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in Government Impersonation
timesnownews.com
· 2025-12-08
A 57-year-old DRDO officer in Pune lost Rs 13 lakh after receiving a fraudulent WhatsApp message impersonating his bank requesting a KYC update; he downloaded a malicious file attachment that gave scammers remote access to his smartphone and banking app, allowing them to execute unauthorized transactions. The article advises protecting against such scams by avoiding downloads from unknown sources, verifying bank communications directly, monitoring OTPs for suspicious activity, and installing antivirus software.
zeebiz.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters in Tamil Nadu are executing a "jumped deposit" scam where they deposit small amounts (e.g., Rs 5,000) into victims' UPI accounts to build trust, then send SMS messages prompting victims to check their banking apps—and when victims enter their PIN, fraudsters gain access to withdraw large sums from the account. Tamil Nadu police advise citizens to delay checking balances after unexpected deposits, enter incorrect PINs if prompted, report unauthorized deposits immediately to banks, and never share sensitive information like PINs or OTPs with anyone.
news9live.com
· 2025-12-08
A 78-year-old Mumbai woman lost Rs 1.5 crore (approximately $180,000 USD) to cybercriminals posing as Delhi Police Special Investigation Team officers who falsely accused her of money laundering and drug offences after she sent a courier package to her daughter in the United States. The scammers conducted fake video calls in police uniforms with forged documents, pressuring her to transfer funds to "secure" her assets during the purported investigation. She discovered the fraud only after discussing the incident with a family member and reported it to Mumbai Police Cybercrime Cell, which noted the scammers had distributed the stolen funds across multiple accounts.
ncsl.org
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters steal over $10 billion annually from Americans through evolving scams including identity theft, impersonation schemes, and investment fraud, with scammers increasingly using targeted tactics across email, text, social media, and chatbots rather than indiscriminate methods. Federal agencies including the FTC, FCC, and CFPB are responding with stronger enforcement tools, such as new rules against impersonation scams and data breach settlements, while increasing collaboration with state officials and emphasizing consumer education. Key initiatives focus on combating medical debt exploitation and financial crimes targeting older Americans.
rotary.org
· 2025-12-08
Americans lost a record $10 billion to fraud in 2023, with impostor scams and email impersonations being increasingly common threats to individuals and organizations like Rotary clubs. Scammers are leveraging artificial intelligence tools and multiple communication channels (text, email, social media) to impersonate trusted contacts and request money, making fraud harder to detect and investigate. To protect yourself and your network, verify suspicious requests through alternative contact methods, report fraud promptly, and share alerts with your community, as most fraud goes unpunished and victims rarely recover their money.
theschoharienews.com
· 2025-12-08
This is an announcement for a senior social club luncheon, not an article about fraud or elder abuse. It mentions that a Social Security Administration official will present information about identity theft and consumer scams at the January 10th meeting, but this is educational content rather than a report of an actual scam incident. This falls outside the scope of Elderus' fraud research database.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 78-year-old woman in Mumbai lost Rs 1.51 crore (~$182,000 USD) to a sophisticated "digital arrest" scam in which fraudsters impersonated Delhi police and accused her of money laundering involving a supposedly intercepted parcel containing drugs and cash. The perpetrators used fake video calls with forged warrants and coerced the victim into transferring funds by threatening arrest, exploiting psychological pressure despite awareness campaigns about such scams. Police have launched an investigation into what authorities believe is an organized cybercrime syndicate, while experts emphasize the need for elderly individuals to verify caller claims and avoid sharing sensitive financial information.
blog.ssa.gov
· 2025-12-08
This educational article provides best practices for protecting against scams in 2025, recommending that individuals safeguard social media privacy settings, avoid scanning suspicious QR codes, use strong passwords and passkeys, verify unexpected requests for personal information before responding, and stay informed about current fraud trends through reliable sources. The article emphasizes that scammers increasingly use social media, fake QR codes, and phishing emails impersonating trusted organizations to access personal data, and encourages readers to contact organizations directly through official channels to verify requests.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio forfeited $7.7 million in criminal assets during fiscal year 2024, with over $50 million in additional assets pending forfeiture orders from 214 cases involving cash, cryptocurrency, vehicles, real estate, and jewelry. In FY24, $11.1 million of forfeited funds were returned to crime victims as restitution, and $10.5 million was shared with 83 local law enforcement agency partners who assisted federal investigations. Asset forfeiture serves as a tool to punish criminals, deter criminal activity, and compensate victims harmed by fraud and other crimes.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 57-year-old man in Karkala lost Rs 8.93 lakh to a digital arrest scam after receiving a fraudulent call from someone claiming to be from the Mumbai Crime Branch who threatened him with arrest over alleged illegal money transfers. The victim was coerced into transferring money in multiple instalments between December 13-18, including a single transfer of Rs 6 lakh to an account in the name of Pavan Kumar Gujar. A police case was registered at Karkala Town Police Station.
dvidshub.net
· 2025-12-08
An estimated $10 billion was lost to online fraud in the United States last year, with scammers targeting seniors through romance scams, government imposter schemes, tech support fraud, and investment scams that exploit emotions and fear rather than technical sophistication. Common tactics include posing as romantic interests to solicit travel costs, impersonating government agencies demanding immediate payment via gift cards or cash, displaying fake virus alerts on computers, and offering unrealistic investment returns before disappearing with victims' funds. Experts recommend verifying unexpected contacts independently, keeping emotions in check during high-pressure situations, and confirming urgent requests from family members by hanging up and calling them back directly.
abc11.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2025, scammers are expected to escalate their targeting of consumers' money and identities, with the Global Anti-Scam Alliance reporting over $1 trillion in losses during 2024. Key emerging threats include AI-generated scams creating increasingly realistic fake websites and impersonation content, cryptocurrency investment scams using manipulated websites to simulate earnings, and text-based impersonation scams posing as job recruiters, banks, or family members—all made harder to detect as AI improves grammar and personalization. The FBI advises consumers to avoid quick reactions, scrutinize images for imperfections, and never send money via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or cash apps, as
outlookbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
Artificial intelligence has become a powerful tool for fraudsters in India, with 64% of respondents reporting increased fraud and 67% struggling to keep pace with evolving threats. Scammers use AI techniques including voice cloning, deepfakes, synthetic identity creation, and personalized phishing to impersonate trusted figures and extract money from victims across all demographics, though senior citizens are particularly vulnerable; notably, 83% of voice scam victims in India have lost money to cloned voice fraud. Financial institutions and individuals must implement more sophisticated detection systems, as the combination of AI with social engineering and offline techniques proves especially dangerous by exploiting human psychology and bypassing traditional security measures.
daijiworld.com
· 2025-12-08
A 72-year-old resident of Udupi, Francis Castelino, lost Rs 49 lacs after fraudsters added his son's number to a WhatsApp group called "Stock Market Navigation" and convinced the family to invest in fake stock market opportunities with promised high returns. The scammers requested further investments when the family attempted to withdraw funds, ultimately delivering neither returns nor principal, and a case has been registered with the Udupi CEN Police Station. The article advises vigilance against such schemes, warning never to share banking details or fall for threats of "digital arrest," which do not exist under Indian law.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
**Type:** Educational awareness piece on phone scam prevention
This AARP guidance teaches seniors to recognize and avoid phone scams by not answering unknown calls, listening for the telltale pause that indicates an auto-dialer system, and using call-blocking features. The key message emphasizes that scammers employ increasingly sophisticated tactics to extract personal information or payments, but awareness of these red flags can help prevent fraud victimization.
siasat.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, India experienced a surge in digital scams targeting individual citizens, with reported losses of approximately Rs 1,750 crore (about $210 million USD) across over 740,000 complaints, according to the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre. Major scam types included digital arrest fraud (affecting 92,323 victims who were threatened by impersonators claiming to be law enforcement), TRAI fraud calls, online investment scams, and dating fraud schemes that exploited victims through social media and dating apps. The Indian government predicts losses could reach Rs 1.2 lakh crore ($14.4 billion USD) in 2025
seattletimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A Toronto-Dominion Bank employee in New York used her access to customer data to distribute sensitive information to criminals on Telegram, a pattern that reflects a broader vulnerability in US banking where low-paid staff members are selling customer details to fraudsters. The scheme is particularly concerning given that US retirees face over $28 billion in estimated annual elder fraud losses, and con artists with insider information about wealthy customers can more effectively target victims. Banks have resisted stronger regulatory requirements to protect customers despite years of warnings about insider data breaches, with some cases involving sophisticated fraud rings operating on the dark web and social media platforms.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-08
A Toronto-Dominion Bank employee in New York used her access to customer data to distribute sensitive information to criminals via Telegram, a case that exemplifies a broader pattern of low-paid bank employees selling customer details to fraudsters across the United States. Detectives found images of 255 customer cheques and personal information on approximately 70 others on her phone, with similar schemes documented at major financial institutions and credit unions. This insider vulnerability is particularly concerning given that US retirees face record elder fraud losses exceeding $28 billion annually, as scammers with inside knowledge of customers' finances can target victims more effectively.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Katherine Goodson, a 67-year-old widow from San Diego, lost her entire life savings of over $60,000 to a romance scam involving scammers impersonating Keanu Reeves, sending money through direct deposits, gift cards, and cryptocurrency over a two-year period. After falling victim to a similar scam in 2022, a second impersonator exploited her vulnerability through "love-bombing" tactics, convincing her the actor wanted to marry her before becoming abusive once her funds were depleted, leaving her homeless. The case illustrates how romance scammers use psychological manipulation and emotional grooming to target lonely, vulnerable individuals.
boredpanda.com
· 2025-12-08
Katherine Goodson, a 67-year-old from San Diego, lost her entire life savings of over $60,000 to scammers impersonating Keanu Reeves over a two-year romance scam, leaving her homeless. The fraudsters groomed her with promises of love and marriage through daily messages, using tactics like love-bombing and isolation, and accepting payments via direct deposit, gift cards, and cryptocurrency before becoming hostile once funds dried up. Experts note that isolated older adults with emotional vulnerabilities are particularly susceptible to romance scams that exploit human need for connection rather than just financial theft.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 67-year-old California woman lost tens of thousands of dollars over two years to a romance scammer who impersonated actor Keanu Reeves, ultimately becoming homeless and living in her car. In 2023, the FBI reported that victims lost over $650 million to romance scams targeting vulnerable individuals, with the majority of victims being over 60 years old, though many cases go unreported due to shame and emotional trauma.
paymentsjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
A 2025 Javelin Strategy & Research report examines the TikTok-fueled check fraud scheme—where individuals deposited fraudulent checks and withdrew funds before verification—within the broader context of "friendly fraud" (first-party fraud), where consumers dispute legitimate charges to obtain refunds. The study emphasizes that many perpetrators, particularly younger consumers, don't perceive their actions as crimes and recommends that financial institutions use clear, appropriately-toned communications (tailored by age group and delivery method) and improved transaction descriptions to educate consumers about fraud while avoiding making victims feel accused.
spectrumlocalnews.com
· 2025-12-08
This article provides holiday fraud awareness and prevention tips, noting that 82% of U.S. consumers have experienced or been targeted by at least one form of holiday fraud according to a 2024 AARP report. Key protective measures include shopping only with trusted vendors, monitoring credit reports regularly at creditreport.com, and avoiding deals that seem too good to be true, with the FBI reporting that scams targeting individuals aged 60 and older totaled over $3.4 billion in 2023. Victims of identity theft are advised to seek professional credit repair help rather than attempting to negotiate settlements directly, and can report fraud to their credit bureau, the FTC, or the Consumer Response Center at
hometownlife.com
· 2025-12-08
An 84-year-old Canton woman fell victim to a grandparent-style fraud scheme in December when a caller impersonating a bank senior fraud officer convinced her to withdraw cash for a supposed security issue, resulting in at least two successful transfers before family members detected suspicious activity and alerted police. Li Biao, a 30-year-old alleged illegal immigrant from China, was arrested on December 17 while attempting to pick up $25,000 in cash from the victim's residence and faces felony charges for fraudulent false pretenses and resisting police.
rnz.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
Sarah and Laine Robinson lost $252,000 of their home deposit in a "spear phishing" scam after unknowingly transferring funds to a fraudulent account based on forged emails appearing to be from their conveyancer—the scam was only discovered the day before their property settlement when the funds failed to appear. The scammers had impersonated their conveyancer with near-perfect detail, including correct fee amounts, but used an email address missing the ".au" domain extension; ANZ Bank recovered only $82,000 of the lost amount, and the case was transferred to Victoria Police after discovering a Melbourne university student owned the recipient account. This attack exemplifies a shift
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
This article provides an overview of the spam and scam call problem affecting US consumers and discusses potential solutions. According to 2023 data, American consumers received an average of eight spam calls per week, with victims losing an average of $2,257 per scam—a 527% increase from the previous year. While the FCC has implemented technologies like Stir/Shaken and passed regulations to reduce unwanted calls, experts indicate these measures are inadequate, and the article advises consumers to employ defensive strategies such as not answering calls asking for confirmation or using call-blocking services.
makeuseof.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies six prevalent scams to watch for in 2025: IRS impersonation scams using phishing emails and calls; credit card fraud through skimmers and data breaches; cryptocurrency scams exploiting market hype and fake giveaways; employment scams (which surged 118% in 2023) targeting job seekers; post-holiday prize draw scams requesting payment or personal information; and package delivery scams using phishing links. The article recommends monitoring financial statements, verifying message sources, avoiding clicking suspicious links, and learning to identify fraudulent communications to protect yourself against these evolving threats.
thecsruniverse.com
· 2025-12-08
HelpAge India conducts digital literacy workshops and awareness campaigns to help senior citizens navigate technology safely and combat cyber fraud. The organization partners with communities, law enforcement, and volunteers to teach practical skills like online banking and mobile use, while addressing misconceptions about reporting mechanisms and fraud prevention through hands-on training and intergenerational learning programs.
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
A Gold Coast couple lost $250,000 of their home deposit in a "spear phishing" scam after transferring funds to a fraudulent account based on emails that appeared to be from their conveyancer but contained a slightly altered email address. The scam was not discovered until the day before their property settlement when their conveyancer could not locate the second deposit in the trust account. Queensland Police transferred the investigation to Victoria Police after identifying the scam account holder as a university student in Melbourne, and experts note that such highly-targeted, personalized scams are becoming increasingly common as criminals shift from mass phishing attacks to high-value transactions.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Text message scams are increasing in volume, with common schemes including fake shipping notifications claiming failed deliveries, fraudulent banking alerts about locked accounts, prize/sweepstakes offers, impersonated IRS/government agency demands for taxes, and fake fraud alerts. To protect yourself, never respond to, call numbers in, or click links from suspicious texts; instead, contact companies directly through official channels, and report scams to the FCC (7726) or FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
mlive.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Postal Service is warning about "smishing"—a scam where criminals send unsolicited text messages claiming a package cannot be delivered, then direct victims to click malicious links to steal personally identifiable information like Social Security numbers, passwords, and card details. The USPS advises recipients not to click links in unsolicited texts, as the Postal Service only sends text updates to customers who have specifically opted in; suspected smishing messages should be reported to the Postal Inspection Service.
shreveporttimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Text message scams are increasing drastically, with common types including fake shipping notifications (claiming failed package deliveries), fraudulent banking alerts, prize/sweepstakes offers, impersonated government agency messages, and fake fraud alerts designed to trick recipients into clicking links or providing personal information. To protect yourself, never respond to or click links in suspicious texts, avoid calling numbers in the messages, and instead contact companies directly through official websites; suspicious texts can be reported to the FCC at SPAM (7726) or the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
mitchellnow.com
· 2025-12-08
The United States Postal Service warns customers about "smishing" scams, where criminals send fake text messages impersonating USPS to trick users into clicking links and surrendering personal information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and dates of birth. In 2020, smishing and related schemes affected over 240,000 victims, costing more than $54 million with average losses of $800 per person. The Postal Service advises customers to never click suspicious links and notes that legitimate USPS text messages only arrive for customers who have registered for such services on usps.com.
buckscountyherald.com
· 2025-12-08
This op-ed advocates for updated Pennsylvania legislation to better protect older adults from financial exploitation, which takes multiple forms including tech support scams, romance scams, investment fraud, and abuse by trusted individuals. The authors call for amendments to the state's Older Adults Protective Services Act to mandate reporting of elder financial abuse and allow banks to temporarily hold suspected fraudulent transactions while notifying authorities. Bank employees are identified as key defenders against elder financial exploitation, and the authors urge older Pennsylvanians to remain vigilant during the holiday season when scammers are particularly active.
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
The jury duty summons scam, in which callers impersonate police officers and threaten victims with arrest for missing court summons, is becoming increasingly common and convincing, with the FTC reporting over 560,000 fraud cases in Q3 2024 alone. Victims are pressured to withdraw cash from ATMs or purchase gift cards to pay fake fines, with scammers using official-looking forged court documents and aggressive threats to coerce payment. Key warning signs include unsolicited calls demanding immediate payment and threats of arrest—legitimate law enforcement communicates via mail or in-person service, never by phone with demands for immediate payment.
hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 41-year-old bank clerk in Malaysia lost ₹20.29 lakh (RM115,950) in a Macau scam between September and November when fraudsters impersonating police officers and prosecutors convinced her to open a new bank account and transfer funds under the guise of an investigation into alleged money laundering. The victim filed a police report in December 2024, and authorities are investigating. Similar digital arrest scams are rising in India, where criminals impersonate telecom and police officials to pressure victims into transferring money by falsely claiming their phone numbers are being misused for illegal activities.
wired.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters increasingly use AI-generated deepfakes and voice cloning to impersonate family members in scams demanding urgent money for emergencies like kidnappings or accidents. The FBI and banks now recommend families create secret passphrases to verify identity during suspicious calls or messages, using unique phrases unrelated to publicly available personal information and kept strictly private. While family passphrases offer a useful defense layer, experts caution that victims in genuine emergencies may struggle to remember them due to panic or adrenaline.
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
During the holiday shopping season, the IRS warned consumers about increased scam activity, particularly targeting gift card fraud and fake delivery alerts. Scammers impersonate IRS officials and government agents demanding immediate payment via gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or wire transfers—tactics the IRS stated it would never employ—while others send phishing emails claiming package delivery issues to steal personal information. Consumers are advised to avoid clicking suspicious links, verify package status directly through official shipping websites, and report suspected scams to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
peoplesdefender.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece warns about "smishing" scams targeting drivers, where criminals send text messages impersonating toll road authorities like E-ZPass, requesting payment of small amounts (typically $11-$12) to avoid $50 late fees and including fraudulent payment links. The scam, which began in March according to the FBI, is increasingly state-specific and may target recent travelers. The article advises recipients to delete such messages, never click embedded links, contact toll authorities directly through official channels to verify charges, and report suspicious texts to the FBI's IC3.gov, the Better Business Bureau, or state attorneys general.
cxotoday.com
· 2025-12-08
India faces elevated APP (Authorized Push Payment) scam vulnerability due to massive digital payment adoption (129.3 billion real-time transactions in 2023), low consumer awareness in rural areas, and cultural trust in authority figures that fraudsters exploit through impersonation. APP scam losses in India are projected to reach INR 49,626 million by 2028, with businesses of all sizes—from small companies lacking technical resources to large enterprises with fragmented systems—requiring scalable fraud detection tools, employee training, and AI/machine learning solutions to combat evolving threats.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-08
A retired U.S. submarine commander lost $3.6 million to scammers in Asia despite his banks' concerns, prompting Virginia lawmakers to propose "Larry's Law" requiring banks to report suspected fraud to police; however, industry lobbyists successfully removed this clause before passage. Across the United States, elderly Americans lose an estimated $28 billion annually to fraud, yet states struggle to hold banks accountable as the industry resists legislation that would increase their liability, citing concerns about costs and customer impact, while existing reporting requirements often go unenforced.
commercialappeal.com
· 2025-12-08
Older adults reported $1.9 billion in fraud losses to the FTC in 2023-2024, with actual losses potentially reaching $61.5 billion, and they suffer significantly higher median losses ($1,450 for those 80+) compared to younger people ($480 for ages 20-29). Older adults are particularly vulnerable to investment scams ($538 million in losses), tech support scams (5 times more likely than younger people), and romance/impersonation scams, with payment methods ranging from gift cards to cryptocurrency and bank transfers. The FTC and Better Business Bureau are working to combat these scams through enforcement actions and prevention messaging, though challenges remain including
gmtoday.com
· 2025-12-08
The Mequon Police Department issued a warning about a spike in fraud cases in its community, noting that scams have become increasingly sophisticated and are targeting vulnerable populations through various methods including phishing, impersonation, tech support fraud, investment schemes, and cryptocurrency-related scams. Victims often lose thousands of dollars through wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency with little chance of recovery, and emotional distress frequently prevents reporting. The department recommends residents remain vigilant, verify unsolicited offers, protect personal information, and anticipate that scams will continue to evolve with advancing technology, including AI-driven schemes.
the420.in
· 2025-12-08
This curated cybercrime report documents multiple fraud schemes affecting victims globally. Notable cases include: 21 arrested in India for defrauding 16,000 people of Rs 125 crore through fake identities and impersonation; a Mumbai family losing Rs 7.50 crore in a SIM swap attack; and an international crypto and romance scam resulting in 792 arrests involving 148 Chinese nationals. Key advisory: counterfeit products (particularly cosmetics) sold via platforms like Temu pose serious health risks, and vulnerable populations should verify OTPs and account access to prevent unauthorized transactions.
leadertelegram.com
· 2025-12-08
This overview article describes prevalent scams targeting individuals across Wisconsin and the region, including impersonation scams (fake DSPS, IRS, and Microsoft representatives), grandparent scams, and romance scams that exploit personal information and emotional manipulation to extract money from victims. Between January 2022 and June 2024, approximately $3.54 million in scam losses were reported to Wisconsin's Department of Financial Institutions, though law enforcement suspects the actual total is significantly higher due to underreporting. Scammers commonly target lonely individuals and elderly people, particularly widowed men, using emotional manipulation, personal details from public sources, and fabricated scenarios to convince victims to send money or gift cards
statesman.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article warns consumers to remain vigilant against holiday shopping scams, particularly credit card skimming and smishing fraud. Card skimmers are illegally installed devices on ATMs and payment terminals that capture card data and PINs to enable unauthorized purchases; consumers can detect them using the SCAN method (checking for cameras, comparing components, assessing tampering, and nudging readers). Smishing scams use text messages impersonating legitimate institutions like banks or the USPS to trick victims into revealing personal and financial information—recipients should report suspicious messages to 7726 (SPAM) and relevant authorities without clicking links.
atg.wa.gov
· 2025-12-08
Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced that Metropolitan Commercial Bank will pay $10 million to the state as part of a fraud recovery initiative that has collected over $52 million from financial institutions that accepted stolen COVID-19 pandemic unemployment funds. Criminals stole more than $15 million from Washington's unemployment fund in 2020 using fake identities and MovoCash, a fintech company sponsored by Metropolitan, which failed to implement adequate anti-fraud and money-laundering safeguards. This marks the second phase of Ferguson's investigation—the first to pursue fintech companies through state consumer protection laws—following an initial phase that recovered $42 million from 26 financial institutions through asset forfeiture.
lbc.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Between December 25, 2023 and January 1, 2024, nearly £2 million was lost to authorized push payment (APP) scams during the festive period, with 596 scams reported to Santander bank including investment fraud, impersonation scams, and fake marketplace listings for goods and tickets. The scams exploited holiday distractions, with individual losses ranging from hundreds to over £600,000 in investment schemes. Santander advises consumers to verify payments carefully, avoid suspicious social media purchases, confirm identities through trusted contact methods, and research companies before sending money.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are sending fraudulent text messages impersonating USPS and other shipping companies, claiming package delivery delays and directing recipients to click malicious links to "confirm" address information. These phishing texts exploit holiday shopping season expectations and attempt to steal personal information including names, addresses, and credit card numbers. Experts advise that legitimate carriers only send text updates to customers who have explicitly signed up for them.