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wmtv15news.com
The Better Business Bureau warns college students, particularly freshmen ages 18-24, about six prevalent scams: fake apartment listings (where scammers copy real listings and request deposits for properties that don't exist), fraudulent credit card offers targeting first-time users, identity theft (requiring regular credit report monitoring), fake scholarship and grant offers, and other schemes exploiting their inexperience. The BBB emphasizes the importance of verifying sources, researching offers that seem too good to be true, and protecting personal information to prevent financial and identity-related harm.
irs.gov
Samuel Kristofer Bunner of West Virginia was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison for defrauding a dementia patient of $1,906,229 through bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, including selling the victim's real estate, draining accounts, and opening fraudulent credit cards. Bunner used the stolen funds to purchase homes, campers, cars, and consumer goods, and was ordered to pay full restitution of $1,906,229 and serve five years of supervised release following his prison term.
njspotlightnews.org
The FBI reported that scammers stole approximately $3.4 billion from seniors in 2023, with the actual figure likely higher due to underreporting caused by victim embarrassment and uncertainty. Common scams targeting older adults include mail fraud, online scams, and identity theft, often leveraging fear of missing out and appearing legitimate. To protect themselves, seniors should verify the legitimacy of unsolicited communications by contacting companies directly through official websites rather than using contact information provided in suspicious emails or calls.
kvoa.com
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued an alert about cryptocurrency scams targeting consumers through investment schemes, impersonation fraud, and blackmail extortion. Scammers use phone calls, emails, social media, and dating apps to pose as investment managers, government officials, or love interests to trick victims into buying and transferring cryptocurrency. The Attorney General recommends verifying caller information independently, remaining skeptical of unsolicited requests for cryptocurrency payments, never sharing personal information with unknown callers, consulting trusted individuals before major financial decisions, and reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement.
bluewin.ch
Swiss politician Cédric Wermuth, SP Co-President and Aargau National Councillor, became a victim of identity theft when scammers used his photos for romance scams on Facebook and other online platforms. The fraud was discovered when a bank manager alerted Wermuth that a customer attempted to transfer 100,000 francs to him; Wermuth found at least five fraudulent profiles using his identity details on Facebook alone. He filed a criminal complaint that has been forwarded to the public prosecutor's office.
wror.com
This educational article reports that New England states rank among the safest for online dating based on rates of romance scams, identity theft, fraud, sex offenders, and STDs, with Vermont ranking #1 nationally and Massachusetts at #17. The article also notes that all six New England states rank in the top 20 most expensive states for dating, with New York leading at $297.27 for an average date compared to the national average of $120.90.
wftv.com
**Summary:**
During the 2024 election season, Charlotte residents experienced increased political calls and texts, many of which were scams rather than legitimate campaign communications. Equifax's Identity Theft Protection team identified five types of political scams targeting voters: fake polls/surveys, donation scams, impersonation scams, questionable petitions, and voter registration scams. Experts recommend not providing unsolicited information, avoiding pressure to act immediately, verifying directly with official sources, and deleting suspicious messages.
iid.iowa.gov
This educational piece identifies six common scams targeting Iowa storm victims: FEMA impersonation scams, contractor fraud (storm chasers), fake charities, insurance claim scams, phishing communications, and identity theft. The article provides preventative measures for each scam type, including verifying credentials, obtaining multiple estimates, researching charities through watchdog organizations, contacting insurance companies directly, and freezing credit. Resources provided include the Iowa Attorney General's Office, Iowa Insurance Division, and FEMA fraud hotline for reporting suspected fraud.
azag.gov
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued a warning about cryptocurrency scams targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly senior citizens, which exploit victims' unfamiliarity with digital currencies. Common scams include investment schemes promising high returns with zero risk, impersonation scams claiming account fraud or legal issues that can only be resolved via cryptocurrency transfer, and blackmail scams threatening to release compromising information unless paid in Bitcoin. The Attorney General advises Arizonans to verify caller information independently, remain skeptical of unsolicited requests, recognize that legitimate businesses never demand cryptocurrency payment, protect personal information, consult trusted family members before financial decisions, and report suspicious activity to law enforcement or the Arizona Attorney General's Office.
washingtonblade.com
Former U.S. Rep. George Santos pleaded guilty on August 19 to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, admitting he defrauded campaign donors, stole donors' identities to make fraudulent credit card purchases, and falsely claimed unemployment benefits, among other crimes. Santos faces six to eight years in prison at his February 7, 2025 sentencing and must repay at least $373,000 to victims as part of his plea agreement with federal prosecutors.
techradar.com
Orion S.A., a global carbon black supplier, lost $60 million in a Business Email Compromise (BEC) attack in August 2024 when an employee was deceived into making multiple fraudulent wire transfers to scammer-controlled accounts. The company reported the incident to the SEC and confirmed it notified law enforcement and is pursuing fund recovery through insurance coverage, with no additional data breaches or fraudulent activity detected.
the-review.com
QR codes are increasingly being exploited by scammers to direct victims to phishing websites, fraudulent payment portals, malware downloads, and fake cryptocurrency wallets. Common schemes include placing fraudulent QR codes on parking meters to steal payment information, conducting romance scams that culminate in cryptocurrency investment requests, impersonating utility companies and government agencies to collect fraudulent payments, and sending malicious codes via email or mail. Consumers should verify QR codes before scanning, avoid codes from unsolicited sources, and confirm suspicious requests directly with the legitimate organization or person claiming to contact them.
shorenewsnetwork.com
Two New York City women pleaded guilty to participating in a credit union fraud conspiracy that operated since at least December 2021, exploiting the shared branching network by using fake IDs to make fraudulent withdrawals totaling nearly $500,000 across the United States. Lesley Lucchese and Danielle Cappetti, who acted as runners conducting the fraudulent transactions in exchange for drugs or small cash payments, face up to 30 years in prison, with five defendants total having pleaded guilty and three others remaining charged in the scheme that resulted in over $1 million in total losses.
kiplinger.com
Venmo users face multiple fraud schemes including spoofed calls impersonating Venmo requesting authentication codes, phishing texts and emails with fake login links, fake payment demands from companies, and scammers posing as friends or family members to request money. To protect yourself, never share confidential information with unsolicited contacts, independently verify requests by contacting Venmo directly through official channels, carefully examine email addresses and website URLs, and be suspicious of urgent payment demands.
newslj.com
This article provides multiple scam alerts and protective measures: residents received fraudulent PayPal invoices via email impersonation, unrealistic job offers via text promising $1,000+ daily pay for minimal work, and a fake donation request to a nonprofit seeking wire transfer details for a $7,000 "donation." A massive data breach exposed 2.7 billion individuals' Social Security numbers and personal information, with experts recommending credit freezes with major bureaus, strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and vigilance against phishing exploitation of the breach.
forbes.com
Elder fraud caused over $3.4 billion in losses in 2023, representing an 11% increase from the previous year, with scammers increasingly employing long-term relationship-building tactics rather than quick-payoff schemes to target seniors aged 60 and older. The article also covers related financial crimes including IRS enforcement of Employee Retention Credit abuse, a Florida man's guilty plea for evading $2.4 million in taxes through trust misdirection, and recommendations to improve IRS services for international taxpayers regarding unreported foreign gifts.
ynetnews.com
This educational article explains how online scams have evolved to exploit vulnerable targets through voice phishing (vishing), SMS phishing (smishing), and AI-generated voice technology, with real examples including a $250,000 CEO impersonation fraud and a $25 million company theft via deepfake video calls. The article identifies key vulnerabilities including the widespread sale of personal data by brokers and the increasing sophistication of scam tactics like "pig butchering," romance scams, and tech support hoaxes that require minimal technical skills to execute at scale. Protective measures recommended include avoiding unexpected calls from unknown numbers, enabling two-factor authentication with security keys rather than SMS, verifying
mirror.co.uk
This educational article by consumer rights expert Martyn James outlines the growing landscape of fraud in 2024, explaining why scammers are increasingly successful through digital innovation, mass messaging, and sophisticated social engineering tactics. The article cites that 252,626 people lost nearly £341 million to "push payment" fraud in the UK, with some victims losing life savings exceeding £100,000, though £1.2 billion in fraud was prevented last year. James provides practical advice for fraud victims, including immediately contacting their bank via the official number or the 159 stop scams line, and emphasizes the importance of identifying the type of fraud to determine the appropriate response.
kbsi23.com
Back-to-school scams targeting college-aged students (18-24) are on the rise, according to the Better Business Bureau, with scammers exploiting younger students' lack of experience with identity theft and fraud. The BBB recommends that students protect themselves by using private mailboxes, securing important documents and IDs in lockboxes, and reporting lost identification to campus police immediately. A growing threat includes sports streaming link scams where fraudsters request payment for school sports videos, then charge victims for unauthorized monthly subscriptions after minimal initial charges.
irs.gov
The IRS, state tax agencies, and over 60 private sector organizations launched the Coalition Against Scam and Scheme Threats (CASST) in August 2024 to combat growing tax-related scams that exploit vulnerable taxpayers. The three-pronged initiative will expand public education about emerging scams, develop methods to identify fraudulent returns during filing, and improve infrastructure protections across federal, state, and industry tax systems. Modeled on the successful 2015 Security Summit that addressed tax-related identity theft, CASST aims to strengthen information sharing and coordinated responses to threats across the entire tax ecosystem.
aarp.org
Scammers are sending fraudulent text messages to drivers claiming they have unpaid tolls, creating a sense of urgency by threatening additional fees if balances aren't paid immediately through fake toll payment websites. The Identity Theft Resource Center reports this scam is proliferating across the country, exploiting drivers' anxiety about legitimately owing toll fees by using real toll system names like "Good-to-Go" in Washington State and "Easy Pass" on the East Coast. The scheme preys on consumers' fear of accumulating fines and encourages them to click malicious links or provide personal information to cybercriminals.
ibsintelligence.com
Americans are increasingly concerned about rising financial fraud, with the FTC reporting $10 billion lost to scams in 2023 (up from $3.5 billion in 2020), and 74% of survey respondents worried that AI advancements will increase fraud rates. Nearly half of Americans surveyed (45%) reported being victims of financial fraud, with credit card theft (53%), electronic payment fraud (19%), and check fraud (17%) as top scams, and 24% losing $5,000 or more. Financial institutions face mounting pressure as fraud victims often switch banks or reduce services, with recovery rates for stolen funds remaining below 10% in most cases.
wsoctv.com
This article identifies five types of political call and text scams targeting voters: fake polls, donation scams, impersonation scams, questionable petitions, and voter registration scams. Experts advise consumers not to feel pressured to provide personal information, to verify requests by contacting organizations directly, and to delete suspicious messages rather than engage with them.
abc7chicago.com
A Chicago-area woman had her identity stolen after responding to a fake job posting that included a legitimate-seeming face-to-face Zoom interview and written job offer; the scammers later sent her a counterfeit check for $8,950 and requested she purchase office equipment and return funds. The Better Business Bureau reports job scams have increased significantly since the pandemic, with the 18-34 age group most at risk, and warns that the biggest red flag is when companies send checks to purchase supplies—if cashed and spent, victims are responsible to their banks.
kttn.com
Austin James, a 27-year-old contractor from Missouri, was sentenced to five years of probation, 90 days of house arrest, and ordered to repay $94,606 after pleading guilty to identity theft in connection with the financial exploitation of an 80-year-old St. Louis woman. James received eight checks totaling $94,606 between January and July 2021 for home renovation work he did not complete, as part of a larger scheme led by unlicensed contractor Gino Rives that defrauded the victim of over $550,000 in total. Bank employees' concerns about the high volume of checks prompted an investigation that revealed the
news.trendmicro.com
Deepfake technology powered by AI is fueling a rising tide of scams in 2024, with deepfake content increasing 900% between 2019 and 2020. Cybercriminals use deepfakes to impersonate celebrities, recruiters, and romantic partners through fake video calls, job interviews, and investment schemes to steal money and personal information from victims. Key scams include romance fraud (where scammers conduct convincing video calls using face-swapping), recruiting scams (impersonating employers on LinkedIn to extract payment and data), and investment scams (using fake celebrity endorsements to promote cryptocurrency schemes).
theorcasonian.com
This educational piece highlights that seniors on Orcas Island face elevated risks from scams, identity theft, and elder abuse, with organizations like Orcas Senior Center and San Juan County Senior Services working to address these vulnerabilities. The article emphasizes that isolation and lack of mental health services contribute to senior vulnerability, noting one example of a community member losing $11,000 to a scam. The piece promotes local support programs including Hearts and Hands (in-home visits) and Buddy Check-In (phone outreach) to combat isolation and provide companionship for vulnerable elders.
irs.gov
Ari Tietolman of Montreal, Canada, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for operating a massive telemarketing fraud scheme from 2005 to 2014 that targeted tens of thousands of American senior citizens, defrauding them of millions of dollars through worthless or non-existent products like fraud protection services, prescription drug discount cards, and legal services. Tietolman and his co-schemers made unauthorized debits from victims' bank accounts after making false claims about affiliations with banks, insurance companies, and the U.S. government, while he was ordered to pay $7,042,898.22 in restitution; two co-defendants also
aarp.org
The Google Voice scam involves fraudsters posing as buyers on Facebook Marketplace who request verification codes from sellers, claiming to confirm identity and prevent fraud. Once the seller provides the six-digit verification code, scammers use it to create a Google Voice account linked to the seller's number, generating a disguised phone number to conduct additional scams while leaving a trail leading to the innocent victim. The FTC first warned of this scam in 2021, and it remains the most commonly reported fraud to the Identity Theft Resource Center, accounting for 60 percent of scams reported in 2023.
justice.gov
A Jefferson County contractor, Austin James, was sentenced to five years probation, 90 days house arrest, and 80 hours community service for financially exploiting an 80-year-old St. Louis woman in a home renovation scheme. James received eight checks totaling $94,606 between January and July 2021 for work he did not perform, while his accomplice Gino Rives bilked the victim of over $550,000 by falsely claiming to be a licensed contractor; James was ordered to repay $94,606 to the victim's estate.
aol.com
Sabrina Aboshanab, a 33-year-old caregiver from Wappingers Falls, was sentenced to 5-15 years in prison for stealing $164,332.26 from an 81-year-old man in her care between December 2017 and April 2023. Aboshanab, who lived in the victim's home as his caregiver, used his personal information to transfer funds via online and app-based services even after his arrest in 2022, and must pay full restitution. A co-defendant, Mark Schmidt, pleaded guilty to first-degree identity theft and received a 1-3 year
963kklz.com
A study by PrivacyJournal.net ranked Nevada as the most dangerous state for online dating, based on reported incidents of romance scams, fraud, identity theft, and violent crime per 100,000 residents. Nevada ranked second nationally for romance scam reports and third for fraud reports, with Las Vegas contributing significantly to these numbers. The article advises online daters to take common sense precautions, noting that Vermont and Maine are the safest states for online dating.
vermontjournal.com
This educational piece debunks three common myths about fraud victimization: that intelligence protects against scams, that only wealthy people are targets, and that only elderly people are victimized. The article emphasizes that scammers target people across all ages, education levels, and demographics, noting that the FTC reports higher victimization rates among 25-45 year-olds than seniors, though seniors typically suffer larger dollar losses. The piece advocates for fraud defense through behavior change and awareness rather than relying on intelligence alone, and alerts readers to an active scam targeting Justices of the Peace involving fake wedding payments.
wsaw.com
The Better Business Bureau cautions college students to watch out for seven common scams targeting them during the school year: phishing emails impersonating the school's financial department, fake credit card offers, fraudulent rental listings, identity theft, scholarship grant scams, online shopping scams, and test preparation blackmail schemes. The BBB recommends students verify offers through official channels, check credit reports regularly at annualcreditreport.com, view apartments in person before paying, and research companies on BBB.org before engaging with them. Students are encouraged to report suspected scams to BBB's ScamTracker and contact their local BBB office with concerns.
x1075lasvegas.com
A study by PrivacyJournal.net ranked Nevada as the most dangerous state for online dating based on reported romance scams, fraud, identity theft, and violent crime per 100,000 residents. Nevada ranked second nationally for romance scam reports and third for fraud reports, making it a higher-risk state for online daters seeking to avoid financial and personal victimization. The analysis identified Vermont as the safest state for online dating, while other risky states included Alaska, Georgia, Florida, Arizona, and South Carolina.
kiplinger.com
In 2023, over 101,000 people age 60 and older lost nearly $3.4 billion to financial exploitation, according to the FBI's Elder Fraud Report, with common scams including tech support fraud ($590 million in losses), investment fraud ($4.57 billion, up 38% year-over-year), power of attorney abuse, Medicare/Medicaid fraud, and homeowner scams. AI-driven fraud is making scams increasingly sophisticated, with criminals creating convincing fake audio and video to deceive victims. Protection requires vigilance about warning signs such as unusual account activity and suspicious communications, along with education and open family dialogue about financial security.
country1037fm.com
South Carolina ranks as the 45th safest state for online dating, with elevated risks including 396 registered sex offenders per 100,000 residents, 1,062 STD reports per 100,000 residents, and 334 fraud cases per 100,000 residents. A study by PrivacyJournal.net identified romance scams, fraud, identity theft, and violent crime as primary dangers in online dating nationwide, with Nevada ranking as the most dangerous state overall.
businessinsider.com
Election officials across multiple states warned about voter registration scams ahead of the 2024 presidential election, where scammers posed as get-out-the-vote groups via text messages and other communications to trick victims into clicking malicious links or providing personal information like Social Security numbers. Voter registration fraud is one of the three most common election-cycle scams, and officials recommend verifying communications directly with local election officials and reporting suspicious contacts to the FTC. No specific dollar amounts or victim counts were reported in the warnings.
wild941.com
Florida ranks as the 47th safest state for online dating, according to a PrivacyJournal.net study analyzing romance scams, fraud, identity theft, and violent crime per 100,000 residents. The state ranks second-worst nationally for both identity theft and fraud, and seventh-worst for romance scams, though it performs better on violent crime and sex offender statistics. The study identifies Nevada as the most dangerous state and Vermont as the safest, recommending that online daters take common sense precautions regardless of location.
nj1015.com
A study by PrivacyJournal.net ranking U.S. states on online dating safety found New Jersey to rank 12th safest, based on metrics including romance scams, violent crime, identity theft, fraud, STDs, and registered sex offenders. While New Jersey users may encounter dishonesty, the state has the lowest rate of registered sex offenders nationally and ranks 8th for lowest STD rates, making it safer than most states for online dating.
aol.com
This educational article identifies 11 common Instagram scams in 2024, with a focus on fake brand accounts and fake follower schemes. The FTC reported that $2.7 billion was lost to social media scams between 2021 and mid-2023, with online shopping scams comprising 44% of fraud reports; scammers use imposter accounts for luxury brands like Gucci and Nike to sell counterfeit goods or steal funds. The article advises users to verify accounts are officially verified, check URLs carefully, and avoid purchasing from sellers offering unrealistic discounts or unusual payment methods, while also warning against buying fake followers or likes as it violates Instagram's terms and harms
postbulletin.com
An educational workshop titled "Mapping Your Future as a Senior Citizen" was held at the Mower County Senior Center in Austin, covering financial, estate, and funeral planning, along with a session on "Scams, Frauds and Identity Theft" where local authorities including the Austin Police Chief and County Attorney discussed how seniors are targeted for consumer fraud and taught attendees protection strategies. The event was open to residents age 50 and older for a $5 fee that included lunch.
thesnaponline.com
This Better Business Bureau alert identifies seven scams targeting college students during the back-to-school season, including phishing emails impersonating school financial departments, fake credit card offers, fraudulent rental listings, identity theft, scholarship scams, online shopping scams, and test preparation blackmail schemes. The BBB recommends students verify offers through official sources, check credit reports regularly, view apartments in person before paying, and research companies on BBB.org before providing personal information or funds. College students should remain vigilant about sharing personal data online and monitor BBB's ScamTracker for reports of current fraud schemes.
forbes.com
**Article Title:** Scott Hermann on AI-Powered Scams
This educational piece identifies the top AI-enabled scams targeting consumers, including deepfakes (AI-generated videos and images impersonating real people) and AI-generated voice phishing (realistic synthetic voices used in fraudulent calls). The article provides protective measures such as verifying unsolicited video calls through trusted channels, approaching shocking online content with skepticism, and being cautious of urgent messages demanding money or personal information.
knoxnews.com
Phishing scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with recent examples including attacks exploiting Microsoft365's "First Contact Safety Tip" feature through CSS manipulation and fake Amazon verification links embedded in Google Drawings graphics that steal personal information. These scams trick users into revealing passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive data by impersonating legitimate companies. Victims should verify breach alerts, contact financial institutions to freeze accounts, place fraud alerts with credit bureaus, monitor statements, and change all passwords immediately.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Facebook Marketplace hosts common scams including seller fraud (fake or non-existent listings), buyer fraud (posers with no intent to pay), verification code phishing, and payment/identity theft schemes. Users can protect themselves by verifying identities, meeting in person before payment, using secure payment methods like PayPal, never sharing verification codes or personal information, and reporting suspicious activity. The article emphasizes avoiding unusually low prices, unconventional payment methods, and requests to complete transactions outside Facebook's integrated tools.
wvnews.com
The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program educates Medicare beneficiaries on preventing health care fraud, with particular focus on medical identity theft schemes involving unauthorized use of names and Medicare numbers to bill for services or supplies. In 2023, the SMP program reached 1.2 million people through outreach events, assisted over 270,000 beneficiaries with fraud complaints, identified 26 emerging fraud schemes, and helped Medicare recoup over $111 million in fraudulent billings.
journalrecord.com
Fake tax scams impersonating IRS and other government agencies increasingly target older adults by using caller ID manipulation and creating false urgency to pressure victims into providing personal information or making payments via gift cards or wire transfers. Legitimate tax authorities initiate contact by mail, not phone or email, and victims can verify claims by calling the IRS directly at (800) 829-1040 or reporting scams to the Treasury Inspector General at (800) 366-4484. Those who have fallen victim to elder fraud can contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at (833) 372-8311.
theindependent.sg
A Singapore-based commodity firm lost $42.3 million in a July 2024 Business Email Compromise (BEC) scam when fraudsters sent a spoofed email redirecting payment to a fake account in Timor-Leste. INTERPOL's Global Rapid Intervention of Payments (I-GRIP) mechanism recovered $39 million within one day and led to the recovery of an additional $2 million following the arrest of seven suspects, marking the largest-ever BEC fund recovery. The article also highlights related cybercrime enforcement actions, including the indictment of Cryptonator's founder for processing $1.4 billion in criminal proceeds through cryptocurrency
azpbs.org
In 2023, over 101,000 reports of elder financial abuse were filed with the FBI, with victims experiencing annual losses exceeding $36 billion. Americans over 60 are particularly vulnerable to various scams including investment fraud, tech scams, romance scams, and nonpayment schemes, with financial abuse often going undetected when perpetrated by family members or caregivers who exploit declining cognitive abilities and technological unfamiliarity. Caregivers should report suspicious financial activities to Adult Protective Services, as technology-enabled scams targeting vulnerable elders continue to increase.