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in Scam Awareness
stormlake.com
· 2025-12-08
The Department of Insurance and Financial Services and the American Association of Retired Persons conducted an educational program at King's Pointe to teach seniors how to recognize and avoid scams. The initiative focused on fraud prevention awareness for older adults in the community.
nbcnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Job scams promising easy online work have surged dramatically, with reported losses exceeding $220 million in the first half of 2024—more than triple the 2020 losses—according to the FTC. These scams typically begin with personalized text or WhatsApp messages offering "product boosting" or task-based work that displays fake earnings until victims are pressured to deposit their own money (often in cryptocurrency) to withdraw non-existent profits. Vulnerable targets include job-seekers new to the market, re-entering workers, and immigrants, and the FTC advises never paying upfront for work and ignoring unsolicited job offers via text.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Fake agent phone scams are sweeping across the United States, with scammers impersonating federal agencies like the FBI and US Marshals using caller ID spoofing to demand immediate payment via untraceable methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency, claiming victims have frozen Social Security numbers, jailed relatives, or missed jury duty summons. Victims across numerous states have lost thousands of dollars, with some scammers even appearing in person, and the threat is escalating as text-based "smishing" attacks surge and experts warn of potential AI voice cloning tactics. To protect yourself, hang up immediately on such calls, never pay via gift cards or cryptocurrency, and remember that legitimate government agencies never demand payment
fdic.gov
· 2025-12-08
Financial exploitation costs seniors an estimated $27 billion annually and can occur through theft by family members, caregivers, or scammers. Key prevention strategies include monitoring bank and credit accounts regularly, protecting personal financial information, carefully selecting powers of attorney, reviewing credit reports, taking time with major financial decisions, and remaining alert to common scams like grandparent fraud and fake check schemes. Additional protections include registering with the Do Not Call Registry, avoiding unsolicited deposit requests, and limiting personal information shared on social media.
ksl.com
· 2025-12-08
Job scams promising easy online work have surged dramatically, with reported losses exceeding $220 million in the first half of 2024—more than triple the 2020 total—according to the Federal Trade Commission. Scammers typically contact victims via text or WhatsApp, build trust, and eventually ask for cryptocurrency deposits to complete fake "tasks" like rating videos or liking products, after which victims lose their real money while the promised earnings never materialize. The scams primarily target vulnerable populations including new job-seekers, people re-entering the workforce, and immigrants, and the FTC advises ignoring unsolicited job messages and never paying money upfront to secure employment.
boston25news.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers exploited summer vacation and home improvement seasons to steal approximately $1.7 billion last year, employing sophisticated tactics including fake vacation rental listings with upfront payment requests, door-to-door home improvement schemes offering discounted rates but delivering shoddy or incomplete work, inflated moving company fees, ticket scalping scams, and fraudulent mortgage relief offers targeting homeowners in financial distress. The article advises consumers to verify sellers' legitimacy, check licenses and reviews, only purchase from official sources, work exclusively with established lenders or HUD-approved counselors, and conduct thorough research before committing money.
jec.senate.gov
· 2025-12-08
Senator Maggie Hassan announced a major Joint Economic Committee initiative to combat financial scams, which cost the global economy $1 trillion in 2024—surpassing the drug trade. The effort includes an issue brief and public survey to document scam experiences, with particular focus on protecting seniors aged 60+, who lose an average of $80,000 per victim, four times the national average. Upcoming investigations will examine vulnerabilities in payment platforms, spam communications, and the emerging threat of AI-enabled fraud.
amityvillerecord.com
· 2025-12-08
Consumers lost over $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, a 25% increase from 2023, with the percentage of victims who lost money jumping from 27% to 38% according to FTC data. While seniors are frequently targeted through "elder fraud," financial scams affect consumers of all ages across the internet and smartphone platforms. The FTC recommends verifying requests before sharing money or personal information, avoiding wire transfers and unsolicited payments, using credit cards for stronger fraud protection, and never trusting unverified caller IDs or sharing sensitive information in response to unexpected contact.
fingerlakes1.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, Americans lost over $12.5 billion to scams, with seniors accounting for $4.8 billion in losses, prompting Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Elizabeth Warren to request a Government Accountability Office investigation into staffing cuts at federal consumer protection agencies including the CFPB, FTC, and FBI. The senators argue that the Trump administration's actions—including firing approximately 90% of CFPB employees and implementing the Department of Government Efficiency—have severely undermined fraud prevention efforts at a time when they are most needed. The GAO has been asked to assess how these cuts have impacted the government's ability to implement fraud prevention recommendations and protect
mainlinemedianews.com
· 2025-12-08
Con artists continuously develop new scams targeting seniors, with recent tactics including AI-based fraud, unpaid toll/fine texts, investment schemes, and romance scams, while older methods like the grandparent scam remain prevalent. One in ten older adults in the U.S. experience financial exploitation annually, losing billions in retirement savings, prompting support for the bipartisan Senior Security Act of 2025. Experts advise seniors to never share information via unsolicited calls or texts, verify requests independently through official channels, and remain skeptical of requests that seem too good to be true or create urgency through fear.
local21news.com
· 2025-12-08
A 39-year-old man was arrested in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after impersonating an FBI agent to scam a senior citizen out of $27,000 in cash on July 8. The victim was convinced to withdraw the money after the suspect demanded payment to avoid arrest, but her son recognized the scam and called police, who intercepted the call and made the arrest. The suspect faces felony charges for theft by deception and conspiracy.
businessnewsthisweek.com
· 2025-12-08
Recent CDC data indicates that approximately 1 in 10 Americans aged 60+ experience elder abuse annually. A comprehensive analysis of senior safety across U.S. states, measuring scam reports, homicide rates, violent death rates, and quality of life, ranked Massachusetts as the safest state for seniors (score: 89.96), followed by Minnesota (89.03) and Nebraska (88.78), with scam rates against seniors ranging from 95.5 to 141.1 reports per 100,000 people depending on the state.
nwestiowa.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams involve criminals creating fake personas on dating sites and social media to build false relationships and extract money from victims through emotional manipulation and fabricated emergencies. The Federal Trade Commission estimates approximately 64,000 Americans lost $1.14 billion to romance scams in 2023, with seniors—particularly widowed and divorced individuals—being frequent targets. Red flags include refusal to meet in person or video call, rapid escalation of romantic declarations, requests to move to private messaging platforms, and endless excuses for financial assistance, with some victims also being coerced into becoming "money mules" for money laundering schemes.
channelnewsasia.com
· 2025-12-08
"Revenge on Gold Diggers," a Chinese interactive video game released in June, became a commercial hit by simulating pig-butchering love scams where players protect themselves from women who manipulate men for money, selling over one million copies. The game sparked intense debate in China, with supporters praising its anti-fraud educational value amid rising scam concerns (40,000 telecom fraud cases in 2024), while critics condemned it for reinforcing misogynistic stereotypes and portraying women as inherent schemers rather than addressing systemic vulnerabilities in relationships. The developers changed the Chinese title to "Emotional Anti-Fraud Simulator" but maintained the English title remained "
itweb.africa
· 2025-12-08
This article examines how artificial intelligence is transforming romantic relationships and creating new vulnerabilities to scams. According to Norton Cyber Safety Insights, 48% of people use dating apps, with one in four daters targeted by romance scams powered by AI-generated deepfakes, bots, and fake avatars designed for emotional manipulation. The article warns that while AI offers convenience in relationships and family connections, it risks eroding genuine human bonds and making it increasingly difficult for vulnerable users to distinguish between authentic and fraudulent interactions.
hollywoodreporter.com
· 2025-12-08
A 73-year-old woman in the rural South lost approximately $100,000 in bitcoin to scammers impersonating actor Kevin Costner over several months, luring her with romantic messages and promises of a production company job before standing her up at a hotel meeting. The scam is part of a larger billion-dollar celebrity impersonation scheme that exploits lonely victims through AI-generated deepfakes, fake messaging accounts, and social media, prompting Hollywood to pursue legislation like the "No Fakes Act" to protect artists' likenesses and voices from unauthorized use.
dexerto.com
· 2025-12-08
Actor Keanu Reeves pays thousands of dollars monthly to an AI company to remove fake impersonator accounts and protect fans from romance scammers, as he is reportedly the most impersonated celebrity online due to his lack of social media presence. Romance scams using celebrity impersonations are rising in prevalence, with recent victims losing substantial sums—including a woman who lost $850,000 to a scammer posing as Brad Pitt—and the company handling Reeves' takedowns has issued nearly 40,000 account removal orders on his behalf in the past year.
nbcwashington.com
· 2025-12-08
Job scams targeting work-seekers, particularly through text or WhatsApp messages promising easy online tasks like "product boosting," have surged dramatically, with reported losses exceeding $220 million in the first half of 2024—more than triple the losses from 2020. Scammers build trust before directing victims to deposit money (often cryptocurrency) to access fake earnings that appear in apps, resulting in complete financial loss. The scams disproportionately target job-seekers new to the market, homemakers re-entering the workforce, and immigrants, exploiting economic vulnerability through offers of remote work with no interviews and immediate start dates.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Scammers pose as utility companies during summer months, threatening to shut off electric service due to unpaid bills and demanding immediate payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or mobile payment apps to exploit consumers' need for air conditioning. Legitimate utility companies do not threaten immediate shutoffs without notice or request unusual payment methods; consumers should verify any such claims by contacting their utility directly using the phone number on their bill. Those who suspect utility scams can contact AARP's Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360 for assistance.
nbcchicago.com
· 2025-12-08
Job scams promising easy online work have surged dramatically, with reported losses exceeding $220 million in the first half of 2024—more than triple the 2020 level—according to the Federal Trade Commission. These scams typically begin with personalized text or WhatsApp messages offering commission-based tasks like rating videos or liking images; victims see fake earnings accumulate in an app before being asked to deposit their own money (often in cryptocurrency) to withdraw funds they never actually earned. Vulnerable targets include job-seekers new to the workforce, people re-entering employment, and immigrants, with only about 5% of victims reporting their losses to authorities.
mcafee.com
· 2025-12-08
UK concert and festival ticket fraud resulted in losses exceeding £1.6 million in 2024, more than double the previous year, with approximately 3,700 reports to Action Fraud—nearly half originating from social media platforms. Oasis Live '25 reunion tour tickets became a prime target for fraudsters, accounting for roughly 70% of reported concert ticket fraud cases from August 2024 onward, with victims losing an average of £436 (up to £1,000 in some cases). Scammers exploit high demand, limited supply, and emotional urgency by creating fake ticketing websites, posting counterfeit tickets on social media, and selling duplicate digital tickets
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Fraud theft in the United States reached an estimated $158.3 billion in 2023, equivalent to $434 million daily, according to the Federal Trade Commission. In response to the escalating fraud crisis, new initiatives are emerging, including the Aspen Institute's national fraud strategy (with AARP involvement) and the April launch of the National Elder Fraud Coordination Center, which applies organized crime investigation techniques to build cases against fraud perpetrators. The article emphasizes that individuals play a crucial role by reporting suspected scams and sharing information about fraud schemes to protect potential victims.
gillibrand.senate.gov
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, American consumers lost more than $12.5 billion to fraud, with older adults losing a record $4.8 billion, according to FBI data. Senators Gillibrand and Warren called for a Government Accountability Office investigation into how recent federal budget cuts—including the elimination of 90% of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's staff—have impaired the government's ability to protect seniors from scams and implement recommended inter-agency coordination measures. The senators cited testimony from fraud victims whose losses resulted in devastating financial and health consequences.
local.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, fraud cost Americans an estimated $158.3 billion according to the FTC—equivalent to $434 million daily—with consistent year-over-year increases in reported fraud incidents. Recognizing this crisis, policymakers and organizations including AARP and the Aspen Institute are developing a national fraud strategy, while the newly launched National Elder Fraud Coordination Center aims to investigate and prosecute fraud criminals using organized crime investigative techniques. The article emphasizes that individuals can help combat fraud by reporting scams and educating others to prevent victimization.
investopedia.com
· 2025-12-08
A 74-year-old Ohio woman with no criminal history, Ann Mayers, robbed a credit union at gunpoint in April 2024 after losing her life savings to an online scam in which a fraudster posing as a U.S. Customs official convinced her to send thousands of dollars; she also borrowed $65,000 from a friend to cover what she believed were legitimate fees. Mayers was arrested within two hours, confessed immediately, and was sentenced to 4–5.5 years in prison after pleading guilty, highlighting how financial fraud can drive vulnerable individuals to desperate and criminal actions.
nzherald.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
As AI advances, traditional scam detection methods like spotting poor spelling and grammar are no longer reliable, according to cybersecurity experts. An Avast survey of 1,001 New Zealand adults found that while 74% worry about older loved ones falling victim to scams and 84% have warned them about online threats, only 53% of seniors actually change their behavior—with common vulnerabilities including writing passwords on paper (44%) and ignoring advice about suspicious links. The most prevalent scams targeting older adults are tech support scams, phishing, and fake invoices, with phone calls remaining a primary entry point for fraud.
kjzz.org
· 2025-12-08
Cryptocurrency ATM scams are increasingly targeting older adults, with scammers using phone calls, social media, and text messages to direct victims to deposit cash into Bitcoin ATMs via fraudulent QR codes under the pretense of protecting funds or making investments. Scammers now operate as organized criminal networks rather than isolated actors, with reported losses ranging from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars per victim—including cases of a woman losing $700,000 and another losing $200,000. A particularly sophisticated variation called "pig butchering" begins as romance scams on social media before morphing into cryptocurrency investment schemes designed to extract all available funds from victims.
pa.gov
· 2025-12-08
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed SB 649 into law, establishing third-degree felony charges for using artificial intelligence to create non-consensual deepfakes or voice clones to defraud or harm residents. The law specifically targets AI-generated scams affecting older adults, such as fake grandchild voice impersonations used to extort money, with Pennsylvania's Department of Aging reporting nearly 18,500 financial exploitation cases in FY 2023-24—nearly double the number since 2017. This legislation strengthens protections for Pennsylvania's fifth-largest older adult population by giving law enforcement new tools to prosecute AI-driven fraud schemes.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
A Montreal woman lost $14,510 to a bank investigator scam where fraudsters spoofed an RBC phone number and convinced her to make account changes while logged into her banking app, claiming to protect her from fraud; RBC initially denied her refund claim, stating she was responsible because she actively participated in the transactions. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reported 677 victims of this scam in the first half of 2024 with $11.7 million in losses—nearly double the previous year—while Montreal police identified at least 220 RBC customers victimized with estimated losses of $1.5 million.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Adults over 60 lost over $4.9 billion to scams in 2024, with impersonation, romance, tech support, and emerging "grandparent scams" using AI voice cloning being the most common threats. The article provides six protective practices: avoid unknown calls/texts, never share personal information with unsolicited callers, recognize urgency and emotional manipulation tactics, and refrain from sending money to unknown contacts via any payment method.
bankingjournal.aba.com
· 2025-12-08
Over one-third of Americans have experienced financial fraud since January 2024, with baby boomers and Generation X most vulnerable, and phishing scams alone costing consumers $12.5 billion in 2024—a 25% increase from the prior year. Romance scams and relationship investment schemes are particularly prevalent, with fraudsters building trust through social media and dating platforms before exploiting victims. Banks are urged to implement multi-layered defenses including real-time transaction monitoring, staff training with clear communication, fraud playbooks, and directing victims to support resources like the BBB Scam Survival Toolkit and AARP's Fraud Support Group.
abc7chicago.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonating celebrities, particularly using fake Elon Musk identities, are defrauding victims through cryptocurrency investment schemes that employ AI voice cloning and deepfake technology. Richard Lyons, a Vietnam veteran, lost $10,000 to a fraudster posing as Musk on social media, who used fake caller ID spoofing, AI-generated voice messages, and a fraudulent investment webpage showing fake profits to convince him to send crypto. The FBI reports that cryptocurrency scams resulted in $9 billion in losses in 2024, with $6 billion specifically lost to people tricked into sending funds to fraudsters, and advises potential victims to
macaudailytimes.com.mo
· 2025-12-08
A 69-year-old woman was arrested for money laundering after receiving approximately MOP3 million in fraudulent funds through her personal bank account for a "pig butchering" romance scam operation. Two local victims lost MOP1.3 million and MOP700,000 respectively after being deceived by an online romantic partner into investing in a fraudulent scheme promising high returns. Police report eight total victims of this scam since July, with combined losses exceeding MOP3.56 million, and warn the public to verify investment opportunities and exercise caution in online relationships.
pcmag.com
· 2025-12-08
Amazon warned customers of a surge in phishing scams ahead of Prime Day (July 8-11), where fraudsters send fake emails claiming Prime membership renewals or requesting purchase verification, attempting to steal login credentials and banking information through fake Amazon login pages. Scammers also use phone calls and spam emails offering fake early deals that redirect users to fraudulent sites, and Amazon emphasized it never requests payment via phone or email outside its official app, website, or stores. Customers can verify legitimate Amazon communications by checking for the Amazon smile logo in email headers and reporting suspected scams to the company.
freep.com
· 2025-12-08
A 56-year-old Michigan woman lost $400 after clicking on a fraudulent Geico phone number in Google search results and unknowingly calling scammers who impersonated the insurance company. The fraudsters obtained her driver's license, VIN, and Social Security number, then instructed her to make a payment via Xfinity using a fake Google Docs form. The victim discovered the scam when she contacted the real Geico and learned no legitimate policy had been created; her bank refunded the $400 pending investigation, though scammers also attempted to contact her adult sons for their personal information.
ksat.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational alert warns residents following natural disasters like the Hill Country floods to watch for common scams including fake charities, fraudulent contractors, and phony government aid calls. Key protective measures include donating only through verified charities, requesting signed contracts before paying contractors, and verifying government assistance directly through official ".gov" websites rather than responding to unsolicited calls or emails. The National Center for Disaster Fraud provides a hotline (866-720-5721) for reporting suspected fraud.
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
During Amazon's Prime Day sale, cybercriminals are launching coordinated phishing and impersonation scams at increased rates, with email impersonation reports up 50% compared to 2024, over 1,000 malicious websites mimicking Amazon detected, and more than 36,000 fake Amazon sites identified ahead of the event. Common scams involve fake emails claiming account problems or payment issues to steal login credentials and payment information, with 15% of American shoppers surveyed reporting prior Prime Day scam losses. AI-powered tools have made these scams more sophisticated and widespread, allowing criminals to quickly create convincing fake websites and grammatically correct phishing messages tailored to individual targets
fox5ny.com
· 2025-12-08
Financial scams targeting seniors are rising and stealing billions of dollars, with scammers using impersonation, urgency tactics, and AI-generated voice cloning to manipulate victims into revealing personal information or transferring money through digital payment services. Elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable targets because they are often more trusting, less tech-savvy, and less likely to report fraud, while also possessing strong credit and substantial savings. The FBI recommends protecting yourself by refusing to share sensitive information with suspicious callers, verifying contact information through official company websites, and immediately ceasing communication if a scam is identified.
signalscv.com
· 2025-12-08
Ehis Lawrence Akhimie, a 41-year-old Nigerian national, pleaded guilty to operating a transnational inheritance fraud scheme that defrauded over 400 elderly and vulnerable Americans of more than $6 million. The scheme involved sending personalized letters falsely claiming to represent Spanish banks and promising nonexistent inheritances, then convincing victims to send upfront fees for taxes and delivery costs through a network of U.S.-based intermediaries. Akhimie faces a maximum 20-year prison sentence, and the case highlights the broader crisis of elder fraud in the U.S., with 147,127 complaints totaling $4.
express.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A UK poll of 1,000 respondents found that 41% of those with older loved ones believe they would fall for a scam if targeted, with 26% of older Brits having already experienced a scam and 21% falling victim to financial fraud. Common risky online behaviors among seniors include clicking suspicious links (68%), answering unknown calls (60%), oversharing personal information (55%), using weak passwords (51%), and poor password management practices such as writing them down or reusing them across accounts. Experts emphasize that online safety education and intergenerational conversations about cyber security are critical to protecting vulnerable older adults from increasingly sophisticated threats.
mirror.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A UK survey of 1,000 adults found that 60% have had to help elderly relatives stay safe online, with 41% believing their older loved ones could be duped by scammers. The study revealed that 26% of older Brits have encountered scams and 21% have been victims of financial fraud, with common unsafe practices including clicking dubious links (68%), answering unknown calls (60%), and using simple passwords (51%). Experts emphasize that digital safety education and family conversations about cyber threats are essential to protecting vulnerable seniors from evolving online scams.
playstationlifestyle.net
· 2025-12-08
A scam developer called "PublishMe Agency Ltd" deceived thousands of PlayStation Store users by selling a fake clone of the popular PC game Schedule 1 for $14.99 in April, then evaded Sony's initial enforcement by renaming the game "Weed Drug Empire" and removing identifying references. Sony has now permanently removed the developer and all of its fraudulent games, including another clone titled "Report Extraction," from the PS Store.
staysafeonline.org
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines five common cryptocurrency scams affecting Americans, who lose over $9 billion annually to crypto investment fraud. Key scam types include too-good-to-be-true investment promises, romance scams (often called "pig butchering"), phishing attacks, pump-and-dump schemes, and fake cryptocurrency apps, with red flags provided for each. The article advises avoiding high-pressure tactics, never sharing private wallet keys, being skeptical of online romantic interests who introduce crypto investments, and downloading apps only from official stores.
news9.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece outlines common cybercrime threats targeting consumers, including romance scams on social media and fraudulent text messages about unpaid tolls, and emphasizes protective measures such as installing software updates, using strong authentication methods, and avoiding personal transactions on public Wi-Fi. According to recent data, U.S. consumers received 18.9 billion robocalls in 2025 and lost $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, with text message scams alone accounting for $470 million in losses.
ainvest.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Secret Service has seized nearly $400 million in cryptocurrency over the past decade, including a record $225 million from a money laundering network, with many funds traced to romance scams and fake investment schemes targeting victims through catfish tactics. Despite these enforcement successes, crypto-related crimes continue to surge, with Americans losing $9.3 billion to crypto scams in 2024 alone and wallet hacks, phishing attacks, and protocol exploits causing over $2.47 billion in losses in the first half of 2025, indicating that criminal tactics are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
amac.us
· 2025-12-08
Older Americans are increasingly targeted by fraud schemes, with seniors losing over $3.4 billion in 2023—an average of $33,915 per victim—according to the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report. Many of these scams, including impersonation schemes and "pig butchering" cryptocurrency frauds, are allegedly coordinated or tolerated by the Chinese Communist Party, with recent indictments in Ohio and California involving Chinese nationals charged with defrauding elderly victims out of thousands to millions of dollars. Experts emphasize that only 10-15 percent of senior fraud victims report their losses, suggesting the actual problem is far larger than reported figures indicate
vermontjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
Black River Good Neighbor Services hosted a "Fraud Awareness" presentation by M&T Bank's senior branch manager Art Randolph on July 17 in Ludlow, Vermont, covering identity theft, common phone scams, check fraud, email impersonation, caller ID spoofing, and strategies for protecting personal information and recognizing fraudulent schemes.
wdrb.com
· 2025-12-08
A 36-year-old Canadian citizen, Jia Hua Liu, was arrested at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in July after a multi-state scam targeting elderly victims, with confirmed losses exceeding $309,000 across Indiana, Ohio, New Mexico, and Tennessee. In the initial Charlestown, Kentucky case, an elderly resident was defrauded of $27,000 after being tricked into withdrawing funds from his retirement account; three additional elderly victims in Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan were nearly victimized for an additional $70,000 before family members intervened. Liu was charged with theft, fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering, and police believe there are
spectrumlocalnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau reports that impostors are costing businesses billions of dollars through data theft and fake services, with the FBI documenting nearly $1.4 billion in losses related to data breaches across the United States in 2024. Common red flags include unexpected invoices, requests for gift card or prepaid card payments, and urgent demands to renew licenses or domain names. The BBB recommends businesses implement employee training, verify vendor information, use multi-factor authentication, avoid wire transfers and gift cards, and maintain detailed records to protect against fraud.
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
Job scams target people seeking employment by impersonating legitimate companies and recruiters, typically through personal email addresses or text messages. Scammers move quickly to request sensitive personal and financial information (Social Security numbers, bank details, driver's licenses) before conducting actual interviews, claiming it's needed for employment paperwork or direct deposit. To avoid job scams, verify the recruiter's corporate email address, be wary of requests for personal information before interviews, and research the recruiter and company online for complaints or scam reports.