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region.com.au
· 2026-02-09
# Romance Scams Cost Australians Millions as Valentine's Day Approaches
Australians lost over $28.6 million to romance scams last year—a 21.8 percent increase—with scammers primarily targeting people through dating apps, social media, and online forums. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission warns that these criminals use carefully planned tactics to build emotional trust before requesting money or personal information, making romance scams one of the most financially and psychologically damaging crimes in the country. To protect yourself, be cautious about sharing money or personal details with online contacts, especially those you haven't met in person, and report suspicious activity to Scamwatch while discussing these scams with friends and family.
miragenews.com
· 2026-02-09
# Romance Scams Surge Ahead of Valentine's Day
Criminals are increasingly using AI to create fake profiles on dating apps, generating realistic photos, deepfake videos, and even mimicking voices to deceive potential romantic partners into sending money—with some victims losing hundreds of thousands of dollars. Banks warn that AI has made it extremely difficult to spot these scams, as scammers exploit emotions and loneliness with highly sophisticated tools. To protect yourself, trust your instincts if a potential match seems too perfect or something feels off, verify identities before meeting, and never send money to people you haven't met in person.
says.com
· 2026-02-09
Scammers are increasingly using AI tools to create convincing fraud messages, clone voices, and generate deepfake videos that are much harder to detect than traditional scams, affecting people across Malaysia and beyond. Recent victims include a woman who lost RM5,000 to fake boss emails and a 63-year-old man who transferred RM49,800 after receiving a call from an AI-cloned voice of a friend. To protect yourself, verify unexpected requests by contacting the sender through a known phone number or in person, be skeptical of perfect messages from institutions you work with, and remember that legitimate banks and employers won't request money via gift vouchers or wire transfers.
star941fm.iheart.com
· 2026-02-08
A California woman lost her home and $81,000 in a sophisticated AI deepfake romance scam where criminals impersonated actor Steve Burton through convincing fake videos and voice messages to build a fake romantic relationship. Romance scams have become increasingly difficult to detect as AI technology advances, with victims losing over $1.14 billion in 2023 alone, and similar high-profile cases involving celebrities like Brad Pitt emerging. To protect yourself, be cautious about unexpected romantic advances online, never send money to people you haven't met in person, and verify claims by contacting the real person or organization through official channels.
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.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-08
A 90-year-old Southern California man lost his entire $814,000 life savings when someone forged his signature on checks and drained his account over several months, but Wells Fargo denied his fraud claim because he didn't report it within the bank's 60-day window—a difficult deadline for someone dealing with dementia, hearing loss, and limited mobility. The bank's investigation offered little help, and despite clear evidence that the forged signatures bore no resemblance to his actual signature, the institution refused to reimburse him. Customers should regularly monitor their accounts and report any suspicious activity immediately, and those with cognitive or health challenges should consider having trusted family members help manage their finances and watch for unauthorized transactions.
foxnews.com
· 2026-02-07
A woman named Abigail was defrauded of over $81,000 and her paid-off home by scammers who used AI-generated deepfake videos and messages impersonating actor Steve Burton to build a fake romantic relationship with her on Facebook and WhatsApp. The scam escalated over time as the perpetrators manipulated her into transferring money and eventually taking out loans against her home before her daughter discovered the fraud. To protect yourself, be suspicious of romantic contact from celebrities, avoid moving conversations to encrypted messaging apps with people you've just met online, and verify identities through official channels before sharing personal or financial information.
wilx.com
· 2026-02-07
Spam texts and robocalls are increasingly common, and while marking messages as spam does help your carrier identify patterns and block numbers when enough people report the same scam, there's a more effective method: forward suspicious messages to 7726 (which spells "SPAM") so carriers can analyze and block them faster across their entire network. Most importantly, never reply to spam texts—even with "STOP"—as this confirms your number is active and encourages scammers to target you more. By reporting scams properly rather than just ignoring them, you help protect yourself and other users from fraud.
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.
wcvb.com
· 2026-02-06
A Hingham woman lost $21,000 after scammers posing as Microsoft contacted her through a pop-up notification, falsely claiming her bank account had been hacked and directing her to wire money to recover the funds. The scam involved multiple fraudsters impersonating both Microsoft employees and bank fraud department staff, ultimately convincing the victim to send money and provide her driver's license. To protect yourself, avoid clicking on pop-ups or unsolicited messages, remember that legitimate companies won't ask you to wire money to recover stolen funds, and contact your bank directly using a number from their official website if you suspect fraud.
techloy.com
· 2026-02-06
# Scam Compounds Summary
Thousands of people across Southeast Asia are being forced to work in compound facilities that operate online fraud schemes, particularly "pig butchering" scams that manipulate victims into sending money to fake cryptocurrency platforms. Many of the workers themselves are victims—lured with fake job offers, stripped of their passports, and trapped through debt and intimidation in what amounts to modern slavery. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities and romantic relationships that quickly push financial requests, especially involving cryptocurrency, and verify job offers through official company channels before committing.
zycrypto.com
· 2026-02-06
Arizona has lost approximately $177 million annually to crypto ATM scams, with seniors over 60 making up 43% of victims, prompting Attorney General Kris Mayes to launch a crackdown and new complaint reporting system. Scammers use various tactics including impersonation calls about legal or banking issues to trick victims into sending money through crypto ATMs, which lack protections and are difficult to trace. To protect yourself, avoid using crypto ATMs if someone urges you to do so, report scams within 30 days to the state, and be skeptical of unsolicited requests for crypto payments.
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.
moneytalksnews.com
· 2026-02-05
Fraud losses have surged to $12.5 billion in 2024, a 25% increase from the previous year, with scammers increasingly targeting retirement savings through sophisticated schemes involving gold purchases and cryptocurrency. Criminals are impersonating bank agents, tech support, and government officials to convince victims that their accounts are compromised and trick them into buying gold bars or transferring savings to fake cryptocurrency wallets—both tactics that make money nearly impossible to recover once transferred. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact about account compromises, remember that legitimate banks and government agencies won't ask you to buy gold or crypto to "secure" your money, and verify any claims by calling your bank directly using a number from your statement rather than one provided by the caller.
record-eagle.com
· 2026-02-05
Modern scammers are using AI-generated voice clones to impersonate family members and target seniors with convincing "grandparent scams," as illustrated by a case where a 74-year-old woman nearly fell victim to a fraudster impersonating her grandson. Unlike traditional scams, these high-tech schemes use publicly available social media content to create nearly perfect replicas of loved ones' voices, making them extremely difficult for even savvy seniors to detect. To protect yourself, verify unexpected requests for money by contacting family members directly through known phone numbers, be cautious about what personal videos you share online, and stay skeptical of urgent requests that discourage you from telling others.
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.
wspa.com
· 2026-02-04
Scammers are increasingly targeting seniors with fraudulent Medicare calls to steal personal information and commit identity theft, with one woman discovering nearly $11,000 in fraudulent medical claims on her account. Rather than relying on third-party apps that may compromise your privacy, experts recommend using the built-in spam-blocking features on your phone (iPhone and Android) combined with your cell provider's call-blocking tools, which now use AI technology to effectively filter out scam calls. To maximize protection, make sure your phone's operating system is up-to-date before enabling these native blocking features.
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.
investmentnews.com
· 2026-02-03
The financial advice industry faces a growing risk as aging financial advisors may develop cognitive conditions like dementia, potentially putting clients' investments at risk. A case study highlighted a 57-year-old advisor who repeatedly forgot calling about continuing education and made duplicate client trades without realizing it, later diagnosed with dementia—a situation that created compliance and legal complications for his firm. Financial services firms should establish monitoring processes to identify advisors with declining cognitive abilities to protect both clients and the business, though experts acknowledge it's difficult to know how widespread the problem is.
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).
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.
financialit.net
· 2026-02-02
Romance scams cost UK victims £20.5 million in just six months of 2025, with losses jumping 37% year-over-year as fraudsters increasingly exploit emotional connections to extract money. Victims—particularly those over 55, especially ages 65-74—typically lose an average of £7,500 after sending 11 payments over about three months, as scammers build fake relationships using fabricated stories (claiming to work abroad, in the military, or as celebrities) before gradually requesting money for supposed emergencies or travel. To protect yourself, be suspicious of online relationships that quickly turn romantic without meeting in person, never send money to someone you haven't met face-to-face, and report suspicious behavior to your bank immediately.
fstech.co.uk
· 2026-02-02
Romance scams cost UK victims significantly more in 2025, with money sent to scammers jumping 37% compared to 2024, and victims losing an average of £7,500 across multiple payments before realizing they've been deceived. Fraudsters typically pose as people living abroad, celebrities, or soldiers on dating apps and social media platforms like Facebook, building trust over months before requesting money and continuing to ask for more with false promises. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly develop romantic interest, remain skeptical of requests for money or excuses about financial difficulties, and verify identities before sending any funds.
ffnews.com
· 2026-02-02
# Romance Scams Surge 37% as Victims Lose Thousands
Money sent to romance scammers jumped 37 percent in a year, with victims losing an average of £7,500 across 11 separate payments over three months, according to a new TSB report. Romance scams are particularly devastating because fraudsters spend months building trust with victims before requesting money, then continually create new reasons to ask for additional payments. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly progress to requests for money, verify identities through video calls before any financial involvement, and consult your bank if you're asked to make multiple payments to the same person.
igamingbusiness.com
· 2026-02-02
# China Executes 11 Members of Myanmar Criminal Syndicate in Major Scam Crackdown
China executed 11 members of the Ming family crime organization, which operated massive telecom and romance scams from Myanmar that generated over $1.4 billion between 2015 and 2023. The criminal compounds relied on forced labor and human trafficking to run "pig-butchering" scams targeting victims online, with workers lured by fake job ads and subjected to abuse, torture, and even murder if they failed to meet quotas. For protection against such scams, people should be wary of unsolicited job offers with unusually high pay, romantic advances from online strangers pushing investment opportunities, and any request to transfer money or provide personal financial information to unknown parties.
financialexpress.com
· 2026-02-01
Two Indian-origin men have been charged with money laundering for allegedly defrauding elderly people across Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Ohio through schemes impersonating tech workers, Microsoft support, PayPal representatives, and FTC officials. The scammers targeted vulnerable seniors, with at least one victim losing $40,000 in cash. Elderly people should be cautious of unsolicited calls about computer problems or account issues, verify caller identity through official channels, and never send money or personal information to unknown callers claiming to represent major companies or government agencies.
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.
huffpost.com
· 2026-02-01
# Ghost Tapping Scam Summary
A scam called "ghost tapping" allows fraudsters to overcharge customers using tap-to-pay and mobile wallet technology by hiding the transaction amount from the buyer—with victims reporting unauthorized charges of hundreds to thousands of dollars. The Better Business Bureau has received fewer than 10 reports so far, but warns the scam may increase during the holiday season when people use tap-to-pay at craft fairs and street vendors. To protect yourself, always ask to see the payment terminal screen before completing any tap-to-pay transaction to verify the exact amount being charged.
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.
ksl.com
· 2026-01-31
Artificial intelligence is making scams more convincing, and older adults—particularly those over 80 in Utah—are being hit hardest, with losses averaging $7,675 per person in 2025, exemplified by one 90-year-old who lost over $500,000 to a fake sweepstakes scam. Researchers tested four popular scam-detection apps (McAfee Scam Detector, Trend Micro Scam Check, Norton Genie, and BitDefender Scamio) and found that Norton Genie performed best, though none reliably caught all scam types, with only one app detecting phishing emails while all four flagged vishing (spoofed caller ID) scams. The takeaway: while scam-detection apps offer some protection, no single tool is foolproof, so people—especially seniors—should remain vigilant by verifying contact
aol.com
· 2026-01-31
An Arizona woman lost $1.5 million after clicking on a fake tech support website while searching for help with her TV's closed captioning, demonstrating how scammers use convincing fake websites and remote access software to systematically drain victims' accounts over time. The Federal Trade Commission reports that scams targeting older adults have surged dramatically, with a fourfold increase in victims losing $10,000 or more and a sevenfold increase in scams exceeding $100,000. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited tech support offers, avoid clicking links from search results when seeking help, and never grant remote access to your computer or pay upfront fees to unknown callers—instead, contact companies directly using official phone numbers from their legitimate websites.
mondaq.com
· 2026-01-31
U.S. authorities have seized approximately $15 billion in bitcoin from a massive "pig butchering" scam operated by Chen Zhi's Prince Group in Cambodia, where thousands of trafficked workers used fake social media accounts to trick victims into fraudulent cryptocurrency investments with promises of fake profits. Over 250 victims across the U.S. and New York have been identified, and affected investors may now recover their stolen funds through government recovery mechanisms that remain open even after initial deadlines. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited investment offers from strangers online—especially on dating apps and social media—and verify any investment opportunity through official channels before sending money.
zycrypto.com
· 2026-01-31
A Chinese national, Jingliang Su, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for orchestrating a $36.9 million cryptocurrency money-laundering scheme that defrauded 174 Americans through fake investment websites promoted on social media. The scam, known as "pig butchering," involved overseas conspirators building trust with victims before directing them to fraudulent crypto platforms that promised investment gains that never materialized; the stolen funds were laundered through shell companies and converted to Tether before being moved to accounts in Cambodia and the Bahamas. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment offers on social media from unknown contacts, verify that investment platforms are legitimate before sending money, and remember that no real investment opportunity will pressure you to quickly transfer funds to cryptocurrency.
eset.com
· 2026-01-30
Small businesses and freelancers are increasingly targeted by sophisticated scams that exploit their limited resources and busy schedules, with cybercriminals using AI tools to create more convincing schemes at scale. These scams can result in financial loss, data theft, and reputational damage, affecting everyone from solo entrepreneurs to micro-businesses. To protect themselves, small business owners should invest in affordable cybersecurity solutions designed for small offices and take time to learn about common scam tactics to implement preventive measures.
ksltv.com
· 2026-01-30
Researchers tested four popular scam detection apps and found that they are largely ineffective at catching common fraud tactics, with only Norton Genie successfully identifying a phishing email while the others failed to flag suspicious messages. Older adults in Utah are particularly vulnerable to scams, with people aged 80 and over losing an average of $7,675 to fraud in 2025—nearly 40 times more than younger people—exemplified by one 90-year-old man who lost over $500,000 to a fake sweepstakes scheme. To protect yourself, experts recommend being skeptical of unsolicited messages and calls offering prizes or requesting immediate payment, and consider consulting cybersecurity professionals or trusted contacts before responding to suspicious communications.
timesleader.com
· 2026-01-30
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday warned that scammers using advanced technology, including artificial intelligence, stole significant amounts of money from Pennsylvania residents in 2025, with seniors being particularly vulnerable to losing their savings. During National Identity Theft Awareness Week, Sunday spoke to about 40 people at a Kingston community center to educate seniors—one of the groups most targeted by fraud—on how to protect themselves. While the article doesn't specify detailed prevention tips, it emphasizes that AI has made modern scams harder to detect, making awareness and education critical for vulnerable populations.
gloucestertimes.com
· 2026-01-30
Modern scams have become increasingly sophisticated, using tactics like phishing, smishing, and vishing to deceive people into revealing money or personal information, with older adults being particularly targeted because scammers exploit their politeness and trust rather than any lack of intelligence. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited contacts, verify requests through official channels before sharing personal or financial information, and consider consulting with trusted family members or local aging services before making financial decisions.
itemlive.com
· 2026-01-30
Former Peabody Fire Chief Joe Mendonca joined local officials including Mayor Ted Bettencourt, District Attorney Paul Tucker, and State Auditor Diana DiZoglio at a senior center presentation to warn about growing fraud threats in the community. Essex County documented $11 million in scam losses last year—with officials suspecting the true number is double that—including cases in Peabody involving losses of over $100,000 since 2023. Residents should be wary of common scams involving Social Security, IRS impersonation, gift card requests, and AI-generated voice calls mimicking loved ones, and importantly, they should report suspected fraud to police rather than feeling shame, as underreporting prevents authorities from accurately tracking the problem.
aol.com
· 2026-01-30
A Michigan woman named Beth Hyland lost over $20,000 to a romance scammer who posed as a Frenchman named Richard on Tinder, using a sob story about being stranded in Qatar to pressure her into sending money. Romance scams cost Americans $672 million in 2024 according to the FBI, with seniors over 60 losing the most at $389 million collectively. To protect yourself, be wary of quick professions of love, requests for money, and people who make excuses to avoid meeting in person—especially those claiming to be stranded abroad needing financial help.
consumeraffairs.com
· 2026-01-29
# Romance Scams Summary
Romance scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with fraudsters now using AI-powered video impersonation, stolen social media accounts, and emotional manipulation to exploit vulnerable people—particularly targeting those experiencing loneliness or grief around holidays like Valentine's Day. The scams affect people of all ages who seek connection online, with scammers building trust over time before requesting money or personal information. To protect yourself, watch for red flags like rapid declarations of love, reluctance to video chat or meet in person, and any requests for money, while also slowing down the relationship timeline and verifying the person's identity before sharing sensitive information.
scamwatch.gov.au
· 2026-01-29
Scammers use sophisticated psychological manipulation tactics that can deceive anyone, regardless of intelligence or experience, which is why victims shouldn't feel ashamed about falling for scams. Understanding how these techniques work—rather than blaming yourself—is an important first step in protecting yourself. To reduce your vulnerability, stay informed about common scam tactics, verify requests for personal information or money through official channels, and remember that scams are designed by professionals specifically trained to exploit human psychology.
attorneygeneral.gov
· 2026-01-29
Pennsylvania residents lost over $76 million to scammers in 2025, with older residents particularly vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes enhanced by artificial intelligence. The most common scams were phishing and government imposter schemes, with victims typically losing money through wire transfers and cryptocurrency payments. Attorney General Dave Sunday advises people to report scams immediately, as quick reporting increases the chances of fund recovery, and recommends staying educated about current scam tactics as the best defense.
ksat.com
· 2026-01-29
Criminals are using a scam called "ghost tapping" to steal credit card information by simply getting close to victims in crowded public spaces like airports and transit stations, exploiting the contactless technology in credit cards and digital wallets. Fraud claims from this type of theft have increased 100-150% over the past year, putting anyone who uses tap-to-pay technology at risk. To protect yourself, enable transaction alerts on your cards, use phone wallets instead of physical cards when possible, keep your devices locked, consider RFID protection sleeves for physical cards, and regularly monitor your financial accounts for suspicious activity.
abc7news.com
· 2026-01-29
A Santa Cruz mother fell victim to a tech support scam where criminals convinced her that her identity had been stolen and used for illegal activities, pressuring her to buy gift cards to "resolve" the situation. Her partner interrupted the scam and helped her take quick action, allowing her to recover most of her money with assistance from local authorities and media intervention. The incident highlights how scammers use fake computer warnings and threats of legal trouble to manipulate victims, but acting quickly and getting help from authorities or trusted contacts can increase chances of recovering stolen funds.
uk.finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-01-29
# Romance Scams Cost Americans Millions
A Michigan woman lost over $20,000 to a romance scammer who posed as a French man named Richard on Tinder, quickly building trust through daily communication and promises of engagement before claiming he needed money while traveling for work. According to the FBI's 2024 Internet Crime Report, romance scams cost Americans $672 million in reported losses, with seniors aged 60 and over losing the most at $389 million. To protect yourself, be cautious of people who move relationships very quickly, avoid sending money to anyone you haven't met in person, and verify the identity of new contacts through video calls or meeting face-to-face before developing emotional or financial connections.
nebraska.tv
· 2026-01-28
Senior citizens are receiving assistance through educational programs designed to help them safely navigate technology and recognize common scams that disproportionately target older adults. The initiative focuses on teaching seniors how to identify and avoid fraud schemes while building their confidence with digital tools. Those concerned about scams can protect themselves by taking advantage of local technology education programs, verifying unexpected requests for personal information, and discussing suspicious activities with trusted family members or authorities.
sandiegored.com
· 2026-01-28
A Chinese citizen pleaded guilty to her role in an international fraud ring that stole $1.2 million from over 40 elderly victims across the United States between May 2025 and early 2026. The scammers posed as technical support representatives or bank officials, tricking seniors into paying for fake computer repairs or revealing financial information through phone calls, texts, and emails. Seniors should be wary of unsolicited contacts claiming there's a problem with their computer or account, verify caller identity by hanging up and calling official company numbers directly, and never provide personal financial information or make wire transfers based on urgent requests from strangers.