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mexc.com
· 2026-05-10
The FBI and UAE authorities shut down nine scam centers and arrested 276 suspects in an international operation targeting "pig butchering" fraud schemes—where scammers use fake identities on social media to build trust before luring victims into fraudulent cryptocurrency investments. The operation, which also rescued thousands of human trafficking victims who were forced to operate the scam centers, resulted in the seizure of over $701 million in cryptocurrency and identified nearly 9,000 U.S. victims who lost millions of dollars. To protect yourself, be cautious of new romantic or friendship connections online who eventually push you toward cryptocurrency investments, verify any investment opportunity independently, and never send money or personal information to people you've only met through social media.
cryptopolitan.com
· 2026-05-10
The FBI and UAE authorities dismantled a massive cryptocurrency fraud operation in an international crackdown that resulted in 276 arrests, shut down 9 scam centers, and rescued thousands of trafficking victims. The scammers used "pig butchering" tactics—building fake romantic or friendship relationships on social media before directing victims to fake crypto investment websites—defrauding US citizens of millions of dollars and seizing over $701 million in cryptocurrency assets. To protect yourself, be cautious of strangers who quickly develop romantic or friendship connections online and push you toward investment opportunities, especially cryptocurrency schemes.
forbes.com
· 2026-05-09
Imposter scams—where fraudsters pretend to be trusted entities like the IRS, businesses, or loved ones—have ranked as the #1 scam for nine consecutive years, with the FTC receiving over one million reports in 2025 and losses jumping nearly 20% to $3.5 billion. Government imposter scams surged 40%, particularly fake toll collection messages sent via text that create false urgency to pressure victims into immediate payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. To protect yourself, never respond to unsolicited messages demanding payment; instead, contact the relevant agency directly using official phone numbers or websites to verify any claims before taking action.
abc15.com
· 2026-05-09
Scammers are sending increasingly convincing phishing emails claiming you have a new voicemail, using AI to make them look more authentic and harder to detect. These emails prey on people's concern about missing important calls by using vague subject lines and encouraging recipients to click suspicious links that may contain malware or lead to phone numbers used for fraud. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in unexpected voicemail notifications, especially if you haven't signed up for the service, and verify any voicemail alerts by contacting your phone provider or email service directly.
buffalobulletin.com
· 2026-05-09
Digital scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and prevalent in Sheridan, with police reporting major losses including an $80,000 and $16,000 scam already in May alone. Residents are being targeted by various schemes including grandparent scams, bank impersonation, and tech support fraud, with scammers using fear and urgency as their primary tactic. Police advise anyone receiving aggressive or urgent demands over the phone to hang up immediately, as legitimate organizations will never pressure you to act instantly.
click2houston.com
· 2026-05-09
A Houston woman lost $90,000 to scammers who impersonated tech support and then posed as IRS and FTC officials, tricking her into wiring money to a fake federal account shortly after her husband's death. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to these schemes, with Texas reporting over $1.35 billion in fraud losses in 2024 alone, and victims often experiencing severe emotional trauma beyond financial loss. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited pop-ups and phone calls, verify any official communications directly with government agencies using official phone numbers, and never wire money based on threats or claims of identity theft.
sfwa.org
· 2026-05-09
Writer Beware® is a service by the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association that helps writers identify and avoid publishing scams involving fraudulent publishers, agents, and editors. The organization documents notable literary fraud cases, provides guidance on reporting scams to authorities, and maintains an updated blog and social media presence with alerts about emerging schemes in the publishing industry. Writers who suspect fraud can contact Writer Beware® directly with complaints and documentation to help protect others in the literary community.
postandcourier.com
· 2026-05-09
Scammers steal an estimated $7 billion annually from seniors, with those living with dementia facing heightened vulnerability due to memory and judgment impairment. The Alzheimer's Foundation of America is promoting S.A.F.E. tips—including solidifying security practices, applying blocking tools, and other protective measures—to help caregivers safeguard their loved ones from fraud and identity theft. Families should keep written reminders near phones and computers, use call-blocking technology, and regularly reinforce safety practices to help dementia patients recognize and resist scams.
thestar.com
· 2026-05-09
Canadians lost $63 million to romance scams in the past year, with scammers creating fake profiles on dating apps and social media to gain victims' trust before requesting money for fabricated emergencies, often leaving people financially devastated and deeply emotionally wounded. The scams disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including older adults, and can result in victims losing their homes, accumulating new debt, and experiencing shattered trust. The article calls on major tech companies to implement stronger protections on their platforms to prevent these predatory schemes.
queencreektribune.com
· 2026-05-09
An Arizona resident named Joyce Petrowski founded R.O.S.E., a nonprofit dedicated to preventing scams, after a loved one fell victim to a romance scam in 2021. While scammers target people of all ages, seniors are particularly vulnerable, and Petrowski combats this through a weekly YouTube radio show, social media tips, newsletters, and in-person presentations that teach people to recognize emotional manipulation tactics used by scammers. Her key advice is to seek recurring scam awareness education and pause to verify with a trusted person before engaging with anyone requesting money or personal information.
yahoo.com
· 2026-05-09
Imposter scams cost Americans $3.5 billion in 2025, with government imposter scams surging 40% largely due to fraudulent text messages threatening unpaid highway tolls—scammers pose as legitimate toll agencies like EZ-Pass and SunPass to scare people into paying. If you receive such a text, verify the claim directly with your state's toll agency using official contact information rather than details in the suspicious message, and avoid sending money to anyone you haven't met in person, as romance scams also increased 22% with average losses of $2,020 per victim. Report any scams you encounter to ReportFraud.ftc.gov to help authorities stop these operations.
themesatribune.com
· 2026-05-09
A Mesa teenager named Shilo Karakkattu developed ScamSafe, a free website tool that helps seniors and others quickly identify scam calls and fraudulent messages by analyzing suspicious content and explaining warning signs in plain language. The tool was inspired by his grandparents' experiences with IRS robocalls and fake Medicare texts, and addresses a serious problem—Americans over 60 lost nearly $5 billion to scams in 2024, with Arizona particularly affected. ScamSafe requires no login, stores no personal data, is available in six languages, and is designed specifically for users who may be uncomfortable with technology.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-08
A major international law enforcement operation has resulted in 276 arrests and shut down multiple cryptocurrency fraud networks that targeted Americans and stole millions of dollars through romance scams and fake investment schemes. The coordinated effort involved the DOJ, FBI, and international partners who dismantled at least nine scam centers operating like organized businesses across multiple continents. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited romantic advances or investment opportunities on social media and messaging apps—scammers typically build trust gradually before shifting conversations toward cryptocurrency "investments," a tactic known as "pig-butchering."
pymnts.com
· 2026-05-08
The Federal Trade Commission is warning consumers about imposter scams that cost Americans $3.5 billion in 2025, with two main types being text messages demanding payment for unpaid tolls and online romance scams where fake love interests request money. These scams, which have topped FTC fraud reports for nine consecutive years, affected over 1 million consumers who reported losses. To protect themselves, consumers should verify toll payment requests by contacting their state's toll agency directly and should never send money to people they've never met in person, especially when online acquaintances suddenly ask for financial help or investment opportunities.
wbaltv.com
· 2026-05-08
With World Cup ticket prices soaring into the thousands, the Federal Trade Commission is warning fans about scams targeting eager buyers who may be deceived by fraudulent sellers or artificially low prices. To stay safe, purchase tickets only through official channels like FIFA.com or verified resellers such as StubHub and Ticketmaster Resale, verify websites use "https://" with a security lock, and always pay with a credit card for fraud protection. If you suspect you've been scammed, immediately contact your bank, report it to the FTC and your state attorney general, and monitor your accounts for unauthorized activity.
ftc.gov
· 2026-05-08
Scammers exploit personal relationships and trust to defraud victims, with romance scams being among the most commonly reported schemes. The FTC and CFTC are raising awareness during Older Americans Month through a webinar featuring a romance scam survivor and government representatives who explain how these scams work and what free protective tools are available. To protect yourself, be cautious about unsolicited romantic advances online, verify the identities of people you meet digitally before sharing personal information, and report suspected scams to the FTC or CFTC.
uk.finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-05-08
A Nigerian scammer named Habeeb Ayodeji Anibaba orchestrated a romance scam between 2019-2020 that defrauded women across the U.S. of money, which he then laundered through the City of Norfolk's corporate bank account, resulting in $1.2 million in losses to the city. The scam involved Anibaba creating fake online dating profiles to build relationships with victims and convince them to send money via gift cards, cryptocurrency, and payment apps like Venmo and PayPal. To protect yourself, be cautious of online dating matches who quickly ask for money, never send funds to people you haven't met in person, and verify any unexpected financial requests—even legitimate organizations like cities can inadvertently become victims of these schemes.
mexc.com
· 2026-05-08
In 2025, approximately $17 billion was stolen globally through cryptocurrency scams, with impersonation scams (like romance investment schemes) growing over 1,400% year-over-year. Despite victims often believing their losses are irreversible, law enforcement agencies like the FBI and local sheriffs' offices have successfully recovered millions in stolen cryptocurrency—including a Florida case where $450,000 was recovered for a victim who hadn't even filed a police report. If you've lost cryptocurrency to fraud, the article advises filing a police report immediately and contacting law enforcement, as recovery is increasingly possible, while also warning against "recovery scam" services that prey on victims a second time.
nationalenquirer.com
· 2026-05-08
Three suspects were arrested in California for running a statewide "oil-in-the-engine" scam that primarily targeted elderly vehicle sellers on platforms like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. The scam worked by having accomplices secretly place oil in a car's tailpipe or coolant reservoir during test drives, creating fake smoke to simulate mechanical problems and pressure sellers into accepting drastically lower prices. Authorities recovered over $33,000 in cash and evidence from the suspects, who had defrauded victims across multiple counties; to protect yourself, be cautious when selling vehicles online and consider having a trusted mechanic inspect any concerns before negotiating prices.
queencreektribune.com
· 2026-05-08
A BASIS Mesa high school student named Shilo Karakkattu created ScamSafe, a free website tool that helps people—especially seniors—detect scam calls and text messages by analyzing suspicious content and explaining potential threats in plain language. The tool was inspired by his grandparents' experiences with fraudulent IRS and Medicare scams, and addresses a critical problem: Americans over 60 lost nearly $5 billion to scams in 2024, with Arizona among the hardest-hit states. ScamSafe requires no login, stores no personal data, is available in multiple languages, and uses a simplified design to help users who may be uncomfortable with technology—making it easy for anyone to paste or screenshot a suspicious message and get immediate clarity on whether it's a scam.
help.unhcr.org
· 2026-05-07
Scammers are impersonating UNHCR staff and lawyers to trick refugees in Lebanon into paying money for fake resettlement services, which are actually provided for free. Refugees should be wary of anyone claiming to have special influence over resettlement and requesting payment, and should only share personal information with verified aid agencies. Anyone suspicious of fraud or who has been victimized can contact UNHCR directly at 04726111 or through their official website to report it.
waka.com
· 2026-05-07
Contrary to common assumptions, younger adults—particularly Gen Z and millennials—are actually more vulnerable to scams than seniors, with 43% of Gen Z and 39% of millennials engaging with scam attempts compared to just 14% of Baby Boomers. Younger people fall victim to scams tailored to their online behavior, including shopping scams (fake storefronts and deals), employment scams (fake job listings with training fees), romance scams, and deceptive text messages, while seniors are more targeted by tech support scams, imposter scams, and gift card demands. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited messages and job offers, verify web addresses carefully before clicking links, never give remote access to your computer to unknown parties, and remember that legitimate companies will never demand payment via gift cards.
nbcsandiego.com
· 2026-05-07
Scammers in San Diego County are increasingly using in-person couriers to collect cash directly from victims' homes instead of wire transfers or gift cards, making fraud schemes more dangerous—especially for seniors. This courier scam is now the most common fraud type in the region, with criminals often traveling from Los Angeles to collect money after victims are tricked via pop-up messages or calls claiming their bank accounts are compromised. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited messages about account problems, never withdraw large sums of cash based on such claims, and contact your bank directly using a verified phone number if you're concerned about your account.
ketv.com
· 2026-05-07
Americans lost $2.1 billion to scams on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp in 2025—eight times more than in 2020—with investment scams ($1.1 billion) and romance scams ($298 million) being the most costly, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Scammers use fake profiles, hacked accounts, and fraudulent ads across all age groups, though adults over 80 experienced increased losses. The FTC advises consumers to be cautious of unsolicited investment advice and romantic connections on social media, verify seller legitimacy before purchasing, and report suspicious activity, though the agency warns actual losses are likely much higher since many scams go unreported.
flagstaffbusinessnews.com
· 2026-05-07
The Better Business Bureau launched its Scam Survival Toolkit to help fraud victims recover, addressing the fact that many scam survivors never report their experiences due to embarrassment or uncertainty about next steps. The toolkit provides practical guidance on financial recovery, account security, and emotional healing, while also offering a scam prevention guide with warning signs to help people avoid future fraud. Those affected by scams are encouraged to report them through BBB Scam Tracker and seek support through the toolkit rather than suffering in silence.
protos.com
· 2026-05-07
A cousin of Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet owned a 30% stake in Huione Pay, a banking firm linked to a $4 billion cryptocurrency laundering operation that was sanctioned by the US and UK and had its license revoked. Hun To claims he held no management role, never contributed capital, and received no profits or dividends from the company, though he was listed as one of three directors. The revelation highlights the murky connections between political elites and alleged international fraud schemes, and serves as a reminder to be cautious about investments involving politically connected figures and to verify the legitimacy of payment platforms before using them.
cryptotimes.io
· 2026-05-07
DSJ Exchange, a cryptocurrency platform operating since 2025, defrauded thousands of investors of over $92 million through a "pig butchering" Ponzi scheme that promised an IPO but ultimately demanded a 12% "regulatory compliance tax" to withdraw funds. After the scheme was exposed in May 2026, authorities from Tether, Binance, OKX, and U.S. law enforcement successfully froze $41.5 million in stolen assets. To protect yourself, be wary of investment opportunities requiring upfront fees to access your money, verify that platforms are regulated through official channels, and never invest based solely on recommendations from friends or family without independent verification.
smdailyjournal.com
· 2026-05-06
Americans are increasingly targeted by text message scams—with the FTC reporting $470 million lost to these schemes in 2024, more than five times the 2020 amount, and seniors losing $4.8 billion alone. Common scams include fake FasTrak toll notices, USPS delivery failures, bank fraud alerts, and court summons, with one person losing over $150,000 to a convincing phishing text. To protect yourself, never click links or QR codes in unsolicited texts, use your phone's "report spam" feature, and remember that legitimate companies like FasTrak and USPS don't request payment via text.
2news.com
· 2026-05-06
Three suspects were arrested in Placer County for running an "oil-in-the-engine" scam that targeted car sellers across California, particularly elderly victims, by secretly adding oil to vehicle engines during test drives to create false smoke and mechanical failure appearances, then pressuring sellers into accepting drastically lower prices. The scam operated across eight counties, with suspects posing as buyers on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, and victims lost thousands of dollars before the suspects resold the vehicles at full market value. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited buyers, have a trusted mechanic inspect your vehicle before any sale, and meet potential buyers in safe public locations with a witness present.
straitstimes.com
· 2026-05-06
Scammers are impersonating high-profile government officials, celebrities, and royalty to trick people into attending fake virtual meetings and transferring money. Victims are typically contacted through social media or messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, then asked to provide personal information and NDAs before being pressured to send funds or make payments. To protect yourself, verify any unexpected meeting invitations directly with the person or organization being impersonated, never click links in unsolicited emails or messages, and avoid sharing identification documents or transferring money based on such requests.
theregister.com
· 2026-05-06
Romance fraudsters stole £102 million from UK victims in 2025, averaging £280,000 per day, with individual losses sometimes reaching £1 million, according to City of London Police figures. The scams disproportionately affected people aged 55-74, with criminals using fake social media profiles to build fake relationships before requesting money for invented emergencies or investments. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited online affection, requests to avoid video calls, sudden investment pitches, and always seek a second opinion from trusted friends or family before sending money to anyone you've only met online.
ksl.com
· 2026-05-06
A 52-year-old man named Todd Joseph Sweet is wanted in southern Utah for allegedly running a romance scam that defrauded one woman of over $80,000, and police believe he may still be targeting victims while evading arrest. Sweet uses aliases and false claims about being ex-military or providing security for high-profile clients to build trust with vulnerable women before stealing money or vehicles from them. Police warn that Sweet is charismatic and manipulative, and advise people to be skeptical of romantic interests who claim to be military personnel working on classified missions, particularly those who ask for money or make excuses to avoid in-person meetings.
patch.com
· 2026-05-06
The Town of Huntington is hosting a free seminar with the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office to educate seniors about common scams, including home improvement fraud, romance scams, and "grandparent scams" where criminals impersonate distressed relatives to steal money. Older adults are frequent targets of these schemes, which can have devastating financial consequences. The seminar takes place Thursday, May 7 at 1:30 p.m. at Cinema Arts Centre and will teach residents how to recognize warning signs and protect their personal information and finances.
yahoo.com
· 2026-05-06
Three men were arrested in California for operating an "oil-in-the-engine" scam that targeted car sellers across multiple counties including Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Sacramento. The scammers posed as buyers on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, then secretly added oil to victims' engines during viewings to make the cars appear broken, pressuring sellers into accepting lower prices. To protect yourself, be cautious of potential buyers who seem eager to negotiate after a test drive, verify any mechanical issues with a trusted mechanic before accepting lowball offers, and consider having a friend present during vehicle sales.
kucoin.com
· 2026-05-06
In 2025-2026, cryptocurrency scams extracted an estimated $17 billion from global investors, with AI-powered deepfakes and "Pig Butchering" schemes becoming the most dangerous threats—extracting 4.5 times more money per victim than traditional scams. These sophisticated operations target emotional vulnerabilities through fake celebrity endorsements and months-long relationship-building on social media and dating apps, particularly affecting high-net-worth professionals. To stay safe, users should enable hardware-based two-factor authentication, verify all celebrity endorsements through official channels, and avoid transferring funds to platforms outside regulated exchanges.
wrtv.com
· 2026-05-06
A new report shows identity crime is becoming more costly, with 35% of victims losing over $10,000, and scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to make fraud easier and cheaper to execute. Recent victims in Indiana have lost tens of thousands of dollars to banking and investment scams, and the report found that 68% of identity crime victims seriously considered self-harm, highlighting the psychological toll. To protect yourself, avoid relying on Google searches for help after being scammed—instead contact trusted organizations like the Identity Theft Resource Center—and be wary of any "recovery services" that guarantee they can get your money back.
abc7chicago.com
· 2026-05-06
Scammers posing as bank officials and fake FBI agents are conducting sophisticated phone spoofing schemes that trick people into transferring thousands of dollars from their accounts. One Illinois woman lost $40,000 after criminals who had obtained her account details convinced her to move money to a "secured" account, and experts warn that thieves can gather banking information from the dark web or other sources before calling. Banks advise customers to never transfer money or provide access based on unsolicited calls, texts, or online requests, and to verify requests directly by calling their bank's official number.
fox8live.com
· 2026-05-06
A majority of Americans (73%) report being targeted by financial scams, with incidents rising significantly—40% occurred in the past year compared to 34% the previous year. AI technology is making scams harder to detect and easier for fraudsters to execute, potentially putting entire bank accounts at risk. To protect yourself, use strong security practices like two-factor authentication and unique passwords, and if you fall victim to a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report.
abc7.com
· 2026-05-06
An 80-year-old Irvine resident lost $25,000 after scammers used phone-spoofing technology to impersonate both Apple, the ATF, and the Irvine Police Department, convincing him he needed to pay a "fine" to clear his name of criminal charges. The victim was manipulated over several hours into withdrawing cash and handing it to a stranger in a parking lot, with the money likely being transferred through multiple couriers to destinations outside the U.S. Police advise residents to be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from government agencies or major companies, and to independently verify requests by contacting official numbers rather than using numbers provided by the callers.
usatoday.com
· 2026-05-06
Scammers are using a technique called "banking spoof calls" to trick people into transferring thousands of dollars by making their caller ID display legitimate bank phone numbers and impersonating bank representatives who already know account details. Victims have lost significant sums after being convinced to move money to supposedly "secure" accounts, with one Chase customer losing $40,000. To protect yourself, remember that banks will never ask for your username, password, or request that you move money or grant computer access—if you receive such a call, hang up and contact your bank directly using the number on your card or statement, and report any suspected scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
gasa.org
· 2026-05-06
The Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) is organizing regional chapters across Latin America to combat online fraud through collaboration between financial institutions, technology companies, government agencies, and law enforcement. The initiative brings together leaders from major organizations like Google, Nasdaq Verafin, and various government bodies to share intelligence and coordinate scam prevention efforts. Organizations and individuals in the region are encouraged to join GASA chapters and participate in upcoming webinars and initiatives focused on strengthening protection against digital scams.
thestar.com.my
· 2026-05-06
In the first quarter of 2024, Malaysian police reported 61 online scam cases involving tertiary students, resulting in losses of approximately RM303,372, with common schemes including phone scams, job scams, fake PTPTN loan offers, phishing, e-commerce fraud, and romance scams. Students are particularly vulnerable targets, though scammers victimize people across all education and social levels. To protect yourself, verify job offers and financial assistance directly through official channels, avoid clicking suspicious links or sharing personal information online, and report suspected scams to police immediately.
foxbusiness.com
· 2026-05-05
# Summary
Banking spoof callers are impersonating legitimate financial institutions and law enforcement to trick customers into moving their money to fake "secured" accounts, with the FBI warning this is a growing problem. Two victims—Chase customer Jennifer Lichthardt who lost $40,000 and Huntington Bank customer Susie Allgood who lost $5,000—were convinced to transfer funds by scammers who had obtained their personal account information. Banks and the FTC urge customers to never transfer money in response to unsolicited calls or messages claiming to protect their accounts, as legitimate financial institutions do not make such requests.
cryptotimes.io
· 2026-05-05
In 2026, law enforcement agencies worldwide conducted unprecedented crackdowns on "pig-butchering" scams—elaborate romance-based investment frauds that slowly build victims' trust before stealing their cryptocurrency. The actions, including a major Dubai operation that arrested 275 suspects and a $15 billion Bitcoin forfeiture from Cambodia, represent the largest coordinated effort against these scams in history. Victims should be cautious of unsolicited romantic connections offering investment opportunities, avoid granting wallet permissions to unknown parties, and verify investment platforms through official channels before depositing funds.
the420.in
· 2026-05-05
A coordinated international law enforcement operation led by Dubai Police, the FBI, and Chinese authorities arrested 276 people and shut down nine cryptocurrency scam centers involved in a ₹5,853 crore fraud scheme. The scammers used "pig butchering" tactics—building trust through fake romantic or friendly relationships to convince victims to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes—and were linked to human trafficking networks that exploited coerced workers. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of online relationships that quickly pivot to investment opportunities, verify cryptocurrency investment platforms independently, and report suspicious activity to local authorities or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
mexc.com
· 2026-05-05
AI-powered cryptocurrency scams have exploded, with reports jumping 456% between May 2024 and April 2025, as fraudsters use artificial intelligence to create highly convincing phishing emails, deepfake videos, and impersonations at scale. Crypto users are particularly vulnerable because blockchain transactions are irreversible and markets operate 24/7, making it nearly impossible to recover stolen funds. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited messages and offers, verify identities through official channels before clicking links or sharing credentials, and be especially cautious of content that seems unusually personalized or urgent.
investmentexecutive.com
· 2026-05-05
In 2023, Canadian police reported that 972 people lost over $19 million to romance scams, with perpetrators using fake profiles on dating apps and social media to build trust before stealing an average of $28,000 per victim. The RCMP warns daters to watch for red flags including requests for money, declarations of love from strangers they've never met, claims of working overseas, and requests for personal information or intimate photos. People are advised to be cautious about anyone pressuring them for financial assistance or funds transfers, as victims may unknowingly become part of larger fraud schemes.
wavy.com
· 2026-05-05
A Nigerian scammer named Habeeb Anibaba defrauded the City of Norfolk of approximately $1.2 million between 2019 and 2020 by posing as a romantic interest on dating sites, convincing women to send him money, and then directing them to deposit "repayment" into a bank account that actually belonged to the city. The victims unknowingly withdrew funds from Norfolk's corporate account while believing they were recovering loans from their fake boyfriend. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious about requests for money from online romantic interests, verify any bank account information independently, and report suspected fraud to authorities immediately rather than handling refunds yourself.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-05
Scammers are targeting drivers nationwide with fake text messages claiming unpaid traffic violations and asking them to scan QR codes to pay small fees (around $6.99), but these messages are actually phishing attempts designed to steal payment information. The scam has affected residents across multiple states including New York, California, Texas, and others, and uses fake court notices with official-looking language and embedded QR codes to bypass security detection. To protect yourself, ignore these texts entirely—legitimate courts communicate through official mail, not unsolicited text messages—and never scan QR codes from unexpected sources.