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in Tech Support Scams
yahoo.com
· 2026-02-24
A St. Louis-based elder fraud ring that operated internationally has been dismantled, with five people pleading guilty including 23-year-old Dariona Lambert, who served as a "courier" picking up victims' life savings converted to gold bars. The scheme typically began with fake computer tech support pop-ups warning of compromised accounts, followed by persistent psychological manipulation to convince elderly victims to withdraw their savings. To protect yourself, ignore unsolicited pop-up warnings about compromised accounts, hang up on unexpected tech support calls, and question any requests for large cash withdrawals or unusual deliveries—legitimate companies never ask you to convert money to gold bars or meet strangers for cash pickups.
aol.com
· 2026-02-24
A major fraud ring operating in Texas stole at least $55 million from elderly victims by impersonating federal agents and threatening them with arrest to coerce them into surrendering gold, cash, and cryptocurrency. The scheme is part of a growing crisis of elder fraud, with Americans over 60 accounting for 36% of all fraud reports and losing nearly $2.4 billion to scams in 2024 alone. To protect yourself and elderly relatives, remain skeptical of unsolicited calls or messages from officials making threats, remember that legitimate authorities won't demand payment by gift card or wire transfer, and verify any official claims by contacting the agency directly using a number from their official website.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-24
# Fraud Summary
A Texas crime ring stole at least $55 million from elderly victims by impersonating federal agents and threatening them into surrendering gold, cash, and cryptocurrency. The FTC reports that fraud targeting seniors has surged, with people over 60 accounting for 36% of all fraud reports in 2024 and losing approximately $2.4 billion to scams. To protect yourself and older relatives, be wary of unsolicited calls or messages from people claiming to be government officials, especially those creating urgency or threatening arrest—legitimate authorities will never demand immediate payment or asset transfers over the phone.
techlicious.com
· 2026-02-24
Hackers are sending fake invitation emails that trick users into downloading malicious software disguised as Windows installer files, which secretly installs remote access tools that give attackers complete control over your computer. The scam is particularly dangerous because it uses legitimate software that antivirus programs often don't flag as suspicious, making it hard to detect until it's too late. If you receive unexpected email invitations asking you to download files—especially .MSI files—be cautious and verify directly with the sender through another communication method before downloading anything.
digitaljournal.com
· 2026-02-24
# Article Summary
Plastic card fraud is the most common identity theft scam in the UK, affecting over 94,000 victims in 2024 and accounting for more than one-third of all identity theft cases, with phone companies experiencing a dramatic 72.72% surge in fraud attempts. Bank account fraud came in second place with nearly 58,000 cases, while online shopping fraud declined significantly by 25.41%, suggesting that improved security measures in some sectors are working. To protect themselves, consumers should monitor their credit and debit cards regularly for unauthorized charges, use strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and consider freezing their credit if they suspect fraud.
thehill.com
· 2026-02-23
The European Commission is investigating major tech companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft for failing to prevent financial scams on their platforms, as online fraud losses reached $12.5-$16.6 billion in the U.S. in 2024. The article warns that while regulatory action targeting large platforms is a step forward, it may not adequately address rapidly evolving fraud tactics like deepfakes and voice cloning, which are increasingly being used to deceive consumers. To protect yourself, be cautious of unfamiliar banking apps and hotel listings, verify unexpected communications through official channels, and remain skeptical of urgent financial requests—especially those involving voices or videos you haven't independently confirmed.
travelandtourworld.com
· 2026-02-23
In 2025, Americans lost $1.3 billion to increasingly sophisticated AI-powered romance scams that use realistic fake profiles and personalized messages to build emotional connections before requesting money or personal information. Unlike older scams with obvious red flags like poor grammar and blurry photos, these AI bots are designed to mirror victims' interests and preferences, making them difficult to distinguish from real people. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of online romantic connections that develop quickly, be wary of requests for money or personal data, and verify profiles through video calls or other means before investing emotionally.
the-independent.com
· 2026-02-23
Colombian scammers set up a fake courtroom and law firm to defraud Spanish-speaking immigrants, including asylum seekers, out of tens of thousands of dollars by impersonating judges, attorneys, and federal officers. At least dozens of victims were affected, with at least one person deported after missing their real court hearings to attend the fraudulent proceedings. To protect yourself, verify any court appearance or legal representation directly with official government websites or by calling your local immigration court, never rely solely on information from unsolicited contacts, and seek help from legitimate legal aid organizations if you cannot afford an attorney.
mocoshow.com
· 2026-02-22
# Fraud Alert Summary
International call centers operating from India defrauded hundreds of Americans out of nearly $49 million since 2022 through government impersonation and tech support scams, with Maryland residents losing over $6 million. Law enforcement in Maryland and India dismantled the operations and arrested multiple perpetrators, though authorities warn the scams continue to target vulnerable people, particularly seniors. To protect yourself, authorities advise being skeptical of unsolicited calls, texts, or pop-ups demanding urgent payment, and remember that legitimate government agencies will never call demanding money or threatening arrest.
techbullion.com
· 2026-02-22
# Article Summary
A "pig butchering" scam is a sophisticated fraud where criminals build false trust with victims over weeks or months before stealing their cryptocurrency. Victims who discover they've been scammed should immediately stop communicating with the perpetrator, preserve all evidence (screenshots of messages, profiles, and transactions), and report the theft to authorities and recovery services like Pro Crypto Recovery—while being cautious of recovery scams themselves. The key advice is to treat your phone and computer as a crime scene, gather documentation of all communications and blockchain transactions, and resist the urge to respond to scammers, as alerting them could cause them to destroy evidence.
cbsnews.com
· 2026-02-21
# Fraud Awareness Summary
The Boulder County Sheriff's Office launched a new training program to help people recognize and avoid fraud scams, after Sheriff's Victim Advocate Stephen Conley witnessed fraud impact his own family members through grandparent and tech support scams. The program, targeting seniors and the general public, teaches people to recognize warning signs like urgency, requests for secrecy, password demands, and money transfers—using the acronym SUPER as a memory tool. The key advice is to slow down when contacted with urgent demands, pause before acting, talk to someone you trust, and ask yourself "Could this be a scam?" before sending money or personal information.
fox44news.com
· 2026-02-21
The Brenham Police Department is warning about multiple scams targeting elderly residents, including impersonation calls from government agencies, fake tech support, romance scams, and fake lottery winnings. Red flags include pressure to act quickly, requests for gift cards or wire transfers, demands for personal information, and instructions to keep the matter secret. To protect yourself, slow down before acting, never share personal details over the phone or online, verify requests by calling organizations directly, and consult with family or trusted friends before sending money—and report suspected scams to local police, Adult Protective Services, or the FTC.
bankinfosecurity.com
· 2026-02-21
Cambodia shut down approximately 190 online scam centers and arrested 11,000 foreign nationals in a major crackdown on transnational fraud operations that were running romance and investment scams on a massive scale, generating tens of billions of dollars annually for criminal gangs. The scam centers, which primarily operated in Phnom Penh and southern Cambodia, exploited trafficked and forced workers to defraud victims, with prominent targets including Chen Zhi, founder of Prince Holding Group, who was indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice for overseeing multiple compounds since 2015. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited romantic or investment opportunities online, verify the legitimacy of financial institutions directly through official channels, and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.
koco.com
· 2026-02-20
# Gold Scams Costing Americans Hundreds of Millions
Scammers are exploiting Americans' trust in gold as a safe investment through "gold courier" schemes that have resulted in over $262 million in losses nationwide between January and October 2025. The scam typically begins with a fraudulent phone call, email, or pop-up claiming to be from your bank or a federal agency (FBI, IRS, or FTC), warning that your accounts have been compromised and urging you to immediately withdraw cash to purchase gold bars or coins. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited urgent demands to buy gold, verify any claims by contacting your bank directly using a number from their official website, and remember that legitimate government agencies will never ask you to purchase gold to protect your money.
wbal.com
· 2026-02-20
# Gold Scam Summary
Scammers are exploiting Americans' trust in gold as a safe investment through "gold courier" scams that have cost victims over $262 million nationwide in just the first ten months of 2025. The scheme typically begins with a fraudulent call or message impersonating banks or federal agencies like the FBI or IRS, claiming your accounts are compromised and pressuring you to withdraw cash and buy gold bars or coins. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited urgent messages about account security, verify caller identities by contacting institutions directly (not using numbers they provide), and remember that legitimate agencies won't ask you to buy gold or wire cash to protect your money.
kcrg.com
· 2026-02-20
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird is warning residents about a surge in fraud and scams, with the state's Consumer Protection Division receiving over 4,000 complaints in 2025—the second consecutive year of increases. The most common scams include auto-related fraud (783 complaints), imposter scams like fake job offers and IRS schemes (398 complaints), and internet-related issues such as hacked accounts and phishing (319 complaints), along with complaints about home improvement, housing, and personal services. Consumers are advised to be cautious when dealing with auto repairs and sales, job offers from unknown sources, and unsolicited contact from government agencies, while verifying contractor credentials before hiring and protecting their online accounts with strong passwords.
techflowpost.com
· 2026-02-20
A 31-year-old Chinese national named Liao Fei was sentenced to 40 months in prison for laundering millions of dollars from cryptocurrency investment scams, particularly "pig-butchering" schemes where fraudsters gain victims' trust on social media before tricking them into fake crypto investments. Victims lost millions of dollars in these scams, and Liao Fei was ordered to forfeit $2.3 million and pay $2.8 million in restitution. To protect yourself, be wary of investment opportunities promoted by strangers on social media, avoid sending money to unknown individuals or companies, and verify investment opportunities through official regulatory channels before committing funds.
metropolisplanet.com
· 2026-02-19
Romance scams cost Americans over $672 million in 2024, with adults aged 60 and older losing nearly $390 million to criminals who build fake online relationships and eventually request money. According to cybersecurity expert Zach Lewis, scammers use grooming tactics, talk about marriage and destiny early on, and then gradually request money through various emergencies or fabricated crises. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly escalate to marriage talk, verify identities before sending money, and be especially vigilant if you're an older adult—the primary target of these schemes.
fintechnews.ph
· 2026-02-19
Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has warned Filipinos about a surge in online romance scams, particularly during Valentine's season, where scammers use fake photos and fabricated stories on dating apps and social media to build trust before requesting money, while also operating fake gift websites that mimic legitimate retailers to steal payment information. The scams have become more sophisticated by combining social engineering tactics with technical tools, and exploit people's desire for connection during the holidays. To protect themselves, Filipinos should verify website URLs before purchasing, never send money to people they haven't met in person, be suspicious of requests to move conversations off dating platforms, and use strong passwords with multi-factor authentication.
newsday.com
· 2026-02-19
"Pig butchering" scams are sophisticated fraud schemes where criminals build trust with victims through fake personal or romantic relationships before convincing them to invest money in fraudulent schemes, often resulting in devastating financial losses. New York's Attorney General is warning residents about these scams, which have caused nearly $75 billion in global losses between 2020 and 2024 and can target anyone, not just seniors. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited contact from strangers on social media or dating apps, especially those who quickly suggest financial opportunities, and contact authorities if you suspect you've been targeted.
foxnews.com
· 2026-02-19
# Tax Scam Summary
Scammers are launching fake IRS tax scams starting in January, sending fraudulent emails and text messages that mimic legitimate IRS communications to steal personal information like Social Security numbers and banking details. These attacks target Americans waiting for tax refunds and use stolen personal data from breaches and public records to make the scams appear authentic. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited IRS messages—the real IRS typically initiates contact by mail—verify any claims directly through the official IRS website, and never click links or download attachments from unexpected tax-related emails.
shu.edu
· 2026-02-19
# Toll Charge Text Message Scam Summary
Cybercriminals are targeting drivers nationwide with fake text messages claiming unpaid toll balances, creating urgency to trick recipients into clicking malicious links that lead to fraudulent websites mimicking legitimate toll agencies. Victims who click these links are prompted to enter credit card and personal information, putting them at risk of identity theft, unauthorized transactions, and long-term financial damage. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited toll payment texts, verify suspicious messages by contacting your toll agency directly through official channels, and remember that legitimate agencies send invoices by mail or through secure account portals—never via urgent text message demands.
lifehealth.com
· 2026-02-18
# Tax Season Scam Alert Summary
During tax season, scammers are targeting both individual taxpayers and businesses with increasingly sophisticated schemes including fake social media tax advice, romance scams, phishing emails, cryptocurrency "pig butchering" schemes, and scams targeting tax professionals. Frost Law urges people to verify tax information only through official sources like the IRS, Federal Trade Commission, and local law enforcement, and to be especially cautious of unsolicited communications asking for money or personal information. If you become a victim, seek help from legal professionals or report the scam to official government agencies rather than handling it alone.
evrimagaci.org
· 2026-02-18
In February 2026, cybercriminals launched a sophisticated global wave of scams combining phishing emails, text messages, and traditional mail to steal sensitive information from individuals and businesses. A particularly alarming campaign weaponized the XWorm Remote Access Trojan through deceptive emails mimicking purchase orders or shipments, which tricked users into opening malicious Excel files that exploited a decade-old Microsoft vulnerability to give attackers complete control of victims' computers. To protect yourself, experts urge vigilance by being skeptical of unexpected emails requesting file downloads, keeping software updated, and using multi-factor authentication on important accounts.
thetimes.com
· 2026-02-18
"Pig-butchering" romance scams are costing Americans over $1 billion annually, with scammers creating fake online dating profiles to build emotional trust with victims before asking them to invest money or provide personal financial information. Beth Hyland, a 53-year-old Michigan woman, fell victim to one such scam when she matched with a fake profile on Tinder and developed what she thought was a romantic relationship with someone claiming to be a construction manager. To protect yourself, be cautious of online dating matches who quickly profess feelings, avoid sharing financial information with people you've only met online, and verify profiles through reverse image searches or video calls before developing emotional or financial ties.
phys.org
· 2026-02-17
Romance scams are increasingly prevalent on dating apps like Tinder and Bumble, as well as social media and gaming platforms, where fraudsters build fake relationships to exploit victims financially. While there's no evidence that Valentine's Day specifically triggers more scams, romance fraud increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic when people sought emotional connection online. To protect yourself, be cautious of anyone quickly asking for money, verify profiles through reverse image searches, avoid sharing personal financial information early, and be skeptical of individuals who seem too perfect or rush emotional intimacy.
decripto.org
· 2026-02-17
A 20-year prison sentence was handed down to Daren Li for operating an international money laundering network that laundered $74 million through "pig butchering" crypto scams, a widespread fraud scheme where scammers pose as investment experts on messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to build trust with victims before directing them to fake trading platforms that falsely show profits. Li fled before his sentencing in December 2024 and remains a fugitive, highlighting the global nature of this crime. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment advice from strangers on social media, verify that trading platforms are legitimate through official channels, and never deposit money based on promises of guaranteed returns.
wgal.com
· 2026-02-17
Scammers are using fake warning messages on computers and smartphones that impersonate Apple to trick people into calling fraudulent "tech support" numbers, where they gain remote access to steal personal and financial information. If you fall victim and grant them access, these criminals can encrypt your files with ransomware and demand payment to unlock them. To protect yourself, ignore any unexpected pop-up warnings claiming to be from Apple or other companies, and never call numbers provided in these messages—instead, contact the company directly using the official number on their website.
foxnews.com
· 2026-02-17
A malicious browser extension called NexShield, disguised as a legitimate ad blocker, deliberately crashes Chrome and Edge browsers to trick users into running dangerous commands that infect their computers. The scam falsely claimed to be from the creator of the popular uBlock Origin extension and was promoted through ads before being removed from the Chrome Web Store. To protect yourself, only download extensions from official sources, be skeptical of pop-ups claiming security problems, and never copy-paste commands into your command prompt without verifying their legitimacy.
gulfcoastnewsnow.com
· 2026-02-17
# Email Scam Summary
Millions of people lose billions of dollars annually to email scams, which have evolved from simple spam to sophisticated phishing attempts that impersonate legitimate companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google to steal passwords and financial information. John Joyce, a technology consultant, warns that scammers now use AI-improved grammar and official-looking logos to make fraudulent emails appear authentic, exploiting the fact that people receive over 120 emails daily and may click carelessly. To protect yourself, Joyce recommends updating software regularly, pausing before clicking links, being skeptical of all messages—especially unsolicited offers—and remembering that legitimate riches never come through email.
wired.com
· 2026-02-16
Google's new AI Overviews feature, which synthesizes web information into automated summaries, is being exploited by scammers who plant fake customer service numbers online that the AI then prominently displays to users. When people search for legitimate company contact information and call the fraudulent numbers from the AI results, they reach scammers impersonating those companies who attempt to steal payment information and sensitive data. To stay safe, users should verify phone numbers through official company websites or apps rather than relying on AI-generated answers, and report any suspicious numbers to both Google and the companies being impersonated.
nbcnews.com
· 2026-02-15
# Romance Scammers Target Home Loans
Romance scammers are increasingly tricking Americans into taking out home equity loans or stealing their personal information to fraudulently obtain these loans, putting victims' homes at risk of foreclosure. The scammers typically build fake romantic relationships online over weeks or months before claiming an emergency and pressuring victims to borrow money against their homes as collateral. To protect yourself, be wary of online romantic interests who quickly ask for money, never share personal financial information with people you've only met online, and verify any loan applications directly with your bank.
foxnews.com
· 2026-02-15
# Zelle Cruise Scam Summary
A woman lost $3,556 and was permanently banned from cruising after a fraudulent "cruise consultant" she found online accepted her Zelle payment but used a stolen credit card to actually book her trip. When the real cardholder disputed the fraudulent charge, the cruise line held Williams responsible for the debt despite her having already paid. To protect yourself, book cruises directly through official cruise line websites or verified travel agencies, avoid paying via wire transfer or Zelle to independent consultants, and never share payment details with unverified third parties—especially when they insist on non-traditional payment methods.
abcnews.go.com
· 2026-02-15
Amazon is warning customers about a surge in holiday scams, including fake order confirmations and phishing websites that trick people into sharing credit card numbers and personal information. The Federal Trade Commission has received over 3 million impersonation scam reports since 2018, resulting in more than $6 billion in consumer losses. To stay safe, customers should verify orders through their official Amazon account rather than clicking links or calling numbers in unsolicited messages, and should be cautious of emotional manipulation tactics used by scammers.
vox.com
· 2026-02-15
Romance scams cost Americans $3 billion last year and are becoming increasingly prevalent, with AI now enabling scammers to run multiple schemes simultaneously by removing language barriers and providing ready-made fake personas and conversation scripts. These "pig-butchering" scams involve fraudsters building trust with victims over time before extracting money, and criminals can now purchase complete scam toolkits on the dark web with AI-generated photos, deepfake videos, and automated translation tools. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic interests who quickly ask for money, verify identities through video calls, and report suspicious activity to authorities rather than sending funds to anyone you haven't met in person.
sfstandard.com
· 2026-02-14
Romance scams in the Bay Area have exploded in 2025, with AI making these schemes faster and harder to detect—Northern California saw losses more than double to $43.3 million, with San Francisco alone experiencing a nearly 900% increase to $6.34 million. Scammers, often operating overseas, use dating apps, social media, and text messages to build trust with lonely or vulnerable victims before draining their savings in schemes known as "pig butchering." The FBI advises people to be cautious about online relationships, verify identities, and check for inconsistencies before sharing personal or financial information, especially with someone you've only met online.
securitymagazine.com
· 2026-02-14
# Valentine's Day Romance Scam Summary
Over 630,000 organized cybercriminals are running industrial-scale romance scams targeting millions of Americans on dating apps, with U.S. losses exceeding $1.3 billion annually and individual victims losing an average of $10,000 to $50,000 (often their entire life savings). Unlike the small-time catfishers of the past, these are professional operations with shift workers, quotas, and specialized roles that use fake personas, cryptocurrency exchanges, and VPNs to launder stolen money. To protect yourself, be cautious of anyone you meet online who quickly professes affection, asks for money or financial information, or avoids video calls—and report suspected scams to the FTC and your dating app platform.
baynews9.com
· 2026-02-14
# Romance Scams Summary
Americans lose over $1 billion annually to romance scams, where fraudsters build trust with victims online and manipulate them into sending money, often by steering them toward fake investment platforms. The scams are becoming harder to detect due to AI-generated deepfakes that make scammers appear more authentic, and victims—even tech-savvy ones—often lose their life savings by maxing out credit cards. Lawmakers are pushing protective measures like the bipartisan Romance Scam Prevention Act, which would require dating platforms to warn users about profiles later identified as fraudulent.
aol.com
· 2026-02-14
# Scams Targeting Older Adults
Elder fraud is a growing problem, with individuals aged 60 and over losing $3.4 billion in 2023—an 11% increase from the previous year—with an average loss of $33,915 per victim. The most common scams targeting older adults include tech support scams (fake calls claiming to be from Microsoft or Apple), personal data breaches, romance scams, and investment fraud, with scammers typically initiating contact through calls, emails, or texts before requesting money or access to devices. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact from companies or strangers, never give remote access to your devices or personal information to callers you didn't initiate contact with, verify any claims by contacting companies directly using official phone numbers, and report suspicious activity to the FBI or local authorities.
spectrumlocalnews.com
· 2026-02-14
Americans are losing over $1 billion annually to romance scams, where fraudsters build fake emotional connections online to manipulate victims into sending money or investing in fake platforms, often using deepfakes and AI to appear more authentic. The scams affect people across all tech-savviness levels, with victims frequently maxing out credit cards and losing their life savings. To protect yourself, be wary of new online romantic interests who quickly suggest investments or ask for money, and lawmakers are now pushing dating platforms to alert users about profiles banned for fraud.
thehill.com
· 2026-02-13
# Romance Scams Spike Ahead of Valentine's Day
The FBI is warning of a sharp rise in romance scams as people increasingly use dating apps and social media to find love, with scammers creating fake profiles to manipulate victims into sending money or personal information—sometimes using AI-generated photos and videos to appear more convincing. A particularly dangerous variant called "pig butchering" lures victims into fraudulent cryptocurrency trading schemes that can result in substantial financial losses, with romance scams costing Americans an estimated $10 billion annually. To protect yourself, the FBI advises maintaining healthy skepticism when meeting people online, being especially wary of anyone who quickly claims to have lucrative investment opportunities, and never sending money or sharing sensitive information with people you haven't met in person.
wamc.org
· 2026-02-13
# Fraud Prevention Summary
Millions of Americans fall victim to fraud each year, with elderly citizens particularly vulnerable to scams including romance schemes, tech support fraud, grandparent scams, and government impersonation plots. New York State Police Investigator Kurt Strassberger highlighted that common fraud tactics also include money mule schemes, cryptocurrency investment fraud, and business email compromise attacks. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited contact offering financial opportunities or tech support, verify requests through official channels before sharing personal information, and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or the FBI.
foxnews.com
· 2026-02-12
# Valentine's Day Romance Scam Summary
Romance scams peak around Valentine's Day and have become increasingly sophisticated, using artificial intelligence, stolen personal data, and AI-generated profiles to target vulnerable populations like widowed, divorced, or older adults returning to online dating. Modern scammers no longer rely on simple tactics but instead use AI to create convincing fake identities, impersonate real people, generate deepfake videos, and even build elaborate fake social networks to build trust before requesting money. To protect yourself, be cautious of new online connections asking for money, verify profiles through reverse image searches, watch for inconsistencies in stories, and avoid sharing personal information early in relationships.
fox2detroit.com
· 2026-02-12
# Romance Scams Summary
Romance scams are surging online, with over 65,000 reported cases in 2024 resulting in $1.1 billion in losses, though actual numbers are likely much higher due to victim embarrassment. Scammers use manipulation techniques like "love bombing" and "mirroring"—pretending to share victims' interests and values to build fake intimacy—before pressuring them for money, with some victims losing over $1 million. To protect yourself, be cautious about moving conversations off dating platforms quickly, never share personal financial information with people you haven't met in person, and watch for red flags like rapid declarations of love or requests for money.
6abc.com
· 2026-02-12
As Valentine's Day approaches, cybersecurity experts warn that romance scams are spiking, with criminals building fake emotional connections with victims before requesting money for fabricated emergencies like medical crises or military-related expenses. People should watch for red flags such as scammers avoiding video calls, pressuring conversations to private messaging apps, or quickly asking for money, and they should never send funds to someone they haven't met in person. Experts advise stepping back and consulting trusted friends if someone requests money, and applying the same skepticism to suspicious online shopping deals that seem too good to be true.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-12
# Romance Scams on Dating Apps and Social Media
Scammers are increasingly targeting people through dating apps and social media by building fake relationships and manipulating victims into sending money for fabricated emergencies, travel, or investment opportunities—often using realistic AI-generated photos and videos. The Federal Trade Commission reported $12.5 billion in losses from investment-related scams in 2024, with romance scams ranking among the most serious threats nationwide, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. To protect yourself, be wary of online contacts who rush relationships, request money for emergencies, lack a verifiable digital presence, and consider using reverse image searches to verify profiles before sharing personal or financial information.
therecord.media
· 2026-02-11
A Chinese cryptocurrency scammer named Daren Li was sentenced to 20 years in prison by a U.S. federal court for laundering $73.6 million stolen from Americans through "pig butchering" romance and investment scams orchestrated from Cambodia, though he fled the country by cutting off his ankle monitor before the sentencing could be carried out in person. The scam operation involved criminals posing as romantic interests or investment advisors to trick victims into sending money that was then funneled through shell companies. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited romantic connections online or unsolicited investment opportunities, especially from people you've never met in person, and verify any investment opportunities through official channels before sending money.
foxnews.com
· 2026-02-11
# Scam Alert Summary
Scammers are sending fake "Microsoft Important Mail" emails designed to look official and urgent, claiming your email access will be suspended to pressure you into clicking a malicious link. The email contains multiple red flags including a generic greeting ("Dear User"), a free AOL email address posing as Microsoft, artificial urgency with a deadline, and suspicious attachments—none of which legitimate Microsoft communications would include. To protect yourself, slow down and scrutinize unexpected security warnings, verify sender addresses match official company domains, and never click links in unsolicited emails; instead, log into your account directly through the official website.
abc7ny.com
· 2026-02-11
# Romance Scam Summary
Sophisticated romance scams are targeting dating app users, with one in four Americans reporting encounters with fake profiles or AI-generated bots in the past year. Scammers use stolen photos to build trust, then persuade victims to invest in cryptocurrency by showing fake profits and official-looking statements—two victims lost nearly $1 million and $80,000 respectively before realizing the accounts were frozen. To protect yourself, be wary of new matches who quickly pivot conversations to investment opportunities, verify profiles through reverse image searches, and never invest money with someone you've only met online.
abc11.com
· 2026-02-11
# Romance Scams Surge Ahead of Valentine's Day
Romance scammers are increasingly targeting people searching for love online, using AI technology to create highly personalized messages and building trust over months or even years before requesting money disguised as emergencies or investments. People should be wary of online matches who avoid meeting in person, claim to be overseas or military-based, rush emotional commitments, or ask for money for any reason. The safest approach is to never send money to someone you've only met online, and to verify identities through video calls before developing deeper relationships.