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cbs6albany.com
· 2025-12-08
New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a warning about deepfake investment scams using AI-manipulated videos of celebrities like Elon Musk and Warren Buffet to fraudulently solicit investments, often in cryptocurrency. Scammers use these convincing fake videos on social media to lure victims into making initial investments on fraudulent platforms, then pressure them for additional funds or prevent withdrawals, sometimes extracting hundreds of thousands of dollars before disappearing. The AG recommends New Yorkers verify investment opportunities independently, be cautious of video solicitations, avoid sending money to unverified platforms, and report suspected scams to law enforcement.
worklife.news
· 2025-12-08
Phishing emails now comprise 40% of Business Email Compromise threats, with malicious communications becoming increasingly sophisticated due to generative AI, making them harder to detect through traditional red flags. HR departments can help combat this rising threat by implementing phishing-simulation exercises and ongoing cybersecurity training for employees, creating a layered defense alongside IT security measures. A notable case involved fraudsters impersonating lawyers who convinced a Paris real estate developer's CFO to transfer €38 million, illustrating how devastating successful phishing attacks can be, potentially resulting in ransomware infections, data breaches, regulatory fines, and lawsuits.
securityboulevard.com
· 2025-12-08
Back-to-school season creates prime conditions for scammers targeting busy parents and students through phishing emails promoting fake school supply deals, fake giveaways collecting personal data for identity theft, and fraudulent scholarship offers. Consumers can protect themselves by verifying sources directly through official websites, checking email sender domains, researching giveaway legitimacy, and confirming clear terms and conditions before sharing personal information or making purchases.
news9.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau in Oklahoma City received hundreds of text message scam reports this year, warning consumers never to assume text messages are legitimate and to watch for red flags like misspellings, suspicious senders, and suspicious hyperlinks. Clicking these links can expose personal information and lead to identity theft, so recipients should verify messages directly with the supposed sender and report suspected scams at bbb.org/scamtracker or to credit bureaus if personal financial information was compromised.
caymannewsservice.com
· 2025-12-08
The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) warned of an escalation in targeted online scams against local banking customers, including phishing calls spoofing local phone numbers and claiming to be from banks, credit card companies, or the RCIPS itself, with scammers using fraudulent links to gain computer access or requesting personal information. Additional scams reported include fake vehicle sales ads posted under "Simplicity Leasing" where victims lose deposit payments, and a case where a vehicle was sold with a hidden lien resulting in repossession. Police advised residents to verify contact directly with organizations, avoid clicking unsolicited links, and contact authorities immediately if compromised.
bradleyscout.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
On August 20, a university student fell victim to a phishing scam after receiving an email about a part-time administrative assistant position paying $350 per week. The scammer instructed her to purchase Apple gift cards and office supplies, then send pictures of the items; when the student grew suspicious and asked if she was being scammed, the perpetrator denied it and later sent a fraudulent reimbursement check for $1,830.27. The student reported the incident to campus police after being threatened by the scammer, and the exact amount lost remains unknown as she refused to deposit the fraudulent check.
makeuseof.com
· 2025-12-08
Shipping scams impersonate legitimate delivery companies like Evri to trick victims into paying fake fees for packages, using increasingly sophisticated tactics including fake verification codes sent to phones. A researcher tested such a scam and found the fraudulent website included advanced features like data validation and SMS verification—tools rarely seen in previous scams—making it convincing enough to deceive even cautious users. Protection strategies include verifying URLs directly with the company, checking caller ID information, and contacting delivery companies directly before providing payment or personal information.
21alivenews.com
· 2025-12-08
QR code scams are increasingly used by fraudsters to steal personal information and install malware, with the Better Business Bureau tracking over 500 such incidents. Common tactics include placing fake QR code stickers over legitimate codes at parking meters and other public payment locations, or including malicious codes on unsolicited packages to trick victims into scanning them. Consumers are advised to be cautious when scanning QR codes, particularly for payment or unfamiliar websites, and to verify codes are legitimate before scanning.
boothbayregister.com
· 2025-12-08
This AARP alert warns about work-from-home job scams that target job seekers by exploiting their desire for remote employment opportunities. Red flags include promises of high income with minimal experience, upfront payment requirements for training or equipment, and guaranteed quick returns. The alert advises verifying job boards screen listings, avoiding reliance on fake testimonials, and using AARP's Fraud Watch Network for assistance.
abc7chicago.com
· 2025-12-08
QR codes can be manipulated to direct users to fraudulent websites designed to steal financial information through a technique called "quishing" (QR code phishing). To protect yourself, inspect codes for stickers or tampering, avoid scanning codes from unsolicited emails, manually type URLs when uncertain, and check destination links for typos or suspicious characteristics.
sunlive.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
Police are warning the public about a phishing email scam impersonating law enforcement agencies, which claims to have found illegal material on the recipient's computer and threatens arrest within 72 hours unless they respond. Some variants of the scam attempt to extort money by issuing fake "fines" when recipients respond. Police emphasize they will never contact citizens unsolicited requesting passwords, credit card, or bank details, and urge people not to reply to such emails and instead report them to authorities.
tampafp.com
· 2025-12-08
Sarasota County, Florida is experiencing a rising trend of sophisticated scams targeting senior citizens, with the FBI and Sheriff's Office reporting losses exceeding $300,000. Criminals pose as tech support or government officials to convince seniors to convert assets into cash or precious metals, which couriers then collect, leaving victims with nothing. Law enforcement recommends seniors hang up immediately on suspicious calls, avoid clicking suspicious links, and report activity to local authorities or the FBI.
midfloridanewspapers.com
· 2025-12-08
A reader reported a prevalent scam involving fake prize/giveaway emails offering items from reputable retailers, requiring only a $5.95 shipping fee payable exclusively by Mastercard; after payment, victims receive no item but subsequently see multiple unauthorized charges on their card that banks refuse to dispute, claiming the transactions were authorized. The article confirms this scam is widespread (multiple neighbors reported identical experiences) and highlights related sophisticated scams targeting both individuals and businesses through spoofed emails, noting that Florida ranks third nationally in cybertheft complaints and victims have low chances of recovery despite reporting to law enforcement and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
goldrushcam.com
· 2025-12-08
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office presented senior fraud awareness training to the Retired Active Men (RAMs) group on August 31, 2024, providing guidance on protecting against scams targeting seniors. Key protective strategies include trusting your instincts, avoiding pressure to make quick decisions, and verifying the identity of anyone contacting you before sharing information or money.
ktvz.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies 10 common scams targeting seniors, who lose approximately $3 billion annually to fraud. The scams include romance scams, funeral fraud, grandparent impersonation schemes, phishing emails, Medicare fraud, fake tech support, and others that exploit seniors' trust, limited digital literacy, and valuable assets like homes and savings. The article provides protective advice such as setting social media accounts to private, verifying caller identities through stored contact numbers, and being skeptical of unsolicited requests for money or personal information.
cryptotvplus.com
· 2025-12-08
Cryptocurrency scammers are increasingly using "pig butchering" schemes, where fraudsters build trust with victims through dating apps and social media before directing them to fake investment platforms with false promises of high crypto returns, eventually stealing their deposits. A major scam hub in KK Park, Myanmar—operating as a human trafficking center confining over 2,000 individuals—has funneled over $100 million in scam proceeds in 2024 alone, with nearly 43% of this year's scam funds flowing to newly created cryptocurrency wallets, while perpetrators purchase fake social media profiles to enhance their deceptive tactics.
twincities.com
· 2025-12-08
Losses from online financial scams exceeded $10 billion in 2024, a $1 billion increase from 2022, with artificial intelligence enabling scammers to better exploit personal data and impersonate victims. The article identifies four common scam tactics (pretending to be trusted entities, creating false problems or prizes, pressuring quick action, and demanding irreversible payments) and highlights four prevalent scam types: fake charities, phishing attacks, romance scams, and business email compromise. Protection strategies include enabling multifactor authentication, keeping software updated, recognizing social engineering tactics, and verifying requests through independent contact methods.
7news.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Romance scammers cost Australians over $40 million in 2023, with South Australia accounting for $2.1 million in losses, according to police warnings during Scams Awareness Week. A case study involved Karen from Adelaide, who lost $50,000 to a fraudster who posed as an overseas boyfriend, built trust over weeks online, and requested money for education before disappearing when they were supposed to meet in person. Scammers typically target people over 55 through dating websites and social media by creating fake profiles, building emotional connections, and requesting money for various emergencies or investments; victims can protect themselves by never sending money to people they haven't met, verifying ident
thefintechtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Chainalysis research reveals a significant shift in cryptocurrency scams in China, with 43% of fraudulent inflows in 2024 going to newly created wallets—the highest on record—while individual scam lifespans have dramatically decreased from 271 days in 2020 to just 42 days in 2024. Scammers are pivoting from large-scale Ponzi schemes to targeted romance scams (pig butchering scams), which have grown 85 times since 2020 and cause the worst financial impact per victim; one fraud shop alone received $10.5 million from romance scammers between 2022-2024.
odt.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
Bryce Gray, a 74-year-old retired engineer in New Zealand, lost $22,500 in June to a NZ Post phishing scam while selling a bedside clock on Facebook Marketplace. A scammer posing as a buyer provided a fraudulent link claiming to be from NZ Post, and when Gray clicked it, scammers gained access to his banking credentials and made two large unauthorized withdrawals. After 10 weeks of dealing with fraud recovery, his bank (BNZ) initially recovered $3,000 and later provided a full reimbursement through a goodwill payment.
registercitizen.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers have been sending phishing emails impersonating the Westport Weston Family YMCA to steal personal information from community members. The YMCA advises recipients to verify sender email addresses (official emails use @westporty.org domain), avoid clicking suspicious links or providing sensitive information, and call the YMCA directly using independently verified phone numbers if membership or payment issues are mentioned. Suspicious emails should be reported to the BBB Scam Tracker, and users should keep antivirus software updated.
boredpanda.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article compiles Reddit users' perspectives on widespread consumer practices they view as scams, including premium TV services adding advertisements despite paid subscriptions (particularly Amazon Prime), and for-profit healthcare systems in the United States. The piece presents commentary on how these industries generate profit through deceptive practices and discusses systemic issues like healthcare-related bankruptcies and rising subscription costs, without reporting on any specific fraud cases or victims.
ksisradio.com
· 2025-12-08
A phishing text scam impersonating the Illinois Tollway has been targeting residents by falsely claiming they have outstanding toll fines and directing them to click malicious links. The Illinois Tollway has confirmed the scam is active and advised customers to ignore such texts and verify any toll issues directly through their official website or customer service line at 1-800-824-7277, with law enforcement now investigating the fraudsters.
headtopics.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams cost Australians $40 million in 2023, with South Australia accounting for $2.1 million of losses, prompting police warnings during Scams Awareness Week. A case study involved Karen from Adelaide, who lost $50,000 to a fraudster she met online who posed as an overseas-based man and eventually asked for money under the guise of educational costs; when she traveled to meet him in person, he never appeared. Scammers typically target people over 55 through fake profiles on dating websites and social media, building trust before requesting money for emergencies or investment opportunities, a technique known as "catfishing" or "romance baiting."
brainerddispatch.com
· 2025-12-08
Online financial scams resulted in losses exceeding $10 billion in 2024, a $1 billion increase from 2022, with artificial intelligence enabling scammers to exploit personal data and impersonate voices and images more effectively. The article identifies four common scam tactics—pretending to be trusted entities, creating artificial problems or prizes, applying pressure to act quickly, and demanding irreversible payments—and highlights frequent scam types including fake charities, phishing, romance scams, and business email compromise. Protection strategies include enabling multifactor authentication, maintaining updated software and operating systems, and recognizing warning signs across all types of online transactions.
dailyhodl.com
· 2025-12-08
Kenneth Brown Jr. and Nicholas Shepard, operators of Golden Eagle precious metals exchange, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud for their role in a nationwide scam that laundered $600,000 from romance scam victims between 2021 and 2022. The scheme involved victims of "pig butchering" romance scams sending money to Golden Eagle, which was then converted to cryptocurrency on the Voyager platform; Brown's attorney claims both men were unknowingly groomed into participating and that Brown cooperated with authorities upon discovering the fraud. Both face up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines.
businessinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
According to the Better Business Bureau's 2023 report, Gen Z (ages 18-24) reported the highest median loss to scams for the second consecutive year, averaging $155 per person, primarily from employment, online purchase, and cryptocurrency scams. While younger people overall lost the most money, people over 65 suffered the largest individual losses to romance scams, which surged dramatically with median losses increasing from $1,411 in 2022 to $3,600 in 2023, with scammers increasingly using cryptocurrency to defraud victims. The report also found that scammers are increasingly targeting minors (ages 7-18), with 16% of
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Reported losses from Bitcoin ATM scams surged nearly tenfold since 2020, reaching over $110 million in 2023, with consumers over 60 being more than three times as likely to fall victim compared to younger adults. Scammers impersonate customer service representatives, government officials, or tech company employees to convince victims that their accounts have been compromised, then direct them to scan QR codes and deposit cash into Bitcoin ATMs that immediately transfers the funds to the fraudsters. The proliferation of Bitcoin ATMs in high-traffic retail locations combined with readily available personal data on the dark web has enabled this fraud scheme to flourish.
abc11.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting voters with unsolicited political texts and calls impersonating campaigns, requesting donations or asking people to confirm voting registration through malicious links designed to steal personal information for identity theft. The scams include fake donation requests, voice-cloning technology, and copycat websites with slightly altered URLs, with election fraud identified as one of the top scams of 2024. Consumers are advised to avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, donate directly through official candidate websites using credit cards, and verify voting information through official state election board websites.
kkam.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI identifies five dangerous scams prevalent in Texas: phishing emails impersonating banks, romance scams on dating platforms requesting money, lottery/sweepstakes scams charging upfront fees, tech support scams requesting remote computer access, and IRS/government impersonation scams threatening legal action. The article advises Texans to remain vigilant against unsolicited requests for money or personal information and to trust their instincts when something seems suspicious.
wbbjtv.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns that scams involving phishing for personal information—including account numbers and Social Security numbers—have become increasingly common through phone calls, texts, and emails, contributing to the $10 billion in fraud losses reported by Americans in 2023. To protect themselves, consumers should avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from unknown sources, verify company legitimacy by Googling phone numbers, be cautious about accepting cookies online, and never respond to unsolicited delivery service texts, as legitimate companies do not contact customers this way. Reporting suspicious communications and blocking spam are key steps to reduce exposure to these scams.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A woman in New Jersey received a phishing email impersonating the Social Security Administration claiming her Social Security number was compromised and requesting she open an attached document. The article explains that phishing scams use fake official emails with urgent language to trick victims into opening malware-laden attachments or divulging personal information, and provides guidance on recognizing these scams, steps to take if you receive one (flag as spam, don't open attachments, don't respond), and prevention measures such as verifying your Social Security account and using two-factor authentication.
foxbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating recruiters via text messages and emails to target job seekers in a competitive labor market, using "smishing" and phishing attacks to steal personal information or money. Americans receive an average of nearly 12 scam messages daily, with criminals using data breaches, AI personalization, and phone spoofing to make fraudulent job offers appear legitimate, often resulting in victims paying money to fake recruiters. Similar text-based scams also impersonate the U.S. Postal Service, highway toll authorities, and real companies like Idea Grove.
abc45.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly woman with dementia in Asheboro, North Carolina, lost $25,000 to a scammer who posed as a tech support representative after she contacted a fictitious number online seeking device help. The scammer convinced her to purchase gift cards and send cash over several days of contact, resulting in approximately $4,000 in gift cards and $25,000 in cash. The Asheboro Police Department is urging elderly residents to verify suspicious requests with loved ones or local authorities before sending money and encouraging retailers to intervene when customers make large gift card purchases.
intelligentciso.com
· 2025-12-08
Cryptocurrency scams surged in 2024 with billions in illicit inflows, with 43% of scam proceeds going to newly created wallets, indicating a sharp rise in fresh schemes compared to prior years. Scammers are shifting tactics from lengthy Ponzi schemes to shorter-lived, targeted campaigns like romance scams (pig butchering), which have grown 85-fold since 2020 and cause the worst average victim impact; one fraud shop alone facilitated $10.5 million in romance scam activity from 2022-2024 by selling millions of fraudulent social media profiles. Experts advise vigilance against unexpected communications and immediate caution when money transfers
english.factcrescendo.com
· 2025-12-08
A viral social media post falsely claiming PepsiCo was hiring for work-from-home positions directed users to a fraudulent third-party website designed to steal personal and banking information. PepsiCo confirmed the scam and warned that fraudsters impersonate the company through fake job postings, websites, and recruiter emails to deceive job seekers, advising people to verify opportunities only through official channels and be suspicious of unsolicited offers or requests for sensitive information.
hackread.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Cybersecurity researchers identified a global phishing campaign since 2023 targeting pizza restaurant chains, particularly in Canada, that uses domain spoofing and typosquatting to create fake order websites and steal customer credit card information and one-time passwords. The scammers registered malicious domains mimicking major chains including Domino's, Pizza Pizza, Boston Pizza, Panago, and Little Caesars, using paid search advertising to boost visibility; as of early 2024, the campaign had claimed multiple victims with documented losses of approximately S$27,000 (Singapore dollars) in one variant alone. Customers can protect themselves by verifying domain names carefully, enabling multi-factor authentication
planadviser.com
· 2025-12-08
This article provides guidance on cybersecurity best practices for retirement plan sponsors to defend against fraud, account takeovers, and emerging threats like AI-generated deepfakes. Key recommendations include implementing a comprehensive program covering people (employee training), processes (regular policy reviews and updates), and technology (data protection and incident response plans), along with adding IT representation to plan committees and conducting rigorous vendor due diligence. The article references the SPARK Institute's cybersecurity framework and Department of Labor guidelines as resources for establishing security controls and resilience measures.
wdrb.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau reported multiple scams circulating in the Kentuckiana region, including fraudulent charity phone calls impersonating firefighters, Facebook scams advertising fake businesses, auction fraud, and RiverLink phishing scams. The BBB advised residents to hang up on unfamiliar charities and verify organizations online, avoid clicking third-party social media links, and visit company websites directly before making purchases. Using credit cards for transactions is recommended as a more secure payment method.
morningstar.com
· 2025-12-08
Investment fraud targeting older adults is growing significantly, driven by emerging technologies like cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence that make scams increasingly sophisticated and convincing. According to Kathy Stokes, AARP's director of fraud prevention, Americans lost a record $10 billion to scams and fraud in 2023, with crypto-related schemes and AI-enabled fraud posing particular threats to financial security. Stokes emphasizes the importance of education and awareness as key protective measures for older adults vulnerable to these evolving fraud schemes.
philomathnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Seniors lose approximately $3 billion annually to scams, making them prime targets due to their savings, home ownership, good credit, and often lower digital literacy. The article identifies 10 common scams targeting older adults, including romance scams (fraudsters posing as romantic interests), funeral scams (exploiting grief over deceased spouses), grandparent scams (impersonating grandchildren in emergencies), phishing (fake emails from financial institutions), Medicare fraud, and tech support scams, among others. Prevention strategies include securing social media accounts, verifying contact information through reverse searches, and calling family members directly to confirm emergencies.
cionews.co.in
· 2025-12-08
Cryptocurrency scams surged in 2024, with billions of dollars in fraudulent inflows, and blockchain analytics show that 43% of year-to-date fraud went to newly created wallets, indicating a significant rise in new schemes. Scammers have shifted tactics from complex Ponzi schemes to more targeted approaches like romance scams and address poisoning, with romance scams experiencing an 85x increase since 2020 and causing the largest financial impact per victim. The average lifespan of scams has compressed from 271 days in 2020 to just 42 days in 2024, making detection harder, though law enforcement and blockchain analysis tools continue to help recover
wdtv.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau issued a warning about rising pet scams, particularly puppy scams where fraudsters advertise purebred dogs at discounted prices on websites but never deliver the animals after victims pay fees. To avoid pet scams, consumers should adopt locally to meet sellers in person, thoroughly research breeders, request medical records and pedigree documentation, and watch for red flags like suspiciously low prices, flashy websites, and poorly written communications.
finextra.com
· 2025-12-08
This article discusses general challenges faced by major online dating platforms Tinder and Bumble, including their vulnerability to romance scams, phishing attacks, and identity theft, as well as operational challenges around data privacy compliance, competitive pressures, and user safety management. While the piece identifies romance scams as a threat on these platforms, it does not detail any specific fraud cases, victim impacts, or financial losses. This is a general awareness piece about cybersecurity and operational risks in the online dating industry rather than a report of actual elder fraud incidents.
saultstar.com
· 2025-12-08
A 62-year-old former Sudbury woman lost nearly $50,000 to a romance scam and subsequent money recovery schemes over three years, exhausting her life savings and leaving her $13,000 in debt to family and friends. After accepting a Facebook friend request from someone claiming to be a U.S. military officer, she sent money via gift cards and Bitcoin after being pressured and worn down by promises of repayment and eventual visits. When she attempted to recover her losses through a second fraudster claiming to represent a recovery firm, she lost an additional $20,000 in multiple failed schemes before finally recognizing the pattern.
ottawacitizen.com
· 2025-12-08
A 62-year-old Ottawa woman lost approximately $50,000 through a romance scam and subsequent money recovery schemes. After a man posing as a U.S. military officer on Facebook convinced her to send gift cards and cryptocurrency over three years, she was then targeted by a second scammer claiming he could recover her losses, leading her to borrow an additional $20,000 from family and friends in failed recovery attempts. The victim, who lives on disability payments, is now in debt and sharing her story to warn other vulnerable people about these interconnected fraud schemes.
theverge.com
· 2025-12-08
Bitcoin ATM scams have surged dramatically, with losses increasing nearly 10-fold from $12 million in 2020 to $114 million by 2023, and victims already losing $65 million in the first half of 2024 alone. Scammers impersonate bank or government officials via phone, text, or pop-ups to convince victims their accounts are compromised, then direct them to deposit cash into Bitcoin ATMs (which they falsely call "safety lockers") by scanning a QR code that transfers funds to the scammer's wallet, with a median loss of $10,000 per victim. Vermont and Minnesota have enacted laws limiting daily crypto kio
krebsonsecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
A personalized variant of the sextortion scam is circulating via email, claiming to have compromised recipients' webcams and threatening to release fabricated videos unless victims pay approximately $2,000 in Bitcoin within 24 hours. The emails now include recipients' names and photos of their homes obtained from online mapping services like Google Maps, along with threats to contact them physically or distribute videos to their contacts. The FBI advises victims not to send compromising images, to avoid opening suspicious attachments, and to cover webcams; those targeted should report incidents to their local FBI office or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
fox10phoenix.com
· 2025-12-08
Sextortion scammers are now incorporating personal information and Google Street View photos of victims' homes into threatening emails to increase intimidation and credibility. The emails claim the sender has compromised the victim's computer and recorded them via webcam, demanding $2,000-$2,200 in Bitcoin within 24 hours or threatening to distribute the video to contacts. The FBI reports these scams originate primarily from West Africa and Southeast Asia, and recommends victims not send money, disable webcams, report the accounts to platforms, and contact law enforcement.
digit.in
· 2025-12-08
A 55-year-old woman from Panchkula, Haryana lost Rs 1.47 lakh after clicking a fake net banking link in a text message claiming her points were expiring; she entered her bank credentials and Rs 98,127 was immediately withdrawn, followed by another Rs 49,112 before she could block transactions. The article advises protection through skepticism of unsolicited messages, avoiding unknown links, verifying sources directly with institutions, using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and regularly monitoring bank statements for unauthorized activity.