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in Scam Awareness
kpcw.org
· 2026-04-15
Residents in Utah are experiencing a surge in scam text messages that trick people into clicking malicious links or revealing personal information, often impersonating government agencies, delivery services, or financial institutions with urgent claims about fines or account verification. The Better Business Bureau advises recipients to avoid clicking links from unknown numbers and instead verify suspicious messages directly through official websites or contact the organizations directly. People can also report these scam texts to their mobile carriers to help combat the problem.
securityaffairs.com
· 2026-04-15
Law enforcement agencies from the US, UK, and Canada coordinated in Operation Atlantic to disrupt cryptocurrency theft schemes, identifying over $45 million in stolen digital assets and freezing approximately $12 million for return to victims. The operation targeted "approval phishing" scams, a fraud tactic where criminals trick users into granting unauthorized access to their cryptocurrency wallets through fake prompts and websites, affecting more than 20,000 victims across the three countries. To protect yourself, be cautious of unexpected approval requests for your crypto wallet, verify that websites and apps are legitimate before entering credentials, and never grant access permissions to unfamiliar sources.
cbsnews.com
· 2026-04-15
Elder fraud in Colorado and nationwide has reached crisis levels, with over 200,000 Americans age 60+ reporting fraud losses totaling nearly $8 billion last year—a 37% increase from 2024. Colorado alone saw more than 3,000 seniors lose nearly $75 million to scams involving romance schemes, grandparent impersonations, and fake IRS or tech support calls. State lawmakers are introducing legislation that would allow banks and credit unions to temporarily hold suspicious transactions to help prevent seniors from losing money to these elaborate schemes.
azag.gov
· 2026-04-15
Arizona Attorney General Mayes is warning homeowners about construction fraud targeting those building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), with victims losing between tens of thousands to $250,000 after paying upfront fees to contractors who fail to obtain permits and never start work. To protect yourself, scrutinize any construction contract for red flags like pressure for large upfront payments, lack of proper licensing, and unwillingness to provide references before signing. If you suspect fraud, file complaints with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, the Better Business Bureau, or the Arizona Attorney General's Office.
lexingtonchronicle.com
· 2026-04-15
The Lexington Police Department formalized an updated partnership with the U.S. Secret Service to better combat electronic and cyberfraud crimes affecting residents. Under the agreement, a detective will receive specialized training and equipment to conduct forensic examinations of phones and computers, enabling the department to process evidence more quickly without sending devices to other agencies. This collaboration aims to prevent and investigate complex cyber-enabled financial crimes that impact the community.
ktnv.com
· 2026-04-15
A 77-year-old Nevada Navy veteran lost his entire life savings of $45,000 after clicking on a fraudulent social media ad claiming to offer government refunds, which led scammers to take control of his computer and manipulate him into making multiple wire transfers and cryptocurrency deposits over eight days. The scam exploited common tactics including fake legitimacy, social engineering, and pressure tactics that convinced Gordon to visit multiple bank branches and use Bitcoin ATMs. Gordon is now warning others to be skeptical of unsolicited financial offers online and to hang up immediately if something seems suspicious, while Meta acknowledged they removed over 20 million scam accounts in 2025 but continue struggling to stop evolving schemes.
walesonline.co.uk
· 2026-04-15
Former England rugby player Paul Sampson lost £450,000 to investment fraud after being duped into investing in a fake defence start-up company that promised monthly returns but eventually stopped paying and disappeared. The scam left him homeless and penniless, and he believes his vulnerability from post-concussion syndrome from his rugby career made him an easy target for the fraudsters. To protect yourself: be extremely cautious with unsolicited investment opportunities, verify companies thoroughly through official channels, avoid investing large sums quickly, and be especially vigilant if you're experiencing cognitive issues or mental health challenges that could affect your judgment.
walesonline.co.uk
· 2026-04-14
Former England rugby player Paul Sampson lost £450,000 to an investment scam in 2019 after being deceived into funding a fake defence start-up company that promised monthly returns but eventually ghosted him. The scam, which left him homeless and forced him to sleep in his car, was made worse by his undiagnosed post-concussion syndrome that affected his judgment and memory—a vulnerability he believes the scammers exploited. His story serves as a cautionary reminder to be extremely skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities, especially those promising unusually high returns, and to seek independent financial advice before committing large sums of money.
infosecurity-magazine.com
· 2026-04-14
Law enforcement agencies from the UK, US, and Canada collaborated in "Operation Atlantic" to combat approval phishing scams, where criminals trick victims into granting access to their cryptocurrency wallets through fake alerts and popups. The week-long operation identified over 20,000 victims across 30+ countries, froze $12 million in stolen crypto, and shut down 120 fraudulent websites. To protect yourself, be cautious of unexpected alerts or requests for wallet access, verify communications directly with official apps or services rather than clicking links in messages, and use multi-factor authentication on crypto accounts.
southfloridareporter.com
· 2026-04-14
The FBI reported record cybercrime losses of $20.9 billion in 2025, with cryptocurrency fraud alone reaching $11.4 billion—more than half of all reported losses and representing a 400-fold increase since 2017. Victims of crypto scams lose an average of $62,604 per incident, far exceeding losses from other types of cybercrime, with investment fraud schemes being the most destructive category. The FBI warns that criminals are increasingly using AI to bypass security measures and exploit victims, so people should be extremely cautious about unsolicited investment opportunities, verify the legitimacy of platforms independently, and avoid sending money or crypto to unknown parties.
bitget.com
· 2026-04-14
A woman in her fifties in Hong Kong lost over $2 million to a romance scammer who posed as a "cryptocurrency investment expert" on Instagram, building trust through fake romantic interest before pressuring her to make multiple cash transfers for supposed risk-free investments. The scammer initially requested an account opening fee of $40,000, then convinced the victim to visit currency exchange shops seven times to buy cryptocurrency and transfer it to his account before disappearing. Hong Kong police are urging the public to be suspicious of online acquaintances claiming investment expertise and to pause before transferring money for any investment opportunity.
ibtimes.co.uk
· 2026-04-14
Cryptocurrency fraud cost Americans $11.4 billion in 2025, with older adults aged 60 and above losing $4.4 billion—making them the primary targets due to their accumulated savings and unfamiliarity with digital assets. Scammers typically build trust through social media and email by posing as financial advisers, showing fake profit dashboards, then disappear once victims try to withdraw funds. The FBI recommends older Americans verify investment opportunities independently, avoid unsolicited crypto investment offers, and be suspicious of pressure to invest quickly or use unfamiliar platforms.
thestandard.com.hk
· 2026-04-14
A Hong Kong woman over 50 lost more than HK$2 million in a cryptocurrency scam after an Instagram user posing as a romantic interest and investment expert convinced her to repeatedly exchange cash for cryptocurrency. The scammer disappeared with the money after establishing trust through affectionate daily messages and promising guaranteed investment returns. Police advise the public to be cautious of overly affectionate messages from online contacts who propose financial schemes, and recommend using fraud-assessment tools like the Scameter before making any payments.
nypost.com
· 2026-04-14
iPhone users worldwide are being targeted by a phishing scam disguised as iCloud storage alerts, which trick victims into clicking malicious links that steal banking information and personal data for illegal resale. The fraudulent emails mimic Apple's branding and create urgency by claiming storage is full or accounts will close within 48 hours, prompting users to "upgrade" their accounts. To protect yourself, avoid clicking any links in unsolicited storage alerts, check your account directly through your phone's settings instead, and report suspicious emails to Apple.
wishtv.com
· 2026-04-14
AI-powered scams cost Americans $12.5 billion in 2024, with criminals using deepfakes and impersonation technology to target people through fake investment schemes ($5 billion lost), job listings ($750 million lost), and fraudulent messages from banks and government agencies. Victims of all ages and backgrounds were affected, from social media users to job seekers. To protect yourself, ignore unsolicited urgent requests via email, text, or phone; hang up and call organizations directly using verified numbers; and never share passwords or personal information with unknown contacts.
myjournalcourier.com
· 2026-04-13
A 76-year-old woman fell victim to an impersonation scam where a fraudster posing as a Department of Criminal Investigations officer manipulated her through fake credentials and threats of arrest. Banks and investment firms are now stepping up as crucial defenses against such scams targeting vulnerable seniors, as losses to elder financial exploitation exceed $28 billion annually, with the FTC reporting $2.4 billion in losses in 2024 alone. Seniors should be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from law enforcement, verify caller identity through official channels rather than information provided by the caller, and report suspicious activity to their bank or the FTC rather than suffering in shame and silence.
southtahoenow.com
· 2026-04-13
The South Lake Tahoe Police Department will host an Elder Fraud Awareness presentation at a senior potluck event on April 16, addressing scams that disproportionately target older adults. The presentation will cover how to recognize, avoid, and report common fraud schemes delivered through phone calls, emails, and online messaging. Senior citizens attending can learn practical protection strategies while enjoying food, music, and community at the Senior Center.
forbes.com
· 2026-04-13
Cryptocurrency investment scams have surged dramatically, with the FBI reporting $8.6 billion in losses last year—double the previous year and accounting for 72% of all investment fraud. Many of these scams use a tactic called "pig butchering," where scammers pose as romantic interests on dating and social media apps, build trust, then convince victims to invest in fake cryptocurrency apps that appear legitimate but aren't available on official app stores like Google Play or the Apple App Store. To protect yourself, be cautious of new contacts encouraging cryptocurrency investments, never download apps outside official platforms, and verify any investment opportunity independently before sending money.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-04-13
According to the FBI's 2025 Internet Complaint Center report, cryptocurrency investment scams have surged dramatically, accounting for 72% of all investment fraud losses—totaling over $8.6 billion, double the previous year. These scams often begin with scammers posing as romantic interests on dating apps who gradually convince victims to invest in fake cryptocurrency platforms, showing fake profits before stealing the money once larger sums are invested. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment advice from online dating contacts, only download apps from official platforms like Google Play or the Apple App Store, and verify any investment opportunity through independent research before sending money.
bitget.com
· 2026-04-13
A woman in Hong Kong lost over HK$2 million in a "pig-butchering" romance scam, where a fraudster contacted her on Instagram, built a fake romantic relationship, and posed as a cryptocurrency investment expert to convince her to transfer money. The scammer used a multi-step scheme—first collecting an account opening fee of HK$40,000, then instructing her to visit physical exchange stores seven times to convert cash into cryptocurrency (USDT)—before disappearing once the funds were received. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited romantic advances from strangers online, avoid sending money to people you've only met digitally, and verify the legitimacy of investment opportunities through official channels before committing any funds.
theweek.com
· 2026-04-12
"Pig-butchering" scams originating from Southeast Asian fraud hubs involve criminals who build trust with victims (often through romantic or professional connections on social media) before convincing them to invest in fake cryptocurrency platforms, resulting in devastating losses like the $47 million stolen from a Kansas bank in 2022. These sophisticated long-con schemes target people across platforms like WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and Telegram, exploiting cryptocurrency's difficulty to trace. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment advice from online contacts, verify investment platforms independently, and avoid sending money to anyone you haven't met in person, especially for cryptocurrency ventures.
news.ssbcrack.com
· 2026-04-12
A Utah resident lost over $200,000 in a "pig butchering scam" operated by APL Finance, where scammers posed as financial advisors and lured victims with promises of high returns before freezing their accounts and demanding additional payments to unlock funds. The FBI has documented over 30 victims of this scheme, with millions in total losses, and California authorities have flagged APL Finance as fraudulent after another victim lost $1.2 million. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment offers promising quick gains, verify any financial advisor's credentials through official channels, and never wire money to personal accounts or pay fees to "unlock" investment funds.
kjct8.com
· 2026-04-12
Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics that rely on creating urgency to pressure victims into acting quickly without thinking, according to police officials in Colorado. To protect yourself, watch for red flags like typos and misspellings in emails and texts, be skeptical of anyone claiming to be law enforcement demanding payment over the phone, and take time to verify information before responding. If anything seems suspicious, contact local law enforcement immediately—they encourage these calls and are available to help investigate potential scams.
thehill.com
· 2026-04-12
Cybersecurity experts are warning of a surge in fraudulent tax websites designed to steal personal information from taxpayers filing returns before the IRS deadline, with malicious domains increasing dramatically in March 2025. Scammers are using AI-generated lookalike websites that closely mimic legitimate IRS portals and lure victims with promises of unusually high refunds, then trick them into submitting sensitive data like Social Security numbers and personal identification information. To protect yourself, verify you're on the official IRS website (irs.gov), never click links in unsolicited emails or texts, and be suspicious of offers promising exceptionally large refunds or unusual payment structures.
ca.finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-04-12
A woman named Marie lost her entire savings, home, car, and jewelry to a romance scammer over three years, forcing her to work into her 70s. Her daughter took complete control of her finances to prevent further losses, but now Marie—who has rebuilt $200,000 in savings—is struggling to regain financial independence. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reports that romance scams cost victims over C$58 million in 2024, though the actual number is likely 10-20 times higher since most victims don't report it; to protect yourself, be cautious of charming strangers on dating apps and social media who move quickly to build emotional connections before requesting money.
m.dailyhunt.in
· 2026-04-12
AdultFriendFinder users face increasing risks from romance and phishing scams, where fraudsters pose as potential partners to steal personal information, money, or lure victims to malicious websites. According to the Federal Trade Commission, romance scams now cause more financial losses than any other scam type, making vigilance especially important on adult dating sites that attract bad actors. Users should be wary of requests for money or personal information, suspicious off-site links, and avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails claiming to be from the platform.
southtahoenow.com
· 2026-04-12
The South Lake Tahoe Police Department will present on elder fraud awareness at a seniors potluck on April 16, targeting the senior community who are frequently victimized by scams. The presentation will cover how to recognize, avoid, and report common fraud schemes conducted through phone calls, emails, and online messaging. The event, which is free for members and $5 for others, also includes food and live music at the Senior Center.
wbay.com
· 2026-04-11
Americans lost a record $15.9 billion to fraud and scams in 2025, with 4 in 10 adults (roughly 103 million people) reporting they've been victimized, according to a new AARP survey. Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics like deepfake voice cloning, fake websites, and convincing phishing emails that are harder than ever to detect. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or texts, don't respond to suspicious messages (which puts you on scammer lists), verify requests by contacting companies directly through official channels, and use protective software like antivirus and firewalls.
nbcmiami.com
· 2026-04-11
Scammers are creating fake CAPTCHA pages that mimic legitimate security verification tools to trick users into downloading malware like "StealC" virus, which can steal passwords, login credentials, and personal data. Red flags include error messages asking you to press specific key sequences—if you see this, close the tab immediately and navigate directly to websites by typing the address rather than clicking links. To protect yourself, use passkeys and enable multi-factor authentication on your accounts, and if you suspect you've been infected, disconnect from the internet immediately.
clickondetroit.com
· 2026-04-11
Scammers are increasingly using AI technology to impersonate banks, the IRS, and employers, causing consumers to lose over $12.5 billion annually—with investment scams alone accounting for $5 billion and job scams costing $750 million. The scams use AI-generated deepfakes and personalized messages to trick people into sending money or sharing personal information. To protect yourself, ignore unsolicited calls, emails, or texts requesting urgent action; hang up and contact institutions directly using official numbers, and never send money or passwords to unknown callers.
jec.senate.gov
· 2026-04-11
Bipartisan leaders are warning Americans about a surge in tax season scams that have affected nearly one in four Americans, with criminals using fake IRS calls, phishing emails, and AI-enhanced tactics to steal personal information and money. Scammers impersonate the IRS through fraudulent websites and calls, but the real IRS won't contact you via social media, demand immediate payment, or threaten law enforcement action. To protect yourself, avoid clicking suspicious links, only use reputable tax services or IRS.gov directly, and verify any tax-related communication independently before sharing personal information.
cnbc.com
· 2026-04-11
Scammers are impersonating the Social Security Administration through fake calls and emails to trick people into sharing their Social Security numbers or clicking malicious links that can lead to identity theft and financial loss. Searches for "social security scams" have surged over 550,000 times in the past month, indicating widespread concern among the public. To protect yourself, avoid sharing your Social Security number with unknown callers, be suspicious of unsolicited SSA emails, and consider enrolling in an identity protection service that offers credit monitoring, dark web monitoring, and fraud alerts.
indepthnh.org
· 2026-04-11
New Hampshire's Attorney General is offering free scam prevention training sessions in April 2026 specifically designed to help older adults (age 60+) recognize and avoid increasingly common fraud schemes. The 90-minute presentations, part of the "Protect Your Wallet, Protect Yourself" initiative, will be held in Rochester and Manchester and are open to seniors, caregivers, and community members. Anyone interested in attending can register online or simply show up at the no-registration-required sessions to learn practical tools for protecting their personal and financial security.
americanbanker.com
· 2026-04-11
Real estate cybercrime losses surged 59% to $275 million in 2025, driven by criminals increasingly using artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency scams to target homebuyers and investors in transactions. The FBI documented over 12,000 real estate-related cybercrime complaints, including AI voice cloning scams designed to trick victims into wire transfers and cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes. Consumers and industry professionals are advised to verify wire transfer requests through independent phone calls, remain skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities, and work with established title insurance professionals who can help protect against fraud and forgery in property transactions.
theitem.com
· 2026-04-11
South Carolina residents lost $264 million to cybercrime in 2024, more than double the $146 million lost in 2023, with seniors aged 60 and older suffering the largest financial impact at $97.3 million. The most common scams were investment fraud, business email compromises, and tech support scams. The FBI recommends residents adopt strong cybersecurity practices, resist pressure to act quickly in online transactions, and report suspected fraud to help law enforcement track and stop these crimes.
northwestsignal.net
· 2026-04-11
Ohio reported 302 fraud complaints from older adults in 2024, with the state ranking eighth nationally for scam complaints targeting seniors—a concerning trend affecting over 2.8 million older Ohioans. Common scams include phishing emails, text messages, phone calls requesting financial information, romance fraud, and AI impersonation schemes. To protect yourself, never respond to unsolicited messages requesting personal information, let unknown calls go to voicemail, and always get a second opinion from local police or trusted family members before sharing any sensitive data or making financial decisions.
sfchronicle.com
· 2026-04-11
Scammers are using artificial intelligence to create highly convincing fake IRS messages with perfect grammar, authentic-looking logos, and spoofed phone calls, making it increasingly difficult to spot fraudulent tax communications during filing season. The IRS primarily communicates through mailed letters, so any unsolicited calls or emails claiming to be from the agency are likely scams, and criminals are also using AI to target specific individuals who've recently made major financial changes like buying a home. To protect yourself, verify any IRS communication by contacting the agency directly through its official website or phone number, never provide personal or financial information in response to unsolicited messages, and remain skeptical of communications that create urgency or threaten legal action.
scworld.com
· 2026-04-11
Law enforcement agencies from the US, UK, and Canada disrupted a major global cryptocurrency scam called "pig butchering," which defrauded victims by tricking them into granting access to their crypto accounts—affecting over 20,000 people across 30 countries. In Operation Atlantic, authorities recovered $12 million in stolen funds and identified an additional $33 million linked to investment fraud for further investigation. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited notifications about your cryptocurrency accounts, never grant account access to unknown parties, and verify communications directly with your exchange or wallet provider through official channels.
kvoa.com
· 2026-04-11
A New York man has been convicted of money laundering after helping scammers steal nearly $1 million from elderly victims nationwide, including in Arizona, by funneling the stolen funds through cryptocurrency and offshore accounts. The scam operated by sending phishing emails, text messages, and fake pop-ups impersonating trusted companies like Apple, Microsoft, and PayPal, then tricking victims into believing their accounts were compromised or had received erroneous refunds so they would send their own money to the criminals. Elderly people should be cautious of unsolicited messages claiming account issues, never call numbers provided in suspicious communications, and verify directly with their bank or trusted companies through official channels before taking any action.
abcnews.com
· 2026-04-11
A California couple fell victim to a new type of mortgage fraud while house hunting as interest rates dropped, highlighting a growing scam targeting homebuyers in the current market. The article warns consumers to be vigilant when seeking mortgages during periods of favorable rates, as scammers often exploit the urgency and financial stakes involved in home purchases. Homebuyers should verify lender credentials independently, avoid wire transfers to unfamiliar accounts, and work only with established financial institutions to protect themselves from this emerging fraud.
cfjctoday.com
· 2026-04-11
Fraudsters in British Columbia's Shuswap region are impersonating federal government workers to convince victims they've committed identity theft, then directing them to deposit thousands of dollars into Bitcoin ATMs. At least two people have been targeted by this scam—one woman lost nearly $12,000—making it a significant threat to local residents. If you receive unsolicited calls claiming to be from government officials accusing you of crimes and asking you to move money, hang up immediately and contact local police, as legitimate government agencies will never demand payment via cryptocurrency or Bitcoin ATMs.
codeblue.galencentre.org
· 2026-04-11
Nearly 190 junior doctors at a Malaysian hospital were scammed out of over RM47,000 by an administrative assistant who exploited their inexperience with hospital systems, workplace culture that discourages questioning, and the authority figures hold over junior staff. Senior doctors warn this vulnerability isn't isolated to one hospital but exists across Malaysia's public health system, particularly affecting early-career housemen who are unfamiliar with administrative processes and reluctant to challenge authority figures who control their daily work environment. To protect themselves, junior doctors should seek verification of administrative requests through multiple channels, consult with senior colleagues about unfamiliar procedures, and remember that legitimate hospital processes should be transparent and verifiable.
foxbusiness.com
· 2026-04-10
# Summary
Congress's Joint Economic Committee warns that as the April 15 tax filing deadline approaches, scammers are increasingly targeting taxpayers through IRS imposter scams via phone, email, and text using spoofed caller IDs, as well as fraudulent tax preparer schemes. Approximately one in four Americans have fallen victim to tax season scams, which have become more sophisticated with the use of AI and deepfake technology. The committee advises taxpayers to verify communications directly with the IRS at 800-829-1040, avoid clicking suspicious links or QR codes, and be wary of tax preparers demanding high upfront fees or guaranteeing large refunds.
paymentsjournal.com
· 2026-04-10
Online fraud reached an all-time high in the U.S. last year, with Americans losing nearly $21 billion across over 1 million reported complaints, driven largely by cryptocurrency investment scams ($11 billion in losses) and emerging AI-powered fraud schemes ($893 million in losses). Criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create convincing deepfakes and amplify scams at scale, with some organized syndicates operating fraudulent platforms that defraud thousands of victims simultaneously. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities promising high returns, verify the legitimacy of platforms and communications before engaging, and be aware that AI-generated content (deepfakes, convincing emails) is becoming harder to distinguish from authentic sources.
mexc.com
· 2026-04-10
Scammers are exploiting the Iran conflict to perpetrate imposter, romance, and fake charity scams, attempting to trick victims into sending money or sharing personal information by weaving the conflict into their deceptive stories. The Federal Trade Commission is warning the general public about this tactic and advises anyone who suspects they've fallen victim to these scams to immediately report them at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and take action to protect their financial and personal data.
livenowfox.com
· 2026-04-10
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in Louisville seized over 1,500 pieces of counterfeit jewelry worth $9.2 million in retail value that arrived from Hong Kong destined for New York in April 2024. The fake items bore luxury brand names including Cartier, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel, and were verified as counterfeit through collaboration with trademark holders. To protect yourself, authorities urge consumers to only purchase authentic products from reputable retailers to avoid counterfeit goods that can pose health and safety risks while supporting illegal trade.
newsbytesapp.com
· 2026-04-10
Americans lost a record $21 billion to online scams in 2025, a 27% increase from 2024, with seniors over 60 being particularly vulnerable—accounting for $7.75 billion in losses and an average of $38,500 per victim. The surge has been fueled by AI-powered scams, including voice cloning used in romance and "grandparent distress" schemes, as well as cryptocurrency investment fraud, with phishing and spoofing remaining the most common attack types. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact, verify requests for money through independent channels, and report suspicious activity to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
nbcsandiego.com
· 2026-04-10
Scammers are creating fake CAPTCHA verification pages that look like legitimate security checks but actually install malware designed to steal passwords, financial information, and personal data from your computer. Red flags include error messages asking you to press specific key sequences—if you see this, close the tab immediately and never follow the instructions. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links to enter sites; instead, type website addresses directly into your browser, use passkeys, and enable multi-factor authentication on your accounts.
abc7chicago.com
· 2026-04-10
As the April 15 tax deadline approaches, scammers are increasingly targeting taxpayers through fake IRS websites, spoofed calls demanding wire transfers, phishing emails requesting personal information, and fraudulent tax preparers who disappear after filing returns or depositing refunds into their own accounts. The Better Business Bureau warns that even those who have already filed can be victimized, so taxpayers should verify that tax preparers have a current IRS "Preparer Tax Identification Number" and remember that the real IRS will never contact you via unsolicited text, email, or threatening phone calls. To protect yourself, use your phone's built-in scam-detection features, verify the source of any tax-related communications before clicking links or providing information, and leverage email filtering services that flag suspicious messages.
yahoo.com
· 2026-04-10
In 2025, cybercriminals stole over $21 billion from Americans through online scams—a significant jump from $16.6 billion in 2024—with phishing and extortion being the most common tactics, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Report. Seniors over 60 were hit particularly hard, losing $7.75 billion across 201,266 complaints, while cryptocurrency investment scams and AI-powered fraud schemes also surged dramatically. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited messages and links, verify requests through independent contact methods before sharing personal information, and be especially cautious of emotional appeals or investment opportunities that promise quick returns.