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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
wilx.com
· 2026-02-07
Spam texts and robocalls are increasingly common, and while marking messages as spam does help your carrier identify patterns and block numbers when enough people report the same scam, there's a more effective method: forward suspicious messages to 7726 (which spells "SPAM") so carriers can analyze and block them faster across their entire network. Most importantly, never reply to spam texts—even with "STOP"—as this confirms your number is active and encourages scammers to target you more. By reporting scams properly rather than just ignoring them, you help protect yourself and other users from fraud.
ktvz.com
· 2026-02-07
# Scammers are sending fake text messages impersonating Oregon's Department of Transportation (ODOT) and DMV, claiming recipients owe unpaid traffic fines or tolls and demanding immediate payment through fraudulent links. The messages use urgent language and phony official codes to appear legitimate, but ODOT and the DMV never request payment via unsolicited texts, emails, or calls. To protect yourself, delete these messages without clicking any links, block the sender, and verify any claims by calling ODOT directly at 1-888-Ask-ODOT or DMV at 1-855-540-6655.
yahoo.com
· 2026-02-07
# Romance Scam Warning for Valentine's Day
The FBI is warning the public about increased romance scams around Valentine's Day, where scammers create fake identities on dating apps and social media to build trust with victims before requesting money for fake emergencies through wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. Anyone using online dating should protect themselves by being cautious about sharing personal information, using reputable dating sites, verifying profiles through reverse image searches, taking relationships slowly, and immediately reporting suspicious requests for money or attempts to isolate them offline. If you suspect you're being scammed, stop all communication and report it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-07
A 69-year-old Arizona woman lost her home and life savings after a romance scammer posing as a Naval officer on Facebook convinced her to send over $70,000 in payments, claiming he needed help with customs fees for packages containing gold and jewelry. The scam devastated her retirement, forcing her to sell her home and move into an apartment, and she only discovered the fraud when her financial advisor became suspicious during a loan application. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited romantic messages from strangers online, never send money to people you haven't met in person—especially for customs fees or emergencies—and consult trusted advisors like family members or financial professionals before making large financial decisions.
cbsnews.com
· 2026-02-06
# Fraud Summary
Two Minnesota women lost $1,500 each to someone posing as an immigration attorney after their family members were detained by ICE, according to WCCO reporting. The scammer, operating under the name "Inmigrate & Asociados L.LC." with a Florida phone number, collected payments but provided inconsistent information and forged legal documents with typos and grammatical errors, while the detained relatives were never actually contacted by any attorney. People seeking immigration legal help should verify attorneys through official bar association databases, work with established nonprofits or accredited representatives, and be wary of unsolicited contact or demands for upfront payments without clear documentation and direct communication with the detainee.
wcvb.com
· 2026-02-06
A Hingham woman lost $21,000 after scammers posing as Microsoft contacted her through a pop-up notification, falsely claiming her bank account had been hacked and directing her to wire money to recover the funds. The scam involved multiple fraudsters impersonating both Microsoft employees and bank fraud department staff, ultimately convincing the victim to send money and provide her driver's license. To protect yourself, avoid clicking on pop-ups or unsolicited messages, remember that legitimate companies won't ask you to wire money to recover stolen funds, and contact your bank directly using a number from their official website if you suspect fraud.
murrayledger.com
· 2026-02-06
Scammers have been targeting families of inmates at the Calloway County Jail, impersonating jail staff and falsely claiming they can release loved ones on ankle monitors in exchange for credit card information, with at least one person losing approximately $1,000. To protect themselves, families should know that the jail never requests credit card information by phone and only accepts bonds in cash, paid in person at either the Calloway County Judicial Building during business hours or at the jail after hours. Anyone contacted by someone claiming to represent the jail requesting payment over the phone should hang up and verify directly with the facility before providing any personal or financial information.
eurekaspringstimesecho.net
· 2026-02-06
The Carroll County Sheriff's Office has arrested three foreign nationals working as "cash mules" for scam operations in recent operations coordinated with multiple law enforcement agencies and a social media organization. These individuals were traveling to the area to collect money from scam victims in person when electronic transfers weren't possible. The crackdown has been so effective that scam call centers have shut down operations and flagged Arkansas as hostile territory, significantly reducing scammer activity in the state.
**Actionable advice:** Be cautious if anyone requests money through unusual payment methods like Bitcoin or prepaid cards, never send cash to strangers, and report suspected scams to local law enforcement or the FBI.
973espn.com
· 2026-02-06
New Jersey drivers are being targeted by a sophisticated "smishing" scam where fraudulent text messages impersonating the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission claim they have an unpaid toll and demand payment within 12 hours, directing them to a fake website designed to steal personal and banking information. The scam is particularly effective because it looks official, uses legitimate agency branding, and exploits people's desire to quickly resolve what appears to be a minor debt. To protect yourself, remember that the NJMVC does not collect toll payments via text message, so delete any such messages and never click links or provide personal information in response to unsolicited texts claiming you owe money.
hits96.com
· 2026-02-06
"Pig butchering" scams are targeting dating app users, where fraudsters build trust with victims over weeks or months before convincing them to invest money in fake cryptocurrency platforms. The scam primarily affects lonely individuals seeking relationships on dating apps who are manipulated into sending funds they believe will generate returns. To protect yourself, watch for red flags such as rapid relationship escalation, requests to move conversations off the dating app, and unsolicited investment opportunities—and never send money to someone you've only met online, especially for cryptocurrency investments.
zycrypto.com
· 2026-02-06
Arizona has lost approximately $177 million annually to crypto ATM scams, with seniors over 60 making up 43% of victims, prompting Attorney General Kris Mayes to launch a crackdown and new complaint reporting system. Scammers use various tactics including impersonation calls about legal or banking issues to trick victims into sending money through crypto ATMs, which lack protections and are difficult to trace. To protect yourself, avoid using crypto ATMs if someone urges you to do so, report scams within 30 days to the state, and be skeptical of unsolicited requests for crypto payments.
news.az
· 2026-02-06
Scam centers operating in Myanmar have evolved online fraud from scattered hacker groups into a massive transnational industry involving human trafficking and forced labor, with thousands of workers held captive and coerced into defrauding victims worldwide. Since Myanmar's 2021 military coup weakened central government control, criminal syndicates have established "fraud factories" in border regions that target victims across China, Europe, Russia, Central Asia, and Latin America. To protect yourself, remain vigilant against unsolicited communications, verify requests for money or personal information through official channels, and report suspected scams to local authorities and relevant financial institutions.
theintelligencer.net
· 2026-02-06
AARP West Virginia is urging lawmakers to pass legislation protecting consumers from cryptocurrency scams, which have been growing in scope and targeting vulnerable populations including older adults. Cryptocurrency kiosks—machines that resemble ATMs and are located in public places like grocery stores and gas stations—are being exploited by criminals to trick people into transferring funds, with transactions often being non-refundable and containing hidden fees. The organization points out that while 17 states have already passed comprehensive legislation to regulate these kiosks, West Virginia currently has no such protections in place, and is calling for stronger consumer safeguards against both cryptocurrency and real estate fraud.
yahoo.com
· 2026-02-06
Romance scams cost victims over $1 billion annually and typically operate through catfishing, where scammers use manipulative language and emotional triggers to build fake relationships and extract money or personal information from victims. The article emphasizes that scammers are skilled at exploiting emotional vulnerabilities through specific phrases and communication tactics designed to lower victims' defenses over time. To protect yourself, be wary of unusual romantic language patterns, avoid sharing financial information with online-only partners, and verify the identity of people you meet exclusively online before developing emotional or financial connections.
wpgtalkradio.com
· 2026-02-06
New Jersey drivers are being targeted by a text message scam that impersonates the state Motor Vehicle Commission, claiming they have an unpaid toll and must pay within 12 hours through a fake website. If victims enter their banking or credit card information on the fraudulent site, scammers can steal their money and personal data for identity theft. To stay safe, drivers should know that the NJMVC does not collect toll payments via text message, and they should verify any toll payment requests directly through official channels before clicking links or providing financial information.
donegalnews.com
· 2026-02-06
A 79-year-old man from Donegal nearly fell victim to a sophisticated phone scam where fraudsters posing as a telecommunications provider called him about his internet speed complaints and convinced him to download a remote access app on his phone. The scammers used personal details about his recent complaints to build trust, then guided him through seemingly routine modem and speed tests before asking him to install the "Quick Support" app, which would have given them access to his bank details and mobile phone had he completed the process. Eamonn's advice for others is to be cautious of unsolicited calls, verify caller identity independently, and avoid downloading apps or sharing access codes with callers, especially if they initiate contact.
fox5dc.com
· 2026-02-05
# Romance Scam Warning
The FBI is warning people about romance scams ahead of Valentine's Day, where scammers create fake identities on dating apps and social media to build trust with victims before asking for money, cryptocurrency, or gift cards for fake emergencies. These scams have cost victims significant amounts of money through wire transfers and other payment methods. To protect yourself, be cautious of anyone asking for money or personal information online, trust your instincts if something feels off, and report suspicious activity to the FBI at ic3.gov.
sd09.senate.ca.gov
· 2026-02-05
Since 2020, romance scammers have cost Californians over $2.7 billion by creating fake profiles on dating apps and social media to build trust with victims before requesting emergency wire transfers. These sophisticated criminals target lonely individuals through multiple channels including online dating services, email, messaging apps, and social media, often posing as romantic interests or family members and making excuses to avoid meeting in person. If you suspect you're being scammed, report it to California's Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) at (866) 275-2677 or online, and verify the identity of anyone requesting money before sending anything.
wtaj.com
· 2026-02-05
# Romance Scams on the Rise This Valentine's Day
The FBI is warning that scammers are increasingly targeting people seeking romance online by creating fake identities on dating apps and social media, building trust over time before requesting money through wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. The scams primarily affect vulnerable individuals looking for companionship who may be manipulated into sending funds during manufactured emergencies. To protect yourself, be cautious of any requests for money or personal information from online romantic interests, trust your instincts if something feels off, and report suspicious activity immediately to the FBI at ic3.gov.
prlog.org
· 2026-02-05
A veteran detective with 25 years of fraud investigation experience has published a new guide to help seniors, families, and caregivers protect themselves from scams that cost older Americans billions of dollars annually. The book covers common threats like phone scams, romance scams, identity theft, and newer AI-driven impersonation schemes, while emphasizing that elder fraud exploits trust, fear, and isolation. Readers are advised to recognize red flags, safeguard personal information, build family protection plans, and report suspected fraud without shame—with the book providing checklists and step-by-step guidance for taking action.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-02-05
Banks are increasingly freezing senior accounts in 2026 under new anti-fraud regulations designed to protect against the $3 billion annual wave of elder financial scams, but these protective measures often backfire by blocking legitimate transactions like large purchases or family gifts for days at a time. Seniors on fixed incomes face genuine hardship when their debit cards are declined at pharmacies and stores, as new federal rules allow holds of 5+ business days while banks conduct investigations, and state "Safe Harbor" laws encourage financial institutions to freeze accounts with legal immunity. To protect yourself, seniors should notify their banks before making large, one-time transactions, maintain detailed records of legitimate spending patterns, and ask about their institution's fraud hold procedures to avoid being caught off-guard.
inkl.com
· 2026-02-05
Banks are freezing senior accounts at record rates in 2026 due to aggressive anti-fraud measures designed to combat the $3 billion annual wave of elder financial scams, but these protective tools often backfire by blocking legitimate transactions like large purchases or family gifts. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to these freezes because new federal rules allow holds lasting up to 5+ business days with minimal recourse, turning inconveniences into crises for those on fixed incomes. To protect yourself, seniors should notify their banks before making large one-time transactions, maintain clear documentation of legitimate spending, and ask about their bank's fraud hold policies to understand potential delays.
wisn.com
· 2026-02-05
Law enforcement shut down three call centers in India and arrested six leaders after an FBI investigation uncovered a major fraud scheme targeting 660 Americans who lost over $48 million, including 10 Wisconsin residents who lost more than $500,000. Scammers posed as tech support workers or federal agents, convincing victims their bank accounts were compromised, then tricked them into converting money to cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gold, which was then smuggled overseas and sold. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from banks or government agencies, never move money or convert assets based on such calls, and verify any urgent account warnings by calling your bank directly using the number on your official statements.
thehill.com
· 2026-02-05
Two senators introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at requiring social media platforms like Meta to take stronger action against fraudulent advertisements, which are reportedly costing Americans billions of dollars annually. According to internal documents, Meta users are exposed to approximately 15 billion scam ads daily, with the company potentially earning around $16 billion from these deceptive advertisements. The proposed bill would require platforms to verify advertiser identities, provide better reporting tools for users, and give the FTC greater enforcement power—steps lawmakers say are necessary since people lost over $3 billion to online scams in 2024 alone.
bpi.com
· 2026-02-04
# Fraud and Scams in America: A Growing Crisis
Fraud and scams cost Americans $12.5 billion in 2024—a 25% increase from the previous year—with nearly three-quarters of U.S. adults experiencing some form of online scam or attack, and one in five Americans losing money to these crimes. Most fraud originates outside the traditional banking system through social media, telecom platforms, and overseas scam centers in Southeast Asia, where U.S. law enforcement has limited reach. To combat this crisis, experts recommend that consumers stay vigilant against impersonation tactics and suspicious communications, while calling for greater accountability and coordination between government, banks, social media platforms, and telecom companies to prevent fraud before it reaches consumers.
techradar.com
· 2026-02-04
# Apple Pay Phishing Scam Summary
Millions of Apple users are receiving fraudulent emails and texts claiming to alert them about suspicious Apple Pay transactions or blocked purchases, urging them to call a provided number to resolve the issue. These phishing scams are designed to panic victims into calling scammers posing as Apple support, who then try to steal their Apple ID credentials, verification codes, or payment information. To protect yourself, remember that Apple never sends fraud warnings via email or asks you to call numbers in messages—if you receive such a message, delete it immediately, and consider changing your password as a precaution.
newsweek.com
· 2026-02-04
# Tax Scam Summary
During the 2025 tax season, scammers are increasingly impersonating the IRS and tax agencies to defraud Americans, with nearly one in four people reporting losses to such schemes—totaling an estimated $9.1 billion in 2024 alone. Common tactics include fake agents claiming victims owe back taxes or face arrest, using urgency and official language to pressure people into sending money via untraceable methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. To protect yourself, remember that the IRS never threatens arrest, demands same-day payment, or initiates contact via unsolicited calls or emails—if you receive such communication, hang up and contact the IRS directly through its official website or phone number.
wspa.com
· 2026-02-04
Scammers are increasingly targeting seniors with fraudulent Medicare calls to steal personal information and commit identity theft, with one woman discovering nearly $11,000 in fraudulent medical claims on her account. Rather than relying on third-party apps that may compromise your privacy, experts recommend using the built-in spam-blocking features on your phone (iPhone and Android) combined with your cell provider's call-blocking tools, which now use AI technology to effectively filter out scam calls. To maximize protection, make sure your phone's operating system is up-to-date before enabling these native blocking features.
gallego.senate.gov
· 2026-02-04
# Fraud Scams Summary
Senators Ruben Gallego and Bernie Moreno introduced bipartisan legislation called the SCAM Act to combat fraudulent online advertisements that cost Americans billions annually, particularly on social media platforms. The bill would require online platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent scam ads and strengthen the Federal Trade Commission's and states' ability to enforce consumer protection laws against violators. The actionable takeaway for consumers is to remain vigilant about ads on social media—verify offers independently before engaging, and report suspicious advertisements to the platforms and the FTC.
castlegarnews.com
· 2026-02-04
Castlegar seniors are invited to a free scam awareness event on February 24-25, hosted by Castlegar IRIS in partnership with local community services, featuring presentations from police and banking experts on how to recognize and protect yourself from fraud. The educational sessions will cover warning signs, prevention strategies, and what to do if you become a victim, with lunch provided. To attend, seniors should call Castlegar Community Services at 250-365-2104 to register, as spaces are limited.
cknxnewstoday.ca
· 2026-02-04
Chatham-Kent Police are warning about an increase in "Grandparent Scams" targeting older adults, in which scammers call pretending to be a family member in urgent need of money to create pressure for quick payment. Four incidents were reported last week, with two resulting in actual money transfers to the scammers. Police advise that legitimate authorities will never request money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers over the phone, and recommend residents verify unexpected requests by contacting loved ones directly through known phone numbers.
cnhi.com
· 2026-02-04
Scammers are increasingly using AI-generated voice clones and deepfake technology to impersonate loved ones and government officials, targeting older Americans with devastating results. In 2024 alone, seniors lost nearly $4.9 billion to fraud—a 43% increase from the previous year—with victims over 60 losing an average of $83,000 compared to $19,000 for younger victims. To protect yourself, verify requests for money by contacting family members directly through known phone numbers, be skeptical of emotional urgency or requests for secrecy, and hang up and independently confirm the caller's identity before sending any funds.
wokv.com
· 2026-02-04
Romance scammers are targeting Northeast Florida residents at an alarming rate, with the FBI reporting a 39% surge in victims from 2024 to 2025 and losses more than doubling from $4.9 million to $10.6 million. Anyone who suspects they're being targeted by these scams should report it immediately to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov to protect themselves and help authorities track down the perpetrators.
atvtoday.co.uk
· 2026-02-04
As Valentine's Day approaches, cybersecurity experts are warning dating app users about a surge in "pig butchering" scams—sophisticated romance fraud schemes where scammers build fake relationships over weeks to manipulate victims into cryptocurrency investments, contributing to a record $17 billion in global losses in 2025. Red flags include scammers pushing conversations to encrypted messaging apps quickly, moving discussions toward investment opportunities, and using fake success stories with high-pressure tactics to extract money. To protect yourself, be cautious of dating matches who move too fast, avoid shifting to private messaging platforms early, and never invest money based on relationship-based investment advice.
nbcwashington.com
· 2026-02-03
The FBI shut down scam call centers operating in India that have stolen nearly $50 million from hundreds of victims nationwide since 2022, with Maryland residents losing over $6 million. Scammers posed as Social Security Administration officials via email and phone, falsely claiming victims' Social Security numbers were suspended due to criminal activity, then convinced them to send money or transfer assets like gold bars. Authorities advise that the government will never call you unsolicited—if you receive such a call or email, hang up and contact the official agency directly through a verified phone number.
gmanetwork.com
· 2026-02-03
# Love Scams on the Rise This Valentine's Season
As Valentine's Day approaches, Filipino authorities are warning people about six types of love scams that target lonely hearts seeking romance online, ranging from sob-story manipulators and fake military personnel to cryptocurrency investment schemes and blackmail operations using intimate photos. These scammers exploit emotional vulnerability to steal money and personal information, with the most dangerous being "slow burn" scams that build trust over weeks or months before disappearing after securing funds. To protect yourself, be wary of online suitors who avoid meeting in person, ask for money, use suspiciously perfect photos, or pressure you into investments or intimate photo sharing—remember that genuine relationships develop gradually and authentic partners won't persistently make excuses to avoid face-to-face meetings.
fox13now.com
· 2026-02-03
# Ghost Tapping Scam Summary
Scammers are using wireless technology called NFC devices to steal money from tap-to-pay credit cards and mobile wallets by getting close to victims in crowded places like concerts and subways. To protect yourself, security experts recommend enabling PIN codes or biometric authentication (fingerprint/face recognition) on your tap-to-pay system and using RFID-blocking wallets or card sleeves. If you become a victim, immediately contact your bank or credit card company and file a report with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Portal at ic3.gov.
blockclubchicago.org
· 2026-02-03
A Chicago contractor named Mark Diamond defrauded over 100 families, including an elderly woman with dementia, by tricking them into taking out reverse mortgages on their homes—leaving them with unexpected debt that forced families to sell their properties after the victims passed away. Diamond was sentenced to over 17 years in prison in January 2025 and ordered to pay $2.7 million in restitution, but many victims have already lost their family homes in court and are still fighting to recover their properties. Families should protect elderly relatives by having a trusted third party review any financial or legal agreements before signing, especially those involving home equity or debt.
harlanenterprise.net
· 2026-02-03
Scam attempts have surged in recent months with criminals using AI voice technology, spoofed phone numbers, and fake websites to target residents through schemes like the "Grandparent Scam" (where scammers impersonate grandchildren in distress), fake government impostor calls threatening legal action, and romance scams on dating apps. Victims should hang up on suspicious calls and independently verify emergencies by contacting known phone numbers, never trust callers claiming to represent government agencies demanding immediate payment, and be cautious of people on dating apps who quickly profess deep feelings. The key defense is maintaining skepticism, independently verifying claims, and consulting trusted family members or official agency websites before responding to any urgent requests.
pressherald.com
· 2026-02-03
# Article Summary
A Maine couple lost their $1.3 million life savings in a 2022 scam after the husband liquidated investment accounts based on false claims about a "real estate opportunity" and transferred the money to a fraudulent bitcoin account he thought was SSA-protected. Their wealth management firm, R.M. Davis Inc., is being sued for failing to recognize and prevent the fraud despite employee training on elder financial exploitation warning signs. The case highlights vulnerabilities in financial oversight and underscores the importance of both financial advisers and customers remaining vigilant about suspicious requests, particularly regarding sudden large transfers or investments in unfamiliar assets.
bangordailynews.com
· 2026-02-03
An 80-year-old Maine man and his wife lost $1.3 million in life savings after being scammed into transferring funds to a fake bitcoin account they believed was protected by the Social Security Administration. Their financial adviser at R.M. Davis Inc. liquidated the accounts after Bruce MacMillan mentioned an "exciting real estate opportunity" but failed to intervene despite recognizing red flags commonly associated with elder fraud. The case is now before Maine's highest court to determine whether financial firms have a legal obligation to protect elderly clients from such scams, highlighting gaps in existing protections and the need for greater vigilance from both financial professionals and customers about this growing threat.
investmentnews.com
· 2026-02-03
The financial advice industry faces a growing risk as aging financial advisors may develop cognitive conditions like dementia, potentially putting clients' investments at risk. A case study highlighted a 57-year-old advisor who repeatedly forgot calling about continuing education and made duplicate client trades without realizing it, later diagnosed with dementia—a situation that created compliance and legal complications for his firm. Financial services firms should establish monitoring processes to identify advisors with declining cognitive abilities to protect both clients and the business, though experts acknowledge it's difficult to know how widespread the problem is.
theguardian.com
· 2026-02-03
A woman named Tamsin fell victim to "romance fraud" when she met a charming mechanic who manipulated her through love-bombing over two years, causing her to abandon her marriage, job, home, and savings, leaving her with decades of debt to repay. The case highlights a growing problem of in-person romance scammers who target vulnerable people—particularly single mothers and divorcees—by building false trust and fabricating financial crises to extract money. To protect yourself, be cautious of rapid relationship escalation, especially if a new partner pressures you for money or loans, and verify any investment opportunities or personal emergencies through independent sources before committing financially.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-03
Seniors are increasingly vulnerable to financial scams, with the FBI reporting nearly 150,000 complaints from people 60+ in one year resulting in almost $5 billion in losses. Adult children can help protect their older relatives by having open, non-judgmental conversations about finances, starting with their own situation and suggesting mutual monitoring arrangements like account alerts. When addressing concerns, approach the conversation with empathy and patience, asking respectful questions rather than being critical, to encourage honest dialogue about their financial situation.
sg.finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-03
# Medicare Scams Targeting Older Adults
Medicare beneficiaries are experiencing a surge in fraud attempts, with scammers using professional-sounding calls and urgent threats to steal personal information and Medicare numbers or bill for unnecessary services like medical equipment, genetic testing, and supplies never prescribed or received. The scams often impersonate Medicare officials or insurance representatives, using pressure tactics and false warnings about losing benefits to rush victims into sharing sensitive information. To protect yourself, remember that Medicare will never call you—hang up on unexpected calls, never share personal information over the phone, and verify any requests by contacting Medicare directly through their official phone number.
bethesdamagazine.com
· 2026-02-03
Ten individuals have been indicted in connection with government impersonation scams that targeted Montgomery County residents and hundreds of people nationwide, resulting in over $48 million in losses. Senior citizens like an 82-year-old Rockville woman were deceived by fraudulent emails claiming to be from the Social Security Administration, pressuring victims to transfer their savings to overseas accounts or convert funds into gold, cryptocurrency, or cash. To protect yourself, authorities advise being skeptical of unsolicited government communications, never transferring money based on urgent threats, and verifying requests directly through official government channels rather than using contact information provided in suspicious emails.
lvpnews.com
· 2026-02-03
# Scam Summary
Scammers are increasingly targeting older adults in Lehigh County because they tend to have substantial savings and may be less familiar with modern payment technologies like PayPal and Bitcoin. People should be wary of unsolicited phone calls requesting large sums of money, especially those demanding payment through untraceable methods like cryptocurrency, gift cards, or cash, as these are classic scam red flags. If you suspect you've been scammed in Lehigh County, contact the Elder Abuse Task Force at 610-782-3700 for assistance.
ia.acs.org.au
· 2026-02-03
China executed 11 leaders of a Myanmar-based telecommunications fraud network that generated $2.07 billion through "pig-butchering" scams (fake romance and investment schemes) and illegal gambling operations, while also committing murders, assaults, and illegal detention of workers. The criminal enterprise victimized people across borders with industrial-scale phone and online fraud schemes from 2015 until its dismantling. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited romantic or investment offers online, especially from people you've never met in person, and never send money to unknown parties regardless of their promised returns.
abcnews.go.com
· 2026-02-02
Federal and Maryland authorities shut down three Indian call centers and arrested six leaders of a massive gold bar scam that defrauded over 600 American victims of nearly $50 million. Scammers impersonated federal agents and convinced mostly older Americans to convert their life savings into gold bars, then sent couriers to collect them under the pretense of secure storage. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls from people claiming to be federal agents, never convert large sums into gold or other commodities based on pressure from callers, and verify any official communication directly with government agencies.
fox6now.com
· 2026-02-02
# Tax Impostor Scams on the Rise in Wisconsin
Scammers are impersonating the IRS through unsolicited calls and voicemails claiming consumers owe back taxes and must pay immediately to avoid penalties or legal action. These fraudulent messages often use fake agent names, case IDs, and threats of arrest or license suspension to sound official, targeting victims who fear legal consequences. To protect yourself, remember that the IRS never initiates contact by phone or text—always verify caller identity through BBB.org, never respond to urgent payment demands, and consult with a trusted tax professional before taking any action.