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in Identity Theft
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Three individuals in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts fell victim to online fraud schemes totaling Rs 16.8 lakh. A man lost Rs 6.6 lakh after responding to a fake Meesho cash prize coupon and sharing bank details, then being pressured to pay fees; a woman lost Rs 9.2 lakh in a job scam via Telegram; and another woman's family lost Rs 95,000 in a similar job recruitment fraud. All cases were registered under IT Act sections 66(C) and 66(D), with no recoveries reported.
cjonline.com
Kansas enacted the Protect Vulnerable Adults from Financial Exploitation Act, joining over 40 states in giving financial advisers the power to pause suspicious transactions when elder fraud is suspected. The law addresses a significant problem: older Americans lost an average of $33,915 to fraud last year, with total losses exceeding $3.4 billion, and constitute 30% of consumer fraud victims despite being only 12% of the population. When advisers pause transactions, they must notify the Kansas Department of Insurance to investigate, with safeguards in place to prevent delays to legitimate transactions.
finance.yahoo.com
Kansas enacted the Protect Vulnerable Adults from Financial Exploitation Act, joining over 40 states in authorizing financial advisers to pause transactions suspected of defrauding seniors. Older Americans lost an average of $33,915 to fraud last year with total losses exceeding $3.4 billion, with tech support scams being the most common fraud type against those over 60, followed by data breaches, romance scams, and investment schemes. The law requires financial institutions to notify the Kansas Department of Insurance when pausing transactions and includes timelines to prevent delays to legitimate transactions.
theregister.com
Australian authorities warned that scammers are targeting previous scam victims with fraudulent recovery services, claiming to help retrieve lost funds in exchange for upfront fees or percentages of recovered money. These "recovery scams" exploit victim databases maintained by criminals and use impersonation tactics (posing as government agencies, lawyers, or fund recovery services) along with requests for personal information or device access; people over 65 have reported 158 incidents with combined losses exceeding AU$2.9 million. The ACCC notes that most scammers move funds offshore quickly, making recovery unlikely, and warned that victims may face multiple successive scams including identity theft.
cpapracticeadvisor.com
**Summary:**
On July 8, the IRS released a fact sheet warning taxpayers about misleading tax advice proliferating on social media platforms like TikTok that encourages people to falsely claim credits such as the Fuel Tax Credit, Sick and Family Leave Credit, and overstated withholding. The IRS has received thousands of fraudulent claims from taxpayers encouraged by scammers to submit inaccurate information for refunds, potentially resulting in delayed refunds, audits, penalties, and criminal action. Taxpayers should verify tax advice through official IRS sources and follow instructions from IRS letters (5747C, 4883C, 5071C, or 3
walb.com
Summer is peak season for fraud, with consumers reporting over $10 billion in losses to scams annually. The FTC warns of common summer schemes including fake vacation rentals, hotel payment scams, counterfeit concert tickets, fraudulent cruise offers, and smishing texts about unpaid tolls—all designed to steal money and personal information from travelers. Consumers should use reputable booking sites, verify listings, call businesses directly rather than responding to unsolicited contacts, and monitor financial accounts regularly for signs of identity theft.
irs.gov
The IRS and Security Summit partners launched their annual "Protect Your Clients; Protect Yourself" awareness campaign warning tax professionals about evolving scams targeting their businesses and client data. Identity thieves are using multiple schemes including posing as new clients, phishing emails requesting Central Authorization File information, and phone/text campaigns to trick tax professionals into revealing sensitive information that could be used to file fraudulent tax returns. Tax professionals are advised to remain vigilant year-round against these threats, with the IRS offering educational forums and resources to help the tax professional community strengthen their security defenses.
foxbusiness.com
Job scam reports surged 118% in 2023 compared to 2022, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center, with artificial intelligence enabling scammers to create increasingly convincing fake job postings, profiles, and company websites. Victims were typically lured through legitimate job platforms, moved to private communication channels, and then asked to provide sensitive personal information like driver's licenses and Social Security numbers under the guise of standard onboarding procedures. The ITRC recommends directly contacting companies by phone using verified contact information to confirm job opportunities and protect against these AI-enhanced scams.
mk.co.kr
Romance scams and online fraud operations, predominantly run by Chinese criminal organizations based in Southeast Asia (particularly Myanmar and Cambodia), have caused an estimated $1.26 trillion in global damage annually through impersonation schemes, investment fraud, and phishing. Approximately 220,000 people are mobilized across Myanmar and Cambodia for these crimes, with victims including those abducted from 35 countries who are coerced to impersonate others via social media, email, and phone calls. In response, China has blocked over $157 billion in fraudulent transactions since 2021, and Myanmar authorities rescued 19 kidnapped South Koreans in the previous year as international law enforcement intensifies crack
ibj.com
Sophisticated overseas scammers steal tens of billions of dollars annually from Americans through internet and telephone fraud, with relatively few perpetrators caught or convicted, according to AARP's Fraud Watch Network director. Victims—particularly older adults targeted by romance scams, grandparent scams, and technical support fraud—rarely recover their money, and law enforcement agencies are overwhelmed and under-resourced to investigate cases, especially those involving cryptocurrency or foreign bank accounts. The article illustrates the crisis through an Ohio case where an 81-year-old man fatally shot an Uber driver after being manipulated by a scammer into believing she was involved in a $12,000 bond fraud, while the actual
cnbc.com
Employment scams surged 118% in 2023, with criminals using AI to create convincing fake job listings on legitimate platforms like LinkedIn to steal personal information and money from job seekers. The typical victim lost $2,000, with total losses reaching $367 million in 2022; scammers pose as recruiters, request upfront payments for equipment or training, and solicit sensitive data like Social Security numbers under the guise of employment paperwork. The rise of remote work and AI-generated recruitment messages that appear legitimate have made these scams an "emerging threat," particularly targeting recent graduates, immigrants, and others unfamiliar with standard hiring practices.
news5cleveland.com
McAfee identified five U.S. cities—Fort Myers Beach, Sandusky, Pocono Manor, Waimea, and Chicago—as hotspots for travel booking scams, including phishing fraud, rental scams, and ticketing scams targeting families and travelers. The company recommends booking only through official channels, using credit cards with fraud protection rather than debit cards, and avoiding requests to complete transactions off-platform or on suspicious websites to prevent identity theft.
3newsnow.com
McAfee identified five cities with high rates of travel booking scams: Fort Myers Beach (FL), Sandusky (OH), Pocono Manor (PA), Waimea (HI), and Chicago (IL). Common scams include phishing fraud, rental scams (fake listings), and ticketing scams (fraudulent entertainment tickets), with families particularly targeted at attractions like Cedar Point amusement park. To protect yourself, book only through official channels and credit cards with fraud protection, avoid providing payment details on suspicious websites, and be skeptical of requests to complete transactions outside booking platforms.
theguardian.com
Researchers at Macquarie University have developed Apate, a system of conversational AI chatbots designed to intercept and waste the time of phone scammers by engaging them in prolonged conversations. The bots, which mimic elderly people with various accents and personalities, are deployed by telecommunications companies when they detect incoming scam calls, and simultaneously collect intelligence on scamming tactics, call patterns, and criminal networks to help disrupt the multi-billion dollar scamming industry. The initiative, funded with $720,000 from Australia's Office of National Intelligence, aims to protect vulnerable people from losing their life savings to telephone fraud schemes.
cnbc.com
A 93-year-old grandmother (the real-life inspiration for the movie "Thelma") nearly fell victim to a grandparent scam in which a caller impersonating her grandson claimed he was in jail and needed $10,000, though her family stopped her before she sent money. Imposter fraud caused $2.7 billion in losses in the prior year, with scammers increasingly using AI-generated voice deepfakes to exploit victims through fear and urgency tactics, affecting an estimated 25% of adults according to a 2023 survey.
aarp.org
Cybercriminals are sending text messages impersonating highway toll authorities and transponder companies like E-ZPass, requesting payment for small unpaid tolls (typically $11-$13) to avoid larger late fees, with links that expose victims to malware and identity theft. The scam, which began in spring and has accelerated in recent months, is tailored to specific states with URLs mimicking legitimate toll services, and has prompted warnings from the FBI, state transportation departments, and the Federal Trade Commission.
pulse.com.gh
This educational article provides Ghanaians with practical strategies to avoid scams, emphasizing the importance of verifying sources, recognizing red flags like urgent requests and unsolicited sensitive information demands, and identifying inconsistencies such as poor grammar and unprofessional presentation. Key protective measures include conducting thorough research on companies, using secure payment platforms, seeking advice from trusted sources, and verifying regulatory compliance before engaging with any offer.
ibsintelligence.com
AI-powered fraud is escalating rapidly, with deepfake fraud attempts jumping 3,000% year-over-year in 2023 as malicious actors exploit accessible generative AI tools to conduct sophisticated scams at scale. Key emerging threats include deepfakes targeting high-profile figures and biometric systems, increasingly convincing phishing and smishing attacks that exploit AI-generated authentic-appearing content, and social engineering schemes leveraging AI—all of which require businesses and individuals to remain vigilant and deploy AI-based defensive systems to keep pace with evolving fraud tactics.
marbleheadcurrent.org
A 72-year-old Marblehead woman fell victim to a tech support scam where fraudsters posed as federal investigators and convinced her that hackers had compromised her computer and identity, ultimately persuading her to withdraw $7,500 and mail it to California wrapped in foil and bubble wrap. Thanks to quick action by Marblehead Police, the package was intercepted and returned before delivery, allowing the victim to recover her money. The scam illustrates how perpetrators manipulate victims through urgency and fear, targeting their emotions rather than logic, and police emphasize that residents should never call numbers on suspicious pop-ups or provide personal information over the phone.
indiatoday.in
An X user shared a story of successfully turning the tables on a romance scammer who attempted to con him out of Rs 1,000 via Google Pay by posing as a dating app match. The user outsmarted the scammer by pretending payment failed twice, then convincing the scammer to send Rs 20 first as a "test," after which he blocked them. The article outlines common dating app scams including romance scams, location scams, and fake investment schemes, while offering protective measures such as identity verification, skepticism toward early money requests, and use of app security features.
foxnews.com
In 2023, Americans over 60 lost $3.4 billion to scams—a 10.6% increase from 2022—with 101,068 reports filed, according to FBI IC3 data. Criminals obtained victims' personal information through data brokers and used it to perpetrate tech support scams (18,000 victims, $589.8 million lost), investment fraud (6,400 victims, $1.2 billion lost), and romance scams (6,700 victims, $356.9 million lost). The article advises seniors to use data removal services, place fraud alerts with credit agencies, and remain cautious of phishing
secureworks.com
The film "Thelma" depicts a 93-year-old woman who loses $10,000 to a grandson impersonation scam, reflecting a real crisis: the FBI reported over 101,000 elder fraud victims aged 60+ in 2023, with tech support, romance, confidence, and investment scams being the most common types. Social engineering attacks exploit human psychology and create artificial urgency to manipulate victims into divulging sensitive information or making payments, and victims often experience lasting emotional harm including shame and loss of confidence. Key prevention strategies include educating oneself about scams, trusting instincts when requests seem unusual, verifying the identity of callers, an
bartlesvilleradio.com
Elder Care in Bartlesville is offering free educational seminars to the community in July, including a July 17 presentation by ARVEST Bank's VP on identifying and protecting against identity theft and fraud, and a July 31 "Tech Talk" session with tech expert Amanda French. More information about these and other Elder Care events is available at AboutElderCare.org/events or by calling 918-336-8500.
rd.com
Work-from-home job scams are fraudulent job postings designed to steal personal information or trick applicants into paying upfront fees for fake background checks, training, or equipment. According to the Better Business Bureau, approximately 14 million job seekers encounter these scams annually, resulting in over $2 billion in losses. To protect yourself, job applicants should verify company legitimacy through official websites, watch for red flags like requests for payment before employment or overly quick hiring processes, and be cautious of positions advertised on social media or through direct messages rather than official job boards.
indiatoday.in
An X user shared screenshots of how he outsmarted a romance scammer who attempted to extract Rs 1,000 (approximately $12 USD) via Google Pay by posing as a dating app match. Instead of sending the requested amount, the user convinced the scammer to send Rs 20 first as a "test transaction," then blocked the scammer after receiving the money. The incident highlights the prevalence of dating app scams, which typically involve fake profiles building emotional connections before requesting money for emergencies or other expenses, and underscores the importance of skepticism, identity verification, and trusting one's instincts when using dating platforms.
cnet.com
In 2023, Americans lost $10 billion to fraud, with scammers employing increasingly sophisticated tactics that are difficult to detect. The article identifies 10 common banking scams—including check fraud, phishing, fake prize offers, advance fee schemes, and government imposter scams—and provides protective strategies such as verifying URLs before clicking links, never sharing banking details unsolicited, and using secure check writing practices. The key defense is awareness: recognizing these common schemes and understanding that legitimate institutions rarely request sensitive information through unsolicited messages or calls.
lawrencecountypress.com
The IRS warned Mississippi seniors about rising impersonation scams where fraudsters pose as government officials (IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare) via phone calls, emails, and texts to steal personal information and money. Scammers pressure victims into immediate payments using unconventional methods like gift cards, wire transfers, and cryptocurrency by creating false urgency through threats of arrest, deportation, or claims of unpaid taxes. The IRS advises recipients of unsolicited calls to hang up immediately, verify communications through official channels at 800-829-1040, and report scams to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
heraldguide.com
The Sheriff's Office reports a surge in scams and identity theft cases involving cryptocurrency, romance schemes, impersonation of law enforcement and government agencies, and grandparent extortion. The office provided guidance on common red flags including unsolicited requests for gift cards, wire transfers, remote computer access, and personal financial information, emphasizing verification of caller identity and avoidance of pressure tactics promising prizes or threatening legal action.
candgnews.com
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido held an educational workshop in June to inform the public—particularly seniors—about common scams and fraud tactics, highlighting how personal information shared online is often sold to third parties and exploited by scammers. The workshop identified four key components scammers use (pretend, payment, prize/problem, and pressure) and covered various fraud methods including spoofing, phishing, vishing, and impersonation of authorities, banks, and tech support. Lucido recommended using "opt out" selections when filling out forms and published a 30-page guide called "S.C.A.M.S." to help prevent identity theft and financial fraud in
occrp.org
Internet fraud losses in the United States exceeded $12.5 billion in the past year, a 22% increase from the previous year, with common scams including identity theft, phishing, romance scams, and investment fraud. INTERPOL's Operation First Light arrested 3,950 suspects and identified 14,643 potential suspects worldwide while intercepting $135 million in cash and seizing assets worth over $120 million. International collaboration has proven effective in combating cybercrime, including one case where coordination between Singapore, Hong Kong, and local banks prevented a 70-year-old victim from losing $281,200 in savings.
backendnews.net
Online Alerto, a Facebook community page, serves as an educational resource to help users in Southeast Asia recognize and avoid romance scams through shared experiences and digital literacy guidance. The platform identifies common red flags in love scams—such as rapid declarations of love, requests for money, avoidance of in-person meetings, and attempts to isolate victims—along with manipulation tactics scammers use. Online Alerto recommends protective strategies including reverse image searches, video call verification, social media consistency checks, and use of dating app identity verification features to help users safely navigate online dating.
yahoo.com
**AI-Powered Scams and Protective Measures**
This educational piece identifies two primary AI-enabled scams targeting vulnerable individuals: voice cloning of family members to solicit emergency financial assistance, and personalized phishing emails using AI-generated text customized with stolen personal data to increase credibility. The article recommends verifying suspicious communications by contacting the person through normal channels, avoiding attempts to detect fake voices, treating unknown contacts as suspicious, and remaining skeptical of personalized messages that reference recent purchases or locations.
publicnewsservice.org
Connecticut residents should be aware of common summertime scams, including utility company impostor scams where scammers pose as employees to obtain banking information through fake home energy audits, paving scams involving large deposits for driveway work that is never completed or is substandard, and vacation rental fraud where properties advertised online do not exist. To protect themselves, consumers should verify utility company visits by calling the company directly, research contractors thoroughly, use credit cards for unfamiliar vendors, and avoid payment apps like CashApp outside official platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo.
lokmattimes.com
A 57-year-old man in Thane lost Rs 10 lakhs in June 2024 after a scammer contacted him via WhatsApp claiming his Skype ID was compromised and convinced him to share his screen for verification. The fraudster then manipulated him into transferring the money by falsely claiming to be a bank representative checking 25 active accounts. Thane police registered an FIR against the unknown accused under cheating and cybercrime sections.
sandhillsexpress.com
Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers' office warned nonprofits about donation refund scams targeting charitable organizations, where fraudsters posing as donors submit large fraudulent checks (often five figures or more) and then request partial refunds, causing financial losses when the original checks bounce. Similar scams occur with stolen credit cards, where scammers request refunds to different cards and the nonprofit receives chargebacks. The Attorney General recommended nonprofits educate staff about fraud recognition, verify unusual donor requests directly, research unfamiliar donors before processing refunds, and issue card refunds only to the original card used.
examiner-enterprise.com
This article is not relevant to the Elderus fraud research database. It is a community events listing for Bartlesville, Oklahoma, featuring recreational and cultural activities such as farmers markets, museum exhibits, animal attractions, and family entertainment. It contains no information about scams, fraud, elder abuse, or financial exploitation.
cnet.com
Americans lost $10 billion to fraud in 2023, with scammers increasingly using sophisticated tactics to steal banking information and money. The article outlines ten common banking scams—including check fraud, phishing, fake websites, automatic withdrawal schemes, and government imposter scams—and provides protective measures such as verifying URLs directly with banks, never clicking unsolicited links, and avoiding upfront fee requests. Knowing these common strategies helps consumers recognize and avoid fraudulent schemes before criminals can access their accounts and funds.
ourtownny.com
Nelson Counne, a NYC romance scammer operating under aliases "Nelson Roth" and "Justin Roth," was sentenced to up to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to grand larceny and scheme to defraud charges for stealing $1.8 million from at least five women between 2012 and at least 2014. Counne posed as a wealthy art dealer and promised investment opportunities and financial security to his victims, who he manipulated into providing their savings, credit cards, and bank account access while he used their money to repay earlier victims and maintain his fraudulent persona. The investigation revealed Counne never owned property, a passport, or legitimate wealth—all funds came from
ksltv.com
This educational article highlights that scammers target people of all ages in Utah, with imposter scams (posing as IRS, Social Security, businesses, or charities) being the most common fraud method, accounting for nearly 20% of all scams in the state. While Utah ranks 36th nationally for fraud rates, the article emphasizes that scam risks are rising yearly and warns that once money is lost to fraud, recovery is unlikely. The piece advises readers to stay informed about common scam tactics to protect themselves and their families, particularly during Elder Abuse Awareness Month.
techbullion.com
The IRS has issued a warning about escalating scams targeting seniors, who are particularly vulnerable to impersonation, phishing, spoofing, and lottery scams that exploit trust and create urgency. Common tactics include fraudsters posing as IRS agents via phone, email, or text to threaten legal action or extract personal information and money through gift cards or wire transfers. The IRS recommends seniors verify caller identity before sharing information, report suspicious activity to the IRS and FTC, and stay informed about scam tactics to protect themselves from financial exploitation.
wcvb.com
A Massachusetts man lost $12,000 after a scammer posing as a helpful stranger swapped his debit card for a fake one at a Bank of America ATM in Dedham on Friday, then made unauthorized withdrawals and cashed checks in his name. A nearly identical scam occurred the same day in East Boston, where a woman also lost $12,000 in the same manner at another Bank of America ATM. Experts believe these incidents are part of an organized crime ring using ATM card-swapping tactics, though police have not confirmed if the cases are connected.
valleytimes-news.com
Police Chief Denise McCain and representatives from the FBI, Better Business Bureau, and other agencies presented at an East Alabama Regional Planning Commission Summit to educate seniors about fraud targeting older adults. The presentation covered common scams including jury duty imposters, tech support blackmail, grandparent scams using AI-generated voices, lottery scams, and IRS fraud, emphasizing that older adults with good savings and credit are lucrative targets who often delay reporting due to shame or uncertainty about where to report. Key prevention advice included never providing information over the phone, calling loved ones directly to verify requests, and immediately reporting blackmail to police.
theintermountain.com
The IRS has issued a warning about impersonation scams increasingly targeting seniors, where fraudsters pose as government officials (IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare) via phone calls, emails, and text messages to steal personal information and money. Scammers use pressure tactics, fake caller IDs, and demands for payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, often threatening arrest or deportation to coerce immediate compliance. The IRS advises seniors to hang up on unexpected calls claiming tax issues, verify communications directly at 800-829-1040, and never provide sensitive information or make payments without confirming legitimacy through official channels.
justice.gov
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Washington seized over $1 million in collectible stamps purchased with stolen money from a fraud scheme targeting seniors and vulnerable populations. The scheme involved two phases: victims were first defrauded by scammers impersonating government agents (FBI, SEC, DOJ) who claimed their accounts were breached and demanded they transfer funds for safekeeping, and some of those stolen funds were then funneled through romance scam victims via cashier's checks to purchase the stamps. The government has identified 28 victims defrauded of hundreds of thousands of dollars collectively, and seized stamps will be liquidated with proceeds returned to victims
1011now.com
**Summary:**
Phishing—where scammers impersonate financial institutions via phone, text, or email to steal personal information—is the leading cause of data breaches. Financial coach Cherry Dale advises people to be suspicious of any unsolicited communication asking for account numbers or clicks on links, and to recognize that pressure to act quickly is a common scammer tactic. If uncertain about a caller's legitimacy, hang up and call the number on your debit or credit card directly, and report any confirmed scam attempts to your financial institution.
fortune.com
In 2023, identity crimes overall declined 16%, but job scams on legitimate platforms like LinkedIn surged 118%, with scammers creating fake job postings and interviews to collect sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers and driver's license numbers. While job scams represented only 9% of total identity theft cases (with Google Voice scams leading at 60%), the ITRC noted that criminals are becoming more effective and damaging through AI-assisted tactics, resulting in fewer reported victims but greater impact per incident, with 30% of victims being seniors aged 65 and older.
indiatoday.in
PAN card fraud—where scammers misuse individuals' Permanent Account Numbers to commit identity theft, open fraudulent accounts, secure unauthorized loans, or file fake tax returns—is rising in India, with recent high-profile victims including actor Rajkummar Rao and actress Nagma Morarji who lost Rs 1 lakh. To protect yourself, regularly monitor credit reports, bank statements, and tax filings for unauthorized activity, and report suspected misuse immediately to police (FIR), your bank, and the Income Tax Department through their e-filing portal or by contacting your Assessing Officer.
cbsnews.com
Job scams increased 118% in 2023, costing job-seekers over $70 million, with scammers using artificial intelligence and legitimate company names to create fake LinkedIn postings or pose as recruiters offering unrealistic salaries like $1,200 per day for remote work. These criminals attempt to extract personal information—including bank account details—by requesting more data than a typical job application requires. To protect yourself, verify the company independently, research any unsolicited job offer before engaging, and be skeptical of positions promising high pay for simple tasks or claiming to let you be your own boss.
nbcboston.com
Millions of people are receiving unsolicited packages of random items as part of a "brushing scam," where unscrupulous online retailers use real names and addresses to place fake orders and then post fraudulent positive reviews to boost their product ratings and achieve verified merchant status. While the scam itself may appear harmless, it indicates that personal data has been compromised through data breaches or dark web sources, potentially exposing victims to further fraud. Recipients should confirm the package wasn't a gift, contact the seller, change passwords, monitor accounts, consider credit freezes, and report the incident to the FTC.
canada.ca
This is an informational resource page from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) outlining how to recognize, report, and protect oneself against tax-related scams, fraud, and identity theft. The CRA provides guidance on identifying common scams, verifying legitimate CRA communications, protecting personal accounts, recognizing tax schemes, and reporting suspected tax cheating or evasion through various confidential channels. The page also details the CRA's enforcement mechanisms, including criminal investigations and international collaboration through partnerships like the J5 alliance to combat tax crime.