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in Robocall / Phone Scam
mlive.com
· 2025-12-08
A 70-year-old Jackson, Michigan woman was barred by federal court order in May 2024 from participating in romance scams after repeatedly serving as a "money transmitter" for fraudsters while also being victimized herself. Holly Locke received packages of money from scam victims and forwarded them to fraudsters she met online, beginning with someone in Ghana in 2022 who claimed to need funds for an orphanage; despite being warned by postal inspectors and signing a cease-and-desist order, she resumed the activity in May 2023 with new scammers met on Facebook. The consent decree, approved by U.S. District Judge Paul D.
thewesterlysun.com
· 2025-12-08
Elderly residents in Rhode Island are being targeted by scammers using phone calls, emails, and fake websites, with victims losing $2.24 million to cryptocurrency scams in 2023 alone. Scammers exploit the emotional vulnerability of seniors by impersonating authority figures or loved ones in distress, then directing victims to unregulated cryptocurrency ATMs with no transaction limits to convert cash into untraceable digital currency. Proposed legislation aims to protect residents by implementing daily transaction limits and mandatory warnings on crypto ATMs to prevent elderly victims from losing irretrievable funds to these increasingly sophisticated schemes.
pennwatch.org
· 2025-12-08
The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities hosted multiple educational presentations throughout June to help seniors and the public recognize and prevent financial fraud and elder abuse. Programs covered topics including elder financial abuse recognition, cybersecurity, identity theft prevention, and investment fraud awareness, with sessions delivered through interactive formats like Fraud BINGO in partnership with organizations such as AARP Pennsylvania and local libraries across the state.
crestviewbulletin.com
· 2025-12-08
Medicare Fraud Prevention Week (observed around June 5) educates Medicare beneficiaries, caregivers, families, and healthcare providers on protecting themselves from fraud, errors, and abuse through monitoring statements, protecting Medicare numbers, and reporting suspicious activity. The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program offers free resources like My Health Care Trackers and educational support to help individuals detect and prevent Medicare fraud, which causes significant harm to both beneficiaries and the Medicare program.
chicagofed.org
· 2025-12-08
Financial scams targeting older adults are rising, and while seniors are not more likely to be scammed than younger people, they experience greater harm when victimized. The Chicago Federal Reserve convened experts who identified key vulnerabilities—including declining financial literacy masked by high confidence, social isolation, and emotional manipulation tactics used by scammers—and recommended strategies such as consulting trusted advisors, establishing power of attorney, recognizing urgency/secrecy red flags, and approaching victims with sensitivity to shame and resistance.
insurancenewsnet.com
· 2025-12-08
Medicare Fraud Prevention Week educates beneficiaries, caregivers, families, healthcare providers, and community members on protecting themselves and others from Medicare fraud, which costs the program an estimated amount annually. Key prevention strategies include monitoring Medicare statements for unauthorized services, safeguarding Medicare numbers, reviewing medical equipment shipments, and reporting suspicious activity to the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), which provides free resources and educational services to detect and report fraud, errors, and abuse. Individuals can contact the SMP at 1-800-963-5337 for questions and assistance with potential Medicare fraud concerns.
witl.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers in Michigan are using Venmo and other peer-to-peer payment apps to defraud users by "accidentally" sending stolen money and then requesting it back; when Venmo's fraud detection catches the transaction, the recipient's account is charged back, leaving them liable for the loss. Michigan's Attorney General Dana Nessel advises recipients not to return such funds but instead contact Venmo support directly, and warns residents to avoid other P2P scams including fake fraud department calls and fraudulent bank alerts requesting personal information like Social Security numbers.
riverreporter.com
· 2025-12-08
**World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15) highlights a critical public health issue affecting approximately five million older adults annually in the United States, with financial fraud being the most prevalent form, causing victims an estimated $30 billion in losses per year.** The article emphasizes that elder abuse—which includes physical, emotional, neglect, and financial mistreatment—requires community-wide prevention through awareness training, technology safeguards (bank alerts, secure document storage), and strong social networks. Older adults are advised to be cautious of unsolicited contact requesting personal information or urgent payment via unusual methods, and reporting mechanisms are available through multiple agencies with anonymity protections.
washingtonexaminer.com
· 2025-12-08
Pennsylvania's aging population faces growing elder fraud risk, prompting Rep. Joe Hogan to introduce House Bill 2064, which would allow banks to flag suspicious transactions, delay potentially fraudulent payments, and share information with law enforcement and area agencies on aging. The National Council on Aging reported nearly 90,000 fraud complaints in 2022 totaling over $3 billion in losses nationally, with common scams including government impersonation, grandparent schemes, and romantic fraud targeting vulnerable seniors. The legislation aims to protect elders through financial institution safeguards, public education, and coordination between banks and protective services.
tristatealert.com
· 2025-12-08
Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown warned consumers about the rising threat of imposter scams that use sophisticated technologies, including AI-generated voices, to impersonate trusted figures such as government officials, bank representatives, law enforcement, and family members in order to steal money or personal information. Common scam types include government imposters threatening fines or arrest, family/friend imposters claiming emergencies, and tech support scams demanding payment for unnecessary repairs. To protect yourself, verify callers' identities by contacting organizations directly using official numbers, establish code words with family members, avoid sharing personal information, and report suspected scams to the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, FTC, or AARP Fraud Watch
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Medicare is a frequent target for criminal scammers, with the Senior Medicare Patrol reporting three prevalent scams in 2024: false billing for diabetes treatments and devices that were never received, offers of free products that are either never delivered or of poor quality, and fraudulent free genetic testing at health fairs used to obtain Medicare numbers. To protect themselves, beneficiaries should carefully review their monthly Medicare statements for unauthorized charges, never share their Medicare number with anyone except healthcare providers, and report suspected fraud to local law enforcement or the AARP Fraud Watch Network.
wbay.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, scammers impersonated well-known companies in fraud schemes that cost consumers over $600 million, with Best Buy/Geek Squad being the most frequently impersonated company (52,000 reports, $15 million in losses) and Microsoft impersonation scams causing the largest financial impact ($60 million lost). The Federal Trade Commission finalized a new rule in April 2024 that strengthens enforcement tools against business impersonation scams, including the ability to file federal court cases to recover money for victims and impose civil penalties on violators.
azcentral.com
· 2025-12-08
According to an FTC report, scammers most frequently impersonate Best Buy's Geek Squad (52,000 reports in 2023), followed by Amazon, PayPal, Microsoft, and Publishers Clearing House, using methods including fraudulent emails, phone calls, and social media to pressure victims into urgent action. Microsoft impersonators caused the highest financial losses, exemplified by a Mesa resident who lost nearly her entire life savings after being directed to a fake support line and tricked into depositing $25,000 in Bitcoin. Consumers can protect themselves by recognizing red flags such as demands for cryptocurrency payments, pressure to act immediately, and unsolicited contact, and should verify company ident
murrayledger.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Americans older than 60 reported over $3.4 billion in fraud losses across more than 100,000 complaints to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, with losses increasing 11% from 2022. The most common scams targeting seniors include tech support and call center fraud ($1.3 billion in losses), phony investment schemes ($1.2 billion), and fake romance scams, with the particularly devastating "Phantom Hacker" scam draining victims of their life savings through multiple fraudulent personas. In Kentucky specifically, seniors reported $12.8 million in losses across 908 complaints, and the FBI notes that some victims have rem
ksdk.com
· 2025-12-08
A reformed Nigerian scammer named Chris Maxwell, who previously defrauded women of over $70,000 through romance scams, now works for an identity verification company exposing fraud networks to authorities. Missouri experienced approximately 58,250 impersonation scams in the first three months of the year resulting in millions in losses, with scammers increasingly using artificial intelligence to impersonate family members and government officials, often targeting older adults who may lose their life savings after multiple transactions. Experts recommend establishing trusted family contacts for verification, using reverse image search tools, insisting on video meetings before sending money, and reporting suspected scams to local law enforcement and the Missouri Attorney General's Office.
local.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Three trending Medicare scams in 2024 include false billing for diabetes treatment and devices not received, fraudulent offers of free products that are cheap or never delivered, and fake genetic testing schemes at health fairs designed to steal Medicare numbers. Seniors are advised to scrutinize monthly Medicare statements, never share their Medicare number with unsolicited offers, and report suspected fraud to local law enforcement or the AARP Fraud Watch Network.
theoaklandpress.com
· 2025-12-08
A 67-year-old Troy resident lost $800 to a scam in which someone impersonated Barbara Streisand via text, claiming she had won $10,000 as the entertainer's "biggest fan" and requesting payment in Apple gift cards to cover taxes. Police warned the public to be skeptical of unsolicited prize offers and to never send payment via gift cards in exchange for promised cash rewards.
thereporter.com
· 2025-12-08
Nearly 750 senior citizens in Solano County reported financial abuse in the previous year, prompting Solano Public Health's Older and Disabled Adult Services to launch the Solano Senior Fraud Prevention Center website. The center provides prevention resources, educational materials on five key anti-scam strategies, and a reporting mechanism for fraud cases, while addressing three major fraud categories affecting the county: phone/mail fraud, internet/email/texting fraud, and family/caregiver fraud. Nationally, seniors lose over $3 billion annually to fraud, averaging $35,101 per victim.
nationalseniors.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Criminals are targeting Australian Age Pension recipients with social media messages and online advertisements promising non-existent "bonus" payments of up to $1,800 from Centrelink, directing victims to fake websites designed to steal personal information. Services Australia warns seniors to only use official government websites and highlights multiple active scams affecting older Australians, including MyGov impersonation, Medicare fraud, fake disaster relief, COVID-19 schemes, and deepfake investment scams that have caused significant financial losses. The Australian government has allocated $67.5 million over four years to combat scamming, but individuals must remain vigilant about unsolicited messages and suspicious links.
news-journalonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 556 into law, which allows financial institutions to delay suspicious transactions from seniors aged 65+ or vulnerable adults for up to 15 business days (extendable to 30 days) while investigating potential fraud. The bill addresses the rising threat of scams targeting elderly Floridians, who lost nearly $294 million to fraud in 2023, with seniors nationwide losing over $3.4 billion that same year to schemes including fake calls, investment fraud, and romance scams. The law takes effect January 1, 2025, and requires banks to notify trusted contacts and develop employee training programs to identify and prevent financial exploitation.
bnt.bg
· 2025-12-08
A 76-year-old woman from Stara Zagora, Bulgaria fell victim to a telephone scam in which she was told her daughter needed emergency surgery and handed over 6,600 BGN (approximately $3,700 USD) to the fraudsters over two days—1,600 BGN on May 29 and 5,000 BGN the following day. Pre-trial proceedings were initiated following her report to police on May 31, and this incident represents another telephone fraud case in the region, following a similar scam in March where another elderly woman lost 9,000 BGN and 500 euro.
powerretail.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Delivery package scams are the most prevalent fraud affecting Australians, with 73% of survey respondents reporting receipt of fake delivery messages and over 25% falling victim to losses, including some exceeding $20,000. Over 80% of Australians receive between one to ten scam texts and calls weekly, with more than half initially believing fraudulent messages were legitimate before detecting the deception. Australia Post warns that scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and urges the public to verify communications, emphasizing that Australia Post never requests personal information, financial details, or payments via unsolicited contact.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
A Winnipeg man lost hundreds of dollars in a scam after Meta AI incorrectly verified a fake Facebook customer support phone number (1-844-457-0520) as legitimate. When he called the number to troubleshoot transferring his Facebook account to a new phone, the scammer gained access to his account and convinced him his IP address was hacked, then used remote access to his phone to fraudulently purchase a $500 Apple gift card via his PayPal account. The victim's wife recognized the scam and he was able to cancel his cards and reverse the charge, but the incident highlights the dangers of relying on AI verification tools for sensitive account support numbers.
arlnow.com
· 2025-12-08
An Arlington woman nearly became a victim of an impostor scam when a caller impersonated her daughter, claiming she had been in a serious car accident and arrested, with bail set at $180,000. The scammer used convincing details including the daughter's mannerisms and speech patterns, then transferred the call to someone posing as a police officer and later an attorney, but the scheme unraveled when the husband asked questions the scammer couldn't answer (such as the car model and courthouse location). No money was lost, but Arlington County police report over 700 fraud instances year-to-date and advise residents to verify unusual requests through independent contact with loved ones.
smh.com.au
· 2025-12-08
A Melbourne couple lost approximately $300,000 to a sophisticated investment scam involving fraudulent HSBC representatives in March, recovering only $100,000 months later. The article explores the psychological aftermath of scams, highlighting that victims often experience prolonged shame, guilt, and self-blame despite being targets of crime, with societal attitudes and bank responses frequently exacerbating these emotional impacts. The piece emphasizes that scams cause lasting psychological trauma beyond financial loss and that victim-blaming culture discourages people from speaking about their experiences.
sungazette.com
· 2025-12-08
Pennsylvania lawmakers are advancing House Bill 2064, which would allow banks to flag suspicious transactions, delay potentially fraudulent transfers, and share information with law enforcement and aging agencies to combat elder financial abuse. The legislation addresses a growing national problem—the National Council on Aging reported nearly 90,000 fraud complaints in 2022 totaling over $3 billion in losses, with common scams including grandparent fraud, romance scams, and government impersonation schemes. The bill aims to protect the state's aging population by giving financial institutions liability protections when they voluntarily report suspected exploitation and providing guardrails against high-pressure scams.
chroniclelive.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines eight common WhatsApp scams and prevention strategies. The scams include impersonation schemes (where fraudsters pose as family members or romantic interests), verification code theft, cryptocurrency and investment fraud, and malware distribution, with each targeting different types of personal information or money from victims. The key advice emphasizes verifying sender identity through independent channels, never sharing sensitive codes or personal data, researching investment opportunities thoroughly, and reporting suspicious activity to WhatsApp and authorities.
berkshireeagle.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraud reports exceeded $10 billion in the United States last year, representing a 14% increase from the previous year, with scammers increasingly using sophisticated tactics including phishing, fake urgency, and AI-enhanced schemes. Key prevention strategies include never sharing personal information or online banking credentials with anyone claiming to be from a financial institution or government agency, avoiding unknown callers, and immediately contacting your bank using numbers from official statements rather than online searches if fraud is suspected. A local couple nearly lost $46,000 in a Microsoft impersonation scam but was protected when a bank manager intervened, highlighting the importance of quick action and institutional fraud prevention measures.
readthereporter.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece observes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15) and emphasizes that elder abuse—including physical, emotional, neglect, and financial mistreatment—affects approximately 5 million U.S. older adults annually, with older victims losing roughly $30 billion yearly to financial fraud, yet only one in 14 cases are reported. The article provides prevention guidance including recognizing common scams (lottery schemes, identity theft, phishing), using technology safeguards (bank alerts, direct deposits), maintaining social connections, and leveraging reporting resources such as Adult Protective Services, local law enforcement, and the National Center on Elder Abuse to combat exploitation.
kauainownews.com
· 2025-12-08
**Medicare Fraud Prevention Week Educational Piece**
Senior Medicare Patrol Hawai'i is promoting Medicare fraud awareness during June 3-9, highlighting that Medicare loses an estimated $60 billion annually to false claims. The organization recommends beneficiaries use a free "My Health Care Tracker" booklet to log health services and cross-check against billing statements, monitor for unauthorized use of their Medicare number, and never share their Medicare number with unsolicited callers—while caregivers, families, and community members should watch for suspicious medical equipment deliveries and encourage loved ones to protect their Medicare information as they would a credit card number.
spectrumlocalnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Senior Medicare Patrol Hawaii is hosting Medicare Fraud Prevention Week (June 3-9) to educate the public about Medicare fraud schemes, offering a free webinar on June 8 and providing resources like the "My Health Care Tracker" booklet to help seniors detect fraudulent claims. Medicare loses approximately $60 billion annually to false claims, and the program teaches seniors and their caregivers how to prevent, detect, and report fraud by monitoring billing statements, protecting their Medicare numbers, and reporting suspected identity theft.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong reports that Connecticut consumers lost over $70 million to fraud in 2023, with older Americans particularly targeted not because of generational differences but because they have accumulated savings and steady income sources like Social Security. Tong emphasizes that fraud affects everyone regardless of education or profession, and highlights romance scams as the largest threat to people over 60, where criminals use social media research to build fake relationships before requesting money for emergencies. His office partners with AARP and fellow state attorneys general to combat fraud through public awareness campaigns, though scammers continuously develop new schemes faster than they can be stopped.
mdjonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Georgia ranks among the top ten states targeted by organized scam operators who extract millions of dollars annually from senior citizens through romance scams, jury duty scams, grandparent scams, and identity theft. As law enforcement catches up to scammers' money laundering methods—which have evolved from cash deposits to gift cards to cryptocurrency ATMs—sophisticated criminals continue adapting by using new untraceable methods like gold bullion to hide stolen funds and avoid detection.
dailyforex.com
· 2025-12-08
Telegram has become a popular platform for Forex scammers to target traders by impersonating legitimate traders or brokers and convincing victims to deposit funds with fake platforms or wallets under their control. Common scam types include copycat channels, phishing schemes, pump-and-dump schemes, romance scams, fake broker impersonation, and fake education programs, with scammers typically using fake account screenshots, grammatical errors, and time-pressure tactics to manipulate victims. Traders can protect themselves by verifying legitimacy through official channels, avoiding unsolicited contacts, never sharing personal details, and being cautious of pressure tactics and guaranteed returns.
the-review.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting travelers by creating fake airline websites and customer service numbers to charge for non-existent flights or fabricated cancellations. The BBB Scam Tracker has received multiple reports where victims either paid for tickets on fraudulent sites that were never delivered, or received fake cancellation notices and paid extra fees to "rebook" flights that were never actually canceled. To protect yourself, verify website URLs and phone numbers directly with the airline, research companies on BBB.org before booking, and use credit cards for disputes protection.
theage.com.au
· 2025-12-08
This opinion piece provides guidance for victims of scams on steps to take after falling victim to fraud. The article outlines three key actions: immediately report the scam to your bank and contact IDCARE (1800 595 160) to limit recovery losses; remain vigilant against follow-up scams targeting victims with stolen personal information; and develop a financial recovery plan through budgeting adjustments, investment strategy changes, or seeking professional financial advice. The piece emphasizes that scam victims often experience profound emotional and psychological impacts, with one in three victims being scammed multiple times.
hawaiinewsnow.com
· 2025-12-08
Honolulu CrimeStoppers is seeking suspects in three crimes: a vehicle break-in on April 18 where a female stole property from a parked car, a May 10 vehicle break-in by a male suspect, and a May 4 armed robbery in which a male suspect with a handgun robbed a victim on Liliha Street. The department also warns the public about a phone scam where criminals pose as HPD officers (claiming names like "Captain Cortez") using spoofed phone numbers to demand payment for fake arrest warrants; residents should hang up and call the police directly, as law enforcement never requests payment by phone. Tips leading to arrests are eligible for
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a consumer alert warning residents of AI-powered scams that impersonate government officials and family members, particularly targeting parents and grandparents with deepfake voice calls claiming a child needs help. The FBI reported grandparent scams alone resulted in nearly $2 million in losses last year, with imposter scams being the most commonly reported fraud type in 2023. Bonta's office provided prevention tips including using family code words, limiting personal audio/video on social media, checking privacy settings, letting unknown calls go to voicemail, and using call-blocking technology.
cbs12.com
· 2025-12-08
Port St. Lucie Police reported a surge in phone and text scams where perpetrators demanded money from residents while making violent threats, using personal information gleaned from social media and government websites along with intimidating images to coerce payment. Some scammers falsely claimed cartel affiliations, though recent victims in the area successfully identified the scams and avoided losing money. Police advise residents to remain vigilant and resist fear-based pressure tactics.
wjla.com
· 2025-12-08
Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown warned residents of an escalating AI-powered imposter scam targeting Prince George's County residents, where scammers mimicked sheriff's voices to demand $500-$5,000 via cash app, wire transfer, or gift cards by claiming victims had outstanding arrest warrants. The scammers used officials' real names and created false urgency to pressure victims into quick payments, exploiting AI technology's ability to replicate government and law enforcement voices convincingly. Brown recommends verifying unexpected official contacts through independent phone numbers, avoiding payment requests via gift cards or wire transfers, and reporting suspected scams to the Attorney General, FTC, or FBI.
nbcmiami.com
· 2025-12-08
Travel scams increase during busy vacation seasons, and consumers can protect themselves by researching typical pricing for their destination, booking directly through official platforms rather than external communications, and avoiding wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency payments that pressure quick decisions. Additional red flags include imposter scams where fraudsters impersonate airline or hotel staff to steal personal information, making it especially important to verify you're on legitimate websites when booking on mobile devices. Suspected travel scams should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission.
wkyt.com
· 2025-12-08
Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control warned pet owners of a phone scam in which callers impersonate animal control officers and demand immediate payment to prevent the euthanasia of found pets. The scam targets vulnerable owners of missing animals and has occurred nationwide, with at least three reported cases in Lexington within a week; legitimate animal control will never request money over the phone and instead arrange in-person identification at a veterinary clinic. Victims are advised to hang up and call animal control directly, then report the incident to local police and the FBI.
detroitnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Older adults lose an estimated $3.4 billion annually to financial scams (averaging $33,915 per victim), with tech support scams, data breaches, and romance scams being most prevalent due to older adults' assets, trusting nature, and lower likelihood of reporting fraud. Experts recommend protecting against scams through basic data hygiene practices (secure websites, strong passwords, two-factor authentication), using credit cards for online purchases, verifying suspicious communications directly with sources, establishing multiple trusted contacts to monitor accounts, and fostering open conversations about fraud to reduce shame and encourage reporting.
inyourarea.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Janet Smith, 62, fell victim to a Facebook romance scam involving an imposter posing as Take That singer Gary Barlow who flattered her and requested money over a week-long interaction. After confronting the scammer—a 24-year-old man from Nigeria—and exposing the deception, the real Gary Barlow learned of her story and invited her to a Take That concert in Norwich, where he met with her and thanked her for her grace in handling the situation. Janet now uses her experience to raise awareness about catfishing and scams, and the article provides tips for spotting and avoiding similar deceptions online.
southeastiowaunion.com
· 2025-12-08
Libertyville Savings Bank is hosting a free educational open house on June 13 to raise awareness about elder financial exploitation, coinciding with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15. According to FinCEN, over 155,000 suspicious activity reports related to elder abuse were filed in the past year, totaling $27 billion in suspicious activity, though many cases go unreported. The event will inform attendees about recognizing fraudulent communications and scams targeting seniors of all ages.
news.blueshieldca.com
· 2025-12-08
**Article:** Blue Shield of California Medicare Fraud Prevention Week Alert
Blue Shield of California warned Medicare beneficiaries during Medicare Fraud Prevention Week (June 3-9, 2024) about scams targeting seniors seeking personal, financial, and health plan information. Healthcare fraud costs the U.S. up to $300 billion annually, with older adults accounting for 40% of call center fraud complaints and 58% of losses—nearly $770 million in 2023, more than all other age groups combined. The organization recommends seniors protect themselves by never sharing personal information, verifying callers through official numbers like 1-800-MEDICARE, reviewing Explanation of Benefits statements
which.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
This Which? article provides consumer awareness about common scams rather than reporting a specific fraud incident. The piece highlights three prevalent scam types: hotel booking fraud where hackers gain access to hotel systems to send phishing messages requesting card details (with 40 reported Booking.com scams in early 2024); phone/broadband provider impersonation calls offering refunds or upgrades while tricking victims into sharing remote access or making unauthorized payments; and hidden subscription scams where victims are charged recurring fees (up to £50/month) through misleading ads and fake QR codes. The article emphasizes that all consumers are vulnerable to sophisticated fraud and recommends awareness and protective measures.
m.cbs12.com
· 2025-12-08
Port St. Lucie Police reported a surge in text and phone scams in which perpetrators demanded money from residents while making violent threats, using personal information gleaned from social media or government websites and sending intimidating photos to coerce payment, with some falsely claiming cartel affiliations. Fortunately, recent victims recognized these scams as fraudulent and did not pay, and police advised residents to remain vigilant and resist fear-based pressure tactics.
wfmynews2.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are sending increasingly convincing text messages impersonating USPS, claiming packages cannot be delivered and requesting action within 12 hours, often including fake links and polite language like "We wish you a wonderful day" to appear legitimate. Red flags include the sender being a .com address or regular phone number rather than an official source, and requests for payment to complete delivery. The actual USPS does not send text messages about packages, so recipients should verify delivery status by logging directly into their carrier's account rather than clicking links in unsolicited texts.
wgal.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams in the Susquehanna Valley have affected multiple victims, including a 53-year-old Lebanon County man who lost over $10,000, Mark Heath who lost $165,000, and a woman who lost $40,000, with scammers posing as romantic interests to extract money from vulnerable individuals, particularly widows and widowers. The FBI recommends victims be cautious about online information sharing, verify profiles through reverse image searches, avoid sending money to online-only contacts, and watch for red flags such as requests to move off dating platforms, promises to meet that never materialize, and requests for financial or personal information.