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zdnet.com
· 2025-12-17
# Holiday Scams Summary
The US Treasury warns that cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting the holiday season through three main scams: business impersonation (fake emails and websites spoofing trusted companies), gift card draining, and fraudulent social media ads promoting discounted products that are never delivered. These scams are becoming more sophisticated as criminals use AI to impersonate trusted brands and companies, making them harder to detect. To protect yourself, verify websites directly before entering payment information, be skeptical of unusually low prices, avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails, and purchase gift cards only from authorized retailers.
cnn.com
· 2025-12-17
# Crypto ATM Scam Summary
Thousands of Americans, particularly elderly retirees, lost over $250 million in 2024 to scams involving cryptocurrency ATMs, with Circle K convenience stores emerging as a major hub for these frauds. A CNN and ICIJ investigation found that Circle K profited from renting space to crypto ATMs while dismissing responsibility, even as employees witnessed repeated scams at the same locations and police were called repeatedly. Victims should be cautious about unfamiliar pressure to move money through crypto ATMs—especially if contacted by someone claiming to represent banks, government agencies, or tech companies—and should verify requests through official channels before taking any action.
abc7ny.com
· 2025-12-17
# Holiday E-Card Scam Warning
During the holiday season, scammers are targeting people through fake e-cards and email invitations (like Christmas party RSVPs and greeting cards) that contain malicious links designed to steal personal information or install malware on devices. To protect yourself, verify invitations by calling the sender directly, hover over links before clicking to check their legitimacy, avoid downloading attachments from unknown sources, and never share personal or financial information via email. If you fall victim to a scam, immediately change your passwords and run antivirus software to clean your device.
nbcnews.com
· 2025-12-17
Google is suing a Chinese-speaking cybercriminal group called Darcula that sells software enabling scammers to send mass phishing text messages to Americans impersonating trusted organizations like the IRS and postal services to steal personal and financial information. The group's software, called Magic Cat, allows even unskilled cybercriminals to easily target millions of people with fake websites that harvest credit card numbers and other sensitive data. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited text messages asking you to click links or verify account information, especially from government agencies or financial institutions—legitimate organizations typically won't contact you this way, and you should independently verify any requests by calling the official organization directly.
ksltv.com
· 2025-12-17
Delivery scams have surged during the 2025 holiday season, with fake websites impersonating the U.S. Postal Service increasing 850% and fake DHL sites up 206%, targeting millions of Americans who expect package deliveries. Scammers send text messages about delivery issues to trick people into clicking malicious links and entering personal information on fake websites. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in unsolicited delivery texts; instead, go directly to the official carrier website or call the company directly to verify any delivery issues.
spectrumnews1.com
· 2025-12-17
During the 2024 holiday season, Ohio residents and people nationwide face a surge of sophisticated scams that have cost Americans over $50 billion between 2020 and 2024, with the most common schemes including fake shipping alerts, fake urgent requests from authority figures for gift cards, convincing charity impersonations, phishing for loyalty points, and dangerous public Wi-Fi networks. Consumers of all ages are vulnerable during the busy holiday period when scammers exploit the seasonal chaos to catch people off guard. To protect yourself, take a few seconds to verify shipping notifications directly through official retailer websites, never respond to unexpected urgent requests for gift cards, donate only through official charity channels you've verified independently, avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, and avoid conducting sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi networks.
expresscomputer.in
· 2025-12-17
India experienced a dramatic surge in cybercrime losses, with reported losses exceeding ₹22,845 crore in 2024—a 206% increase from 2023—affecting people across all demographics and professions. Scammers exploit psychological vulnerabilities like fear, urgency (FOMO), overconfidence, and false legitimacy to trick victims into revealing personal information or transferring money. To protect yourself, pause before acting on threatening messages or time-limited offers, verify requests through official channels independently, and remember that scams can target anyone regardless of education or expertise.
wect.com
· 2025-12-17
Pender County, North Carolina lost over $650,000 in taxpayer funds after scammers impersonated the Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority and changed banking details on payment invoices. The FBI and SBI are now investigating the fraud scheme, which raises concerns that other counties may have been targeted similarly. County officials advise verifying payment routing information directly with vendors through known contact methods rather than relying solely on email instructions, especially when banking details change.
kctv5.com
· 2025-12-17
# Holiday Scams Surge with AI Technology
The FBI is warning Kansas City shoppers that scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to commit fraud during the holiday season, with over 535,000 Americans losing $13.7 billion to online scams in 2024 alone. Criminals are now using AI to create convincing fake social media profiles, clone voices, forge documents, and produce deepfake videos impersonating loved ones and public figures to pressure victims into quick decisions. To protect yourself, the FBI recommends verifying requests before clicking links, using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and trusting your instincts if something feels suspicious—and reporting any scams you encounter, even if you didn't lose money, helps law enforcement stop future victims.
infosecurity-magazine.com
· 2025-12-17
During the Christmas shopping season, internet users face a surge of sophisticated AI-powered scams, with security experts detecting over 33,500 phishing emails and 10,000 fraudulent social media ads in just two weeks. Scammers are using AI to create convincing fake delivery notices, e-commerce websites, and charity appeals in flawless local languages, with fake delivery scams increasing 100% compared to last year. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited messages and deals, verify websites before entering payment information, avoid clicking links in unexpected delivery notifications, and be wary of social media giveaway claims—especially from newly created accounts.
13wmaz.com
· 2025-12-17
# Holiday Scam Summary
During the holiday season, scammers target unsuspecting shoppers with fake ads and unsolicited messages to steal money and personal information. The FBI recommends verifying online deals by visiting retailer websites directly rather than clicking promoted links on social media, and treating unexpected texts and emails as red flags. Taking a moment to question whether deals seem too good to be true can help protect you and your loved ones from falling victim to holiday scams.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-17
# Crypto Scams Cause Million-Dollar Losses in Austin
Austin residents have lost nearly $4 million to cryptocurrency scams in 2025 alone, with less than $90,000 recovered, according to police investigators—a problem that's part of a broader global trend. Scammers typically contact victims by phone, text, or email claiming their accounts have been hacked, then pressure them to deposit cash into cryptocurrency ATMs where the money is converted and sent to overseas criminals, making recovery nearly impossible. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contacts about your crypto accounts, verify requests through official channels before taking action, and remember that legitimate institutions will never ask you to move funds to crypto ATMs.
news.shib.io
· 2025-12-17
A Bitcoin investor lost his entire retirement savings of 1 BTC in an AI-powered "pig butchering" scam after being approached by someone posing as both a trader and romantic interest who promised to double his investment. Originally reported by The Shib Daily, the scam exploited emotional manipulation tactics typical of pig butchering schemes, which lure victims through fake romantic relationships and investment promises before stealing their funds. To protect yourself, be extremely skeptical of unsolicited investment offers from strangers online, never send cryptocurrency to people you haven't verified through trusted channels, and remember that legitimate traders won't pressure you through romantic appeals or promise guaranteed returns.
tradingview.com
· 2025-12-17
During the holiday season, cryptocurrency users face increased scam risks as cybercriminals exploit increased online activity, heightened emotions, and distraction to trick people into fraudulent schemes like phishing emails, fake wallet apps, and bogus investment opportunities. Crypto users are particularly vulnerable because cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible, making it difficult or impossible to recover stolen funds. To stay protected, users should avoid clicking suspicious links, verify wallet addresses carefully, and take time to authenticate requests before conducting any crypto transactions, especially during busy holiday periods.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-16
Online scams are disproportionately targeting seniors, who are vulnerable due to isolation, loneliness, and less familiarity with technology, according to local aging offices. Common scams include fraudulent texts and phone calls (especially during Medicare enrollment and tax season), romance scams on social media, and requests for gift card purchases. Seniors who suspect they've been scammed can contact Lifespan of Greater Rochester at 585-244-8400 or 866-454-5110 (toll-free) for counseling, support groups, and assistance in potentially recovering funds.
journal-news.net
· 2025-12-16
# Fraud Investigation Summary
A Berkeley County resident fell victim to a government impersonation scam in which fraudsters sent a fake Apple Pay alert, then threatened her with false criminal allegations to extort money. Following law enforcement's advice to report the incident to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, the victim's case contributed to international law enforcement raids in Jaipur, India, that shut down fraudulent call centers and arrested approximately 60 suspects. If you receive unsolicited payment alerts or calls impersonating government agencies, hang up, contact official agencies directly using verified phone numbers, and report the incident to IC3.gov, the FBI, or the Federal Trade Commission.
thedailystar.com
· 2025-12-16
Online scams are increasingly targeting seniors, according to Otsego County's Office for the Aging, which reports receiving frequent calls from older adults who have encountered fraud attempts. While scams affect people of all ages, seniors are particularly vulnerable and should exercise caution when responding to phone calls, emails, and other online communications. Local officials recommend that seniors remain skeptical of unsolicited contact and verify the legitimacy of requests before sharing personal information or money.
fdic.gov
· 2025-12-16
During the busy holiday shopping season, identity theft and scams increase significantly, making December's National Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month an important reminder for consumers to protect themselves. The FDIC offers free Money Smart educational resources that teach people how to recognize phishing attempts, protect personal financial information, and take action if they become victims—including steps like reviewing credit reports and freezing credit, with specialized guidance available for older adults who are frequently targeted by scams. Consumers can access these tools at FDIC.gov/MoneySmart, while educators and community groups can use the materials to conduct local workshops and help people stay vigilant throughout the year.
uppermichiganssource.com
· 2025-12-16
# Holiday Scam Alert and Prevention Tips
During the holiday shopping season, scammers increasingly target consumers through various fraudulent schemes including romance scams, phishing texts and emails, fake package delivery notifications, and payment fraud. Police and banking officials warn shoppers to avoid clicking links from unknown sources, never pay with gift cards or cryptocurrency, and be suspicious of requests to move conversations to encrypted messaging apps. To stay safe, pause before making purchases, verify you're communicating with legitimate businesses, and remember that banks will never ask for personal information like PINs or passwords over the phone.
abc7ny.com
· 2025-12-16
# Holiday Pet Scam Summary
Scammers are targeting pet lovers during the holidays with fake puppy listings and stolen photos, with the Better Business Bureau warning that 80% of online pet listings may be fraudulent. Victims lose hundreds or thousands of dollars paying upfront for non-existent dogs, plus fake shipping and insurance fees. To stay safe, adopt from reputable local shelters, verify photos through reverse image searches, never wire money or use untraceable payment methods, and remember that suspiciously cheap prices are usually scams.
ricochet.com
· 2025-12-16
Elderly individuals, particularly those experiencing cognitive decline, face significant vulnerability to scams and fraud—especially involving technology and phone calls. The author shares personal experience with his aging mother-in-law who nearly fell victim to a scam demanding $5,000 in cash, illustrating how seniors often lack skepticism toward exploiters despite warnings from family members. To protect elderly relatives, families should monitor financial activities closely, help set up call-blocking systems, and establish verification protocols (like always asking seniors to hang up and call you back) before any urgent money transfers are made.
kxan.com
· 2025-12-16
Cryptocurrency scams are causing millions in losses to Austin residents in 2025, with victims losing nearly $4 million while only about $90,000 has been recovered, according to local law enforcement. Scammers typically initiate contact via phone, text, or email claiming the victim's accounts have been compromised, then trick them into depositing cash into cryptocurrency ATMs where the money is converted to digital currency and sent to overseas criminals—making recovery nearly impossible. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact about your crypto accounts and never deposit money into a crypto ATM based on instructions from someone claiming to help secure your funds.
cxodigitalpulse.com
· 2025-12-16
Telegram scams are surging in India, with fraudsters using the platform's encrypted channels to promote fake investment schemes, lottery wins, and job offers that have cost Indians over ₹1,100 crore in the first half of 2025 alone. Scammers typically start by flooding public channels with promises of quick profits, then move victims to private chats where they use deepfakes and psychological pressure to extract money through UPI payments or malware-infected apps. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment pitches on Telegram, never share personal details with unknown contacts, and avoid clicking links or downloading files from untrusted sources.
agedcareguide.com.au
· 2025-12-16
# Scam Threat Summary
Australian seniors over 50 are facing unprecedented fraud risks as AI-powered scams become more sophisticated, with 84% having encountered or fallen victim to scams and 83% reporting it's harder to trust information than ever before. The most common scams targeting this group involve phishing emails, parcel delivery schemes, and overdue payment demands, often delivered via phone calls, emails, or text messages. To protect themselves, older Australians should regularly fact-check information before believing or sharing it, verify unexpected communications directly with organizations, and remain skeptical of unsolicited contact—particularly those claiming urgency or requesting personal information.
times-herald.com
· 2025-12-15
Detective Sgt. Steve McCook of the Newnan Police Department warned the Kiwanis Club that scams have become increasingly sophisticated and can target anyone regardless of intelligence or education, using emotional manipulation and fear tactics like fake arrest warrants and romance scams to pressure victims into paying with gift cards or cryptocurrency. The detective emphasized that victims can protect themselves by remembering they control the conversation—they can always hang up and call police immediately if something feels suspicious. Key actionable advice: never pay fines or fees over the phone or with gift cards, as legitimate law enforcement will never demand payment this way, and always verify requests by independently calling official authorities.
bitbo.io
· 2025-12-15
A Bitcoin investor lost his entire retirement savings to a "pig butchering" scam in which a fraudster posed as both a romantic interest and a professional trader, promising to double his cryptocurrency holdings before disappearing with the funds. These emotionally manipulative scams cost cryptocurrency holders $5.5 billion collectively in 2024 across 200,000 cases, with scammers typically grooming victims over weeks or months before requesting money transfers. To protect yourself, be extremely skeptical of unsolicited romantic or investment offers online, verify identities through independent channels before sending any funds, and remember that legitimate traders will never ask you to send cryptocurrency directly to personal accounts.
mirror.co.uk
· 2025-12-15
An 84-year-old grandmother fell victim to a travel scam in 2024 when fraudsters called her while she was searching for flights, offering discounted business-class tickets to Australia and Sri Lanka, which she paid for in installments totaling £3,670 before the company disappeared. The scammers used sophisticated tactics including spoofing a fake ATOL license and offering payment plans—tactics legitimate airlines don't typically use—to appear credible. To protect yourself this holiday season, verify travel companies through official channels rather than trusting unsolicited calls, check ATOL licenses directly on the Civil Aviation Authority website, and remember that airlines and legitimate travel agents typically don't offer installment payment plans.
goldrushcam.com
· 2025-12-15
# Nevada County Inheritance Mail Scam Alert
Nevada County authorities are warning residents about a fraudulent mail scam targeting vulnerable adults, particularly seniors, claiming they've inherited millions from a life insurance policy. The official-looking letters falsely claim the recipient shares a surname and nationality with a deceased person and offer to split 90% of a supposed $10 million estate between the recipient and a law firm. Residents should be skeptical of unsolicited inheritance claims and contact Nevada County Adult Services (530-265-1639) or the Sheriff's Office if they receive suspicious mail or suspect they've been targeted.
bitdefender.com
· 2025-12-14
During the holiday season, scammers target families—especially seniors—through fake shopping sites, delivery scams, charity fraud, and impersonation schemes, taking advantage of increased online shopping and emotional vulnerability. Grandparents are particularly at risk when searching for gifts or receiving urgent messages claiming a relative needs help. To protect your family, use free verification tools like Link Checker to verify suspicious URLs and Scamio to review questionable messages or charity requests before engaging with them.
postandcourier.com
· 2025-12-14
The Better Business Bureau warns consumers about multiple holiday scams targeting shoppers and generous donors, including fake websites, phishing emails with malware, fraudulent charity solicitations, and impersonation scams claiming family members need emergency money. Those affected include online shoppers, parents receiving fake Santa letters, job seekers, and anyone approached for charitable donations. To stay safe, use credit cards on secure websites (look for https and lock symbols), verify charity legitimacy at give.org before donating, confirm emergency requests with family members before sending money, and be skeptical of unsolicited emails and shipping notifications.
whyy.org
· 2025-12-14
# Holiday Fraud Summary
During the busy holiday shopping season, fraudsters are increasingly targeting consumers through fake retail websites and phishing scams, as illustrated by the case of Dr. Susan Moyer, who clicked a fraudulent link texting from what appeared to be a trusted contact and nearly lost thousands of dollars before her bank blocked the transactions. According to recent surveys, 89% of U.S. adults have experienced or been targeted by fraud, with scammers using sophisticated tactics like artificial intelligence to create convincing fake sites that are hard to distinguish from legitimate ones. To protect yourself, experts recommend verifying website URLs before entering payment information, checking for security indicators like the lock icon, being suspicious of unsolicited links even from known contacts, and immediately contacting your bank if you notice suspicious activity.
victoriaadvocate.com
· 2025-12-14
The Better Business Bureau warns consumers about 12 common holiday scams, including fake online purchases, fraudulent gift exchanges, malicious apps, phishing emails, and employment scams that exploit increased holiday shopping, travel, and job searching. To protect themselves, consumers should avoid clicking unsolicited links, paying via wire transfer or gift cards, downloading unfamiliar apps, and should verify requests directly with official sources rather than through provided contact information. Being cautious with social media ads, unsolicited messages, and requests for personal information can help avoid falling victim to these schemes during the holiday season.
wnegradio.com
· 2025-12-14
# Delivery Scam Summary
Scammers are sending fraudulent text messages and emails impersonating major delivery carriers like FedEx, UPS, and USPS, asking recipients to click links to "update delivery preferences" or reschedule packages. These fake links lead to phishing sites that steal personal information, financial data, or install malware on devices, with scams becoming especially prevalent during the holiday shipping season. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in unsolicited delivery messages and instead contact the carrier directly through their official website or phone number to verify any delivery issues.
keysnews.com
· 2025-12-14
Police in Monroe County, Florida are alerting residents to a rise in holiday scams, including fraudsters impersonating First Horizon Bank and Florida Highway Patrol officials to trick people into providing personal information or making payments. The scams typically involve unsolicited text messages or calls claiming false debts or license suspension threats, with perpetrators asking victims to pay via gift cards or Bitcoin or to share passwords. Residents are advised to hang up on suspicious callers and contact financial institutions or government agencies directly using official numbers rather than information provided by the caller.
legit.ng
· 2025-12-14
Inusah Ahmed, owner of Ghana's PAC Academy FC, was arrested by the FBI and Ghanaian authorities as part of an international fraud ring that allegedly stole over $100 million through romance scams and fake business email schemes. The arrest went viral after a video of his luxurious mansion surfaced online, shocking the public and revealing how the stolen money funded his lavish lifestyle. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic relationships that quickly ask for money, verify business email requests directly with known contacts before sending funds, and report suspicious activity to local authorities or the FBI.
womansworld.com
· 2025-12-14
Pig butchering scams are elaborate frauds where scammers build romantic or friendly relationships with victims online to gain their trust, then convince them to invest money in cryptocurrency or other schemes before disappearing with their funds. While less common than other scams like phishing, pig butchering causes the most severe financial damage—accounting for nearly half of all scam losses in the U.S.—because victims often hand over significant savings. To protect yourself, be cautious when someone you've recently met online encourages you to invest money, verify investment opportunities independently, and remember that legitimate connections don't pressure you to move money quickly or use untraceable payment methods.
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-13
# Fraud Summary
In 2024, older Americans reported $2.4 billion in financial fraud losses to the FTC, up 26% from the previous year, though the agency estimates actual losses could reach $81.5 billion when accounting for unreported cases, with investment scams being the primary culprit. Those age 60 and over are particularly vulnerable to large-scale frauds exceeding $100,000, which accounted for 68% of reported losses and can devastate retirement security and cause significant emotional harm beyond financial damage. To protect themselves, older adults should designate a "trusted contact" with their financial institutions who can alert them to suspicious activity and consider working with banks and brokerages that actively monitor for signs of financial exploitation.
desitalkchicago.com
· 2025-12-13
cobbcountycourier.com
· 2025-12-13
Georgia's Secretary of State's Office has launched efforts to protect residents from holiday scams, particularly through the SPEAR Act program targeting seniors, but evidence suggests younger adults may actually be more vulnerable to scams than older Georgians despite their presumed tech-savviness. Common holiday scams include gift card fraud and compromised charity emails where scammers impersonate legitimate organizations. The article advises consumers to research before donating and highlights that scammers remain active year-round, suggesting people of all ages need protection and awareness regardless of their technological skills.
tribuneindia.com
· 2025-12-13
ladailypost.com
· 2025-12-13
# FBI Warns About Account Takeover Fraud Costing Millions
Scammers are targeting millions of people through text messages and calls impersonating trusted companies like Apple, banks, and delivery services to steal login credentials and personal information, with losses exceeding $260 million this year. The fraudsters create fake urgency by claiming accounts are locked or compromised, then direct victims to fraudulent websites that look identical to legitimate ones to harvest their data. To protect yourself, never click links in unsolicited messages, enable multi-factor authentication on all accounts, and go directly to official websites or apps rather than following links from suspicious communications.
pcmag.com
· 2025-12-13
# Holiday Shopping Scam Summary
During the holiday season, scammers target shoppers at an alarming rate—one in five Americans reports being scammed, losing an average of $840 per person. Security experts recommend avoiding online shopping when possible by shopping in-store instead, and if you must shop online, turn off notifications and set aside dedicated, distraction-free time to make purchases carefully. Using security tools like shopping tracker browser extensions can also help verify that websites are legitimate before you enter payment information.
kwch.com
· 2025-12-13
# Scam Summary
A Wichita woman was fraudulently charged $158 by a Lyft driver who claimed she vomited in his car and submitted fake photos from Reddit and Pinterest as evidence. The scam has affected dozens of people nationwide, and the victim is struggling financially as a caretaker for her mother. To protect yourself, the Better Business Bureau recommends photographing rideshare vehicles before rides, reviewing the company's damage dispute policies, and taking advantage of formal dispute resolution processes that many rideshare companies offer.
businessofhome.com
· 2025-12-13
Designers Bill Brockschmidt and Courtney Coleman lost $6,900 in a sophisticated online antiques scam after a criminal hacked into a seller's email account on Proantic (a European antiques marketplace), impersonated the seller, and fabricated fake shipping company communications to appear legitimate. To protect yourself, verify sellers through multiple independent sources beyond the marketplace listing, be wary of requests for wire transfers or additional fees after initial payment, and contact sellers directly through phone numbers or addresses you independently confirm rather than relying solely on email. This scam was notably more convincing than typical fraud because the communications used proper grammar, official-looking headers, and realistic transaction details rather than obvious red flags.
cedirates.com
· 2025-12-13
Ghanaian authorities arrested Frederick Kumi and two accomplices for using AI-powered romance scams to defraud elderly Americans of $8 million, marking a troubling escalation in online fraud that exploits artificial intelligence to create fake identities and simulate emotional connections on dating platforms. The case highlights a critical vulnerability in Ghana's digital ecosystem, as these sophisticated scams damage the country's international reputation and erode global trust in its financial system and tech sector. To combat this growing threat, Ghana needs broader cultural and digital literacy initiatives beyond law enforcement, including public condemnation of fraud and education for young people about the dangers and consequences of cybercrime.
lifehacker.com
· 2025-12-13
Android users now have new tools to identify and protect themselves from scam text messages and calls through Google's Circle to Search and Lens features, which can detect fraud red flags like suspicious urgency, requests for money or personal information, and suspicious links. These tools work across text messages, messaging apps, and social media, and are part of a broader Google security suite that includes real-time scam detection on Pixel phones and in-call protections that prevent actions like app downloads when speaking with unknown contacts. To use Circle to Search, simply long-press your home button and circle suspicious text to scan it, or take a screenshot and open it in Google Lens—especially helpful when you feel pressured to act quickly.
www3.erie.gov
· 2025-12-12
# Medicare Scams Summary
Criminals are impersonating Medicare officials year-round to trick seniors into sharing personal information through phone calls, emails, texts, and mail—sometimes using spoofed phone numbers and threatening to cancel coverage. Medicare beneficiaries should know that legitimate Medicare never calls unexpectedly asking for your Medicare number or financial information; if contacted, hang up and call Medicare directly using the number on your card. Recent cases show scammers are increasingly bold, with fraudsters submitting hundreds of millions in false claims, so it's critical to report suspected fraud and watch for warning signs of medical identity theft.
wmur.com
· 2025-12-12
# Holiday Scams Summary
During the holiday season, scammers exploit shoppers through various schemes including fake social media ads that lead to counterfeit products or subscription traps, illegal pyramid schemes disguised as gift exchanges, and suspicious apps that collect personal data or contain malware. The Better Business Bureau recommends protecting yourself by researching unfamiliar retailers and reading reviews before purchasing, avoiding gift exchanges with strangers that promise unrealistic returns, and carefully checking app privacy policies and permissions before downloading. By staying vigilant about where you shop and what you download, you can enjoy the holidays safely and avoid falling victim to seasonal fraud.
cnn.com
· 2025-12-12
Gift card fraud is a growing concern during the holiday season, with scammers tampering with physical cards in stores by scratching off PINs or replacing barcodes to steal money. Consumers should inspect gift cards for signs of tampering before purchase, avoid buying from suspicious racks, and consider purchasing online from reputable retailers instead to minimize the risk of losing money to fraudsters. The FTC also warns against buying gift cards from online auction sites, as they may be fake or stolen.
mashable.com
· 2025-12-11
In 2025, text message-based scams have become the most prevalent threat to internet users, with the E-ZPass toll scam leading the way—scammers falsely claim unpaid tolls and threaten license suspension to pressure victims into clicking malicious links. Other common scams include DMV fraud, fake job offers, romance scams, and malware schemes that affect a broad range of people online. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in unsolicited texts, don't respond to suspicious messages, and if you have concerns about toll bills or other legitimate issues, contact the relevant agencies directly rather than through text.