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uk.news.yahoo.com
Police in Fermanagh and Omagh warned of a "fake new bank card" scam in which fraudsters impersonated bank officials, convinced victims their accounts were compromised, and instructed them to enter card details into a fraudulent card reader, resulting in large unauthorized withdrawals. The warning also noted related fraud cases including bogus tradesmen on social media and WhatsApp impersonation scams, with authorities urging the public to remain vigilant against unsolicited financial requests regardless of source and to report incidents to police and their banks immediately.
ktar.com
"Smishing" (SMS phishing) scams involve criminals sending vague text messages from spoofed numbers to lists of phone numbers obtained through data breaches or random generation, with the goal of getting recipients to respond and confirm their number is active. Once a response is received, scammers build rapport through casual conversation before pivoting to requests for money, investment opportunities, malware links, or personal information for account hijacking. The safest defense is to not respond to suspicious texts, block and report them, and recognize that these carefully crafted messages exploit high SMS open rates (98%) and response rates (45%) to identify and manipulate vulnerable targets.
levittownnow.com
A 69-year-old Philadelphia woman nearly fell victim to a sophisticated tech support scam in which fraudsters impersonating Microsoft and her bank claimed she had been hacked and threatened arrest, attempting to manipulate her into withdrawing cash to purchase cryptocurrency. The scam exploited heightened emotions and urgency, tactics that have become more effective with AI advancement and access to personal data on the dark web. According to the FTC, Americans lost between $23.7 billion and $158.3 billion to financial scams in 2023-2024, with cryptocurrency transfers and digital payment methods making these crimes particularly difficult to trace and recover from.
capeargus.co.za
A 78-year-old Cape Town retiree lost R10.6 million (his life savings and pension investment) to a business email compromise and banking fraud scheme in November-December 2024. Fraudsters impersonated his financial planner via email, convincing him to transfer funds to fake FNB and Capitec accounts instead of the legitimate financial institution, with money ultimately distributed across multiple accounts. The Hawks and South African police are investigating the organized criminal network believed to be operating from other African countries.
nypost.com
Cyber scams cost Americans $16 billion in 2024, a 33% increase from the previous year, with California suffering the largest losses at $2.5 billion, according to FBI data. Elderly people accounted for nearly 30% of total monetary losses, with phishing/spoofing being the most common scam type at approximately 193,000 complaints. The FBI recommends verifying sender information, using strong passwords, avoiding wire transfers and gift card payments, and researching businesses before sharing personal or financial information online.
foxbusiness.com
In 2024, online scammers stole a record $16.6 billion, a 33% increase from the previous year, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, which received over 859,500 complaints. People over 60 were hit hardest, accounting for more than 147,100 complaints and $4.8 billion in losses, with investment scams ($6.57 billion), phishing/spoofing (193,400 complaints), and cryptocurrency fraud ($9.3 billion, up 66% year-over-year) among the most prevalent crimes. Cyber-enabled fraud represented 83% of all losses at $13.
willistonobserver.com
This advice column addresses seniors' concerns about potential identity theft from government data access, recommending protective measures. The article explains that fraud alerts and credit freezes are free tools that can be placed on credit reports to prevent scammers from opening accounts in one's name, with credit freezes offering stronger protection than fraud alerts. Seniors are advised to contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to set up these protections, or alternatively monitor their credit reports regularly through AnnualCreditReport.com.
washingtontimes.com
Americans ages 60 and older lost $4.9 billion to fraud scams in 2024, representing a 43% increase from the previous year, according to the FBI's 2024 Internet Crime Report based on 147,127 complaints. Phishing scams were the most common type of fraud targeting seniors, while investment scams proved the costliest at $1.8 billion in losses; cryptocurrency was used in $2.8 billion of fraudulent transactions, with victims averaging $83,000 in losses.
abccolumbia.com
South Carolina seniors over 60 were disproportionately targeted by cybercriminals in 2024, with 2,295 victims losing over $58.5 million according to the FBI's Internet Crime Report—accounting for more than a third of the state's total $146 million in reported cyber losses. The most costly scams targeting seniors included tech support scams, government impersonation schemes, and investment fraud, each resulting in nearly $10 million in losses, while confidence/romance scams accounted for approximately $3 million. Business email compromises and investment fraud were among the most prevalent cyber crimes statewide, with losses totaling $40.8 million and $
cnet.com
**Gold Bar Scam**
Scammers impersonating government officials convince senior citizens to withdraw their life savings and purchase gold bars, then pose as couriers to steal the gold and disappear. The FBI reported victims lost $219 million to gold bar scams in 2024, with increasing incidents reported in 2025, as record-high gold prices and gold's reputation as a trustworthy investment make it an attractive target for criminals who exploit the difficulty of tracing the precious metal.
wral.com
Scammers are selling stolen personal information like Social Security numbers and dates of birth on the dark web for as little as $7, with identity theft scams resulting in over $125 million in losses in 2023. The Better Business Bureau's 2025 study reveals that fraudsters are increasingly using AI tools to quickly search through billions of stolen data records (including 14 billion pieces found on the now-shut BreachForums site) to commit high-impact identity theft crimes such as opening bank accounts. To protect themselves, consumers should use multi-factor authentication, strong unique passwords, limit personal information shared on social media, and report fraud attempts to law enforcement.
azag.gov
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes warned job seekers to be alert for employment scams, which typically involve fake job postings on websites, social media, and direct contact via phone, email, or text that request personal information like Social Security numbers or bank account details before interviews. The scams often feature unrealistic promises of high-paying jobs with minimal qualifications or remote work opportunities, and may impersonate legitimate employers by replicating logos and using established job boards. Mayes advised job seekers to research employers before sharing information, request in-person interviews, never pay upfront fees, and avoid sending financial or banking details before officially starting a position.
verywellmind.com
This educational guide explores the intersection of fraud and mental health, examining how the prevalence of scams—which cost Americans over $12 billion in 2024—creates psychological stress and constant vigilance in daily life. The article discusses how exposure to fraud, whether direct or indirect, can lead to anxiety, distrust, and destabilizing uncertainty, particularly as scammers increasingly use deceptive text messages, emails, and phone calls to target victims through romance scams, impersonation schemes, and fake job offers. The piece emphasizes the importance of protecting one's digital identity and provides strategies for managing the mental health impacts of living in an environment where fraudulent threats are pervasive and often difficult to distinguish
doralfamilyjournal.com
The FBI's 2024 Internet Crime Complaint Center report documented a 33% increase in online scams, with 859,532 complaints totaling over $16 billion in losses. Adults over 60 were hit hardest, filing 147,000 complaints and losing $4.8 billion (43% increase from 2023), with investment scams being the leading fraud type at $6.5 billion in losses overall, followed by compromised business emails, tech support scams, and romance scams.
ibtimes.com
Elderly Americans aged over 60 suffered the largest cryptocurrency scam losses in 2024, accounting for over $2.8 billion of the $9.3 billion in total crypto fraud losses reported by the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. Scammers disproportionately target seniors through investment scams, fraudulent crypto ATMs, and tech-support schemes, exploiting their vulnerabilities by creating artificial urgency around false security threats. The 2024 losses represented a 66% increase compared to 2023, with elderly victims being three times more likely to be scammed than younger demographics.
queenannenews.com
This advice column addresses seniors' concerns about potential identity theft from government data access by recommending protective measures. The writer explains two primary defenses: fraud alerts (which flag accounts for extra verification) and credit freezes (which prevent new accounts from being opened without authorization), both of which are free and don't affect credit scores. The column provides contact information for the three major credit bureaus and suggests that seniors can also monitor their credit through free weekly reports at AnnualCreditReport.com.
americanbazaaronline.com
Online scammers stole a record $16.6 billion in 2024, a 33% increase from $12.5 billion in 2023, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, with 859,532 total complaints filed and elderly victims representing over 147,000 complaints. Investment scams caused the largest losses at $6.5 billion, followed by business email compromise at $2.7 billion and tech support scams at $1.4 billion, while phishing remained the most commonly reported cybercrime. The figures represent only reported cases and underscore how the digitalization of daily life has expanded criminal opportunities since 2020.
wwltv.com
FBI data reveals that scammers stole over $16.6 billion in 2023, a 33% increase despite heightened public awareness, with victims losing an average of $19,000 each. Adults over 60 were disproportionately targeted, filing the most complaints and losing the most money at $4.8 billion total (averaging $80,000 per victim), with investment scams, romance scams, and tech support scams being the leading fraud types.
neherald.com
A Thai woman working in the United States lost $300,000 to an Asia-based criminal network that conducted an elaborate scam involving false claims of identity theft, an international money laundering investigation, and threats of criminal prosecution. The scammers, posing as Thai embassy and Central Investigation Bureau officials, convinced her to wire money over three months as "proof of innocence," exploiting psychological manipulation and careful timing to prevent her from verifying their claims. According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, this type of sophisticated transnational organized crime scheme is increasingly common and expanding globally, with victims experiencing severe financial and emotional consequences.
newsbreak.com
Over 60,000 drivers have reported receiving convincing text message scams claiming they owe unpaid tolls, with the FBI warning of a significant spike between January and February 2025. The fraudulent texts use location-targeted information and URL shorteners to trick users into clicking malicious links that steal personal and financial data or download malware. Red flags include unsolicited messages creating urgency, generic greetings, suspicious domains, and links from unrecognized numbers—drivers should verify toll charges directly through official state websites or phone numbers rather than clicking message links.
fox5atlanta.com
Briauna Powell, a 24-year-old home health aide for Visiting Angels, was arrested and charged with identity theft, fraud, and elder exploitation after using elderly clients' personal and financial information to make unauthorized purchases totaling approximately $25,000, including a $16,000 vehicle, rent payments, and store purchases. Police confirmed she victimized at least four elderly residents across multiple Georgia counties and believe additional victims may exist. Powell is being held without bond, and authorities are urging anyone who employed her to check for fraudulent activity.
theguardian.com
Ray Baird was defrauded of over $230,000 by his son Peter over approximately 13 years, beginning in 2011 when Ray asked for help with banking matters. Peter gained access to Ray's MyGov account and Centrelink pension, redirecting $152,423 in pension payments to his own account and taking out $78,000 in loans in his father's name, supported by elaborate deception including fake letters from government officials and impersonated phone calls from politicians and ombudsmen. Peter was convicted of three counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception, highlighting the growing problem of family-perpetrated financial abuse against older Australians, particularly those with
wsbradio.com
A 24-year-old in-home caregiver, Briauna Michelle Powell of Stone Mountain, Georgia, was arrested and charged with 22 felony counts of identity fraud and elder exploitation after stealing approximately $20,000 from at least four elderly victims. Powell, who worked in victims' homes assisting with household tasks, used stolen checks and fraudulent credit card charges, with victims unaware of the theft until discovered by a power of attorney holder. Police believe additional victims may exist and are asking anyone who employed Powell as a caregiver to contact the Suwanee Police Department.
11alive.com
Briauna Michelle Powell of Stone Mountain was charged with multiple counts of identity fraud and elder exploitation after allegedly using her position as a home health assistant to access elderly clients' personal information. Investigators believe Powell may have victimized multiple seniors and are seeking the public's help to identify additional victims and fraudulent activity.
abcnews4.com
South Carolina seniors suffered disproportionately in 2024 cybercrime, with 2,295 victims over age 60 losing over $58.5 million—more than a third of the state's total $146 million in reported internet crime losses. The most costly scams targeting seniors were tech support scams, government impersonation schemes, and investment fraud, each accounting for nearly $10 million in losses, while confidence/romance scams cost seniors almost $3 million. The FBI's 2024 Internet Crime Report documented a 33% nationwide increase in cybercrime losses to over $16 billion, with extortion, phishing, and personal data breaches
wsbtv.com
Briauna Michelle Powell, a home health assistant in Suwanee, Georgia, is wanted for identity fraud and elder exploitation after using an 82-year-old client's credit cards and bank account without authorization. Between February and March, Powell made unauthorized charges totaling at least $1,120 on the victim's Lowe's card for personal items and attempted six unauthorized bank transactions, while also attempting to open an account in the victim's name. Powell has been charged with multiple counts of identity fraud and elder exploitation, and detectives are asking anyone who employed her to report suspected fraudulent activity.
cbsnews.com
In 2024, scammers stole a record $16.6 billion from over 250,000 victims, representing a 33% increase from 2023, with an average loss of $19,000 per victim. People over 60 filed the most complaints (147,000) and suffered the greatest losses at $4.8 billion (average of $83,000 per person), while investment scams ($6.5 billion), compromised business emails ($2.7 billion), and tech support scams ($1.4 billion) were the leading fraud types. The FBI notes that cryptocurrency was the most common payment method used by scammers, and reporte
fox5dc.com
D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a consumer alert warning of deepfake telemarketing scams targeting District residents, particularly seniors, which use artificial intelligence to create fake audio or video of loved ones requesting money for emergencies. Scammers easily obtain audio samples from voicemails or social media to create convincing "cheap fakes" that are simple to produce using low-cost tools. The AG recommends protecting yourself by refusing to share personal information, hanging up and calling back using verified numbers, disclosing requests to trusted contacts, denying remote access to devices, and staying informed about evolving scam tactics.
welivesecurity.com
Threat actors are exploiting Google Forms—a widely trusted, free, and easy-to-use tool with approximately 50% market share—to conduct phishing scams and malware distribution campaigns. They leverage Google Forms' legitimacy to evade email security filters and create convincing spoofs of banks, social media sites, and payment pages to harvest login credentials, financial information, and personal data, or to redirect victims to malware installation sites. Additional tactics include "callback phishing" where victims are tricked into calling numbers controlled by voice phishing gangs, and quiz spam designed to collect sensitive information.
cnbc.com
Text-based job scams have surged dramatically, with reported losses climbing from $14.8 million in 2023 to $61.2 million in 2024, according to the FTC. Scammers send unsolicited job offers via text with fake interview links and offers, exploiting economic uncertainty and job market competition to target vulnerable job seekers. Experts advise resisting the urge to immediately respond to text messages and verifying job offers through official company email addresses and websites.
aarp.org
Anna Rowe, a 52-year-old teacher in England, was victimized by a romance scam involving "love bombing" and catfishing when she met a man named Antony on a dating app who used a fake identity and flooded her with excessive attention and affection over 14 months. After discovering Antony was married and had defrauded at least 16 other women (possibly up to 200), Rowe founded two nonprofits to help romance scam victims and now assists approximately 100 people weekly, as dating app romance scams have increased significantly with 40 percent of dating app users reporting being targeted. Love bombing is a multi-
news.un.org
A Thai woman working in the United States lost $300,000 to an Asia-based criminal network that impersonated Thai embassy and Central Investigation Bureau officials in a sophisticated scam spanning three months. The scammers convinced her she was a suspect in an international money laundering scheme and demanded she transfer money to prove her innocence, exploiting psychological manipulation and careful timing to prevent her from verifying their claims. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime reports this scam type is increasingly used by transnational organized crime groups expanding operations across Asia and globally.
miragenews.com
A Thai woman working in the United States lost $300,000 to an Asian criminal network operating a romance/identity theft scam that began with a fraudulent call claiming to be from the Thai embassy in March 2024. The scammers created an elaborate false narrative involving identity theft, a police investigation, and threats of criminal prosecution to manipulate the victim into providing personal information and making payments. The victim reported feeling mentally trapped by fear for her family's safety, which prevented her from recognizing the deception.
success.com
Smishing (text-based phishing) attacks cost Americans $470 million in reported losses in 2024, more than five times the 2020 total, with the actual amount likely much higher due to underreporting. The article identifies three trending scams in 2025: fake unpaid toll notices (particularly targeting metropolitan areas), package delivery issues and "brushing scams" using QR codes, and fake job opportunities (losses increased from $90 million in 2020 to $501 million by 2024). Key prevention strategies include never clicking links or responding to unexpected texts, verifying alerts directly through official websites, and reporting suspicious messages to your phone provider an
press.aarp.org
The AARP Fraud Watch Network report reveals widespread consumer vulnerability to cyber threats, with over 276 million adults exposed through unverified apps and unreliable social media content, and 203 million lacking multifactor authentication on their accounts. The report emphasizes that consumers can reduce fraud risk through protective measures such as enabling multi-factor authentication, verifying app sources, and staying informed about emerging scams. AARP offers free resources including a fraud helpline (877-908-3360) and peer support groups to help victims and advocates for policy changes to combat the growing fraud problem.
benitolink.com
Online fraud and identity theft targeting seniors are rising significantly, with the senior population accounting for $3.4 billion in losses out of $12.5 billion total U.S. fraud losses tracked by the FBI. Common scams include phishing and spoofing schemes, with cryptocurrency investment fraud being particularly costly in 2023, affecting approximately 22% victims over age 60. Law enforcement recommends hanging up immediately when warning signs appear (such as demands for immediate payment or claims of official authority) and reporting attempts to authorities, while emphasizing that victims should not feel embarrassed about disclosing fraud since scammers exploit even aware individuals.
linknky.com
A 69-year-old Philadelphia woman nearly fell victim to a sophisticated tech support scam in which fraudsters, posing as Norton antivirus support and her bank's fraud department, pressured her to withdraw cash and purchase cryptocurrency by falsely claiming hackers had downloaded illegal content to her computer and stolen $18,000. The scammer used emotional manipulation, urgency, and knowledge of her banking details to convince her, but she avoided the scheme after recalling a friend who lost $800,000 to a similar scam. Financial scams cost Americans between $23.7 billion and $158.3 billion in 2023-2024, with AI, dark web data access, an
northfortynews.com
**Summary:**
This is an educational awareness piece from Larimer County Sheriff's Office highlighting current scam trends affecting Northern Colorado residents, particularly seniors. Chief Scambuster Barbara Bennett presents 20+ active scams including romance schemes, impersonation frauds (bank, IRS, law enforcement), tech-based scams (DocuSign phishing, hacked Facebook accounts), and marketplace fraud, while proposing a confidential support group for scam victims and their families to address shame and isolation barriers to reporting.
insight.scmagazineuk.com
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports that Southeast Asian cyber fraud networks operating billion-dollar scams are expanding globally through "one-stop-shop" digital marketplaces, establishing new hubs across Africa and collaborating with South American drug cartels despite law enforcement takedowns in Laos, Myanmar, and the Philippines. These industrialized criminal enterprises increasingly target individuals worldwide with sophisticated social engineering and emotional manipulation tactics, including romance scams and fake investment schemes that exploit human vulnerabilities. Experts warn that technological defenses alone are insufficient; comprehensive user education and cybersecurity awareness training are critical to combating these expanding criminal operations.
states.aarp.org
In June 2024, Mary Ellen Strange, a retired nurse from Indiana, fell victim to an elaborate impersonation scam in which fraudsters posing as Amazon, FTC, and federal agents convinced her she faced serious federal crimes including money laundering and child pornography. The scammers used a fake "alternative dispute resolution" process to manipulate Strange into withdrawing large amounts of cash from her bank under the false premise that she would receive restitution and clearance letters from government officials. This case illustrates a common elder fraud tactic combining authority impersonation, fear-based manipulation, and false promises of resolution.
local.aarp.org
Mary Ellen Strange, a retired nurse from Indiana, fell victim to an elaborate impersonation scam in June 2024 where fraudsters posing as Amazon, FTC, and federal officials falsely accused her of money laundering, drug trafficking, and other federal crimes. The scammers convinced her to withdraw cash from her bank accounts under the guise of an "alternative dispute resolution" process, exploiting her fear of legal consequences and promises of eventual restitution. This case illustrates how sophisticated fraud schemes manipulate victims through authority impersonation and psychological manipulation, with the victim's story being shared as part of AARP's awareness campaign to encourage fraud victims to speak publicly about their
oag.ca.gov
Shekira Thompson, a former nursing assistant at Sutter Roseville Medical Center, was sentenced to 200 days in jail for stealing credit cards and cash from three elderly patients between November and December 2022, and fraudulently charging over $2,000 on the stolen credit cards at various retailers. Thompson pleaded guilty to two felony counts and one misdemeanor count of theft from an elder or dependent adult, plus felony identity theft, and was ordered to pay restitution to victims and banned from working as a caregiver for elder or dependent adults.
ynetnews.com
The National Insurance Institute warned of a surge in phishing scams impersonating the government body, using fake messages about "unusual account activity" that direct recipients to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal and banking information. The scam targets vulnerable populations, particularly elderly individuals and those with limited digital literacy, with similar impersonation schemes affecting other Israeli institutions like the Tax Authority, Health Ministry, and banks. The Institute advises recipients to avoid clicking links, verify website addresses end in .gov.il, and report suspicious messages to authorities rather than providing any personal information.
winknews.com
Fake job offer scams targeting job seekers, particularly via text messages, caused Floridians to lose nearly $16 million in 2022. Scammers pose as employers offering work-from-home positions to steal personal information (Social Security numbers, dates of birth) and money through requests for equipment payments or banking details for "payroll setup." Job seekers should verify offers directly through official company websites, never send money to potential employers, and avoid providing sensitive information or clicking suspicious links.
en.as.com
Scammers increasingly use identity theft and impersonation via messaging apps (WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram DMs, iMessage) to pose as friends or relatives in distress and request urgent money transfers. The Spanish National Police recommend a simple verification tactic: ask the suspicious contact a personal question only a real acquaintance would know, such as "Where did we meet?" to confirm their identity before responding to money requests. This basic security question can effectively prevent victims from falling for these emotionally manipulative scams that exploit goodwill across messaging platforms worldwide.
timesnownews.com
Indian telecom companies Vodafone-Idea and Bharti Airtel are deploying AI-powered systems to combat the rising threat of cyber fraud, including digital arrest scams and AI voice-cloning calls. Vi's Spam SMS solution has flagged over 250 million suspicious messages using machine learning to detect phishing and scam attempts in real-time, while Airtel's spam detection network identified nearly one million spammers daily and flagged 8 billion spam calls and 0.8 billion spam SMS messages within 2.5 months, resulting in a 12% decline in suspicious contact attempts.
fingerlakes1.com
Scammers are exploiting confusion about federal stimulus programs by sending fake IRS texts, emails, and creating fraudulent websites claiming to offer early access to stimulus checks, primarily targeting low-income families and seniors. These scams use urgency tactics and request personal information like Social Security numbers and bank details, though the IRS clarifies it will never contact people via email, text, or social media about stimulus money and legitimate updates only appear on IRS.gov. Recipients should avoid clicking links, report suspicious messages to the IRS and FTC, and monitor their credit if they've already shared information.
dailyutahchronicle.com
Phishing and email scams pose growing cybersecurity risks to college students, with scams becoming increasingly sophisticated and sometimes targeting students directly through fake payment links and malicious emails. University of Utah IT officials and students recommend strategies to reduce vulnerability, including avoiding suspicious links, using password managers with unique passwords, reviewing cookie policies, utilizing pop-up blockers, and reporting suspicious activity to IT support. The article emphasizes that even tech-savvy individuals can fall victim to phishing scams, highlighting the importance of vigilance and awareness when handling online communications and data collection.
cbsnews.com
Scammers are using AI to create fake job applicants with altered appearances, fabricated resumes, and fraudulent profiles to infiltrate companies and steal secrets or install malware. Research firm Gartner estimates one in four job applicants will be fake by 2028, with the Justice Department identifying networks of North Koreans using this scheme to land remote U.S. IT jobs and funnel hundreds of millions of dollars annually to their country's Ministry of Defense. Organizations can protect themselves by verifying LinkedIn profile creation dates, asking cultural questions about claimed hometowns, and conducting in-person interviews whenever possible.
cnn.com
Over 60,000 complaints were filed with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center about unpaid toll text scams, with scammers using location data and fake domains to impersonate state toll services and trick recipients into clicking malicious links. One Massachusetts resident received both legitimate and fraudulent toll texts, ultimately falling victim to confusion between the two and facing collection agency action before resolving the debt. The FBI advises people to avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, verify company contact information independently, and recognize that legitimate toll agencies do not request payments via text.