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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-24
Scammers are targeting Americans with an increasingly sophisticated debit card scheme where they pose as bank representatives, convince victims their accounts have problems, and trick them into destroying their debit cards while leaving the chip intact—which fraudsters then collect and use along with stolen PIN numbers to drain bank accounts. Debit cards are actually the most targeted payment method by fraudsters according to Federal Reserve data, making them a bigger concern than credit cards. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited warnings about account problems, never destroy your debit card at a stranger's request, and verify any bank communications by calling your financial institution directly using the number on your statement.
news.azpm.org
· 2025-12-24
# Fraud Surge in 2024
Americans lost over $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, a 25% increase from the previous year, with phone-based scams being particularly prevalent as criminals exploit the constant connectivity of mobile devices to target consumers anytime and anywhere. Older adults are disproportionately affected because they hold significant wealth, making them attractive targets for scammers who use texts, emails, social media, and even fake QR codes to deceive victims. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited contact on your phone or other devices, verify requests through official channels before sharing information or money, and report suspected scams to the FTC or local authorities.
thekanal.in
· 2025-12-24
An elderly woman in Lucknow nearly lost ₹1.14 crore in a "digital arrest" scam where fraudsters impersonated government officials via video call, threatened her with criminal charges, and demanded she transfer money for an investigation. Alert staff at a Punjab National Bank branch recognized her distress and suspicious transaction request, stopping the transfer and helping her file a complaint with authorities. Elderly people should be wary of unsolicited video calls from officials demanding money and can report cyber fraud to the national helpline 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.
cryptopolitan.com
· 2025-12-24
India's financial crime agency (ED) has uncovered an organized fraud ring operating fake cryptocurrency investment platforms that deceived both Indian and international investors by promising unrealistic returns and using stolen celebrity photos to build credibility. The scammers used social media to recruit victims, paid early investors small returns to build trust before requesting larger sums, and laundered money through cryptocurrency wallets and shell companies across multiple countries. To protect yourself, avoid investment platforms offering unusually high returns, verify the legitimacy of investment sites independently, be skeptical of unsolicited investment pitches on social media, and never send money to unverified crypto platforms regardless of testimonials or celebrity endorsements.
kalingatv.com
· 2025-12-24
India's Enforcement Directorate has exposed a massive pan-India fraud ring operating 26 fake cryptocurrency investment websites that have been siphoning money from investors since 2015 through sophisticated "pig butchering" and MLM-style scams. The scam operated by building trust through small initial payouts and fake expert testimonials on social media, then demanding hidden fees when victims tried to withdraw funds or stealing their money outright. If you use any of the listed platforms (including goldbooker.com, cryptobrite.com, bitcodeals.com, and others), stop immediately and report the site to authorities—verify any crypto investment platform's legitimacy through official regulatory channels before depositing money.
savingadvice.com
· 2025-12-23
# Fraud Prevention or Inconvenience?
Many banks are requiring seniors to visit in person to reconfirm their identity, citing increased fraud targeting older adults during winter months and system upgrades that need updated information on file. While these heightened security measures—including in-person verification for large transactions and accounts with limited activity—are designed to protect vulnerable customers from phishing scams and account takeovers, they're catching many retirees off guard, particularly those with decades-old accounts lacking modern identification. Seniors should take these requests seriously as legitimate security steps, but they can protect themselves by verifying any identity confirmation requests directly with their bank using official phone numbers rather than responding to unsolicited contact.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-23
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison faced widespread mockery on social media after posting about his office's fraud-fighting efforts, while a massive $9 billion fraud scandal involving government welfare programs has unfolded in the state under his watch. The scandal, which reportedly involved stolen taxpayer funds meant to help vulnerable populations, prompted critics across the political spectrum to question how Ellison could tout his anti-fraud work while such a large-scale scheme operated relatively unchecked. For consumers, the incident underscores the importance of verifying the legitimacy of utility calls and loan offers independently, and remaining skeptical of unsolicited contacts claiming to represent government or financial institutions.
jec.senate.gov
· 2025-12-23
# Travel Scams Alert Summary
Bipartisan leaders from Congress's Joint Economic Committee warned consumers about a surge in travel scams during the 2024 holiday season, with fraudulent schemes increasing by nearly 30 percent and costing Americans hundreds of millions of dollars annually. The alert was issued ahead of what's expected to be the busiest holiday travel season on record, affecting anyone booking flights, hotels, or vacation packages. To protect themselves, consumers should be cautious when booking travel, verify websites and companies directly, and watch for red flags like unusually low prices or requests for wire transfers.
timesobserver.com
· 2025-12-23
An elderly couple from Sugar Grove fell victim to a cryptocurrency scam in which a fraudster impersonated a government official and convinced them to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM to "protect" their money. State Police warn that legitimate government agencies, banks, and companies will never ask you to transfer funds through cryptocurrency kiosks, and advise residents to be suspicious of unsolicited calls, texts, emails, or pop-ups claiming accounts are compromised or urgent action is needed. To protect yourself, ignore pressure to act quickly and never deposit money into Bitcoin ATMs based on unsolicited contact.
newsghana.com.gh
· 2025-12-23
# Romance Fraud Summary
Abu Trica, a 34-year-old Ghanaian socialite, has been arrested and appeared in court under heavy security on charges of orchestrating an online romance scam that defrauded elderly Americans of approximately $8 million. Working with accomplices, he allegedly posed as romantic interests to extract money from vulnerable victims in the United States since 2023, and now faces extradition to the U.S. where he could receive up to 20 years in prison if convicted. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic relationships with people you've never met in person, especially those who quickly ask for money or claim financial emergencies, and verify identities through video calls before sharing personal information or funds.
wmar2news.com
· 2025-12-23
During the holiday season, scammers exploit consumers' generosity, increased online shopping, and decision-making urgency by using tactics like AI-generated fake ads, phishing emails, drained gift cards, and fraudulent job or loan offers. People of all backgrounds are vulnerable, particularly those under financial pressure or seeking holiday deals and charitable giving opportunities. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in emails or ads—instead go directly to official websites or contact companies using verified contact information, and be skeptical of unsolicited offers promising easy money or prizes.
wired.com
· 2025-12-23
Chinese-language scam operations on Telegram are now facilitating approximately $2 billion monthly in illegal transactions, making them larger than traditional darknet markets. These scammers primarily profit from "pig butchering" romance and investment fraud schemes (which generate $10 billion annually from US victims alone) by providing money-laundering services, stolen data, and other criminal tools through markets called Tudou Guarantee and Xinbi Guarantee. To protect yourself, be extremely skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities or romantic relationships that develop online, especially those pressuring you to transfer money or cryptocurrency, and verify any investment opportunities through official channels before sending funds.
bgr.com
· 2025-12-23
# Scammers are increasingly using AI tools to create more convincing phishing emails and execute identity theft schemes that mimic legitimate companies and individuals, affecting anyone with an online presence. The technology allows criminals to craft messages with fewer telltale signs of fraud, such as typos or awkward phrasing, making AI-enhanced scams harder to spot than traditional ones. To protect yourself, experts recommend staying vigilant for subtle inconsistencies in communications, verifying requests through official channels before sharing sensitive information, and relying on common sense safety measures rather than assuming all polished-looking messages are legitimate.
kjrh.com
· 2025-12-23
Text message scams surged 50% in the past year, with Generation Z experiencing the highest rates of fraud attempts—tripled compared to other age groups—because texting is their primary communication method and they have instant phone access to money. Lower-income households and Black Americans were disproportionately affected and more likely to lose money due to having fewer fraud protections than credit card users. To protect yourself, avoid replying to unsolicited texts (which confirms your number is active), block and mark suspicious messages as spam, and use your phone carrier's free filtering tools to reduce scam messages before they reach you.
americascreditunions.org
· 2025-12-23
Credit unions are helping protect members from fraud and scams through their personalized service model and member vigilance, particularly during the holiday season when scams increase. Members can reduce their risk by pausing before acting on requests, verifying sources through official channels, avoiding unsolicited links, and stopping communication if something feels suspicious. Understanding the difference between fraud (unauthorized use of personal data) and scams (deception to obtain consent) can also help people recognize threats and protect themselves.
kxly.com
· 2025-12-23
# Holiday Scam Summary
During the busy holiday shopping season, scammers are targeting shoppers through two main schemes: tampering with gift cards in stores before purchase and sending fraudulent texts and emails impersonating banks and government agencies. Victims can lose significant money when criminals steal card details from tampered gift cards or trick people into revealing personal financial information through fake messages. To protect yourself, be cautious when purchasing gift cards (inspect packaging carefully), never respond to unsolicited texts or emails asking for personal information, and don't be embarrassed if you fall for a scam—even financial professionals have been victims.
independent.co.uk
· 2025-12-22
# Holiday Scam Alert
Australians lost over A$2 billion to scams in 2024, with losses expected to remain similar this year, particularly during the busy holiday shopping season when people's guards are down. Common scams include fake online stores and phishing messages posing as delivery services, investment schemes involving cryptocurrency, and romance scams targeting lonely individuals. To protect yourself and family, verify online retailers before purchasing, be suspicious of unsolicited investment offers, never send money to people you've only met online, and remain alert to messages creating artificial urgency to act quickly.
publicradioeast.org
· 2025-12-22
# Federal agents in North Carolina seized nearly $8.5 million in cryptocurrency that was stolen through "pig butchering schemes," elaborate scams where criminals pose as romantic interests or trusted advisors on social media to lure victims into fake cryptocurrency investments that promise unrealistic returns. Victims—some of whom lost their entire life savings—are typically contacted randomly via text or social media, build relationships with scammers, and are directed to fraudulent trading platforms where their money disappears when they attempt withdrawal. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited messages offering investment opportunities, verify investment platforms independently before sending money, and remember that legitimate investment firms will never demand additional payments to help you recover losses.
moneytalksnews.com
· 2025-12-22
Americans over 60 lost an estimated $2.4 billion to financial fraud in 2024 (with potential losses reaching as high as $81.5 billion when accounting for unreported cases), with scammers increasingly using social engineering and AI to target retirement accounts through sophisticated schemes like "pig butchering" scams on social media and dating apps. The three most common scams affecting seniors are investment fraud (including fake cryptocurrency and pre-IPO stock schemes), along with other emerging threats, where victims are lured through fake relationships before losing their savings to fake trading platforms or hidden "tax fees." To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities promising guaranteed returns on social media, verify any investment platform independently before transferring funds, and report suspected fraud to the FTC.
wxyz.com
· 2025-12-22
# Scam Summary
A phishing scam targeting iPhone and Apple Pay users is spreading via text messages claiming unauthorized charges—a Southgate woman received a fake alert about a $443.74 charge and was nearly tricked into downloading remote-access software that would have given scammers control of her phone. To protect yourself, ignore these texts entirely: don't call the number provided, click links, or download any apps, as legitimate Apple support will never ask you to do these things. If you receive a suspicious message, check your account directly through Apple's official app or website rather than using contact information from the text.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-22
Scammers are sending fake Netflix suspension emails that exploit holiday confusion about billing and subscriptions to trick people into clicking malicious links or revealing personal information. The fraudulent emails mimic Netflix's legitimate branding but contain telltale spelling errors like "valldate" instead of "validate" that reveal them as scams. To protect yourself, verify any account suspension alerts by calling the company directly rather than clicking links in emails, and stay alert to these phishing attempts especially during busy holiday seasons.
ksl.com
· 2025-12-22
Inheritance scams are resurging, with scammers contacting people via email, messages, and letters claiming they've inherited money from deceased relatives or unknown wealthy people. The scams typically ask victims to pay upfront fees or provide personal and financial information, promising they can claim nonexistent inheritances worth thousands or millions of dollars. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited messages about unexpected money, never pay fees upfront for inheritances, and verify claims through official channels rather than trusting the scammer directly.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-21
The FBI is warning about virtual kidnapping scams where criminals steal photos from social media, digitally alter them, and use them as fake "proof of life" to demand ransom payments from victims. These scams rely on fear and urgency—scammers typically text claiming they've kidnapped a loved one and threaten violence if payment isn't made immediately, using timed messages to prevent victims from examining the fake images closely. To protect yourself, slow down and scrutinize any suspicious messages; look for warning signs like missing tattoos or scars, unusual body proportions, or details that don't match reality, and verify claims by contacting loved ones through a known phone number rather than responding to the message.
theitem.com
· 2025-12-21
Scammers are increasingly using AI technology to create sophisticated fraud schemes, including voice and video cloning that can impersonate loved ones, as well as automated email and text scams that operate at massive scale. These AI-powered scams are becoming more convincing and harder to detect, with criminals able to create personalized content that tricks victims into sending money or revealing personal information. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected calls or messages requesting money or personal information—especially from family members—and verify requests through alternative contact methods before responding.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-21
An 86-year-old woman lost $700,000 to scammers who used fake security warnings to convince her to withdraw money from her banks, and she's now suing Merrill Lynch, UBS, and TD Bank for failing to stop the unusually large transactions despite her documented vulnerability to fraud. The scam is part of a broader pattern where criminals impersonate trusted institutions and law enforcement to trick people into transferring their savings. To protect yourself: never withdraw funds based on unsolicited warnings, remember that legitimate banks and government agencies will never ask you to transfer money for safekeeping, and if you're concerned about cognitive decline, consider designating a trusted family member to monitor your accounts as an early warning system.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-21
Criminals are using AI voice-cloning technology to create realistic voicemails impersonating loved ones in distress (claiming accidents, injuries, or robberies) to trick people into sending money quickly. The scammers only need a brief audio clip—as little as three seconds from social media videos or casual phone responses—to generate convincing synthetic voices that exploit emotional urgency and bypass skepticism. To protect yourself, verify unexpected money requests through a different communication channel (call the person back directly), be suspicious of emotional appeals for quick transfers, and never send money based solely on voice messages, even if they sound authentic.
theconversation.com
· 2025-12-21
# Scam Safety During the Holiday Season
Australians lost over A$2 billion to scams in 2024, with losses expected to remain similar this year, as scammers intensify their efforts during the busy Christmas period when people are distracted and stressed. Common holiday scams include fake online stores, phishing emails posing as delivery services, cryptocurrency investment schemes, and romance scams targeting lonely individuals. To protect yourself and family, be cautious of unsolicited offers, verify websites before shopping, avoid clicking links in unexpected messages, and never send money to people you've only met online—particularly if they request urgent payments.
aol.com
· 2025-12-21
# Social Security Scam Summary
Scammers posing as Social Security Administration employees have defrauded consumers, including an elderly Pennsylvania couple who lost over $1.3 million in a recent incident. Legitimate SSA representatives will never threaten you, demand immediate payment, or ask for personal information like your Social Security number or bank details over the phone. To protect yourself, verify any unexpected calls before acting, use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication on accounts, and stay skeptical of unsolicited contact from government agencies.
newslj.com
· 2025-12-21
A Laramie resident fell victim to a phishing email impersonating the University of Wyoming that used a realistic DocuSign request to trick them into clicking a malicious link, while a Sheridan resident received a phone call from a scammer posing as a police officer demanding $3,500 for a fake arrest warrant related to missed jury duty. Both scams targeted people during vulnerable moments—year-end business periods and work hours—and used convincing details like official logos, badge numbers, and confirmed personal information to appear legitimate. To protect yourself, verify unexpected document requests and financial demands by contacting the institution directly through official channels rather than using contact information from the suspicious message, and remember that legitimate law enforcement will never demand immediate payment over the phone.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-21
# Pig Butchering Scam Summary
A 51-year-old New Jersey father lost $280,000 in a "pig butchering" scam after a woman contacted him on Facebook claiming to be interested in his life, gradually building a romantic relationship with him through messaging apps, then convincing him to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. This type of scam targets vulnerable individuals emotionally, earning their trust over weeks or months before pivoting to investment opportunities that appear to show quick returns but are actually fake. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited romantic advances from strangers online, never share financial information or investment access with people you haven't met in person, and verify any investment opportunity through independent financial advisors rather than trusting links provided by new connections.
capitalethiopia.com
· 2025-12-21
The scam industry has evolved from petty crimes into a sophisticated, borderless operation that costs the global economy billions annually and now funds organized crime and destabilizes communities. Digital technology—including social media, cryptocurrency, AI deepfakes, and gig economy platforms—has made it easier for scammers to operate at scale, from forced labor operations running romance scams in Southeast Asia to boiler-room fraud targeting North Americans and pyramid schemes preying on economically vulnerable communities worldwide. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited messages and offers that seem too good to be true, verify contact information independently before sharing personal or financial information, and report suspected scams to local authorities.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-20
Scammers are increasingly targeting people with fake financial-relief schemes, such as phony calls claiming unclaimed relief checks or government assistance payments, asking victims to share personal information—with the BBB receiving over 800 complaints in just two months in 2025. Older adults and people facing financial hardship are particularly vulnerable, and experts warn that these scams will likely intensify in 2026 as AI-generated deepfakes make it harder to distinguish legitimate from fraudulent communications. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls or messages offering easy money or requesting personal information, verify any claims directly with official government agencies or companies, and report suspected scams to the FTC or BBB.
ozarkradionews.com
· 2025-12-20
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway is warning residents about holiday gift card scams, where criminals impersonate government officials, utilities companies, or loved ones to pressure victims into buying gift cards and sharing their codes—money that becomes impossible to recover once spent. These scams exploit urgency and fear during the busy holiday season, targeting popular retailers like Walmart, Target, Amazon, and Apple, with millions of dollars lost nationwide annually. Missourians should remember that no legitimate organization requests payment via gift card, and anyone who suspects they've been scammed should contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-392-8222 or report it online at ago.mo.gov.
wcpo.com
· 2025-12-20
# Fake Delivery Text Scams Surge During Holiday Season
During the holiday shopping rush, scammers are sending fake delivery notification texts to consumers claiming package problems and urging them to click suspicious links or pay fees—with victims in the Cincinnati area already losing hundreds of dollars, including one woman who lost $180 through Zelle. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in text messages and instead check your packages directly through official carrier websites or apps, remembering that legitimate delivery companies never request payment or personal information via text. If you receive a suspicious delivery text, report it to the Better Business Bureau's scam tracker, and always bring packages inside immediately after delivery to prevent theft.
womansworld.com
· 2025-12-20
Romance scammers are posing as celebrities on social media to build fake relationships with victims and steal money, as documented by Reddit users sharing stories of loved ones who lost thousands of dollars and damaged their financial accounts. Victims—often fans of the impersonated celebrities—are manipulated through daily contact, fake gifts, and fabricated meeting plans, leading them to send money for various excuses. To protect yourself, be skeptical of online relationships with celebrities, never send money to someone you haven't met in person, verify identities through official channels, and report suspicious accounts to social media platforms immediately.
aol.com
· 2025-12-20
A 51-year-old New Jersey father lost $280,000 after being targeted by a "pig butchering" scam—a sophisticated fraud scheme that combines romance manipulation with fake investment opportunities. A scammer posing as a woman named Ailis befriended him on Facebook, built emotional trust through daily messages and affection, then convinced him to invest in a fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme that promised high returns. To protect yourself: be extremely skeptical of unsolicited romantic advances from strangers on social media, never invest based on recommendations from people you've only met online, and verify investment opportunities through independent sources before transferring any money.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-20
# Medicare Scam Summary
Medicare scam calls targeting seniors have surged 40% year-over-year, with fraudsters using personal information stolen from the dark web to impersonate healthcare providers and convince older Americans to verify or share their Medicare numbers. The calls come frequently throughout the day from seemingly local numbers, and scammers use convincing scripts claiming seniors need to confirm coverage, update information, or accept new benefits—though Medicare rarely initiates unsolicited calls. To protect yourself, hang up on unexpected Medicare-related calls, never share your Medicare or Social Security number with callers, and verify any legitimate requests by contacting Medicare directly through its official phone number or website.
aol.com
· 2025-12-20
# Medicare Scam Summary
Medicare scam calls have surged 40% year-over-year, with fraudsters using personal data stolen from the dark web to impersonate healthcare officials and pressure seniors into revealing their Medicare numbers or personal information. Scammers use deceptive tactics like claiming to offer new benefits, free equipment, or warning of coverage disruptions, often calling dozens of times daily with spoofed local numbers. To protect yourself: remember that Medicare rarely makes unsolicited calls, verify any requests through official channels by calling Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE, and never share your Medicare or Social Security number over the phone unless you initiated the call.
tbrnewsmedia.com
· 2025-12-20
An 80-year-old woman from North Dakota was tricked by scammers posing as her granddaughter and lawyer who claimed the granddaughter needed bail money after a car accident; she mailed $8,500 in cash, but authorities in Suffolk County intercepted the package before the scammers could retrieve it and returned the money. This "grandchild bail" scam specifically targets senior citizens by creating urgency and requesting secrecy to prevent victims from consulting family members. If you receive a similar call, authorities advise hanging up, verifying the caller's identity independently, and reporting the incident to local law enforcement rather than sending money via mail or wire transfer.
patch.com
· 2025-12-20
An 80-year-old grandmother from North Dakota was nearly scammed out of $8,500 after receiving a phone call from someone impersonating her granddaughter, claiming she had been arrested in Suffolk County and needed bail money. Law enforcement officials intercepted the cash before scammers could access it and arrested those responsible, with authorities emphasizing their commitment to protecting seniors from such predatory schemes. To protect yourself, be suspicious of urgent requests for money from family members, never send cash through the mail for bail or legal fees, and always verify claims by calling your family member directly at a known number or contacting local police.
ktar.com
· 2025-12-20
# Bitcoin ATM Scams Targeting the Elderly
Criminals are using Bitcoin ATMs to steal money from elderly people through scams that typically start with urgent phone calls, texts, or pop-ups impersonating the IRS, Social Security, banks, or law enforcement, then directing victims to withdraw cash and transfer it via Bitcoin ATM where the money cannot be recovered. Older adults are especially vulnerable because scammers create fear and pressure while staying on the phone to guide victims step-by-step, sometimes convincing them to transfer tens of thousands of dollars. To protect yourself or elderly relatives, be suspicious of any unsolicited contact demanding immediate cash withdrawal or cryptocurrency transfers, verify any urgent claims by contacting the organization directly using a phone number from their official website, and remember that legitimate agencies will never ask you to send money via Bitcoin ATM or demand secrecy about financial transactions.
newsday.com
· 2025-12-20
An 80-year-old North Dakota grandmother lost $8,500 to scammers who called pretending to be her granddaughter claiming she needed bail money for a traffic accident, then posed as a lawyer to collect cash sent through the mail. Suffolk County prosecutors and postal inspectors tracked the mailed package to a Shirley address and successfully intercepted and returned the money within two hours of its arrival. To protect yourself, be skeptical of urgent calls from relatives asking for money, never send cash through the mail, and always verify claims by contacting family members directly through known phone numbers.
bangkokpost.com
· 2025-12-20
Thai police have warned seniors and retired government officials about a surge in year-end online scams where fraudsters trick victims into installing malicious apps that allow criminals to remotely steal money from their phones and bank accounts. The scammers exploit leaked personal data and impersonate government officials to appear credible, with victims losing anywhere from tens of thousands to nearly one million baht. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from government agencies, never install apps from unverified sources, and contact the Anti-Cyber Scam Centre hotline at 1441 if you suspect you've been targeted.
blockmanity.com
· 2025-12-20
An 80-year-old woman from St. Charles County lost her entire life savings of $35,000 to a sophisticated cryptocurrency scam that began with a fake PayPal phishing email and escalated through caller ID spoofing and false claims about illegal activity. Scammers manipulated her into withdrawing cash and depositing it into a Bitcoin ATM, after which the funds were transferred to overseas wallets and became irretrievable. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited emails and calls claiming account problems, never click links in suspicious emails, independently verify alerts by contacting your financial institution directly, and remember that legitimate banks will never pressure you to move money to cryptocurrency or ask you to withdraw cash.
telus.com
· 2025-12-20
Scammers are increasingly using AI technology to clone people's voices from social media videos and YouTube, then impersonating loved ones in fraudulent calls to extract money. According to recent research, about one-third of people in North America and Europe encountered deepfake voice scams in 2024, with victims losing an average of $1,479 in Canada and over $6,000 in the U.S. To protect yourself, be cautious about sharing videos online, verify unexpected requests for money by calling the person directly using a known number, and alert your bank if someone pressures you to withdraw cash for an "emergency."
liherald.com
· 2025-12-20
# Fraud Alert Summary
Lynbrook Police are warning residents about a surge in sophisticated scams targeting the community, particularly older adults, where fraudsters impersonate IRS agents, FBI officials, and banks to pressure victims into sending money via Zelle, wire transfers, and gift cards—with losses ranging from hundreds to over $30,000. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming urgent account problems, never send money or buy gift cards based on phone requests, and contact authorities immediately if you suspect fraud, as police can only intervene effectively if caught early before money is transferred electronically.
ciso.economictimes.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-20
Scammers in India are increasingly exploiting Telegram's encrypted channels to run fake investment schemes, lottery scams, and job offer frauds, resulting in over ₹1,100 crore in losses during the first half of 2025. The fraudsters use pressure tactics, deepfake videos, and "pig butchering" schemes to build trust before stealing money through fake trading apps and QR code redirects. Users should be wary of unsolicited investment opportunities on Telegram, avoid scanning unfamiliar QR codes or downloading apps from private chats, and remember that private channels offer no guarantee of safety.
localnewsmatters.org
· 2025-12-19
Marin County authorities have launched a program where local banks alert customers—especially seniors—to potential fraud when they request unusual cash withdrawals or cashier's checks, handing them informational cards that encourage them to reconsider if someone else requested the money. The two-month pilot program involves three branches each of Bank of Marin and Westamerica Bank working with the District Attorney's Office and police to identify victims before scammers can steal their funds. If you're an older adult or helping one, be cautious of unsolicited requests for large sums of money and contact local police before transferring funds to unknown people, particularly around holidays when such scams increase.
ksat.com
· 2025-12-19
San Antonio police report a rising tide of scams targeting seniors, with 330 reported crimes against older adults in 2025, though authorities believe many more go unreported due to victims' embarrassment or shame. The most common scam is imposter fraud, where callers pose as law enforcement or government officials and pressure victims to send money via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers—methods that legitimate agencies never use. Experts recommend that seniors slow down before acting on urgent requests, seek education through community awareness programs, and report scams to authorities so patterns can be tracked and others protected.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-19
During the holiday shopping season, scammers are sending fake delivery tracking texts and QR codes that mimic legitimate retailers, tricking busy shoppers into clicking links that steal their personal information and login credentials. The scam works because people are overwhelmed with genuine package tracking during the holidays and may not notice when something looks slightly off. To protect yourself, be cautious about clicking tracking links in unsolicited texts, verify URLs before entering any information, and consider going directly to retailer websites rather than clicking links from messages.