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in Robocall / Phone Scam
kpq.com
· 2025-12-08
Remote job scams are targeting college students through fake job postings on legitimate sites and email, where scammers send fraudulent checks as "advance payments" and instruct victims to wire portions of the funds to other accounts. When the checks bounce days later, victims are held liable for the full amount by their banks while the money sent to scammers becomes unrecoverable, leaving students with significant financial losses.
businessinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
A 70-year-old retired man lost approximately $256,470 to an investment scam after being referred by a friend to what appeared to be a legitimate financial company; the scammers posed as investment professionals, encouraged him to take out lines of credit and invest in bitcoin, and charged steep commissions before he discovered forged emails and other red flags. Despite enlisting a lawyer and private investigator (who traced scammers to Bulgaria and the US), Bank of America cleared fraudulent checks despite being alerted to the fraud, leaving him with only $20,000 remaining after legal fees. The victim emphasizes that the lack of government oversight and institutional safeguards—noting his local police department ha
wvua23.com
· 2025-12-08
Online vehicle purchase scams are increasing, where fraudsters post fake listings with photos and addresses to trick buyers into wiring deposits for vehicles that don't exist or are never delivered. Recent victims in Alabama, Utah, and Missouri lost between $25,000 and $36,000 each after transferring funds based on fraudulent contracts and dealer credentials. To protect themselves, buyers should verify the vehicle's VIN through services like CarFax, inspect the car in person, and avoid electronic transfers in favor of cashier's checks.
foxbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
Job scam reports surged 118% in 2023 compared to 2022, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center, with artificial intelligence enabling scammers to create increasingly convincing fake job postings, profiles, and company websites. Victims were typically lured through legitimate job platforms, moved to private communication channels, and then asked to provide sensitive personal information like driver's licenses and Social Security numbers under the guise of standard onboarding procedures. The ITRC recommends directly contacting companies by phone using verified contact information to confirm job opportunities and protect against these AI-enhanced scams.
knoe.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating Feeding America and other legitimate senior food assistance programs through phishing calls and texts, claiming to offer free food to seniors. The Better Business Bureau warns recipients to verify that calls are from credited organizations before providing personal information. Legitimate senior food programs include Commodity Supplemental Food Programs, senior food box programs, and SNAP; anyone who suspects they've been scammed should contact the BBB at (318)-387-4600.
krfofm.com
· 2025-12-08
A resident received a phishing text message impersonating the Illinois Tollway, claiming an unpaid toll of $7.59 with threatened additional charges of $75.90, and nearly fell for the scam before realizing it was fraudulent. The Illinois Tollway warns I-PASS customers to disregard such texts and instead verify account status directly through their website or customer service line at 1-800-UC-IPASS.
engadget.com
· 2025-12-08
Bumble added a reporting option for AI-generated photos and videos to combat fake profiles and catfishing on its dating platform. The move responds to user concerns, with 71% of Gen Z and Millennial users viewing AI-generated content as deceptive and wanting limits on its use, particularly given that romance scams resulted in $1.3 billion in losses to nearly 70,000 victims in 2022.
effinghamradio.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, U.S. consumers lost over $1 billion to romance scams, with a median loss of $2,000 per victim, according to the Federal Trade Commission. About 40 percent of romance scam contacts originated on social media, and nearly three-quarters of victims were men. Romance scams involve criminals building trust with victims to gain access to their accounts or money, and suspected cases can be reported to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or to the FBI.
irs.gov
· 2025-12-08
The IRS and Security Summit partners launched their annual "Protect Your Clients; Protect Yourself" awareness campaign warning tax professionals about evolving scams targeting their businesses and client data. Identity thieves are using multiple schemes including posing as new clients, phishing emails requesting Central Authorization File information, and phone/text campaigns to trick tax professionals into revealing sensitive information that could be used to file fraudulent tax returns. Tax professionals are advised to remain vigilant year-round against these threats, with the IRS offering educational forums and resources to help the tax professional community strengthen their security defenses.
walb.com
· 2025-12-08
Summer is peak season for fraud, with consumers reporting over $10 billion in losses to scams annually. The FTC warns of common summer schemes including fake vacation rentals, hotel payment scams, counterfeit concert tickets, fraudulent cruise offers, and smishing texts about unpaid tolls—all designed to steal money and personal information from travelers. Consumers should use reputable booking sites, verify listings, call businesses directly rather than responding to unsolicited contacts, and monitor financial accounts regularly for signs of identity theft.
fcpdnews.wordpress.com
· 2025-12-08
Law enforcement impersonation scams involve fraudsters contacting victims by phone or email, claiming to be police officers and demanding immediate payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers to resolve fictitious legal obligations, using threats of arrest to coerce compliance. Fairfax County Police advise verifying caller identity independently, never providing payment or personal information to unsolicited callers, and remembering that legitimate law enforcement never demands immediate payment through alternative financial methods. Victims should report suspected scams to the Fairfax County Police Financial Crimes Unit's online portal or non-emergency line at 703-691-2131.
masslive.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS is warning taxpayers about a scam involving unscrupulous tax return preparers who misrepresent rules for claiming clean energy tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, falsely claiming credits for taxpayers who do not qualify. Taxpayers who claim these inappropriate credits are responsible for repaying the inflated amount plus interest and penalties, and the IRS urges individuals to consult reputable tax professionals before claiming complex credits.
jewishaz.com
· 2025-12-08
The National Council on Aging identifies five major scams responsible for over 65% of reported incidents targeting seniors, including government impersonation, sweepstakes/lottery schemes, robocalls, grandparent scams, and romance scams—with emerging threats like deepfake technology and pandemic-related fraud. Protection strategies include verifying caller identity, avoiding personal information sharing, and staying informed through resources like the FTC's "Pass It On" campaign and AARP Fraud Watch Network, while community education and family communication serve as the most effective defenses.
dcsheriff.net
· 2025-12-08
The Publisher's Clearing House scam targets older adults through unsolicited phone calls, texts, or emails falsely claiming they have won millions of dollars and requesting thousands of dollars in "taxes" or "processing fees" via wire transfer, gift cards, or digital payment methods. The article advises that legitimate winnings never require upfront payment, and victims should verify claims with trusted sources and hang up if scammers pressure them to pay immediately.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Edward Rosario-Canela, 48, of the Bronx, was sentenced to 12 months in prison for his role as a "money-mule" in a grandparents scam that defrauded elderly victims of over $655,000. The scheme involved fraudsters posing as distressed grandchildren over the phone to convince elderly victims to send money, which Rosario then collected and transferred to coconspirators in the Dominican Republic. He was ordered to pay full restitution of $655,683 for his participation in the fraud.
wgrv.com
· 2025-12-08
A Greeneville man lost $9,000 in a warrant scam after receiving a call from someone impersonating a Sevier County Sheriff's Office lieutenant claiming he had an outstanding warrant. The victim withdrew cash and converted it to Bitcoin before realizing the fraud. Law enforcement officials remind the public that legitimate authorities never contact people by phone about warrants or request payments over the phone.
indianexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
A 31-year-old IT engineer in Pune lost Rs 96.57 lakh (approximately $11,600 USD) to an online share trading scam between April and May after clicking a social media link that added him to a messenger group promising 1,000% returns on stock investments. The fraudsters used a fake trading app showing inflated profits and requested repeated deposits, claiming additional funds were needed for withdrawals; when the victim tried to withdraw money, he realized the fraud and filed a complaint with police. This case is part of a surge in online share trading fraud cases reported in Pune over five months, with scammers targeting victims through social media advertisements and posing as employees of
coinfomania.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Coinbase users fell victim to a sophisticated impersonation scam in which fraudsters sent phishing emails posing as customer support representatives, directing victims to fake websites to steal their cryptocurrency seed phrases. One high-profile victim lost $1.7 million, and at least four users were targeted; the scammers likely exploited data from a 2022 CoinTracker breach. In the first half of 2024, crypto phishing attacks resulted in over $900 million in losses, with experts urging users to never share seed phrases or private keys regardless of who requests them.
fox13news.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are conducting a phishing scam targeting iCloud users through text messages that appear to be from Apple, directing victims to a fake login page (signin.authen-connexion.info/icloud) to steal their email addresses and passwords. Once compromised, victims lose access to their iCloud accounts, which contain sensitive information including email passwords, banking details, and personal photos. Cybersecurity experts recommend enabling two-factor authentication, using unique passwords for each account, and verifying that links end with legitimate company domains (apple.com) to protect against these attacks.
kfyrtv.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonated a sergeant from the Ward County Sheriff's Department, calling citizens and falsely claiming they had missed jury duty and had an arrest warrant issued against them, then demanding Bitcoin payment for bail. The sheriff's office warned residents that legitimate law enforcement will never request payment over the phone and advised citizens to report suspicious calls to local authorities.
wcjb.com
· 2025-12-08
Law enforcement agencies, the FBI, and the Better Business Bureau in North Central Florida are warning of a significant increase in scam calls and texts, with residents like Jacqueline Johnson experiencing multiple fraud incidents including unauthorized credit cards and cash app fraud. Officials recommend not sharing personal information, verifying caller identities, and spreading awareness about scams to friends and family, as advancing technology enables increasingly sophisticated fraud including voice cloning and impersonation schemes.
fredericksburgfreepress.com
· 2025-12-08
Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office reports ongoing impersonation scams where callers falsely claim to be law enforcement, threatening arrest over alleged warrants, missed jury duty, or unpaid fines unless the victim pays immediately. The sheriff's office clarifies they never contact residents by phone requesting payment and advises recipients of suspicious calls to hang up and verify by contacting the office directly at 540-582-7115.
pcworld.com
· 2025-12-08
Phishing is a social engineering scam where cybercriminals trick users into revealing sensitive data or installing malware by impersonating legitimate companies or individuals. Phishing attacks increased 58.2 percent globally from 2022 to 2023, with common types including email phishing, spear phishing (targeted at specific individuals), whaling (targeting executives), calendar phishing, and QR code phishing. Users should be cautious of unsolicited emails and invites claiming account issues, verify sender authenticity, and avoid clicking links or scanning QR codes from unknown sources.
fox23.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting seniors 65 and older with fake IT technical support calls, texts, and emails claiming to be from Microsoft or other companies, using a "spray and pray" approach to contact many potential victims. Once victims grant remote access to their computers, scammers lower security settings to steal passwords, personal information, and money through payment apps like Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Experts recommend seniors hang up on unsolicited contacts and independently verify any tech support claims by directly contacting the company themselves.
theitem.com
· 2025-12-08
Sophisticated overseas scammers steal tens of billions of dollars annually from Americans through internet and telephone fraud, with law enforcement agencies overwhelmed and catching few perpetrators due to limited resources and difficulties investigating crimes that originate overseas. The article highlights the growing crisis as the U.S. population ages and AI technology facilitates fraud, illustrated by cases including an 81-year-old Ohio man who fatally shot an Uber driver after being targeted by a scammer demanding $12,000, and notes that victims rarely recover lost funds and often don't report crimes due to discouragement and shame.
readingeagle.com
· 2025-12-08
Seniors remain vulnerable targets for fraud despite widespread awareness of common scams, with experts emphasizing the importance of continued vigilance. Recent prevalent schemes include check washing (where stolen checks have ink removed and amounts altered), grandchild impersonation calls, raffle list sales, and phone/online scams. According to the FTC, Americans reported a record $10 billion in fraud losses in 2023, though actual losses are likely much higher due to underreporting, with 42% of American adults having experienced fraud personally.
mcall.com
· 2025-12-08
This article is an educational piece emphasizing that seniors should remain vigilant about fraud risks, noting that while many are aware of basic scams, unexpected tactics make them vulnerable. An FBI representative spoke about fraud prevention at the Phoenixville Area Senior Center to raise awareness among older adults about prevalent scam risks.
houstonlanding.org
· 2025-12-08
Following Hurricane Beryl's devastation of the Houston area, officials warned residents to be cautious of scammers posing as contractors or disaster aid representatives seeking personal information or upfront payments. The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved a disaster declaration allowing residents to apply for federal aid, but the Federal Trade Commission advises verifying caller identity, avoiding clicking unknown links, hiring only licensed and insured contractors, and reporting suspicious activity to ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Scammers exploit post-disaster vulnerability through phone calls, texts, emails, and door-to-door solicitations using urgent language and threats to manipulate vulnerable residents.
jewishvoicesnj.org
· 2025-12-08
A cybersecurity expert fell victim to a phishing scam involving a fake email appearing to be from his domain name registrar, warning of a declined payment. After entering his credit card information on a fraudulent website, he quickly discovered the deception by checking the browser's address bar and immediately contacted his bank to block the card, preventing unauthorized charges to Apple Pay. The incident illustrates how scammers exploit emotional triggers and familiarity with legitimate vendors, emphasizing the importance of verifying website URLs and checking for security indicators before entering sensitive information online.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
**Amazon Prime Day Scam Spike (July 16-17)**
During Amazon Prime Day, scam reports to Amazon spike dramatically—last year rising from approximately 5,000 to over 14,000 per week—as cybercriminals exploit shoppers' eagerness for deals through phishing emails, text messages (smishing), fake product reviews, and counterfeit merchandise posed as legitimate third-party seller listings. Criminals also create lookalike websites to steal personal information, and the psychological urgency of time-limited deals makes consumers more vulnerable to fraudulent activity, with abnormally low prices on expensive items serving as a red flag for counterfeit products that
mainlinemedianews.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article highlights the vulnerability of seniors to fraud and emphasizes the importance of ongoing vigilance. Common scams targeting older adults include check washing (altering stolen checks), grandchild impersonation schemes, raffle ticket scams with sold contact lists, phone scams, and online fraud, with fraudulent reports reaching a record $10 billion in 2023 according to the FTC. The Phoenixville Area Senior Center and other organizations offer regular fraud prevention education, stressing that while seniors are increasingly aware of basic scam tactics, emerging schemes and seemingly innocent situations—like entering raffles at retail stores—continue to expose them to risk.
thesenior.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Money recovery scams are targeting previous fraud victims with offers to retrieve lost funds for upfront fees or percentages. Between December 2023 and May 2024, Australia's Scamwatch received 158 reports totaling over $2.9 million in losses, with adults aged 65 and older representing the largest victim group and suffering the highest average losses. Scammers impersonate government agencies, lawyers, and recovery services via multiple channels, requesting personal information and device access, while legitimate recovery is difficult since only law enforcement can seize criminal assets.
krcu.org
· 2025-12-08
Older adults with Alzheimer's disease and dementia are particularly vulnerable to scams due to cognitive changes affecting memory, decision-making, and judgment, with research suggesting financial difficulties and scam susceptibility may be early warning signs of cognitive decline. Loneliness, isolation, and social trust increase risk, making extra protective support essential. The BBB recommends caregivers watch for warning signs (frequent unsolicited calls, unfamiliar payments, secretive behavior), educate loved ones about common scams, reduce solicitations through registry opt-outs, and discuss financial security measures and account monitoring.
the-star.co.ke
· 2025-12-08
In the first three months of 2024, 80 percent of Kenyans were targeted by digital fraud schemes, though 72 percent successfully avoided victimization while 8 percent fell victim, according to a TransUnion Consumer Pulse Survey. Vishing (fraudulent phone calls) emerged as the most prevalent scam at 45 percent, followed by money/gift card scams and smishing (fraudulent texts) at 44 percent each, with all three methods increasing compared to 2023. The survey emphasizes that 91 percent of Kenyans remain concerned about sharing personal information due to privacy invasion and identity theft fears, highlighting the need for stronger security protocols and digital awareness
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 77-year-old retired hotel management professional in Mumbai lost Rs62,500 to an investment scam after being deceived by a deepfake video on YouTube featuring Mukesh Ambani endorsing a fraudulent stock market forum called "Forex Quantum Capital." This represents the third similar incident since March where scammers have used deepfake technology with advanced voice cloning to impersonate Reliance Industries' chairman and persuade victims to invest, with police tracking the perpetrators through IP addresses and bank account details. A related case involved a 54-year-old Ayurveda doctor who lost Rs7.09 lakhs to a comparable deepfake scam
mirror.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Former Harry Potter stuntman David Holmes lost tens of thousands of pounds in a sophisticated banking scam where a fraudster impersonated a NatWest employee and persuaded him to transfer money, eventually discussing cryptocurrency. Holmes appeared on This Morning to raise awareness about the scam, describing the emotional toll as devastating and noting that while NatWest's fraud team has assisted in recovering some funds for his care costs, he is still hoping to recover the remainder. The scammers exploited personal details, including knowledge of his recent birthday, to establish credibility and manipulate him into the fraudulent transfers.
standard-freeholder.com
· 2025-12-08
This editorial discusses common online scams affecting people of all ages, including e-transfer fraud (where scammers gain access to bank accounts after sending overpayments), dating site romance scams (where scammers build false relationships to solicit money), credit card theft, cryptocurrency investment schemes, and Facebook account duplication scams. The author emphasizes the need for vigilance when conducting online transactions, dating, and financial dealings, recommending verification of identities, use of secure platforms, and skepticism toward offers that seem too good to be true.
kdhlradio.com
· 2025-12-08
A text and phone scam impersonating the Minnesota Department of Transportation is circulating in Grand Marais and Cook County in northern Minnesota, falsely claiming victims owe $35 in late fees for express lane usage and directing them to fraudulent payment links. The Minnesota Department of Transportation had previously warned about this scam in June, and officials note the messages appear convincing; scammers have also made multiple follow-up calls to victims even after being blocked. Residents are advised to avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages and to verify urgent notifications through official channels.
paymentsjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
Financial advisors play a critical role in protecting affluent clients from rising cyber fraud and scams that target investment and retirement accounts. The article advises advisors to take a proactive approach by educating clients about common scams (particularly romance and wealth management scams), positioning themselves as trusted first contacts for victims, and helping remove the shame that prevents people from reporting fraud. Advisors should also leverage their multi-generational relationships to safeguard both younger and older clients from cyber threats.
wxxv25.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting Mississippi residents with fraudulent phone calls and emails impersonating federal court officials, threatening prosecution, fines, and jail time for allegedly missing jury duty in the Southern District of Mississippi. The U.S. Courts do not contact citizens via phone or email to request sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers or driver's license numbers. Citizens are advised to be vigilant against these recurring scams and avoid providing confidential information to unsolicited callers or emails.
chicagotribune.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS warns of exponentially growing tax scams targeting vulnerable populations, including the elderly, through social media misinformation about tax credits and fraudulent phone calls or texts from impersonators claiming to collect debts. Common schemes include viral videos promoting false "free money" claims that result in frivolous tax filings with penalties, and scammers impersonating IRS agents using scare tactics, though the legitimate IRS initiates contact via mail and does not threaten immediate legal action. Taxpayers should verify information through official IRS channels (1-800-829-1040) or visit in-person centers rather than relying on social media advice.
rock929rocks.com
· 2025-12-08
A 42-year-old man, Weikai Zhang, was arrested in Florida after attempting to defraud a 74-year-old woman through a phone scam where he convinced her that her bank account was at risk and persuaded her to purchase over 13 pounds of gold (valued at approximately $500,000) for delivery to her home, which he then planned to steal. Law enforcement officers learned of the scheme before the package arrived and apprehended Zhang near the victim's residence, preventing the loss of her life savings.
nationalseniors.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Between December 2023 and May 2024, Australian scammers targeted victims of previous scams with false promises to recover their stolen funds for upfront fees, with Scamwatch receiving 158 reports totaling over $2.9 million in losses—a 129% increase in reports compared to the prior six months. Australians aged 65 and older were the largest affected group, suffering the highest average losses, prompting National Seniors Australia to urge seniors to be suspicious of money recovery schemes and to report scams immediately to their banks and the National Anti-Scam Centre. The organization advocates for increased digital literacy training and online safety education to help older Australians protect
elizabethton.com
· 2025-12-08
A 50-year-old man from Brooklyn seeking asylum in the U.S. was arrested and charged with fraud and financial exploitation of a Carter County woman in a tech support scam scheme. The victim was deceived by a fake virus notification that led her to withdraw $30,500 from her bank account and hand the cash to the suspect at her residence. The arrest was aided by photographs and identification information the victim provided to authorities, and investigators coordinated with the Department of Homeland Security after discovering the suspect's temporary visitor status and pending asylum application.
onmanorama.com
· 2025-12-08
Malayali expatriates in Bahrain lost substantial sums to a scam ring offering discounted air tickets; one victim from Thiruvananthapuram lost 1,300 dinars after receiving fake tickets with fraudulent PNR numbers. After multiple victims coordinated efforts and set a trap for the fraudsters, police arrested one perpetrator, though victims recovered only partial compensation. Authorities advise expatriates to verify background checks and use only licensed travel agents for bookings to avoid similar schemes.
postandcourier.com
· 2025-12-08
The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs warns consumers about four types of summer scams: fake toll charge texts claiming overdue payments, travel scams including fraudulent vacation offers and hijacked rental listings, disaster relief scams where imposters pose as repair workers or FEMA employees, and job scams requesting cryptocurrency payments or personal information. The agency advises consumers to verify contacts independently, never pay for free services or government relief, avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, and be wary of unannounced repair workers or unsolicited job offers.
autoremarketing.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS warned car dealerships to remain vigilant against phishing and smishing scams where fraudsters impersonate IRS representatives to trick recipients into clicking malicious links, downloading malware, or providing personal and financial information. The agency advised businesses to avoid clicking unsolicited email and text links, enable multi-factor authentication, and verify sender identity through independent contact methods to protect against these attacks and potential ransomware infections.
greenevillesun.com
· 2025-12-08
A Greene County woman lost $4,500 to a phone scam in which a caller impersonating "Captain Rader" claimed she had missed jury duty and threatened to sign a warrant, then directed her to send money via Bitcoin kiosk. Additionally, fraudulent letters purporting to be from a nonexistent "Clerk's Property Office" are circulating in the area, charging $89 for deed copies that are available free or cheaply through legitimate county Register of Deeds offices.