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yahoo.com
· 2025-12-27
TikTok is flooded with viral "side gig" advertisements promising easy five-figure monthly earnings, but most are scams targeting users looking for work-from-home opportunities. Common schemes include fake social media engagement jobs that steal personal and banking information, handwriting letter scams requiring upfront payments for training materials, and AI-powered hustles offering guaranteed income—with scammers sometimes tricking victims into becoming "money mules" for fraudulent transactions. To protect yourself, avoid any opportunity requiring upfront payments, personal financial information, or recruitment of others, and be skeptical of claims that sound too good to be true.
pressdemocrat.com
· 2025-12-27
A Santa Rosa man in his 70s lost his entire $500,000 retirement savings to a "pig butchering" scam, where criminals build trust with victims over months before luring them into fake cryptocurrency investments. The scammer, posing as a Finnish woman named Alexa Achselsson, engaged him daily through messaging and video calls for five months, even sending gifts and planning a visit, before convincing him to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes that drained his accounts and led him to take out additional loans. The man is warning others about this increasingly common scam tactic, which often involves international scam operations that use personal relationships and emotional manipulation to extract large sums from victims.
ca.style.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-27
Viral TikTok videos promoting easy side hustles—like liking videos, handwriting letters, or using AI tools—are often scams that target users by collecting personal information, requesting upfront payments for "training," or pressuring them to become money mules for criminals. Victims are typically lured in with fake initial payments to appear legitimate, then asked to pay fees to unlock earnings or are enrolled in recruitment schemes with no real income. To protect yourself, be skeptical of "guaranteed income" claims and avoid sharing personal or banking information with unverified sources online.
womansworld.com
· 2025-12-27
# Year-End Scams Summary
Scammers are targeting people with fake IRS tax deadline calls and unclaimed benefits schemes as 2025 approaches, pressuring victims to pay money immediately or share sensitive financial information like bank account numbers. To protect yourself, verify any IRS claims directly through the IRS website or with a trusted financial advisor rather than responding to unsolicited calls, and never share personal banking details with callers you haven't independently verified. If you receive a suspicious call, report it to the IRS immediately to help protect others from falling victim to these costly scams.
wilsoncountysource.com
· 2025-12-27
Tennessee's Department of Commerce & Insurance warns investors about a surge in sophisticated scams expected this holiday season, with fraudsters increasingly using AI technology like deepfake videos and fake trading bots to deceive victims—tactics that contributed to over $259 million in fines and restitution from 8,800 active investigations in 2024. Key threats include "pig butchering" romance scams, deepfake impersonations of celebrities, and phantom AI trading bots that promise guaranteed returns but are actually designed to steal money. Investors should be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities, especially those involving new technologies or promises of guaranteed returns, and verify the legitimacy of investment platforms and contacts before committing any funds.
the420.in
· 2025-12-27
Between January 2024 and October 2025, State Bank of India reported nearly 16,000 cyber fraud cases across its branches—three times more than traditional frauds—revealing that digital scammers are exploiting India's shift toward online banking faster than the country's largest bank can defend against it. Customers in West Bengal were hit hardest with 1,838 cases, while shockingly, 606 fraud cases involved SBI employees themselves, accounting for ₹222.24 crore in losses, showing that internal threats compound the external risks. Customers should remain vigilant about unsecured banking links, verify requests through official channels before sharing credentials, and monitor accounts regularly, as each new digital banking feature—from apps to UPI—creates new opportunities for scammers to exploit user behavior.
bakersfield.com
· 2025-12-26
Scammers increasingly target seniors through phone calls, texts, and emails using sophisticated technology to impersonate legitimate sources and request personal financial information or promise unrealistic rewards. Seniors are particularly vulnerable due to cognitive changes or unfamiliarity with modern fraud tactics. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact offering prizes or requesting bank details, and verify requests by contacting organizations directly through official numbers rather than using contact information provided in the suspicious message.
alachuachronicle.com
· 2025-12-26
Scammers are impersonating grandchildren in distress, calling or emailing seniors to pressure them into sending money urgently through wire transfers, gift cards, or cash, often while instructing them not to tell family members. The "grandchild in trouble" scam targets older adults by creating false emergencies like accidents or arrests to exploit their protective instincts. To protect yourself, establish a family password with relatives, always call back using a known number to verify the person's identity, and be suspicious of any request for immediate payment accompanied by a demand for secrecy.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-26
Ghanaian authorities arrested 48 suspected Nigerian scammers in a raid near Accra who were running romance scams, investment fraud, and impersonation schemes targeting victims worldwide. The operation reflects a broader problem in West Africa where young people with limited economic opportunities turn to online fraud, while Ghana itself has become a target for foreign scammers including Chinese nationals. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited romantic advances online, verify investment opportunities through official channels, and never send money to unknown individuals or unverified businesses.
wfmynews2.com
· 2025-12-26
Scammers are increasingly impersonating major companies like Facebook and Amazon through fake customer service numbers that appear in Google search results, with Amazon reporting a 33% surge in such scams since December 2024. To protect yourself, always find customer service numbers directly on official company websites rather than through Google searches, and hang up immediately if representatives pressure you for personal information, PINs, or payments via gift cards, Zelle, or Venmo. Additionally, be cautious of text messages from people claiming to know you, especially those with suspicious links, as scammers often use social engineering tactics to trick victims into sharing information or money.
tomsguide.com
· 2025-12-26
A brushing scam is when sellers send you unsolicited packages you didn't order, particularly during busy shopping seasons like the holidays when mysterious deliveries are common. The scammers use these shipments to post fake positive reviews under your name or address to boost their product ratings on e-commerce platforms. If you receive an unexpected package, you should verify whether you actually ordered it, check your account for unauthorized purchases, and report the item to the seller or platform if it's confirmed as a scam.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-26
A new cybersecurity study reveals that most parked domains (unused or expired websites) now redirect visitors to scams, malware, and fake security warnings—with over 90 percent containing malicious content. Anyone can be affected by simply mistyping a web address by just one letter, which instantly exposes their device to these dangers without requiring any clicks. To protect yourself, carefully verify URLs before typing them manually, consider using bookmarks or search results instead of direct navigation, and be cautious of any unexpected security warnings or login pages that appear after typing an address.
fox8live.com
· 2025-12-26
Scammers are exploiting people's New Year's weight loss goals by creating fake websites and phony offers for popular GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, stealing money and personal information from unsuspecting buyers. The fraud includes fake online pharmacies, celebrity deepfake ads, and fraudulent retailer popups, with victims sometimes losing hundreds of dollars. To protect yourself, only purchase medications through legitimate, reputable pharmacies with valid prescriptions, and verify any retailer or pharmacy website before providing payment or personal information.
wilx.com
· 2025-12-26
Post-holiday scammers are targeting consumers who are redeeming gift cards and making returns, with organized retail crime networks tampering with gift cards before purchase by peeling back security labels to steal card numbers. Michigan's Attorney General and 13 other state AGs launched a public awareness campaign urging consumers to only check gift card balances on official retailer websites, never use gift cards to pay debts or claim prizes, and report suspicious activity. Experts recommend checking gift cards immediately upon purchase for signs of tampering and watching out for phishing emails about delayed packages through January 31, 2026.
thestar.com
· 2025-12-26
Gift card fraud is increasing, with scammers either placing fake cards on store shelves or stealing barcode information from legitimate cards to drain their value before purchase. A recent viral video showed a Vancouver shopper who unknowingly bought a fraudulent gift card, though they were eventually refunded. To protect yourself, experts recommend checking gift cards carefully before purchase, considering alternative gifts like items from local farmers markets, and calling on retailers to store gift cards behind counters rather than in open displays.
spectrumlocalnews.com
· 2025-12-26
Maui County residents are being targeted by phishing scams where scammers impersonate county officials or police, claiming victims owe fees or have outstanding warrants and demanding immediate payment through wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. The Maui Police Department warns that the county will never request payment through these methods and advises residents to verify any payment requests by contacting official county departments directly through legitimate phone numbers or websites. Anyone who believes they've fallen victim to a scam should report it immediately to the Maui Police Department at 808-244-6400.
vermontpublic.org
· 2025-12-25
# Holiday Season Fraud Alert
Nearly 9 out of 10 Americans were targeted by or fell victim to scams during the past holiday season, with common schemes including fake online stores selling counterfeit branded goods, fraudulent shipping notifications, stolen packages, and fake charity requests. To protect yourself, verify unfamiliar vendors by searching their name along with words like "scam" and "fraud," always pay with credit cards for better consumer protection, and be cautious about gift cards since scammers can steal numbers and PINs from store displays before they're purchased.
mb.com.ph
· 2025-12-25
Elderly Filipinos are increasingly targeted by online scammers who exploit their trust and lack of tech-savvy knowledge, with over 9 million seniors at risk. GoTyme Bank launched the "Madame Alam" campaign featuring a tech-savvy grandmother character who educates seniors about common scams in short, easy-to-understand videos covering topics like suspicious links, OTP sharing, and identity theft. The actionable advice for seniors includes not clicking suspicious links, never sharing one-time passwords, and staying vigilant against identity theft schemes.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-25
Scammers are targeting new iPhone owners with fake calls impersonating major carriers, claiming a shipping error requires immediate return of the phone and pressuring victims to leave their devices on their porch for pickup. The scam exploits the vulnerable window right after activation when owners are least suspicious, and relies on urgency and repeated calls to override logical thinking—red flags include unrealistic offers like gift cards and pressure tactics. To protect yourself, always verify unexpected caller claims directly by calling the carrier's official number independently, ignore pressure to act immediately, and remember that legitimate companies won't ask you to ship unopened products or offer suspicious compensation.
times-advocate.com
· 2025-12-25
# Charity Scams Summary
Scammers exploit people's generosity by impersonating legitimate charities through emails, texts, social media, phone calls, and fake websites, particularly during holidays and after disasters. To protect yourself while still giving, verify that charities are registered with the California Attorney General and have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with the IRS, avoid organizations that pressure you to donate immediately, and research unfamiliar charities through trusted resources like Charity Navigator before giving.
theoaklandpress.com
· 2025-12-25
Scammers are increasingly using texts, calls, and emails to target Oakland County residents by impersonating trusted sources like businesses, government agencies, and even celebrities, with recent victims losing anywhere from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald advises people to hang up on unknown callers and be cautious of urgent requests for money, threats of legal action or arrest, and demands for sensitive information like Social Security numbers. To protect yourself, ignore unsolicited contact demanding immediate payment and never share personal information with callers you cannot verify.
wrdw.com
· 2025-12-25
Scammers are targeting holiday travelers with multiple schemes during peak travel season, including fake rental car websites that steal personal information and payment details, fraudulent text messages about toll fees, wireless card skimming at airports, and impersonation scams posing as airlines. Millions of Americans traveling this season are at risk of losing money and having their personal data compromised. To stay safe, travelers should verify website security by checking for "https" in URLs, avoid clicking links in unsolicited texts or emails, use protective credit card sleeves, monitor bank statements regularly, and always verify flight information directly through official airline websites or apps.
wric.com
· 2025-12-25
During the busy holiday shopping season, the Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about a surge in fake delivery text messages and emails designed to look like they're from shipping companies like USPS, UPS, and FedEx—messages that falsely claim package delivery problems and direct recipients to click links that steal personal and financial information. These scams are particularly effective during the holidays when people are tracking multiple orders and expecting frequent updates. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in unexpected messages, verify package status directly through official carrier websites or apps, and keep track of what you've ordered so you can spot suspicious messages more easily.
news.azpm.org
· 2025-12-24
# Fraud Surge in 2024
Americans lost over $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, a 25% increase from the previous year, with phone-based scams being particularly prevalent as criminals exploit the constant connectivity of mobile devices to target consumers anytime and anywhere. Older adults are disproportionately affected because they hold significant wealth, making them attractive targets for scammers who use texts, emails, social media, and even fake QR codes to deceive victims. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited contact on your phone or other devices, verify requests through official channels before sharing information or money, and report suspected scams to the FTC or local authorities.
coinmarketcap.com
· 2025-12-24
# Crypto Theft Summary
Cryptocurrency hackers stole $3.3 billion in 2025 despite fewer total attacks, with criminals increasingly using sophisticated supply-chain breaches and phishing scams rather than exploiting code vulnerabilities. Major victims include crypto exchange users and individual investors, including someone who lost their entire Bitcoin retirement fund to a romance scam where con artists built emotional relationships over weeks before stealing funds. Users should enable strong security measures like hardware wallets, verify communications with official channels, be skeptical of unsolicited romantic or investment offers, and remember that legitimate companies never ask for private keys or passwords.
tradingview.com
· 2025-12-24
# Crypto Fraud Summary
Cryptocurrency theft totaled $3.3 billion in 2025, but the number of attacks declined as hackers shifted tactics from targeting simple code vulnerabilities to executing more sophisticated supply chain attacks and phishing scams. Major losses were concentrated in fewer, high-impact incidents—including a $1.4 billion Bybit hack—suggesting that improving blockchain security is forcing attackers to target larger infrastructure and use psychological manipulation tactics like romance scams. To protect themselves, crypto investors should be wary of unsolicited investment opportunities and emotional manipulation from online contacts, and prioritize security measures like multi-factor authentication and keeping assets in secure wallets.
localsyr.com
· 2025-12-24
# Holiday Scam Alert Summary
The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about 12 common holiday scams—including fake pet sales, counterfeit products, phishing messages, and fraudulent charities—that spike during the Christmas season and can steal money or personal information through social media ads, texts, and fake websites. People shopping online, traveling, seeking jobs, and making donations are most vulnerable to these schemes. To protect yourself, research organizations and sellers before giving money, avoid clicking unexpected links in texts or emails, never use wire transfers or gift cards for payments, and verify websites are legitimate before entering personal information.
savingadvice.com
· 2025-12-23
# Fraud Prevention or Inconvenience?
Many banks are requiring seniors to visit in person to reconfirm their identity, citing increased fraud targeting older adults during winter months and system upgrades that need updated information on file. While these heightened security measures—including in-person verification for large transactions and accounts with limited activity—are designed to protect vulnerable customers from phishing scams and account takeovers, they're catching many retirees off guard, particularly those with decades-old accounts lacking modern identification. Seniors should take these requests seriously as legitimate security steps, but they can protect themselves by verifying any identity confirmation requests directly with their bank using official phone numbers rather than responding to unsolicited contact.
spectrumlocalnews.com
· 2025-12-23
# Holiday Shopping Scams on the Rise
During the busy holiday shopping season, scammers are targeting rushed shoppers with various schemes including fake websites, non-delivery fraud, and imposter scams that cost consumers over $785 million in 2024. To protect yourself, the Better Business Bureau recommends verifying website legitimacy, avoiding sharing personal information like credit card or Social Security numbers, and being skeptical of unsolicited calls since caller IDs can be faked. If you fall victim to a scam, Texas has launched a new crime victims' services website to help you report the incident and access support resources.
timesobserver.com
· 2025-12-23
An elderly couple from Sugar Grove fell victim to a cryptocurrency scam in which a fraudster impersonated a government official and convinced them to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM to "protect" their money. State Police warn that legitimate government agencies, banks, and companies will never ask you to transfer funds through cryptocurrency kiosks, and advise residents to be suspicious of unsolicited calls, texts, emails, or pop-ups claiming accounts are compromised or urgent action is needed. To protect yourself, ignore pressure to act quickly and never deposit money into Bitcoin ATMs based on unsolicited contact.
ksn.com
· 2025-12-23
Two Texas men have been indicted for defrauding an 84-year-old Sedgwick County woman of $255,000 through an impersonation scam in which they posed as FBI agents and pressured her to liquidate her assets into gold. The scammers contacted the victim claiming her Social Security number had been stolen and convinced her to hand over her money in three separate transactions. To protect yourself, remember that the FBI will never call, email, or contact you demanding money, threatening arrest, or asking for personal information—if you suspect fraud, report it to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov, 1-800-CALL-FBI, or ic3.gov.
newsghana.com.gh
· 2025-12-23
# Romance Fraud Summary
Abu Trica, a 34-year-old Ghanaian socialite, has been arrested and appeared in court under heavy security on charges of orchestrating an online romance scam that defrauded elderly Americans of approximately $8 million. Working with accomplices, he allegedly posed as romantic interests to extract money from vulnerable victims in the United States since 2023, and now faces extradition to the U.S. where he could receive up to 20 years in prison if convicted. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic relationships with people you've never met in person, especially those who quickly ask for money or claim financial emergencies, and verify identities through video calls before sharing personal information or funds.
huntress.com
· 2025-12-23
Security professionals are warning about an urgent React vulnerability (CVE-2025-55182) that's being actively exploited across the internet at accelerating rates, with attacks climbing to dangerous levels similar to the Log4Shell incident. The flaw is being used to deploy various malware including cryptominers, backdoors, and botnets, affecting both consumers and businesses, so users should immediately check if they're vulnerable and either patch the software or implement protective controls. Organizations need to prioritize rapid detection and response—ideally within 24 hours—by staying informed about new vulnerabilities and assessing their exposure quickly.
wmar2news.com
· 2025-12-23
During the holiday season, scammers exploit consumers' generosity, increased online shopping, and decision-making urgency by using tactics like AI-generated fake ads, phishing emails, drained gift cards, and fraudulent job or loan offers. People of all backgrounds are vulnerable, particularly those under financial pressure or seeking holiday deals and charitable giving opportunities. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in emails or ads—instead go directly to official websites or contact companies using verified contact information, and be skeptical of unsolicited offers promising easy money or prizes.
pandasecurity.com
· 2025-12-23
Telegram scams have surged as the messaging app's user base has grown to over 1 billion, with scammers exploiting the platform's privacy features and anonymity to conduct various frauds—including crypto pump-and-dump schemes, fake investment projects, phishing attacks, and customer service impersonations. Users are particularly vulnerable because scammers use urgent language, exclusive opportunities, and technical-looking websites to appear legitimate. To protect yourself, verify identities independently, avoid clicking suspicious links, never send money upfront for guaranteed returns, and report fraudulent accounts immediately.
bgr.com
· 2025-12-23
# Scammers are increasingly using AI tools to create more convincing phishing emails and execute identity theft schemes that mimic legitimate companies and individuals, affecting anyone with an online presence. The technology allows criminals to craft messages with fewer telltale signs of fraud, such as typos or awkward phrasing, making AI-enhanced scams harder to spot than traditional ones. To protect yourself, experts recommend staying vigilant for subtle inconsistencies in communications, verifying requests through official channels before sharing sensitive information, and relying on common sense safety measures rather than assuming all polished-looking messages are legitimate.
kjrh.com
· 2025-12-23
Text message scams surged 50% in the past year, with Generation Z experiencing the highest rates of fraud attempts—tripled compared to other age groups—because texting is their primary communication method and they have instant phone access to money. Lower-income households and Black Americans were disproportionately affected and more likely to lose money due to having fewer fraud protections than credit card users. To protect yourself, avoid replying to unsolicited texts (which confirms your number is active), block and mark suspicious messages as spam, and use your phone carrier's free filtering tools to reduce scam messages before they reach you.
abc11.com
· 2025-12-23
# Holiday Travel Scam Prevention Summary
During the busy holiday travel season, travelers face several fraud risks including "juice jacking" at airport USB charging stations (where hackers steal personal data), unsafe public Wi-Fi networks, and fake customer service websites or messages about flight cancellations. To protect yourself, bring your own portable charger, avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions, and always contact airlines and rental companies directly through their official apps or websites rather than clicking links from emails or texts. Being cautious about where you charge your devices and how you seek help with travel disruptions can significantly reduce your risk of identity theft or scams while traveling.
khou.com
· 2025-12-23
An 85-year-old West University Place man fell victim to a "friendly knock" scam when a stranger posing as a tree trimmer gained entry to his home by asking for ice water, then stole over $300 in cash and credit cards while inside. Police warn that this type of holiday scam is common, with fraudsters using various pretexts to enter homes and steal from residents. Experts advise homeowners to keep doors locked, verify the identity of anyone claiming to work in the area, and be cautious of unsolicited offers—especially during the holiday season when these scams are most prevalent.
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.
castlegarnews.com
· 2025-12-23
# Fraud Alert Summary
Scammers impersonated the Trail Smoke Eaters hockey team by sending emails from fake AOL accounts to West Kootenay businesses, convincing them to pay $500 e-transfers for exclusive vending rights at games—at least three businesses in Trail, Grand Forks, and Nelson fell for the scheme. Business owners should be suspicious of vendor recruitment emails that don't come from official team domains and verify any requests directly with the organization before sending money. The Smoke Eaters and BCHL have issued public warnings about this ongoing fraud, with officials warning there may be additional victims still in communication with the scammers.
dlnews.com
· 2025-12-23
A South Korean man in his 30s had his prison sentence doubled to four years after appealing a lighter sentence for helping launder $68,000 stolen through voice phishing scams. The scam ring impersonated prosecutors, convincing victims their identities had been stolen, then tricked them into sending money to fake "safe" accounts that the criminals controlled. The appeals court rejected the man's appeal and his offer to compensate victims, noting he was a repeat offender with a history of involvement in similar scams—a cautionary reminder to be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from authorities and to independently verify requests for financial information.
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.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-23
During the holiday season, scammers increasingly target shoppers through fraudulent emails, texts, and websites disguised as legitimate communications. Consumers can use AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini as free tools to verify suspicious messages by analyzing them for red flags such as urgent language, requests for secrecy, grammar errors, and illegitimate sender details. If you receive any questionable communication about purchases, donations, or tech insurance, simply copy and paste it into a chatbot to check its legitimacy before responding or providing any personal information.
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.
wxyz.com
· 2025-12-22
# Scam Summary
A phishing scam targeting iPhone and Apple Pay users is spreading via text messages claiming unauthorized charges—a Southgate woman received a fake alert about a $443.74 charge and was nearly tricked into downloading remote-access software that would have given scammers control of her phone. To protect yourself, ignore these texts entirely: don't call the number provided, click links, or download any apps, as legitimate Apple support will never ask you to do these things. If you receive a suspicious message, check your account directly through Apple's official app or website rather than using contact information from the text.
whbc.com
· 2025-12-22
The Ohio Secretary of State's Office has identified five common scams currently circulating, particularly during the holiday season, and is urging people to protect themselves. If you receive a suspicious email or text message, experts recommend pausing before responding and asking someone you trust to verify it first. Being cautious and seeking a second opinion can help you avoid falling victim to these scams.