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in Robocall / Phone Scam
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CBS 8 San Diego
· 2024-09-20
A Harris poll report reveals that Hispanic Americans are being disproportionately targeted by phone scams and are twice as likely to fall victim compared to other populations, contributing to the $25 billion in annual losses Americans collectively suffer from communications fraud and robocalls. The report highlights this emerging trend alongside the continued vulnerability of seniors, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and protective measures across vulnerable communities.
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WTVC NewsChannel 9
· 2024-09-22
"Pig-butchering" scams have reached crisis levels in the United States, with victims often losing their entire life savings after scammers build trust through dating apps or text messages before directing them to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. Law enforcement reports $4 billion was lost to these scams last year alone, with victims unable to recover funds when they attempt to withdraw from fake investment accounts that appear legitimate initially but lock them out once money is deposited.
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WTRF
· 2024-09-24
Senior Services of Belmont County created "Fraud Bingo" as an innovative educational program to raise awareness about common scams targeting seniors, after residents in the area lost significant amounts of money, property, and in one case, a home to fraud. The program used bingo cards featuring different fraud and scam scenarios to engage hundreds of attendees in a format more appealing than traditional lectures. Local vendors donated prizes and participated in the event to increase both awareness and attendance.
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KEZI 9
· 2024-09-26
A Springfield couple lost $110,000 in an artificial intelligence voice cloning scam in which they received a call from someone using AI-recreated audio of their son's voice claiming he was in jail and needed money for bail following a car accident. The scammers used the convincing deepfake audio combined with a woman posing as a public defender to pressure the parents into sending money, though their actual son was not involved in any incident. This case demonstrates how AI technology can be weaponized to create highly convincing impersonation scams targeting vulnerable family members.
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CBS Evening News
· 2024-09-27
A U.S. man lost $700,000 in an elaborate romance scam orchestrated by criminal syndicates operating from underground "boiler rooms" in Ghana. The scammers pose as romantic partners to gain the trust of elderly Americans and convince them to send money, devastating victims both emotionally and financially. The investigation revealed that unemployed youth in Ghana are recruited into these operations, viewing the scams as an alternative to other forms of theft or crime.
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KFOR Oklahoma's News 4
· 2024-09-29
In 2023, nearly 1,000 Oklahomans aged 60 and older lost over $22 million to fraud, with scams targeting seniors increasing 15% in Oklahoma compared to 11% nationally. Tech support scams and sweepstakes prize frauds are among the most common schemes, with one Oklahoma couple nearly falling victim to a $500,000 sweepstakes scam before becoming suspicious of personal questions. The FBI emphasizes the importance of reporting scams without shame and advises seniors to be cautious about unsolicited contacts and requests for personal financial information.
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KHON2 News
· 2024-10-02
Employment scams in Hawaii have cost job seekers over $86,000 in losses since the beginning of 2027, with the Better Business Bureau warning of fake job opportunities that increasingly impersonate legitimate companies. Common scam tactics include fake onboarding processes that steal personal information, fraudulent reshipping jobs involving stolen goods, and "task optimization" schemes where victims pay upfront fees for tasks and are tricked into depositing increasingly larger amounts before losing access to their accounts. To protect themselves, job seekers should avoid any employer requesting payment, verify company legitimacy through official websites and BBB.org, and be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.
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NewsChannel 9 WSYR Syracuse
· 2024-10-03
This interview with Police Sergeant Ken Hatter addresses the "hello pervert" sextortion scam, in which fraudsters claim to have spied on victims through webcams and demand payment in Bitcoin. Hatter explains that these are mass-template emails sent to multiple recipients and are definitively scams, as actual hackers with computer access would steal money directly rather than request it via email.
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CBS News
· 2024-10-04
Overseas scammers defrauded a 92-year-old woman in Los Angeles of her life savings by impersonating IT experts and government officials, convincing her that her computer had been hacked and pressuring her to withdraw funds to purchase gold as a "safer investment." The scammers instructed the victim to keep the scheme secret, and despite her daughter's attempts to alert her bank (Charles Schwab) to the suspicious large transactions and wire transfers, the funds were lost. This case exemplifies a widespread epidemic affecting tens of thousands of Americans who fall victim to similar overseas fraud schemes operating through impersonation and deception tactics.
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NBC 7 San Diego
· 2024-10-07
**2024 Election Scams Warning**
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, scammers are exploiting the heightened electoral activity and voter engagement to target people through phone calls, emails, and texts. Common scams include fraudulent donation requests impersonating political campaigns, with scammers targeting voters regardless of political affiliation. Cybersecurity experts advise voters to verify requests directly with campaigns rather than responding to unsolicited contact.
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11Alive
· 2024-10-10
Thousands of people are being targeted by "grandparent scams" where callers impersonate distressed family members claiming to need emergency money. One grandmother nearly lost $99,000 after receiving a frantic call from someone claiming to be her grandson who said he was in a car accident and needed bail money, though she later realized it was a scam. Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to mimic loved ones' voices by extracting audio from social media and other online sources, making these frauds more sophisticated and convincing.
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CBS Evening News
· 2024-10-11
A 92-year-old woman in Los Angeles lost her life savings to overseas scammers who impersonated IT experts and government officials, convincing her that her computer had been hacked and pressuring her to withdraw funds to purchase gold as a "safer investment." The scam involved large wire transfers from her Charles Schwab investment account, and the perpetrators instructed her to keep the scheme secret from her family. This case exemplifies a broader epidemic of multi-million-dollar fraud targeting Americans by overseas criminals operating tech support and investment scams.
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Atlanta News First
· 2024-10-10
Investigator Brendan Keefe uncovered a romance scam operation that uses AI-generated photographs of fake military personnel to target victims on social media platforms like Facebook. The scammers create convincing but flawed fake images (such as veterans with anatomical impossibilities) of patriotic military figures to build false romantic relationships and extract money from victims.
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WPRI
· 2024-10-10
According to the FBI, scammers stole more than $3.4 billion from over 100,000 seniors in 2023, with Rhode Islanders age 60+ losing $7.4 million. Common tactics include creating a sense of panic or urgency, impersonating government agencies like the IRS, and using AI technology to clone the voices of loved ones. State leaders emphasize that public education and awareness are key prevention strategies, advising seniors to verify unexpected calls independently rather than responding to urgent requests.
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KFDM YouTube
· 2024-10-14
Texas reported 13,000 allegations of financial exploitation of elderly residents in fiscal year 2023, with over 500 cases from Jefferson County alone. Adult Protective Services is hosting a "Your Money Matters" awareness event on October 16th at the Lakeside Center to educate seniors about fraud and exploitation through vendor presentations and community engagement.
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News 5 Cleveland
· 2024-10-15
A 70-year-old woman in Berea was scammed out of approximately $20,000 in a tech support fraud scheme that began with a fake Microsoft pop-up warning on her computer. After calling the number provided, a scammer gained remote access to her laptop and then coordinated with a accomplice who convinced her that her money was in jeopardy, directing her to withdraw cash from multiple bank locations while remaining on the phone with her throughout the process. The case illustrates how scammers systematically manipulate vulnerable seniors by creating false urgency and overriding their judgment.
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Forbes Breaking News
· 2024-10-16
The IRS warned taxpayers against scams targeting hurricane relief seekers in the aftermath of Hurricanes Milton and Helen in the Southeast. Scammers are exploiting disaster victims seeking charitable assistance, with variations targeting both those affected by the storms and unaffected taxpayers attempting to claim fraudulent charitable deductions. Consumers should verify relief organizations' legitimacy and be cautious of unsolicited aid offers.
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This Morning
· 2024-10-16
This awareness segment identifies five increasingly sophisticated scams targeting consumers, with fraud cases rising 235% year-over-year. Two particularly predatory text message scams impersonate government agencies offering winter heating subsidies and living expense assistance, exploiting vulnerability and creating false urgency to trick victims into clicking malicious links or providing personal information.
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Arizona’s Family (3TV / CBS 5)
· 2024-10-17
Real estate fraud is at an all-time high, with fraudsters using tactics such as recording false deeds to squat in properties and passing bad checks to take control of homes. According to Tanner Herrick, Executive Vice President of Premier Title Company, his firm handles approximately 500 transactions monthly and encounters fraud cases every single week, leaving legitimate owners unable to remove fraudulent occupants. Common schemes include filing fraudulent deeds on properties and attempting to complete transactions with counterfeit cashier's checks.
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NBC4 Washington
· 2024-10-17
"Pig butchering" is a cryptocurrency confidence scam where fraudsters build trust with victims over months through social media or dating apps before introducing fake cryptocurrency investment opportunities. Scammers send victims links to fraudulent trading websites and convince them to send hundreds or thousands of dollars, which actually goes directly into the scammers' pockets; the fake friend, website, and investment returns are all fabricated.
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WKRN News 2
· 2024-10-17
Senior fraud represents a $3 billion problem, with scammers primarily targeting individuals aged 55-64 through contractor scams, Medicare fraud, Bitcoin investment schemes, romance scams, phone fraud, and phishing attacks. Phishing scams work by casting a wide net through texts, emails, and social media to trick victims into clicking malicious links or participating in fake surveys and contests that download malware and compromise personal information.
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NOLA.com
· 2024-10-17
AARP Louisiana hosted an educational presentation titled "Unmasking Fraud" featuring nationally recognized fraud expert and former prosecutor Paul Greenwood to address senior fraud targeting older adults in Louisiana. The event emphasized that fraud against seniors impacts not only financial security but also causes lasting emotional and psychological harm, and provided practical strategies for protection. AARP directs people to its Fraud Watch Network resource for current scam information and personal data protection guidance.
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NOLA.com
· 2024-10-17
AARP Louisiana hosted a fraud awareness townhall event featuring nationally recognized fraud expert and former prosecutor Paul Greenwood to educate seniors about scams targeting older adults. The event aimed to provide practical protection strategies and highlight how fraud impacts seniors beyond financial loss, including emotional and trust-related consequences. AARP encourages seniors to utilize resources like their FraudWatch Network to stay informed about emerging scams and safeguard personal information.
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WPLG Local 10
· 2024-10-18
A Pinecrest woman received a threatening extortion email from a scammer who claimed to have compromising photos and videos of her and demanded payment. The scammer demonstrated access to personal information including her address, phone number, family members' names, and a photo of her neighborhood, which alarmed her into contacting police. The FBI is encouraging victims of this extortion scam to report it to them.
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Forbes Breaking News
· 2024-10-20
Senator Sherrod Brown questioned a witness about the human impact of financial scams, citing Ohio data showing 18,000 reported scams and $100 million in losses in the past year. The witness testified that scam victims—often vibrant, independent people—experience life-altering consequences including depleted retirement savings and family strain, with adult children forced to drain their own college funds and savings to support defrauded parents.
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NBC10 Boston
· 2024-10-22
More than half of Americans have been targeted by election-related scams ahead of the 2024 election, with young voters experiencing the highest rates of fraud involving fake polls, donation scams, and disinformation. Common scams include political donation fraud where money does not reach intended campaigns, and election survey scams where fraudsters pose as legitimate news organizations to collect personal information and voting preferences. To protect yourself, verify the legitimacy of donation requests and survey contacts before providing personal information or financial contributions.
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Arizona’s Family (3TV / CBS 5)
· 2024-10-30
Impostor scams are intensifying as the holiday season approaches, with scammers posing as trusted entities like banks to steal money through deceptive tactics. A common scheme involves fraudsters calling or texting victims claiming fraudulent card activity, then convincing them to hand over debit cards to supposed bank representatives or mail cards to fraudulent addresses. Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to enhance their deception tactics, making these scams more sophisticated and harder to detect.
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FOX31 Denver
· 2024-10-31
Halloween spending reached a record $12.2 billion last year, but experts warn consumers to beware of scams including fake sweepstakes texts and deceptive giveaways that trick people into sharing personal information. When purchasing costumes, consumers should buy from reputable retailers that verify products meet safety standards and are non-flammable, and should check tags for material listings to avoid allergen exposure, particularly latex allergies.
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NBC10 Boston
· 2024-11-01
During Medicare open enrollment season, scammers impersonate Medicare representatives and insurance agents to trick people into revealing personal information such as Social Security numbers, banking details, and Medicare ID numbers through unsolicited calls, texts, and phishing emails. The BBB has received frequent reports of these fraudulent schemes, which target millions of people seeking insurance plans and can result in identity theft or sale of personal data on the black market. Consumers should verify contacts by hanging up and calling official numbers directly, be wary of anyone offering limited-time enrollment offers, and avoid sharing personal information with unsolicited callers.
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WWLTV
· 2024-11-03
Lafourche Parish authorities reported a record number of cryptocurrency ATM scams, with over 160 residents defrauded of nearly $1.6 million in a single year. Scammers impersonated law enforcement officers, falsely claiming victims had active fines or warrants, then pressured them to withdraw cash and deposit it into cryptocurrency ATMs. Sheriff Craig Weber emphasized that legitimate government agencies never accept cryptocurrency as payment and urged residents to report suspected scams to his office.
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FTCvideos
· 2024-11-04
Tech support scammer pop-ups are impostor scams designed to trick victims into calling fake support numbers. Scammers use these deceptive alerts to gain remote access to devices and steal personal information and money from victims. The FTC advises consumers to recognize these pop-ups as fraudulent and avoid calling any numbers displayed on suspicious alerts.
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WIRED
· 2024-11-05
This WIRED article features "Scammer Payback," a YouTube scam-baiting channel, answering audience questions about common fraud tactics and red flags. The content identifies three major warning signs of scams: scammers pressuring victims to make quick decisions (especially involving gift cards or Cash App transfers), requests for remote access to computers or phones, and demands for untraceable payment methods like Bitcoin or wire transfers. The educational piece emphasizes that time pressure is a deliberate tactic scammers use to prevent victims from consulting family members or others who might intervene.
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FOX 2 St. Louis
· 2024-11-07
**Summary:**
Scammers target veterans by impersonating government representatives and fraudulently offering loan forgiveness, mortgage aid, or grants in exchange for upfront processing fees. Veterans and their spouses experience higher median losses to scams than average consumers, particularly through employment scams that exploit frequent military relocations. The BBB advises veterans to never pay upfront for loans or grants, never share personal information with unsolicited callers, and remember that the government communicates via mail only—never by phone, email, or social media.
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4 News Now
· 2024-11-10
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) warned the public about a phone scam in which fraudsters impersonate CBP and Border Patrol agents to solicit personal information from victims nationwide. The CBP advises that legitimate federal agencies do not request money or personal information over the phone, and recipients should hang up on any such calls.
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CTV News
· 2024-11-12
A Brampton woman lost $230,000 in a Facebook romance scam after being contacted by a man who built a relationship with her over a year, eventually convincing her to send money by claiming he needed funds while working in Texas and expecting a large payment. Romance scams cost Canadians over $52 million in losses last year, with scammers using social media platforms to establish trust before requesting money from victims.
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Hawaii News Now
· 2024-11-13
State officials warned of a real estate scam in which fraudsters sent letters impersonating government entities to individuals and businesses, using false information to solicit investments in non-existent properties. The scammers also impersonated actor Jason Momoa to obtain funds, prompting the actor to publicly deny any association with the schemes. The state's consumer protection agency urged the public to report suspected scams by calling 808-587-4272.
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WREG News Channel 3
· 2024-11-13
Three Nigerian men in their 40s were sentenced to federal prison for orchestrating romance and investment scams that targeted victims across America from 2017 to 2021, including a Western Tennessee resident who lost $400,000. The perpetrators used fake identities on social media and dating sites, posing as romantic partners and repeatedly requesting emergency financial assistance from victims. Law enforcement urges scam victims to report incidents to police, as victims of romance scams often face additional risks including identity theft when they unknowingly share personal information with fraudsters.
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moneycontrol
· 2024-11-16
**Cybercrime Risk During Diwali Shopping Season**
India's National Crime Record Bureau reported over 1.1 million cyber fraud cases last year, with incidents rising significantly during high-spending periods like Diwali, particularly targeting elderly individuals. Common scams include customer support fraud (using screen-sharing apps to hijack mobile devices), virtual arrest scams (impersonating law enforcement to extort payments), and Aadhaar-enabled payment system fraud. To protect oneself, stay vigilant during shopping seasons, verify legitimacy of support contacts independently, avoid sharing remote access to devices, and be skeptical of unsolicited law enforcement threats.
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FOX43 News
· 2024-11-21
Fox 43's consumer awareness segment examines how much personal information is publicly available online and discusses whether consumers should pay companies to reduce their digital footprint. Cybersecurity experts advise monitoring your own online presence by searching your name and using tools like ChatGPT to identify what information exists about you, noting that significant personal data is sold behind the scenes and impacts daily life.
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First Alert 6
· 2024-11-21
This educational segment highlights that older adults face increased financial scam risks during the holiday season because they typically have savings, home equity, and good credit—making them attractive targets—while also experiencing social isolation and loneliness that scammers exploit. Three common holiday scams targeting seniors include charity fraud, where scammers impersonate legitimate organizations soliciting donations via calls, emails, or texts.
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News 4 Tucson KVOA-TV
· 2024-11-23
The Pima County Sheriff's Department warns of a "family emergency scam" targeting residents, in which scammers call claiming a family member has been kidnapped or injured and demands money be sent immediately without contacting authorities. Scammers use AI technology to synthesize victims' family members' voices by harvesting audio from social media platforms, and often call at odd hours to catch victims off-guard. Authorities recommend verifying callers by independently contacting family members directly from your phone rather than using the number provided by the caller.
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Atlanta News First
· 2024-11-27
This educational piece advises consumers on avoiding online shopping scams during the holiday season, particularly on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Key recommendations include using credit cards rather than debit cards or payment apps (Venmo, Zelle, PayPal linked to bank accounts) for online purchases, as debit transactions offer no fraud protection if merchandise is not received. The article warns of red flags such as steep discounts, unfamiliar retailers, social media influencer sales, and fraudulent ads offering fake beauty products and counterfeit gifts.
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FOX31 Denver
· 2024-11-27
A Denver man lost thousands of dollars after scammers gained access to his Venmo account by using a phishing email to change his password, exploiting his recent grief over his father's death. The hackers transferred funds from his linked checking account before he regained access, and while PayPal later confirmed the breach and pledged to make things right, the incident highlights vulnerabilities across cash transfer apps including Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App. Experts recommend users enable two-factor authentication, transfer money to bank accounts promptly, change passwords regularly, and remain vigilant against common scams like "paid by mistake" schemes and pyramid schemes on these platforms.
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CityNews
· 2024-11-28
Edmonton Police reported four e-transfer scam incidents in November resulting in over $6,700 in losses, primarily targeting buyers on online marketplaces like Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace. From January to August, the police received more than 600 e-transfer scam reports totaling $10.8 million, with scammers using increasingly sophisticated fake websites and pop-ups to trick victims into sending payments.
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Inside Edition
· 2024-12-01
Virgin Media2, a London-based company, deployed an AI-generated answering machine named "Daisy" that mimics an elderly woman to waste scammers' time and gather information about their tactics. Since launch approximately one month prior, Daisy has intercepted about 1,000 robocalls, with the longest call lasting 40 minutes, and is designed to keep potential fraudsters on the line as long as possible to discourage future scam attempts.
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Good Morning Britain
· 2024-12-02
Television personality Linda Robson nearly fell victim to the "Hi Mum" scam when a fraudster impersonating her daughter Bobby contacted her via WhatsApp, claiming to have dropped her phone and requesting £150 for bills. Robson became suspicious when the scammer couldn't answer her call and provided incorrect information about her dog's name, ultimately avoiding financial loss. The incident highlights that approximately 40% of British adults have been targeted by scams in the past year, prompting Robson to work with BT and charity AB Ability Net to raise awareness about this common fraud tactic.
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WFAA
· 2024-12-08
Plano Police warned residents about an impersonation scam in which scammers spoofed the police department's phone number and claimed to be Sergeant James Babb, requesting Bitcoin or gift cards from callers. At least one victim lost $10,000 to the scheme. Police emphasized that legitimate officers never solicit money by phone and advised residents to hang up and call the department directly to verify any suspicious calls.
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Inside Edition
· 2024-12-11
A Miami doctor's photos were stolen and used in a "pig butchering" romance scam to fraudulently lure wealthy single men on dating sites, resulting in victims losing hundreds of thousands of dollars. The doctor discovered the identity theft when strangers began sending flowers to her workplace and showing up in person, prompting her to publicly warn others on social media about the sophisticated scheme.
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FOX 5 New York
· 2024-12-13
Amazon Prime customers are being targeted by increasingly sophisticated lookalike scams during the holiday season, with scammers impersonating Amazon through text messages and emails that are difficult to distinguish from legitimate communications. Over 1,000 Amazon scam sites were registered in just two months, and cybersecurity experts report that one in five adults are clicking on these fraudulent messages. Consumers are advised to be cautious of unsolicited Amazon communications and delete suspicious messages immediately.
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KHON2 News
· 2024-12-18
The Better Business Bureau identified 12 common holiday scams, with misleading social media ads and imposter websites being the most prevalent. The list includes phishing emails, fake charities, puppy scams, unsafe holiday apps, and counterfeit product sales. To protect themselves, consumers should avoid interacting with unsolicited messages, only shop from trusted businesses, verify website authenticity, report scams to the BBB and financial institutions, and contact local law enforcement if money is lost.