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Search across 26,669 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
news.bitcoin.com
· 2026-05-24
Eight suspects involved in an international cryptocurrency fraud and human trafficking ring fled Namibia and returned to China, prompting authorities to revoke their bail and involve Interpol in the search. The syndicate operated a "pig butchering scam" between December 2022 and October 2023, using fake social media profiles to lure victims into romantic relationships before manipulating them into sending cryptocurrency—stealing an estimated $267,800 globally. To protect yourself, be cautious of romantic connections made online, especially those who quickly ask for money or direct you to unfamiliar investment platforms, and verify the identities of people you meet digitally before any financial transactions.
straitstimes.com
· 2026-05-23
Thai police arrested six Nigerian nationals in Bangkok for operating a romance-scam network that used fake online profiles and AI-generated images to trick victims into sending money. Officers seized phones, computers, and documents containing scam scripts during a raid on a luxury condominium, with the suspects also facing charges for visa overstays ranging from two to over four years. To protect yourself, be cautious of online dating profiles that move quickly to financial requests, verify identities through video calls, and never send money to people you haven't met in person.
thestar.com.my
· 2026-05-23
Thai police arrested six Nigerian nationals in a luxury Bangkok condominium for operating romance scams that targeted victims by creating fake online profiles of attractive professionals and convincing them to send money. The operation seized phones, computers, and banking documents containing scam scripts and AI-generated images, with further charges expected as police coordinate with victims across multiple cases. To protect yourself, be cautious of online dating profiles claiming to be successful professionals like doctors or pilots who quickly ask for financial assistance, verify identities through video calls, and never send money to people you've only met online.
gazettengr.com
· 2026-05-23
A 24-year-old Nigerian man named Chinedu Theophilus Ezike was arrested in Thailand for running a romance scam targeting vulnerable women, posing as a wealthy Nigerian prince to trick them into sending money. Police recovered 40 phones, 10 ATM cards with different names, and other evidence from his apartment, and he's suspected to be connected to at least 20 additional cases alongside a Thai woman believed to be his wife. The case highlights the prevalence of romance scams in the region—victims should be cautious of online suitors claiming to be wealthy, verify identities through video calls, and never send money to people they haven't met in person.
patch.com
· 2026-05-23
An elderly couple in California, Don and Karen Whitaker, were found dead in what authorities believe was a murder-suicide after Karen fell victim to a romance scam where a fraudster impersonating actor Tom Selleck convinced her to send thousands of dollars. Karen, who was in early stages of dementia, initially met the scammer on Facebook and despite warnings from family and friends, continued sending money as the scam escalated from $80 donations to much larger sums. To protect yourself from similar scams, be especially vigilant with elderly relatives—verify requests for money through independent channels, be skeptical of celebrity contact on social media, and report suspicious activity to authorities immediately.
indianexpress.com
· 2026-05-23
The FBI shut down a call center operation in India that defrauded hundreds of elderly Americans and people in other countries out of millions of dollars through tech support scams. Two senior executives of a telecommunications company that enabled these operations—former CEO Adam Young and former CSO Harrison Gevirtz—pleaded guilty to knowingly profiting from the scammers and face sentencing in June 2026. Seniors should be cautious of unsolicited tech support calls, verify requests through official company channels, and report suspicious activity to authorities, as the FBI emphasizes protecting vulnerable populations from these predatory schemes.
english.publictv.in
· 2026-05-23
The FBI shut down a major scam call center operation based in India that defrauded hundreds of elderly Americans out of millions of dollars through fake tech support schemes, with two U.S. executives pleading guilty to knowingly providing telecommunications services to support the fraudulent operation. Elderly Americans were the primary victims, targeted by scammers posing as tech support representatives to steal their money. The FBI urges people to check on elderly loved ones, watch for suspicious activity, and report any suspected scams to law enforcement at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
rafu.com
· 2026-05-23
A Covina couple lost nearly $850,000 in life savings and retirement funds after falling victim to an elaborate FBI impersonation scam that lasted over a year. Scammers used spoofed phone numbers, fake video calls with actors dressed as FBI agents, and intimidation tactics claiming the couple was under investigation to coerce them into converting their savings to cryptocurrency. Experts advise that legitimate law enforcement will never call demanding money or ask you to keep investigations secret, and people should always verify by calling official agency phone numbers directly rather than using contact information provided by callers.
knoxradio.com
· 2026-05-23
Emergency alert systems in the U.S. and Canada are based on outdated assumptions about older adults: while planners long assumed seniors relied on landlines, new federal data shows that roughly 75% of American seniors and 83% of Canadian seniors now primarily use cell phones and the internet. This disconnect means many emergency alerts—which still rely on reverse 911 systems tied to physical addresses—may fail to reach older residents effectively during severe weather or other crises. To stay safe, seniors should ensure their cell phone numbers are registered with local emergency services, opt into mobile alert systems, and verify they can receive emergency notifications on their devices.
dailymail.com
· 2026-05-23
An elderly California couple, Donald and Karen Whitaker (ages 80 and 79), were found dead in their home in an apparent murder-suicide after Karen spent months sending thousands of dollars to an online scammer posing as actor Tom Selleck. Authorities believe this was a case of financial elder abuse that may have contributed to the tragic outcome, though they have not confirmed whether the scammer was directly involved in the deaths. The case underscores the danger of romance and celebrity impersonation scams targeting seniors—people should verify the identity of online contacts independently, never send money to strangers online, and discuss unusual online relationships with trusted family members.
spectrumnews1.com
· 2026-05-23
Federal authorities are warning of an increasingly sophisticated scam where criminals impersonate prosecutors and FBI agents, contacting victims via phone, text, or email and pressuring them to send money or provide personal information by claiming they're involved in a fraud investigation. The scammers use real law enforcement names and details to build credibility and may even spoof phone numbers to appear legitimate. If you receive such contact, do not provide any money or personal information—legitimate federal agencies never request these over the phone—and report the activity to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
spectrumnews1.com
· 2026-05-23
Federal authorities in Ohio are warning the public about an increasing scam where criminals impersonate prosecutors and federal law enforcement officials to pressure victims into sending money or revealing personal information like credit card numbers. The scammers contact people via phone, text, or email, claiming the victim is involved in a fraud investigation, and may use spoofed phone numbers and real official names to appear credible. To protect yourself, never send money or share personal information if someone claiming to be a government official contacts you unexpectedly—legitimate federal agencies never request money or sensitive information this way—and report any such contact to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
welivesecurity.com
· 2026-05-23
Scammers are creating fake FIFA and World Cup websites that mimic official ticket and merchandise platforms to steal money and personal data from eager soccer fans ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America. Victims are finding these fraudulent sites through sponsored search results, social media ads, and deceptive emails, often falling for them because they're impatient about securing tickets before they sell out. To protect yourself, verify you're on the official FIFA website by carefully checking the URL, avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or ads, and use trusted payment methods rather than direct bank transfers.
bendsource.com
· 2026-05-23
Scammers in Bend, Oregon have been impersonating law enforcement officials and calling residents claiming they have unpaid fines or arrest warrants, then demanding payment via Bitcoin ATMs or gift cards—with victims losing thousands of dollars in recent cases. The fraudsters use untraceable internet phone numbers that sometimes spoof legitimate law enforcement numbers and often possess personal information about victims to seem credible. To protect yourself, remember that real law enforcement will never call demanding immediate payment through Bitcoin, gift cards, or wire transfers.
chicagotribune.com
· 2026-05-22
A city employee in Aurora fell victim to a sophisticated phone scam on April 29, when a caller impersonating a bank representative used deceptive tactics to trick them into disclosing sensitive account information, resulting in the theft of nearly $1.1 million from city payroll accounts. The incident is being investigated by city officials, law enforcement, and cybersecurity experts, though there is currently no evidence that the city's network or resident data were compromised. To protect yourself from similar scams, be skeptical of unsolicited calls asking for account information, verify caller identities through official channels, and never share sensitive financial details over the phone even if the caller seems legitimate.
thepointsguy.com
· 2026-05-22
Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated AI technology to impersonate legitimate companies like American Express and target travelers during summer vacation planning, attempting to steal identities, money, and travel rewards points. The article highlights a case where the author received a convincing but ultimately flawed AI-generated call claiming to be from American Express Security, demonstrating how criminals are using technology to make their schemes more believable. To protect yourself, verify unexpected calls by hanging up and calling the official company number directly, be suspicious of AI-generated voices with lag time or pronunciation difficulties, and never confirm personal information or card details during unsolicited calls.
wbaltv.com
· 2026-05-22
A congressional committee is pressuring major telecommunications companies like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile to strengthen their defenses against scams, which cost Americans an estimated $200 billion in 2024. The lawmakers are concerned that consumers can't reliably distinguish legitimate messages from scams and want telecom companies to improve their data collection, monitoring, and enforcement efforts against scammers. While carriers blocked billions of scam texts and calls in 2024, unwanted messages continue to reach consumers in large numbers, prompting Congress to demand better protections beyond previous efforts like the 2019 TRACED Act.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-22
Scammers are sending fake Geek Squad billing emails claiming urgent charges of $489.99 for protection plans you never signed up for, designed to pressure recipients into clicking payment links before they think carefully. Red flags include generic greetings without personalization, a confusing mix of unrelated company names (Geek Squad, Razorpay, QuickTax), and artificial urgency claiming charges within 48 hours. To protect yourself, ignore these emails entirely, verify any billing alerts directly with the company's official website or phone number, and remember that legitimate subscription services don't work through unsolicited payment links or demands.
eset.com
· 2026-05-22
Romance scams cost victims an average of $9,400 in 2025, with scammers using increasingly sophisticated AI tools including deepfake videos, AI-generated photos, and chatbots to impersonate fake profiles on dating apps. Anyone using online dating should watch for red flags such as requests to move conversations off the platform quickly, requests for money, or reluctance to meet in person. Understanding how these scams evolve and using the dating app's built-in safety features are key steps to protecting yourself from romance fraud.
kctv5.com
· 2026-05-22
A courier named Syed M. Makki was sentenced to 15½ years in prison for his role in a nationwide elder fraud scheme that targeted seniors aged 61-80, convincing them to liquidate their savings and retirement accounts to buy gold bars under the false pretense that their money was unsafe. The scammers used malware to place fake Microsoft and government agency phone numbers on victims' computers, impersonating officials to build trust before directing victims to purchase gold and hand it over for "safekeeping." So far, 12 victims have lost more than $6 million to the scheme, and seniors should be wary of unsolicited calls about compromised identities or unsafe bank accounts—especially those pressuring immediate purchases of physical assets like gold.
oakbaynews.com
· 2026-05-22
A new documentary called "Beware Mysterious Mark" tells the true story of an elderly man who loses most of his assets, family relationships, and dignity to a charming newcomer over six to seven years, highlighting the serious problem of elder financial abuse. The documentary, produced by Radio Sidney with support from the New Horizons for Seniors grant, features experts including lawyers, doctors, and psychologists who provide practical advice on protecting seniors through legal safeguards like power of attorney, family transparency, and recognizing signs of predatory relationships. Viewers learn warning signs of elder financial abuse and actionable steps to take if they suspect someone is being exploited, including understanding cognitive vulnerabilities and knowing when to involve authorities.
stratnewsglobal.com
· 2026-05-22
Criminal scam centres from Southeast Asia are relocating to Sri Lanka to exploit the country's relaxed visa policies and weak cybercrime enforcement, with operations hidden in coastal villas and hotel suites targeting vulnerable people through fraud schemes like "pig butchering" and fake cryptocurrency investments. Arrests have already exceeded 50% of 2025's total in just the first three months of 2026, suggesting the problem is rapidly escalating, particularly affecting nationals from countries like India and China who benefit from Sri Lanka's visa-free entry. To protect themselves, people should be extremely cautious about unsolicited investment opportunities, especially those involving cryptocurrency or romantic relationships with strangers online, and should verify any investment offers through official financial regulators before sending money.
wrtv.com
· 2026-05-22
Indiana ranks 8th worst in the nation for scam calls and texts, though overall scam call volume has dropped in recent months as fraudsters shift tactics to use AI for more targeted, personalized attacks rather than mass calling campaigns. Scammers are leveraging artificial intelligence to research victims on social media and craft convincing scripts, while the FTC reports that social media scams—particularly fake job offers and investment schemes—caused the highest financial losses last year. To protect yourself, consider using call-blocking apps like Truecaller (free on Android, paid on iOS) or contacting your wireless carrier about available scam-blocking features.
in.mashable.com
· 2026-05-22
The FBI shut down an Indian call center operation and secured guilty pleas from two U.S. executives who knowingly provided telecommunications services enabling tech support scams that defrauded hundreds of elderly Americans out of millions of dollars. The scammers used fake virus warnings to trick victims into calling overseas centers, where they were charged for fake tech support and had their personal data stolen. Elderly Americans should be cautious of unsolicited pop-up warnings and avoid calling unfamiliar numbers, instead contacting their device manufacturer directly if they suspect a virus.
news.webindia123.com
· 2026-05-22
The FBI shut down a major call center scam operation based in India that defrauded hundreds of elderly Americans out of millions of dollars through tech support fraud schemes. Two U.S. executives—Adam Young and Harrison Gevirtz—pleaded guilty to knowingly providing telecommunications services that enabled these scams, along with five India-based scammers who were convicted. The FBI urges people to check on elderly loved ones, report suspicious activity to law enforcement at 1-800-CALL-FBI, and remain vigilant against senior-targeted scams.
wwnytv.com
· 2026-05-21
A Gouverneur woman offering a $1,000 reward for her lost dog, Toby, became a target for scammers who sent text messages claiming to have the dog and demanding payment via Zelle or Apple Pay before revealing its location. The woman recognized the scams and did not send money, but local law enforcement warns that scammers often exploit people's emotions during vulnerable times. To protect yourself, ignore suspicious payment requests and never send money or gift cards to unknown people claiming to have information about lost pets—instead, contact local authorities directly.
patch.com
· 2026-05-21
A Scotch Plains resident lost $61,000 in a sweepstakes scam after being told they won a prize and asked to send payment to claim it. These scams typically contact victims via phone, email, text, or social media, requesting money, gift cards, or personal information under the false pretense of prize winnings. To protect yourself, remember that legitimate sweepstakes never require upfront payments to claim winnings, and you should avoid sharing personal or financial information with unsolicited contacts.
vicnews.com
· 2026-05-21
A new documentary called "Beware Mysterious Mark," presented by Radio Sidney, tells the true story of an elderly man who loses most of his assets and his family relationships to a manipulative person who gradually gains his trust over several years. The film highlights the serious problem of elder financial abuse and features experts discussing warning signs, protective measures, and legal tools—such as power of attorney safeguards and transparent family communication—that seniors and their families can use to prevent such exploitation. Viewers are urged to watch for signs of chronic loneliness in older adults, maintain open family discussions about finances, and know when and how to report suspected elder abuse to authorities.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-05-21
Over 101,000 seniors age 60 and older fall victim to scams annually, losing nearly $5 billion to increasingly sophisticated fraud tactics including fake government agents, romance scams, and AI voice cloning. New AI-powered smart home systems are emerging as a defense mechanism by monitoring phone calls in real time to detect warning signs like urgency, threats, and emotional manipulation, then automatically alerting family members or emergency responders when suspicious activity is detected. For seniors living alone and their adult children, these integrated monitoring systems offer a proactive alternative to traditional education-based prevention by providing immediate alerts when a potential scam is in progress.
inkl.com
· 2026-05-21
Over 101,000 seniors age 60 and older fall victim to scams annually, losing nearly $5 billion collectively to increasingly sophisticated fraud tactics like fake government calls, romance schemes, and AI voice cloning. New AI-powered monitoring systems are emerging as a defense mechanism, automatically detecting common scam tactics during phone calls and alerting family members or emergency responders in real time. For families concerned about aging parents, these integrated smart systems offer an additional layer of protection beyond traditional education-based prevention methods.
streamlinefeed.co.ke
· 2026-05-21
Nigerian national Samuel Ugberaese has been extradited to the United States to face federal charges for operating a large-scale romance scam network that targeted elderly and vulnerable people internationally, convincing them to send money through fabricated emergencies and fake investment opportunities. Working with co-defendants, Ugberaese used fake online personas and emotional manipulation to systematically drain victims' life savings across borders. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of online romantic relationships that quickly escalate, never send money to people you've only met online, and verify identities through video calls before any financial transactions.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-21
A woman in Arizona lost nearly $10,000 after scammers impersonated law enforcement officials and convinced her she had missed jury duty and owed a fine. The fraudsters used real names of local judges and officers, created a false sense of urgency about potential arrest, and instructed her to withdraw cash and convert it to Bitcoin through an ATM to pay the supposed penalty. To protect yourself, be aware that legitimate courts never demand immediate payment via cryptocurrency or cash, and always verify official claims by independently contacting the actual government agency using publicly listed phone numbers rather than calling back the number provided by the caller.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-05-21
Homeowners across the country are receiving fraudulent letters claiming their homes have been foreclosed on and sold, urging them to pay for "rescue" services to reverse the sale. The scam has triggered warnings from multiple banks and credit unions, and while it may seem alarming, the letters are fake designed to steal money from unsuspecting victims. To protect yourself, don't call numbers in suspicious letters; instead, contact your lender directly, search your name on your county clerk of courts website, or check your county property appraiser's website to verify you still own your home.
nypost.com
· 2026-05-21
Travel scams affect over one in three Americans, with 41% of victims losing money averaging $500 or more, according to new research by Mcafee. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated using AI to create convincing websites and emails, making it harder to spot red flags like typos or poor grammar. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true—especially suspicious social media ads and unsolicited emails promising luxury travel at budget prices—and avoid making urgent booking decisions when stressed about prices or availability.
snopes.com
· 2026-05-21
In May 2026, a viral warning spread across social media claiming criminals were inserting screws into gas pump nozzle holders to trick pumps into keeping transactions open so they could steal gas using victims' credit cards. However, Snopes investigated and found no credible reports of this "screw method" scam actually occurring—even law enforcement agencies that initially promoted the warning, including Maryland's Queen Anne's County Sheriff's Office, later retracted their claims after finding no verified incidents. The takeaway for consumers is to be skeptical of alarming scam warnings on social media and check official sources before sharing them, as this case demonstrates how easily unverified claims can spread widely online.
bbc.com
· 2026-05-20
Dozens of romance scammers and fraud criminals operating across the UK and Nigeria have been arrested in a major police operation called Operation Seraphim, which involved 31 arrests across Europe and Africa. Romance scammers typically build fake relationships over months before convincing victims to send money—one victim, Kirsty Guest, lost £80,000 after being manipulated by a scammer posing as "Patrick" who claimed to need help during a business emergency. To protect yourself, be wary of new romantic contacts who rush to build intimacy, never send money to people you've only met online, and verify identities through video calls before any financial involvement.
nbi.gov.ph
· 2026-05-20
The National Bureau of Investigation dismantled a major online scamming operation in Parañaque City that used fake romantic identities and cryptocurrency fraud to target foreign victims, primarily in the United States and Europe, resulting in 17 arrests including both Filipino and foreign nationals. The operation, which included a call center-like setup with computers and AI deepfake technology, used dating apps and messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram to build false relationships and convince victims to invest in fake cryptocurrency schemes. People should be cautious of online romantic interests who eventually ask for money or investment opportunities, verify the identities of people they meet online through video calls, and never send money to unknown individuals or invest based on recommendations from online acquaintances.
timesunion.com
· 2026-05-20
An elderly woman in Moreau nearly lost $20,000 to a sophisticated scam after receiving a fake PayPal email claiming fraudulent charges on her account. The scammer convinced her to download remote-access software and wire money to California, but a timely welfare check by a sheriff's deputy and Homeland Security agent interrupted the scheme and prevented the loss. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited emails asking you to verify account information, never grant remote access to your devices, and contact authorities immediately if you suspect you're being scammed.
nypost.com
· 2026-05-20
A Pennsylvania woman lost $24,000 after receiving a text message claiming to be from Apple warning of fraudulent account activity, then following instructions to call a number where scammers posed as bank officials and convinced her to wire money "for protection." This "bank impersonator" scam is spreading rapidly across the country, exploiting people's trust in financial institutions and fear of losing money by creating false urgency. To protect yourself, authorities advise never wiring money based on unsolicited contact—instead, hang up and call your bank directly using a number from your statement or official website.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-05-20
Scammers are increasingly using AI-powered deepfake technology to clone voices and create fake kidnapping scenarios, particularly targeting seniors through emotionally manipulative phone calls that sound like distressed family members demanding immediate payment. The FBI warns that criminals need only a few seconds of audio from social media to create convincing voice imitations, and they often use fabricated videos and photos as "proof" to pressure victims into sending money via cryptocurrency or wire transfers before they can verify the emergency. To protect yourself, pause before responding to urgent requests for money, independently verify any emergency by calling your family member directly, and be cautious about what personal information and audio you share online.
theregister.com
· 2026-05-20
Dutch police successfully identified 74 of their 100 most wanted scammers through an innovative "Game Over?!" campaign that publicly shamed fraudsters by releasing their blurred photos and threatening to unmask them within two weeks. The campaign, which targeted criminals who victimized elderly people, resulted in 34 suspects turning themselves in and led to the identification of 40 others after their faces were revealed on social media and public displays, with over 500 public tips contributing to the effort. The campaign demonstrates that public pressure and shame can be effective tools against cybercrime, though citizens should remain cautious of scams and report suspected fraud to local authorities.
sandmountainreporter.com
· 2026-05-20
A seminar at Guntersville Library educated seniors about fraud and scams, which are increasingly targeting this vulnerable population through tactics like imposter scams, fake urgency threats, and AI-generated voices. According to the Federal Trade Commission, reported losses jumped from $10 billion in 2023 to $12.5 billion in 2024, with seniors being disproportionately preyed upon despite younger people reporting losses more frequently. The presentation recommended learning to recognize common scam tactics, verifying caller identities independently, and staying cautious of unsolicited contact that creates pressure or emotional appeals.
sudbury.ma.us
· 2026-05-19
Grandparent scams target elderly victims by impersonating a grandchild in distress, claiming they need money urgently due to arrests, accidents, or kidnapping, while a second scammer posing as law enforcement or an attorney pressures victims to send payment via gift cards or cash. Scammers research victims on social media to make their stories believable and use tactics like voice disguise and urgency to prevent victims from verifying the story with family members. To protect yourself, verify emergencies by calling family directly, be suspicious of requests for gift cards or cash, and never act on urgent requests before confirming with trusted family members.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-19
Scammers are sending fake Amazon recall text messages that impersonate the company to trick people into clicking malicious links and potentially compromising their accounts. These messages use convincing details like order numbers and safety warnings, but contain red flags such as generic greetings, vague product descriptions, suspicious links unrelated to Amazon's official domain, and requests to leave the official Amazon platform. To protect yourself, only access your Amazon account through the official website or app, verify any recall notices directly through Amazon's legitimate channels, and never click links from unsolicited text messages—especially those claiming urgent safety issues.
hometownstation.com
· 2026-05-19
Americans lost a record $21 billion to scams in 2025, with seniors, veterans, and vulnerable families particularly targeted through phone fraud, romance scams, and impersonation schemes that are becoming increasingly sophisticated with AI technology. Rep. Whitesides and anti-scam advocates are pushing for stronger legislative action, including better enforcement from social media companies and financial institutions to combat these growing threats. To protect yourself, stay vigilant about unsolicited calls and messages, verify requests for money through official channels, and report suspected scams to the FBI.
cryptonews.net
· 2026-05-19
In a major international operation, the U.S., UAE, and China jointly arrested 276 suspects and shut down nine crime centers running "pig-butchering" scams—romance fraud schemes where criminals gain victims' trust online before convincing them to invest in fake cryptocurrency opportunities and stealing their money. These scams have caused over $75 billion in losses globally since 2020 and often involve human trafficking. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic relationships that quickly push you toward investment opportunities, verify investment claims independently, and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.
coinlaw.io
· 2026-05-19
Cryptocurrency scams cost victims $5.8 billion in reported losses during 2024, with nearly 150,000 complaints filed to the FBI—a 66% increase from the previous year. The most common schemes include pig butchering (romance/investment scams), high-yield investment programs, rug pulls, phishing attacks, fake exchanges, and impersonation, with pig butchering and investment schemes accounting for over 80% of total losses. To protect yourself, watch for universal red flags like unsolicited investment pitches and pressure to move funds quickly, verify any crypto project or contract before approving wallet transactions, and remember that legitimate investments rarely guarantee high returns or require secrecy.
riponadvance.com
· 2026-05-19
U.S. Representatives Bryan Steil and Zach Nunn introduced a bipartisan bill to designate May 14 as National Scam Survivor Day, aimed at raising awareness and combating the stigma surrounding fraud victims. Americans lost over $195 billion to scams in 2024, with roughly 3 million fraud reports filed in 2025—affecting seniors, families, and people of all ages through schemes like romance scams and fake investments. The resolution encourages scam survivors to share their stories and calls for collaboration between government, private sector, and nonprofits to help victims access support and prevent future fraud.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-05-19
AI scammers are using voice-cloning technology to impersonate loved ones in fake emergency scenarios, with one in four adults experiencing or knowing someone affected by these scams, and 77% of victims losing money (ranging from $500 to $15,000). Criminals need only seconds of audio from social media posts, voicemails, or videos to create convincing voice replicas that exploit panic and emotional reactions, particularly targeting seniors. To protect yourself, verify emergencies through independent contact methods before sending money, be cautious about voice content you share online, and remember that legitimate contacts won't pressure you for immediate payment.
kjrh.com
· 2026-05-19
Scammers are using artificial intelligence to spoof trusted phone numbers—including news stations and government agencies like Medicare—to trick people into revealing personal information, with a recent incident targeting a Tulsa-area woman. According to the FBI, AI-enabled fraud surged dramatically in 2025, generating $893 million in losses and hitting seniors particularly hard, with those 60 and older losing $7.7 billion that year. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls asking for personal or financial information, verify caller identity independently by hanging up and calling the organization's official number, and remember that legitimate agencies won't ask for sensitive data over the phone.