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wwltv.com
Tax season presents heightened fraud risks, with scammers using common tactics like phishing emails, threatening phone calls impersonating the IRS, and "ghost" tax preparers who file fraudulent returns with inflated deductions to steal refunds. Experts warn that recent IRS workforce cuts may make scammers' false claims about "new filing methods" more convincing while simultaneously reducing the agency's ability to quickly respond to and remove fraudulent websites or investigate scam reports. Key warning signs include urgency, threats, promises of large payouts, and suspicious links—and consumers should only contact the IRS through official channels and use accredited tax professionals.
newswest9.com
Tax season presents heightened fraud risks as scammers exploit uncertainty surrounding recent IRS workforce cuts to impersonate the agency and steal personal information and money through phishing emails, texts, fake refund promises, and fraudulent tax preparers. Common red flags include urgent language, threats, promises of large payoffs, and suspicious links; the IRS warns it never initiates contact via email or text and urges consumers to use only accredited tax professionals and report suspected scams. Experts caution that reduced IRS staffing could slow response times to fraud reports and allow malicious websites and predatory campaigns to remain active longer, creating an increased risk environment for taxpayers.
theglobeandmail.com
Tax season presents heightened fraud risks, with scammers using common tactics like phishing emails, threatening phone calls impersonating the IRS, and fake tax preparers who file fraudulent returns to steal refunds. Recent IRS workforce cuts may amplify these threats by creating uncertainty that scammers exploit and reducing the agency's capacity to respond to reported fraud. Experts recommend consumers watch for red flags such as urgency, threats, suspicious links, and promises of inflated refunds, while using only trusted tax professionals and reporting scams directly to the IRS.
11alive.com
Tax season fraud is escalating, with scammers using common tactics like phishing emails, threatening calls impersonating the IRS, and fake tax preparers who file fraudulent returns with inflated deductions to steal refunds. This year, criminals are exploiting uncertainty from recent IRS workforce cuts—both to impersonate the agency with false filing claims and because reduced IRS staffing may slow response times to reported scams and takedown of malicious websites. Consumers are advised to watch for red flags including urgency, threats, suspicious links, and promises of large payouts, and to only use accredited tax professionals.
kiplinger.com
A "smishing" scam has spread across multiple states for over a year, with scammers sending text messages claiming recipients owe small toll amounts (e.g., $12.51) and directing them to fake E-ZPass websites to pay outstanding balances. Clicking the malicious links can expose victims to identity theft, unauthorized credit accounts, and financial fraud, as scammers gain access to personal and financial information. The FBI recommends verifying toll balances directly through official websites or customer service, not clicking unknown links, and filing complaints with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) if targeted.
chicagotribune.com
Tax season presents increased fraud risk as scammers use phishing emails, texts, phone calls, and social media to impersonate the IRS and steal personal information or money. Common tactics include creating false urgency, threatening arrest, promising inflated refunds through "ghost" preparers who file fraudulent returns, and exploiting uncertainty around recent IRS workforce cuts to appear more convincing. Experts recommend using only trusted tax professionals, avoiding suspicious links and unsolicited offers, and reporting scams to the IRS, as reduced agency staffing may slow response times to fraud complaints.
irs.gov
A former pastor in Crofton, Kentucky, Marvin Upton, was sentenced to 2 years and 3 months in prison for defrauding an elderly parishioner with dementia between 2013 and 2016 through bank fraud, and for filing false tax returns that concealed the fraudulent income. Upton was ordered to pay $500,000 in restitution to the victim's estate and $222,037 to the IRS. The case was prosecuted under the Department of Justice's National Elder Justice Task Force as part of broader efforts to combat financial exploitation of seniors.
mobileidworld.com
The FBI issued a nationwide alert about a fourfold increase in "smishing" attacks (fraudulent SMS messages) targeting U.S. smartphone users since January 2025, with over 2,000 complaints received regarding fake toll payment and delivery service notifications. Cybercriminals operating from China have registered more than 10,000 domains and use sophisticated phishing kits to steal personal and financial information, with Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Orlando being the most heavily targeted cities. The FBI recommends users delete suspicious texts without clicking links and verify payments directly through official websites.
consumerfinance.gov
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau sued JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Zelle's operator Early Warning Services for failing to implement adequate fraud prevention safeguards on the peer-to-peer payment network, resulting in over $870 million in losses to customers of the three banks over seven years. The banks rushed Zelle to market to compete with apps like Venmo and CashApp without proper protections, leaving hundreds of thousands of consumers vulnerable to fraud schemes and denying many victims legally required reimbursement when they filed complaints.
cbsnews.com
The FBI warned of a growing scam involving fraudulent online file converter websites that mimic legitimate services for converting PDFs, documents, and images. These fake sites either install malware and ransomware onto users' computers or "scrape" uploaded files to steal personal information such as social security numbers, passwords, and banking details. The FBI recommends users verify converter sites carefully, maintain updated antivirus software, and if compromised, immediately contact financial institutions, change passwords from a different device, and file a report at IC3.gov.
news-press.com
In 2023, seniors lost $3.4 billion to financial scams, with common schemes including grandparent scams, fake financial institution impersonations, tech support fraud, government impersonation, and romance scams that exploit older adults' trust and emotional vulnerabilities. The article advises seniors to be wary of anyone demanding immediate payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers, and to verify requests through official channels before sending money. These scams cause not only significant financial losses but also lasting emotional and psychological harm to victims.
cnet.com
Arielle Burton received a suspicious email claiming to be from TD Bank about a doubling maintenance fee, which contained broken links and red flags despite appearing legitimate, prompting her to question how to distinguish real bank communications from phishing scams. The article explains four legitimate reasons banks contact customers—identity verification, suspicious activity alerts, low balance warnings, and data breach notifications—and advises that banks never request sensitive information via unsolicited calls, texts, or emails, only through secure channels like physical mail or the bank's official app.
pennlive.com
The IRS has released its 2025-26 "Dirty Dozen" list warning taxpayers about scams that increase during tax filing season, which peaks before the April 15 deadline. Common schemes include email phishing and text message scams (smishing) impersonating the IRS, misleading social media tax advice, fraudulent charity donations, false fuel tax credit claims, and bogus self-employment tax credit schemes that can lead to identity theft and ineligible tax deductions. The IRS emphasizes that scammers exploit tax season urgency to trick vulnerable taxpayers into providing personal and financial information or filing fraudulent claims.
yourvalley.net
Romance scams are evolving to incorporate AI-generated videos and images to impersonate celebrities and create fake online relationships, with scammers targeting people of all ages but particularly vulnerable seniors who feel isolated. A French woman lost $850,000 to a fraudster claiming to be Brad Pitt who used AI to fabricate hospital photos and impersonate the actor, requesting money for medical treatment. Consumers should watch for red flags including unsolicited urgent contact, requests for personal information, and demands for upfront payments, and can verify suspicious photos through reverse image searches.
paymentsjournal.com
The U.S. lacks a consistent framework to identify and address the growing scam epidemic, with 24.1 million Americans falling victim to scams in 2023—significantly more than the 15 million identity fraud victims that year. The primary obstacles to tackling this threat are the absence of standardized scam categorization across organizations and no unified system to track reports, leaving different entities using varying terminology for the same schemes and making it difficult to understand the full scope of the problem. Recent initiatives like the Federal Reserve's ScamClassifier Model offer voluntary frameworks to standardize scam documentation, which could help organizations better allocate resources to address the most prevalent threats.
fhtimes.com
Romance scams are evolving with AI-generated videos and images to impersonate celebrities and create fake relationships, with scammers targeting Arizonans of all ages—particularly isolated seniors—to extract thousands of dollars through emotional manipulation and fabricated emergencies. A French woman lost $850,000 to a fraudster impersonating Brad Pitt using AI-generated hospital images, exemplifying how scammers build trust over months before requesting wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. Consumers should watch for red flags including unsolicited contact with urgency, requests for personal information, upfront payment demands, and suspicious grammar, and can verify photos through reverse image searches.
newsweek.com
Reports of individuals impersonating ICE agents have increased across the United States, with scammers contacting victims by phone, email, or in person to demand payment via cash, wire transfers, or gift cards while threatening arrest or deportation. Authorities advise immigrants to verify agent identities through official ICE field offices, avoid sharing original documents without verified government requirements, seek help only from licensed lawyers and accredited representatives, and report suspicious activity to local authorities, as legitimate federal agencies never demand payment over unsolicited contact.
duanemorris.com
The IRS's annual 2025 "Dirty Dozen" list warns taxpayers about prevalent tax scams that use both sophisticated and simple social engineering tactics to steal sensitive financial information. The most common scams include phishing and smishing attacks (fake IRS emails and texts designed to trick people into sharing personal data) and social media tax scams promoting false credits and loopholes. The IRS emphasizes that awareness alone is insufficient—taxpayers must proactively protect themselves by verifying communications directly through official sources and consulting trusted tax professionals rather than relying on unsolicited messages or unverified social media advice.
billingsgazette.com
This article explains two types of online scams: catfishing and phishing. Catfishing involves creating fake online personas to deceive victims emotionally and financially, often starting as romance scams that lead to requests for money or gifts. Phishing attacks use fraudulent links, emails, and websites impersonating trusted organizations to steal personal information like passwords, bank details, and Social Security numbers for identity theft or financial exploitation.
buckscountyherald.com
Scammers target seniors of all financial means, exploiting their politeness and vulnerability through schemes like grandparent scams, credit card theft, investment fraud, and romance scams. National fraud losses reached $12.5 billion last year, with Pennsylvania ranking sixth in fraud reports; AARP's Consumer Issues Task Force, staffed by 15 volunteers including former postal inspector Tony Wolchasty, educates seniors about common scams and advises victims to report to local police and contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 1-877-908-3360.
yourpickenscounty.com
The article reports that data breaches and financial scams targeting seniors have reached all-time high levels, representing a worsening trend from previous years. It identifies that scammers deliberately target seniors based on perceptions that they have accumulated significant wealth from their working years, among other factors.
kiplinger.com
Identity theft remains the most common fraud, but real estate fraud is rapidly increasing, with the industry losing $500 million annually to business email compromise scams. Wire fraud particularly threatens homebuyers and sellers during transactions, with 25% of consumers targeted and 1 in 20 falling victim, resulting in 27% of victims unable to recover their funds. Key protection strategies include verifying wire transfer instructions directly with lenders or title companies using independently confirmed phone numbers, avoiding reliance on email instructions, and confirming property listings are legitimate by visiting in person.
phila.gov
Scammers impersonate government tax agents via mail, phone, and email to pressure taxpayers into providing personal information or making immediate payments, particularly during tax season. To protect against tax scams, taxpayers should recognize warning signs like threatening language, urgent payment demands, and promises of unusually large refunds, and should never share sensitive information like Social Security numbers or passwords unless they can verify the requester's identity through official channels. The Philadelphia Department of Revenue advises verifying any notices through your online tax account, reporting suspicious contacts, and obtaining tax information only from official government websites.
technode.global
Malaysia recorded 770 love scam cases in 2024, down from 935 in 2023, but financial losses increased to RM45.9 million (from RM43.9 million in 2023). Fraudsters are increasingly using AI-generated chatbots and deepfake technology to create convincing fake profiles and manipulate victims emotionally and financially. A global survey found that 61% of respondents worry about encountering bots on dating apps, with 21% experiencing phishing attempts, highlighting the need for stronger user verification systems on digital dating platforms.
daily-tribune.com
Data breaches and financial scams targeting seniors have reached all-time highs, with scammers exploiting seniors' perceived wealth, politeness from older generations, and limited technological skills to commit fraud. The article recommends protective measures including regularly reviewing credit reports from all three bureaus, placing credit freezes, seeking technology safety education, and screening phone calls from unknown numbers to reduce vulnerability to scams.
prnewswire.com
Scammers target Medicare beneficiaries by offering free genetic testing (for conditions like cancer, dementia, and autoimmune diseases) without doctor orders, then bill Medicare for unnecessary tests or use stolen Medicare information for medical identity theft. Seniors should verify any genetic testing with their primary care doctor before proceeding, review their Medicare Summary Notices and Explanations of Benefits for unauthorized charges, and report suspected fraud to the New York Senior Medicare Patrol at 800-333-4374, as these scams can result in costs of $9,000 to $11,000 per test.
states.aarp.org
This is an educational announcement for a three-part fraud prevention workshop series offered by AARP NJ at the Senior Resource Center in Chester, New Jersey, scheduled for May and June. The sessions cover fraud landscape awareness and prevention tools, government imposter scams with identity protection checklists, and cybercrime safety across various settings including social media and online banking.
yahoo.com
Bumble dating app has launched an optional ID verification feature in 11 countries, including the US and UK, allowing users to confirm matches' identities and filter for verified profiles to reduce romance scams and safety risks. The feature joins similar security additions like meeting detail sharing and inappropriate message reporting, positioning Bumble to compete with rival apps while addressing rising concerns about financial fraud and dangerous encounters on dating platforms.
digitaltrends.com
Dating app Bumble has launched an ID verification feature across 11 countries to combat romance scams and protect user safety, allowing users to filter matches by verified identity and share meeting details with trusted contacts. The voluntary verification feature, which joins similar initiatives by competitors like Tinder, aims to reduce financial scams, catfishing, and potential dangerous situations, particularly for younger users who comprise the majority of dating app users.
howtogeek.com
This educational piece warns about a prevalent TikTok scam offering $750 for completing simple tasks, which actually steals personal information through surveys and free trial sign-ups. Scammers create legitimacy through fake influencer endorsements, FOMO tactics ("limited slots"), bot-generated comments, and sending real payments to initial participants to lure victims. The primary dangers include identity theft and sale of personal data (phone numbers, emails, Social Security numbers, credit card details) to other criminals or advertisers.
digitalreviews.net
Following Cyclone Alfred, cyber security experts warn of a surge in disaster-related scams targeting vulnerable victims, including unannounced contractor fraud, phishing emails impersonating insurers, fake donation campaigns, and imposters posing as government and relief agencies. AUCyber recommends victims file insurance claims through official channels, verify contractor credentials, avoid upfront payments, check email sender addresses, and report suspicious activity to ScamWatch to protect themselves during cleanup and recovery efforts.
mychesco.com
The FTC reported $12.5 billion in consumer fraud losses in 2024, a 25% increase from 2023, with investment scams ($5.7 billion) and imposter scams ($2.95 billion) leading the categories. The percentage of fraud reporters who lost money jumped from 27% to 38%, indicating scammers are employing increasingly sophisticated tactics, particularly through bank transfers and cryptocurrency payments that are difficult to reverse. Job and employment scams saw explosive growth, tripling in reports and skyrocketing from $90 million to $501 million in losses between 2020 and 2024.
mirror.co.uk
Stephen Ratchford, 64, and his wife Karen fell victim to a £25,000 identity fraud while on a cruise holiday in October when scammers "SIM-jacked" their mobile phone numbers, gaining control of their accounts and taking out loans and overdrafts in their names. Although the couple ultimately did not lose money as banks cancelled the fraudulent accounts once identified, they faced significant stress during their holiday; their mobile provider iD Mobile apologized and implemented stronger security measures. Ratchford raised awareness about SIM-swapping attacks, emphasizing that two-factor verification is only effective when criminals cannot control a victim's phone number.
mycouriertribune.com
Senior scams and data breaches have reached all-time highs, with financial fraud against older adults worsening beyond previous levels. The article discusses current scam trends targeting seniors and offers guidance on how to respond to these increasingly sophisticated attacks.
pennlive.com
As the April 15 tax filing deadline approaches, the IRS warns taxpayers about its annual "Dirty Dozen" list of common scams including email phishing, text smishing, misleading social media tax advice, fake charity donation schemes, and false claims for fuel tax credits and non-existent self-employment tax credits. These scams aim to steal personal and financial information, facilitate identity theft, and trick taxpayers into claiming ineligible tax credits. The IRS recommends taxpayers verify information directly through official IRS channels and remain cautious of unsolicited communications during tax season.
forbes.com
Tax season 2025 has become a prime target for AI-powered fraud, with cybercriminals using generative AI, deepfakes, and voice cloning to create highly convincing phishing emails, fake IRS calls, and impersonations of tax professionals and agents. The IRS identified over $37 billion in tax and financial crimes in fiscal year 2023, with fake IRS calls using voice cloning jumping 150% in 2025, affecting individuals, small businesses, tax professionals, and large firms through personalized attacks that bypass traditional security defenses. Criminals are also creating synthetic identities to file fraudulent returns and claim illegitimate refunds, while deepfake videos
yahoo.com
Aurora Phelps, 43, faces a 21-count federal indictment for wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, identity theft, and kidnapping resulting in death related to alleged "romance scams" targeting older men, as well as state charges in Benton County for a 2019 incident involving drugging a woman and fraudulently using her credit card to make over $5,000 in unauthorized charges. Phelps was arrested and imprisoned in Guadalajara, Mexico, and her trial has been repeatedly delayed since August 2023, with her next scheduled appearance set for August 13, 2025, pending her return to the United States. The case represents a pattern of
rcmp.ca
Canadian fraud and cybercrime losses exceeded $638 million in 2024, a significant increase from $578 million in 2023, with investment scams accounting for $311 million of losses, according to the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre. Beyond financial damage, victims report severe emotional and psychological harm including feelings of betrayal, shame, anxiety, and depression, which can be compounded by victim-blaming from others. Experts emphasize that fraud's impact extends across all demographics and fraud types, and that supportive responses from those victims confide in are critical to their healing.
nbcnews.com
Chinese-speaking cybercriminals operating on Telegram are distributing phishing kits that enable widespread text message scams claiming victims owe unpaid tolls or E-ZPass fees, with links to fake payment websites designed to steal credit cards and personal information. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center has received over 60,000 reports of the scam, which rapidly escalated starting in early February as operators copy each other's tactics and target bulk datasets of hacked phone numbers. The scammers exploit the tactic's effectiveness by requesting small fees that appear reasonable, and victims' stolen information is used to compromise payment methods and digital wallets.
redding.com
The IRS released its 2025 "Dirty Dozen" list of tax scams that proliferate during tax season, including fake emails and texts impersonating the IRS, misleading tax advice on social media (particularly encouraging fraudulent W-2 forms), scammers posing as helpers to create IRS online accounts to steal personal information, and promotion of non-existent tax credits like bogus self-employment credits claiming payouts up to $32,000. Victims of these scams risk identity theft, unauthorized bank account access, and significant delays to legitimate tax refunds, with those knowingly filing fraudulent returns facing civil and criminal penalties.
dfpi.ca.gov
This educational article identifies four common types of tax-related fraud and scams: identity theft (where stolen SSNs are used to file fraudulent returns), ghost preparers (unlicensed tax preparers who charge fees but disappear without filing or file inaccurate returns), phishing/smishing attempts (fraudulent emails and texts impersonating the IRS), and social media scams (misinformation about tax laws and services). The article recommends protecting yourself by filing early, using electronic filing through secure channels, employing professional tax services with verified credentials, and enabling two-factor authentication on accounts.
e.vnexpress.net
A 32-year-old Vietnamese man lost approximately US$196,348 to a romance scam after meeting a woman claiming to be a Singapore-based fund manager on an investment forum. The scammer built trust through romantic attention and personal connection before introducing him to a fake high-return investment scheme that showed false profits, then disappeared when he attempted to withdraw funds. The victim's case illustrates how romance scammers use fabricated identities and emotional manipulation to overcome victims' financial judgment, and serves as a cautionary warning against sending money to online contacts never met in person.
texasattorneygeneral.gov
The Texas Attorney General's Office Consumer Protection Division assists victims of nonviolent financial crimes including identity theft, scams, fraud, and elder financial abuse by accepting complaints, providing guidance, and monitoring trends to inform enforcement priorities. While the division cannot pursue individual cases on behalf of victims, it offers resources on filing complaints, protecting identity, understanding consumer rights, and learning about fraud prevention tactics. Victims can contact the division via their website or helpline at (800) 621-0508.
ca.style.yahoo.com
Canadians lost $638 million to scams in 2024, with impersonation and investment fraud being the costliest types, as fraudsters increasingly use sophisticated technology including AI to create convincing deepfakes and pose as legitimate organizations or celebrities. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reports that while fewer cases were processed in 2024 compared to 2023, authorities estimate 90-95% of fraud cases go unreported, and recommend Canadians verify unexpected calls or messages and be aware of red flags such as requests for personal information or unsolicited payment demands. Key prevention strategies include trusting instincts, questioning suspicious communications, and educating seniors about evolving scam tactics.
justice.gov
Catalina Corona, a personal assistant employed by an elderly married couple, was arraigned in Brooklyn federal court on charges of wire fraud, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft after forging her employers' signatures to steal approximately $10 million between 2017 and 2024. Corona deposited hundreds of checks to herself from the victims' accounts without consent and posed as one of the victims when contacting their bank, ultimately spending the stolen funds on luxury goods and credit card payments. If convicted, Corona faces up to 30 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of two years for the aggravated identity theft charge.
bai.org
Financial institutions must implement transaction monitoring systems and staff training to combat elder financial exploitation, which totaled $27 billion in 155,415 suspicious activity reports between June 2022 and June 2023. The most common exploiters are known individuals—relatives or caregivers—who may have legal access to accounts and use manipulation or coercion, though romantic scams and government impersonation schemes targeting the elderly are also on the rise. Banks and credit unions must balance sensitive customer interactions with regulatory reporting requirements under the Bank Secrecy Act to identify and report suspicious transactions that may indicate elder abuse.
nypost.com
A 61-year-old personal assistant, Catalina Corona, was indicted on wire fraud, bank fraud, and identity theft charges for stealing approximately $10 million from an elderly New York couple between 2017 and 2024. Corona forged checks made out to cash and impersonated the victims to bank representatives, using the stolen funds to purchase luxury items including over $1 million in Louis Vuitton merchandise, designer goods from Cartier and Gucci, and pay personal expenses. The fraud was discovered in April 2024 when a suspicious $1,500 check prompted a bank representative to contact the victims, who confirmed they had not authorized numerous "
usatoday.com
The IRS released its 2025 "Dirty Dozen" tax scam list warning taxpayers about schemes targeting the tax season, including fake emails and texts impersonating tax agencies, fraudulent social media advice encouraging the creation of fake W-2 forms, and scammers posing as helpers to steal personal information and file fraudulent returns. Victims risk identity theft, bank account fraud, and significant delays in legitimate tax refunds, while those knowingly filing fraudulent returns face civil and criminal penalties.
housingwire.com
A real estate agent was nearly victimized by a property listing scam when a fraudster posed as the out-of-state owner and provided a seemingly legitimate contract, only to be exposed seven hours after the listing went live when the actual owner called to report the fraud. The scammer had previously attempted the same scheme on the property during its last listing, which the prior agent had failed to report to authorities. The article identifies listing scams as increasingly common in land transactions due to the lack of in-person verification requirements, and provides red flags including unlisted phone numbers, spoofed seller email addresses, and suspicious urgency around remote closings.
azfamily.com
A man in his 90s fell victim to a romance scam that began on WhatsApp, with scammers posing as a romantic interest and subsequently soliciting money for purported investment opportunities. According to the Federal Trade Commission, fraud losses totaled $12.5 billion in 2024, with "pig butchering" investment scams accounting for $5.7 billion of that total. The article provides guidance on how family members can help victims by approaching with empathy rather than criticism, validating their feelings, and using trusted sources to demonstrate the scam patterns.