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bitdefender.com
· 2026-04-09
Americans lost $20.9 billion to cybercrime in 2025, with AI-powered scams driving a record surge in fraud that jumped dramatically from $16.6 billion the year before. Seniors over 60 were particularly vulnerable, suffering $7.7 billion in losses (a 37% increase), as criminals used AI to create highly personalized and convincing scams, with investment and cryptocurrency schemes causing the most damage. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited investment offers promising high returns, verify communications directly with companies through official channels, and be especially cautious if you're over 60—a prime target for these sophisticated attacks.
theaustraliatoday.com.au
· 2026-04-09
Western Australians lost over $24 million to scams last year, with criminals increasingly using stolen personal data and impersonating banks, government agencies, and trusted brands through SMS, email, and phone calls—investment scams were the costliest at $13.7 million, followed by romance scams at $3.8 million. Premier Roger Cook warned residents to be skeptical of unsolicited contact, verify requests by calling organizations directly, and always consult someone they trust before sharing personal information or transferring money, as scammers are becoming more sophisticated in using AI and data breaches to sound convincing.
letsdatascience.com
· 2026-04-09
In 2025, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center reported 22,364 AI-related fraud complaints resulting in $893 million in losses, marking the first time the agency tracked these scams separately. Criminals are using artificial intelligence to create fake social media profiles, deepfake audio and video, and personalized messages to conduct romance scams, business email compromise, and investment fraud at scale. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited contact requests, verify identities through independent channels before sharing information or money, and use extra caution with audio/video calls from people you haven't met in person.
iol.co.za
· 2026-04-09
Eight members of the Black Axe criminal syndicate from Nigeria have been ordered extradited to the United States after South Africa's High Court dismissed their appeal, following their arrest in Cape Town in 2021 for operating romance scams and business email compromise schemes that defrauded US victims of approximately $7 million. The scammers used fake romantic relationships and fraudulent business communications to trick their victims into sending money. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited romantic advances online, verify business communications through official channels before sending money or sensitive information, and report suspected fraud to local authorities or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
hitconsultant.net
· 2026-04-08
In 2025, 38% of Americans received scam calls impersonating their healthcare providers, with scammers increasingly using AI-generated voices and multi-modal attacks (combining texts, calls, and emails) to deceive patients and staff. A major attack on Kettering Health demonstrated the serious impact, causing system outages that forced the organization to shut down operations for weeks while criminals impersonated staff to collect fraudulent payments. Healthcare organizations should implement multi-channel verification protocols, educate staff and patients to verify caller identity through official contact methods, and strengthen IT security to prevent the system disruptions that scammers exploit.
perthisok.com
· 2026-04-08
Western Australians lost over $24 million to scammers in 2025, with investment scams being the biggest culprit at $13.7 million, followed by romance and fake charity scams, while new AI-powered and data breach-fueled tactics like bank impersonation calls are making scams increasingly convincing. Older adults aged 65+ and women were disproportionately affected, losing $2.6 million and 65% of total losses respectively. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls or messages claiming to be from your bank, verify contact information independently before sharing personal details, and be wary of investment opportunities and romantic advances from online contacts.
ambcrypto.com
· 2026-04-08
In 2025, cybercrime losses surged to $20.8 billion, a 26% increase from the previous year, with cryptocurrency fraud being the dominant vehicle for theft—accounting for $11.36 billion in losses, particularly through investment scams that manipulate victims into fake trading platforms. Seniors aged 60 and above were hit hardest, losing $7.7 billion, often through social engineering schemes originating on social media and run by organized groups in Southeast Asia. To protect yourself, avoid unsolicited investment offers on social media, verify platforms independently before depositing funds, and be especially cautious if pressured to use cryptocurrency for any investment or financial transaction.
techlicious.com
· 2026-04-08
According to an FBI report released in 2026, Americans lost a record $20.9 billion to online scams in 2025—a 26% increase from the previous year—with investment fraud accounting for nearly half of those losses, particularly through "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scams where fraudsters build trust via social media and dating apps before directing victims to fake investment platforms. The volume of complaints surged to over 1 million for the first time, averaging nearly 3,000 reports daily, indicating that scammers are using increasingly sophisticated techniques that are harder to detect. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment tips from online contacts, verify requests claiming to be from banks or government agencies by calling official numbers directly, and never transfer money to unfamiliar investment platforms or send funds to cover "taxes" on account withdrawals.
cyberscoop.com
· 2026-04-08
Cybercrime losses surged 26% to $20.9 billion in 2025, with the FBI receiving over 1 million complaints—nearly 3,000 per day—marking a 400% increase since 2020. Seniors over 60 were hit hardest, accounting for 37% of all losses despite representing a smaller share of complaints, with investment fraud, business email compromise, and tech support scams being the top three crime types. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities and tech support offers, verify business email requests through independent channels, and report suspected fraud to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
thestandard.com.hk
· 2026-04-08
A Hong Kong trading firm employee fell victim to an impersonation scam in January that cost the company HK$8 million after fraudsters impersonated his boss via fake messages and convinced him to make eight unauthorized transfers. Police data shows that while WhatsApp account hijacking cases decreased last year, losses soared to HK$240 million in 2025—more than triple the previous year—as scammers use phishing links and fake QR codes to hijack accounts. Authorities advise the public to always verify transfer requests by phone before sending money and to enable two-step verification on messaging apps to protect against these increasingly costly scams.
ketv.com
· 2026-04-08
A 21-year-old Texas woman lost thousands of dollars after finding what appeared to be a legitimate remote job posting on Indeed, only to discover it was an elaborate scam. She was sent a fraudulent check for nearly $5,000, instructed to withdraw the funds and transfer them via cryptocurrency and money orders before the check was flagged as fake by her bank, leaving her responsible for repaying the full amount. Job seekers should be cautious of opportunities that move off legitimate job boards to external communication channels, skip formal interviews, and request upfront deposits or money transfers—legitimate employers don't ask new hires to handle cash transfers.
thehill.com
· 2026-04-08
Social Security beneficiaries are being targeted by a surge in government imposter scams that have increased 25% in 2025, with scammers posing as SSA officials via phone, email, text, or social media to steal personal information and cause "devastating financial losses." These criminals create false urgency by claiming problems with benefits or Social Security numbers, and use tactics like spoofed caller IDs, fake badge numbers, and official-looking documents to appear legitimate. To protect yourself, never share your Social Security number with unexpected callers, delete suspicious emails immediately, and report any suspected scams to the SSA.
wlwt.com
· 2026-04-08
A 21-year-old Texas woman lost $5,000 after falling victim to a job scam she found on Indeed; the scammers posed as employers, offered her a remote position without a formal interview, then sent her a fraudulent check to deposit and instructed her to withdraw the funds and send money via cryptocurrency and money orders. The scam affected thousands of job seekers annually, particularly those searching for flexible remote work opportunities. To protect yourself, be wary of job listings that move off legitimate platforms quickly, skip formal interviews, offer positions without proper vetting, or ask you to handle money transfers as part of the hiring process—legitimate employers don't ask new hires to deposit checks and send funds back.
wgal.com
· 2026-04-08
Scammers are increasingly impersonating Social Security Administration officials through fraudulent emails claiming to offer access to benefit statements, sometimes even using the names and photos of real SSA employees to appear legitimate. These government imposter scams target people's personal information and Social Security benefits, posing a particular threat to older adults who rely on these benefits. To stay safe, never click links in unsolicited emails about Social Security—instead, visit ssa.gov directly or call the official Social Security number to verify any communications.
meritalk.com
· 2026-04-08
Government impersonation scams nearly doubled in 2025, with cybercriminals using text messages and AI-generated voice calls to impersonate U.S. officials and steal personal information, resulting in $798 million in losses. Overall internet crimes surged dramatically, with Americans reporting over $20 billion in losses across phishing, investment schemes, and cryptocurrency scams, with seniors over 60 being particularly vulnerable. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited government communications, never share personal information via text or phone calls claiming to be from officials, and verify requests by contacting government agencies directly through official phone numbers or websites.
cbsnews.com
· 2026-04-07
A 16-year-old Girl Scout created an educational game called "Scout the Scam" after her grandparents nearly fell victim to a fake uncle scam, helping seniors recognize and avoid fraud in an age of sophisticated AI-powered schemes. According to AARP, nearly one in four American adults have lost money to fraud, with common tactics including urgent-sounding calls and texts requesting immediate financial information. Experts advise people to question unsolicited requests, verify caller identity independently, and remember that banks never ask for account information or money transfers over the phone.
8days.sg
· 2026-04-07
YES 933 DJ Zhong Kunhua, a 40-year-old broadcaster, fell victim to a sophisticated job scam that unfolded over weeks in December 2025, despite taking multiple precautions like verifying the company website and checking credentials. The scam began with a WhatsApp message offering him a Mandarin voiceover job with staged payments, using professional-looking emails, legitimate company details, and even references to real industry websites to appear credible. Kunhua's experience highlights that modern scams target professionals across all ages and are far more elaborate than typical cold calls, so people should remain vigilant even when opportunities seem legitimate and professionally presented.
wfmd.com
· 2026-04-07
A 58-year-old Frederick man has been indicted for operating an international romance fraud scheme that targeted victims by creating fake online relationships and convincing them to send money for fabricated emergencies and investments since at least 2022. The suspect and his associates used messaging apps, emails, and fake documents to appear legitimate, then funneled the stolen money through multiple bank accounts to countries overseas. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic partners who quickly ask for money, verify identities through video calls, and never send funds to people you haven't met in person.
statesman.com
· 2026-04-07
Scammers are sending fake emails impersonating the Social Security Administration to trick people into clicking malicious links or revealing personal information, with a sharp increase in these fraudulent messages targeting retirees. The fake emails use official-looking logos and formatting to appear legitimate but originate from non-government email addresses; clicking links can lead to identity theft or financial loss. To protect yourself, delete unsolicited SSA emails immediately, never click suspicious links, and remember that legitimate SSA communications only come from official ".gov" email addresses.
wsls.com
· 2026-04-07
Scammers are increasingly using AI technology to impersonate people through deepfakes and personalized messages, costing Americans over $5 billion in investment scams and $750 million in job scams. Common schemes include fake cryptocurrency promotions, phony job listings requiring upfront payment, bogus emails, and fraudulent calls impersonating banks and the IRS. To protect yourself, avoid responding to unsolicited communications, hang up and call organizations directly using verified numbers, never send money or passwords to unknown contacts, and be skeptical of urgent requests.
oag.maryland.gov
· 2026-04-07
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued a warning about fraudulent investment schemes spreading on Meta platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp), where scammers use fake ads and deepfake technology to trick people into "pump and dump" schemes, confidence scams, and cryptocurrency fraud that drain their savings. The scams typically involve building fake trust relationships or hyping low-priced stocks before the fraudsters cash out, leaving investors with losses. To protect yourself, scrutinize investment ads on social media carefully, remember that legitimate brokers rarely advertise specific investments there, and report suspected scams to the Attorney General's Securities Division or Consumer Protection Division.
foxnews.com
· 2026-04-07
Scammers are sending text messages impersonating Amazon with fake job offers featuring unrealistic pay and vague job descriptions to lure victims into potential fraud schemes. Key red flags include generic greetings without your name, unsolicited contact with no prior application, emails from non-Amazon domains (like Hotmail), and vague job responsibilities. To protect yourself, verify any job opportunity directly through Amazon's official website or app, never click links in unsolicited messages, and be suspicious of offers that arrive unexpectedly without a formal hiring process.
kstp.com
· 2026-04-07
Scammers are using AI technology to impersonate people—like a pastor whose hacked Facebook account was used to promote fake cryptocurrency investments—causing consumers to lose over $5 billion to investment scams and $750 million to job scams in recent years. To protect yourself, avoid responding to unsolicited communications (emails, texts, calls) asking for urgent action or money; instead, hang up and contact the organization directly using a number you know is legitimate. Never send money, passwords, or personal information to unknown contacts, and be especially skeptical of requests for upfront payments or too-good-to-be-true investment opportunities.
ktvh.com
· 2026-04-07
Fraud targeting seniors is surging in Montana, with over 6,000 residents reporting fraud losses totaling more than $23 million in 2024, according to Federal Trade Commission data. Older Americans are particularly vulnerable and can suffer devastating financial and emotional consequences from scams that arrive via calls, texts, emails, social media, and AI. To protect yourself, watch for red flags like artificial urgency and requests for untraceable payments through gift cards or cryptocurrency, remember that legitimate government agencies never demand immediate payment, and report suspected scams to local law enforcement or the Division of Criminal Investigation.
ground.news
· 2026-04-07
The Social Security Administration has issued a critical warning about a sharp increase in scams targeting retirees, particularly fraudulent emails impersonating SSA officials that trick recipients into clicking malicious links to steal personal and financial information. The scams are especially prevalent around tax season and are part of a broader wave of elder fraud targeting seniors' life savings and benefits. To protect themselves, retirees should be cautious about unsolicited emails claiming to be from Social Security, avoid clicking links in suspicious messages, and verify any SSA communications by contacting the agency directly through official channels.
tradingview.com
· 2026-04-07
A cybercriminal known as "Jinkusu" is selling AI-powered tools that use deepfakes and voice manipulation to bypass identity verification (KYC) systems at banks and cryptocurrency platforms, potentially allowing fraudsters to open accounts and steal funds. The tool is particularly concerning because it enables low-tech scammers to conduct romance and cryptocurrency investment scams, with victims losing $5.5 billion to such schemes in 2024 alone. To protect yourself, use platforms with layered security measures beyond facial recognition, remain skeptical of unsolicited romantic or investment contacts (especially in crypto), and enable all available security features like two-factor authentication on financial accounts.
mexc.co
· 2026-04-07
A threat actor known as "Jinkusu" is selling cybercrime tools that use deepfake technology and AI voice manipulation to bypass security verification checks on banks and cryptocurrency platforms, potentially enabling fraud and unauthorized account access. The tools can deceive biometric systems even during live video calls by swapping faces and generating fake voices in real-time, with particular vulnerability in high-value transactions like Bitcoin trading and romance scams (which caused $5.5 billion in losses in 2024). Security experts recommend that users and platforms implement layered defenses including liveness detection, behavioral analysis, and device fingerprinting, while staying vigilant about wallet drainers and phishing attempts targeting cryptocurrency accounts.
mychesco.com
· 2026-04-06
Pennsylvania's Department of Banking and Securities is offering free financial literacy events throughout April to help residents avoid fraud, identity theft, and investment scams through education on budgeting, saving, and cybersecurity. The programs are designed for people of all ages and backgrounds and aim to provide practical skills to recognize financial threats and make better money decisions. Pennsylvanians can access these free resources by visiting pa.gov/dobs, calling 1-800-PA-BANKS, or reporting scams through 1-866-PACOMPLAINT.
bitdefender.com
· 2026-04-06
Women are increasingly targeted by AI-powered scams on social media and dating platforms, with criminals using fake personas, deepfakes, and voice cloning to perpetrate romance scams and sextortion schemes that combine emotional manipulation with financial or reputational harm. According to Bitdefender's 2025 survey, over 70% of people encountered a scam in the past year, with 37% citing AI-powered scams as their biggest concern. To protect yourself, remain cautious of requests for money or personal information from online connections, verify identities through video calls, and report suspicious accounts immediately to the platform.
altoonamirror.com
· 2026-04-06
This article advises seniors on how to safely approach dating in their later years, noting that about one-third of adults 65 and older are single. The piece recommends that older adults clarify their dating goals, consider using age-appropriate dating apps like OurTime or SilverSingles, and be honest in their profiles by using current photos and clearly stating what they're looking for. The overall message emphasizes transparency and authenticity as foundations for building genuine connections.
khq.com
· 2026-04-06
Americans lost a record $15.9 billion to scams in 2025, a more than $3 billion increase from 2024, with nearly half of those losses tied to investment fraud, according to FTC data. The most common scams involved impersonation—including people posing as the FBI, IRS, sheriffs, family members, or romantic partners—out of three million fraud reports received. To protect yourself, the FTC recommends treating unknown phone numbers and emails as potential scams and independently verifying any requests by contacting the organization or person directly.
wnyt.com
· 2026-04-06
Scammers are targeting New York residents with text messages impersonating state courts, demanding payment for fake tolls or traffic fines using fake official seals, documents, and QR codes to appear legitimate. The Columbia County Sheriff's Office warns that real New York courts never contact people via text, email, or social media to collect fines, and scammers use urgent language like "Final Notice" to pressure quick payment. If you receive such a message, do not click links or scan QR codes; instead, contact your local court clerk directly, call the New York court system at 1-800-268-7869, or report the scam to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
kucoin.com
· 2026-04-05
Scammers are impersonating SEC officials on social media and text messages to trick investors into providing personal information, paying upfront fees, or investing in fraudulent schemes. The SEC warns that these fraudsters use official-looking branding and real employee names to appear credible, with tactics ranging from fake stock tips to promises of recovering lost money. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment offers or financial advice from social media and text messages, verify any SEC communication directly through the official SEC website, and never share personal or financial information with unverified sources.
cryptotimes.io
· 2026-04-05
Cambodia has passed a strict anti-fraud law targeting online scams, particularly crypto-related schemes and organized cybercrime, with penalties ranging from 2-10 years in prison and fines up to $250,000 depending on severity. The law addresses the country's growing problem with scam operations, including fake investment platforms, romance scams, and money laundering schemes that have affected victims across Southeast Asia. People should be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities and romance advances on social media, verify investment platforms independently, and report suspicious activity to authorities.
bitdefender.com
· 2026-04-05
Financial future faking occurs when someone makes exaggerated or false promises about long-term financial plans, investments, and lifestyle within relationships—a pattern increasingly cited in divorces among younger adults who took loans, merged accounts, or invested savings based on these unfulfilled promises. While sometimes rooted in genuine optimism or insecurity rather than intentional malice, it differs from romance scams but shares similar risks, as both exploit trust and can lead people to expose their financial accounts and personal data. To protect yourself, scrutinize financial claims made by partners, verify investments and business plans independently, and avoid major financial commitments (loans, merged accounts, large investments) until promises are backed by concrete evidence.
newscop.com.au
· 2026-04-05
Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to steal money online, including impersonating bank representatives, crypto company officials, and tech support staff to gain victims' trust and access their accounts. In 2025, Australians lost $97.6 million to phishing scams alone, with one victim losing $350,000 in cryptocurrency in just 18 hours after being tricked by a fake ledger company representative. Police advise being cautious of unsolicited calls claiming your accounts are compromised, verifying caller identity through official channels, and never downloading software or sharing personal information based on incoming contact.
wbaltv.com
· 2026-04-05
Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to clone voices from just seconds of audio, then impersonating loved ones to trick people into sending money. A Pikesville man's father fell victim to this scam when someone using an AI-cloned voice of his grandson called claiming to be in jail and needing bail money, using personal details like the family's nickname for their father to seem credible. Experts warn that these scams exploit emotion, urgency, and fear of loss, so people should verify unexpected requests for money by contacting family members directly through known phone numbers before sending anything.
tvmnews.mt
· 2026-03-22
Aqra bil-
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The Malta Bankers’ Association and the Central Bank of Malta, in collaboration with various other entities and authorities, organised an informative seminar aimed at raising public a...
aol.com
· 2026-03-22
A message that appears to come from Google might look legitimate at first glance. It could also be a scam designed to steal your personal information.
Cybercriminals are increasingly impersonating Go...
biz.chosun.com
· 2026-03-22
A crime ring based overseas was caught running scams by using a domestic used-goods transaction platform. Police launched a special crackdown on cyber fraud.
According to the Korean National Police A...
en.sedaily.com
· 2026-03-22
A Cambodia-based criminal organization has been caught running scams on a domestic secondhand trading platform. Police have announced a seven-month intensive crackdown on such financial crimes and org...
wfaa.com
· 2026-03-22
DALLAS — The Dallas Police Department is warning the public about an ongoing scam involving text messages misleading recipients into providing payments to the Dallas Municipal Court.
In a social medi...
thetravel.com
· 2026-03-22
Located in the Caribbean between the islands of Anguilla and St. Bart’s, St. Maarten is a constituent country of the Netherlands. A vacation destination known for its picturesque beaches, breathtaking...
wyomingnews.com
· 2026-03-21
A large “beware of scams” sign on display at a gift card aisle in a store.
SARATOGA — In 2024, Wyoming residents lost $43 million to scams, Bank of Commerce and CEO Copper France told Saratoga senior...
buffalobulletin.com
· 2026-03-21
SARATOGA — In 2024, Wyoming residents lost $43 million to scams, Bank of Commerce and CEO Copper France told Saratoga seniors last week.
“You’re not alone,” he said. “Just understand that we’re here...
thebostonpilot.com
· 2026-03-21
Online banking has become an increasingly common tool for managing personal finances. For many older adults, the ability to review account balances, pay bills, and transfer funds without traveling to ...
wpbf.com
· 2026-03-21
Whether it's a child car seat, kitchen appliance, or lawn tool, recall notices warn you of a potential safety risk. Now there's a new warning from Consumer Reports: scammers are trying to trick you wi...
cp24.com
· 2026-03-21
March is Fraud Prevention Month, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is working to ensure people have the tools to avoid falling victim.
BBB regional director Vikta Paulo told CTV Your Morning Ottaw...
latimes.com
· 2026-03-21
This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.
Robocalls, texts and phishing emails from scammers are up this tax season compared with previous years, with arti...
nbcchicago.com
· 2026-03-21
You’re watching the NBC 5 Chicago News streaming channel, which plays local Chicago news 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can find the “NBC 5 Chicago News” streaming channel on your phone or com...