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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
local.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
The FTC estimated fraud theft at $158.3 billion in 2023 (approximately $434 million daily), representing a persistent year-over-year increase in criminal activity. While fraud continues to surge, new initiatives such as the Aspen Institute's national fraud strategy and the National Elder Fraud Coordination Center launched in April 2024 aim to coordinate investigations and prosecutions against fraud criminals. Individuals can help combat fraud by reporting scams and educating others about fraud prevention tactics.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
A 2025 national health care fraud takedown resulted in criminal charges against 324 defendants across 50 federal districts for schemes involving over $14.6 billion in alleged fraud, with 19 individuals charged in Florida's Middle District alone for defrauding Medicare and programs serving elderly and disabled beneficiaries. Key defendants included William Balsamo, charged with operating a telemedicine kickback scheme that caused at least $9 million in Medicare losses, and Edward Cannatelli, Robbyn Cannatelli, Thomas Farese, and Virginia Lockett, charged with conspiracy to defraud Medicare through medically unnecessary physician orders generated via telemarketing
khou.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans are being targeted by scams at unprecedented rates, with 96% receiving fraudulent calls, emails, or texts weekly, according to a CNET report. The most prevalent scams include highway toll/ticket schemes, shipping notification frauds, and the "grandparents scam" where callers impersonate family members claiming to be in trouble and demanding money immediately. Experts warn that rising AI and voice-cloning technology will likely increase these impersonation scams, and recommend remaining vigilant by avoiding responses to unsolicited messages and verifying caller identity.
wdrb.com
· 2025-12-08
A recent survey found that 96% of Americans are targeted by scams through calls, emails, or texts weekly, with emails being the most common method. Top scams include highway toll/ticket schemes, fake Amazon shipping notifications, and increasingly sophisticated grandparent scams using AI voice cloning to impersonate family members claiming to need money. Experts advise awareness and vigilance as scam tactics continue to evolve with advancing technology.
katc.com
· 2025-12-08
A resurfacing text message scam falsely claims recipients owe Louisiana state traffic ticket fees and directs them to click a suspicious link for payment. The Louisiana State Police and governor's office warn that the state Department of Motor Vehicles never collects fees via text message, and law enforcement agencies across the state are actively sharing alerts about this years-old fraud scheme.
pymnts.com
· 2025-12-08
Modern eCommerce fraud has evolved into a sophisticated, sector-specific operation targeting fashion (chargebacks and return fraud), electronics (fake reviews and SKU manipulation), and beauty retailers (counterfeit goods and return abuse with counterfeit substitutions). Amazon's Counterfeit Crimes Unit reported over $180 million in settlements and judgments from more than 200 civil suits over five years, with 65+ individuals imprisoned, as automated bot-driven scams using AI deepfakes and behavioral testing become increasingly difficult to detect and prevent.
knkx.org
· 2025-12-08
Washington state officials warned residents about a fraud scheme that has stolen millions of dollars, wherein victims receive false notifications claiming their accounts or cards are compromised and are directed to withdraw cash or purchase gold for courier pickup. The scammers exploit gig economy delivery services to collect the items, and authorities advise residents to disregard any unsolicited communications requesting them to click links regarding fraud alerts.
fisherinvestments.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are employing updated tactics during summer to defraud investors and steal personal information through two primary schemes: a modernized "pump and dump" stock manipulation where fraudsters pose as financial advisers on social media to recruit victims into buying penny stocks (particularly U.S.-listed Chinese companies) before artificially inflating and dumping them; and Social Security fraud involving false benefit applications. The article advises investors to avoid unrealistic get-rich-quick opportunities, base stock decisions on fundamental company analysis rather than tips or hot tips from unverified sources, and ignore unsolicited financial pitches from strangers on social media and messaging apps.
hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 32-year-old software engineer in Bengaluru lost ₹79.3 lakh in a romance-investment scam that began in February 2025 when he was contacted on a matrimonial website by a woman claiming to be a UK-based professional. Over several months, the fraudster built trust through frequent communication, then introduced him to a fake trading platform and convinced him to make 18 transfers totaling ₹72.3 lakh between March and June, using fake profit statements and fake company representatives to maintain credibility. The victim reported the crime to police on June 23 after the fraudsters demanded additional tax payments and went silent, though authorities indicated recovery prospects are
investopedia.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies common travel scams targeting tourists in popular cities including Riga, Istanbul, Budapest, Bangkok, and Barcelona, with schemes ranging from inflated taxi fares and fake tours to pickpocketing and restaurant surcharges. The article advises travelers to research local scams, use secure payment methods, verify pricing beforehand, and avoid carrying all valuables to protect themselves from scammers who exploit the confusion and crowding typical of tourist environments.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A 28-year-old Fort Worth teacher lost his entire $32,000 life savings after scammers impersonating Chase Bank representatives convinced him via text and phone calls to transfer his funds to a "secure account." When he reported the incident to Chase Bank, the bank classified it as a scam rather than fraud and returned only $2,000, leaving him unprotected by fraud coverage policies. Leahy is now sharing his experience publicly to warn others about phishing scams, which commonly trick victims into revealing sensitive financial information through impersonation of legitimate institutions.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A woman from Hampton, Virginia fell victim to a sophisticated Facebook account takeover scam in which a scammer impersonated her friend, used fake video calls and personal details to gain her trust, and tricked her into sending a recovery code that gave them access to her account. The scammer changed her email and password, locked her out, compromised three Facebook groups she administered, and attempted to purchase $17,000 in bitcoins on her account before she recognized a follow-up scam demanding money. The article provides recovery steps for compromised Facebook accounts and advises victims to report incidents to IC3.gov and Facebook's official support channels rather than third-party support numbers.
techradar.com
· 2025-12-08
Criminals are targeting young adults (16-25) in the UK with fake remote job offers promising £300-£800 daily pay for simple tasks like sharing TikTok videos, using initial small payments from previous victims to create false legitimacy before demanding upfront fees for "training" or "unlocking" higher earnings. According to Norton data, 29% of Brits were targeted by scams in early 2025, with 18% being job-related offers that often function as digital Ponzi schemes and money laundering operations. Job seekers should be alert to red flags including unrealistic pay-for-minimal-effort offers, upfront payment demands, and contact through messaging apps rather
indeonline.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Scammers target pet owners who post about lost pets on social media by exploiting their emotional vulnerability and the contact information they share publicly. Con artists monitor these posts to contact distressed pet owners with fake recovery offers or other fraudulent schemes that capitalize on owners' desperation to reunite with their animals.
wnegradio.com
· 2025-12-08
The Oconee County Sheriff's Office issued a June 2025 scams alert describing two types of fraud: (1) an impersonation scam where callers falsely claiming to be law enforcement officers contacted residents about outstanding warrants, directing victims to purchase gift cards for payment, and (2) business-targeted scams where callers impersonated law enforcement or Department of Revenue officials, instructing employees to remove cash from registers and either place it in envelopes or scan QR codes for fraudulent transfers. No money was lost in the reported incidents, and the Sheriff's Office emphasized that legitimate law enforcement never request payment via gift cards or cash to recall warrants.
seehafernews.com
· 2025-12-08
Wisconsin Public Service warns customers to be cautious of phone and door-to-door scammers impersonating utility company employees who threaten service shutoffs and demand immediate payment via prepaid cards or digital payment apps like Venmo. The company advises verifying employee identity through official ID badges, avoiding response to suspicious calls or texts, and being cautious of unusual payment requests. More information is available on their website's scam safety page.
cbs4local.com
· 2025-12-08
A scam targeting seniors in Washington state has stolen over $7 million, with individual losses ranging up to $870,000, affecting nearly 50 reported cases since February 2024. Scammers impersonate trusted entities (government agencies, banks, tech companies) via phone, email, text, or pop-ups, convincing victims their accounts are compromised and demanding they withdraw cash to purchase gold or place money in boxes for courier pickup. King County prosecutors note these scams exploit trust and fear while being difficult to investigate and prosecute once victims have been compromised.
newuniversity.org
· 2025-12-08
Orange County officially recognized June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day through a Board of Supervisors resolution, highlighting that 14.3% of county residents are age 65 and older and that Adult Protective Services received over 2,500 abuse reports in 2024. Financial exploitation accounts for 40% of these reports, with common schemes including IRS impersonation scams, grandparent scams, and romance scams that deplete victims' savings. The California Department of Justice estimates that only one in six instances of elder abuse is reported statewide, and experts recommend never sharing financial information with unsolicited callers regardless of claimed identity.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonating Chinese authorities have defrauded international students in Australia of over $5.1 million in the first five months of 2025, with nearly 680 reported cases targeting predominantly 18-24 year-old victims through threats of arrest, deportation, criminal accusations, and "24-hour surveillance." The scams employ increasingly aggressive intimidation tactics, including fake "virtual kidnapping" scenarios, with an average loss per victim of $138,018. Australian authorities advise victims to hang up, not engage with callers, contact local police or university support services, and never provide money or personal information when credentials are in doubt.
pondolandtimes.co.za
· 2025-12-08
South African SASSA social grant beneficiaries, particularly elderly and vulnerable recipients, face escalating fraud threats through ten common scams including fake SMS messages, ATM card swaps, bogus home visits by impersonators, phishing emails, and social media fraud—all targeting desperate individuals relying on government assistance. Scammers employ tactics such as posing as SASSA officials, creating fake reapplication websites, and requesting fees to "fast-track" grants or "fix" unpaid payments, costing victims their essential monthly income. The advisory urges beneficiaries to verify information only through official SASSA channels, protect their cards and PINs, and report frau
dimsumdaily.hk
· 2025-12-08
**Hong Kong Telephone Scam Operations (June 2025)**
Law enforcement in Hong Kong's New Territories South Region arrested three individuals (ages 22-24) involved in telephone scam syndicates targeting at least 15 victims with losses totaling over HK$10 million (individual losses ranged from HK$140,000 to HK$3 million). The scammers impersonated law enforcement officials using forged documents and fake credentials, falsely accusing victims of mainland crimes and coercing them into payments under threat of arrest and asset freeze; notably, one of the arrested perpetrators was a local law student. Law enforcement warns that youth
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
An Atlanta couple lost $800,000 in retirement savings to a cryptocurrency scam that began with a WhatsApp message from a stranger promoting an investment opportunity through a trading app. After receiving initial positive returns, Jerry Dunaway invested larger amounts but was unable to withdraw his money when he tried to access it; law enforcement indicated recovery was unlikely. The couple now advocates for public awareness, while experts note that cryptocurrency fraud affected over 69,000 Americans in 2023 with losses exceeding $5.6 billion, with adults over 60 experiencing the highest losses at $1.2 billion through scams using artificial intelligence and fake trading platforms.
jmu.edu
· 2025-12-08
James Madison University staff warned students, staff, and recent graduates about scams targeting the campus community, particularly job and internship fraud schemes designed to steal personal information or money. The university's Career Center recommends verifying employer legitimacy through resources like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and the Better Business Bureau, and advises students to trust their instincts and be alert to red flags such as requests for banking information, wire transfer payments, unprofessional communications, or contact via text rather than official channels. Students are encouraged to take time during job searches, ask clarifying questions, and network with alumni to confirm job opportunities are legitimate.
chronline.com
· 2025-12-08
Washington residents lost $38.2 million to fraud in the first quarter of 2025, with people ages 80 and over experiencing the highest median losses of $1,286; "government imposters" represent the most common scam type, including fake DMV text messages demanding payment for traffic violations and romance scams targeting seniors. The FBI reported over 7,600 people age 60 or older lost approximately $389 million in romance scams in 2024, while cryptocurrency kiosk scams cost Washington state $142 million in 2023. Law enforcement agencies advise residents to verify requests independently using official phone numbers, avoid untypical payment methods like cryptocurrency or peer-to
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A sophisticated PayPal phishing scam is exploiting PayPal's own email system to send fraudulent alerts that appear completely legitimate, bypassing security filters by originating from PayPal's official servers. The scam uses urgency tactics (claiming unauthorized address changes or payments) and may include phone numbers directing victims to fake PayPal representatives who trick them into downloading remote access malware that compromises their devices. This attack is particularly dangerous because it weaponizes PayPal's legitimate infrastructure to establish trust, making it difficult for even security-conscious users to detect, and reportedly affects numerous users across Reddit and cybersecurity forums.
komonews.com
· 2025-12-08
A sophisticated scam targeting seniors in Washington state has stolen over $7 million, with individual losses reaching as high as $870,000. Scammers impersonate trusted entities like government agencies, banks, and tech companies via phone, email, text, or pop-ups to convince victims their accounts or identities have been compromised, then pressure them to withdraw cash or purchase gold to be picked up by a "courier." King County prosecutors report nearly 50 cases since February 2024 and note these crimes are difficult to investigate and prosecute once victims have transferred their money.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned consumers of a spoofing scam in which fraudsters impersonate the Department of Attorney General's Consumer Protection Team, using caller ID spoofing to appear as legitimate officials and falsely claiming recipients' information has been "flagged" with credit agencies to extort immediate payment. The Department clarified it never calls to demand money, charge fees, or negotiate debt over the phone, and urged consumers to hang up on such calls and report them directly to the Consumer Protection Team.
cbs8.com
· 2025-12-08
California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a consumer alert warning communities about "notario fraud," an immigration scam where unlicensed individuals fraudulently offer immigration legal services by exploiting confusion about what a "notario" is—particularly among Spanish-speaking immigrants who believe it means attorney as it does in their home countries. Only licensed lawyers and accredited representatives can legally provide immigration advice or represent clients in court; victims may end up improperly filing documents or being flagged by ICE. Californians are advised to verify credentials through the American Bar Association, avoid sharing money or personal information with unsolicited contacts, and report scams to the California Department of Justice or local authorities, with free legal assistance
independent.ie
· 2025-12-08
A daughter seeks advice on protecting her elderly mother from repeated phone and text scams, including a toll fine phishing scam and spoofed government calls. The article addresses the challenge of providing fraud prevention guidance for non-tech-savvy seniors who are vulnerable to common scams like fake links and impersonation calls. The response focuses on practical, accessible strategies tailored to people with limited technical expertise.
wsbtv.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines seven common Zelle scams and protective measures. Zelle, a money-transfer service used by major U.S. banks, is generally secure but vulnerable to scammer exploitation; the platform announced in November 2023 it would refund victims of certain imposter scams (financial institution, government, and Zelle refund impersonators) but not others like friend/family or romance impersonators. Users are advised to verify the identity of anyone requesting money transfers, use reverse phone lookup tools, and remember that legitimate institutions never request money via phone, text, or email.
spokesman.com
· 2025-12-08
Government agencies across Washington and Idaho are warning residents about multiple active scams, including government imposter schemes, fake DMV text messages demanding payment for traffic violations, romance scams, and cryptocurrency kiosk fraud. In early 2025, Washington fraud victims lost $38.2 million with people ages 80 and older experiencing median losses of $1,286, while Idaho residents lost over $63 million to cybercrimes in 2024, with seniors being predominately targeted. Authorities advise residents never to respond to unsolicited demands for payment and to independently verify any claims by contacting the legitimate agency using official phone numbers rather than information provided by the scammer.
chronline.com
· 2025-12-08
In the first quarter of 2025, Washington fraud victims lost $38.2 million, with people ages 80 and over suffering the highest median loss of $1,286; "government imposters" remain the most prevalent scam type. Regional law enforcement agencies warned residents about evolving fraud schemes including fake DMV text messages demanding payment, cryptocurrency kiosk scams (which cost Washington $142 million in 2023), and romance scams that defrauded seniors 60+ of $389 million nationally in 2024. Authorities advise residents to verify claims directly with agencies using official contact information and avoid unusual payment methods like cryptocurrency, Venmo, or Pay
tmj4.com
· 2025-12-08
Mequon Police Department launched a proactive "Senior Safety Session" initiative across Ozaukee County to educate elderly residents about recognizing and avoiding scams, following a dramatic surge in fraud losses in the area. Fraud losses quintupled from $500,000 in 2023 to $2.5 million in 2024, with scammers using tactics such as impersonating grandchildren claiming emergencies. The sessions teach seniors to verify suspicious calls with trusted contacts and recognize common fraud schemes targeting elderly residents.
citizensvoice.com
· 2025-12-08
Pennsylvania officials warned of an email scam targeting older residents, in which fraudsters impersonate state employees and claim recipients have inherited large sums from distant foreign relatives, then request hundreds of thousands of dollars in upfront fees to release the funds. The scammers use spoofed email addresses resembling official state accounts and create false urgency to pressure victims into quick payments. Officials advise recipients to verify sender email addresses (legitimate PA state emails end in @pa.gov), avoid responding to unsolicited money offers, and contact trusted family members or local Area Agencies on Aging before engaging with unknown individuals making financial offers.
cleveland.com
· 2025-12-08
U.S. Sen. Jon Husted introduced bipartisan legislation called "The Preventing Deep Fake Scams Act" to establish a task force that will examine how financial institutions can use AI to protect against fraud, particularly deep fake scams where fraudsters impersonate family members to steal money. According to Federal Trade Commission data, fraudsters stole over $12.5 billion from consumers in 2024—a 25% increase from 2023—with an AARP study finding that 77% of older adults worry they may become targets of AI-related fraud. The bill, endorsed by AARP and co-sponsored by Georgia Democrat Raphael Warnock, would require the
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
McAfee's 2025 Safer Summer Travel Report found that one in five Americans has fallen victim to travel scams while booking trips, with 23% of victims losing money—including 13% who lost over $500 and 5% who lost more than $1,000. Younger adults (ages 18-34) are more vulnerable to these scams than older generations, with common tactics including fake booking sites, malicious confirmation links, and AI-manipulated travel photos designed to exploit budget-conscious travelers seeking deals.
mynorthwest.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers posing as Chinese police targeted young adults in Bellevue through phone calls, messages, and social media, claiming victims were involved in crimes like fraud or identity theft and demanding money under threat of arrest or asset freezing. Four victims in late 2024 and early 2025 wired a combined total of approximately $2.57 million after being coerced to provide sensitive personal information including Social Security numbers, passports, and fingerprint scans. Bellevue Police emphasize that legitimate law enforcement never demands payment to avoid arrest and urge victims to contact the FBI or local police.
khaleejtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A Dubai resident and multiple others fell victim to a sophisticated phishing scam targeting online sellers of used items, in which scammers posed as buyers, claimed to use a fake "Careem Delivery" service, and directed sellers to click malicious links that mimicked Careem's website to steal their card details and drain their accounts (at least Dh2,500 per victim, with some losing up to Dh200,000). The scam exploited copycat URLs with spelling errors that appeared legitimate in previews but redirected to fake payment sites designed to harvest card information including CVV codes. UAE authorities warned residents to verify payment methods directly with companies, avoid clicking suspicious links, an
vietnam.vn
· 2025-12-08
Gen Z individuals in Hanoi fell victim to sophisticated impersonation scams despite growing up with digital literacy. Multiple cases involved fraudsters posing as police officers or bank employees, using psychological pressure and panic tactics to convince victims to transfer money; a 20-year-old lost 1.6 billion VND, another lost nearly 1 billion VND to fake police calls, and a 30-year-old lost 145 million VND total to a fake bank employee scam. The article highlights that scammers succeed not just through deceiving awareness but by exploiting psychological vulnerabilities and crisis-response confusion with constantly evolving scenarios and impersonation tactics.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
An 87-year-old Maryland woman lost tens of thousands of dollars in a tech support scam after receiving a fake pop-up warning that her bank accounts were compromised and demanding $18,000 to fix the issue. Two New York residents, Chongsong Chen (48) and Wei Hua Wang (71), were arrested and charged with theft and theft scheme after physically picking up cash from the victim's home, with authorities apprehending them during the handoff when the victim called the sheriff's office. The case prompted Harford County law enforcement to warn the public that elder fraud increased 14% nationally in 2023 and caused over $3.4 billion in losses
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Pradip Parikh, 67, and Alpesh Patel, 40, were convicted for operating an India-based call center scam that defrauded millions of Americans, predominantly elderly victims, by impersonating Social Security Administration officials and threatening arrest to pressure victims into transferring funds to bank accounts they controlled. Victims testified to losing significant sums, including a 70-year-old who transferred over $600,000 and a widowed mother of eight who lost more than $300,000, with the defendants retaining thousands for themselves before laundering the remaining funds. Both were convicted of money laundering and conspiracy charges, with Patel also convicted of wire fraud conspiracy
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Patrick Fraser, a 44-year-old Canadian national, was extradited to the United States and charged with conspiracy and mail fraud for operating prize notification schemes that targeted vulnerable individuals, particularly elderly Americans, by falsely claiming they had won large cash prizes (typically over $1 million) if they paid a small fee. Fraser was arrested in June 2023 and faces up to 20 years in prison per count on a nine-count indictment filed in the District of Las Vegas.
wsbradio.com
· 2025-12-08
Two men, Pradip Parikh (67) and Al-Pesh Patel (40), were arrested and charged for operating an international government-imposter telephone scam that defrauded at least 20 victims across the United States, including elderly victims who lost over $600,000. The scammers impersonated federal officials, threatening victims with arrest and asset seizure to coerce them into transferring money to accounts under the defendants' control. Both men await sentencing in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.
coastalbreezenews.com
· 2025-12-08
Lunch with Friends hosted over 100 seniors on June 18th at Marco Lutheran Church, where Lieutenant Joseph Belardo from the Marco Island Police Department presented on elder fraud prevention. Lt. Belardo warned that scammers stole $3.4-$6.1 billion from older Americans last year, with tech support scams, government impostor scams, and AI-powered voice cloning being among the most common threats; he advised seniors to be skeptical of unsolicited calls/texts/emails, avoid clicking suspicious links, and verify requests by calling trusted phone numbers directly. The presentation also covered ransomware, malware, and deepfakes, with recommendations to update security software, use V
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
The New York State Police warned residents of Jefferson and Lewis counties about scams targeting elderly people, including impersonation of law enforcement conducting financial investigations and grandparent scams where callers pose as lawyers demanding money for a grandchild's legal troubles. These scams commonly use spoofed phone numbers, text apps, pop-up messages, and create urgency while demanding secrecy, often requesting payment via gift cards or cash sent through the mail. Law enforcement reminded the public that legitimate officers and lawyers never request payment through gift cards or cash, and advised residents to verify suspicious contact through independent phone calls to known contacts.
evanstonroundtable.com
· 2025-12-08
Two Evanston seniors fell victim to scams in recent months: a 76-year-old woman lost over $102,350 after being tricked into transferring funds to Bitcoin by someone impersonating a Microsoft employee, and an 83-year-old woman nearly lost $12,500 in a Publisher's Clearinghouse sweepstakes scam before loss prevention staff at Jewel-Osco intervened. Police emphasized that prevention requires education, as most scammers operate internationally making arrests rare, and urged families to discuss common scam tactics with vulnerable relatives, particularly impersonation schemes involving grandchildren, financial institutions, tech support, and government agencies.
ca.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are using artificial intelligence to impersonate senior government officials and business executives via phone calls and text messages to Canadian and American targets, requesting urgent money transfers or prompting victims to open malicious links that install malware or steal sensitive information. In the first three months of 2025 alone, Canada's Anti-Fraud Centre received nearly 13,000 fraud reports resulting in over $165 million in losses across 9,092 victims. Security experts advise recipients of suspicious urgent requests from authority figures to verify the caller's identity by hanging up and calling back using a known contact method, as AI-generated voices and spoofed numbers make these impersonations increasingly difficult to detect.
www2.ljworld.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers have been impersonating Senior Resource Center employees and attempting to sell burial plots to Douglas County residents, prompting the center's director to warn the public that the organization does not sell anything. The FBI reports that cybercriminals stole over $16 billion from Americans in 2024, with people over 60 losing nearly $5 billion; experts recommend the "Stop, Verify and Report" approach—stopping the conversation, verifying legitimacy through trusted sources, and reporting suspected scams to the Kansas Protection Report Center at 1-800-922-5330.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A woman in Jensen Beach, Florida, lost $800 to a Facebook scam in which a fraudster impersonating Elon Musk promised her a Tesla and $250,000 in cash, then repeatedly requested Apple Gift Card payments for supposed delivery fees. The scammer used a fake profile with copied images and AI-generated content, moved the conversation to WhatsApp, and exploited urgency and flattery to manipulate the victim into sending multiple payments before she recognized the pattern. Gift cards are favored by scammers because they are untraceable, fast, and nearly impossible to recover once redeemed.
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
Prize scams trick victims with unsolicited calls or texts claiming they've won money, cars, or other valuable items, then demand upfront payment for taxes, processing fees, or shipping. Scammers impersonate legitimate companies like Publishers Clearing House and create urgency to prevent victims from thinking critically about the offer. Legitimate sweepstakes never require payment to claim prizes; any demand for money is a clear indicator of fraud.