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kxly.com
· 2025-12-23
# Holiday Scam Summary
During the busy holiday shopping season, scammers are targeting shoppers through two main schemes: tampering with gift cards in stores before purchase and sending fraudulent texts and emails impersonating banks and government agencies. Victims can lose significant money when criminals steal card details from tampered gift cards or trick people into revealing personal financial information through fake messages. To protect yourself, be cautious when purchasing gift cards (inspect packaging carefully), never respond to unsolicited texts or emails asking for personal information, and don't be embarrassed if you fall for a scam—even financial professionals have been victims.
siasat.com
· 2025-12-23
A retired Indian Police Service officer lost Rs 8.10 crore in an investment scam after joining a WhatsApp group promising high returns, and tragically died by suicide due to financial and emotional distress. Hyderabad police warn that online investment scams are rapidly increasing, with fraudsters using fake websites and apps on social media platforms to lure victims with promises of cryptocurrency, forex, or stock trading profits. To protect yourself, avoid investing through unverified platforms, be skeptical of unsolicited investment offers on social media, and never pay "processing fees" or additional charges when attempting to withdraw funds.
bitdefender.com
· 2025-12-23
European financial regulators have issued a joint warning about a growing wave of cryptocurrency scams that use artificial intelligence tools like deepfakes and AI-generated content to make fraudulent schemes more convincing and harder to detect. These scams targeting everyday consumers often impersonate trusted figures, create fake investment platforms, and pressure victims into sending cryptocurrency or revealing sensitive information, with little hope of recovering lost funds since crypto transactions are typically irreversible. To protect yourself, regulators advise being skeptical of anything that feels urgent, secretive, or too good to be true, verifying links and content before clicking on them, and using cybersecurity tools to help identify fraudulent websites and communications.
independent.co.uk
· 2025-12-22
# Holiday Scam Alert
Australians lost over A$2 billion to scams in 2024, with losses expected to remain similar this year, particularly during the busy holiday shopping season when people's guards are down. Common scams include fake online stores and phishing messages posing as delivery services, investment schemes involving cryptocurrency, and romance scams targeting lonely individuals. To protect yourself and family, verify online retailers before purchasing, be suspicious of unsolicited investment offers, never send money to people you've only met online, and remain alert to messages creating artificial urgency to act quickly.
publicradioeast.org
· 2025-12-22
# Federal agents in North Carolina seized nearly $8.5 million in cryptocurrency that was stolen through "pig butchering schemes," elaborate scams where criminals pose as romantic interests or trusted advisors on social media to lure victims into fake cryptocurrency investments that promise unrealistic returns. Victims—some of whom lost their entire life savings—are typically contacted randomly via text or social media, build relationships with scammers, and are directed to fraudulent trading platforms where their money disappears when they attempt withdrawal. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited messages offering investment opportunities, verify investment platforms independently before sending money, and remember that legitimate investment firms will never demand additional payments to help you recover losses.
moneytalksnews.com
· 2025-12-22
Americans over 60 lost an estimated $2.4 billion to financial fraud in 2024 (with potential losses reaching as high as $81.5 billion when accounting for unreported cases), with scammers increasingly using social engineering and AI to target retirement accounts through sophisticated schemes like "pig butchering" scams on social media and dating apps. The three most common scams affecting seniors are investment fraud (including fake cryptocurrency and pre-IPO stock schemes), along with other emerging threats, where victims are lured through fake relationships before losing their savings to fake trading platforms or hidden "tax fees." To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities promising guaranteed returns on social media, verify any investment platform independently before transferring funds, and report suspected fraud to the FTC.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-22
Gift card scams have surged by approximately 25% over the past two years, with fraudsters stealing over £18.5 million from victims in 2023-24 by either draining money from cards in stores or tricking people into buying them to send untraceable funds. Shoppers across the UK are being affected, including families like Emma Johnson's who lost £120 when gift cards purchased as birthday presents were tampered with and emptied before use. To protect yourself, carefully inspect gift cards before purchasing, verify that the card number matches your receipt, and report any suspected fraud immediately to the retailer's customer service team.
lifehacker.com
· 2025-12-22
# Scam Alert Summary
Scammers are targeting online shoppers by selling non-existent or poor-quality items, then falsely claiming the products are out of stock and refusing to issue refunds. To protect yourself, avoid deals that seem too good to be true (especially on social media), research unfamiliar sellers by searching for reviews and scam reports, and only purchase from secure websites with HTTPS connections. Using a credit card for online shopping gives you extra protection through chargeback options if you don't receive your refund.
livebitcoinnews.com
· 2025-12-22
Scammers linked to DEFcon33 are using fake success stories and testimonials on social media and direct messages to deceive cryptocurrency investors into investing in fraudulent tokens and platforms, targeting inexperienced users with false promises of quick, high returns. The scheme exploits people's desire for easy profits by creating a false sense of legitimacy through fabricated accounts and exaggerated claims. To protect yourself, experts recommend verifying token details before investing, being skeptical of testimonials promising high returns with little risk, and staying cautious when approached with investment opportunities through social media or direct messages.
mauinow.com
· 2025-12-22
Hawaii's Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is warning consumers about increasingly sophisticated holiday scams that use artificial intelligence and technology to exploit victims, including fake investment schemes, deepfake impersonations of celebrities, and fraudulent "AI trading bots" promising guaranteed returns. State securities regulators investigated over 8,800 cases in 2024, resulting in $259 million in fines and restitution, revealing that while scammers employ new tools, their core goal remains stealing money from unsuspecting victims. Consumers should be cautious of unsolicited investment pitches—especially those involving FOMO (fear of missing out), online relationships pushing financial commitments, and promises of guaranteed AI-driven returns—and verify the legitimacy of investment opportunities before sending money.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-21
An 86-year-old woman lost $700,000 to scammers who used fake security warnings to convince her to withdraw money from her banks, and she's now suing Merrill Lynch, UBS, and TD Bank for failing to stop the unusually large transactions despite her documented vulnerability to fraud. The scam is part of a broader pattern where criminals impersonate trusted institutions and law enforcement to trick people into transferring their savings. To protect yourself: never withdraw funds based on unsolicited warnings, remember that legitimate banks and government agencies will never ask you to transfer money for safekeeping, and if you're concerned about cognitive decline, consider designating a trusted family member to monitor your accounts as an early warning system.
theconversation.com
· 2025-12-21
# Scam Safety During the Holiday Season
Australians lost over A$2 billion to scams in 2024, with losses expected to remain similar this year, as scammers intensify their efforts during the busy Christmas period when people are distracted and stressed. Common holiday scams include fake online stores, phishing emails posing as delivery services, cryptocurrency investment schemes, and romance scams targeting lonely individuals. To protect yourself and family, be cautious of unsolicited offers, verify websites before shopping, avoid clicking links in unexpected messages, and never send money to people you've only met online—particularly if they request urgent payments.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-21
# Pig Butchering Scam Summary
A 51-year-old New Jersey father lost $280,000 in a "pig butchering" scam after a woman contacted him on Facebook claiming to be interested in his life, gradually building a romantic relationship with him through messaging apps, then convincing him to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. This type of scam targets vulnerable individuals emotionally, earning their trust over weeks or months before pivoting to investment opportunities that appear to show quick returns but are actually fake. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited romantic advances from strangers online, never share financial information or investment access with people you haven't met in person, and verify any investment opportunity through independent financial advisors rather than trusting links provided by new connections.
capitalethiopia.com
· 2025-12-21
The scam industry has evolved from petty crimes into a sophisticated, borderless operation that costs the global economy billions annually and now funds organized crime and destabilizes communities. Digital technology—including social media, cryptocurrency, AI deepfakes, and gig economy platforms—has made it easier for scammers to operate at scale, from forced labor operations running romance scams in Southeast Asia to boiler-room fraud targeting North Americans and pyramid schemes preying on economically vulnerable communities worldwide. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited messages and offers that seem too good to be true, verify contact information independently before sharing personal or financial information, and report suspected scams to local authorities.
tradingview.com
· 2025-12-21
A cryptocurrency trader lost nearly $50 million in USDT after copying a fraudulent wallet address from their transaction history—the fake address matched the first three and last four characters of the legitimate one, making it nearly impossible to spot at a glance. The broader crypto industry is experiencing a security crisis, with $90 billion in total losses to scams and hacks since inception, including over $9 billion lost in 2025 alone, as attackers increasingly target human error rather than exploiting code vulnerabilities. To protect yourself, always independently verify wallet addresses before any transaction, use address book features instead of copy-pasting, enable security features like transaction confirmations, and consider transferring only small test amounts first.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-20
Scammers are increasingly targeting people with fake financial-relief schemes, such as phony calls claiming unclaimed relief checks or government assistance payments, asking victims to share personal information—with the BBB receiving over 800 complaints in just two months in 2025. Older adults and people facing financial hardship are particularly vulnerable, and experts warn that these scams will likely intensify in 2026 as AI-generated deepfakes make it harder to distinguish legitimate from fraudulent communications. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls or messages offering easy money or requesting personal information, verify any claims directly with official government agencies or companies, and report suspected scams to the FTC or BBB.
nbcchicago.com
· 2025-12-20
During the holiday season, consumers face increased fraud risks including pet breeder scams (where fake animals are advertised and unexpected fees appear before "pickup"), gift card theft (where cards are drained before use), and social media shopping scams (where buyers never receive items or pay inflated prices). To protect yourself, research sellers and breeders thoroughly before sending money, buy gift cards directly from retailers and use them quickly, and verify online retailers by searching for reviews and checking for fraud complaints before making purchases.
ozarkradionews.com
· 2025-12-20
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway is warning residents about holiday gift card scams, where criminals impersonate government officials, utilities companies, or loved ones to pressure victims into buying gift cards and sharing their codes—money that becomes impossible to recover once spent. These scams exploit urgency and fear during the busy holiday season, targeting popular retailers like Walmart, Target, Amazon, and Apple, with millions of dollars lost nationwide annually. Missourians should remember that no legitimate organization requests payment via gift card, and anyone who suspects they've been scammed should contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-392-8222 or report it online at ago.mo.gov.
aol.com
· 2025-12-20
A 51-year-old New Jersey father lost $280,000 after being targeted by a "pig butchering" scam—a sophisticated fraud scheme that combines romance manipulation with fake investment opportunities. A scammer posing as a woman named Ailis befriended him on Facebook, built emotional trust through daily messages and affection, then convinced him to invest in a fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme that promised high returns. To protect yourself: be extremely skeptical of unsolicited romantic advances from strangers on social media, never invest based on recommendations from people you've only met online, and verify investment opportunities through independent sources before transferring any money.
therogersvillereview.com
· 2025-12-20
Tennessee's Department of Commerce & Insurance is warning residents about a surge in holiday scams using sophisticated technology like AI, which state regulators investigated over 8,800 cases of in 2024, resulting in $259 million in fines and restitution. Common scams include romance-based investment schemes ("pig butchering"), deepfake impersonations of celebrities or trusted contacts, and fake AI trading bots designed to steal money from victims. Investors should be skeptical of unsolicited investment pitches—especially those involving new technologies or celebrity endorsements—and verify the legitimacy of any investment opportunity before sending money.
ladailypost.com
· 2025-12-20
New Mexico's Securities Division is warning residents about increasingly sophisticated investment scams that use new technology and artificial intelligence to defraud investors, particularly during the holiday season. The division, drawing on 2024 enforcement data, identified several fraud schemes targeting investors and urges people to educate themselves about common scams as the first step in protecting their money. For more information on how to safeguard investments and report fraud, residents can visit the New Mexico Securities Division website at www.rld.nm.gov/securities-division/.
ciso.economictimes.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-20
Scammers in India are increasingly exploiting Telegram's encrypted channels to run fake investment schemes, lottery scams, and job offer frauds, resulting in over ₹1,100 crore in losses during the first half of 2025. The fraudsters use pressure tactics, deepfake videos, and "pig butchering" schemes to build trust before stealing money through fake trading apps and QR code redirects. Users should be wary of unsolicited investment opportunities on Telegram, avoid scanning unfamiliar QR codes or downloading apps from private chats, and remember that private channels offer no guarantee of safety.
wnct.com
· 2025-12-19
Federal agents seized $8.5 million in cryptocurrency linked to "pig butchering" scams, where criminals pose as romantic interests or business contacts to trick victims into depositing money on fake trading platforms that freeze accounts and demand additional "taxes" to withdraw funds. The scammers immediately moved stolen money through multiple cryptocurrency wallets to hide its origins, but the FBI successfully traced and recovered the funds. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited messages from strangers offering investment opportunities, verify that cryptocurrency platforms are legitimate before investing, and never send money to someone you haven't met in person or pay fees to recover lost investments.
governor.hawaii.gov
· 2025-12-19
Hawaii's Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is warning consumers about sophisticated holiday scams, with state securities regulators handling over 8,800 investigations in 2024 that recovered $259 million in fines and restitution. Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence and new technologies to execute schemes like "pig butchering" (romance scams combined with fake investments) that exploit people's fear of missing out on trending investments. Consumers should be cautious of unsolicited investment pitches, especially those involving new technologies or platforms that build trust through online relationships, and verify any investment opportunities through official channels before committing money.
cryptorank.io
· 2025-12-19
# Crypto Scam Task Force Summary
Americans lost over $3.6 billion to cryptocurrency scams in the first nine months of 2025, with losses driven primarily by access-control exploits (58%) and phishing attacks (21%), prompting US Senator Jerry Moran to introduce the SAFE Crypto Act to establish a federal task force dedicated to combating these crimes. The task force, which would coordinate efforts across the Treasury Department, Justice Department, and other agencies, operates with no dedicated budget or new investigative powers and serves mainly an advisory role rather than conducting independent operations. To protect yourself, be cautious of phishing attempts and unsolicited investment opportunities—especially romance and "pig-butchering" schemes—and only use reputable exchanges and custodians when dealing with cryptocurrencies.
spectrumlocalnews.com
· 2025-12-18
Hawaii officials are warning residents about a surge in holiday scams powered by artificial intelligence and technology, including deepfake voice impersonations of trusted friends, fake investment schemes, and fraudulent trading bots that promise guaranteed returns. According to state regulators, scammers are exploiting people's fear of missing out on tech investments and using AI-generated videos and cloned voices to steal money, with tactics ranging from romance scams to fake cryptocurrency and stock offerings. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment pitches, verify requests for money by contacting friends or institutions directly through known channels, and avoid platforms promising guaranteed returns, especially those using AI or cryptocurrency.
rte.ie
· 2025-12-18
Banks are warning of a significant rise in "smishing" scams—fraudulent text messages impersonating banks, delivery services, or government agencies—which accounted for 57% of reported fraud incidents at AIB this year, particularly affecting busy people during the holiday season. Customers are advised to never click links or call numbers from unsolicited texts, always verify contact through trusted sources, and be especially cautious of "safe account" scams where criminals pose as bank staff asking people to transfer funds for security reasons. Additional threats include investment scams promising unrealistic returns, and the key protection is to stay vigilant, hang up on suspicious callers immediately, and seek independent financial advice before any investment.
wired.com
· 2025-12-18
A Chinese AI face-swapping app called Haotian has generated millions of dollars by selling its technology to scammers who use realistic deepfake videos to impersonate romantic interests, friends, or investment advisors in elaborate fraud schemes known as "pig butchering" scams, primarily targeting victims in Southeast Asia. The app's highly realistic results—customizable with up to 50 facial features—allow scammers to conduct convincing video chats that make their deceptions appear legitimate, with research showing the platform has received at least $3.9 million in cryptocurrency payments, much of it linked to criminal activity. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious about video calls with people you've only met online, especially in romantic or investment contexts, and verify identities through multiple independent channels before sending money or sharing personal information.
fox2now.com
· 2025-12-18
A Pennsylvania couple in their late 70s lost over $1.3 million in a scam where someone posing as a Social Security Administration employee convinced them their Social Security number was compromised and instructed them to buy gold as a security measure. The scammers then collected the gold under the pretense of issuing a new Social Security number, with law enforcement noting this "gold bar" scam is a recurring tactic that has victimized other elderly residents in the area. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited calls claiming to be from government agencies requesting you convert assets to gold or other valuables, and verify any such claims by contacting the agency directly through official phone numbers.
blackchronicle.com
· 2025-12-18
Florida authorities seized $1.5 million in cryptocurrency from a Chinese national involved in an internet investment scam that defrauded a Citrus County resident of $47,421. The case, investigated by the state's Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit, resulted in charges of money laundering, grand theft, and organized fraud scheme against Tu Weizhi. To protect yourself, report suspected investment scams immediately to local law enforcement, be wary of unsolicited investment opportunities online, and remember that legitimate investments never pressure you or guarantee unrealistic returns.
waff.com
· 2025-12-18
The Better Business Bureau has warned consumers about 12 digital scams targeting people during the holiday season, including fake social media ads, counterfeit websites, pyramid scheme gift exchanges, phishing texts claiming toll fees are owed, and fraudulent job postings. These scams primarily steal money and personal information from victims through deceptive links and fake websites that impersonate legitimate businesses and charities. To protect yourself, avoid clicking suspicious links in unsolicitive messages, verify charities through give.org, expect legitimate toll notices by mail rather than text, and be cautious of job offers that don't involve in-person interviews.
spectrumlocalnews.com
· 2025-12-17
Throughout 2025, Hawaii residents fell victim to increasingly sophisticated scams, including phone impersonations of police officers and sheriffs who falsely claimed victims had legal issues and demanded payment via gift cards or other methods. Law enforcement agencies warned the public that legitimate police officers never request payments over the phone and urged residents to be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from authorities. To protect yourself, hang up on unexpected calls from law enforcement, independently verify any legal claims by contacting your local police department directly, and never purchase gift cards or send money in response to phone calls.
akronlegalnews.com
· 2025-12-17
A recent FINRA report surveyed over 2,800 investors and found that 50% would invest in an opportunity promising a guaranteed, risk-free 25% annual return—a major red flag for fraud. Surprisingly, younger investors (ages 18-34) were most vulnerable at 64% acceptance, while those 55+ were most skeptical at only 36%, contradicting the assumption that elderly people are the primary fraud targets. The key takeaway: if an investment promises guaranteed, risk-free returns that seem too good to be true, it almost certainly is, and investors of all ages should be cautious about such offers.
tn.gov
· 2025-12-17
During the 2024 holiday season, Tennessee authorities are warning investors about a surge in sophisticated scams that use artificial intelligence and technology trends to trick people into fraudulent investments, with scammers exploiting consumers' fear of missing out on new opportunities. State securities regulators conducted over 8,800 investigations last year, resulting in $259 million in fines and restitution, showing how widespread investment fraud has become. If you're considering any investment opportunity, especially one involving new technology, verify it through official channels like the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance Securities Division (800-863-9117) before committing your money.
ottawa.citynews.ca
· 2025-12-17
An Ottawa grandfather nearly lost $6,000 to a sophisticated scam in which a caller impersonated a lawyer, claimed his grandson was in a car accident, and demanded bail money—but his family's quick action and police intervention stopped the crime before money was handed over. The scammer used emotional manipulation tactics, insisting secrecy and mentioning a pregnant woman involved in the collision, then sent an accomplice to the home posing as a court-appointed trustee to collect the cash. Police and family officials warn seniors to verify emergency claims by calling family members directly and never to send money based on unsolicited calls, especially when the caller demands secrecy.
adn.com
· 2025-12-17
Scammers posing as government officials and law enforcement are targeting Alaskans with calls demanding payment for missed jury duty or arrest warrants, causing losses exceeding $1.3 million in 2024—more than five times the previous year. To protect yourself, never provide personal information or make payments to callers claiming to be officials, and report suspicious calls immediately to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center and your bank, as early reporting may allow funds to be recovered. The scammers use caller ID spoofing, personalized details, and intimidation tactics to appear legitimate, so staying calm and verifying through official channels is crucial.
pbs.org
· 2025-12-17
Myanmar's military has declared a "zero tolerance" policy for cyberscams and launched high-profile raids on KK Park, a major scam compound, but evidence suggests the crackdown may be largely symbolic. Thousands of displaced scam workers are simply relocating to other operations within Myanmar and abroad, with at least 30 scam compounds still operating along the Thai border and continuing to use services like Starlink despite claimed shutdowns. To meaningfully combat this lucrative criminal industry, experts warn that authorities must arrest the crime syndicates' leaders, seize their assets, and jail them—not just destroy buildings.
zdnet.com
· 2025-12-17
# Holiday Scams Summary
The US Treasury warns that cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting the holiday season through three main scams: business impersonation (fake emails and websites spoofing trusted companies), gift card draining, and fraudulent social media ads promoting discounted products that are never delivered. These scams are becoming more sophisticated as criminals use AI to impersonate trusted brands and companies, making them harder to detect. To protect yourself, verify websites directly before entering payment information, be skeptical of unusually low prices, avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails, and purchase gift cards only from authorized retailers.
wect.com
· 2025-12-17
Pender County, North Carolina lost over $650,000 in taxpayer funds after scammers impersonated the Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority and changed banking details on payment invoices. The FBI and SBI are now investigating the fraud scheme, which raises concerns that other counties may have been targeted similarly. County officials advise verifying payment routing information directly with vendors through known contact methods rather than relying solely on email instructions, especially when banking details change.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-17
# Crypto Scams Cause Million-Dollar Losses in Austin
Austin residents have lost nearly $4 million to cryptocurrency scams in 2025 alone, with less than $90,000 recovered, according to police investigators—a problem that's part of a broader global trend. Scammers typically contact victims by phone, text, or email claiming their accounts have been hacked, then pressure them to deposit cash into cryptocurrency ATMs where the money is converted and sent to overseas criminals, making recovery nearly impossible. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contacts about your crypto accounts, verify requests through official channels before taking action, and remember that legitimate institutions will never ask you to move funds to crypto ATMs.
tradingview.com
· 2025-12-17
During the holiday season, cryptocurrency users face increased scam risks as cybercriminals exploit increased online activity, heightened emotions, and distraction to trick people into fraudulent schemes like phishing emails, fake wallet apps, and bogus investment opportunities. Crypto users are particularly vulnerable because cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible, making it difficult or impossible to recover stolen funds. To stay protected, users should avoid clicking suspicious links, verify wallet addresses carefully, and take time to authenticate requests before conducting any crypto transactions, especially during busy holiday periods.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-16
According to a recent Federal Trade Commission report, Americans over 60 lost $2.4 billion to scams in 2024—a 400% increase since 2020—with investment scams, imposter scams, and romance scams being the most common types, primarily spread through social media. Seniors are particularly vulnerable because they often have accumulated savings and may experience age-related brain changes that reduce their ability to detect risk and read social cues. To protect yourself, thoroughly investigate any investment opportunity through the Securities and Exchange Commission before committing money, and be cautious of unsolicited contact on social media.
seattlered.com
· 2025-12-16
# Scam Losses Among Older Americans Surge Dramatically
Reported fraud losses for Americans aged 60 and older have skyrocketed to $2.4 billion in 2024—nearly four times higher than the $600 million reported in 2020—with the FTC estimating the actual total damage could exceed $81 billion. Scammers are increasingly targeting seniors through social media platforms with cryptocurrency investment scams and romance schemes, while also impersonating authority figures like law enforcement and banks to pressure victims into transferring large sums of money. To protect yourself, watch for common warning signs: unexpected contact from unknown people, emotional appeals designed to upset you, and artificial pressure to act quickly without thinking.
pennwatch.org
· 2025-12-16
# Scam Summary
An elderly Lancaster County couple lost $1.3 million in a Social Security impersonation scam that began with a phone call claiming their Social Security number was compromised. The fraudsters convinced them to liquidate retirement savings, convert the money to gold bars, and hand them over in person as a supposed "fee" for obtaining a new Social Security number. Authorities warn the public to immediately hang up on any caller threatening legal action or demanding payment for government services, as legitimate government agencies never request payment or personal assets over the phone.
okmagazine.com
· 2025-12-16
During the holiday season, when scams spike, many fraud victims are discovering that their stolen funds may be recoverable through professional recovery services rather than accepting their loss in silence. Common scams include cryptocurrency fraud, romance schemes, and fake charities, which prey on people's heightened emotions and vulnerability between November and January. Victims should overcome shame and embarrassment by seeking help from legitimate recovery specialists who use forensic analysis and legal action to trace stolen assets, as experts emphasize that recovery attempts are constructive steps rather than admissions of defeat.
home.treasury.gov
· 2025-12-16
The U.S. Treasury Department has released a holiday advisory warning consumers about a surge in cyber-enabled fraud and scams, which now cost tens of billions of dollars annually and increasingly use artificial intelligence to impersonate trusted contacts and businesses. Consumers of all ages shopping and conducting transactions online are vulnerable, particularly during the holiday season when digital activity peaks. The Treasury urges people to verify unexpected messages, consult trusted sources before acting, and report suspected fraud to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
wmtw.com
· 2025-12-16
# Tech Support Scam Arrest
A Texas man was arrested in Maine during an undercover operation targeting an organized tech support scam where fraudsters pose as legitimate tech support representatives to trick victims into giving them computer access and stealing their money or valuables. The scammers typically claim hackers have compromised the victim's accounts, use personal information to appear credible, and convince people to withdraw cash or buy gold under the guise of protecting their assets, with couriers then collecting the valuables. If you receive unsolicited calls about computer problems or hacking threats, hang up and contact your bank or local police directly rather than following the caller's instructions.
malwarebytes.com
· 2025-12-16
"Pig butchering" is a sophisticated online investment scam that has stolen over $6.5 billion in 2024 alone, affecting people of all ages globally by starting with seemingly innocent messages on social media or text, then building false trust over months before luring victims into fake cryptocurrency investment schemes. Scammers use emotional manipulation to gain confidence, eventually convincing victims to deposit money into fraudulent investment accounts that appear to show growing returns while the money actually goes directly to the criminals. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited messages from strangers, never invest based on advice from people you've only met online, and verify investment opportunities through official channels before sending any money.
kxan.com
· 2025-12-16
Cryptocurrency scams are causing millions in losses to Austin residents in 2025, with victims losing nearly $4 million while only about $90,000 has been recovered, according to local law enforcement. Scammers typically initiate contact via phone, text, or email claiming the victim's accounts have been compromised, then trick them into depositing cash into cryptocurrency ATMs where the money is converted to digital currency and sent to overseas criminals—making recovery nearly impossible. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact about your crypto accounts and never deposit money into a crypto ATM based on instructions from someone claiming to help secure your funds.
cxodigitalpulse.com
· 2025-12-16
Telegram scams are surging in India, with fraudsters using the platform's encrypted channels to promote fake investment schemes, lottery wins, and job offers that have cost Indians over ₹1,100 crore in the first half of 2025 alone. Scammers typically start by flooding public channels with promises of quick profits, then move victims to private chats where they use deepfakes and psychological pressure to extract money through UPI payments or malware-infected apps. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment pitches on Telegram, never share personal details with unknown contacts, and avoid clicking links or downloading files from untrusted sources.