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aol.com
· 2026-02-14
# Scams Targeting Older Adults
Elder fraud is a growing problem, with individuals aged 60 and over losing $3.4 billion in 2023—an 11% increase from the previous year—with an average loss of $33,915 per victim. The most common scams targeting older adults include tech support scams (fake calls claiming to be from Microsoft or Apple), personal data breaches, romance scams, and investment fraud, with scammers typically initiating contact through calls, emails, or texts before requesting money or access to devices. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact from companies or strangers, never give remote access to your devices or personal information to callers you didn't initiate contact with, verify any claims by contacting companies directly using official phone numbers, and report suspicious activity to the FBI or local authorities.
mashable.com
· 2026-02-14
Romance scams are increasingly prevalent, with two in five young adults encountering them weekly, and about 15% of Americans reporting financial losses to online dating scams—often ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, particularly affecting men. Scammers use sophisticated tactics including AI-generated impersonations of loved ones, fake dating app clones (especially Plenty of Fish knockoffs), and fake "exclusive" dating invitations to trick people into sharing personal or payment information. To stay safe, users should verify new dating contacts carefully, be cautious of unsolicited dating app invitations, use legitimate apps with identity verification features like Tinder's new face-scanning requirement, and avoid sharing financial information with online matches.
bendsource.com
· 2026-02-14
# Romance Scam Summary
Romance scams have become increasingly prevalent and costly, with victims reporting $12.5 billion in investment-related fraud losses in 2024—triple the amount from three years prior. Scammers typically pose as attractive, successful individuals on dating apps and social media, using fake profiles and AI-generated content to build trust before pressuring victims into fake investments or requesting money directly. To protect yourself, watch for red flags like unsolicited contact, pressure to invest quickly, promises of easy money, or any request for financial information, and verify any investment opportunities through official regulatory websites before proceeding.
newyorker.com
· 2026-02-13
Scammers posing as representatives from medical device manufacturers like Boston Scientific and Johnson & Johnson called women with pelvic mesh implants, claiming their devices were dangerous "time bombs" and offering free removal surgery at specific clinics in Florida. Women like Sharon Gore and Barbara Shepard, who didn't even know they had mesh implants or weren't experiencing serious problems, were manipulated through knowledge of their private medical histories into believing they needed urgent surgery. The scam exploited both the women's health vulnerabilities and a system that allowed fraudsters easy access to private medical information, making it crucial for patients to verify any unsolicited medical calls directly with their doctors and manufacturers rather than trusting caller information.
wfsb.com
· 2026-02-13
Connecticut state officials have issued a warning about romance scams that target people on dating apps and social media, particularly around Valentine's Day when online dating increases. Scammers build trust over weeks or months before requesting money for travel, visas, or emergencies, with victims losing an average of $2,000 according to the Federal Trade Commission. To protect yourself, never send money to someone you haven't met in person, trust your instincts if something feels off, and if you've already been scammed, contact your bank immediately to request a refund and report the incident to the FTC or FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
fingerlakesdailynews.com
· 2026-02-13
# Romance and Investment Scams on the Rise
Federal law enforcement agencies in Western New York are warning the public about a sharp increase in sophisticated romance scams, where fraudsters build fake relationships on dating apps and social media before convincing victims to invest money in fake cryptocurrency or trading schemes. Victims of all ages—including professionals, seniors, and younger adults—have lost thousands of dollars and suffered significant emotional trauma, with scammers using tactics like "pig-butchering" where they shower victims with affection before disappearing with their money. Authorities advise people to be extremely cautious about what they share online, never send money to online contacts regardless of how trustworthy they seem, and trust their instincts if something feels off.
blogs.lse.ac.uk
· 2026-02-13
An estimated 220,000 people are trapped in "scam compounds" across Cambodia and Myanmar, where they are held captive and forced to conduct online fraud targeting people worldwide. These industrialized operations are not hidden criminal enterprises but are openly embedded within legitimate business infrastructure, protected by government officials, and sustained by global financial systems. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited job offers from acquaintances (especially those promising high pay abroad), verify employment opportunities through official channels, and report suspicious online activity to authorities.
256today.com
· 2026-02-13
Experts predict that artificial intelligence will significantly increase fraud in 2026, with scammers using AI-generated deepfakes and convincing emails to impersonate trusted contacts and trick victims into transferring money or changing payment details. The article identifies three major threats: AI-enhanced business email compromise attacks, synthetic identity fraud targeting credit institutions, and long-term investment scams that build trust before exploiting it. To protect yourself, verify any payment or financial requests by calling the requestor directly using a known number, be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, and remain cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities.
mk.co.kr
· 2026-02-13
TV personality Jang Young-ran nearly fell victim to a voice phishing scam in which someone impersonated her stylist's friend, built rapport through friendly conversation, and then requested urgent money by claiming to be disabled. The scammer even provided a fake resident registration card, but when an acquaintance verified the ID number, it was found to belong to a deceased person, prompting Jang to avoid sending any money. The key takeaway for people is to verify identities through direct contact with known numbers, be suspicious of sudden requests for money from acquaintances, and never send funds based solely on documents provided by the requester.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-13
Scams have become increasingly sophisticated and organized, often powered by AI, causing significant financial and emotional harm across all demographics, with older Americans being particularly vulnerable to fraud schemes that exploit trust. The US Senate held a hearing in January focusing on international scams targeting seniors, who often lose their life savings to these carefully constructed schemes. Gen has released policy recommendations for lawmakers including improved data protection, stronger law enforcement coordination, and national awareness campaigns to combat these threats.
press-herald.com
· 2026-02-13
# Romance Fraud Alert: What You Need to Know
Romance scams have surged dramatically, with IRS Criminal Investigation cases more than tripling in the past year, particularly targeting older Americans and vulnerable individuals seeking connection. Victims often lose significant portions of their life savings or retirement funds through criminals posing as romantic partners on dating sites and social media, sometimes also using compromising photos for blackmail. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly escalate to requests for money, never send compromising photos to people you haven't met in person, verify identities through video calls, and report suspected fraud to authorities or the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311.
wbaltv.com
· 2026-02-12
# Romance Scams Warning for Valentine's Day
As Valentine's Day approaches, the Better Business Bureau is warning people about romance scams that exploit trust through dating apps and social media, with scammers increasingly using AI and deepfakes to appear more convincing. Senior citizens are typically targeted, with fraudsters manipulating victims into sending money via wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency after building fake relationships online. To protect yourself, be suspicious of anyone asking for money upfront, verify video calls look natural (watching for unnatural blinking, odd lighting, or strange movements), and insist on meeting in person before engaging romantically or financially with online contacts.
tn.gov
· 2026-02-12
# Pig Butchering Romance Scam Alert
Pig Butchering scams are long-term romance frauds where scammers build fake relationships with victims over months before convincing them to invest in cryptocurrency, ultimately stealing their life savings. Tennessee's Department of Commerce & Insurance warns that these scams typically start with a "wrong number" text, progress to building trust and friendship, and gradually shift toward investment pitches. To protect yourself, never share personal or financial information with strangers online, remain skeptical of unsolicited contacts, ask questions before trusting anyone, and report suspected scams to local law enforcement or the FBI.
portal.ct.gov
· 2026-02-12
Romance scammers build fake online relationships over weeks or months to gain trust, then pressure victims to send money for travel, visas, or other expenses before disappearing. The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection reported cases where victims lost thousands of dollars to scammers claiming to be unable to meet in person due to distance or financial hardship. To protect yourself, trust your instincts if something feels off, avoid sending money to anyone you haven't met in person, and consult trusted friends or family before making any financial decisions.
wtoc.com
· 2026-02-12
# Romance Scams Surge as Valentine's Day Approaches
The IRS Criminal Investigation division is warning Americans about a dramatic surge in romance scams, which have tripled in the past year and particularly target older adults and people seeking relationships through dating apps and social media. Scammers create fake profiles to build emotional connections before requesting money or pressuring victims into sending compromising photos for blackmail, often resulting in victims losing their life savings or retirement funds. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly turn to requests for money, verify profiles independently, and report suspected fraud to the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311 if you're 60 or older.
sg.news.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-11
At least 10 Singapore travelers to Malaysia lost over $24,000 after receiving fake text messages impersonating the Land Transport Authority (LTA) that directed them to phishing websites to steal their banking details under the guise of unpaid toll payments. The scammers spoofed a decommissioned LTA sender ID from overseas, making the messages appear legitimate, and victims who clicked the links were redirected to fraudulent payment pages. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in unsolicited SMS messages, never share personal banking information with unknown senders, and verify toll or fine payments directly through the official One Motoring website or check that legitimate LTA messages come from the "gov.sg" sender ID.
floridapolitics.com
· 2026-02-11
Florida seniors and vulnerable adults are increasingly falling victim to predatory public adjuster contracts that exploit people during stressful situations following home disasters or storms, using high-pressure tactics to force them into unfair agreements. Two proposed bills in the Florida Legislature (SB 266 and HB 427) would allow seniors, veterans, and vulnerable adults to cancel these contracts without penalty if they didn't fully understand the terms. The author, an elder law attorney, urges lawmakers to pass these common-sense protections to safeguard Floridians during moments of crisis when they're most susceptible to exploitation.
sciencealert.com
· 2026-02-11
# Romance Scams: What You Need to Know
Romance scams are a rapidly growing form of cybercrime that targets people emotionally through fake online relationships before stealing their money. Recently, Australian police warned over 5,000 people they may have been victims of large-scale romance scams where criminals used dating apps to build trust and convince victims to invest in fake cryptocurrency. To protect yourself, be cautious of profiles that seem unusually credible, avoid moving conversations off dating apps to private messaging platforms, and be skeptical if someone you've just met online asks for money—especially for investments or emergencies.
foxnews.com
· 2026-02-11
# Scam Alert Summary
Scammers are sending fake "Microsoft Important Mail" emails designed to look official and urgent, claiming your email access will be suspended to pressure you into clicking a malicious link. The email contains multiple red flags including a generic greeting ("Dear User"), a free AOL email address posing as Microsoft, artificial urgency with a deadline, and suspicious attachments—none of which legitimate Microsoft communications would include. To protect yourself, slow down and scrutinize unexpected security warnings, verify sender addresses match official company domains, and never click links in unsolicited emails; instead, log into your account directly through the official website.
abc7ny.com
· 2026-02-11
# Romance Scam Summary
Sophisticated romance scams are targeting dating app users, with one in four Americans reporting encounters with fake profiles or AI-generated bots in the past year. Scammers use stolen photos to build trust, then persuade victims to invest in cryptocurrency by showing fake profits and official-looking statements—two victims lost nearly $1 million and $80,000 respectively before realizing the accounts were frozen. To protect yourself, be wary of new matches who quickly pivot conversations to investment opportunities, verify profiles through reverse image searches, and never invest money with someone you've only met online.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-11
# Romance Scams Summary
Romance scams have become widespread in online dating, with one in four Americans encountering fake profiles or AI-generated bots, and 16% reporting they've actually been scammed. Men are disproportionately affected, with those aged 35-44 losing the most money (some losses exceed $5,000), while scammers use AI chatbots, fake photos, and QR code links to manipulate victims into sending money or personal information. To protect yourself, be wary of profiles without photos, suspicious requests for money or financial details, and unsolicited messages asking you to click links or scan QR codes—especially if the person quickly builds emotional trust before requesting funds.
wtae.com
· 2026-02-11
The FBI is warning of a surge in romance scams targeting people around Valentine's Day, when loneliness makes people more vulnerable to online fraudsters who pose as potential romantic partners and gradually build trust before requesting money or exploiting victims through sextortion. These scams can affect people of all ages, from adults manipulated into fake investment opportunities to younger individuals pressured to send money or intimate photos. To protect yourself, verify the true identity of people you meet online before sharing personal information or money, and report any suspected romance scams to local law enforcement or the FBI immediately.
theconversation.com
· 2026-02-11
# Romance Scam Summary
Romance scammers are targeting thousands of people on dating apps, using AI-generated fake profiles and manufactured intimacy to trick victims into sending money or buying fake cryptocurrency. Australian police recently warned over 5,000 people they may have been victims of this scheme, which uses psychological manipulation—moving conversations off dating apps to private platforms, building false trust, then requesting money. To protect yourself, be skeptical of quick professions of love, verify identities through video calls, avoid moving conversations to private messaging apps, and never send money to online romantic interests you haven't met in person.
kgw.com
· 2026-02-10
A Hood River grandmother lost her $100,000 inheritance after scammers impersonated her financial planner via email and convinced her to send a cashier's check under the guise of a bitcoin investment opportunity. The con artists posed as her trusted advisor of 20 years and even requested additional funds for fees and travel, which prompted her to contact her real planner and discover the fraud. To protect yourself, verify any unusual financial requests by calling your advisor directly using a phone number you know is legitimate, and be especially wary of unsolicited investment suggestions involving cryptocurrency or bitcoin.
waff.com
· 2026-02-10
Romance scammers are targeting people with a "wrong number" text message trick that starts with messages like "Missed you at the gym today!" to initiate conversations that eventually lead to requests for money or fake investment opportunities. The scam, which is rising in popularity ahead of Valentine's Day, relies on building trust through text over time before exploiting victims through mobile payment apps where transactions can't be reversed. To protect yourself, avoid responding to unknown numbers, block suspicious contacts, and report potential scams to authorities.
bleepingcomputer.com
· 2026-02-10
A major international cryptocurrency scam called "pig butchering" defrauded victims of over $73 million, resulting in a 20-year prison sentence for one of its operators, Daren Li, who fled before sentencing. In these scams, criminals build trust with victims through dating apps and social media before tricking them into fake investment schemes and stealing their cryptocurrency. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment offers from people you've met online, never send money to unknown individuals regardless of promised returns, and verify investment opportunities through official channels before participating.
financemagnates.com
· 2026-02-10
"Pig butchering" romance scams—where criminals pose as romantic interests to trick people into investing in fake cryptocurrency schemes—cost Americans $10 billion in the past year, with individual victims losing an average of $150,000 each. The CFTC and over 20 federal and state agencies launched a coordinated "DatingOrDefrauding?" campaign around Valentine's Day to combat the fraud, which is perpetrated primarily by foreign criminals in Southeast Asia using AI-generated messages and encrypted apps to avoid detection. To protect yourself, authorities advise being cautious of romantic connections who encourage investment in cryptocurrency, verifying investment opportunities through U.S.-regulated intermediaries, and warning friends and family about this growing scam.
tradingview.com
· 2026-02-10
# Romance Scam Alert: $10 Billion Threat
The CFTC has launched a coordinated national campaign against "pig butchering" romance scams, which bilked Americans of an estimated $10 billion in the past year—a 66% increase from the previous year. These scams, primarily operated by criminal networks in Southeast Asia, target dating app and social media users by building fake romantic relationships before convincing victims to invest in cryptocurrency or other schemes, with individual victims losing an average of $150,000 or more. To protect yourself and loved ones, the CFTC advises being suspicious of romantic interests who push investment opportunities, verifying contacts through trusted channels, and only using U.S.-regulated platforms for financial transactions and cryptocurrency storage.
tradingview.com
· 2026-02-10
# Crypto Scam Mastermind Sentenced to 20 Years
A cryptocurrency scam ring led by Daren Li stole over $73 million from victims, primarily American investors, using fake trading websites and fraudulent relationships initiated on social media and dating apps to trick people into sending money. Li, who was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, is currently a fugitive after removing his electronic monitor in December 2025, though authorities say they are working internationally to locate and return him. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited investment offers on social media and dating apps, verify that cryptocurrency platforms are legitimate before depositing funds, and never send money to accounts associated with people you've only met online.
theage.com.au
· 2026-02-10
A 23-year-old Australian man lost $23,000—his entire savings plus his brother's money—after falling victim to an elaborate fake job scam, highlighting a broader crisis where scam losses across Australia jumped 5% last year as criminals exploit emails, social media, and phone calls. While new "landmark" scam prevention laws are beginning to roll out from July 2024, they won't fully take effect until 2026 and leave significant gaps by not covering dating apps, cryptocurrency exchanges, and online marketplaces commonly used by scammers. To protect yourself, be cautious about unsolicited job offers, verify employment opportunities directly with companies, never send money upfront, and report suspected scams to authorities immediately.
wishtv.com
· 2026-02-09
A Reuters investigation found that Meta (Facebook and Instagram's parent company) has been profiting from fraudulent advertisements, with scammers targeting increasingly younger users through ads promising easy money, rapid weight loss, and other too-good-to-be-true deals. Victims have reported losing money and personal information after purchasing non-existent or misrepresented products advertised on these platforms, with Reuters estimating that up to 10% of Meta's revenue comes from scam ads. To protect yourself, Consumer Reports recommends being skeptical of suspiciously good deals and reporting suspicious ads immediately using the three-dot menu on Facebook and Instagram.
ketv.com
· 2026-02-09
During tax season, scammers are impersonating IRS agents through email, text, phone calls, and social media to trick people into believing they owe back taxes or face urgent legal consequences. These "professional criminals" target anyone by creating a false sense of urgency, but legitimate government agencies never contact people unsolicited to demand payment. To protect yourself, remember that the real IRS will not reach out to you first about owing taxes—always verify any tax-related communication independently by contacting the IRS directly through official channels.
region.com.au
· 2026-02-09
# Romance Scams Cost Australians Millions as Valentine's Day Approaches
Australians lost over $28.6 million to romance scams last year—a 21.8 percent increase—with scammers primarily targeting people through dating apps, social media, and online forums. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission warns that these criminals use carefully planned tactics to build emotional trust before requesting money or personal information, making romance scams one of the most financially and psychologically damaging crimes in the country. To protect yourself, be cautious about sharing money or personal details with online contacts, especially those you haven't met in person, and report suspicious activity to Scamwatch while discussing these scams with friends and family.
says.com
· 2026-02-09
Scammers are increasingly using AI tools to create convincing fraud messages, clone voices, and generate deepfake videos that are much harder to detect than traditional scams, affecting people across Malaysia and beyond. Recent victims include a woman who lost RM5,000 to fake boss emails and a 63-year-old man who transferred RM49,800 after receiving a call from an AI-cloned voice of a friend. To protect yourself, verify unexpected requests by contacting the sender through a known phone number or in person, be skeptical of perfect messages from institutions you work with, and remember that legitimate banks and employers won't request money via gift vouchers or wire transfers.
timesfreepress.com
· 2026-02-08
The Better Business Bureau warns that scammers are posing as romantic partners on dating apps and social media to manipulate victims into transferring money or laundering stolen funds, with potential victims facing both financial losses and serious legal consequences. These fraudsters build fake relationships that seem genuine, then create urgent scenarios—such as medical emergencies or investment opportunities—to pressure victims into sending money or helping move funds. To protect yourself, stay cautious on dating apps, be skeptical of requests for money from new connections, and avoid transferring funds or moving money on behalf of someone you've only met online.
bitdefender.com
· 2026-02-08
A Romanian businesswoman was defrauded of $2.5 million by scammers posing as Dubai's Crown Prince and his financial manager in a sophisticated two-year romance scam involving a fake banking website and repeated "fee" demands. Investigators traced the operation to a Nigerian mansion and identified the perpetrator as Nzube Henry Ike, whose scheme eventually unraveled when his accomplices fell out over dividing the stolen money and exposed him. To protect yourself: be suspicious of unsolicited investment offers from strangers online, never send money for "fees" to access funds you haven't verified through official channels, and use reverse image searches to verify the identity of people you meet online.
kmbc.com
· 2026-02-08
# Crypto ATM Scam Summary
An older man in Liberty, Missouri nearly lost money to scammers who convinced him they were Microsoft support and directed him to send cash through a cryptocurrency ATM to fix a computer virus. A vigilant store clerk noticed the confused customer and intervened, stopping the transaction and alerting police. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited tech support calls, never search for support numbers online (use official company websites instead), and avoid using cryptocurrency ATMs for urgent money transfers, as they are irreversible and frequently targeted by scammers.
theguardian.com
· 2026-02-08
# Scam Summary
Criminals are sending fake text messages impersonating mobile providers like EE and Vodafone, claiming recipients have earned thousands of reward points that will soon expire. When users click the link and "claim" prizes like massage chairs or vacuums, they're directed to fraudulent websites designed to steal their banking information by requesting payment for postage. To protect yourself, verify any rewards offers directly through your provider's official app or website rather than clicking links in unsolicited texts, and never enter banking details on unfamiliar sites—legitimate companies don't require payment to redeem earned rewards.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-08
A 90-year-old Southern California man lost his entire $814,000 life savings when someone forged his signature on checks and drained his account over several months, but Wells Fargo denied his fraud claim because he didn't report it within the bank's 60-day window—a difficult deadline for someone dealing with dementia, hearing loss, and limited mobility. The bank's investigation offered little help, and despite clear evidence that the forged signatures bore no resemblance to his actual signature, the institution refused to reimburse him. Customers should regularly monitor their accounts and report any suspicious activity immediately, and those with cognitive or health challenges should consider having trusted family members help manage their finances and watch for unauthorized transactions.
salisburypost.com
· 2026-02-08
Rowan Public Library is hosting a free educational program on February 12th at 2 p.m. to help community members protect themselves from consumer fraud and identity theft, with a SECU representative sharing information about common scams, warning signs, and recovery steps. Financial scams and identity theft are rising nationwide, affecting consumers of all ages through phishing emails, fake calls, data breaches, and online shopping scams. The library recommends staying informed about evolving fraud tactics as one of the best defense strategies, and offers additional resources like books, databases, and staff assistance to help patrons understand consumer protection and financial literacy.
foxnews.com
· 2026-02-07
A woman named Abigail was defrauded of over $81,000 and her paid-off home by scammers who used AI-generated deepfake videos and messages impersonating actor Steve Burton to build a fake romantic relationship with her on Facebook and WhatsApp. The scam escalated over time as the perpetrators manipulated her into transferring money and eventually taking out loans against her home before her daughter discovered the fraud. To protect yourself, be suspicious of romantic contact from celebrities, avoid moving conversations to encrypted messaging apps with people you've just met online, and verify identities through official channels before sharing personal or financial information.
oag.maryland.gov
· 2026-02-07
As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, Maryland's Attorney General is warning consumers about scams targeting sports fans, including illegal betting sites that steal money or personal data, fake prize emails, counterfeit merchandise, and malware-infected streaming links. To protect yourself, only use Maryland's 12 licensed online sportsbooks and 14 regulated fantasy competition operators, buy official merchandise from legitimate retailers, and stream only through authorized services. If you suspect fraud, contact the Maryland Consumer Protection Division at 410-528-8662.
wdtv.com
· 2026-02-07
West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey is warning residents about tax refund scams, which typically involve fraudulent emails or texts impersonating the IRS or state tax offices that trick people into clicking links to "verify" their identity and steal personal or financial information. Consumers should be suspicious of any unsolicited messages about tax refunds, especially those requesting clicks or personal verification. If you receive a suspicious message, verify directly with the IRS or your state tax office through official channels, and report suspected scams to the Attorney General at (800) 368-8808.
wilx.com
· 2026-02-07
Spam texts and robocalls are increasingly common, and while marking messages as spam does help your carrier identify patterns and block numbers when enough people report the same scam, there's a more effective method: forward suspicious messages to 7726 (which spells "SPAM") so carriers can analyze and block them faster across their entire network. Most importantly, never reply to spam texts—even with "STOP"—as this confirms your number is active and encourages scammers to target you more. By reporting scams properly rather than just ignoring them, you help protect yourself and other users from fraud.
ktvz.com
· 2026-02-07
# Scammers are sending fake text messages impersonating Oregon's Department of Transportation (ODOT) and DMV, claiming recipients owe unpaid traffic fines or tolls and demanding immediate payment through fraudulent links. The messages use urgent language and phony official codes to appear legitimate, but ODOT and the DMV never request payment via unsolicited texts, emails, or calls. To protect yourself, delete these messages without clicking any links, block the sender, and verify any claims by calling ODOT directly at 1-888-Ask-ODOT or DMV at 1-855-540-6655.
wbay.com
· 2026-02-07
Scammers are targeting Super Bowl fans by selling counterfeit tickets and merchandise, warning Oshkosh police. Consumers should verify authenticity by checking for official NFL hologram stickers on merchandise, requesting recent photos from sellers as proof, and being suspicious of deals that seem too good to be true, as scammers often use these offers to steal credit card and banking information through phishing schemes.
montclair.edu
· 2026-02-07
Romance scams are increasingly targeting college students and staff, with scammers using dating apps and social media to build fake emotional connections before requesting money through emergencies, travel complications, or other fabricated scenarios. Victims can lose hundreds or thousands of dollars to these schemes, which typically involve fast-moving emotional manipulation, refusal to meet in person, and pressure to move conversations off-platform. To protect yourself, take relationships slowly, verify identities through reverse image searches and video calls, never send money to someone you haven't met in person, and report any suspicious activity to your bank and the platform immediately.
fintech.global
· 2026-02-07
Romance scams have surged significantly, with money lost rising 37% and cases up 15%, costing UK victims an average of £7,500 each across 11 payments per scam. Fraudsters typically pose as overseas contacts, celebrities, military personnel, or oil rig workers and build trust over months before requesting money for fake emergencies, travel, or medical fees. Older adults over 55 are disproportionately targeted (58% of cases), so people should be cautious of new online relationships involving financial requests and verify identities through independent channels before sending money.