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Search across 26,669 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
liverpoolecho.co.uk
· 2026-05-04
A 40-year-old former British soldier from Bootle has become a victim of identity theft by romance scammers who use his photos to create fake profiles posing as military personnel, then manipulate victims into sending money. When scam victims discover the deception, they often find Steven's real social media accounts and direct abuse and death threats at him, despite his innocence. To protect yourself from romance scams, be cautious of military personnel requesting money, verify identities through video calls, and report suspicious accounts to the appropriate authorities rather than confronting the person in the photos.
liverpoolecho.co.uk
· 2026-05-04
A 40-year-old former British soldier from Bootle has had his identity stolen by online romance scammers who use his photographs to create fake profiles impersonating serving soldiers and defrauding victims. When the scam victims realize they've been deceived, they often find Steven Kelly's real social media accounts and direct abuse and death threats at him instead of the actual fraudsters. Although Kelly has reported the issue to Report Fraud (the UK's national fraud reporting center), his case has not been passed to a local police force for investigation, leaving him to endure ongoing harassment from unwitting scam victims.
english.elpais.com
· 2026-05-03
Fraud against Americans has reached unprecedented levels, with scammers operating from sophisticated call centers in countries like the Dominican Republic and using AI, scripts, and accomplices to impersonate relatives, lawyers, and government officials to steal money. In 2025 alone, the FBI recorded one million fraud complaints totaling $20.8 billion in losses—a dramatic increase from 49,000 reports and $18 million in losses in 2001—with vulnerable populations like elderly Americans and undocumented immigrants being primary targets. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming emergencies or legal issues, verify caller identities through official channels before sending money, and report suspected fraud to the FBI immediately.
wgnsradio.com
· 2026-05-03
A Rutherford County podcast episode examined two critical threats to elderly residents: physical abuse (highlighted by a 2009 murder case) and financial exploitation through scams targeting seniors. The episode featured law enforcement and prosecutors discussing common scams like romance schemes and digital payment app fraud, while introducing VAPIT, a task force dedicated to investigating elder abuse and exploitation. The discussion emphasized that seniors are vulnerable to predators who manipulate them through fear and appeals to kindness, underscoring the importance of community awareness and intervention in protecting elderly residents.
theindependent.sg
· 2026-05-03
The U.S. is offering up to $10 million for information about the Tai Chang Scam Centers in Myanmar, which operate large-scale cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes (known as "pig butchering") that have victimized people worldwide, particularly Americans. Over $7.2 billion was lost to these Southeast Asian scam operations last year, prompting the Department of Justice to launch a Scam Center Strike Force in 2025 to recover stolen assets and disrupt criminal networks. People with information about these operations or their cryptocurrency holdings are encouraged to come forward for the reward.
smh.com.au
· 2026-05-03
Financial scams in Australia have cost victims over $2.1 billion between 2020 and 2025, with investment scams, phishing scams, and romance scams being the most expensive, while shopping scams are the most common. Men are disproportionately affected by investment scams (64% of victims), losing an average of $7,000 each, with residents in Victoria and NSW accounting for nearly half of all reported cases. To protect yourself, stay vigilant against increasingly sophisticated scam tactics, verify investment opportunities independently, be cautious of unsolicited financial offers, and report suspected fraud to authorities like Scamwatch.
rutherfordsource.com
· 2026-05-03
Social media scams cost people $2.1 billion in 2025, with losses dramatically increasing since 2020 according to Federal Trade Commission data. Scammers operate on popular platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, posing as friends or family to deceive users. To protect yourself, stay vigilant about suspicious posts, verify requests before sharing personal information, and report any suspected scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or learn more at ftc.gov/scams.
cbsnews.com
· 2026-05-03
A scam targeting hundreds of people, particularly Spanish speakers in the Denver area, tricked them into believing they had unpaid traffic fines and would be arrested if they didn't pay. The fraudulent text messages included a QR code designed to steal money from victims, causing about 200 people to show up at Denver County Court seeking clarification on Friday. To protect yourself, never respond to suspicious texts about fines, remember that courts never contact people via text or QR codes about legal matters, and report any suspicious messages to local police or Colorado's Stop Fraud hotline at 720-913-9179.
tnonline.com
· 2026-05-03
Pennsylvania's Attorney General is warning residents about a new variation of cash scams where criminals use intermediaries (like Uber drivers) to collect payment in person, after manipulating victims with fake emergencies or fraudulent alerts—two recent cases resulted in over $30,000 in losses. Victims are typically pressured to act quickly and told to withdraw cash for urgent situations like family emergencies or false fraud charges. The state recommends never paying cash to unknown people, ignoring unsolicited calls and pop-ups, and taking time to verify claims rather than acting under pressure.
wdbj7.com
· 2026-05-02
Scammers in Roanoke are impersonating sheriff's deputies, using real names and phone numbers to convince residents they've missed court dates and owe bond payments that must be paid immediately. Victims are pressured to stay on the line while being transferred between multiple callers who become aggressive when questioned. To protect yourself, independently verify any law enforcement claims by calling the actual agency directly, and remember that legitimate law enforcement will never demand immediate payment or force you to stay on a call.
pandasecurity.com
· 2026-05-02
Cybercriminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create sophisticated scams, deepfakes, and malware that are harder to detect and easier to launch, even for those without technical skills. According to the latest IC3 report, AI-related fraud has already caused over $893 million in losses across more than 22,000 complaints, with the dark web AI market expected to grow significantly in coming years. To protect yourself, stay vigilant about suspicious emails and messages, verify unexpected requests through alternative channels, keep your software updated, and use multi-factor authentication on important accounts.
vindy.com
· 2026-05-02
Scammers are using deceptive "expert advice" websites and fake tech support services to trick customers into recurring monthly charges by making them believe they're only paying a small one-time fee. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to these scams, which often involve pop-up messages claiming virus infections or unsolicited emails requesting payment for device protection, ultimately giving fraudsters access to credit card information and sometimes even remote control of computers. To protect yourself, never click on suspicious pop-ups—instead hold down your device's power button for 10 seconds to reboot, and be wary of unsolicited contacts about device problems or services requiring payment.
huffpost.com
· 2026-05-02
Cybercriminals are using fake CAPTCHA security checks to trick people into infecting their own computers with malware. The scam, called "ClickFix," mimics the familiar "I'm not a robot" verification but instead instructs users to press specific keyboard commands (like Windows + R, then Ctrl + V) that unknowingly execute hidden malicious code and give hackers access to their devices. To protect yourself, be suspicious of any CAPTCHA that asks you to perform keyboard sequences or follow unusual instructions—legitimate security checks typically only ask you to click a box or solve simple puzzles.
rte.ie
· 2026-05-01
Online purchase scams have become Ireland's most common form of fraud, accounting for nearly half of all fraud cases and reaching €160 million in reported losses in 2024—a 24.5% increase from the previous year. Scammers create fake websites mimicking legitimate Irish businesses and use AI-generated imagery, stolen content from real people (including Irish content creators), and social media advertising to trick shoppers into paying for goods that never arrive. To protect yourself, verify websites carefully before purchasing, check social media accounts for red flags, avoid clicking ads from unfamiliar brands, and use secure payment methods that offer fraud protection.
wisbusiness.com
· 2026-05-01
Moving scams are on the rise in Wisconsin, with over 21,000 inquiries and 50+ complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau in 2025, with victims losing a median of $532 each. Common scams include hidden fees, massive price hikes, missing items, and goods being held hostage for additional payment. To protect yourself, research moving companies thoroughly before hiring, verify their legitimacy on BBB.org, and be cautious of red flags like requests for large upfront deposits via informal payment methods like Zelle or payment requests sent to personal names without official company information.
forbes.com
· 2026-05-01
Older adults lost over $7.5 billion to fraud last year, with scammers increasingly using sophisticated tactics to pressure victims into quick decisions. AI-powered detection tools are emerging as a solution, with apps like Shield Seniors using machine learning to identify suspicious activity and alert caregivers or institutions in real time to stop scams before money is lost. Experts recommend implementing built-in verification steps during payment processes that force a deliberate pause, rather than relying on emails or alerts that can be easily missed.
tribtoday.com
· 2026-05-01
Scammers are operating deceptive websites that trick customers into recurring credit-card charges by posing as "expert advice" services or "tech support" providers, often claiming to offer a one-time dollar charge when they're actually enrolling victims in endless monthly billing schemes. Seniors are particularly targeted through pop-up messages claiming device infections and fake support services, with millions falling victim to these scams that can result in stolen credit card information and compromised computers. To protect yourself, never click on suspicious pop-up messages (instead restart your device), be skeptical of unsolicited tech support alerts, and report such scams to the FBI.
pandasecurity.com
· 2026-05-01
In 2025, Americans lost $929 million to romance and relationship fraud, with sugar baby scams being a major culprit where scammers pose as wealthy benefactors offering financial support but disappear after obtaining upfront fees, gift cards, or personal information from victims. These scams typically begin on dating apps and social media, using fake profiles and emotional manipulation to build trust quickly before moving conversations off-platform. To stay safe, be cautious of profiles promising easy money with no strings attached, avoid sharing personal information or paying upfront fees, and verify claims through independent research before engaging further.
westernpeople.ie
· 2026-05-01
Modern scammers exploit age-old human vulnerabilities—like the desire for connection and belief in extraordinary promises—through tactics such as catfishing and romance fraud, often targeting lonely or vulnerable individuals who are lured with fantastical stories before being defrauded. The article uses The X-Files as a metaphor to illustrate that the real threat isn't some mysterious, hidden force but rather ordinary people using technology and psychological manipulation to deceive victims. While entertainment channels like Trilogy Media document these scams, the practical takeaway is to be skeptical of unsolicited online relationships, especially from people unwilling to video chat or meet in person, and to verify claims before sharing personal or financial information.
en.cryptonomist.ch
· 2026-05-01
Law enforcement dismantled a major international romance scam network targeting cryptocurrency investors, resulting in 276 arrests and the closure of at least nine call centers operating as sophisticated criminal enterprises. Scammers use dating apps and social media to build emotional relationships with victims over weeks or months, then direct them to fake trading platforms showing false profits to extract increasingly large investments before disappearing with the money. To protect yourself, be suspicious of romantic partners who quickly suggest cryptocurrency investments, verify any investment platform independently before depositing funds, and remember that legitimate investments don't promise guaranteed returns or pressure you to keep investing.
kmbc.com
· 2026-05-01
A Kansas City grandmother avoided losing thousands of dollars to a scammer posing as her grandson by asking a personal question—his wedding anniversary—that only her real family would know. The scammer had called claiming he was in an accident and needed money, but Cox became suspicious when he used an unfamiliar nickname and had an accent. Experts recommend that all families establish a secret codeword, password, or personal question known only to family members, combined with screening calls and maintaining a "safe callers" list on your phone, to protect against these increasingly common scams.
wftv.com
· 2026-05-01
Ghost Tapping is a scam where thieves use cheap card readers to wirelessly steal money from tap-to-pay enabled credit cards and phones without the victim's knowledge—simply by getting close enough to trigger a transaction without a PIN or swipe. Victims have reported losses ranging from hundreds to nearly $15,000, with the scam occurring most often during transactions with street vendors or door-to-door sellers, and reports of the scam have surged 150% in the past year. To protect yourself, be cautious when using tap-to-pay in informal settings where you can't verify the charge amount, and consider disabling contactless payment features if you're concerned about unauthorized transactions.
bitdefender.com
· 2026-05-01
Scammers are flooding TikTok with AI-generated deepfake videos of celebrities like Taylor Swift and Rihanna to promote fake money-making programs and reward schemes that actually steal personal data. These manipulated videos use real footage made to look like celebrity endorsements for services like "TikTok Pay," often redirecting users to fraudulent third-party websites that mimic TikTok's branding. To protect yourself, be skeptical of celebrity endorsements on social media, verify offers directly through official platforms rather than clicking ads, and never enter personal information on redirected third-party sites.
prnewswire.com
· 2026-04-30
Scams targeting older Americans have surged dramatically, with losses jumping from $600 million in 2020 to over $2.4 billion in 2024, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys is launching awareness efforts during National Elder Law Month this May, highlighting how criminals now use sophisticated tactics like artificial intelligence, impersonation, and emotional manipulation to exploit seniors. NAELA recommends that older adults and their families educate themselves on common scam types, learn to recognize warning signs, and know who to contact if they become victims.
timesleader.com
· 2026-04-30
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday and State Senator Lisa Baker hosted a scam prevention event at the Kingston Active Adult Center, where about 65 seniors learned how to recognize and avoid increasingly sophisticated scams targeting older adults. The event, led by David Shallcross from the Attorney General's Senior Protection Unit, focused on teaching seniors to identify red flags and take action when something seems suspicious, as scammers are becoming more aggressive and convincing. Pennsylvania has the third-highest percentage of seniors in the nation, making scam awareness education particularly important for protecting vulnerable older residents.
ibtimes.co.uk
· 2026-04-30
A Cleveland woman named Crysta Willis received a phone call from a scammer posing as a deputy sheriff, claiming her grandson was in jail and needed $5,000 for bail—unaware that her 20-year-old grandson was actually upstairs in her house. Willis, who works in senior outreach and serves on a county scam task force, kept the caller on the line, asking probing questions that exposed his evasiveness, then confronted him about targeting vulnerable seniors. The "grandparent scam" is a widespread scheme where criminals contact older adults with fake emergencies involving grandchildren to pressure them into wire transfers before they can verify the story—so experts recommend always independently contacting family members and local authorities rather than acting immediately on such calls.
pcmag.com
· 2026-04-30
According to a Federal Trade Commission report, people lost $2.1 billion to scammers operating on social media platforms in recent years, with criminals using tactics like deepfakes created from public photos and impersonation of celebrities or acquaintances. Anyone can fall victim to these scams, which exploit trust and familiarity across major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. To protect yourself, stay skeptical of unsolicited messages, take time before responding, and think critically—especially when money or personal information is requested, as legitimate contacts typically won't pressure you for either.
inquirer.com
· 2026-04-30
Fraud losses hit a record $15.9 billion in 2025, with scammers increasingly using AI-generated fake websites, emails, and videos to target people on social media and through phishing attempts. Investment, romance, crypto, and impostor scams are the main culprits, with nearly 30% of victims reporting the scam started on social media. To protect yourself, question unsolicited offers, avoid clicking links in suspicious emails or texts, access financial accounts only through official websites or apps you type directly into your browser, and trust your instincts if something seems off.
abc30.com
· 2026-04-30
AI-generated scams have exploded in 2025, with social media fraud losses reaching $2.1 billion—eight times higher than in 2020—using tactics like voice cloning and deepfakes to impersonate legitimate contacts and create false urgency. These scams can target anyone regardless of their tech-savviness, as demonstrated when a scam detection company founder nearly fell victim to a fake airline customer support number. To protect yourself, take time before making financial decisions, verify contacts through official channels, and don't let pressure or urgency push you into acting quickly.
kltv.com
· 2026-04-30
A new report from the Consumer Federation of America estimates that Americans lost approximately $119 billion to online scams in 2024—potentially double or triple the officially reported numbers—with investment fraud, crypto schemes, and tech support scams being among the costliest categories. The report reveals that most scams go unreported to authorities, masking the true scale of the problem, which disproportionately affected residents in California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois. To protect yourself, experts recommend pausing when something seems suspicious and independently verifying requests by calling organizations directly using numbers you find yourself, rather than responding to unsolicited contacts, while also reporting scams to help authorities track the problem.
moaa.org
· 2026-04-30
Social media scams cost Americans $2.1 billion in 2025, with Facebook alone accounting for $794 million in losses, according to the FTC—marking an eight-fold increase since 2020. Military-connected consumers were particularly vulnerable, reporting $548 million in losses during 2024, primarily through investment scams and impostor schemes where fraudsters pose as VA officials or military members to steal personal data. To protect yourself, learn to recognize common scam tactics, verify the identity of anyone requesting personal information or money, and report suspected fraud to the FTC website.
globaldatinginsights.com
· 2026-04-30
Americans lost a record $2.1 billion to scams originating on social media in 2025, with Facebook being the primary platform, according to the FTC. The most common scams involved fake shopping ads (40% of cases), investment fraud ($1.1 billion in losses), and romance scams that exploited trust to solicit money. To protect yourself, the FTC recommends limiting your personal information visibility, avoiding unsolicited investment advice from online contacts, and thoroughly researching products and sellers before making purchases.
livenowfox.com
· 2026-04-30
Law enforcement agencies across the globe, led by Dubai Police and coordinated with the FBI and Chinese authorities, dismantled cryptocurrency investment scam networks and arrested over 270 suspects involved in defrauding Americans of millions of dollars. Four individuals have been charged with federal wire fraud and money laundering in San Diego, while authorities in the UAE and Thailand made additional arrests connected to the scheme. The operation demonstrates international cooperation to combat organized fraud, and Americans should remain vigilant about cryptocurrency investment schemes and verify opportunities through official channels before sending money.
therecord.media
· 2026-04-30
U.S. and Chinese law enforcement agencies raided nine scam centers in Dubai, resulting in 276 arrests and charges against four individuals accused of running "pig-butchering" cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes that defrauded American victims of millions of dollars. The operation was initiated after the FBI received numerous complaints from U.S. victims and traced the schemes using data from Meta, financial records, and cryptocurrency tracking. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities (especially cryptocurrency), verify investment opportunities through official channels, and report suspicious activity to the FBI if you suspect fraud.
rd.com
· 2026-04-30
Scammers are exploiting Google's sponsored advertising system to place fraudulent websites at the top of search results that appear legitimate, tricking users into clicking on fake sites impersonating trusted brands like American Airlines, department stores, and luxury retailers. These scams either sell counterfeit products or use phishing tactics to steal personal and credit card information for identity theft and account hacking. To protect yourself, verify website URLs carefully, avoid clicking sponsored links without checking the source, and use official apps or phone numbers directly from company websites rather than those found through search results.
theredstonerocket.com
· 2026-04-29
Modern scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence technology to commit fraud, with reported losses exceeding $13 billion annually, according to FBI officials who spoke at an educational event. Common schemes include voice cloning (which requires only three seconds of audio), romance scams, investment scams, and government impersonation—with one victim losing $20,000 after hearing an AI-cloned voice of her grandson. To protect yourself, experts recommend establishing family code words to verify identities, being skeptical of video and audio requests for money, and watching for telltale signs of AI-generated content like unnatural mouth movements.
rhinotimes.com
· 2026-04-29
The Guilford County Sheriff's Office is launching a free four-week "Senior Academy" program in May to help older adults and their caregivers recognize and avoid fraud and scams, which increasingly target seniors. The hands-on program will cover topics including scam prevention, home safety, elder abuse awareness, and legal readiness through interactive sessions rather than lectures, with participants receiving a certificate upon completion of all four weekly sessions. Seniors should be aware of common scams like fake law enforcement demanding payment via gift cards, and this academy offers practical, real-world advice on spotting warning signs and protecting themselves.
gizmodo.com
· 2026-04-29
Three men in Toronto were arrested for operating SMS blaster devices—machines that trick phones into connecting to fake cell towers and then send fraudulent text messages impersonating banks and service providers to steal personal and financial information. The scheme, detected in November 2025, potentially affected tens of thousands of devices and posed risks not only to financial security but also to public safety, as victims couldn't reach emergency services while connected to the rogue networks. Police warn this is an emerging threat and advise the public to be cautious of unsolicited text messages asking for personal information, verify requests directly with institutions, and report suspicious activity to authorities.
nbclosangeles.com
· 2026-04-29
Americans lost $2.1 billion to social media scams in 2025, with losses surging eightfold since 2020 as fraudsters exploit easy access to billions of potential victims across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Investment scams were the most lucrative for criminals, stealing $1.1 billion, while shopping and romance scams were also prevalent, with scammers using hacked personal information to target victims by age, interests, and habits. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities and shopping deals on social media, verify the authenticity of people you connect with before sharing personal information, and avoid clicking suspicious links or ads.
fortune.com
· 2026-04-29
Americans lost $2.1 billion to social media scams in 2024—eight times more than in 2020—with nearly 30% of fraud victims reporting the scams started on social media, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Facebook was the biggest target for scammers, costing users $794 million, followed by WhatsApp and Instagram, though Meta's platforms have been criticized for displaying billions of high-risk scam ads daily, many from Chinese advertisers. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, especially on social media platforms, and verify offers through official channels before providing money or personal information.
nypost.com
· 2026-04-29
Nearly a third of all scam victims in 2025 reported being defrauded through social media, with losses reaching $2.1 billion, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Shopping scams were the most common type, involving fake ads leading to counterfeit or non-existent products, while investment scams caused the most financial damage despite being less frequent. To protect yourself, avoid clicking on unfamiliar shopping ads, be skeptical of investment opportunities on social media, and verify seller legitimacy before making purchases.
globalpeople.com.cn
· 2026-04-28
Chinese seniors are increasingly embracing AI tools to enhance their daily lives, but many face anxiety about making mistakes or falling victim to scams. To address these concerns, cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen have launched specialized AI training programs tailored for elderly residents, featuring hands-on instruction with dedicated support, familiar starting apps like WeChat, and integrated fraud prevention education that teaches seniors how to block spam, enable delayed fund transfers, and avoid unwanted subscriptions. These initiatives help seniors safely learn AI technology while building confidence in an increasingly digital world.
en.sedaily.com
· 2026-04-28
Romance scams in South Korea have surged dramatically, with reports jumping 73% from 2024 to 2025 and causing an estimated $100 million in damages, while criminal tactics are becoming increasingly sophisticated through AI-generated images and organized international rings. Police struggle to combat the problem because they lack a dedicated data tracking system, making it difficult to understand the full scope of victims and case patterns. To protect yourself, be cautious of new romantic contacts on social media and dating apps who ask for money—especially after building trust quickly—and verify identities through video calls before engaging financially.
thenextweb.com
· 2026-04-28
Americans lost $2.1 billion to scams originating on social media in 2025, with nearly 30% of all reported scam losses beginning on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—an eightfold increase from 2020. Investment scams were the most costly ($1.1 billion), while shopping scams were most frequently reported, with victims typically tricked by fake advertisements or redirected to counterfeit brand websites. To protect yourself, be skeptical of investment opportunities and shopping deals on social media, verify seller legitimacy before purchasing, and never trust unsolicited financial advice from online "advisers" or investment groups.
aldianews.com
· 2026-04-28
Criminal networks are now using AI-powered technology to create fake online dating profiles with realistic photos, convincing conversations, and even cloned voices to deceive victims into romantic relationships and steal money. Romance scams cost Americans over $1 billion annually and cause severe emotional and psychological damage beyond the financial losses, with perpetrators using sophisticated systems that target individuals based on their personal vulnerabilities and demographics. To protect yourself, be skeptical of online romantic interests who avoid video calls, rush into declarations of love, or eventually ask for money, and report suspicious profiles to the platform immediately.
foxnews.com
· 2026-04-28
Scammers are sending fake emails impersonating the Social Security Administration with polished logos and urgent language to trick people into downloading malware or providing personal information. The emails contain red flags like random sender addresses (not .gov domains), grammatical errors, and pressure to click download buttons before a deadline. To protect yourself, verify sender addresses are official .gov domains, look for spelling mistakes, and never click links or download attachments from unsolicited emails—instead contact the agency directly through their official website if you have concerns.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-04-28
A Chicago bus driver fell victim to a sophisticated phone scam after receiving a voicemail claiming to offer a 50% bill discount and free phone from his wireless carrier. The scammers, who had obtained personal information like his name and address, tricked him into ordering a phone through the AT&T app and paying sales tax, then requested additional information to "activate" the device—part of a scam that has cost Americans $1.5 billion. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited calls offering deals, verify offers directly with your service provider using a number from your bill (not one provided by the caller), and never share personal details like device serial numbers with unknown callers.
abcnews.com
· 2026-04-28
Craig Wilkinson, a disabled veteran, lost $172,000 after responding to a Facebook ad for what he believed was a legitimate financial company, only to discover he was communicating with scammers impersonating the firm's employees who lured him into fake investment classes via WhatsApp. According to the Federal Trade Commission, scammers increasingly use social media platforms to target people by leveraging personal information, interests, and shopping habits, creating fake profiles and customized pitches that appear more legitimate than traditional scams. To protect yourself, verify companies directly through their official websites or phone numbers before responding to social media ads, and be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities or requests to move conversations to messaging apps like WhatsApp.
consumerreports.org
· 2026-04-28
Scammers are sending text messages impersonating toll agencies and demanding payment for unpaid tolls or tickets, but legitimate U.S. toll agencies have confirmed they never text customers requesting payment. These sophisticated scams often look authentic with proper formatting, local phone numbers, and fake government URLs, and they use urgency tactics like threatening credit score damage or license suspension to trick people into clicking links and sharing personal information. To protect yourself, ignore any toll payment texts, go directly to your state's official tolling agency website by typing the URL yourself, or call the official customer service number rather than using any links from unsolicited messages.
indiatoday.in
· 2026-04-28
Aayushmaan Sethi, son of actress Archana Puran Singh, lost Rs 87,000 to an online credit card scam involving a deceptive free trial offer that charged him for an entire year's subscription without permission. The incident was revealed in a vlog by his brother, highlighting how scammers use fake seven-day trial promotions to trick users into unauthorized charges. To protect yourself, carefully review subscription terms before signing up, monitor your credit card statements regularly, and contact your bank immediately if you notice unauthorized charges.