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in Scam Awareness
yahoo.com
· 2026-06-18
Utah's top federal prosecutor is touring the state to warn seniors about AI-powered scams that impersonate banks, the IRS, and family members, which have caused reported losses to adults over 60 to skyrocket from $600 million in 2020 to over $3 billion in 2025. The scams often involve imposter schemes, investment fraud, and romance scams that target older adults with increasingly sophisticated tactics. Seniors are being urged to stay calm when contacted by unknown callers or messages, verify identities independently, and ask detailed questions before sharing any financial information—especially when feeling pressured or hearing from someone claiming to be a trusted contact.
953wiki.com
· 2026-06-18
Indiana's Secretary of State is warning residents about a sharp increase in financial scams targeting seniors, with reports nearly doubling from 176 in 2024 to 351 in 2025, resulting in approximately $25 million in losses. The state is encouraging Hoosiers to protect elderly family members by staying informed about common scams—including phone scams, investment fraud, and online schemes—and to report suspicious activity to authorities. Educational programs offered by the Indiana Securities Division are available to seniors, caregivers, and community groups to help identify warning signs of financial exploitation before people become victims.
whsv.com
· 2026-06-18
Elder abuse affects millions of seniors and can take many forms, including financial exploitation through increasingly sophisticated scams and fraud. Experts warn that common red flags include unexpected messages pressuring quick action, such as claims that subscriptions have expired or that someone has won a prize they never entered. To protect yourself or older loved ones, verify suspicious messages by contacting companies directly using phone numbers or websites you look up independently—never use links or numbers provided in the suspicious message itself.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-06-18
Six major financial institutions have adopted a new training program called the Human Crime Specialist (HCS) framework designed to help bank employees identify and stop financial activity linked to human trafficking, child exploitation, elder fraud, and scams. The program recognizes that criminals rely on the financial system to operate, and banks are uniquely positioned to detect suspicious transactions before harm escalates. Financial professionals are being equipped with specialized knowledge and tools to identify red flags in customer accounts and transactions, representing an important shift in how the financial sector combats these crimes.
irs.gov
· 2026-06-18
The IRS CEO emphasizes that older adults are frequent targets of scams where fraudsters impersonate tax authorities to steal personal and financial information, and reminds the public that the IRS never initiates contact demanding money or threatening to move funds. He encourages everyone to help protect seniors by recognizing these warning signs and directing vulnerable people to resources like the Federal Elder Justice Coordinating Council's website before responding to suspicious calls or messages. The message highlights the importance of celebrating and protecting older adults, who contribute significantly to society and deserve to live safely in their retirement years.
mk.co.kr
· 2026-06-18
Four major scam types—investment fraud, fake job schemes, commodity payment fraud, and romance scams—caused 68.7 billion won in damage in May, down 33% from April, marking the first significant monthly decline since police began tracking these crimes. The decrease reflects police efforts to implement targeted countermeasures against each scam type and increased cooperation with platforms like Naver and Kakao to disrupt criminal operations. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities and romantic advances from online contacts, verify job offers through official channels, and report suspicious activity to authorities immediately.
northdeltareporter.com
· 2026-06-18
A local Penticton restaurant, Lala Ji's, lost money after being scammed by someone falsely claiming to represent the Penticton Peach Festival and offering vendor booth space. The scammer was not affiliated with the festival, and the business never secured the promised vendor spot. To protect themselves, businesses should always verify vendor opportunities directly with official event organizers through confirmed contact channels before making any payments or sharing personal information.
gothamist.com
· 2026-06-18
New York City renters, especially during the busy summer season, are vulnerable to rental scams where fraudsters take deposits and disappear or misrepresent properties. A Gothamist investigation uncovered patterns of fraud by individuals like a Queens-based "real estate advisor" with a revoked license who has been sued by dozens of renters unable to recover their deposits. To protect yourself, experts advise avoiding listings that seem too good to be true (unusually low rent, incomplete addresses, agents without credentials), and being wary of listings that don't require good credit or income verification.
foxbusiness.com
· 2026-06-17
# Summary
Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling sent letters to governors of 53 states and territories demanding immediate action to combat unemployment insurance (UI) fraud, warning that states failing to comply could lose federal funding—marking the first time the department has threatened to withhold administrative funds. Sonderling highlighted significant improper payments, including New York paying over $2 million daily in incorrect UI benefits and California owing more than $20 billion to its trust fund, with five major states collectively making over $2.5 billion in improper payments in the prior year. The crackdown is part of President Trump's Task Force to Eliminate Fraud led by Vice President JD Vance.
amarillotribune.org
· 2026-06-17
Financial exploitation of elderly adults through investment scams, romance scams, impersonation fraud, and digital schemes remains a widespread problem, as highlighted during June's Elder Abuse Awareness Month recognition. Warning signs include unexplained withdrawals, pressure to send money or share personal information, and unsolicited contacts via text or social media. Seniors and their families can protect themselves by designating a trusted contact for financial decisions, consulting with family or professionals before major transfers, and reporting suspected fraud to the Texas State Securities Board.
spectrumnews1.com
· 2026-06-17
Scammers stole over $120 million from Kentuckians last year, with seniors aged 60+ losing more than $60 million, as criminals increasingly use cryptocurrency and AI-powered technology to make scams like romance and emergency schemes more convincing. The FBI warns that these frauds are growing more sophisticated and difficult to trace, particularly through the state's 400+ cryptocurrency ATMs. If you suspect a scam, the FBI advises stopping communication immediately, slowing down, and discussing suspicious interactions with trusted family members or friends before taking any action.
morungexpress.com
· 2026-06-17
Sri Lanka has become a major hub for international cybercrime, particularly telecom fraud and "pig-butchering" investment scams, with criminal networks from Southeast Asia relocating there due to economic instability and weak regulatory oversight. Victims worldwide are targeted through fake romance schemes and fraudulent investment platforms, while workers are recruited under false pretenses, have their passports confiscated, and are forced to operate scams from luxury hotels across the country. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited romantic connections offering investment opportunities, verify investment platforms independently, never send money to unknown accounts, and report suspicious job listings that seem unusually lucrative or request upfront payments.
sarkaritel.com
· 2026-06-17
Sri Lanka has become a major hub for international cybercrime, with criminal networks relocating from Southeast Asia to operate sophisticated telecom and pig-butchering scams from luxury hotels and guesthouses across the country. Victims worldwide are targeted through fraudulent investment schemes, fake dating profiles, and mass phishing campaigns using stolen identities and SIM-box equipment that can manage hundreds of phone lines simultaneously. Authorities have intensified raids since mid-2024, arresting hundreds of suspected scammers, but victims can protect themselves by being cautious about unsolicited investment opportunities, verifying identities before sending money, and using strong security practices like enabling two-factor authentication and avoiding clicking links from unknown sources.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-06-17
Bank of America is launching a "Scaminars" program with 1,000 in-person educational events nationwide through 2026, combined with over 50 AI-powered fraud detection systems, to help older adults identify and avoid financial scams. Elder fraud represents a significant risk to both the bank's customers and its reputation, so the initiative addresses the problem through both technology-based monitoring and consumer education. For seniors and their families, attending these free seminars or staying alert to the warning signs Bank of America promotes through the program can help protect against financial fraud targeting vulnerable populations.
eaglecountryonline.com
· 2026-06-17
Indiana's Secretary of State reported that financial scams targeting seniors have reached record levels, with the state receiving 351 senior fraud reports in 2025—nearly double the previous year—resulting in approximately $25 million in losses. The exploitation includes phone scams, investment fraud, and online schemes, with state officials emphasizing that education and awareness are crucial tools for prevention. Seniors and their families are encouraged to stay informed about warning signs of financial exploitation and report any suspicious activity to authorities.
staysafeonline.org
· 2026-06-17
Facebook Marketplace and similar online platforms are frequently targeted by scammers who use fake payment screenshots, overpayment schemes, and phishing links to defraud both buyers and sellers. To stay safe, be alert to red flags like requests to "upgrade" your account before receiving payment, refund requests for overpayments, and suspicious links—and simply stop communicating with anyone exhibiting these behaviors. Trust your instincts: if something feels off, don't send money or items, and verify any payments directly with your bank rather than relying on messages from the other party.
abc15.com
· 2026-06-16
Consumers lost nearly $16 billion to fraud and scams in fiscal year 2025, though the actual number is likely higher since many victims don't report incidents, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The Arizona Corporation Commission's Securities Division is working to help victims recover lost money through investigations and settlements—ordering $13.8 million in restitution in 2024 alone—while also helping people identify and report suspicious activity before becoming victims. If you suspect fraud through mail, email, text, or other means, you can contact the ACC Securities Division by phone or email to ask questions and report suspicious activity without shame or embarrassment.
ftc.gov
· 2026-06-16
# Data Show People Reported Losing $3.5 Billion to Imposter Scams in 2025
Americans reported losing $3.5 billion to imposter scams in 2025, making them the most commonly reported type of fraud with losses nearly tripling since 2020. These scams typically involve fraudsters pretending to be someone trustworthy—such as a government official, tech support, or loved one—to trick victims into sending money or sharing personal information. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact requests, verify identities through official channels before sharing information, and never send money or gift cards to unknown callers, even if they claim to represent legitimate organizations.
bbc.com
· 2026-06-16
Sextortion scammers contact victims through dating apps, manipulate them into intimate video calls, then threaten to share recordings with family and friends unless paid. A 35-year-old man in the UK named Alan Irwin experienced this scam but refused to comply, blocked the scammer, and reported it to police, ultimately preventing the extortion from working. Experts advise victims not to panic or pay, as scammers have no real leverage once you refuse to engage—reporting the incident to authorities and warning your contacts are the recommended steps.
cnbc.com
· 2026-06-16
Seniors aged 62 and older are increasingly targeted by reverse mortgage scams, with people over 60 filing over 201,000 fraud complaints in 2025 resulting in $7.7 billion in losses. While reverse mortgages can be a legitimate financial tool for homeowners to access their home's equity, older adults should be cautious of fraudulent schemes, particularly because they are more vulnerable to financial fraud. To protect yourself, it's important to research lenders carefully, verify that any reverse mortgage offer comes from a trusted source, and consider consulting with a financial advisor before committing to any reverse mortgage product.
pandasecurity.com
· 2026-06-16
Financial scam advertisements are proliferating on major social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, prompting formal complaints from European consumer groups against Google, Meta, and TikTok for failing to remove fraudulent ads that reach millions of users. Between December 2025 and March 2026, regulators reported nearly 900 suspected fraudulent ads, but platforms removed only 27% of them—with TikTok performing worst at 21%—suggesting potential financial incentives to overlook scams since Meta earned millions in ad revenue from Medicare-related fraud alone. To protect yourself, scrutinize financial ads on social media carefully, verify claims through official sources rather than links in ads, and report suspected fraudulent content to the platforms immediately.
news.usps.com
· 2026-06-16
Imposter scams—where criminals pose as relatives, romantic interests, or tech support—cost consumers $15.9 billion in 2025 and are becoming increasingly convincing through AI technology. The scams commonly target elderly people and vulnerable individuals by creating urgent situations (medical emergencies, bail money, computer viruses) to pressure victims into sending money. To protect yourself, verify requests through trusted contacts before acting, avoid sharing personal information with strangers online, be wary of urgent money requests, and never grant remote computer access or make payments via gift cards to unsolicited callers.
yahoo.com
· 2026-06-16
Romance scams are becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect as criminals use AI to create realistic fake profiles and personalized conversations that build emotional connections before requesting money. According to the FTC, nearly 60% of romance scam victims reported losing money in 2025 after meeting scammers on social media, which accounted for $2.1 billion in reported losses across all fraud types. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that develop quickly with excessive personal attention and flattery, especially if the person eventually asks for money, and verify identities through video calls or independent research before sharing personal information or finances.
delta-optimist.com
· 2026-06-16
A 75-year-old British Columbia woman lost $60,000 to a sophisticated romance scam after a man posing as a military doctor befriended her on Facebook and manipulated her over 12 months with fabricated emergencies and false promises. The scammer exploited her loneliness following a separation, bullying her into sending 75% of her $2,500 monthly pension, leaving her unable to afford basic necessities and ultimately triggering a heart attack from the resulting stress. Seniors and vulnerable individuals should be cautious of unsolicited online relationships, verify identities independently, and speak with trusted family members about financial requests—particularly those involving emergencies or emotional manipulation tactics.
pcmag.com
· 2026-06-16
Scammers are increasingly using AI to launch sophisticated social engineering attacks through popular messaging apps, SMS, and email, making fraudulent messages nearly indistinguishable from legitimate communications. According to Fraud.org's 2025 report, internet-based scams now surpass phone calls as scammers' primary contact method, with phishing and spoofing attacks nearly doubling year-over-year. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited messages about deliveries or requests from contacts, verify suspicious communications through independent channels, and avoid clicking links or sharing information with unverified senders.
scworld.com
· 2026-06-16
The FBI has warned about a growing "pig butchering" scam where criminals use fake romantic connections and investment promises to defraud victims, now employing couriers to collect cash in person when banks block transfers. Victims are told they've made profits in fake cryptocurrency accounts and then pressured to pay additional "taxes" and "penalties" through these in-person cash exchanges. To protect yourself, research any crypto platform before investing, never meet strangers to exchange money, be cautious of sudden romantic interest combined with investment pitches, and report suspicious activity to the FBI immediately.
bleepingcomputer.com
· 2026-06-16
The FBI warned that criminals are using in-person couriers to collect cash from victims of cryptocurrency investment scams, where fraudsters build trust through social media and dating apps before luring people into fake investment schemes. When legitimate banks block suspicious transfers, scammers arrange for couriers (who authenticate themselves with passwords or specific dollar bill serial numbers) to pick up cash directly from victims' homes, then show fake gains in virtual wallets to demand even more money for fabricated taxes and fees. To protect yourself, research any cryptocurrency platform thoroughly, never share your home address with unsolicited contacts, avoid giving cash to unknown individuals, and be wary of "love bombing"—excessive flattery and attention used to manipulate victims.
siliconcanals.com
· 2026-06-16
In October 2025, the US Justice Department seized 127,271 bitcoin (worth $15 billion) in what it called the largest asset seizure in its history—coins that had sat untouched on the blockchain for five years with no police reports or public filings. The bitcoin is allegedly connected to Chen Zhi, a Cambodian businessman accused of running forced-labor scam operations across Southeast Asia alongside his legitimate business conglomerate, Prince Group. The case is unusual because such a massive theft typically generates immediate police reports and regulatory filings, but this one unfolded in complete silence, making the absence of any public reporting itself a key part of the investigation.
analyticsinsight.net
· 2026-06-16
As cryptocurrency use grows worldwide, so do crypto-related scams—including pig butchering schemes, rug pulls, exchange hacks, and Ponzi schemes—leaving victims needing specialized legal help beyond traditional services. Affected individuals and businesses require a combination of blockchain forensic analysis, asset tracing, legal expertise, and international regulatory knowledge to recover losses and navigate the complex digital asset landscape. When facing crypto fraud, victims should seek out law firms with proven experience in cryptocurrency disputes, blockchain investigations, and cross-border asset recovery rather than attempting to resolve these issues alone.
actionnewsnow.com
· 2026-06-16
The IRS is warning about a sharp rise in fraud targeting seniors, with investigators opening 255 elder fraud cases since 2021 involving nearly $886 million in losses—over $736 million of that occurring since 2024. Common scams include government impersonation, romance schemes, fake investment opportunities, and fake lottery winnings, where criminals pressure victims to quickly send money via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Older adults and their families should verify suspicious claims before acting, avoid sending money to unknown parties, and report potential scams to law enforcement or the IRS Criminal Investigation division.
newsroom.bankofamerica.com
· 2026-06-16
Bank of America is hosting 1,000 in-person educational seminars in 2026 to help customers recognize and prevent fraud and scams, bringing the total number of these "Scaminars" to 2,500 since the program began. Financial scams have become increasingly sophisticated, with social media scams alone causing $2.1 billion in losses in 2025—an eightfold increase since 2020, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The free seminars, developed through Bank of America's financial education platform, are available to all consumers at local branches and aim to equip people with practical knowledge to protect themselves, with particular focus on helping vulnerable populations like seniors during Elder Abuse Awareness Month.
wvmetronews.com
· 2026-06-16
Federal and West Virginia officials are backing a "Never EVER" campaign to combat elder fraud, which costs West Virginia seniors approximately $19 million annually, with government imposter scams accounting for $1.1 million of that. Scammers—often operating from foreign countries using AI technology to mimic trusted voices and create artificial urgency—target vulnerable people by pressuring them to act immediately or face consequences. To protect yourself, never give out personal information to unsolicited callers, and if you suspect fraud, report it to local law enforcement or the U.S. Attorney's office.
nbcnews.com
· 2026-06-15
# Summary
Senators Hassan and Scott introduced the ReportScams.gov Act, a bipartisan bill to establish a centralized federal website for reporting scams and create a comprehensive Federal Scams Action Plan. Americans lost approximately $21 billion to cyber-enabled crimes in 2025 and over $2 billion to social media scams, with the bill addressing fragmented reporting systems across at least 13 federal agencies. The new platform aims to streamline scam reporting, provide educational resources, and route complaints to relevant law enforcement agencies while combating the rise of AI-enabled fraud.
losgatan.com
· 2026-06-15
Scammers are targeting older Americans with increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes, with reported losses to people age 60+ skyrocketing from 2020 to 2024—including a nearly 9-fold increase in cases involving losses of $100,000 or more. Seniors are particularly vulnerable because scammers exploit trust, urgency, and unfamiliarity with technology by impersonating legitimate companies, banks, or loved ones through convincing texts, emails, and spoofed caller IDs. To protect yourself and older loved ones, stay informed about common scams, verify unexpected requests before responding, and encourage regular check-ins to discuss potential threats.
1450wlaf.com
· 2026-06-15
Tennessee authorities are warning seniors about rising financial fraud, particularly targeting elderly investors through digital assets, social media scams, and AI-enabled impersonation schemes. According to the FBI, scammers stole over $108 million from Tennessee residents aged 60 and older, with cryptocurrency accounting for $142 million in total losses across all ages. The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance advises seniors and caregivers to learn fraud warning signs, be cautious with cryptocurrency and virtual investments, and contact state securities officials when approached about suspicious investment opportunities.
yahoo.com
· 2026-06-15
Romance scams are among the fastest-growing forms of online fraud worldwide, with scammers building fake emotional relationships with victims on social media and dating platforms before requesting money. In 2024 alone, the FBI received nearly 18,000 romance scam complaints with victims losing $672 million combined, while a global Interpol operation identified 1,463 victims who lost nearly $2.8 million. To protect yourself, be cautious of strangers who quickly develop emotional connections online, watch for inconsistencies in communication or requests for money, and verify profiles before sharing personal information or sending funds.
resultsense.com
· 2026-06-15
Artificial intelligence is fueling a dramatic surge in UK fraud, with over 4.1 million cases stealing nearly £1.3 billion last year—up 31% since 2023. Criminals are using AI to create convincing deepfakes of celebrities and loved ones, making romance scams particularly devastating, with investment fraud losses jumping 40% to record highs. Experts urge consumers to be vigilant about unsolicited contact from relatives or celebrities, while calling on tech platforms and financial institutions to strengthen verification systems and remove fraudulent ads rather than relying solely on post-theft refunds.
winchesterstar.com
· 2026-06-15
Virginia State Police is encouraging people of all ages to protect themselves from monetary and identity scams by independently verifying requests before acting on them—slowing down rather than rushing, since scammers rely on urgency and fear. Key preventative measures include changing passwords frequently, using a trusted "buddy system" to discuss suspicious calls or texts, avoiding sharing personal information, and being cautious about what you post on social media. The advice is particularly timely around World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, though these tips apply to anyone vulnerable to fraud.
spacedaily.com
· 2026-06-15
"Pig butchering" is a sophisticated scam where criminals pose as romantic interests or investment advisors, building trust over weeks or months before convincing victims to invest in fake cryptocurrency accounts that show impressive returns until the scammers disappear with the money. The FBI reported over $5.8 billion in losses from this type of fraud in 2024 alone, with victims typically being contacted through fake "accidental" text messages that initiate seemingly genuine relationships. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited messages from strangers, never invest based on advice from people you've only met online, and verify investment platforms through official regulatory agencies before sending any money.
uk.pcmag.com
· 2026-06-15
Many people receive numerous scam and spam texts daily, often from numbers obtained through data breaches and sold on the dark web. The article recommends enabling built-in message filtering features on both iOS and Android phones—which automatically sort unknown senders into separate folders—and remaining skeptical of any unsolicited messages, especially those containing links or requests for money or personal information. Users should only trust messages from saved contacts and be particularly wary of "wrong number scams" where scammers pose as acquaintances or romantic interests to build trust before requesting money or pushing investments.
pcmag.com
· 2026-06-15
Many people receive numerous unwanted scam texts daily because their phone numbers were leaked in data breaches and sold on the dark web. The good news is that both iPhone and Android phones have built-in message filtering features—often turned off by default—that automatically sort messages from unknown senders into separate folders, helping you avoid clicking malicious links. To protect yourself, enable these filters in your phone's settings, stay skeptical of messages from unknown numbers, and never click links or respond to unsolicited texts, especially those offering deals or romantic opportunities, as scammers use these tactics to steal money or personal information.
irishtimes.com
· 2026-06-15
Investment scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using AI-generated fake advertisements, professional-looking websites, and convincing "financial advisors" to trick people into transferring money to fake investment opportunities. These scams often unfold slowly over months to build trust before targeting substantial sums, and victims frequently don't realize they've been scammed until they try to withdraw their money. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities online, verify the legitimacy of financial advisors and platforms independently, and remember that legitimate investments don't pressure you into quick decisions.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-06-15
Home title fraud occurs when criminals use forged documents and stolen personal information to illegally transfer ownership of your property, often targeting vacant or rental homes where owners are less likely to notice. Victims typically discover the fraud only after receiving foreclosure notices or unexpected legal documents. To protect yourself, safeguard personal information by shredding sensitive documents, regularly check your local deed records and credit reports for unauthorized activity, and never sign documents under pressure or from someone completing paperwork on your behalf.
oregonfaithreport.com
· 2026-06-14
Older adults in Oregon are being urged to watch for signs of financial exploitation, which costs seniors over $28 billion annually nationwide and affects roughly 11% of people age 60 and older. The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation warns that scams targeting seniors are becoming increasingly sophisticated, particularly those involving cryptocurrency kiosks and gift cards, and that isolated or lonely older people are especially vulnerable. People should watch for warning signs like overly protective new friends or caregivers, sudden changes in spending habits, and seniors becoming reluctant to discuss their finances.
seehafernews.com
· 2026-06-14
Wisconsin state agencies are partnering to raise awareness about elder fraud and scams ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 17th, highlighting that seniors lose billions of dollars annually to scams because they're often targeted due to assumptions about their wealth, comfort with strangers, and unfamiliarity with technology. Older consumers are disproportionately affected compared to younger age groups, making them vulnerable to exploitation by bad actors. Anyone suspecting elder abuse or scams can report it through ReportElderAbuseWI.org or by calling 1-833-586-0107.
abc7chicago.com
· 2026-06-14
Social media scams cost victims $2.1 billion last year—eight times more than in 2020—with the biggest losses coming from investment, shopping, and romance scams. People of all backgrounds who use social media are at risk, particularly those targeted through fake investment opportunities, romantic relationships, and deceptive shopping ads. To protect yourself, strengthen your privacy settings, never invest money with people you've only met online, avoid sending money to romantic interests you haven't met in person, and research companies before purchasing from social media ads by searching for "scam" or "complaint" alongside the business name.
abc7chicago.com
· 2026-06-14
Social media scams have surged dramatically, with victims losing $2.1 billion in the past year—eight times more than in 2020—with investment scams causing the largest losses, followed by shopping and romance fraud. To protect yourself, experts recommend strengthening your privacy settings to limit personal information exposure, never investing money with people you've only met online, and avoiding sending money to romantic interests you haven't met in person. Before making any purchase from a social media ad, research the company by searching its name alongside terms like "scam" or "complaint" to verify its legitimacy.
publicsource.org
· 2026-06-14
A woman named Jenna nearly fell victim to a sophisticated phone scam where fraudsters impersonated her bank's fraud department, claiming her debit card was locked due to suspicious activity and pressuring her to act quickly. However, she trusted her instincts when something felt off, contacted her husband to get a second opinion, and called her bank directly instead of following the scammers' instructions—a decision that prevented losses of at least $3,000 in fraudulent transactions. The key takeaway for anyone receiving unexpected calls about account issues: hang up and independently call your bank's official number to verify before taking any action, and don't hesitate to involve trusted family members or friends when you feel pressured.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-06-14
Federal authorities arrested five suspects accused of running a $15 million romance scam that defrauded over 100 elderly Americans through fake online dating profiles and AI-generated videos. The scammers built trust with victims by posing as potential romantic partners, then convinced them to send money using fabricated stories about inheritances and precious gems, with one 74-year-old victim losing $1.1 million. To protect yourself, be cautious of online dating connections that quickly develop emotional bonds and request money, verify identities through video calls, and remember that legitimate romantic interests will never ask you to send cash or wire funds.
hayspost.com
· 2026-06-14
Imposter scams remained the #1 fraud threat in 2025, with over 1 million reports and losses climbing nearly 20% to $3.5 billion, driven by surging government imposter scams (up 40%) using fake toll collection messages and rising romance scams (up 22%) where scammers build relationships before requesting money for fake investments. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited messages about toll payments or government issues, verify requests through official channels, and be cautious of romantic relationships that quickly turn to investment opportunities. If you encounter a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov to help authorities stop scammers.