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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
tpr.org
· 2026-04-20
The San Antonio Police Department warns that online scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with criminals using AI-generated content, spoofed phone numbers, and high-pressure tactics to impersonate authorities and trick victims into sending money via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. San Antonio seniors are particularly targeted, with 330 crimes reported in 2025, and impostor fraud—where scammers pose as police or government officials—being the most common scheme. To protect yourself, authorities recommend hanging up on suspicious calls and verifying claims directly with official agencies, avoiding unfamiliar numbers, being skeptical of urgency or secrecy demands, and consulting trusted contacts before sending money.
capitalfm.co.ke
· 2026-04-20
Romance scams have surged dramatically, with Kirsty's case exemplifying how sophisticated modern fraudsters operate—she lost £80,000 after being deceived by a Nigerian scammer posing as a British businessman on a dating app, who used fake banking websites and voice disguisers to build trust before requesting money. Reports show romance scams rose 20% year-over-year between 2024-2025, with victims in the UK losing £106 million in 2024 alone, while global fraud losses now exceed half a trillion dollars annually. To protect yourself, be cautious of dating app matches who quickly request money, verify identities independently rather than trusting shared photos or banking screenshots, and never send money or expensive items to people you haven't met in person.
forbes.com
· 2026-04-20
Senator Maggie Hassan has pressured four AI voice-cloning companies—ElevenLabs, LOVO, Speechify, and VEED—to explain how they prevent scammers from impersonating people's voices, after the FBI reported $893 million in losses from AI-related scams in 2025. Consumer Reports testing found that four of six voice-cloning products had minimal safeguards against cloning voices without consent, raising serious concerns about identity theft and fraud. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected calls asking for money or sensitive information, verify caller identity through independent contact methods, and report suspected voice-cloning scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
tribuneindia.com
· 2026-04-20
Senior citizens across India are losing their life savings to organized cyber criminals who impersonate government authorities like police, CBI, and customs officials in "digital arrest" scams, with over 1,23,000 cases reported in 2024 alone causing losses of Rs 1,935 crore. Scammers typically claim the victim's identity has been misused or an illegal parcel is in their name, then pressure them to transfer money while threatening arrest and demanding secrecy. To protect yourself, never trust unsolicited calls claiming to be from authorities, never transfer money based on phone threats, and immediately contact your bank or police if you receive such calls—no legitimate government agency conducts arrests via video calls.
tribuneindia.com
· 2026-04-20
Senior citizens across India are losing their life savings to organized cybercriminals who pose as government officials and law enforcement through phone and video calls, claiming arrest warrants or account misuse to extort money. In 2024 alone, over 123,000 digital arrest fraud cases resulted in losses of nearly Rs 1,935 crore, with total digital fraud losses exceeding Rs 54,000 crore since 2021. To protect yourself, never transfer money based on such calls, maintain open communication with family about these threats, and verify any official claims directly with actual authorities through official phone numbers.
nypost.com
· 2026-04-19
Senior citizens are increasingly falling victim to sophisticated scams, including the "phantom hacker/courier scheme" that costs Americans over $500 million annually, exemplified by a 76-year-old New Jersey man who lost hundreds of thousands of dollars after calling a number in a fake Norton antivirus email. These scams take various forms—from Medicare fraud and "grandparent" schemes to romance and IRS impersonation scams—and often go unreported because victims are embarrassed, making the true financial impact likely far greater than estimated. Banks and businesses need to take responsibility for enabling these schemes, and seniors should be cautious about unsolicited emails and calls requesting personal information or urgent wire transfers.
escudodigital.com
· 2026-04-19
Law enforcement agencies from the U.S., U.K., and Canada jointly dismantled a major cryptocurrency fraud ring called "Operation Atlantic" that defrauded over 20,000 victims across 30+ countries of more than $45 million through approval phishing scams—a technique where victims are tricked into granting wallet access via fake websites. Authorities froze approximately $12 million in stolen crypto and worked with blockchain analysis companies to track the criminals' funds and identify victims. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited requests for wallet permissions, verify that websites are legitimate before entering credentials, and never grant access to your crypto accounts through suspicious links or pop-ups.
kvoa.com
· 2026-04-19
Romance scammers in Arizona stole $155,000 from three victims who were tricked by fake online personas—including imposters claiming to be a surgeon, army general, and engineer—who quickly built emotional connections before requesting money. These scams are particularly lucrative and devastating because they exploit people seeking companionship, with victims often unaware they've been defrauded until significant money has been lost. To protect yourself, be cautious of strangers who contact you unexpectedly on social media or dating apps and immediately ask for money, especially those claiming to be overseas or in dangerous situations, and report any suspicious activity to authorities.
bbc.com
· 2026-04-19
Romance scams have surged dramatically, with a woman named Kirsty losing £80,000 after being deceived by someone posing as a wealthy British businessman on a dating website who was actually a Nigerian scammer using sophisticated fake banking websites and voice disguisers. Romance scam reports rose 20% year-over-year in early 2025, with UK victims losing £106 million in 2024 alone, as scammers operate internationally across multiple countries and use money transfer services to hide stolen funds. To protect yourself, be cautious of online dating matches who quickly ask for money, verify financial claims independently, avoid sending money to people you haven't met in person, and report suspicious activity to local police and your bank immediately.
medicaldialogues.in
· 2026-04-19
A 35-year-old man in Delhi has been arrested for running a romance scam that defrauded over 500 women of approximately Rs 2 crore by creating fake profiles on dating apps, matrimonial sites, and social media, often posing as a doctor, lawyer, or businessman. He would build emotional connections with victims and then manipulate them into sending money by fabricating emergencies, financial crises, or marriage promises before disappearing. To protect yourself, be cautious of online profiles that seem too perfect, verify identities through video calls before sharing personal or financial information, and be wary of anyone quickly asking for money or moving conversations to private platforms like WhatsApp.
sumnercountysource.com
· 2026-04-19
Scammers are exploiting the Iran conflict to conduct fraud through imposter calls pretending to be banks or government agencies, romance scams involving military personnel supposedly deployed to Iran, and fake charities soliciting donations. These scams aim to steal money and personal information from victims by creating false urgency and credibility. To protect yourself, remember that government agencies never ask for financial information over the phone, be suspicious of online contacts asking for money, verify charities through ftc.gov/charity before donating, and report any suspected scams immediately to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
kanivatonga.co.nz
· 2026-04-19
Tonga's central bank has warned the public about a rising wave of romance scams targeting vulnerable people through social media and messaging apps, where scammers use fake identities to build emotional connections before manipulating victims into sending money or financial information. Common warning signs include declarations of love within days, requests for money tied to fabricated emergencies or travel costs, avoidance of video calls with excuses about working overseas, and pressure to move conversations to private encrypted apps. The bank advises people to remain vigilant and watch for red flags like requests for untraceable payments via cryptocurrency or gift cards, unusual investment offers, or requests for fees to claim supposed gifts.
foxnews.com
· 2026-04-19
Scammers don't need to hack into secure systems—instead, they exploit publicly available personal information sold by data brokers, including your address, phone number, age, and income details gathered from public records and voter registrations. A major 2024 case involved a Montreal-based scam operation that defrauded elderly Americans of over $21 million using simple spreadsheets of victim information purchased from commercial databases to identify targets for grandparent scams. To protect yourself, you should take steps to remove your personal information from data broker websites and be cautious of unsolicited calls asking for money, especially ones claiming urgency or family emergencies.
timesfreepress.com
· 2026-04-19
A man from Northwest Georgia lost $1,600 to a scammer who impersonated the Better Business Bureau and claimed he had won a lottery prize. The scammer used a fake check image and false claims about fees and taxes to convince the victim to send money before receiving his alleged millions in winnings. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited calls about lottery winnings, verify caller identity through official channels, and remember that legitimate organizations never ask for upfront payments to claim prizes.
wisn.com
· 2026-04-18
Scammers are increasingly using AI technology to create fake videos, voices, and impersonations to trick people into sending money, with consumers losing over $5 billion to investment scams and $750 million to job scams in recent years. Common schemes include fake bank calls, IRS emails, cryptocurrency promotions using deepfake videos, and fraudulent job listings where scammers ask for upfront equipment payments. To protect yourself, avoid responding to unsolicited communications via email, text, or phone calls, and verify requests directly with the organization using official contact information.
foxnews.com
· 2026-04-18
Scammers are targeting vulnerable people—particularly older and recently widowed players—through casual online games like Words With Friends by building fake friendships that eventually turn into requests for money and gift cards. These romance scams cost victims billions annually and are among the most expensive fraud categories reported to the FTC. To protect yourself or loved ones, be cautious of new online game contacts who quickly become personal, avoid sharing personal details or sending money to game acquaintances, and report suspicious behavior to local police and the FTC.
wxyz.com
· 2026-04-18
A Ypsilanti woman nearly lost $80,000 to a fake Microsoft pop-up scam that appeared on her laptop, but escaped after a bank teller recognized the scammers' attempt to transfer funds through PayPal. The scammers used remote access software to take control of her computer, a common tactic affecting 73% of U.S. adults according to Pew Research. To protect yourself, experts advise shutting down your computer immediately if you see suspicious pop-ups with phone numbers, keeping your system updated, and calling a trusted friend or official support instead of numbers displayed on suspicious screens.
abcnews.com
· 2026-04-18
Scammers have been creating fake Facebook and WhatsApp accounts impersonating legitimate immigration legal service organizations like Catholic Charities to defraud vulnerable immigrants seeking legal assistance, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars in losses. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg pressured Meta to remove these imposter accounts after the company initially declined requests, and Meta has now pledged to take action against them. Immigrants should verify the legitimacy of immigration service organizations through official websites and phone numbers rather than contacting them through social media profiles to avoid falling victim to these scams.
1440wrok.com
· 2026-04-18
An elderly couple in their 80s in Palos Park, Illinois was robbed by scammers posing as water department workers who wore uniforms and gained entry to their home by requesting to check water service, while accomplices stole jewelry inside. Senior citizens are frequently targeted by these "ruse burglary" schemes that rely on impersonation, urgency, and deception, with billions of dollars lost annually to such fraud. To protect yourself, verify the identity of any utility workers or officials by calling the company directly before allowing them inside, never let strangers into your home without proper identification, and consider asking a trusted family member or neighbor to be present during such visits.
yahoo.com
· 2026-04-18
An Indian student visa holder named Venkateswara Chagamreddy was convicted of wire fraud conspiracy for scamming a 79-year-old Delaware County veteran out of over $64,000 by posing as a federal agent and convincing him to liquidate his bank account and purchase gold. Evidence showed Chagamreddy was working with others to defraud multiple elderly victims within a short timeframe, and he also obtained gold fraudulently from two other older women. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited communications asking you to move money or make urgent financial decisions, verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a government official through official channels, and consider discussing large financial requests with trusted family members or your financial advisor before acting.
azag.gov
· 2026-04-18
Arizona's Attorney General and the Better Business Bureau are warning residents about romance scams, a type of fraud that costs victims more money than nearly any other scam. Scammers pose as attractive strangers on dating apps and social media, build emotional connections, then request money under false pretenses—three recent Arizona victims lost a combined $155,000 to these schemes. If someone you've never met asks for money online, authorities advise stopping contact immediately and reporting it to the Attorney General's office at (602) 542-5763.
azfamily.com
· 2026-04-18
Arizona authorities are warning residents about romance scams that have cost victims thousands of dollars, with one recent case involving a Scottsdale woman who lost $55,000 after meeting someone on Facebook who claimed to be living overseas. These scams typically begin with strangers contacting people through social media or dating apps, building an intimate relationship, and then requesting money under false pretenses—with three Arizona residents losing a combined $155,000 recently. To protect yourself, authorities advise stopping any communication if someone you've never met in person asks for money, and reporting suspected scams to the BBB's Scam Tracker at bbb.org/scamtracker.
ksltv.com
· 2026-04-18
Utahns lost over $2.5 million to scams in 2025, with romance scams, identity theft, and impostor business schemes being the most common threats targeting the community. Scammers typically build false trust by impersonating businesses, government agencies, or romantic interests, then use fear tactics to pressure victims into sending money. To protect yourself, experts recommend preparing a "rehearsal script" in advance and staying vigilant about verifying the identity of anyone requesting money or personal information before engaging further.
medicaldialogues.in
· 2026-04-18
A 35-year-old cyber fraudster in Delhi was arrested for operating an elaborate romance scam that defrauded over 500 women of nearly Rs 2 crore across India. The accused created fake profiles posing as doctors, businessmen, and lawyers on dating apps, matrimonial sites, and social media, building emotional connections with victims before fabricating emergencies or personal crises to extract money. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly progress to requests for money, verify identities independently, and avoid sharing financial information with people you've only met online.
wsbradio.com
· 2026-04-18
Scammers created fake Facebook and WhatsApp accounts impersonating legitimate immigration legal aid organizations to defraud vulnerable immigrants seeking visa and legal services, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars in losses. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg called out Meta for failing to remove these imposter accounts despite previous requests, prompting the company to pledge removal of the fraudulent profiles. To protect yourself, verify the legitimacy of any immigration service provider directly through official websites or phone numbers rather than clicking links from social media, and be cautious of unsolicited offers of legal help on Facebook or WhatsApp.
ksltv.com
· 2026-04-17
Utahns lost over $2.5 million to scams in 2025, with romance scams, identity theft, and impostor business schemes being the most common threats, particularly targeting older adults. Scammers use psychological manipulation—building trust, creating fear, or impersonating businesses and government agencies—to convince victims to send money or share personal information. To protect yourself, experts recommend preparing a "rehearsal script" in advance, verifying requests through official channels before responding, and being cautious of anyone pressuring you for immediate action or asking for personal financial information.
fox13news.com
· 2026-04-17
A new scam uses fake CAPTCHA screens to trick people into running hidden commands on their computers, giving hackers full access to personal information like passwords and banking details. Scammers exploit people's automatic behavior by asking them to press Windows Key + R followed by Ctrl + V, which pastes a malicious command into the computer. To protect yourself, experts recommend staying alert and questioning unexpected CAPTCHA requests, especially those that ask you to run keyboard commands rather than complete standard verification tasks.
governor.hawaii.gov
· 2026-04-17
Hawaii's Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs has warned residents about investment scams spreading on Meta platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp), where scammers use deceptive ads and deepfake technology to trick people into fraudulent schemes like pump-and-dump scams, confidence scams, and cryptocurrency fraud. Victims are losing their savings to these increasingly sophisticated schemes that promise guaranteed returns. Consumers should be skeptical of investment advice on social media, verify opportunities before investing, and report any suspected scams to consumercomplaint.hawaii.gov.
wesh.com
· 2026-04-17
Scammers are increasingly using AI technology to impersonate people through fake videos, voices, and photos in order to trick victims into sending money, with Americans losing a record $12.5 billion to fraud schemes in recent years. The most common scams involve investment fraud (costing over $5 billion), job scams ($750 million), and impersonation of banks and government agencies. To protect yourself, avoid responding to unsolicited communications, hang up and independently call companies/agencies to verify requests, and never send money or personal information to unknown contacts—especially when they pressure you to act immediately.
wdrb.com
· 2026-04-17
A scam called "check washing" is hitting southern Indiana and Louisville, where thieves steal checks from the mail, chemically remove the ink to erase payment details while keeping the signature, then cash them for different amounts. Local business owner Jennifer Brummett lost nearly $30,000 when her mailed check was altered this way, forcing her to close her entire bank account. To protect yourself, law enforcement recommends using gel ink pens (harder to wash off), avoiding mailing checks when possible, and monitoring your bank statements closely—thieves can also use stolen account information to print additional fraudulent checks.
yonkerstimes.com
· 2026-04-17
A 75-year-old Larchmont resident nearly lost $25,000 in a targeted phone scam where a fraudster impersonated a Bank of America representative and convinced her that her phone had been hacked. Police arrested two men who arrived to collect the cash in a "money mule" scheme, with both suspects facing felony charges including grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property. Authorities advise that banks never ask customers to withdraw cash and hand it to representatives, and anyone receiving such calls should hang up immediately and contact local police.
jdsupra.com
· 2026-04-17
Americans lost over $20 billion to cybercrime in 2025, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Report, with criminals increasingly using cryptocurrency for money laundering and generative AI tools to create sophisticated scams like deepfakes and voice cloning. Older adults were hit particularly hard, experiencing dramatic increases in romance scams (up 30%), phishing attacks (up over 100%), and government impersonation schemes (nearly doubled). To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited contacts requesting money or personal information, verify requests through official channels before responding, and be especially wary of AI-generated audio or video that seems suspicious.
times.co.sz
· 2026-04-17
Foreign nationals operating in Eswatini defrauded unsuspecting victims of millions of Emalangeni through online scams, including "pig butchering" schemes, while funneling the stolen money into bank accounts in South Africa, Brazil, and other countries outside the kingdom. Police arrested several suspects and recovered about E10.2 million, but investigators believe the masterminds of these organized crime networks remain based offshore, using local operatives as the visible face of their fraud operations. To protect themselves, residents should be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities, especially those promoted online, and verify investment platforms independently before depositing money.
qns.com
· 2026-04-17
A Corona woman named Catalina Corona pleaded guilty to stealing $9.5 million from an elderly Long Island couple over seven years while working as their personal assistant—she forged their signatures on checks to pay off her own credit card debt and buy luxury items from brands like Louis Vuitton. The victims, an investment banker and his wife, trusted Corona with their finances as part of her job managing bills and travel arrangements, but she exploited that access without their knowledge or consent. To protect yourself from similar scams, be cautious about granting financial access to household staff or caregivers, regularly monitor your bank statements, and consider requiring dual signatures or additional verification for large transactions.
attorneygeneral.gov
· 2026-04-16
Pennsylvania's Attorney General is warning sports fans about ticket and merchandise scams as the Philadelphia 76ers, Flyers, and Penguins enter the playoffs, when scammers typically exploit high demand by selling fake tickets and counterfeit gear. Fans should only purchase from official sources, verify seller legitimacy, and use secure payment methods. If scammed, victims should dispute charges with their credit card company and file a complaint with the state's Bureau of Consumer Protection.
technologyreview.com
· 2026-04-16
Cyberscammers operating from money-laundering centers are using illicit hacking tools sold on Telegram to bypass banks' facial recognition security checks, allowing them to open fraudulent accounts and launder money by replacing live camera feeds with static images or deepfakes. Researchers identified dozens of Telegram channels selling these "bypass kits" and stolen biometric data designed to circumvent Know Your Customer (KYC) safeguards at major banks and crypto platforms worldwide. To protect yourself, use strong authentication beyond facial recognition where available, monitor your accounts for unauthorized activity, and be cautious about sharing identity documents online—report any suspicious account access attempts to your bank immediately.
gazette.com
· 2026-04-16
Millions of elderly Americans lose over $7 billion annually to financial scams including romance, lottery, and sweepstakes schemes, with seniors being targeted because they are often trusting, have savings, and own homes. Criminals use multiple communication channels—online, phone, mail, TV, and radio—to gain trust and exploit victims. To protect yourself, stay cautious of unsolicited contact offering money or romance, verify requests through official channels, and consult resources like the FBI's fraud prevention guidance or local senior protection services.
themercury.co.za
· 2026-04-15
Online romance scams are costing South Africans millions of rands, with scammers using fake dating profiles and emotional manipulation to build trust before asking victims for money under false pretexts like emergencies or business opportunities. People active on dating platforms and social media are particularly vulnerable, and warning signs include overly perfect profiles, pressure to keep communications secret, excuses to avoid meeting in person, and requests that start small but escalate to larger amounts. To protect yourself, be cautious of rapid emotional connections with people you've never met, verify identities before sharing personal information, and never send money to online connections regardless of the circumstances they describe.
forbes.com
· 2026-04-15
AI-generated scams are rapidly increasing, with the FBI receiving over 22,000 complaints in 2025 reporting AI fraud losses exceeding $893 million, though experts believe the actual number is much higher since many victims don't report due to shame. Common scams include romance/confidence schemes, banking fraud, sextortion targeting teenagers, and deepfake job interview scams, with vulnerable populations like seniors, isolated individuals, and young adults being particularly targeted. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited contact from people you know, verify requests through alternative channels before sharing personal information or funds, and report any suspected AI scams to authorities rather than staying silent out of embarrassment.
nbcsandiego.com
· 2026-04-15
Scammers are sending fake Amazon recall notices via text and email to trick shoppers into clicking malicious links that steal their personal information and account credentials. Once accessed, fraudsters can take over Amazon accounts and make unauthorized purchases at victims' expense. To protect yourself, never click links in unsolicited recall messages—instead, report them as spam and delete them, or visit Amazon's official website directly to check for legitimate recalls.
azag.gov
· 2026-04-15
Arizona Attorney General Mayes is warning homeowners about construction fraud targeting those building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), with victims losing between tens of thousands to $250,000 after paying upfront fees to contractors who fail to obtain permits and never start work. To protect yourself, scrutinize any construction contract for red flags like pressure for large upfront payments, lack of proper licensing, and unwillingness to provide references before signing. If you suspect fraud, file complaints with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, the Better Business Bureau, or the Arizona Attorney General's Office.
lexingtonchronicle.com
· 2026-04-15
The Lexington Police Department formalized an updated partnership with the U.S. Secret Service to better combat electronic and cyberfraud crimes affecting residents. Under the agreement, a detective will receive specialized training and equipment to conduct forensic examinations of phones and computers, enabling the department to process evidence more quickly without sending devices to other agencies. This collaboration aims to prevent and investigate complex cyber-enabled financial crimes that impact the community.
nypost.com
· 2026-04-14
An 82-year-old retired sportswriter lost nearly $270,000 of his life savings in a "pig-butchering" scam after being contacted by someone posing as a young woman named "Daisy Miller" who built a romantic relationship with him before convincing him to invest in gold futures. The scammer used personalized details, glamorous photos, and emotional manipulation to gain his trust over 10 weeks, exploiting Levine's loneliness despite some of his own attempts to verify the person's identity. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited romantic advances from strangers online, especially those who quickly pivot to investment opportunities, and verify claims through official channels before sending any money.
intelligentciso.com
· 2026-04-14
Researchers have linked a widespread Android banking trojan to scam compounds in Cambodia, particularly the K99 Triumph City site, which has been used to commit fraud across at least 21 countries—with Indonesia, Thailand, Spain, and Türkiye hit hardest. The malware-as-a-service operation creates fake banking and government apps that, once installed, give scammers complete control of victims' phones, allowing them to steal facial recognition data, intercept security codes, and drain bank accounts. To protect yourself, avoid downloading banking or government apps from unknown sources, use official app stores only, enable additional security features beyond SMS codes (like biometric authentication from your bank's official app), and be suspicious of unexpected requests to download apps or provide personal information.
thestandard.com.hk
· 2026-04-14
A Hong Kong woman over 50 lost more than HK$2 million in a cryptocurrency scam after an Instagram user posing as a romantic interest and investment expert convinced her to repeatedly exchange cash for cryptocurrency. The scammer disappeared with the money after establishing trust through affectionate daily messages and promising guaranteed investment returns. Police advise the public to be cautious of overly affectionate messages from online contacts who propose financial schemes, and recommend using fraud-assessment tools like the Scameter before making any payments.
kotatv.com
· 2026-04-14
Scammers are targeting seniors with fake emergency calls claiming their grandchildren need immediate bond money due to accidents, exploiting fear and urgency to pressure victims into sending money before they can think clearly. One Ohio woman named Crysta Willis avoided falling victim by verifying her grandson was actually home and confronting the caller. Experts recommend protecting yourself by slowing down, asking questions, and independently verifying claims by calling family members directly rather than trusting the caller's information.
wsaw.com
· 2026-04-14
Seniors are being targeted by the "grandparent scam," where fraudsters call posing as law enforcement claiming a grandchild has been in an accident and needs bond money paid immediately. The scam works by triggering fear and urgency that prevents victims from thinking clearly, with some seniors losing their life savings. To protect yourself, experts recommend slowing down and independently verifying claims—such as hanging up and calling your family member directly—rather than acting on the emotional pressure of the caller.
nypost.com
· 2026-04-14
iPhone users worldwide are being targeted by a phishing scam disguised as iCloud storage alerts, which trick victims into clicking malicious links that steal banking information and personal data for illegal resale. The fraudulent emails mimic Apple's branding and create urgency by claiming storage is full or accounts will close within 48 hours, prompting users to "upgrade" their accounts. To protect yourself, avoid clicking any links in unsolicited storage alerts, check your account directly through your phone's settings instead, and report suspicious emails to Apple.
wishtv.com
· 2026-04-14
AI-powered scams cost Americans $12.5 billion in 2024, with criminals using deepfakes and impersonation technology to target people through fake investment schemes ($5 billion lost), job listings ($750 million lost), and fraudulent messages from banks and government agencies. Victims of all ages and backgrounds were affected, from social media users to job seekers. To protect yourself, ignore unsolicited urgent requests via email, text, or phone; hang up and call organizations directly using verified numbers; and never share passwords or personal information with unknown contacts.
myjournalcourier.com
· 2026-04-13
A 76-year-old woman fell victim to an impersonation scam where a fraudster posing as a Department of Criminal Investigations officer manipulated her through fake credentials and threats of arrest. Banks and investment firms are now stepping up as crucial defenses against such scams targeting vulnerable seniors, as losses to elder financial exploitation exceed $28 billion annually, with the FTC reporting $2.4 billion in losses in 2024 alone. Seniors should be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from law enforcement, verify caller identity through official channels rather than information provided by the caller, and report suspicious activity to their bank or the FTC rather than suffering in shame and silence.