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in Identity Theft
otdowntown.com
Nelson Counne stole $1.8 million from at least five women using romance scam tactics between 2012 and his 2024 conviction, posing as a wealthy art dealer named "Nelson Roth" or "Justin Roth" and promising investment opportunities and financial support that never materialized. After pleading guilty to Grand Larceny in the Second Degree and Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, he was sentenced to up to eight years in prison, with prosecutors noting he used the stolen money to repay victims who detected fraud while recruiting new victims. The scammer had no actual wealth, properties, or passport—only an "expertly craf
itpro.com
Nearly two-thirds of finance professionals have been targeted by deepfake fraud, with 44% actually falling victim, according to new research by Medius. Cybercriminals are using AI-generated audio impersonating C-suite executives to trick finance employees into making unauthorized payments to fraudulent suppliers, with a notable case in which Arup's employee transferred £20 million to scammers. The research reveals critical vulnerabilities: 80% of finance workers said they would authorize payments based on a CEO or CFO's call, yet only 16% prioritize deepfake protection and just 5% are aware of defensive technology being used.
jdsupra.com
On June 14, 2024, President Biden declared June 15th World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, prompting FinCEN to remind financial institutions to identify and report elder financial exploitation (EFE). Between June 2022 and June 2023, approximately $27 billion in EFE-related suspicious activity was reported through Bank Secrecy Act filings, with the FBI's 2023 data showing that individuals aged 60 and over reported over $3.4 billion in fraud losses (averaging $34,000 per victim), with tech support scams being the most commonly reported type and investment scams causing the greatest financial harm. Financial institutions are expecte
malaya.com.ph
Online romance scams are surging in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia, with perpetrators using dating apps to quickly build emotional connections, move victims to private channels, and solicit money or personal information for potential blackmail. The Facebook awareness group Online Alerto educates users on red flags—including rapid declarations of love, financial requests, inconsistent information, and reluctance to meet in person—and recommends protective measures such as reverse image searching and cautious information sharing. These scams affect both direct victims and individuals coerced into participating in fraudulent schemes.
wheninmanila.com
Romance scams are rapidly increasing globally, particularly in Southeast Asia, affecting both direct victims and those trafficked into perpetrating the scams. The Online Alerto Facebook community provides free resources to help people recognize red flags—such as rapid declarations of love, requests to move communication off dating apps, avoidance of in-person meetings, and requests for money—and offers protective strategies including reverse image searches, video call verification, and careful social media scrutiny. Users are advised to maintain skepticism about offers that seem too good to be true and to never share financial information or inappropriate photos with unverified online contacts.
staysafeonline.org
The FBI reported nearly 10,000 Americans fell victim to real estate scams in 2023, losing over $145 million, with one in four home buyers and sellers targeted by fraudulent activities. The article outlines five common real estate scams including wire transfer fraud (where criminals intercept payment instructions), predatory lending targeting vulnerable populations like seniors, and mortgage/foreclosure relief scams that demand upfront fees without delivering services. Protection strategies emphasize verifying payment instructions through secure channels, consulting trusted financial advisors, avoiding pressure tactics, and educating all parties involved in real estate transactions about fraud risks.
consumerfinancemonitor.com
On June 14, 2024, President Biden declared June 15th World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, prompting FinCEN to remind financial institutions to vigilantly identify and report elder financial exploitation. FinCEN's analysis of 155,415 suspicious activity reports revealed approximately $27 billion in EFE-related suspicious activity between June 2022 and June 2023, while the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report documented over $3.4 billion in losses affecting more than 101,000 victims aged 60 and over, with tech support scams being most prevalent and investment scams causing the greatest financial harm. FinCEN and the
pennwatch.org
The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities is hosting educational presentations throughout July 2024 for seniors, employees, and the general public on financial fraud prevention and investor protection. Topics include avoiding identity theft, selecting investment professionals, preventing elder financial fraud, recognizing common scams, and cybersecurity best practices, with sessions held at libraries, government offices, and community organizations across Pennsylvania.
mishtalk.com
AI tools like ChatGPT are enabling scammers to create convincing phishing emails, imitate voices and identities, and automate fraud schemes that bypass traditional red flags like poor grammar. Criminals can now use AI to target larger groups with personalized information, forge identification documents, and rapidly test stolen passwords across multiple platforms, making these scams significantly harder for individuals and banks to detect. Financial institutions like JPMorgan Chase are deploying AI-based fraud detection systems and increasing customer education, while experts recommend protective measures such as credit freezes and password hygiene to mitigate risk.
tryondailybulletin.com
The IRS issued a warning about impersonation scams targeting North Carolina seniors, where fraudsters pose as government officials or IRS representatives to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and text messages. The warning was part of a broader awareness effort around World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to educate older adults about these scams and encourage collaboration among federal agencies, state tax authorities, and tax professionals to protect vulnerable populations.
oakridger.com
A study by Badcredit.org analyzing Federal Trade Commission data found that 78% of Gen Z and Millennials report receiving fraudulent debt collection calls or emails, with 28% expressing concern about becoming victims. Georgia leads states with the highest rate of debt collection scams (77.8 per 100,000 people), while Atlanta, Georgia has the highest rate among cities (102.9 per 100,000), and Memphis, Tennessee ranks fifth among cities most affected. Legitimate debt collectors must provide valid debt information within five days and cannot harass, threaten, or contact consumers more than seven times weekly, while common scam tactics include phishing, identity theft, and mobile
nestpensions.org.uk
Fraud accounts for approximately 40% of all crime in the UK, affecting around 3 million people annually, with individuals now more likely to experience fraud than any other type of crime. The article provides protective measures including reporting suspicious activity to Action Fraud, forwarding phishing emails to Nest Pensions, and maintaining updated account information through regular logins to prevent unauthorized access.
mk.co.kr
A South Korean victim lost 70 million won to an international romance and investment scam that used AI-generated deepfakes of Elon Musk to establish trust before soliciting cryptocurrency transfers. The "pig slaughter" scam is part of a global criminal operation involving 120,000-220,000 forced workers across Myanmar and Cambodia who perpetrate phishing, romance, investment, and shopping scams targeting victims worldwide, with Chinese authorities blocking $157 billion in fraud since 2021—larger than Ethiopia's GDP.
spectrumnews1.com
Elder fraud cases in the United States increased significantly in 2023, with over 100,000 scam complaints resulting in nearly $3.5 billion in losses—an 11% increase from the prior year. Kentucky residents reported over 900 instances of elderly scams in 2023 totaling $13 million, with 2024 tracking at $12.7 million already. The FBI advises seniors to review financial statements, shred personal documents, avoid clicking unknown links, and contact authorities or trusted family members if contacted by unfamiliar people, as scammers increasingly use tech support schemes, romance fraud, and data breaches.
lexingtonchronicle.com
The Internal Revenue Service issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting senior citizens in South Carolina, where fraudsters pose as government officials (IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare) to steal personal information and money. Scammers use tactics such as caller ID spoofing, fabricated urgent debts or prize claims, threats of arrest or deportation, and demands for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to pressure victims into immediate action. The warning is part of broader World Elder Abuse Awareness Day efforts and the IRS's ongoing Security Summit partnership to educate seniors and protect them from these schemes.
postandcourier.com
The Internal Revenue Service issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting seniors in South Carolina, where fraudsters pose as IRS or other government officials to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and texts. Scammers use tactics including spoofed caller IDs, false claims of tax debts or prizes, pressure for immediate payment via gift cards or wire transfers, and threats of arrest or deportation. The IRS advises that it does not initiate contact via phone, email, or text about tax issues, and victims should hang up immediately and verify communications by calling 800-829-1040.
6abc.com
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging hosted a community awareness event featuring experts and a romance scam survivor who lost $39,000 to an online perpetrator named "Tony." The event highlighted the most common financial exploitation tactics targeting older adults, including gift card and cryptocurrency demands, and emphasized that isolation and emotional manipulation are key vulnerabilities that scammers exploit. Experts advised older adults to be cautious of unsolicited contacts, avoid sharing personal information, and report suspected abuse to PCA's 24/7 helpline at 215-765-9040.
lexingtonchronicle.com
The Internal Revenue Service issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting seniors in South Carolina, where fraudsters pose as IRS or other government agency representatives to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and text messages. Scammers use tactics such as caller ID spoofing, fabricated urgent scenarios (false tax debts or refunds), threats of arrest or deportation, and demands for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to pressure victims into immediate action. The IRS advises that legitimate tax issues are initiated by mail, and anyone receiving unexpected calls from alleged IRS agents should hang up immediately and report the incident.
messagemedia.co
The IRS issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting seniors, where fraudsters pose as government officials (IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare) to steal personal information and money through pressure tactics and threats of arrest or deportation. Scammers demand immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps while manipulating caller IDs to appear legitimate; the IRS emphasizes it never demands immediate payment through these methods and advises recipients of suspicious calls to hang up and contact IRS customer service directly at 800-829-1040 to verify legitimacy.
sctonline.net
The IRS issued a warning about a surge in impersonation scams targeting seniors nationwide, particularly in Mississippi, where fraudsters pose as government officials to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and texts. Scammers use sophisticated tactics including spoofed caller IDs, false claims of tax debt or lottery winnings, and pressure for immediate payment via gift cards or wire transfers. The IRS advises seniors to hang up on unexpected calls, verify contact through official channels at 800-829-1040, and report suspicious communications to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
wftv.com
An Orlando man lost $2,500 to a tech support scam that used fake pop-up warnings, fake Microsoft specialists, and impersonated bank managers to convince him to purchase Sephora gift cards as part of a fraudulent "duplicate charge" recovery scheme. Although the victim realized the scam before providing the gift card PINs and never actually lost money to the scammers, Sephora froze the cards and has not refunded his purchase or reactivated them. Experts warn that requests to purchase physical gift cards are a guaranteed sign of scam activity.
vermontbiz.com
A 2023 analysis of Vermont cybercrimes found that investment scams are the costliest, with victims averaging $162,265 in losses (22 victims, $3.6M total), followed by cryptocurrency wallet scams at $133,133 per victim (28 victims, $3.7M total). Vermont residents reported 708 cybercrimes statewide in 2023, resulting in total losses of approximately $13.6 million, with an average loss of $19,248 per victim across all crime types.
tbrnewsmedia.com
**Type:** Educational Event/Awareness Program
State Senator Anthony Palumbo and Assemblyman Ed Flood are hosting a Senior Scam Prevention Program at Brightview Port Jefferson Senior Living on June 20 to educate seniors and caregivers about fraud prevention. According to the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report, over 101,000 seniors reported fraud with average losses of $33,915 per person, and those over 60 lost $3.4 billion total in 2023, with tech support scams, data breaches, romance scams, and investment scams being the most common types. The program, developed in collaboration with the
wftv.com
An Orlando man lost $2,500 in a tech support scam after scammers impersonating Microsoft and a bank manager convinced him to purchase Sephora gift cards, claiming fraudulent charges had been made to his account and that duplicate purchases would trigger an alert to recover the money. Although the victim realized the scam before providing the gift card PIN numbers and never gave the scammers any card details, Sephora froze the cards and has not issued a refund, leaving him unable to use or gift the cards. Experts advise that requests to purchase physical gift cards are a guaranteed sign of scam, and victims should verify contact by independently calling the company's official number.
theitem.com
The Internal Revenue Service warned South Carolina seniors about a rising trend of impersonation scams targeting older adults who are deceived by fraudsters posing as government officials or IRS agents. Scammers use manipulated caller IDs, fabricated claims of tax debts or lottery winnings, and pressure tactics demanding immediate payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to steal personal information and money. The IRS advises recipients of suspicious calls to hang up immediately and verify legitimacy by calling official IRS customer service at 800-829-1040 rather than returning the scammer's call.
al.com
**Summary:**
Quishing (QR code phishing) is an emerging scam where fraudsters post QR codes in public locations or send them via email/text to direct victims to fake websites impersonating legitimate organizations, collecting personally identifiable information like Social Security numbers and financial details for identity theft and fraud. To protect yourself, verify the source of QR codes before scanning, avoid scanning codes from unsolicited messages, contact relevant organizations to report suspicious codes, safeguard personal information, and block spam messages through your carrier.
localnewsonly.com
In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the FBI Dallas released findings from the 2023 Elder Fraud Report showing that elder fraud complaints increased 14% with reported losses totaling over $3.4 billion, averaging $33,915 per victim, with Texas accounting for over 7,000 complaints and $278.3 million in losses. Tech support scams were the most commonly reported elder fraud type in 2023, followed by personal data breaches, romance scams, non-payment/non-delivery scams, and investment scams. The FBI identified a formulaic tech support scam pattern where victims' computers are frozen with pop-ups claiming illegal activity, then
webwire.com
Tietoevry Banking's 2023 fraud prevention report analyzed 3.4 billion transactions and prevented NOK 2.7 billion in fraud, with a 90 percent detection rate stopping approximately 70 percent of fraud attempts without customer loss. The report reveals a significant surge in digital fraud methods, including a 70 percent increase in card/account fraud attempts, 300 percent rise in digital wallet fraud, and over 150 percent growth in social engineering attacks, with phishing attempts up 60 percent. Key emerging threats include AI-enabled fraud techniques such as deepfake voice calls, "secure account" fraud, romance scams, and extortion schemes, requiring
stuttgartdailyleader.com
The IRS issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting seniors, in which fraudsters pose as government officials from the IRS, Social Security Administration, and Medicare to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and texts. Scammers use tactics such as spoofed caller IDs, fabricated urgent scenarios (false tax debts or prize claims), and demands for immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to pressure victims into quick compliance. The IRS recommends that anyone receiving unexpected calls from alleged IRS representatives should hang up immediately and verify any claims by calling the official IRS customer service line at 800-829-1040.
theregister.com
A UK health club chain, Total Fitness, exposed over 474,000 images of members and staff through an unprotected, publicly accessible database containing 47.7GB of data, including identity documents, payment card information, and phone numbers. The database was left without password protection, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive personal information of more than 100,000 members and 600 staff across 15 facilities. Total Fitness has since secured the database, notified affected individuals, and reported the breach to the UK's Information Commissioner's Office.
indiatoday.in
Binance co-founder Yi He fell victim to an impersonation scam on X (formerly Twitter) where fraudsters used her identity to promote a fake "MemeCoin" token, resulting in multiple users losing significant sums of money. He publicly called on Elon Musk to address the rampant spread of fake crypto news on the platform, noting that a security firm previously reported approximately 57,000 victims lost about $47 million to crypto phishing scams facilitated via X. The article also highlights the broader issue of crypto scams, including "Crypto Romance" scams identified by the FTC, where scammers build emotional connections with victims to exploit them.
m.economictimes.com
CEO fraud attacks, where cybercriminals impersonate corporate executives to trick employees into sending money or sensitive data, have increased two to three times over the past year, with sophisticated fraudsters leveraging artificial intelligence, social engineering, and social media research to craft convincing phishing emails. Victims have included major corporations and educational institutions like IIMs, with some losses reaching Rs 3-4 crore, though actual incidents likely exceed reported cases due to companies' reluctance to disclose breaches. Security experts emphasize that improved employee awareness training, verification protocols for high-value requests, and stricter monitoring systems are essential to combat these organized criminal operations.
kfiz.com
June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, highlighting that while consumers over 60 lose money to scams less frequently than younger people, they lose significantly larger amounts when victimized—averaging nearly $1,000 compared to under $500 for those under 60. Common scams targeting seniors include grandparent scams (using impersonation and AI voice cloning), Medicare scams during enrollment periods, and tech support scams falsely claiming to be from Apple or Microsoft. The article provides prevention strategies for each scam type and guidance on how to supportively help victims by responding with empathy, listening to their experience, validating their story, and assisting with reporting and recovery steps.
goldrushcam.com
The IRS issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting senior citizens, in which fraudsters pose as government officials (IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare) to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and text messages. Scammers use tactics including caller ID spoofing, false claims of tax debt or prize winnings, threats of arrest or deportation, and demands for immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. The IRS advises seniors to hang up on unexpected calls claiming to be from the IRS, verify communications through official channels at 800-829-1040, and report suspicious activity.
cpapracticeadvisor.com
The IRS has renewed warnings about impersonation scams targeting older adults, where fraudsters pose as government officials to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and text messages. Scammers use tactics including spoofed caller IDs, fabricated urgent debts or prize claims, threats of arrest or deportation, and demands for immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. The IRS advises recipients of unexpected calls claiming to be from the IRS to hang up immediately and verify legitimacy by calling the official IRS number (800-829-1040) rather than using any number provided by the caller.
hayspost.com
The IRS issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting senior citizens in Kansas and nationwide, where fraudsters pose as government officials to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and texts. Scammers use tactics including caller ID spoofing, fabricated tax debts or refunds, threats of arrest or deportation, and demands for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. The IRS advises recipients of suspicious calls claiming to be from the IRS to hang up immediately and contact IRS customer service at 800-829-1040 to verify any legitimate tax issues.
postandcourier.com
In observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the IRS Criminal Investigation's Charlotte Field Office is promoting fraud awareness to combat the rising tide of financial crimes against seniors. According to the FBI's 2023 Internet Crimes Report, individuals aged 60 and above filed 101,068 complaints and sustained $3.4 billion in losses from scams including tech support fraud, government impersonation, phishing, and romance schemes. The IRS employs education, criminal investigations, and public-private partnerships to combat elder fraud, with recent prosecutions including a home health care operator sentenced to 45 months for stealing over $1 million from elderly clients and an investment fraudster sentenced to
businessinsider.com
Phishing scams targeting weight loss drugs like Ozempic increased 183% from January to April, with scammers exploiting the high cost of these medications (approximately $1,000 monthly) by posting fake offers on social media platforms like Facebook and Craigslist. Criminals impersonate doctors and pressure victims to share personal information and use unconventional payment methods such as Bitcoin, Zelle, and Venmo—red flags indicating fraudulent activity. McAfee recommends consumers verify official retailers, avoid suspiciously low prices, check for complete product details, and report scams to relevant financial institutions to attempt fund recovery.
justice.gov
In observation of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts emphasized its commitment to prosecuting elder fraud and financial exploitation, noting that nearly one in 10 adults aged 60 and older experience some form of elder abuse annually. The office highlighted a recent case where Chukwunonso Umegbo was sentenced to over three years in prison for operating a romance scam that defrauded at least 45 victims of more than $568,000 between 2018 and 2019, including a senior who lost her home, car, and retirement savings. The District of Massachusetts has launched an Elder Justice Out
wmtw.com
Seniors are increasingly targeted by scammers using phone calls impersonating banks or relatives to steal personal information and money. According to FBI data, older Americans lost $1.6 billion to fraud from January-May 2024, with Maine victims alone losing $7.2 million in 2023 (397 cases averaging $18,040 per victim). Experts recommend pausing to verify unexpected urgent calls through known phone numbers and educating older adults about common scams, with organizations like Kennebunk Savings partnering with the Southern Maine Agency on Aging to provide fraud prevention resources and support.
sbs.com.au
During Australian tax season, scammers are targeting residents with sophisticated phishing scams impersonating government agencies like the Australian Taxation Office and myGov; Commonwealth Bank data shows 24 percent of Australians have already been exposed to tax-related scams, with only 69 percent able to identify them correctly. Scammers use robocalls, emails, and SMS messages containing malicious links to trick victims into providing personal information or payment under false pretenses of urgent debts or refunds. To protect themselves, Australians should recognize that legitimate ATO communications never include unsolicited links or QR codes, request passwords, show a caller ID, or threaten immediate arrest.
jfs.ohio.gov
This is an informational resource page rather than a news article about a specific fraud incident. The page provides guidance on reporting suspected unemployment fraud by employers, including practices such as paying workers cash "under the table" or improperly classifying employees as independent contractors.
lavanguardia.com
Digital fraud targeting seniors in Spain has surged dramatically, with scam cases against people over 65 increasing 78% between 2019 and 2022 (from 7,568 to 13,479 cases), and digital fraud cases alone rising 21.73% in 2022 compared to 2021. Seniors are vulnerable targets due to lower technology familiarity, trustfulness, and susceptibility to social engineering tactics such as fake investment schemes and fraudulent shopping charges, with 15% of victims losing over €10,000 according to one survey. Experts emphasize that enhanced digital education and protection measures are needed to help older adults navigate the internet safely and avoi
bctv.org
The Internal Revenue Service has issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting senior citizens, where fraudsters pose as government officials (IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare) to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and texts. Scammers use high-pressure tactics and spoofed caller IDs to demand immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency for fictitious tax debts or false refunds. The IRS advises recipients of unexpected calls claiming to be from the agency to hang up immediately and instead contact IRS customer service directly at 800-829-1040 to verify any legitimate tax issues.
legends1063.fm
A BadCredit.org report found that 78% of Millennials and Gen Z have been targeted by debt collection scams, with young adults losing an average of $3,067 to scams over their lifetime. The most common scam types affecting this demographic are phishing, identity theft, and mobile payment scams, with the FTC receiving over 124,000 debt collection scam reports in 2023 alone.
fox61.com
The IRS issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting seniors, in which fraudsters pose as IRS or other government officials to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and texts. Scammers pressure victims into immediate payments via gift cards or wire transfers by threatening arrest or promising false refunds, often using spoofed caller IDs and creating false urgency. The IRS recommends hanging up on unexpected calls, contacting IRS customer service at 800-829-1040 to verify communications, and remembering that the IRS initiates contact primarily through mail and never demands payment via gift cards or wire transfers.
effinghamradio.com
The Internal Revenue Service issued a warning about impersonation scams targeting seniors in Illinois and nationwide, where fraudsters pose as IRS or other government agency officials to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and texts. Scammers use tactics such as spoofed caller IDs, fabricated urgent scenarios (false tax debts or refunds), threats of arrest, and demands for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to pressure victims into immediate action. The IRS advises recipients of unsolicited calls claiming to be from the IRS to hang up immediately and contact legitimate IRS customer service at 800-829-1040 to verify any communications.
wdam.com
The Internal Revenue Service issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting Mississippi seniors, where fraudsters pose as IRS or government agency representatives to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and text messages. Scammers use pressure tactics, fake urgency, and demand payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, often spoofing caller IDs to appear legitimate. The IRS advises that anyone receiving an unexpected call claiming to be from the IRS should hang up immediately and not return the call, as the IRS initiates contact by mail about account issues.
chicagocrusader.com
The Internal Revenue Service issued a warning about impersonation scams targeting seniors in Illinois and nationwide, where fraudsters pose as government officials (IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare) to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and texts. Scammers use tactics such as spoofed caller IDs, fabricated urgent scenarios (false tax debts or refunds), threats of arrest or deportation, and demands for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. The IRS recommends hanging up on unexpected calls claiming to be from the IRS, never returning calls using provided numbers, and verifying legitimacy by contacting IRS customer service at 800-829-1040.
irs.gov
The Internal Revenue Service issued a warning on June 12, 2024, about rising impersonation scams targeting seniors who are deceived by fraudsters posing as IRS or other government agency representatives. Scammers use manipulated caller IDs, fabricated urgent scenarios, and pressure victims to make immediate payments via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to steal personal information and money. The IRS recommends that anyone receiving unsolicited calls from alleged IRS representatives should hang up immediately and verify legitimacy by calling the official IRS customer service line at 800-829-1040.