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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
lewistownsentinel.com
· 2026-01-24
# Utility Scam Summary
Scammers are targeting Pennsylvania utility customers this winter through fake websites, misleading ads, and fraudulent phone calls that impersonate legitimate utility companies, exploiting customers' fear of losing heat or electricity to pressure them into sharing personal and banking information. Victims can lose access to their bank accounts or have their identity stolen, with scammers using tactics like claiming missed payments and threatening immediate service shutoffs. To protect yourself, type your utility company's web address directly into your browser (found on your bill) rather than clicking search results, and hang up immediately if anyone unexpectedly calls asking for personal or banking information.
thestarnews.com
· 2026-01-24
# AI Voice Scams Alert
Criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to clone people's voices from social media posts and videos, then impersonating loved ones or government officials to trick victims into sending money—a trend already affecting families across San Diego County and California. These convincing scams typically involve urgent scenarios like a grandchild needing bail or a child in an accident, made more believable through spoofed phone numbers. To protect yourself, establish a family code word for emergencies, ask personal questions only the real person would know, call back using a known number to verify, resist pressure to act quickly, and never send money based on phone or text requests.
the-sun.com
· 2026-01-24
An 80-year-old Florida retiree lost $1.3 million after scammers convinced her to withdraw funds from her Chase account by posing as a legitimate investment opportunity; she made 30 large withdrawals over five months that Chase's systems flagged as suspicious but failed to stop. The woman is now suing Chase, arguing the bank should have done more to protect her given her long banking history with the branch and the unusually high transaction amounts for her account. **Actionable advice:** Seniors should be extremely cautious of unsolicited investment offers, never withdraw large sums of cash based on promises of returns, and consider asking trusted family members or advisors to review major financial decisions—banks may flag suspicious activity, but customers remain responsible for their own protection.
news.abplive.com
· 2026-01-24
Police arrested eight people, including an NRI, MBA graduate, and an elderly couple, in connection with a ₹14.8-crore "digital arrest" scam that primarily targeted senior citizens with false threats of terror or money-laundering charges. The scammers moved stolen money through nearly 1,000 bank accounts using micro-transactions, converted funds to cryptocurrency, and withdrew cash to avoid detection, making recovery of the funds difficult. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming legal threats, never share banking details or make payments based on such calls, and verify any official charges directly with authorities through official channels.
express.co.uk
· 2026-01-24
Nationwide Building Society has issued a warning to its 16 million UK customers about the rising threat of romance scams, which cost victims £20.5 million in the first half of 2025—a 35% increase from the previous year. Scammers build trust over time through fake online relationships, then manipulate victims emotionally into sending money for various fabricated reasons like medical emergencies or travel costs. To protect yourself, never send money to online contacts, discuss your relationship with trusted friends and family who may spot red flags, and be alert to warning signs like scammers using generic terms instead of your name or inconsistencies in their stories.
vindy.com
· 2026-01-23
# Medicare Fraud Summary
Medicare loses an estimated $100 billion annually to fraud and abuse, with schemes ranging from double-billing and charging for services never performed to identity theft using seniors' account numbers. Seniors are urged to carefully review their Medicare statements for unfamiliar charges and report any suspicious activity to the Medicare fraud center at 1-800-633-4227, which can issue a new account number to prevent future fraudulent billings.
lvpnews.com
· 2026-01-23
# Fraud Summary
A 25-year-old New Jersey man was sentenced to up to 3 years in prison for defrauding a 74-year-old victim of over $590,000 in gold and cash through a scam that started with a fake PayPal fraud alert email. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to such schemes because they typically have more savings and may be less familiar with digital payment methods like cryptocurrency and electronic transfers. Authorities urge residents to be suspicious of unsolicited requests for money, especially those demanding untraceable payments via cryptocurrency, gift cards, or precious metals, and to report suspected scams to the Elder Abuse Task Force at 610-782-3700.
tribtoday.com
· 2026-01-23
# Medicare Fraud Summary
Medicare loses an estimated $100 billion annually to fraud and abuse, with scammers ranging from dishonest medical providers billing for services never performed to criminals using seniors' account numbers to file false claims. Medicare beneficiaries can protect themselves by carefully reviewing their Medicare statements when they arrive and calling the Medicare fraud hotline at 1-800-633-4227 if they spot suspicious charges, which may result in a new account number to prevent further fraudulent activity.
abc7chicago.com
· 2026-01-23
Scammers are using fake calendar invites to trick people into giving them remote access to their computers, where they can steal passwords, bank information, and money. One Chicago woman nearly lost thousands of dollars after clicking on what appeared to be a party invitation from a friend, but was actually a phishing link that allowed criminals to access her banking and transfer funds via Zelle. To protect yourself, be cautious about clicking calendar invite links—especially from unexpected sources—and report any fraudulent activity to your bank immediately, as quick action can help recover stolen funds.
kltv.com
· 2026-01-23
Criminals are using AI voice cloning technology to impersonate loved ones in fake kidnapping scams, exploiting families' emotions to extract money. According to a 2023 McAfee survey, about 10% of people received calls from AI voice clones, and 77% of those victims lost money—one mother lost $3,270 after receiving a convincing call appearing to be from her daughter claiming she'd been kidnapped. To protect yourself, verify emergencies through a separate call or contact to the person directly, never wire money based on phone calls alone, and be aware that scammers need only a brief voice sample to create realistic audio impersonations.
6abc.com
· 2026-01-23
A 60-year-old Northern California woman lost her entire life savings of $176,000 after falling victim to a sophisticated job scam posing as a Facebook remote position. The scammers used AI-generated materials and realistic communication to convince her she was testing ad placement software, then instructed her to wire money through cryptocurrency platforms under the guise of conducting ads. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited remote job offers that seem too easy, avoid wiring money or using cryptocurrency for any legitimate employment, verify job opportunities directly through official company websites, and communicate only through official channels—not messaging apps like WhatsApp.
the-sun.com
· 2026-01-23
A 52-year-old IT specialist from New Jersey lost his entire $280,000 life savings to a "pig-butchering" scam after being contacted by a fake woman on Facebook who built a romantic relationship with him over months. The scammer, posing as "Ailis Danner," gained his trust through daily conversations before manipulating him into making fraudulent investments or transfers. The key takeaway for others is to be extremely cautious about unsolicited romantic contact online, verify the identities of people requesting money, and remember that scammers often target vulnerable individuals during difficult life periods.
lvpnews.com
· 2026-01-23
A 25-year-old New Jersey man was sentenced to up to 3 years in prison for defrauding a 74-year-old victim out of over $500,000 in gold and $91,000 in cash through an elaborate scam that began with a fake PayPal fraud alert email. The Lehigh County Elder Abuse Task Force warns that seniors are increasingly targeted for scams because they have more savings and are often unfamiliar with digital payment methods like Bitcoin and electronic transfers. Residents should be extremely suspicious of anyone requesting large sums of money via untraceable methods like cryptocurrency, precious metals, gift cards, or cash, and can report suspected scams to the Elder Abuse Task Force at 610-782-3700.
messagemedia.co
· 2026-01-23
# Fraud and Scams Summary
Minnesota Aging Pathways is offering a free online presentation on February 11 to educate people about fraud and scams, particularly targeting older adults who are increasingly vulnerable to these schemes. The presentation will cover fraud prevention strategies, how to detect and report fraudulent activity, and ways to protect personal information, with information provided by the Senior Medicare Patrol program. Interested participants can register for the free Zoom class by visiting the Eventbrite link or calling 800-333-2433.
wcax.com
· 2026-01-23
A Charlotte man lost over $1 million in cryptocurrency after scammers impersonating a Ledger company representative convinced him to enter his seed phrase (secret recovery code) on a fake website, using a multi-step trust-building approach with security codes and multiple callers. This incident is part of a larger trend—the FBI received nearly 150,000 cryptocurrency fraud complaints in 2024 totaling $9.3 billion in losses. To protect yourself, never share your seed phrase with anyone, verify company contact information independently before responding to unsolicited calls, and be wary of urgency tactics claiming your funds are "in danger."
thescottishsun.co.uk
· 2026-01-23
Rachel Munro, owner of The Rebel Baker in Scotland, lost £8,000 in a sophisticated phone scam where fraudsters impersonated her bank's fraud prevention team and gained access to her account. Although her bank Revolut initially refused to reimburse her because the payments were classified as "authorized," she launched a GoFundMe campaign to save her business. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited calls claiming to be from your bank, never provide account access over the phone, and hang up and call your bank directly using a number on your official bank card if you're unsure.
moneylife.in
· 2026-01-23
"Pig butchering" scams—a fraud strategy where scammers build emotional relationships with victims over time before exploiting them financially—are rapidly spreading in India and globally. Victims have lost anywhere from ₹49 lakh to ₹1.53 crore after being manipulated by fraudsters posing as wealthy matches on dating/matrimonial sites, financial professionals, or old friends who lure them into fake investment schemes. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of romantic or professional connections that quickly pivot to investment opportunities, verify identities independently before trusting anyone with money, and never take loans based on promises from people you've only met online.
1440wrok.com
· 2026-01-23
# Tax Scam Summary
As tax season opens in January, the Rockford Better Business Bureau warns that scammers impersonating IRS agents are expected to be especially aggressive this year, using fear-based tactics via phone, email, and text to trick people into providing sensitive information or money. Taxpayers lost $5.5 billion to tax scams in 2023 alone, with identity theft being a growing concern—scammers can file fraudulent returns using stolen Social Security numbers obtained through phishing or data breaches. To protect yourself, verify your tax preparer's credentials on BBB.org, avoid anyone promising unusually large refunds, and file your return early to reduce the window for identity theft.
oconnellfuneralhomes.com
· 2026-01-22
Scammers are increasingly targeting seniors through schemes like grandparent scams, fake tech support calls, government impersonation, and gift card fraud, exploiting their kindness, trust, and fear. In this podcast episode, St. Croix County Sheriff Scott Knutson discusses why these crimes are difficult to track and why victims often don't report them, emphasizing that awareness and family communication are key to protection. To help protect elderly loved ones, families should stay informed about common scam tactics, maintain open conversations about suspicious contacts, and encourage reporting of fraud attempts to authorities.
insidehalton.com
· 2026-01-22
# Grandparent Scams Surge in Ontario
Ontario police are warning seniors about a rising wave of "grandparent scams" where fraudsters call claiming a loved one is in legal trouble and needs immediate money for bail or legal fees. Scammers create urgency to prevent victims from verifying the story, often demanding payment via wire transfer or cryptocurrency, and increasingly use AI technology to mimic victims' family members' voices. To protect yourself, verify emergency claims by contacting your loved ones directly, never send money to unknown accounts without confirmation, and be suspicious of callers who insist you keep the situation secret.
amnews.com
· 2026-01-22
A Frankfort-area senior lost $30,000 in a phone scam where callers impersonated the Federal Trade Commission, claiming the victim's accounts were under investigation and demanding immediate payment. Kentucky's Attorney General warns that scammers commonly target older adults by creating urgency and fear, and emphasized that legitimate government agencies never call demanding money, threatening arrest, or requesting wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately and verify any claims by contacting the agency directly through official phone numbers or websites.
siliconcanals.com
· 2026-01-22
Fraud targeting seniors has quadrupled since 2020, with reported losses reaching $2.4 billion annually and actual losses potentially exceeding $81 billion when including unreported cases. Older Americans are disproportionately targeted because they typically have substantial savings, are home more often, and were raised to trust authority figures—vulnerabilities that scammers exploit. Experts recommend that seniors stay skeptical of unsolicited contact, verify requests independently through official channels, and report suspected fraud to the FTC or FBI, while also speaking openly about incidents to reduce shame and help identify patterns.
wkbn.com
· 2026-01-22
A Boardman, Ohio woman lost over $2,400 to scammers posing as Zelle customer service representatives while trying to complete a small Facebook Marketplace transaction. The fraudsters convinced her to send money through various payment methods by claiming it was necessary to process a $15 payment, ultimately draining her account through unauthorized Zelle transfers. To protect yourself, always obtain customer service numbers directly from a company's official website rather than through Google searches, as scammers often create fake listings and lookalike websites to intercept victims.
wgal.com
· 2026-01-22
As tax season approaches in 2025, the Federal Trade Commission is warning about phone scams where criminals impersonate IRS officials and fake tax agencies to trick people into revealing personal information by claiming they owe back taxes. These scammers use official-sounding names and create a sense of urgency to pressure victims into compliance. To protect yourself, remember that the real IRS typically contacts people by mail first, never by unexpected phone calls, so hang up on unsolicited callers claiming to be tax officials and verify any tax issues directly through the official IRS website or by calling the IRS yourself.
ktsm.com
· 2026-01-22
A cybersecurity expert warns that "ghost tapping" scams—where criminals use special technology to wirelessly steal money from tap-to-pay credit cards and phones by getting physically close to victims—have surged 150% over the past year, with crowded places like airports and malls being prime targets. People are particularly vulnerable when using mobile phones for tap-to-pay since most don't use RFID-blocking cases, unlike traditional wallets. To protect yourself, experts recommend either avoiding the tap-to-pay feature on your phone or using an RFID-blocking case to shield your card and device from unauthorized wireless transactions.
harder.house.gov
· 2026-01-22
Representatives Josh Harder and Brian Fitzpatrick introduced bipartisan legislation called the Stop SCAMS Act to combat organized cybercrime by creating an FBI-led government task force that coordinates efforts across agencies like the FBI, FTC, and CFPB. The legislation aims to reduce scams targeting working families and seniors who lose significant savings to sophisticated criminal schemes including robocalls and fraud. The bill has received endorsement from AARP and seeks to improve government response through unified strategy and accountability to prevent and prosecute scammers more effectively.
police.boston.gov
· 2026-01-22
Scammers are increasingly using couriers to collect cash and precious metals from victims by impersonating tech support agents, law enforcement, government officials, or bank representatives—tactics that disproportionately target older adults. Common schemes include fraudsters claiming accounts are compromised and instructing victims to liquidate assets or hand over credit cards to couriers, sometimes even having victims cut up cards (which doesn't prevent fraud). To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contacts requesting money or assets, verify requests directly with official organizations using known phone numbers or websites, and never send cash or valuables via courier; if scammed, contact local police and your bank immediately.
lawrenceks.gov
· 2026-01-22
A Lawrence widow nearly fell victim to a sophisticated scam when hackers tried to gain access to her life savings, but an anonymous "Gray Hat Hacker" known as Deyoclub monitored the fraud operation from the inside, tracked down her son, and alerted him in time to stop the transfers and secure her accounts. The hacker, who infiltrates overseas fraud rings to disrupt their operations, had become motivated to fight scams after a close friend fell victim to a romance scam. The incident highlights how vigilant family members and cybersecurity experts can work together to prevent fraud, though victims are generally advised to contact local law enforcement and trusted financial institutions directly rather than relying on outside hackers.
punchng.com
· 2026-01-22
Thai police arrested 11 Nigerians and 2 Ivorians who were running an international romance scam operation from a condominium, targeting victims through fake Facebook profiles posing as engineers or professionals. The scam began after a Thai woman reported being defrauded of over two million baht by someone claiming to be a Chinese engineer who built a romantic relationship with her before requesting money transfers. People should be cautious of online romantic relationships with strangers, especially those requesting money or financial assistance, and verify identities through video calls or meeting in person before sending any funds.
bitdefender.com
· 2026-01-22
A wave of fake recruitment emails is circulating during hiring season, impersonating trusted companies like Amazon, Carrefour, and the NHS to trick job seekers into responding by claiming their résumés have been pre-approved and offering quick interviews. These scams, detected globally across multiple languages, target vulnerable job seekers in the US, UK, and Europe by creating urgency and pressuring them to act before they can verify the sender's legitimacy. Job seekers should verify any recruitment communication directly through official company websites or phone numbers, be suspicious of unsolicited job offers that claim immediate approval without an application, and never respond to emails that pressure quick action.
knsiradio.com
· 2026-01-22
Minnesota has enacted a new law effective January 1st that strengthens legal protections for older adults who fall victim to scams or financial exploitation by family members or trusted individuals. The law allows vulnerable adults or their representatives to obtain orders of protection that can freeze accounts and cut off contact with perpetrators, giving courts and banks the authority to stop fraud faster than previously possible. Older adults should be aware of this resource if they experience financial scams or suspect exploitation, and financial professionals are now protected when reporting suspected crimes involving vulnerable populations.
lvpnews.com
· 2026-01-22
A 25-year-old man from New Jersey was sentenced to up to 3 years in prison for defrauding a 74-year-old Whitehall resident out of over $500,000 in gold and $91,000 in cash through an elaborate scam involving fake PayPal alerts and threats of arrest. The perpetrator used various pretexts—claiming payment errors and demanding cryptocurrency, gold, or cash—to manipulate the elderly victim into withdrawing retirement funds and purchasing gold bars, which he then collected in person. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected payment alerts via email, never send money via cryptocurrency or gift cards based on unsolicited calls, and verify suspicious claims by directly contacting your bank or PayPal using official phone numbers rather than numbers provided by the caller.
catcountry1073.com
· 2026-01-21
A Texas couple has been sentenced to prison for operating a romance scam that targeted elderly people, including at least one victim from New Jersey, by creating fake dating profiles and convincing victims to send money under false pretenses (such as claiming they needed to pay taxes on gold in Ghana). Felix Clark received five years in prison for wire fraud and conspiracy, having admitted to losses totaling over $501,000, while his girlfriend Esther Amppiaw received 18 months for operating an unlicensed money transmitter business. Elderly people should be cautious of online dating profiles from strangers who quickly profess romantic interest or ask for money, especially those claiming to need funds for international transactions or emergencies.
news-shield.com
· 2026-01-21
A presentation at a Wisconsin Men's Shed meeting warned senior citizens about online scams while encouraging continued safe internet use. Former Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald shared practical tips including avoiding suspicious links and unsolicited emails, verifying bank contacts directly before sharing information, watching for spelling errors in messages, and enabling two-factor authentication on accounts. If fraud occurs, he advised reporting it immediately to your bank and closing compromised accounts, despite the inconvenience of switching accounts and waiting for new cards.
fox35orlando.com
· 2026-01-21
# Tax Scam Warning
The Better Business Bureau is warning Americans that tax scammers will be especially active during the upcoming 2024 tax season, with fraudsters expected to exploit confusion around new tax deductions and take advantage of stressed taxpayers. Common scams include identity theft through phishing emails and fake tax preparers, IRS impersonation calls demanding immediate payment, and fraudulent websites mimicking official IRS portals—with taxpayers losing $5.5 billion to tax fraud in 2023 alone. To protect yourself, verify any tax preparation services before hiring them, never click links or call numbers in unsolicited emails claiming to be from the IRS, and remember that the real IRS will never demand immediate payment via wire transfer or prepaid debit cards.
fox5atlanta.com
· 2026-01-21
The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers that tax scammers are expected to be especially active this year, with taxpayers losing $5.5 billion to tax fraud in 2023 alone. Common scams include identity theft through phishing emails, fake IRS calls demanding immediate payment, impersonation of tax officials, and fraudulent tax preparation services that promise unusually large refunds. To protect yourself, verify that emails actually come from the IRS (never click suspicious links), remember that the real IRS won't demand immediate wire transfer payments, and research any tax preparation company before hiring them.
kaspersky.com
· 2026-01-21
Artificial intelligence has made phishing scams significantly more dangerous by enabling scammers to create personalized, grammatically correct messages at scale that closely mimic legitimate communications from trusted companies and colleagues. Unlike older phishing attempts riddled with spelling errors, AI-powered scams are harder to detect because they sound natural, reference real events, and can incorporate personal information from social media or data breaches to appear more convincing. To protect yourself, focus on behavioral warning signs like unexpected requests or pressure to act quickly rather than looking for obvious spelling mistakes, and remain skeptical of messages urging immediate action—especially those requesting sensitive information or financial details.
973espn.com
· 2026-01-21
# Romance Scam Summary
A Texas man and woman have been sentenced to prison for operating romance scams that targeted elderly people, including victims from New Jersey, by posing as romantic interests online and tricking them into sending money under false pretexts like paying taxes on nonexistent gold in Ghana. Felix Clark received five years in prison and admitted to facilitating over $500,000 in losses, while his girlfriend Esther Amppiaw received 18 months for helping transfer the stolen funds. To protect yourself, be cautious of online dating profiles from people who quickly profess love or ask for money, especially for overseas fees or emergencies, and verify identities through video calls before sharing any financial information.
herald.wales
· 2026-01-21
Romance scams are targeting Welsh people ahead of Valentine's Day and Dydd Santes Dwynwen, with scammers exploiting the Welsh language and cultural trust to deceive victims—over £11 million was lost to scams in 2025, with an average loss of £17,785 per person. The Money and Pensions Service is urging people to stay vigilant and remember that scammers can operate in any language, including Welsh, and that being scammed is not something to feel ashamed about. If targeted, victims should report the fraud and seek free, confidential support through MoneyHelper or Report Fraud rather than suffering in silence.
digitaljournal.com
· 2026-01-21
# Fraud Alert Summary
Finance Complaint List, a consumer protection organization, is warning of a global surge in sophisticated online scams targeting investors and everyday consumers through social media, messaging apps, and fake investment platforms. Common scams include fraudulent AI-trading bots promising guaranteed returns, romance scams that escalate to fake investment pitches, and cloned legitimate financial websites designed to steal deposits. The organization urges victims to report scams immediately through official regulatory channels or FinanceComplaintList.com, and advises consumers to verify platform legitimacy before investing, be skeptical of guaranteed returns, and watch for red flags like withdrawal restrictions or requests for "unlock fees."
sootoday.com
· 2026-01-21
# Scam Summary
An Ontario senior lost over $10,000 to a highly convincing phone scam where a caller impersonated a government fraud investigator, claimed her cards had been cloned, and eventually convinced her to hand over her debit and credit cards to a person who came to her home. The scammer gained credibility by using the victim's personal information, confirming her address, and citing specific transactions, while also warning her against calling her bank directly. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited calls claiming fraud has occurred, independently verify by contacting your bank directly using a known phone number, and remember that legitimate authorities will never ask you to hand over your physical cards or sensitive information.
theglobeandmail.com
· 2026-01-21
An 87-year-old Toronto retiree nearly lost $3,000 to a convincing "bank investigation" scam where a fraudster posed as an official and instructed her to withdraw cash, claiming her account had been compromised. Canadian seniors are increasingly targeted by cyberscams, with research showing that one in three Canadians fell victim to fake-job or CRA refund scams over a three-month period last summer. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls asking you to withdraw money or keep conversations secret, and alert bank staff or cashiers if you suspect fraud—in this case, a pharmacy cashier's intervention saved the victim from losing her money.
tomshardware.com
· 2026-01-21
Fraudsters in China are exploiting the DRAM shortage by selling counterfeit or misrepresented graphics cards on second-hand marketplaces, with one scam involving a fake RTX 4080 being sold for just $143.50 (12% of its original $1,199 price). Buyers of used high-end graphics cards are the primary targets, lured by suspiciously cheap prices that seem reasonable due to claimed damage. To protect yourself, be extremely wary of deals that seem too good to be true, verify the exact specifications and condition of used GPUs before purchase, and consider buying from reputable retailers or certified refurbishers rather than second-hand markets.
pembroke-today.co.uk
· 2026-01-21
Romance scams are surging in Wales, with over £11 million reported lost in 2025 and an average loss of £17,785 per victim, particularly ahead of Dydd Santes Dwynwen and Valentine's Day. Scammers operate in any language, including Welsh, exploiting the perceived trustworthiness of Welsh speakers and accents to target victims. Those affected are urged to seek free, confidential support through MoneyHelper and report crimes to Report Fraud, without shame, as victims have been targeted by criminals rather than at fault.
aol.com
· 2026-01-20
Scammers are targeting older Americans with increasingly sophisticated "grandparent scams" that combine personal data, emotional manipulation, and sometimes AI voice technology to impersonate family members in fake emergencies. A grandfather nearly wired his life savings after receiving a convincing call claiming his grandson needed bail money, complete with real details like the grandson's name and recent move. To protect yourself, fraud experts recommend asking the caller a question only your real family member would know—scammers typically hang up when challenged this way—and always verify emergencies by calling another trusted family member directly before sending money.
wrangellsentinel.com
· 2026-01-20
A 25-year-old man was sentenced to a year in jail for his role in an elaborate phone scam that defrauded a Petersburg elderly resident of $129,000, with a third suspect still at large. The scammer impersonated a government agent and convinced the victim that her identity had been stolen, persuading her to wire money in multiple transfers. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited calls from people claiming to be government officials asking for money, never wire funds based on such calls, and verify any claims by contacting official agencies directly through known phone numbers.
mycentraloregon.com
· 2026-01-20
# Digital Literacy Effort Targets Scam Prevention for Older Adults
Internet scams cost Americans a record $16.6 billion in 2024, with older adults being particularly vulnerable to fraud that can lead to financial losses and increase isolation by discouraging technology use. Two Oregon nonprofits are promoting digital literacy programs through resources like public libraries and educational comics to help seniors build confidence in using technology safely. Experts recommend verifying the origin of messages by calling senders at official numbers, never feeling pressured to act immediately, and taking time to confirm requests before sharing any personal information.
livenowfox.com
· 2026-01-20
# Tax Season Fraud Warning
The Better Business Bureau is warning taxpayers about scammers targeting people during tax season, particularly with new tax deduction rules expected to increase fraud activity. In 2023, taxpayers lost $5.5 billion to tax scams and fraud, with common schemes including identity theft through phishing emails, fake IRS calls demanding immediate payment, and untrustworthy tax preparers promising unusually large refunds. To protect yourself, verify that communications are from official IRS sources, never click links in unsolicited emails or call numbers provided in them, and research any tax preparation business before hiring them.
prnewswire.com
· 2026-01-20
In Q4 2025, fake advertisements and online shops became the leading cyberthreat, with over 45 million fake shop attacks blocked during the holiday season—a 62% increase from the previous year. Cybercriminals increasingly relied on social media, video feeds, and messaging apps to trick people into completing simple actions like clicking links, scanning QR codes, or entering verification codes, rather than using sophisticated technical exploits. To protect yourself, remain cautious when shopping online or clicking ads on social media, verify shop legitimacy before entering payment information, avoid scanning unfamiliar QR codes, and be suspicious of unsolicited requests for verification codes or device pairing approvals.
usatoday.com
· 2026-01-20
# Payment App Scam Prevention Summary
Payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Zelle are convenient for quick money transfers, but they're also vulnerable to scams and fraud. No single app is significantly safer than others—they all offer similar services with different fee structures and user bases, so choosing one depends on your needs and who you're sending money to. To protect yourself, experts recommend using strong passwords, verifying recipient information before sending money, and being cautious of unsolicited payment requests, as funds sent through these apps are often difficult or impossible to recover once transferred.