Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 26,669 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
8,635 results
in Phishing
va.gov
· 2026-02-27
By Melanie Nelson, Public Affairs Officer
February 26, 2026
In today’s digital world, you are more likely to have your identity stolen than your car stolen or your home burglarized.
As a Veteran, y...
fox26houston.com
· 2026-02-27
The U.S. Department of Justice seal. (Samuel Corum/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
HOUSTON - A man who was in Houston illegally has been sentenced to nearly 20 years in federal prison for his role in a r...
thecoinrepublic.com
· 2026-02-27
Federal agents in North Carolina seized more than $61 million in USDT tied to a major pig butchering crypto scam. Investigators said the scheme worked by gaining victims’ trust through fake online rel...
mexc.com
· 2026-02-27
Federal agents in North Carolina seized more than $61 million in USDT tied to a major pig butchering crypto scam. Investigators said the scheme worked by gaining victims’ trust through fake online rel...
mexc.com
· 2026-02-27
US Federal agents in North Carolina seized more than $61 million worth of USDt (USDT) tied to a large‑scale “pig butchering” crypto investment scam that preyed on victims through fake online relations...
mexc.com
· 2026-02-27
US federal agents from North Carolina have captured over $61 million worth of USDt associated with a large-scale “pig butchering” crypto investment scam that hunted victims via fake online relationshi...
aol.com
· 2026-02-27
Romance scams targeting seniors generate over $1B in annual losses according to the FTC.
Retirees are primary targets due to available funds and lower technological proficiency.
The analyst who call...
trmlabs.com
· 2026-02-26
Romance and “investment” scams are not random. They are engineered — built on trust, pressure, and highly scripted manipulation. And while crypto is often the payment rail, the underlying crime is fam...
aldianews.com
· 2026-02-26
Americans lose savings, retirement funds, and financial stability in schemes that exploit trust built online.
Romance scams are no longer a fringe crime tied to fake social media profiles. Today, the...
chattanoogapulse.com
· 2026-02-26
It’s important to be vigilant against identity theft, frauds, and scams. Today’s technology has made it easier for hackers to gather your personal information, leaving you susceptible to theft.
So wh...
washingtonexec.com
· 2026-02-26
The message popped up on Tiziana Barrow’s phone like any other dating app intro. The photos showed a handsome blond with glasses — a Washington, D.C.-based architect from Sweden finishing a project ov...
enews.wvu.edu
· 2026-02-26
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Tax season is here, and so is a surge in phishing attacks, fake IRS messages and tax-related identity theft attempts.
Whether you file on your own or work with a tax pro...
wbay.com
· 2026-02-26
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - The holidays are now a distant memory but not the bills. If you’re looking to pay down some debt by making extra cash with a side hustle, beware of scams.
Scammers have hustl...
cryptorank.io
· 2026-02-26
Share:
US federal agents from North Carolina have captured over $61 million worth of USDt associated with a large-scale “pig butchering” crypto investment scam that hunted victims via fake online rel...
straitstimes.com
· 2026-02-26
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
The amount lost to scammers also dipped from the record high of $1.1 billion in 2024 to $913.1 million in 2025, the police said on Feb 25.
S...
channelnewsasia.com
· 2026-02-26
Singapore
Government officials impersonation scam cases jumped 123.6 per cent last year, however.
There were 37,308 scam cases in 2025, a 27.6 per cent drop from the 51,501 cases recorded in 2024. (...
asiaone.com
· 2026-02-26
In 2022, Nurul Shifa found a focus group discussion on Telegram that promised rewards for simply sharing her thoughts.
However, she soon found herself embroiled in an investment scam that saw her nea...
usatoday.com
· 2026-02-25
# Romance Scams Summary
Romance scams are surging, with victims losing thousands to thousands of dollars to scammers who pose as love interests or impersonate celebrities on dating apps and social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Telegram. Victims—ranging from individuals to vulnerable populations like the elderly and those dealing with mental health issues—are being manipulated into sending money via gift cards, wire transfers, and cash, with some losing entire retirement savings or monthly mortgage payments. To stay safe, be cautious of online romantic connections who quickly ask for money, verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a celebrity, and never send gift cards or wire money to someone you haven't met in person.
womansworld.com
· 2026-02-25
# Romance Scams Target Midlife Women Seeking Connection
Romance scams prey on emotionally vulnerable people—particularly midlife women seeking companionship—who are targeted online through dating apps, social media, LinkedIn, and text messages by criminals looking to exploit their empathy and access their money. According to AARP's Fraud Watch Network, these scams have nothing to do with intelligence but rather exploit emotional vulnerability, with criminals using flattery and manipulation to build trust before asking for money. To protect yourself, watch for red flags like requests for money, meetings that never happen, and overly quick declarations of love, and if you or a loved one becomes a victim, report it to the AARP Fraud Watch Network for support and guidance.
liphookherald.com
· 2026-02-25
Romance scams have surged with criminals now using AI-generated images and deepfake technology to create convincing fake identities and build trust before stealing money—one victim lost £35,000 after being deceived by a fake suitor over months. The scams are particularly effective because they exploit emotions and can imitate trusted individuals, making them increasingly difficult to detect. To protect yourself, be cautious of messages designed to trigger strong emotions, verify identities before responding, keep devices updated, and be wary of unusual payment requests involving cash, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
tradingview.com
· 2026-02-25
U.S. Federal agents seized $61 million in cryptocurrency (USDT) from a "pig butchering" scam ring that used fake romantic relationships and fraudulent trading platforms to defraud victims. The scammers posed as romantic partners with trading expertise, directed victims to fake crypto websites showing fake high returns, then blocked withdrawals and demanded extra fees. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic partners who quickly pivot to investment opportunities, verify trading platforms independently, and never invest money you can't afford to lose—especially if pressured by someone you've only met online.
bpi.com
· 2026-02-25
American households lost an estimated $12.5 billion to scams in 2024—a 25% increase from the previous year—with sophisticated technology-driven fraud becoming increasingly common, particularly through phones and apps. Most Americans now receive scam calls or texts weekly, often using AI deepfakes and voice cloning that make fraudulent communications difficult to distinguish from legitimate ones, with many scams originating from organized international crime groups. To protect themselves, consumers should be suspicious of unsolicited calls and texts (especially from unknown numbers or international sources), verify requests independently through official channels, and report suspected scams to the FCC, while regulators need to mandate call authentication standards and deploy better anti-spoofing filters.
ksl.com
· 2026-02-25
Online scams and identity theft are widespread problems affecting 73% of U.S. adults, with scammers using increasingly sophisticated tactics like AI-generated phishing emails and cloned voices to trick victims. To protect yourself, experts recommend verifying website security by checking that URLs begin with "https://" rather than "http://," adjusting browser settings to only allow secure connections, and carefully checking website spellings and domain extensions before sharing personal information. Taking these preventive steps can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a scam victim.
foxnews.com
· 2026-02-25
Scammers are sending fraudulent emails impersonating Apple, claiming that an unauthorized PayPal charge of nearly $3,000 has been made on your account and urging you to call a support number immediately. The scam targets Apple users by using official Apple branding and urgent language to trigger panic, but can be identified by red flags like the email being sent to a generic recipient address rather than your actual Apple ID email. To stay safe, slow down and carefully examine suspicious emails before clicking links or calling numbers, and remember that legitimate Apple security emails are sent directly to your registered Apple ID address.
wgal.com
· 2026-02-25
Scammers are using fake "wrong number" text messages to trick people into revealing personal information, exploiting the fact that nearly everyone opens text messages. These messages typically start innocently—claiming to be from a friend or asking about a missed call—but gradually ask personal questions about where you live and other details. To protect yourself, don't engage with unknown numbers, avoid sharing personal information via text, and block suspicious messages immediately rather than responding.
whec.com
· 2026-02-25
Scammers are impersonating Spectrum customer service representatives and calling, texting, or emailing customers with offers of 50% bill discounts, then directing them to call back on spoofed numbers to steal their personal information or money. The scam has affected Rochester, New York residents, though one alert customer recognized the red flags and avoided falling victim. To protect yourself, hang up on unsolicited calls promising discounts, verify any offers directly by calling Spectrum's official number, register with the Do Not Call Registry, and report suspicious contacts to the FTC or Better Business Bureau.
yellowhammernews.com
· 2026-02-25
Cybercriminals are increasingly using two sophisticated scams—the "Evolving Trusted Partner Scam" and the "Spoofed Website Scam"—that exploit trust and human error by impersonating legitimate businesses, government agencies, or vendors through phone, email, or text. These "industrialized" fraud schemes affect both businesses and everyday consumers, with fraudsters combining social engineering and digital deception to lower people's guard and steal money or sensitive information. To protect yourself, experts recommend staying alert, asking clarifying questions when contacted about urgent matters, and verifying requests through official channels before taking action—advice that applies whether you're managing company finances or your personal accounts.
amac.us
· 2026-02-25
Americans lost over $12.5 billion to scams in 2024, with nearly $3 billion from government imposter scams where criminals pose as Social Security Administration officials to steal money or personal information. Seniors are deliberately targeted through threats of arrest or promises of benefit increases, with scammers demanding payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. The key protection: legitimate government employees will never threaten you or demand immediate payment, so anyone receiving such communications should hang up, ignore it, and report it at ssa.gov/scam.
uk.news.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-25
# WhatsApp Group Ticket Scams Target School Parents
Scammers are infiltrating school WhatsApp groups—and creating fake ones—to trick parents into buying non-existent tickets to concerts and events, stealing money and personal information in the process. The scheme exploits the common practice of sharing legitimate ticket offers within school communities, making it difficult for parents to spot the fraudulent posts. Parents should verify the authenticity of group invitations through official school channels, be cautious of unsolicited ticket sellers, and report suspicious activity immediately rather than engaging with scammers.
mk.co.kr
· 2026-02-25
Comedian Noh Yoo-jung fell victim to a voice phishing scam in the early 2000s when she clicked on a fraudulent text about a traffic violation, which compromised her phone and caused her phone bill to skyrocket to millions of won while making her number unusable. After changing her phone number on police advice, she lost contact with broadcasting industry contacts who relied on her old number, causing her career to disappear for ten years and forcing her into survival jobs like dishwashing and fish market work to support her family. Her cautionary story highlights the dangers of clicking suspicious links and underscores why people should verify unexpected messages through official channels and inform important contacts of number changes.
abc7chicago.com
· 2026-02-24
During tax season, the Better Business Bureau is warning about a surge in scams targeting taxpayers through IRS imposter calls and texts, phishing emails, and dishonest "ghost" tax preparers seeking to steal money and personal information. To protect yourself, remember that the IRS never threatens arrest or requests gift cards and wire transfers, so hang up on suspicious calls and don't click links in unsolicited texts or emails. File your taxes early, verify tax preparers through official IRS and BBB websites, and remember that legitimate IRS contact comes by mail.
koaa.com
· 2026-02-24
# Fraud Summary
A Colorado Springs man discovered that someone fraudulently registered a business to his home address without permission, part of a larger scheme where nearly 60 businesses have been registered to residential addresses across Colorado using the same registered agent. Since 2023, the Secretary of State's office has identified over 5,000 cases of business fraud in the state, with 1,789 currently under investigation, though the process to resolve individual cases can take months. If you receive suspicious mail about businesses registered to your address, file a fraud report with your state's Secretary of State's office immediately rather than ignoring it, as this could be part of identity theft or other fraudulent activity.
2news.com
· 2026-02-24
# Tax Scam Alert
As the 2026 tax filing season begins, authorities warn that scammers are increasingly impersonating the IRS and tax preparers through phone calls, emails, texts, and fake websites to steal personal and financial information, with common tactics including phishing links, false refund promises, and threats of legal action. The scams disproportionately target people unfamiliar with IRS procedures, and the IRS never initiates contact via email, text, or social media or demands immediate payment through gift cards or cryptocurrency. To protect yourself, file your taxes early, verify information directly through irs.gov, avoid clicking unsolicited links, and remember that legitimate IRS contact begins with a letter in the mail.
techlicious.com
· 2026-02-24
Hackers are sending fake invitation emails that trick users into downloading malicious software disguised as Windows installer files, which secretly installs remote access tools that give attackers complete control over your computer. The scam is particularly dangerous because it uses legitimate software that antivirus programs often don't flag as suspicious, making it hard to detect until it's too late. If you receive unexpected email invitations asking you to download files—especially .MSI files—be cautious and verify directly with the sender through another communication method before downloading anything.
digitaljournal.com
· 2026-02-24
# Article Summary
Plastic card fraud is the most common identity theft scam in the UK, affecting over 94,000 victims in 2024 and accounting for more than one-third of all identity theft cases, with phone companies experiencing a dramatic 72.72% surge in fraud attempts. Bank account fraud came in second place with nearly 58,000 cases, while online shopping fraud declined significantly by 25.41%, suggesting that improved security measures in some sectors are working. To protect themselves, consumers should monitor their credit and debit cards regularly for unauthorized charges, use strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and consider freezing their credit if they suspect fraud.
tradingview.com
· 2026-02-23
# Pig-Butchering Crypto Scams Summary
Pig-butchering scams are a growing threat in the cryptocurrency world where fraudsters build fake romantic or friendly relationships with victims over weeks or months before pressuring them to invest in fake crypto platforms, with reported losses reaching $370.3 million in January 2026 alone. Unlike quick phishing attacks, these scams use psychological manipulation—showing fake profits, requesting escalating deposits, and then blocking withdrawals—to exploit emotional trust and extract large sums of money. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious about unsolicited investment advice from people you've only met online, never share crypto wallet details with new contacts, and verify investment platforms through official regulatory databases before depositing any money.
romesentinel.com
· 2026-02-23
AI-powered romance scams are affecting an estimated 1.4 million New Yorkers, with scammers using sophisticated tools like fake photos and AI-generated messages to deceive victims. The financial impact is substantial—romance scams cost Americans $1.14 billion in 2023 and over $672 million in 2024 alone—and the widespread fraud is eroding online trust, making people hesitant to engage in digital transactions and interactions beyond dating. To protect yourself, be cautious of urgent pressure tactics, verify identities carefully before sharing personal information or money, and look for transparent, credible signals when interacting with brands and individuals online.
thesun.co.uk
· 2026-02-23
A 53-year-old tech professional and fraud specialist named Tracy Cray intentionally strung along a romance scammer for nine months after recognizing classic con tactics on a dating site, including love bombing, requests to move to private messaging, and eventually requests for money. The scammer, posing as "Richy," used stolen photos from a real businessman in Florida and employed typical romance scam methods to try to extract money from victims. For people using dating apps, key warning signs include pressure to move conversations off-platform quickly, excessive declarations of love from someone you've just met, vague employment details with no online presence, and sudden requests for money due to emergencies or business problems.
sanmarcosrecord.com
· 2026-02-23
Financial advisor Jason Fischer warned that one in ten older adults fall victim to scams—particularly romance, collections, sweepstakes, imposter, and grandparent scams—often perpetrated by people the victims trust, though many cases go unreported due to embarrassment. Common red flags include unsolicited calls claiming to be from the IRS or utilities threatening immediate action, requests for money from supposed romantic partners built on trust over time, and prizes offered for contests the victim never entered. To protect yourself, Fischer emphasized that legitimate organizations like the IRS never call to demand immediate payment, and you should be skeptical of any request for money from unfamiliar contacts, even if they seem trustworthy.
abc7chicago.com
· 2026-02-23
During tax season, scammers are impersonating the IRS through calls, texts, and emails to steal money and personal information, either claiming you owe taxes or are owed refunds. Vulnerable taxpayers should remember that the real IRS never threatens arrest, demands immediate payment, or asks for gift cards or wire transfers, and will always contact you by mail first. To protect yourself, avoid clicking suspicious links, file your taxes early to prevent identity theft, and verify any tax preparer through official IRS and Better Business Bureau websites before hiring them.
fox5dc.com
· 2026-02-23
# Tax Scam Summary
During tax filing season, scammers impersonate IRS agents to target taxpayers through phone calls and emails, either demanding immediate payment for supposed back taxes (threatening arrest) or requesting personal information under the guise of issuing refunds. Anyone filing taxes is vulnerable, with college students particularly targeted, and scammers use pressure tactics, fake credentials, spoofed caller IDs, and official-looking emails to appear legitimate. To protect yourself, remember that the real IRS never demands immediate payment, asks for payment via wire transfer or prepaid debit cards, or requests credit card numbers over the phone—hang up on suspicious calls and verify directly with the IRS before responding.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-23
During tax season, the Better Business Bureau is warning of a surge in scams targeting taxpayers through IRS impersonation calls, phishing emails, and fraudulent tax preparers who promise unrealistic refunds and disappear when issues arise. Scammers use tactics like threatening arrest, requesting gift cards or wire transfers, and directing people to malicious links—methods the real IRS never uses, as it communicates only by mail. To protect yourself, verify tax preparers through official IRS and BBB websites, file your taxes early to prevent identity theft refund fraud, and never click suspicious links or provide personal information to unsolicited contacts.
knoxtntoday.com
· 2026-02-23
Two Knox County men lost a combined $500,000 in a sophisticated Bitcoin scam after clicking on a deceptive Facebook advertisement, with one man losing his entire life savings of $375,000. Detective Wayne Doster spent months investigating the international fraud ring operated from Malaysia, ultimately leading to the arrest of Lee Kah Poh, a Malaysian national who came to Tennessee to collect the money. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious about unsolicited investment opportunities on social media, never click links from unknown sources, and verify any investment through official channels before sending money.
fourstateshomepage.com
· 2026-02-23
As tax season approaches, the Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about widespread phone, text, email, and social media scams where fraudsters impersonate the IRS to steal money and personal information. The IRS will never initiate contact by phone—legitimate tax issues are addressed through official mail—so any unsolicited communication claiming to be from the IRS is a scam. To protect yourself, obtain an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) directly from the IRS, which verifies your identity when filing and prevents criminals from filing taxes in your name.
ctbythenumbers.news
· 2026-02-22
Connecticut and other U.S. states are facing a surge in financial cybercrimes, with 57,000 Americans falling victim to scams daily and losing nearly $160 billion annually—seniors are particularly vulnerable, losing an average of $33,000 per victim compared to non-seniors. International crime syndicates, primarily operating from Southeast Asia, orchestrate industrial-scale fraud operations including romance scams, imposter scams, and phishing schemes, with stolen funds quickly converted to untraceable cryptocurrency, making prosecution difficult. While state-level awareness campaigns and protective tips can help, Connecticut and the nation need stronger measures to combat these coordinated international criminal operations targeting vulnerable Americans.
fox32chicago.com
· 2026-02-22
# Tax Scam Summary
During tax filing season, scammers are targeting taxpayers through phone calls and emails impersonating the IRS, using two main tactics: falsely claiming victims owe back taxes and demanding immediate payment via wire transfer or prepaid debit cards, or posing as refund issuers to steal personal information for identity theft. These scams often use sophisticated tactics like fake badge numbers, spoofed caller IDs showing Washington D.C., and official-looking emails with IRS logos to appear legitimate. To protect yourself, remember that the real IRS will never demand immediate payment, require a specific payment method, or ask for credit card information over the phone—hang up and contact the IRS directly through their official website or phone number if you're unsure about a communication.
kfiz.com
· 2026-02-22
# Travel-Related Scams Summary
As spring and summer travel approaches, consumers should be aware of two major scams targeting travelers: fraudulent passport websites that mimic official government sites and charge fees for free services, and fake TSA PreCheck enrollment schemes sent via email and text that steal personal information and money. To protect yourself, use only the official Travel.State.Gov website for passport services and apply for TSA PreCheck directly through legitimate enrollment centers found in airports and other locations. If you encounter fraud, report it to DSSCrimeTips.state.gov or contact the TSA directly.
boothbayregister.com
· 2026-02-22
# Travel Scam Summary
Scammers are targeting winter travelers through fake vacation rental listings and pressure tactics to pay upfront via untraceable methods like wire transfers and gift cards. Anyone booking travel is at risk, particularly those lured by steep discounts or unfamiliar booking sites. To protect yourself, always use credit cards for purchases, verify properties and companies by searching for reviews and complaints online, and never pay outside official booking platforms.
abc11.com
· 2026-02-21
The Better Business Bureau of Eastern Carolinas reported over 2.6 million dollars in scam losses across the region in 2025, with online purchase scams being the most common threat, followed by phishing and employment scams. Consumers are urged to research online purchases carefully (especially those from social media ads), verify financial communications by calling their bank directly using numbers on official cards, and avoid clicking unexpected links or responding to urgent messages. Legitimate employers will never ask you to pay upfront, and being cautious about where you shop and whom you communicate with online can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to these prevalent scams.
montclair.edu
· 2026-02-21
# Tax Scam Summary
During tax season, cybercriminals impersonate the IRS, tax software companies, and other trusted organizations to steal personal and financial information through phishing emails, texts, and fake websites—often using urgent language and threats to pressure victims into immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Students, employees, and anyone filing taxes are vulnerable, but you can protect yourself by remembering that the IRS typically initiates contact through official U.S. mail (never email, text, or social media), never demands immediate payment, and never asks for passwords or sensitive information. If you receive a suspicious tax-related message, independently verify it by contacting the IRS directly through IRS.gov rather than clicking any links in the suspicious communication.