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in Robocall / Phone Scam
masslive.com
· 2025-12-08
Baystate Health wired $700,000 to a fraudulent account in November 2022 after criminals compromised a settlement counterparty's email in a business email compromise (BEC) scam. After the fraud was discovered, Baystate sued JPMorgan Chase, claiming the bank failed to prevent withdrawals from the fraudulent account and allowed approximately $205,542 to be transferred out after being notified of the fraud, with $420,000 ultimately unaccounted for. Only about $76,000 was recovered through a federal seizure warrant.
choosework.ssa.gov
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines five key warning signs to identify work-from-home job scams: positions offering unusually high pay or requiring minimal qualifications, companies lacking an online presence or verifiable information, employers requesting upfront payment during the application process, communication through unofficial platforms like WhatsApp, and job offers extended without conducting interviews. Scammers typically seek personal information for identity fraud and money through fake checks or equipment fees, while legitimate employers maintain professional websites, use standard communication channels, and conduct thorough screening processes.
bankinfosecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
Job seekers in cybersecurity are increasingly targeted by fraudulent job postings that exploit the field's high demand and remote work prevalence. Common scam tactics include requests for personal information (Social Security numbers, identification), unusually high salaries with quick hiring processes, vague job descriptions, and unprofessional communication. Job applicants can protect themselves by researching companies directly, contacting employers through official websites, and remaining skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.
smartcompany.com.au
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Australians lost $2.74 billion to scams, with small businesses facing particular risk from phishing, compromised email accounts, false billing, supply scams, and overpayment schemes. ASIC reported removing approximately 20 scam sites daily, highlighting the scale and sophistication of fraud targeting Australian businesses. Key protective measures include verifying email legitimacy, double-checking payment requests, maintaining updated software, training employees to recognize suspicious activity, monitoring online presence, and implementing strong password policies.
lycoming.crimewatchpa.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article provides guidance on avoiding internet and social media scams, which have risen significantly in recent years. Key prevention strategies include being skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true, protecting personal information, verifying website legitimacy (https://), using strong passwords, and avoiding suspicious links and attachments. For victims who have lost money, the article recommends immediately notifying credit card companies and banks, reporting to police, and provides the Williamsport Police Department's non-emergency contact number for local residents.
miragenews.com
· 2025-12-08
This awareness piece highlights sophisticated investment scams targeting Australians, particularly "pig butchering" schemes where scammers build trust over weeks or months before soliciting cryptocurrency investments. A Queensland victim lost approximately $244,000 AUD after being befriended on Facebook by a scammer who gradually encouraged increasingly larger investments in cryptocurrency, promising substantial returns; when the victim attempted to withdraw funds, the scammer blocked all contact. Recent data from the AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre shows Australians lost at least $180 million to cryptocurrency investment scams in 12 months, with nearly half of all investment scam losses involving cryptocurrency and victims now more likely
7news.com.au
· 2025-12-08
A Perth woman lost tens of thousands of dollars to a romance scammer who used deepfake artificial intelligence to disguise his identity as "Brian," a supposed Sydney engineer working on an oil rig. The scammer built trust through fake documents and video calls with digital filters, then exploited her vulnerability following her husband's death by requesting money for fabricated emergencies on the rig, with the victim only discovering the deception when a technical glitch exposed his real appearance during a video call. This case is part of a broader pattern in Western Australia, where romance and dating scams drained $2.9 million from 26 victims in the year covered by the report, leaving the victim emotionally devastated and financially dependent
9news.com.au
· 2025-12-08
A woman was defrauded of tens of thousands of dollars by romance scammers using deepfake technology to impersonate a man named "Bryan" through AI-manipulated video calls that mimicked facial expressions and voice. The scam was discovered when a video glitched, revealing the actual person—a US real estate agent whose identity had been stolen—rather than the fabricated persona. Recent weeks have seen at least two Western Australians lose over $1 million combined to similar deepfake romance scams, prompting experts to warn about red flags like unnatural movements and poor lip syncing, while emphasizing that money should never be sent to anyone not met in person.
au.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Perth widow Maggie Ayres lost tens of thousands of dollars in a romance scam involving a man named "Bryan" who used deepfake technology to impersonate an American real estate agent on video calls and claimed to work on an oil rig. Ayres discovered the fraud when a technical glitch revealed the scammer's actual face during a video call, and authorities report that deepfake-enabled romance scams have affected multiple Western Australian victims, with the state losing $3.7 million to romance fraud in 2023 and $2.9 million already by mid-2024.
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
West Australian authorities have warned of romance scams using AI-generated deepfake technology in video calls, with 26 victims losing $2.9 million to such scams in the current year. One victim, Maggie Ayres, transferred tens of thousands of dollars to a scammer posing as "Bryan" before discovering during a video call that deepfake technology was being used to disguise the perpetrator's identity. State Commerce Minister Sue Ellery urged people to never transfer money to individuals they haven't met in person and to report suspicious online activity to authorities.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
A 20-year nationwide telemarketing scheme defrauded over 150,000 elderly and vulnerable Americans of approximately $300 million through bogus magazine subscriptions and fake cancellation services. Anthony Eugene Moulder and Abdou-Rahmane Diallo, among 64 defendants from 14 states and Canada, were sentenced to prison (10 and 7.5 years respectively) after pleading guilty; Moulder's operation alone scammed $86.6 million by using deceptive sales scripts, while Diallo's scheme collected $30 million by posing as a cancellation service. The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection
2news.com
· 2025-12-08
Washoe County partnered with the Better Business Bureau to educate seniors about common scams, as fraud targeting this population is increasing. Imposter scams (posing as Social Security, revenue agencies, or retailers like Amazon) are most frequently reported, while investment, cryptocurrency, and romance scams pose the highest financial risk to those 65 and older; scammers often use phone calls rather than online methods, exploiting seniors' likelihood of answering calls. The BBB emphasizes that reporting scams—even those without financial loss—is critical since only about 5% of victims report fraud, and encouraging community reporting helps prevent others from becoming victims.
gov.mo
· 2025-12-08
Fans of a well-known Mainland Chinese boy band became victims of an online ticket scam in Macao, with at least 24 victims reporting losses exceeding 210,000 Macao Patacas since August 23rd. Fraudsters posed as ticket sellers on social media, collected advance payments or deposits, and then ceased contact on the concert day without delivering tickets. Authorities advise purchasing tickets only through official channels and licensed retailers, avoiding unofficial private sellers, and using the Judiciary Police's anti-fraud resources to verify legitimacy.
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
Amy lost $16,000 from her ubank account after falling victim to a common scam where fraudsters impersonated bank staff, obtained her security details via a fake verification process, and authorized push payments to steal her savings; only $7 was recovered. Neobanks and digital banking platforms create vulnerability to fraud through instant payments to new accounts, limited customer service accessibility, and the difficulty in detecting and recovering funds once scammers move money overseas or to cryptocurrency platforms. The National Anti-Scam Centre reported ubank appeared in at least 490 complaints in the prior year with total losses exceeding $500,000.
13wmaz.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers in Monroe County, Georgia have been targeting grieving families by impersonating funeral home employees and demanding payment for funeral services, threatening to cancel arrangements if payment isn't made. A recent victim lost thousands of dollars before realizing they had already paid the funeral home in full, with scammers exploiting families' vulnerability during their time of grief. Authorities recommend contacting your funeral home director directly before making phone payments and reporting suspicious calls to the Federal Trade Commission and local sheriff's office.
kjct8.com
· 2025-12-08
Online used car scams commonly involve stolen vehicles, salvaged vehicles misrepresented as undamaged, VIN swaps, and fraudulent titles being sold through platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. To protect themselves, buyers should research vehicle history using resources like CarFax or Kelley Blue Book, verify the seller's identity, inspect the car in person, take test drives, and avoid sharing personal information until confident in the purchase. Security experts recommend bringing a knowledgeable person to evaluate the vehicle or consulting a dealership if uncertain about a car's condition.
ag.ny.gov
· 2025-12-08
New York Attorney General Letitia James warned New Yorkers about deepfake investment scams using AI-manipulated videos of celebrities like Elon Musk and Warren Buffett to promote fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes on social media and messaging apps. Scammers move victims to private encrypted platforms, encourage initial investments on fake websites showing gains, then demand additional fees or taxes before cutting contact, with victims sometimes losing hundreds of thousands of dollars. The alert provides red flags including guaranteed return promises, urgency tactics, celebrity endorsements, and requests to move conversations to encrypted messaging, and recommends victims verify investment professional credentials through FINRA's BrokerCheck and report suspected scams to law enforcement.
newyorkfamily.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines common scams targeting children and recommends preventive strategies for parents and kids. Key scam types include phishing (stealing sensitive data via suspicious links and emails), fake websites mimicking legitimate retailers, fake online offers with "free" or "discount" baits, phone scams impersonating authority figures, and in-person scams involving direct requests for money or counterfeit products. Parents are advised to educate children on recognizing these tactics, verifying website addresses for misspellings, and avoiding sharing personal information with unknown sources or suspicious sites.
maryvilleforum.com
· 2025-12-08
Grandparent scams, which surge during the school year, involve scammers impersonating distressed family members to solicit emergency money from seniors, often using social media information and increasingly voice cloning technology. Law enforcement in Maryville, Missouri documented cases where seniors were deceived into sending bail money or visiting police stations, with the FBI reporting over 195 complaints and $1.9 million in losses from January to September of the previous year. Seniors are targeted because they are trusting, have financial resources, and are often reluctant to report fraud due to shame or fear of losing family confidence.
baynews9.com
· 2025-12-08
Florida ranked second in the nation for elder fraud complaints in 2023, with seniors reporting nearly $300 million in losses. A Central Florida woman lost $46,000 from her Chase Bank and nonprofit accounts after receiving a call from imposter scammers posing as bank customer service representatives who tricked her into providing verification codes. Imposter scams lead fraud cases nationwide with over $2.5 billion in reported losses, and the FBI reported an 11% increase in fraud cases involving people over 60 from 2022 to 2023.
miragenews.com
· 2025-12-08
During the 2023-24 financial year, Victorians lost $76.5 million across nearly 70,000 scams, with investment scams accounting for $44.8 million, followed by romance and false billing scams. The Allan Labor Government launched Scams Awareness Week (August 26-30) encouraging victims to share their experiences to reduce stigma, support law enforcement efforts, and prevent others from falling victim to similar scams, particularly "get rich quick" investment schemes that promise unrealistic returns. Consumers are advised to avoid pressure-based investment decisions, seek independent financial advice, and verify company registration with ASIC before reporting suspected scams to their bank, local police, or
theconversation.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance fraud extends beyond online scams to include in-person relationships, where perpetrators use elaborate deception and psychological manipulation to exploit victims emotionally and financially. Australian cases, including writer Stephanie Wood and marketing executive Tracy Hall, illustrate how fraudsters build trust over time before revealing fabricated identities or requesting money for manufactured crises. Australians lost over A$200 million to romance fraud in 2023, with victims experiencing compounded trauma from both financial loss and emotional betrayal that requires long-term recovery.
ferntreegully.mailcommunity.com.au
· 2025-12-08
During Australia's Scam Awareness Week (August 26-30), authorities highlighted the escalating threat of online scams affecting communities nationwide, including fake missing child posts circulating in social media groups. In 2023, Australians reported over 601,000 scams with losses for people over 65 reaching $120 million (a 13.3% increase), with investment scams, remote access scams, and romance scams causing the most harm; scam calls resulted in the highest reported losses at $116 million. Experts emphasize that victims often experience shame and isolation, and recommend community awareness-sharing, trusted support networks, and mental health services to help
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
College students ages 18-24 reported the highest median losses to scams in 2023 for the second consecutive year, according to the Better Business Bureau's 2023 Scam Tracker Risk Report. The most common scams targeting this demographic include employment scams (offering remote work with high pay to collect personal information), online purchase fraud (items never delivered or counterfeit), and investment/cryptocurrency scams (median loss of $3,800), which the BBB warns are now the riskiest. The BBB advises students to scrutinize messages for red flags like poor grammar, misspellings, suspicious job offers requesting sensitive data, and investment opportunities that seem too good to
times-herald.com
· 2025-12-08
Southern States Bank held a community workshop led by consumer banker Tara Davis to educate seniors on identifying and avoiding financial scams, citing statistics showing 1 in 10 Americans aged 60+ experience elder abuse, with financial exploitation affecting 5.2% of older adults. The workshop covered common schemes including phishing emails, social media fraud, and impersonation scams, and highlighted a recent case where a client nearly lost $5,000 to a scammer posing as a neighbor before bank staff intervened. Davis recommended freezing credit, building relationships with bankers, and staying vigilant about reporting suspicious activities, while noting that 60% of elder abuse cases involve family members.
financial-planning.com
· 2025-12-08
An 84-year-old woman fell victim to a sophisticated Publishers Clearing House scam where fraudsters impersonated company representatives and used forged logos from the FDIC, IRS, and Federal Reserve Bank to build credibility and gain access to her investment accounts. Financial experts recommend that advisors protect elderly clients through verification tactics such as calling banks back at official numbers, scrutinizing email sender addresses rather than clicking links, and using account controls like payment holds to prevent urgent transfer requests from succeeding.
komando.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans over age 60 lost $3.4 billion to fraud schemes in 2023, an 11% increase from the previous year, with tech support scams being the most commonly reported type and investment scams causing the highest losses at $1.2 billion. Seniors are targeted because they typically have larger nest eggs and assets, and roughly 68% of elder fraud cases begin with personal information leaked online, with underreporting being a significant issue as many victims do not report incidents due to shame or uncertainty about how to report. Common scam types affecting seniors include tech support fraud, romance scams, government impersonation schemes, and data breaches, with warning signs including unsolicited contact
waka.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers in South Alabama are increasingly using sophisticated social media impersonation schemes across platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and CashApp, studying victims' profiles to gather personal information and contact their friends and family with convincing details. To protect themselves, residents should verify requests through security questions, establish safe words with loved ones, avoid sending money to unverified sources, and report suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.
nbcnews.com
· 2025-12-08
**Bitcoin ATM Fraud Surge Targeting Seniors**
Reported losses from Bitcoin ATM scams rose nearly tenfold since 2020, totaling over $110 million in 2023, with consumers over 60 being more than three times as likely as younger adults to fall victim. Scammers impersonate customer service representatives, government officials, or tech company employees, directing victims to scan QR codes and deposit cash into Bitcoin ATMs that converts their money to cryptocurrency immediately transferred to fraudsters. One 76-year-old Indiana woman lost $31,500 after receiving a fake security alert, highlighting how scammers exploit urgency and confusion about
golaurens.com
· 2025-12-08
**QR Code Fraud Schemes**
Scammers are increasingly exploiting QR codes through multiple fraud methods including fake parking meter payments (where victims pay via QR code but still receive tickets or towing), romance scams involving cryptocurrency wallet transfers (victims lose thousands after months of relationship-building), phishing schemes that direct users to malicious websites or malware, and impersonation scams mimicking utilities or government agencies to demand immediate payment. Most QR code fraud victims encounter the codes through unsolicited communications or in public locations, and the difficulty in verifying a code's destination before scanning makes it an effective tool for fraudsters.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Eugene Robert LeClear, a 52-year-old from Wheeling, West Virginia, was indicted for a romance scam in which he defrauded a woman of approximately $96,000 between 2022 and the time of charges. LeClear posed as a millionaire online, fabricated reasons for needing money (such as medical expenses and bail), and promised reimbursement that never came. He faces five counts of wire fraud, each carrying a potential 20-year federal prison sentence.
cbs6albany.com
· 2025-12-08
New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a warning about deepfake investment scams using AI-manipulated videos of celebrities like Elon Musk and Warren Buffet to fraudulently solicit investments, often in cryptocurrency. Scammers use these convincing fake videos on social media to lure victims into making initial investments on fraudulent platforms, then pressure them for additional funds or prevent withdrawals, sometimes extracting hundreds of thousands of dollars before disappearing. The AG recommends New Yorkers verify investment opportunities independently, be cautious of video solicitations, avoid sending money to unverified platforms, and report suspected scams to law enforcement.
securityboulevard.com
· 2025-12-08
Back-to-school season creates prime conditions for scammers targeting busy parents and students through phishing emails promoting fake school supply deals, fake giveaways collecting personal data for identity theft, and fraudulent scholarship offers. Consumers can protect themselves by verifying sources directly through official websites, checking email sender domains, researching giveaway legitimacy, and confirming clear terms and conditions before sharing personal information or making purchases.
caymannewsservice.com
· 2025-12-08
The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) warned of an escalation in targeted online scams against local banking customers, including phishing calls spoofing local phone numbers and claiming to be from banks, credit card companies, or the RCIPS itself, with scammers using fraudulent links to gain computer access or requesting personal information. Additional scams reported include fake vehicle sales ads posted under "Simplicity Leasing" where victims lose deposit payments, and a case where a vehicle was sold with a hidden lien resulting in repossession. Police advised residents to verify contact directly with organizations, avoid clicking unsolicited links, and contact authorities immediately if compromised.
makeuseof.com
· 2025-12-08
Shipping scams impersonate legitimate delivery companies like Evri to trick victims into paying fake fees for packages, using increasingly sophisticated tactics including fake verification codes sent to phones. A researcher tested such a scam and found the fraudulent website included advanced features like data validation and SMS verification—tools rarely seen in previous scams—making it convincing enough to deceive even cautious users. Protection strategies include verifying URLs directly with the company, checking caller ID information, and contacting delivery companies directly before providing payment or personal information.
boothbayregister.com
· 2025-12-08
This AARP alert warns about work-from-home job scams that target job seekers by exploiting their desire for remote employment opportunities. Red flags include promises of high income with minimal experience, upfront payment requirements for training or equipment, and guaranteed quick returns. The alert advises verifying job boards screen listings, avoiding reliance on fake testimonials, and using AARP's Fraud Watch Network for assistance.
kpq.com
· 2025-12-08
Law enforcement in North Central Washington warns residents about three prevalent scams: prize-winner schemes where victims are told they've won prizes (like vehicles) and pressured to pay fees, grandparent scams involving fake emergencies claiming relatives need bail money, and jury duty scams threatening arrest for failing to appear unless fines are paid immediately. The article advises victims to hang up without engaging scammers, avoid sharing personal information or sending payments, and verify claims directly with official county offices rather than responding to unsolicited calls.
dailyhodl.com
· 2025-12-08
An Ohio woman lost $6,000 after a scammer impersonating a Huntington Bank employee convinced her to withdraw cash and deposit it into a scammer's Chase bank account via an ATM using Apple Wallet. Despite reporting the fraud, JPMorgan Chase denied responsibility, claiming the victim was liable for the loss. The incident is part of a broader Consumer Financial Protection Bureau investigation into whether major banks adequately vet customers and terminate fraudulent accounts.
goldrushcam.com
· 2025-12-08
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office presented senior fraud awareness training to the Retired Active Men (RAMs) group on August 31, 2024, providing guidance on protecting against scams targeting seniors. Key protective strategies include trusting your instincts, avoiding pressure to make quick decisions, and verifying the identity of anyone contacting you before sharing information or money.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
Bitcoin ATM scammers defrauded seniors of $110 million in the past year, a nearly tenfold increase from 2020, with Americans over 60 being more than three times as likely to fall victim than younger adults. The typical scheme involves fraudsters posing as customer service representatives or officials contacting victims about identity theft or account breaches, then directing them to scan QR codes and deposit money into bitcoin ATMs that flows directly to the perpetrators. One victim, a 76-year-old Indiana resident, lost $31,500 after being targeted by scammers impersonating Apple support, bank representatives, and government officials.
ktvz.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies 10 common scams targeting seniors, who lose approximately $3 billion annually to fraud. The scams include romance scams, funeral fraud, grandparent impersonation schemes, phishing emails, Medicare fraud, fake tech support, and others that exploit seniors' trust, limited digital literacy, and valuable assets like homes and savings. The article provides protective advice such as setting social media accounts to private, verifying caller identities through stored contact numbers, and being skeptical of unsolicited requests for money or personal information.
twincities.com
· 2025-12-08
Losses from online financial scams exceeded $10 billion in 2024, a $1 billion increase from 2022, with artificial intelligence enabling scammers to better exploit personal data and impersonate victims. The article identifies four common scam tactics (pretending to be trusted entities, creating false problems or prizes, pressuring quick action, and demanding irreversible payments) and highlights four prevalent scam types: fake charities, phishing attacks, romance scams, and business email compromise. Protection strategies include enabling multifactor authentication, keeping software updated, recognizing social engineering tactics, and verifying requests through independent contact methods.
7news.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Romance scammers cost Australians over $40 million in 2023, with South Australia accounting for $2.1 million in losses, according to police warnings during Scams Awareness Week. A case study involved Karen from Adelaide, who lost $50,000 to a fraudster who posed as an overseas boyfriend, built trust over weeks online, and requested money for education before disappearing when they were supposed to meet in person. Scammers typically target people over 55 through dating websites and social media by creating fake profiles, building emotional connections, and requesting money for various emergencies or investments; victims can protect themselves by never sending money to people they haven't met, verifying ident
thefintechtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Chainalysis research reveals a significant shift in cryptocurrency scams in China, with 43% of fraudulent inflows in 2024 going to newly created wallets—the highest on record—while individual scam lifespans have dramatically decreased from 271 days in 2020 to just 42 days in 2024. Scammers are pivoting from large-scale Ponzi schemes to targeted romance scams (pig butchering scams), which have grown 85 times since 2020 and cause the worst financial impact per victim; one fraud shop alone received $10.5 million from romance scammers between 2022-2024.
malaymail.com
· 2025-12-08
A 64-year-old retired banker in Selangor lost RM1.98 million to a love scam syndicate after being deceived into transferring money across 12 different accounts since May under the pretense of redeeming a parcel. Police advised the public to avoid trusting social media acquaintances, verify identities before financial transactions, and use official verification resources before sending money.
asiaone.com
· 2025-12-08
Local actress Kimberly Chia and her husband Vincent Yeo nearly fell victim to a sophisticated scam involving a fake school teacher who posed as a buyer and then pressured them into purchasing beds on the school's behalf, dangling a commission and using urgency tactics to request nearly $16,000. The scam was detected when the alleged $15,840 "transfer" never appeared in their bank account, and the scammer used high-pressure phone calls and threats to convince them to proceed. Chia publicly warned small business owners about the scheme via TikTok, noting that the secondary school had received similar fraudulent calls for seven weeks and that multiple other business owners had fallen victim to
boredpanda.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article compiles Reddit users' perspectives on widespread consumer practices they view as scams, including premium TV services adding advertisements despite paid subscriptions (particularly Amazon Prime), and for-profit healthcare systems in the United States. The piece presents commentary on how these industries generate profit through deceptive practices and discusses systemic issues like healthcare-related bankruptcies and rising subscription costs, without reporting on any specific fraud cases or victims.
lptv.org
· 2025-12-08
The Itasca County Sheriff's Office warned residents about scammers impersonating Publishers Clearing House and requesting money through wire transfers or prepaid money cards from victims claiming they won prizes. The sheriff's office advised the public to be suspicious of unsolicited prize notifications, requests for upfront payments, and social media contact from those claiming to represent the legitimate company, and urged anyone experiencing such contact to report it immediately.
indeonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Disaster victims face document replacement scams where fraudsters impersonate government agencies or create lookalike websites to charge upfront fees for replacing vital documents like Social Security cards, driver's licenses, and birth certificates—services often available free through official channels. Scammers collect personal and financial information through fake websites and unsolicited calls/texts claiming victims need to replace Medicare, Medicaid, or Social Security cards. The Better Business Bureau advises victims to verify website URLs (looking for "HTTPS://" and lock icons), avoid third-party services without BBB verification, use credit cards for disputes, and report scams to BBB.org or the Federal Trade Commission.
audacy.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission warns of a dramatic rise in imposter scams where fraudsters impersonate legitimate companies like Amazon and Microsoft through spoofed calls and texts, with victims reporting $2.7 billion in losses last year. These sophisticated scams create false security threats and pressure victims to move money to cryptocurrency platforms or wire transfers by positioning themselves as problem-solvers, often using "tag-teaming" tactics where scammers transfer victims between fake representatives of different companies. The FTC advises hanging up and independently verifying callers by contacting companies directly through known phone numbers, and urges victims to report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.