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cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Americans lost $10 billion to fraud, with scammers employing increasingly sophisticated tactics that are difficult to detect. The article identifies 10 common banking scams—including check fraud, phishing, fake prize offers, advance fee schemes, and government imposter scams—and provides protective strategies such as verifying URLs before clicking links, never sharing banking details unsolicited, and using secure check writing practices. The key defense is awareness: recognizing these common schemes and understanding that legitimate institutions rarely request sensitive information through unsolicited messages or calls.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
Victoria Melhuish, an Instagram user with nearly 20,000 followers, was hacked and extorted for $300 in cryptocurrency after clicking a fraudulent verification email that appeared to be from Meta. The scammers, allegedly college students, threatened to sell her account unless she paid the ransom; though she regained access after payment, her account was subsequently banned for suspicious activity, forcing her into a dispute with Meta to restore it.
havredailynews.com
· 2025-12-08
Psychologists have identified that older adults, who hold significant financial assets and make important decisions, are increasingly vulnerable to financial exploitation, with over 90,000 victims losing $1.7 billion to fraud in 2021 alone. Research shows that susceptibility to deception in aging depends on both individual factors—such as cognitive decline, memory problems, emotional state, and loneliness—and contextual factors related to how victims are targeted across various platforms including emails, social media, and deepfakes. The study emphasizes that understanding these psychological vulnerabilities is critical for developing interventions to protect older adults, whose losses from fraud are typically larger and more devastating than younger victims' losses.
newstalkkzrg.com
· 2025-12-08
Grandparent scams, also known as emergency scams, target older adults by impersonating grandchildren or loved ones over the phone or text, claiming they need money urgently for an emergency. Modern versions of these scams increasingly use AI-generated messages and voice cloning technology to sound authentic, making them harder to detect. To protect yourself, pause before reacting to urgent requests, verify the caller's identity by calling them directly, limit personal information on social media, and never send money through untraceable methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency if you have any doubts.
nbcnewyork.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, consumers lost $1.14 billion to romance scams, with a median loss of $2,000 per victim—the highest for any imposter scam category, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Romance scammers build trust with victims over time, often through social media, to manipulate them into sending money or providing account access. Key warning signs include unsolicited contact, requests for money, refusal to meet in person, and attempts to isolate victims from family and friends.
rd.com
· 2025-12-08
Work-from-home job scams are fraudulent job postings designed to steal personal information or trick applicants into paying upfront fees for fake background checks, training, or equipment. According to the Better Business Bureau, approximately 14 million job seekers encounter these scams annually, resulting in over $2 billion in losses. To protect yourself, job applicants should verify company legitimacy through official websites, watch for red flags like requests for payment before employment or overly quick hiring processes, and be cautious of positions advertised on social media or through direct messages rather than official job boards.
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scammers exploit emotional vulnerabilities to gain victims' trust and access to their financial accounts, with U.S. consumers losing $1.14 billion to romance scams in 2023 and a median loss of $2,000 per victim—the highest among imposter scams. These scams typically develop over time on social media platforms, with about 40% of victims reporting initial contact there, and 73% of victims being men. Warning signs include requests for money, refusal to meet in person, isolation attempts, and pressure tactics, though victims often struggle to recognize the fraud because they trust the person manipulating them.
secureworks.com
· 2025-12-08
The film "Thelma" depicts a 93-year-old woman who loses $10,000 to a grandson impersonation scam, reflecting a real crisis: the FBI reported over 101,000 elder fraud victims aged 60+ in 2023, with tech support, romance, confidence, and investment scams being the most common types. Social engineering attacks exploit human psychology and create artificial urgency to manipulate victims into divulging sensitive information or making payments, and victims often experience lasting emotional harm including shame and loss of confidence. Key prevention strategies include educating oneself about scams, trusting instincts when requests seem unusual, verifying the identity of callers, an
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Americans over 60 lost $3.4 billion to scams—a 10.6% increase from 2022—with 101,068 reports filed, according to FBI IC3 data. Criminals obtained victims' personal information through data brokers and used it to perpetrate tech support scams (18,000 victims, $589.8 million lost), investment fraud (6,400 victims, $1.2 billion lost), and romance scams (6,700 victims, $356.9 million lost). The article advises seniors to use data removal services, place fraud alerts with credit agencies, and remain cautious of phishing
freepressjournal.in
· 2025-12-08
A bank manager in Raipur, Chhattisgarh was defrauded of Rs 44 lakh (approximately $52,800 USD) by an online scammer who posed as a legitimate share trading and IPO platform, initially recruiting him through a WhatsApp survey group. Over nearly a month, the victim was manipulated by fake account statements showing fictitious profits and repeatedly solicited for increasing amounts under the guise of fees, penalties, and taxes, while withdrawal requests were denied. The Rajendra Nagar police have filed an FIR and are investigating the case, which highlights the risks of online investment schemes that promise high returns without proper verification.
coinfomania.com
· 2025-12-08
A phishing website mimicking the Aurory NFT project's domain (aurory.app instead of app.aurory) stole over $500,000 in SOL tokens from users during an August 31, 2021 NFT drop on the Solana network. Users who connected their wallets to the malicious site and signed a fraudulent contract had their funds immediately transferred to the attacker's address, with the hacker subsequently converting stolen assets to other cryptocurrencies. To prevent similar incidents, users should verify correct URLs before connecting wallets, use new addresses for NFT minting, and avoid enabling auto-approve transactions.
marbleheadcurrent.org
· 2025-12-08
A 72-year-old Marblehead woman fell victim to a tech support scam where fraudsters posed as federal investigators and convinced her that hackers had compromised her computer and identity, ultimately persuading her to withdraw $7,500 and mail it to California wrapped in foil and bubble wrap. Thanks to quick action by Marblehead Police, the package was intercepted and returned before delivery, allowing the victim to recover her money. The scam illustrates how perpetrators manipulate victims through urgency and fear, targeting their emotions rather than logic, and police emphasize that residents should never call numbers on suspicious pop-ups or provide personal information over the phone.
pmg-ky1.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau's June Hot Topics report highlights ten prevalent scams affecting consumers, including employment fraud on Facebook ($5,000+ loss), fake family emergency calls, medical bill scams, customer service imposters, invoice scams, sweepstakes fraud, phishing schemes, online shopping and hotel booking scams, and used car parts fraud. The BBB advises consumers to verify businesses at www.bbb.org before transactions, never send money over the phone or to unverified callers, check official accounts and court websites to confirm suspicious claims, and always pay with credit cards to enable dispute protection.
ibsintelligence.com
· 2025-12-08
AI-powered fraud is escalating rapidly, with deepfake fraud attempts jumping 3,000% year-over-year in 2023 as malicious actors exploit accessible generative AI tools to conduct sophisticated scams at scale. Key emerging threats include deepfakes targeting high-profile figures and biometric systems, increasingly convincing phishing and smishing attacks that exploit AI-generated authentic-appearing content, and social engineering schemes leveraging AI—all of which require businesses and individuals to remain vigilant and deploy AI-based defensive systems to keep pace with evolving fraud tactics.
click2houston.com
· 2025-12-08
On May 28th, a Pearland, Texas resident named Missy Edwards lost $17,633 to scammers who spoofed a Wells Fargo phone number and falsely convinced her there was fraudulent activity on her account, then tricked her into initiating a wire transfer herself. Because Edwards voluntarily sent the money under false pretenses rather than having it stolen outright, the bank may not reimburse her, and recovery is extremely difficult since the funds are typically converted to cryptocurrency, which law enforcement agencies struggle to track.
pulse.com.gh
· 2025-12-08
This educational article provides Ghanaians with practical strategies to avoid scams, emphasizing the importance of verifying sources, recognizing red flags like urgent requests and unsolicited sensitive information demands, and identifying inconsistencies such as poor grammar and unprofessional presentation. Key protective measures include conducting thorough research on companies, using secure payment platforms, seeking advice from trusted sources, and verifying regulatory compliance before engaging with any offer.
ksat.com
· 2025-12-08
As Hurricane Beryl approaches Mexico, the Federal Trade Commission warns of disaster-related scams, including unlicensed contractors demanding advance payment for repairs with no written contracts, and online sellers offering discounted supplies that are never delivered. The FTC recommends verifying contractor credentials and insurance, obtaining written contracts, checking online reviews for authenticity, and seeking referrals from trusted sources to avoid fraudulent schemes following weather emergencies.
greenvilleadvocate.com
· 2025-12-08
Spoofing and phishing scams are increasingly common, with scammers using disguised online identities to steal personal and financial information from victims. Law enforcement recommends three key prevention steps: never share personal information or send money via gift cards to unknown callers (legitimate companies don't request this), avoid answering calls from unknown numbers, and verify caller identity by independently contacting the official organization. Victims can report suspected scams to the Federal Trade Commission at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov or 877-382-4357, or to local law enforcement.
news5cleveland.com
· 2025-12-08
Cryptocurrency scam victims in Northeast Ohio face a secondary threat from recovery scams, where fraudsters posing as lawyers from fake firms promise to retrieve lost funds but instead steal additional money. Between February 2023 and February 2024, such fictitious law firm schemes targeting crypto victims resulted in nearly $10 million in losses reported to the FBI. The FBI's Cleveland Midwest Cryptocurrency Task Force warns victims against recovery schemes and advises reporting all suspected scams to the BBB Scam Tracker or FBI.
radiotexaslive.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI is warning Texas residents about an increasing number of scams operating in the state, noting that criminals are becoming more sophisticated by using AI tools to improve their fraud techniques. The agency advises people to never share banking information or purchase gift cards in response to unsolicited requests via text, email, or messaging apps, and to verify requests for money directly with family members before sending funds. Victims are urged to contact law enforcement immediately if they are scammed.
bernama.com
· 2025-12-08
Malaysia's elderly population faces significant digital literacy gaps, with only 3.4% of those aged 60+ using the internet in 2020, making them vulnerable to scams and unable to access essential services. Senior citizens lost RM552.5 million to internet fraud between 2021-2023, highlighting the urgent need for targeted digital literacy programs that teach password security, phishing identification, and safe online practices. Improving digital skills among older adults would reduce fraud victimization while enabling them to access healthcare, maintain social connections, and participate in modern society.
wsiu.org
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns of "grandparent scams" where fraudsters impersonate family members using phone calls, texts, or AI-generated voices to create false emergencies and extract money from vulnerable people. In a Hazelwood, Missouri case, a scammer posing as a grandson requesting bail money was stopped when a caretaker verified the grandson's safety; the BBB documented nearly 200 instances of this scam in 2023 with a median loss of $850 per victim. To protect yourself, verify caller identity through independent contact, question callers on personal details, avoid untraceable payment methods, and contact police if someone demands in-person money collection.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are sending text messages impersonating highway toll authorities and transponder companies like E-ZPass, requesting payment for small unpaid tolls (typically $11-$13) to avoid larger late fees, with links that expose victims to malware and identity theft. The scam, which began in spring and has accelerated in recent months, is tailored to specific states with URLs mimicking legitimate toll services, and has prompted warnings from the FBI, state transportation departments, and the Federal Trade Commission.
abc15.com
· 2025-12-08
The ABC15 Let ABC15 Know team identifies four common summer scams targeting consumers: fraudulent event/concert tickets sold through fake websites and social media, phony travel booking sites offering non-existent deals, vanishing vacation rental scams on legitimate platforms, and fake vacation prize schemes requiring upfront fees. The article recommends protective measures including verifying website authenticity, booking directly from official providers, paying with credit cards rather than peer-to-peer apps, researching rental properties, and trusting instincts when offers seem suspicious.
swissinfo.ch
· 2025-12-08
A network of fraudulent investment platforms linked to Cyprus uses fake celebrity endorsements and fabricated news articles to lure victims into investing money that is never actually invested in stocks or real financial products. The scam, which includes platforms such as InvesaCapital, OBRInvest, and ForexTB, targets investors internationally—including many in Switzerland—who are pressured by manipulative phone calls to deposit increasingly larger sums, resulting in total losses ranging from tens of thousands to over CHF100,000 per victim. Swiss authorities have confirmed dozens of criminal charges related to this network, though prosecution is often difficult due to perpetrators operating abroad.
fingerlakesdailynews.com
· 2025-12-08
Since March 2024, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center has received thousands of complaints about smishing texts impersonating road toll collection services across multiple states, including New York. The fraudulent texts claim recipients owe unpaid tolls and direct them to fake websites designed to steal personal information or financial details. The FBI recommends recipients verify toll accounts through official channels, file complaints at ic3.gov, and secure their accounts if they clicked malicious links or shared information.
mychesco.com
· 2025-12-08
AARP Pennsylvania has warned of an increase in utility scams targeting older adults during summer months when energy usage and bills peak, with fraudsters posing as utility company representatives and using threats of service disconnection or offers of discounts to obtain personal information or payments. A recent AARP poll found that 62% of Pennsylvania voters aged 50 and older expressed concern about fraud and scams including robo-calls and phishing emails. AARP advises residents to verify any unsolicited utility claims by contacting their utility company directly using the number on their bill, noting that legitimate companies send multiple notices before disconnection and never demand immediate payment over the phone.
noozhawk.com
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational awareness piece, not a news report of a specific scam or fraud incident. Here's the summary:
State Senator Monique Limón is hosting a Senior Scam Prevention Seminar on July 9 at the Goleta Community Center, featuring expert panelists from multiple California state departments who will discuss detecting scams and protecting against fraud tactics. The free event aims to educate seniors and their families on the latest scam methods and prevention strategies.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
Researchers at Macquarie University have developed Apate, a system of conversational AI chatbots designed to intercept and waste the time of phone scammers by engaging them in prolonged conversations. The bots, which mimic elderly people with various accents and personalities, are deployed by telecommunications companies when they detect incoming scam calls, and simultaneously collect intelligence on scamming tactics, call patterns, and criminal networks to help disrupt the multi-billion dollar scamming industry. The initiative, funded with $720,000 from Australia's Office of National Intelligence, aims to protect vulnerable people from losing their life savings to telephone fraud schemes.
3newsnow.com
· 2025-12-08
McAfee identified five cities with high rates of travel booking scams: Fort Myers Beach (FL), Sandusky (OH), Pocono Manor (PA), Waimea (HI), and Chicago (IL). Common scams include phishing fraud, rental scams (fake listings), and ticketing scams (fraudulent entertainment tickets), with families particularly targeted at attractions like Cedar Point amusement park. To protect yourself, book only through official channels and credit cards with fraud protection, avoid providing payment details on suspicious websites, and be skeptical of requests to complete transactions outside booking platforms.
koaa.com
· 2025-12-08
A scam impersonating law enforcement officers from the El Paso County Sheriff's Office is defrauding dozens of people daily, with scammers claiming victims missed court appearances and demanding payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency to clear fake warrants. Detective Marissa Williams advises victims to request specific details from callers, independently verify identity by calling the agency directly, and report incidents to law enforcement, noting that many victims don't report due to embarrassment or believing nothing can be done.
montgomeryadvertiser.com
· 2025-12-08
Social Security scammers commonly impersonate federal agents and law enforcement officials, threatening arrest or benefit suspension to coerce victims into providing personal information or payments. To protect yourself, hang up immediately on suspicious calls, never share personal information or make payments, and report scams to the Social Security Administration's Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov. The SSA will never threaten legal action, demand payment via gift cards or wire transfers, require secrecy, or send official documents with personal information via email.
indeonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating U.S. passport renewal websites to trick consumers into paying fees to fill out forms that are actually free downloads on the government website, then requesting additional payment for the actual renewal. Victims unknowingly provide personal information like Social Security numbers and payment details to fraudsters, with reported losses of at least $68 per incident. To avoid these scams, consumers should verify they are on the official state.gov website (not .com or similar variants), allow sufficient time for legitimate renewal processes, and confirm websites are secure before entering sensitive information.
news5cleveland.com
· 2025-12-08
McAfee identified five U.S. cities—Fort Myers Beach, Sandusky, Pocono Manor, Waimea, and Chicago—as hotspots for travel booking scams, including phishing fraud, rental scams, and ticketing scams targeting families and travelers. The company recommends booking only through official channels, using credit cards with fraud protection rather than debit cards, and avoiding requests to complete transactions off-platform or on suspicious websites to prevent identity theft.
mk.co.kr
· 2025-12-08
Smishing attacks in South Korea have surged dramatically, with scammers impersonating financial institutions, investment firms, and government agencies through fake promotional text messages containing malicious URLs. These sophisticated schemes trick victims into visiting counterfeit websites or downloading malware-laden apps that steal personal information, enable remote device control, or lock data with ransomware demands; spam texts increased nearly 10-fold from 31.12 million in 2019 to over 168 million cases by mid-2023, with projections exceeding 400 million annually. The attacks exploit improved spam reporting visibility, regulatory changes affecting investment advisory services, and compromised text reseller companies to distribute fraudulent messages imp
mk.co.kr
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams and online fraud operations, predominantly run by Chinese criminal organizations based in Southeast Asia (particularly Myanmar and Cambodia), have caused an estimated $1.26 trillion in global damage annually through impersonation schemes, investment fraud, and phishing. Approximately 220,000 people are mobilized across Myanmar and Cambodia for these crimes, with victims including those abducted from 35 countries who are coerced to impersonate others via social media, email, and phone calls. In response, China has blocked over $157 billion in fraudulent transactions since 2021, and Myanmar authorities rescued 19 kidnapped South Koreans in the previous year as international law enforcement intensifies crack
hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 23-year-old man in Hyderabad lost ₹12 lakh after receiving a spoofed call claiming to be from FedEx stating his Aadhaar was being misused for illegal courier shipments; the scammers then impersonated Mumbai Cyber Crime officials and coerced him into transferring funds under the guise of an "investigation" via Skype video call. A case has been registered with Hyderabad Cyber Crimes police, and FedEx issued a warning that they never request personal information through unsolicited calls or emails.
local.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Amazon impostor scams resulted in 44,000 reports and $19 million in losses to consumers last year, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Criminals employ two primary tactics: complex multi-layered scams involving fake Amazon, bank, and law enforcement personas to increase perceived legitimacy, and fraudulent membership renewal messages with counterfeit websites designed to collect payment information. Consumers should verify transactions directly through official websites and customer service lines rather than clicking links or calling numbers from unsolicited emails or texts.
kpq.com
· 2025-12-08
Remote job scams are targeting college students through fake job postings on legitimate sites and email, where scammers send fraudulent checks as "advance payments" and instruct victims to wire portions of the funds to other accounts. When the checks bounce days later, victims are held liable for the full amount by their banks while the money sent to scammers becomes unrecoverable, leaving students with significant financial losses.
king5.com
· 2025-12-08
A phishing scam is targeting Washington drivers by sending text messages impersonating the Good To Go tolling service, directing recipients to a fake website (mygoodtogotoll.com) to pay a purported unpaid toll of $6.67 with threats of additional $66.70 charges. The Washington State Department of Transportation warned drivers not to click the malicious link and reminded them the legitimate payment website is MyGoodToGo.com without the word "toll" in the URL. The Better Business Bureau recommends avoiding unsolicited messages, verifying website URLs carefully, and never replying to suspected scam texts.
koaa.com
· 2025-12-08
A new wave of text message scams (smishing) is targeting toll road users in Denver, impersonating services like ExpressToll and E-470 to collect sensitive personal and financial data. The FBI advises recipients to report the scams to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, verify accounts through official websites, contact legitimate customer service numbers, and secure their information if they clicked links or shared data.
businessinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
A 70-year-old retired man lost approximately $256,470 to an investment scam after being referred by a friend to what appeared to be a legitimate financial company; the scammers posed as investment professionals, encouraged him to take out lines of credit and invest in bitcoin, and charged steep commissions before he discovered forged emails and other red flags. Despite enlisting a lawyer and private investigator (who traced scammers to Bulgaria and the US), Bank of America cleared fraudulent checks despite being alerted to the fraud, leaving him with only $20,000 remaining after legal fees. The victim emphasizes that the lack of government oversight and institutional safeguards—noting his local police department ha
wvua23.com
· 2025-12-08
Online vehicle purchase scams are increasing, where fraudsters post fake listings with photos and addresses to trick buyers into wiring deposits for vehicles that don't exist or are never delivered. Recent victims in Alabama, Utah, and Missouri lost between $25,000 and $36,000 each after transferring funds based on fraudulent contracts and dealer credentials. To protect themselves, buyers should verify the vehicle's VIN through services like CarFax, inspect the car in person, and avoid electronic transfers in favor of cashier's checks.
foxbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
Job scam reports surged 118% in 2023 compared to 2022, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center, with artificial intelligence enabling scammers to create increasingly convincing fake job postings, profiles, and company websites. Victims were typically lured through legitimate job platforms, moved to private communication channels, and then asked to provide sensitive personal information like driver's licenses and Social Security numbers under the guise of standard onboarding procedures. The ITRC recommends directly contacting companies by phone using verified contact information to confirm job opportunities and protect against these AI-enhanced scams.
edhat.com
· 2025-12-08
Senator Monique Limón hosted a Senior Scam Prevention Seminar on July 9 at the Goleta Community Center, presented by multiple California state departments including Insurance, Financial Protection & Innovation, Consumer Affairs, and the Department of Justice. The educational event featured expert panelists discussing how to detect scams and protect against fraud using the latest scam tactics.
knoe.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating Feeding America and other legitimate senior food assistance programs through phishing calls and texts, claiming to offer free food to seniors. The Better Business Bureau warns recipients to verify that calls are from credited organizations before providing personal information. Legitimate senior food programs include Commodity Supplemental Food Programs, senior food box programs, and SNAP; anyone who suspects they've been scammed should contact the BBB at (318)-387-4600.
krfofm.com
· 2025-12-08
A resident received a phishing text message impersonating the Illinois Tollway, claiming an unpaid toll of $7.59 with threatened additional charges of $75.90, and nearly fell for the scam before realizing it was fraudulent. The Illinois Tollway warns I-PASS customers to disregard such texts and instead verify account status directly through their website or customer service line at 1-800-UC-IPASS.
irs.gov
· 2025-12-08
The IRS and Security Summit partners launched their annual "Protect Your Clients; Protect Yourself" awareness campaign warning tax professionals about evolving scams targeting their businesses and client data. Identity thieves are using multiple schemes including posing as new clients, phishing emails requesting Central Authorization File information, and phone/text campaigns to trick tax professionals into revealing sensitive information that could be used to file fraudulent tax returns. Tax professionals are advised to remain vigilant year-round against these threats, with the IRS offering educational forums and resources to help the tax professional community strengthen their security defenses.
walb.com
· 2025-12-08
Summer is peak season for fraud, with consumers reporting over $10 billion in losses to scams annually. The FTC warns of common summer schemes including fake vacation rentals, hotel payment scams, counterfeit concert tickets, fraudulent cruise offers, and smishing texts about unpaid tolls—all designed to steal money and personal information from travelers. Consumers should use reputable booking sites, verify listings, call businesses directly rather than responding to unsolicited contacts, and monitor financial accounts regularly for signs of identity theft.
freep.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
During Amazon Prime Day 2024 (July 16-17) and concurrent summer sales events at other retailers, scammers target deal-seeking consumers through fake websites and fraudulent schemes to steal money and personal information. In 2023, online shopping fraud resulted in 376,460 FTC complaints with median losses of $126 per victim and total losses exceeding $397 million, highlighting the risks consumers face during peak shopping events.