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973espn.com
· 2026-02-06
New Jersey drivers are being targeted by a sophisticated "smishing" scam where fraudulent text messages impersonating the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission claim they have an unpaid toll and demand payment within 12 hours, directing them to a fake website designed to steal personal and banking information. The scam is particularly effective because it looks official, uses legitimate agency branding, and exploits people's desire to quickly resolve what appears to be a minor debt. To protect yourself, remember that the NJMVC does not collect toll payments via text message, so delete any such messages and never click links or provide personal information in response to unsolicited texts claiming you owe money.
hackread.com
· 2026-02-06
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womansworld.com
· 2026-02-06
Money mule scams are a serious fraud scheme where criminals trick unsuspecting people into receiving stolen funds in their bank accounts and then transferring the money elsewhere, often using promises of easy money or by building trust through romance scams. Victims can face severe consequences including criminal charges, frozen accounts, fines, and damaged credit—even though they may not realize they're committing a crime. To protect yourself, be suspicious of anyone asking you to transfer money on their behalf, especially if they promise high pay for minimal work or if you've only recently met them.
azag.gov
· 2026-02-06
# Arizona Attorney General Warns Against Sports Betting Scams
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is warning sports fans, particularly ahead of Super Bowl Sunday, to avoid illegal sportsbooks and unregulated prediction markets that lack proper oversight, security protections, and compliance standards. Fraudsters use these unregulated operations to steal winnings, personal information, and financial data from bettors, while also evading anti-money laundering laws. Arizonans can protect themselves by only using legal, regulated betting platforms, and those struggling with gambling addiction can call 1-800-NEXT-STEP for free confidential counseling.
yahoo.com
· 2026-02-06
# Romance Scam Summary
The FBI is warning the public about romance scams, particularly around Valentine's Day, where scammers create fake identities and pose as romantic partners to steal money from victims. In 2024 alone, nearly 18,000 people lost over $670 million to these scams, which can take various forms including simple requests for money due to hardship, cryptocurrency fraud, or "money mule" schemes where victims unknowingly help criminals move stolen funds. To protect yourself, watch for red flags like reluctance to meet in person, requests for money or personal information, and pressure to move conversations off dating apps—and remember that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
yahoo.com
· 2026-02-06
Romance scams cost victims over $1 billion annually and typically operate through catfishing, where scammers use manipulative language and emotional triggers to build fake relationships and extract money or personal information from victims. The article emphasizes that scammers are skilled at exploiting emotional vulnerabilities through specific phrases and communication tactics designed to lower victims' defenses over time. To protect yourself, be wary of unusual romantic language patterns, avoid sharing financial information with online-only partners, and verify the identity of people you meet exclusively online before developing emotional or financial connections.
wpgtalkradio.com
· 2026-02-06
New Jersey drivers are being targeted by a text message scam that impersonates the state Motor Vehicle Commission, claiming they have an unpaid toll and must pay within 12 hours through a fake website. If victims enter their banking or credit card information on the fraudulent site, scammers can steal their money and personal data for identity theft. To stay safe, drivers should know that the NJMVC does not collect toll payments via text message, and they should verify any toll payment requests directly through official channels before clicking links or providing financial information.
sd09.senate.ca.gov
· 2026-02-05
Since 2020, romance scammers have cost Californians over $2.7 billion by creating fake profiles on dating apps and social media to build trust with victims before requesting emergency wire transfers. These sophisticated criminals target lonely individuals through multiple channels including online dating services, email, messaging apps, and social media, often posing as romantic interests or family members and making excuses to avoid meeting in person. If you suspect you're being scammed, report it to California's Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) at (866) 275-2677 or online, and verify the identity of anyone requesting money before sending anything.
kwch.com
· 2026-02-05
# Romance Scams Summary
In 2024, over 17,900 Americans lost more than $672 million to romance scams, with these schemes becoming increasingly sophisticated as Valentine's Day approaches. To protect yourself, experts recommend verifying the identity of online contacts through video calls or photos, being wary of excuses to avoid verification, and using practical security measures like reverse image searches on profile pictures, two-factor authentication, and adjusting privacy settings to limit personal information exposure. If someone consistently avoids video calls or refuses to prove their identity, these are major red flags to end contact immediately.
thehill.com
· 2026-02-05
Two senators introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at requiring social media platforms like Meta to take stronger action against fraudulent advertisements, which are reportedly costing Americans billions of dollars annually. According to internal documents, Meta users are exposed to approximately 15 billion scam ads daily, with the company potentially earning around $16 billion from these deceptive advertisements. The proposed bill would require platforms to verify advertiser identities, provide better reporting tools for users, and give the FTC greater enforcement power—steps lawmakers say are necessary since people lost over $3 billion to online scams in 2024 alone.
igamingtoday.com
· 2026-02-05
Scammers across Asia are using AI and cryptocurrency to run increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes, particularly "pig butchering" scams where they build fake relationships to trick victims into making fraudulent investments that are then laundered through crypto. A major crackdown in January exposed the scale of the problem, with authorities seizing over $14 billion in Bitcoin and hundreds of millions in assets from a single operation spanning multiple countries. To protect yourself, be wary of online relationships pushing you toward gaming or investment opportunities, verify requests through independent channels, and remember that legitimate investments don't guarantee quick profits or require cryptocurrency payments.
tradingview.com
· 2026-02-05
TRM Labs, a blockchain intelligence company, raised $70 million in funding and reached a $1 billion valuation by developing AI tools to help institutions detect and prevent cryptocurrency fraud and cybercrime. The investment from major firms like Goldman Sachs and Bessemer Venture Partners reflects growing concern about AI-powered scams, particularly crypto phishing attacks that trick users into revealing wallet recovery phrases. Users can protect themselves by being cautious of unsolicited links, verifying authentication requests directly through official channels, and never sharing recovery phrases or private keys with anyone.
mexc.com
· 2026-02-05
TRM Labs, a blockchain intelligence company that combats cryptocurrency fraud, raised $70 million in funding and reached a $1 billion valuation, which it plans to use to expand its AI-powered fraud detection tools. While crypto phishing scams remain a threat—including a recent case where a Bitcoin investor lost their retirement savings to an AI-powered "pig butchering" scam—reported losses actually decreased significantly from $494 million in 2024 to $83.3 million in 2025. To protect yourself, use reputable exchanges and wallets, verify communication with institutions before sharing information or money, and remain skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities promising quick returns.
bpi.com
· 2026-02-04
# Fraud and Scams in America: A Growing Crisis
Fraud and scams cost Americans $12.5 billion in 2024—a 25% increase from the previous year—with nearly three-quarters of U.S. adults experiencing some form of online scam or attack, and one in five Americans losing money to these crimes. Most fraud originates outside the traditional banking system through social media, telecom platforms, and overseas scam centers in Southeast Asia, where U.S. law enforcement has limited reach. To combat this crisis, experts recommend that consumers stay vigilant against impersonation tactics and suspicious communications, while calling for greater accountability and coordination between government, banks, social media platforms, and telecom companies to prevent fraud before it reaches consumers.
techradar.com
· 2026-02-04
# Apple Pay Phishing Scam Summary
Millions of Apple users are receiving fraudulent emails and texts claiming to alert them about suspicious Apple Pay transactions or blocked purchases, urging them to call a provided number to resolve the issue. These phishing scams are designed to panic victims into calling scammers posing as Apple support, who then try to steal their Apple ID credentials, verification codes, or payment information. To protect yourself, remember that Apple never sends fraud warnings via email or asks you to call numbers in messages—if you receive such a message, delete it immediately, and consider changing your password as a precaution.
nwitimes.com
· 2026-02-04
Online scammers are increasingly using sophisticated digital tactics like AI-generated voice messages and fake government text alerts to trick people, according to tips released by the Federal Trade Commission. To protect yourself, consumers should learn to recognize common warning signs of scams and follow FTC-recommended prevention strategies, though the article doesn't specify the exact tactics to watch for or steps to take beyond being aware that scams exist.
gallego.senate.gov
· 2026-02-04
# Fraud Scams Summary
Senators Ruben Gallego and Bernie Moreno introduced bipartisan legislation called the SCAM Act to combat fraudulent online advertisements that cost Americans billions annually, particularly on social media platforms. The bill would require online platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent scam ads and strengthen the Federal Trade Commission's and states' ability to enforce consumer protection laws against violators. The actionable takeaway for consumers is to remain vigilant about ads on social media—verify offers independently before engaging, and report suspicious advertisements to the platforms and the FTC.
cnhi.com
· 2026-02-04
Scammers are increasingly using AI-generated voice clones and deepfake technology to impersonate loved ones and government officials, targeting older Americans with devastating results. In 2024 alone, seniors lost nearly $4.9 billion to fraud—a 43% increase from the previous year—with victims over 60 losing an average of $83,000 compared to $19,000 for younger victims. To protect yourself, verify requests for money by contacting family members directly through known phone numbers, be skeptical of emotional urgency or requests for secrecy, and hang up and independently confirm the caller's identity before sending any funds.
whec.com
· 2026-02-03
In 2024, New Yorkers lost $25 million to romance scams, which target vulnerable people—particularly those over 50—by building trust over weeks or months before requesting money. Scammers impersonate celebrities or public figures on social media, using flattery and personal questions to develop fake relationships that eventually lead to financial requests via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer payment apps. To protect yourself, watch for red flags like unsolicited social media contact, requests to move conversations to private messaging apps, and requests for money; if scammed, report it to the platform and authorities including the FBI and FTC.
nbcwashington.com
· 2026-02-03
The FBI shut down scam call centers operating in India that have stolen nearly $50 million from hundreds of victims nationwide since 2022, with Maryland residents losing over $6 million. Scammers posed as Social Security Administration officials via email and phone, falsely claiming victims' Social Security numbers were suspended due to criminal activity, then convinced them to send money or transfer assets like gold bars. Authorities advise that the government will never call you unsolicited—if you receive such a call or email, hang up and contact the official agency directly through a verified phone number.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-03
An FBI investigation shut down an international scam operation with call centers in India that defrauded 660 Americans of over $48 million since 2022 by impersonating government officials and tech support to steal gold bars, cryptocurrency, and cash. Victims, many elderly and concentrated in Maryland, were told their identities or families were in danger, prompting them to drain savings and purchase gold or crypto to "protect" their assets, which they then handed to couriers. To avoid becoming a victim, be skeptical of unsolicited emails or calls claiming government emergencies, never wire money or buy precious metals based on official-sounding threats, and verify any suspicious claims by contacting government agencies directly through official channels.
harlanenterprise.net
· 2026-02-03
Scam attempts have surged in recent months with criminals using AI voice technology, spoofed phone numbers, and fake websites to target residents through schemes like the "Grandparent Scam" (where scammers impersonate grandchildren in distress), fake government impostor calls threatening legal action, and romance scams on dating apps. Victims should hang up on suspicious calls and independently verify emergencies by contacting known phone numbers, never trust callers claiming to represent government agencies demanding immediate payment, and be cautious of people on dating apps who quickly profess deep feelings. The key defense is maintaining skepticism, independently verifying claims, and consulting trusted family members or official agency websites before responding to any urgent requests.
thetruecitizen.com
· 2026-02-03
Romance scams spike around Valentine's Day, with scammers creating fake profiles on dating sites and building false relationships to eventually request money from victims under various pretexts like emergencies or investment opportunities. These schemes affect people seeking love online, with victims sometimes losing significant amounts of money through repeated requests or cryptocurrency investment fraud. To protect yourself, be cautious of online dating matches who avoid meeting in person, claim to be military or overseas, and eventually ask for money—verify their identity through video calls and never send funds to people you haven't met in person.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-03
Seniors are increasingly vulnerable to financial scams, with the FBI reporting nearly 150,000 complaints from people 60+ in one year resulting in almost $5 billion in losses. Adult children can help protect their older relatives by having open, non-judgmental conversations about finances, starting with their own situation and suggesting mutual monitoring arrangements like account alerts. When addressing concerns, approach the conversation with empathy and patience, asking respectful questions rather than being critical, to encourage honest dialogue about their financial situation.
sg.finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-03
# Medicare Scams Targeting Older Adults
Medicare beneficiaries are experiencing a surge in fraud attempts, with scammers using professional-sounding calls and urgent threats to steal personal information and Medicare numbers or bill for unnecessary services like medical equipment, genetic testing, and supplies never prescribed or received. The scams often impersonate Medicare officials or insurance representatives, using pressure tactics and false warnings about losing benefits to rush victims into sharing sensitive information. To protect yourself, remember that Medicare will never call you—hang up on unexpected calls, never share personal information over the phone, and verify any requests by contacting Medicare directly through their official phone number.
bethesdamagazine.com
· 2026-02-03
Ten individuals have been indicted in connection with government impersonation scams that targeted Montgomery County residents and hundreds of people nationwide, resulting in over $48 million in losses. Senior citizens like an 82-year-old Rockville woman were deceived by fraudulent emails claiming to be from the Social Security Administration, pressuring victims to transfer their savings to overseas accounts or convert funds into gold, cryptocurrency, or cash. To protect yourself, authorities advise being skeptical of unsolicited government communications, never transferring money based on urgent threats, and verifying requests directly through official government channels rather than using contact information provided in suspicious emails.
protos.com
· 2026-02-03
China has executed four members of the Bai family crime syndicate, which operated 41 "pig butchering" scam compounds across Southeast Asia—sophisticated romance and investment fraud schemes that generated over $4 billion and resulted in the deaths of six Chinese citizens. The executed individuals were convicted of multiple crimes including homicide, kidnapping, extortion, human trafficking, and operating illegal casinos, with authorities targeting these criminal networks that had taken control of border regions in Myanmar. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of romantic contacts from strangers online who eventually ask for money for investments or emergencies, verify investment opportunities through official channels, and report suspicious activities to local authorities.
fox6now.com
· 2026-02-02
# Tax Impostor Scams on the Rise in Wisconsin
Scammers are impersonating the IRS through unsolicited calls and voicemails claiming consumers owe back taxes and must pay immediately to avoid penalties or legal action. These fraudulent messages often use fake agent names, case IDs, and threats of arrest or license suspension to sound official, targeting victims who fear legal consequences. To protect yourself, remember that the IRS never initiates contact by phone or text—always verify caller identity through BBB.org, never respond to urgent payment demands, and consult with a trusted tax professional before taking any action.
techpolicy.press
· 2026-02-02
"Pig-butchering" scams—where criminals gradually extract money from victims before abandoning them—are surging in the US, with Americans losing an estimated $10 billion in 2024 alone (a 66% increase from 2023), prompting Congress to introduce multiple bills including the Dismantle Foreign Scam Syndicates Act to combat these transnational operations. The scams, primarily run by Southeast Asian syndicates that have diversified away from Chinese targets following local crackdowns, are becoming increasingly sophisticated with AI tools, while critics argue the proposed legislation doesn't adequately address tech platforms and cryptocurrency exchanges that enable the fraud. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited romantic or investment opportunities online, verify requests for money through independent channels, and report suspected scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
azag.gov
· 2026-02-02
# Cryptocurrency ATM Scam Summary
Arizona residents lost over $177 million in 2024 to cryptocurrency ATM scams, with scammers primarily targeting older adults through deceptive phone calls, texts, or emails claiming legal trouble or compromised accounts. Attorney General Kris Mayes warns that if someone pressures you to use a cryptocurrency ATM, you're likely being scammed—once money is deposited, it transfers directly to scammers and is nearly impossible to recover. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact urging you to withdraw cash or use crypto ATMs, and report scams to the Attorney General within 30 days if you've been victimized.
theweek.com
· 2026-02-02
Seniors are increasingly targeted by financial scams, with the FBI reporting nearly 150,000 fraud complaints from people over 60 in one year resulting in almost $5 billion in losses—an average of $83,000 per victim. Older adults are particularly vulnerable due to factors like lower technology familiarity, accumulated wealth, cognitive decline, and isolation, though adult children are often the first to notice warning signs. To help protect elderly family members, experts recommend having open financial conversations and starting slowly by suggesting mutual oversight of accounts, such as setting up alerts together.
whio.com
· 2026-02-02
A University of Toledo student and another individual were charged in a money laundering scheme involving scams that targeted elderly victims, with one victim losing over $40,000 after being deceived by the suspects posing as tech workers or government officials. The scammers used pressure tactics and promises to solve problems in order to convince victims to hand over money in cash, gold, and cryptocurrency. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited visitors, refuse to make immediate payments, and verify any claims through official channels before sending money—especially if someone demands cash, gold, or cryptocurrency.
bitdefender.com
· 2026-02-02
Seniors are now spending more time online than young adults, yet families rarely monitor their activities the way they do with children, leaving older adults vulnerable to scams and fraud that often go undetected until problems emerge like missed bills or suspicious contacts. Adults over 65 spend more than three hours daily on devices and own an average of seven connected devices, using them for everything from social media and shopping to banking and video calls. Families should actively check in on elderly relatives' online behavior and device usage to protect them from the risks that come with increased internet connectivity.
khon2.com
· 2026-02-02
Employment scams, where fraudsters pose as legitimate employers to steal money or personal information from job seekers, have nearly tripled since 2020, with reported losses exceeding $500 million by 2024. With 36% of U.S. workers relying on gig work, job seekers are increasingly vulnerable to these schemes that often promise unrealistic wages and work-from-home positions. To protect yourself, avoid any job offers demanding upfront payments or requesting sensitive information like Social Security numbers or bank details before employment begins, and verify job offers directly through official company websites or phone numbers.
unionleader.com
· 2026-02-02
A New York man was sentenced to two to five years in prison for attempting to defraud an elderly Seabrook woman out of $20,000 by impersonating a PayPal representative and instructing her to withdraw cash from her bank. The scam was prevented when a family member recognized the warning signs and alerted police before the perpetrator could collect the money. Seniors should be alert to unsolicited calls claiming urgent financial problems, never withdraw large sums of cash based on phone requests, and immediately report suspected fraud to local police or the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-949-0470.
nypost.com
· 2026-02-02
Approximately 28% of Americans were scammed in the past year, with fraudsters using increasingly sophisticated tactics—especially as technology like AI advances—to target victims ranging from individuals selling items online to government institutions losing tax dollars. The article highlights how even intelligent people fall for scams due to their emotional manipulation and clarity-in-hindsight nature, and notes that some victims have suffered devastating consequences including financial ruin and suicide, particularly from sextortion schemes targeting young people. To protect yourself, be cautious about accepting payments before shipping items, verify payment directly through official accounts rather than emails, and be especially alert to scams involving threats or requests for personal information.
mk.co.kr
· 2026-02-02
Voice phishing scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with scammers impersonating acquaintances and using personal details to trick victims into sending money—a threat that even celebrities like actors Sunwoo Yong-nyeo and Roh Joo-hyun recently fell victim to or narrowly escaped. In one case, a scammer impersonated actress Park Mi-sun claiming to have lost her phone, while in another, a caller offered a low-interest loan but suspiciously warned against contacting the bank. To protect yourself, hang up immediately if something feels off, independently verify any urgent requests by calling the person directly, and be wary of callers pressuring you not to contact your bank or tell others about the transaction.
vinnews.com
· 2026-02-02
Federal authorities are warning about a widespread scam where fraudsters impersonate prosecutors and law enforcement officers, contacting people via phone, text, or email to claim they're either fraud victims or suspects in investigations. The scammers use fear and intimidation to pressure victims into sending money or revealing personal information through untraceable methods like wire transfers or prepaid cards. To stay safe, remember that legitimate federal officials never demand money or sensitive information over the phone or through unsolicited messages—if you receive such a call, hang up and contact the FBI or your local law enforcement directly.
gillettenewsrecord.com
· 2026-02-01
# Scams Cost Americans Billions in 2024
Scams and internet fraud have reached record levels, with the FBI reporting $16.6 billion in losses in 2024, and about 73% of U.S. adults experiencing some form of online scam or attack. Common schemes include counterfeit websites selling fake merchandise, fraudulent charities that exploit disasters, cryptocurrency investment scams, and fake debt collection demands. To protect yourself, verify charities before donating, avoid clicking suspicious links, be skeptical of unsolicited investment offers, and never pay on debts you don't recognize.
nzherald.co.nz
· 2026-02-01
An Auckland man named Eyosiyas Tekeste, 21, was sentenced for his role in a bank scam that targeted elderly victims, with confirmed losses of around $76,000 across three victims in late 2024. The scam involved fraudsters impersonating bank staff via phone calls and fake emails, convincing elderly people (aged 72-88) to transfer money, provide PIN numbers, or hand over their bank cards to couriers. While Tekeste claimed he was a low-level participant forced into the scheme due to a drug debt, the court found evidence linking him to at least $4,000 of the stolen funds, and he offered to repay only $500.
nypost.com
· 2026-02-01
A man reconnected with his high school sweetheart on Facebook and has watched her fall victim to a classic romance scam involving a man claiming to be an offshore oil worker whom she's never met in person. When he tried to warn her, she cut off contact with him, insisting the relationship is real and they plan to marry. Dear Abby explains that romance scams typically follow a predictable pattern where the scammer eventually asks for money before disappearing, and advises him to expect the woman may reach out once she realizes she's been conned, so he should remain compassionate and available to help her then.
bostonherald.com
· 2026-02-01
Romance scams targeting lonely individuals are becoming increasingly common, with scammers typically posing as offshore workers or military personnel who can never meet in person and eventually request money for emergencies. In this case, a man reconnected with his high school sweetheart and recognized the warning signs when she claimed to be in a relationship with an "oil rig worker" she'd never met, but she rejected his warnings and cut off contact. Experts advise being alert to classic romance scam red flags—unmet lovers with convenient excuses, sob stories about sick children, and sudden requests for money—and recognize that victims often only acknowledge the deception after losing significant amounts of money.
mychesco.com
· 2026-02-01
# Pennsylvania's Anti-Fraud Initiative
Pennsylvania's Department of Banking and Securities is hosting free educational events throughout February to help residents, particularly older adults, recognize and avoid scams including romance fraud and identity theft. The sessions will teach warning signs of common scams, risk-reduction strategies, and response procedures if targeted, using formats like "Fraud BINGO" games to engage participants. Residents who suspect they've been scammed are urged to report it by calling 1-866-PACOMPLAI for assistance.
foxnews.com
· 2026-02-01
# Tax Season Scams Surge in 2026
Tax scams are increasing this year as confusion grows following the discontinuation of the government-free filing system, with scammers impersonating the IRS through fake emails, texts, and fraudulent tax services to exploit anxious taxpayers rushing to file. The scammers target people's uncertainty about new filing rules and create urgency to pressure victims into acting quickly without verifying legitimacy. To protect yourself, remember that the IRS never initiates contact via email or text message demanding immediate action, and verify any tax-related communication directly with the IRS before responding or providing personal information.
whio.com
· 2026-02-01
A Clearcreek Township resident nearly lost $4,000 in a scam where someone sent a fake email claiming zoning fees were due after the resident received zone change approval. The scammer used publicly available information to make the fraudulent email look legitimate and requested a wire transfer, but the resident avoided the loss by contacting the township to verify the request before sending money. Residents should be cautious of unsolicited payment requests and always verify directly with government offices through official channels—especially since legitimate zoning fees are typically paid before approval, and townships don't send wire transfer instructions via email.
en.clickpetroleoegas.com.br
· 2026-02-01
Scammers are targeting drivers using Brazil's new Free Flow electronic toll system by creating fake websites and sending fraudulent Pix payment requests and fake payment slips to steal money from unsuspecting users. The National Land Transport Agency warns that there is no official centralized website or automatic payment slips—each toll section has its own concessionaire with separate official channels. Drivers should only seek toll payment information directly from official channels and be suspicious of unsolicited payment requests to avoid falling victim to this scam.
theguardian.com
· 2026-02-01
Fraudsters are targeting families with children at UK independent schools by sending fake emails impersonating school bursars and requesting fee payments be sent to criminal bank accounts, with some families losing up to £10,000. Foreign students' families are particularly vulnerable because English may not be their first language, making it easier for criminals to create convincing forged documents and payment instructions. Parents should verify any fee payment requests through direct contact with the school using a known phone number, be suspicious of urgent requests or early-payment discounts, and never rely solely on email instructions for financial transfers.
whio.com
· 2026-02-01
Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck is warning residents about scams involving callers impersonating law enforcement or Amazon representatives who threaten arrest or claim urgent product recalls to extort money through payment apps, often using caller ID spoofing and real employee names to appear legitimate. Victims are also targeted with phishing text messages claiming to be from Amazon or other companies with links designed to steal personal and financial information. Residents should never click links from unsolicited messages or provide payment when threatened with arrest, as legitimate authorities and companies will never demand sensitive information or payment through unexpected contact.
newspress.co.in
· 2026-02-01
# Fraud Scam Summary
China executed 11 members of the Ming mafia family for running an international crime ring that used fake online romance to lure victims into cryptocurrency fraud, forced labor, and human trafficking across Myanmar, with at least 14 confirmed murders. The gang's leader had been living luxuriously in London with seized assets, while similar operations have ensnared over 70 Indians in Myanmar and Cambodia, prompting rescue missions that have evacuated hundreds so far. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of online romantic relationships that quickly shift toward investment opportunities or requests for money, verify the legitimacy of job offers abroad, and report suspicious activity to authorities immediately.
gilmermirror.com
· 2026-01-31
A $55 million scam in Texas targeted seniors by convincing them to buy physical gold and hand it over to criminals who melted it down and sold it, with only $400,000 recovered so far. Hundreds of victims lost their life savings not from poor investment decisions, but from storing their assets with untrustworthy custodians who stole them. If you have significant savings or cash, experts advise being as careful about *where* you store precious metals and assets as you are about *what* you invest in—avoid giving physical valuables to anyone you don't fully trust, and consider secure, insured storage options like bank vaults or registered depositories.