick profits and sometimes using AI-generated deepfakes to build trust before stealing their money. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities, verify platforms independently, never send cryptocurrency to unknown parties, and report suspicious activity to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
mexc.com
· 2026-04-09
In 2025, cybercrime losses surged to over $20.8 billion with more than 1 million complaints filed, a 26% increase from the previous year, according to an FBI report. Cryptocurrency fraud was the biggest culprit, accounting for $11.36 billion in losses primarily through investment scams where victims are manipulated into fake trading platforms, with seniors over 60 being disproportionately affected at $7.7 billion in losses. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities on social media, verify platforms independently before depositing funds, and never rush into financial commitments—legitimate investments don't require urgency or increasing deposits.