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in Government Impersonation
montclair.edu
· 2026-02-21
# Tax Scam Summary
During tax season, cybercriminals impersonate the IRS, tax software companies, and other trusted organizations to steal personal and financial information through phishing emails, texts, and fake websites—often using urgent language and threats to pressure victims into immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Students, employees, and anyone filing taxes are vulnerable, but you can protect yourself by remembering that the IRS typically initiates contact through official U.S. mail (never email, text, or social media), never demands immediate payment, and never asks for passwords or sensitive information. If you receive a suspicious tax-related message, independently verify it by contacting the IRS directly through IRS.gov rather than clicking any links in the suspicious communication.
pcmag.com
· 2026-02-21
# Job Search Scams on the Rise
As job losses mount due to AI and economic pressures, scammers are targeting desperate job seekers through fake job postings on platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn, using AI-generated fake websites to steal personal information like Social Security numbers, addresses, and banking details. Beyond data theft, criminals may also request upfront payments for fake background checks or equipment, or send fraudulent checks that bounce after obtaining bank account information. To protect yourself, verify job postings directly through company websites, be wary of unsolicited payment requests, and never provide sensitive information like your Social Security number before speaking with a legitimate company representative.
boothbayregister.com
· 2026-02-21
People over 50 are particularly vulnerable to fraud, with over $11 million reported in scams during just a nine-month period in 2025, according to a presentation by Coastal Maine Regional Broadband and local police. Most scams involve impostors contacting victims through email, text, or phone with urgent messages designed to cloud judgment, sometimes building fake relationships over time to gain trust. To protect yourself, experts recommend verifying unexpected contacts directly with the person, avoiding clicking links or sharing passwords, watching for language errors and mismatched email addresses, and declining friend requests from people already in your network.
fox44news.com
· 2026-02-21
The Brenham Police Department is warning about multiple scams targeting elderly residents, including impersonation calls from government agencies, fake tech support, romance scams, and fake lottery winnings. Red flags include pressure to act quickly, requests for gift cards or wire transfers, demands for personal information, and instructions to keep the matter secret. To protect yourself, slow down before acting, never share personal details over the phone or online, verify requests by calling organizations directly, and consult with family or trusted friends before sending money—and report suspected scams to local police, Adult Protective Services, or the FTC.
inkl.com
· 2026-02-21
Your Social Security number is highly valuable to criminals who can use it to commit identity theft, open fraudulent accounts, and file fake tax returns, yet many Americans share it too freely without realizing the risk until damage occurs. Scammers use convincing tactics like impersonating government agencies through calls, creating fake emails and text messages that look legitimate to pressure people into revealing their SSN. To protect yourself, never share your Social Security number in response to unsolicited calls, emails, or texts—instead, hang up and call official numbers directly from verified sources, delete suspicious emails, and avoid clicking links from unknown senders.
koco.com
· 2026-02-20
# Gold Scams Costing Americans Hundreds of Millions
Scammers are exploiting Americans' trust in gold as a safe investment through "gold courier" schemes that have resulted in over $262 million in losses nationwide between January and October 2025. The scam typically begins with a fraudulent phone call, email, or pop-up claiming to be from your bank or a federal agency (FBI, IRS, or FTC), warning that your accounts have been compromised and urging you to immediately withdraw cash to purchase gold bars or coins. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited urgent demands to buy gold, verify any claims by contacting your bank directly using a number from their official website, and remember that legitimate government agencies will never ask you to purchase gold to protect your money.
ntu.org
· 2026-02-20
# Tax Season Scams: What You Need to Know
During tax season, scammers impersonate the IRS and state tax agencies through texts, emails, and phone calls to pressure people into sending money immediately, exploiting the confusion and urgency surrounding tax filing. The key warning sign is that legitimate tax agencies never initiate contact via text, email, social media, or unsolicited calls demanding immediate payment—they send official letters by mail with time to respond. If you receive a suspicious tax message demanding urgent payment, threatening legal action, or asking for gift cards or wire transfers, stop and verify it independently before responding; legitimate agencies don't use these pressure tactics or payment methods.
wbal.com
· 2026-02-20
# Gold Scam Summary
Scammers are exploiting Americans' trust in gold as a safe investment through "gold courier" scams that have cost victims over $262 million nationwide in just the first ten months of 2025. The scheme typically begins with a fraudulent call or message impersonating banks or federal agencies like the FBI or IRS, claiming your accounts are compromised and pressuring you to withdraw cash and buy gold bars or coins. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited urgent messages about account security, verify caller identities by contacting institutions directly (not using numbers they provide), and remember that legitimate agencies won't ask you to buy gold or wire cash to protect your money.
vintontoday.com
· 2026-02-20
Iowa's Attorney General reported over 4,000 consumer complaints in 2025, with used auto fraud, imposter scams, and internet-related issues topping the list of consumer complaints affecting residents. Scammers are increasingly targeting vulnerable people through deceptive practices via text, phone, email, and social media, with used car sales accounting for the largest share of complaints (783). Iowans are advised to research purchases carefully, verify seller information, be skeptical of unsolicited contacts claiming to be from government agencies or offering unexpected opportunities, and report suspected scams to the Attorney General's office immediately.
aarp.org
· 2026-02-20
Scammers are targeting vulnerable immigrants by posing as immigration lawyers and federal agents to steal money for fake legal services, with the American Bar Association reporting more than a dozen cases of impostors falsely claiming to work for them. Victims have lost thousands of dollars, and criminals are using artificial intelligence to create convincing fake documents and even impersonating real attorneys using their actual bar numbers. To protect yourself, verify an attorney's credentials directly through official bar association websites, never pay for immigration services through gift cards or wire transfers, and be skeptical of unsolicited offers on social media—you can also call the AARP Fraud Watch Network helpline at 877-908-3360 for free advice if you suspect you've encountered a scam.
kcrg.com
· 2026-02-20
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird is warning residents about a surge in fraud and scams, with the state's Consumer Protection Division receiving over 4,000 complaints in 2025—the second consecutive year of increases. The most common scams include auto-related fraud (783 complaints), imposter scams like fake job offers and IRS schemes (398 complaints), and internet-related issues such as hacked accounts and phishing (319 complaints), along with complaints about home improvement, housing, and personal services. Consumers are advised to be cautious when dealing with auto repairs and sales, job offers from unknown sources, and unsolicited contact from government agencies, while verifying contractor credentials before hiring and protecting their online accounts with strong passwords.
thetravel.com
· 2026-02-20
# Scam Summary
A fake Facebook group impersonating Carnival Cruise Line's brand ambassador John Heald successfully scammed at least one woman into sending money for a fake shore excursion. Heald issued a rare public warning urging his 15,000 followers to report and block the fraudulent page, noting that several other people admitted they had nearly fallen for the scam as well. To protect yourself, verify that you're following official pages directly from the company's website, be cautious of unsolicited payment requests on social media, and report any suspicious groups immediately.
rockawaytimes.com
· 2026-02-19
Romance scammers and imposter fraudsters cost Americans billions annually—the FTC reported $12.5 billion lost in 2024, though actual losses may exceed $158 billion due to underreporting. These criminals use fake online identities to build trust and emotional connections before requesting money or personal information, with 11 million Americans age 50+ and residents in Rockaway/Broad Channel reporting such schemes, though no age group is immune. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited romantic advances online, especially from people claiming to be overseas with high-profile jobs, and never send money or share personal/financial information with someone you've only met online.
foxnews.com
· 2026-02-19
# Tax Scam Summary
Scammers are launching fake IRS tax scams starting in January, sending fraudulent emails and text messages that mimic legitimate IRS communications to steal personal information like Social Security numbers and banking details. These attacks target Americans waiting for tax refunds and use stolen personal data from breaches and public records to make the scams appear authentic. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited IRS messages—the real IRS typically initiates contact by mail—verify any claims directly through the official IRS website, and never click links or download attachments from unexpected tax-related emails.
wmur.com
· 2026-02-19
# Deed Theft Scam Summary
Criminals in New Hampshire are stealing home ownership through "quit claim deed fraud," where scammers forge documents to sell properties they don't own, with victims in New England losing over $61 million between 2019-2023. The scam targets homeowners by using forged identification and real estate documents to sell, rent, or take out mortgages on properties without the owners' knowledge, as happened to a New Hampshire couple who discovered their property being marketed for sale without their consent. To protect yourself, homeowners should monitor their property records regularly, place fraud alerts with credit bureaus, and consider title insurance to verify ownership and catch unauthorized transactions quickly.
evrimagaci.org
· 2026-02-18
In February 2026, cybercriminals launched a sophisticated global wave of scams combining phishing emails, text messages, and traditional mail to steal sensitive information from individuals and businesses. A particularly alarming campaign weaponized the XWorm Remote Access Trojan through deceptive emails mimicking purchase orders or shipments, which tricked users into opening malicious Excel files that exploited a decade-old Microsoft vulnerability to give attackers complete control of victims' computers. To protect yourself, experts urge vigilance by being skeptical of unexpected emails requesting file downloads, keeping software updated, and using multi-factor authentication on important accounts.
ago.mo.gov
· 2026-02-18
# Tax Day Scam Warning Summary
As tax season approaches, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway is warning residents about a surge in scams targeting taxpayers through fake emails, texts, phone calls, and websites impersonating government agencies and tax services. Scammers use fear and urgency to pressure people into sharing personal information or making immediate payments, though legitimate tax authorities will never demand payment via email or threaten arrest. To protect yourself, verify messages independently through official channels, never share sensitive information unsolicited, and report suspected scams to Missouri's consumer hotline at 800-392-8222 or ago.mo.gov.
dlnews.com
· 2026-02-18
Cryptocurrency transactions linked to human trafficking surged 85% in 2025, with hundreds of millions of dollars flowing through illicit networks involving escort services, prostitution, and child exploitation, primarily centered in Southeast Asia's scam economy. Criminals use fake job offers to lure victims into "scam compounds" where they're forced to conduct various cyber frauds, with some estimates showing cybercrimes now account for over 30% of Cambodia's GDP and causing an estimated $37 billion in losses across East and Southeast Asia. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited job offers (especially remote positions), verify job opportunities through official company websites, and report suspicious activity to local authorities or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
kunm.org
· 2026-02-17
Romance scammers using fake online identities have stolen $3.8 million from New Mexicans in the past year, with increasingly sophisticated methods enhanced by AI technology. These criminals emotionally manipulate victims to gain access to their savings, posing as romantic partners through dating apps and online platforms. To protect yourself, be cautious of online suitors who seem too perfect, watch for requests for money or cryptocurrency investments, and verify identities through video calls before sharing personal or financial information.
phys.org
· 2026-02-17
Romance scams are increasingly prevalent on dating apps like Tinder and Bumble, as well as social media and gaming platforms, where fraudsters build fake relationships to exploit victims financially. While there's no evidence that Valentine's Day specifically triggers more scams, romance fraud increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic when people sought emotional connection online. To protect yourself, be cautious of anyone quickly asking for money, verify profiles through reverse image searches, avoid sharing personal financial information early, and be skeptical of individuals who seem too perfect or rush emotional intimacy.
abc.net.au
· 2026-02-17
# Louvre Ticket Fraud Summary
A major fraud ring involving tour guides and Louvre employees allegedly stole approximately $16 million from the museum over more than a decade by reusing single-entry tickets for multiple tourist groups and bribing staff to stay silent. At least nine people were arrested in a Paris investigation that uncovered the scheme, which primarily involved foreign tour guides facilitating entry for Chinese tourists without proper payment. To protect yourself when visiting major attractions, purchase tickets directly from official sources and verify authenticity through the museum's website rather than through third-party tour operators.
fortune.com
· 2026-02-15
# Romance Scams: A $16 Billion Crisis
Romance scams have cost victims billions of dollars by exploiting emotional connections and trust. Scammers typically pose as romantic interests or trusted acquaintances, gradually building relationships before requesting money or accessing bank accounts under false pretenses—such as Kate Kleinert losing her life savings after being manipulated through a fake friendship, and Beth Hyland nearly transferring large sums after believing she was helping a romantic interest. To protect yourself, be suspicious of online relationships that quickly become intimate, never share banking credentials with anyone, verify claims through independent channels, and remember that scammers often use emotional manipulation and urgency to override your judgment.
wvua23.com
· 2026-02-15
Online romance scams target lonely people of all ages by building emotional trust through fake personas before requesting money for supposed emergencies, with victims often losing thousands of dollars that are rarely recovered. The scammers—who may use stolen images or impersonate celebrities—exploit the emotional connection they've cultivated to manipulate victims into sending money repeatedly. If someone you've met online but never in person asks for money or gifts, that's a red flag to end contact immediately and report the situation to local authorities rather than continuing to send funds.
inkl.com
· 2026-02-15
Seniors need to urgently audit their Social Security records due to 2026 security changes, including a mandatory transition from legacy login credentials to new federal systems by March 8th and rising "redirection" fraud targeting retirees. The article identifies five critical data points that require verification—including updating outdated login credentials, setting up two-factor authentication, and designating trusted individuals through the "Advance Designation" feature to prevent account lockouts, unexpected tax bills, or benefits being diverted to scammers. Experts advise all beneficiaries to log in immediately, update their account information with proper identification verification, and proactively designate authorized representatives before the deadline to avoid losing access to their accounts and benefits.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-02-15
Social Security beneficiaries need to audit their accounts now due to 2026 security changes, including a mandatory transition from legacy login credentials to new federally-mandated systems by March 8th, or risk losing access to their accounts. Seniors should verify five critical data points in their records—including the new "Advance Designation" feature that lets them pre-select trusted individuals to manage benefits if incapacitated—to prevent fraud, locked accounts, and unexpected tax bills. Experts recommend logging in immediately to update credentials, enable two-factor authentication, and complete necessary profile updates before the deadline to avoid server crashes and protect against the spike in elder fraud targeting Social Security beneficiaries.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-14
# Crypto Scams Costing Americans Millions
Americans are losing billions to rapidly growing crypto fraud schemes, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting significant losses last year from fake investment platforms and AI-generated impersonations. Two major scams include "pig butchering," where fraudsters build trust through dating apps or social media before convincing victims to invest in fake crypto opportunities and then disappearing with their money, and deepfake scams, where AI-generated videos impersonate celebrities and CEOs to promote fraudulent investments on social media platforms. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment pitches from online contacts, verify celebrity endorsements through official channels, and never invest based on video ads or messages from people you haven't met in person.
9news.com
· 2026-02-14
Romance scams have doubled from 2024 to 2025, with criminals posing as romantic interests to manipulate victims across all age groups into either sending money directly or unknowingly laundering stolen funds through their personal bank accounts—a practice called "money-muling." Victims can lose their entire savings or retirement accounts and may even face criminal charges themselves if they continue transferring funds after being warned by their banks. To protect yourself, listen to your bank's warnings about suspicious deposits or transfers, be cautious of requests from people you've never met in person, and remember that legitimate romantic interests won't ask you to move money or conduct financial transactions on their behalf.
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.
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.
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.
wamc.org
· 2026-02-13
# Fraud Prevention Summary
Millions of Americans fall victim to fraud each year, with elderly citizens particularly vulnerable to scams including romance schemes, tech support fraud, grandparent scams, and government impersonation plots. New York State Police Investigator Kurt Strassberger highlighted that common fraud tactics also include money mule schemes, cryptocurrency investment fraud, and business email compromise attacks. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited contact offering financial opportunities or tech support, verify requests through official channels before sharing personal information, and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or the FBI.
scworld.com
· 2026-02-12
A fugitive cryptocurrency fraudster has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in a "pig butchering" scam that stole over $73 million from American victims—schemes where criminals build fake online relationships before tricking people into fraudulent investments. The 42-year-old defendant and his co-conspirators operated from Cambodia, laundering stolen funds through shell companies and cryptocurrency platforms like Tether. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities online, especially those involving cryptocurrency, and verify the legitimacy of investment contacts through official channels before sending any money.
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.
katc.com
· 2026-02-12
The IRS is warning about romance scams, which have surged dramatically and often devastate older Americans and lonely individuals who lose money to criminals posing as romantic partners online. Scammers typically create fake profiles on dating sites and social media to build emotional connections before requesting money, or they extort victims using compromising photos. To protect yourself, be cautious of online dating profiles, never send money to people you haven't met in person, and report suspected fraud to authorities—seniors can call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11.
money.com
· 2026-02-11
Scammers are increasingly targeting consumers through fake versions of trusted brands—from K-beauty products to Social Security and Amazon—using sophisticated AI-powered schemes and creating false urgency to steal money and personal information. Anyone can fall victim to these scams, but you can protect yourself by being skeptical of unsolicited messages that create panic or demand immediate action, and by always verifying requests directly with companies using official contact information rather than clicking links in suspicious emails or texts.
yellow.com
· 2026-02-11
A federal judge sentenced Daren Li, a 42-year-old fugitive, to 20 years in prison for orchestrating a $73 million cryptocurrency fraud scheme that targeted American victims through Cambodia-based scam operations. The scammers used social engineering tactics—including romance fraud, fake investment platforms, and impersonation—to deceive victims into sending money through spoofed cryptocurrency websites and shell companies. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment opportunities or romantic connections online, verify the legitimacy of trading platforms directly through official websites, and never send money to fix computer problems you didn't request.
t2online.in
· 2026-02-11
Senior citizens in India are increasingly falling victim to sophisticated online scams, with cybercrimes against older adults rising 86% in 2025, including "digital arrest" threats, AI-generated bank calls, and deepfake impersonation that exploit their unfamiliarity with technology and tendency to trust authority figures. The problem is acute because India's 15 crore senior citizens have rapidly adopted digital banking and payments out of necessity—especially for pensions and healthcare—but have received little formal training in online safety. Experts recommend that seniors should never share OTPs or personal information in response to unsolicited calls or messages, verify requests by independently contacting their bank or family members, and seek digital literacy training from trusted sources before conducting sensitive transactions online.
kxan.com
· 2026-02-10
# Romance and confidence scams are surging in Austin, with people over 50 losing approximately $19 million in 2025 alone, according to new FBI data—making the area a hotspot for fraudsters who specifically target older adults for their accumulated wealth and perceived lack of cybersecurity awareness. The scams typically involve elaborate trust-building schemes on dating sites and social media, where criminals pose as successful investors or romantic interests to manipulate victims into sending money. To protect yourself, the FBI advises remaining cautious of online relationships that quickly turn to financial matters, never sending money to people you've only met online, and verifying any investment opportunities through independent sources before committing funds.
crypto.news
· 2026-02-10
A U.S. court sentenced crypto scam mastermind Daren Li to 20 years in prison for orchestrating a "pig butchering" fraud scheme that stole $73 million from victims through fake investment platforms and deceptive social media relationships, though Li fled the country and remains a fugitive. The scam operated out of overseas call centers that manipulated people into sending money by building fake trust, then laundered proceeds through shell companies and cryptocurrency. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment offers on social media, verify trading platforms independently, and never send money to unknown contacts—especially those requesting cryptocurrency transfers.
goldrushcam.com
· 2026-02-10
A Studio City man named Matthew Jason Kroth has been sentenced to over 16 years in federal prison for orchestrating an elaborate fraud scheme targeting elderly victims. Kroth broke into an elderly man's home, stole his personal information and mail, then shared this data with accomplices who used forged documents to fraudulently sell the victim's home and drain his bank accounts; the conspirators even disposed of the victim's body to cover up the crime. Elderly residents should protect themselves by securing their homes, monitoring their financial accounts regularly, and considering trusted family members or attorneys to oversee their estates—and anyone who suspects elder fraud should contact law enforcement immediately.
wvlt.tv
· 2026-02-10
Scammers in Hamblen County, Tennessee are impersonating police officers named "Detective Scott Davis," calling residents and claiming they missed jury duty and must pay fines via gift card or Cash App to avoid arrest—a tactic that authorities confirm is fraudulent since no such detective exists and law enforcement never requests payment through these methods. Both individuals and businesses have been targeted, with the scammer also attempting to extract employee personnel records from companies. Residents and business owners should hang up on suspicious calls and directly contact the Hamblen County Sheriff's Office at 423-586-3781 rather than calling any number provided by the caller, as legitimate law enforcement will never demand gift card or mobile payment app transfers.
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.
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.
townhall.com
· 2026-02-08
A Nigerian man was sentenced to over 8 years in prison for leading an international inheritance fraud scheme that targeted over 400 elderly and vulnerable Americans, stealing more than $6 million by falsely claiming they had inherited money and requesting upfront fees. The scammers sent hundreds of thousands of personalized letters impersonating Spanish bank representatives, convincing victims to send money for supposed delivery fees and taxes before receiving their "inheritance." To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited inheritance claims, never send money upfront for inheritances you didn't expect, and verify any financial claims directly with banks or lawyers using contact information you find independently—not information provided in the message.
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.
justice.gov
· 2026-02-07
A Nigerian man was sentenced to over 8 years in prison for leading a multimillion-dollar inheritance fraud scheme that targeted elderly and vulnerable Americans, defrauding more than 400 victims of $6 million over seven years. The scam worked by sending personalized letters falsely claiming recipients had inherited money, then requesting upfront fees for supposed taxes and delivery costs before the victims could access their inheritance. To protect yourself, be extremely skeptical of unsolicited inheritance claims, never send money upfront for promised inheritances, and report suspicious communications to the Federal Trade Commission or local law enforcement.
edhat.com
· 2026-02-07
# Fraud Summary
A Studio City man named Matthew Jason Kroth was sentenced to over 16 years in prison for an elaborate scheme targeting elderly victims in which he burglarized their homes, stole personal information, and worked with accomplices to forge documents and fraudulently sell their properties and assets, resulting in nearly $2 million in losses. The conspiracy involved serious crimes including identity theft, wire fraud, and the disposal of a victim's body to conceal the crime, spanning from 2020 to 2023. Elderly people should protect themselves by securing personal documents, monitoring financial accounts regularly, informing trusted family members of their assets, and reporting suspicious activities to authorities immediately.
thesfnews.com
· 2026-02-07
A Studio City man named Matthew Jason Kroth was sentenced to over 16 years in federal prison for his role in a fraud conspiracy targeting elderly people. The scheme involved breaking into an elderly victim's home, stealing his mail and jewelry, and then using his personal information to impersonate him and fraudulently sell his assets after his death; the conspirators even disposed of the victim's body to conceal the crime. Elderly people should protect their homes with strong locks and security systems, safeguard personal documents and mail, and maintain regular contact with trusted family or friends who can alert authorities if they suddenly become unreachable.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-07
A 69-year-old Arizona woman lost her home and life savings after a romance scammer posing as a Naval officer on Facebook convinced her to send over $70,000 in payments, claiming he needed help with customs fees for packages containing gold and jewelry. The scam devastated her retirement, forcing her to sell her home and move into an apartment, and she only discovered the fraud when her financial advisor became suspicious during a loan application. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited romantic messages from strangers online, never send money to people you haven't met in person—especially for customs fees or emergencies—and consult trusted advisors like family members or financial professionals before making large financial decisions.
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.