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nbcbayarea.com
· 2025-12-08
Smartphone users are being targeted by a widespread smishing scam in which cybercriminals impersonate state toll collection agencies and send text messages claiming unpaid tolls or E-ZPass charges are due immediately, then request sensitive financial and personal information through fraudulent links. The Federal Trade Commission and Federal Bureau of Investigation have both issued warnings about the scam, which is designed to enable identity theft and financial fraud. Users should avoid clicking links, verify toll agency claims directly through official websites, report suspicious texts, and contact their financial institutions if they have already shared personal information.
pennlive.com
· 2025-12-08
As the April 15 tax filing deadline approaches, the IRS warns taxpayers about its annual "Dirty Dozen" list of common scams including email phishing, text smishing, misleading social media tax advice, fake charity donation schemes, and false claims for fuel tax credits and non-existent self-employment tax credits. These scams aim to steal personal and financial information, facilitate identity theft, and trick taxpayers into claiming ineligible tax credits. The IRS recommends taxpayers verify information directly through official IRS channels and remain cautious of unsolicited communications during tax season.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax season 2025 has become a prime target for AI-powered fraud, with cybercriminals using generative AI, deepfakes, and voice cloning to create highly convincing phishing emails, fake IRS calls, and impersonations of tax professionals and agents. The IRS identified over $37 billion in tax and financial crimes in fiscal year 2023, with fake IRS calls using voice cloning jumping 150% in 2025, affecting individuals, small businesses, tax professionals, and large firms through personalized attacks that bypass traditional security defenses. Criminals are also creating synthetic identities to file fraudulent returns and claim illegitimate refunds, while deepfake videos
hackaday.com
· 2025-12-08
A researcher analyzed romance scam emails using technical investigation methods, tracing stolen Facebook photos and fake profiles back to Russian-based scammers operating on monthly cycles. The scam targets vulnerable individuals by establishing fake romantic relationships and eventually requesting money transfers for fabricated emergencies or relocation assistance. The analysis revealed that while scammers use hacked email accounts and VPNs to hide their location, they often leave clues in image metadata and occasionally fail to activate VPN protection, underscoring that human awareness and critical thinking—rather than technological solutions—remain the most effective defenses against these schemes.
dl-online.com
· 2025-12-08
According to the 2024 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report, investment and cryptocurrency scams remain the most prevalent fraud type, with romance and friendship scams climbing to third place. Both often employ "financial grooming" tactics where scammers build trust over weeks or months before encouraging victims to invest in fraudulent platforms, resulting in a median loss of $5,000-$6,099 per victim. People ages 65 and older reported the highest median losses ($160), and overall reported median losses increased 30% from 2023 to 2024, with emotional impacts including anger, loss of trust, and anxiety affecting nearly 30% of victims.
rcmp.ca
· 2025-12-08
Canadian fraud and cybercrime losses exceeded $638 million in 2024, a significant increase from $578 million in 2023, with investment scams accounting for $311 million of losses, according to the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre. Beyond financial damage, victims report severe emotional and psychological harm including feelings of betrayal, shame, anxiety, and depression, which can be compounded by victim-blaming from others. Experts emphasize that fraud's impact extends across all demographics and fraud types, and that supportive responses from those victims confide in are critical to their healing.
cryptoninjas.net
· 2025-12-08
A 29-year-old San Francisco man was sentenced to 87 months in prison for using Bitcoin to launder earnings from selling MDMA on the dark web, converting cryptocurrency proceeds through multiple financial accounts to hide their illegal origins. His case was part of Operation Crypto Runner, a multi-agency federal initiative launched in November 2022 targeting cryptocurrency-based money laundering and financial crimes. The conviction reflects a broader law enforcement concern: cryptocurrency laundering exceeded $40 billion globally in 2024, with drug trafficking organizations increasingly exploiting digital assets' anonymity and ease of transfer, including international partnerships between Mexican cartels and Chinese money laundering networks.
kwch.com
· 2025-12-08
A 72-year-old Wichita woman lost her entire life savings of $36,000 in a sophisticated cryptocurrency scam when a caller impersonating a Coinbase representative convinced her that her account had been compromised. The scammer used fear-based tactics to pressure her into transferring her funds to a fraudulent wallet controlled by the criminals, from which the money cannot be recovered. The article advises verifying any account security claims by independently calling official customer service numbers rather than responding to unsolicited calls or clicking provided links.
wsmv.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI reported over 2,000 toll payment scam text messages in less than two weeks, with scammers sending deceptive texts claiming recipients owe tolls and directing them to click malicious links to steal personal information or download malware. One Nashville resident received multiple such texts and nearly fell victim after her husband considered paying the fake toll. Experts recommend reporting suspicious toll texts as junk, reporting the sender to the FBI, and verifying toll charges directly through official toll service websites rather than clicking links in unsolicited messages.
theoaklandpress.com
· 2025-12-08
A Troy woman lost $19,000 in a fraud scheme that began with a text message falsely claiming to be from Apple. Suspecting a scam, the victim attempted to verify the message through official channels but was instead directed to fraudsters who convinced her to transfer money, ultimately falling victim to the very scam she was trying to avoid.
dailyrecord.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Stephen and Karen Ratchford from Grimsby fell victim to a SIM-jacking scam while on a cruise in October, during which fraudsters gained control of their mobile numbers and used two-step verification to access their accounts, resulting in attempted loans totaling £25,000 and unauthorized charges of £150 on their mobile accounts. Although the banks canceled the fraudulent loan and overdraft applications before any money was lost, the couple experienced significant stress and psychological impact from the incident. Their mobile provider, iD Mobile, apologized and strengthened security measures in response.
dfpi.ca.gov
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams, also known as relationship or confidence scams, are among the top five online scams in the U.S., resulting in over $650 million in losses in 2023. Scammers use fake profiles and emotional manipulation through dating apps, social media, and email to build trust before requesting money, personal information, or investments, with common tactics including impersonation ("catfishing"), long-term trust-building schemes, and platonic friendship scams. To protect yourself, avoid sharing personal information with unknown contacts, research and verify all information before making financial decisions, take time before acting on requests, and report suspected scams to authorities.
syracuse.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI is warning about a surge in "smishing" scams—fraudulent text messages impersonating toll authorities and package delivery services—with threat actors registering over 10,000 malicious domains targeting users in at least 10 U.S. states and Ontario, Canada. These scams direct victims to fake websites designed to steal personal data including credit card, bank, and Social Security information. The FTC advises users to avoid clicking unsolicited links, verify messages through official channels, and report suspicious texts, while the FBI recommends securing accounts and disputing unauthorized charges if compromised.
nbcnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Chinese-speaking cybercriminals operating on Telegram are distributing phishing kits that enable widespread text message scams claiming victims owe unpaid tolls or E-ZPass fees, with links to fake payment websites designed to steal credit cards and personal information. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center has received over 60,000 reports of the scam, which rapidly escalated starting in early February as operators copy each other's tactics and target bulk datasets of hacked phone numbers. The scammers exploit the tactic's effectiveness by requesting small fees that appear reasonable, and victims' stolen information is used to compromise payment methods and digital wallets.
redding.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS released its 2025 "Dirty Dozen" list of tax scams that proliferate during tax season, including fake emails and texts impersonating the IRS, misleading tax advice on social media (particularly encouraging fraudulent W-2 forms), scammers posing as helpers to create IRS online accounts to steal personal information, and promotion of non-existent tax credits like bogus self-employment credits claiming payouts up to $32,000. Victims of these scams risk identity theft, unauthorized bank account access, and significant delays to legitimate tax refunds, with those knowingly filing fraudulent returns facing civil and criminal penalties.
dfpi.ca.gov
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies four common types of tax-related fraud and scams: identity theft (where stolen SSNs are used to file fraudulent returns), ghost preparers (unlicensed tax preparers who charge fees but disappear without filing or file inaccurate returns), phishing/smishing attempts (fraudulent emails and texts impersonating the IRS), and social media scams (misinformation about tax laws and services). The article recommends protecting yourself by filing early, using electronic filing through secure channels, employing professional tax services with verified credentials, and enabling two-factor authentication on accounts.
kbzk.com
· 2025-12-08
Bozeman Police Detective Jake Ahmann reports that scam calls and texts are widespread, with he himself receiving two to three per week, often using emotional manipulation tactics like promises of free items, threats of legal consequences, or appeals for help with family members in trouble. Ahmann advises the public to avoid clicking links from unknown numbers, never share personal or financial information over the phone, request payment via gift cards or bitcoin as red flags, and to contact police and financial institutions immediately if scammed. He also notes that scam reports are likely under-reported due to victim embarrassment, and recommends simply not answering calls from unknown numbers when in doubt.
mininggazette.com
· 2025-12-08
The Michigan State Police urge residents to recognize and avoid common scams transmitted through phone calls, text messages, and social media, including romance scams that manipulate victims into sending money through fake emergencies, tech support scams offering fake virus solutions, and toll payment scams. Key warning signs include unsolicited contact, artificial urgency, unusual payment demands (cryptocurrency or gift cards), and requests for personal or financial information. Authorities recommend trusting instincts, consulting trusted contacts or law enforcement if something seems suspicious, and not feeling ashamed to report suspected fraud.
discoverairdrie.com
· 2025-12-08
Investment fraud is rising among younger Canadians for the first time, with scammers using social media to target victims with promises of quick returns on little risk. Canadians reported $310 million in investment fraud losses in 2024, though authorities believe the actual figure is much higher due to underreporting, with common tactics including spear phishing and romance scams. Experts attribute the surge to increasing sophistication of fraud schemes and victims' reluctance to report due to embarrassment, urging those affected to contact provincial securities regulators, local police, or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
41nbc.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, scams extracted a record $12.5 billion from consumers—a 25% increase from 2023—despite the number of scam reports remaining relatively flat, according to the Better Business Bureau citing FTC data. The BBB highlighted two prevalent scams: cryptocurrency investment scams involving unknown coins and promises of guaranteed returns, and imposter scams where fraudsters pose as government agencies demanding immediate payment via gift cards or crypto while threatening arrest. Consumers should verify agency contact information independently, watch for ".gov" or ".mil" email addresses, and be wary of urgent demands, threats, and requests for unusual payment methods or wallet access.
local3news.com
· 2025-12-08
Email phishing scams remain a common threat, with scammers impersonating legitimate businesses to claim auto-renewing subscriptions and trick victims into clicking malicious links or revealing personal information. The fraudulent emails appear authentic by including business logos and fake customer service numbers. To protect yourself, verify unexpected subscription notices by logging into the company's official website directly or calling their known phone number, and avoid clicking links or responding to unsolicited emails claiming to represent businesses.
ca.style.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Canadians lost $638 million to scams in 2024, with impersonation and investment fraud being the costliest types, as fraudsters increasingly use sophisticated technology including AI to create convincing deepfakes and pose as legitimate organizations or celebrities. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reports that while fewer cases were processed in 2024 compared to 2023, authorities estimate 90-95% of fraud cases go unreported, and recommend Canadians verify unexpected calls or messages and be aware of red flags such as requests for personal information or unsolicited payment demands. Key prevention strategies include trusting instincts, questioning suspicious communications, and educating seniors about evolving scam tactics.
npr.org
· 2025-12-08
Smishing (SMS phishing) scams have surged significantly, with Americans receiving 19.2 billion spam texts in February alone, often impersonating toll agencies, utilities, and financial institutions to trick victims into clicking malicious links or providing payment information. Scammers quickly adapt their tactics to current events—such as NYC's congestion pricing launch in January 2025—to exploit confusion and urgency among consumers. To protect themselves, consumers should register with the National Do Not Call Registry, never click links in unsolicited texts, verify requests by independently calling companies, and report scams to the FBI's IC3 or by forwarding messages to 7726.
phillyburbs.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns of a "smishing" scam targeting E-ZPass users nationwide, in which scammers send fraudulent text messages claiming recipients owe unpaid tolls ($3.95–$12.55) and directing them to click malicious links to steal personal and financial information. E-ZPass never contacts customers via text for payment, so recipients should delete suspicious messages and avoid clicking links; those who have already provided information should freeze their accounts and monitor for fraudulent charges. The scam uses spoofing techniques to impersonate trusted toll collection services and relies on creating panic to bypass critical thinking.
wxii12.com
· 2025-12-08
A surge of smishing scams impersonating toll road agencies like NC Quick Pass is targeting North Carolina and other states, with the FBI reporting over 2,000 complaints since March of the previous year. The scams use text messages claiming unpaid tolls and threatening fines, license suspension, or legal action to pressure victims into clicking malicious links that can result in losses ranging from $100 to hundreds of thousands of dollars and potential theft of personal information like bank account and Social Security details. Authorities have traced the scams' origin to Canada in early 2024 and believe operations have since moved to the U.S., with NC Quick Pass reporting thousands of daily inquiries about the fraudulent texts
mastercard.com
· 2025-12-08
U.S. consumers lost over $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, a 25% increase from 2023, with investor scams causing the most financial damage ($5.7 million) while imposter scams remain most frequently reported, according to the FTC. Cybercriminals increasingly exploit human emotions through social engineering tactics via email, phone, and text, using sophisticated tools like deepfakes and generative AI to create convincing false identities and communications. The article emphasizes that even trained employees can be deceived, citing a $25.6 million loss by a Hong Kong financial firm whose employee was tricked by a computer-generated deepfake video conference
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-08
As the 2025 tax season begins, cybercriminals are launching a surge of tax-related scams targeting taxpayers, with malicious domains using tax-related terms seeing a 693% traffic increase in the 30 days before the 2024 filing deadline. Common scam tactics include phishing emails impersonating tax software providers like TurboTax, fake charities, unlicensed tax preparers, and misleading fuel tax credit offers (which increased 121% from 2024 to 2025), with fraudulent activity persisting even after the April 15 deadline. Experts advise taxpayers to verify all websites and email requests before
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers, likely Chinese criminal gangs operating overseas, have launched a widespread toll road scam sending threatening text messages to millions of Americans claiming unpaid FastTrak, E-ZPass, or similar tolls with threats of fines and license revocation. The scam is highly effective because it is cheap to execute, targets personal information for further fraud, and exploits security gaps in both Apple and Android phones; cybersecurity researchers have identified 60,000 domains used in the attacks and documented a 900% increase in searches for "toll road scams" in recent months.
seattletimes.com
· 2025-12-08
State officials are warning Americans about a surge of "smishing" scams—SMS text messages impersonating toll collection agencies—that attempt to trick recipients into revealing financial information like credit card or bank account details. A cybersecurity firm identified a threat actor who registered over 10,000 domains to conduct these scams across at least 10 U.S. states and Ontario, Canada, with messages falsely claiming unpaid tolls and threatening fines or suspended driving privileges. Authorities advise recipients not to click suspicious links or reply to these texts and to report them to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
Digital payment apps like Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, and PayPal are increasingly exploited by scammers, with customers at three banks losing over $870 million to Zelle fraud since 2017 according to a CFPB lawsuit. Common scams include cash flipping schemes, phishing expeditions, fake item sales, counterfeit tickets, software glitch fraud, and security deposit schemes, all of which exploit the irreversible nature of digital transfers. Users should verify requests through official channels, never pay sight unseen, and avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails to protect themselves from these threats.
cleveland.com
· 2025-12-08
A retired IT professional in northeast Ohio, known as "Eastside Eddie," combats robocall and text scams by posing as a victim to waste scammers' time and expose their tactics on YouTube and in community educational classes. Cuyahoga County residents lost over $3.4 million to various scams last year, with two victims losing their homes, prompting both Eddie's vigilante efforts and an official county awareness campaign highlighting common schemes (romance, grandparent, company/government, and lottery scams) and warning signs like requests for gift cards, cryptocurrency, or remote computer access.
chestnuthilllocal.com
· 2025-12-08
AARP Pennsylvania issued a consumer alert about increasingly sophisticated phishing scams designed to steal personal and financial information, noting that phishing was the most commonly reported cybercrime in 2023 with nearly 300,000 complaints and losses exceeding $18.7 million. The advisory recommends protective measures including verifying sender information, avoiding suspicious links, using strong passwords with multi-factor authentication, and reporting suspicious messages to authorities or AARP's fraud helpline at 1-877-908-3360.
wdsu.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission reported 2.6 million fraud cases in 2024, resulting in a record $12.5 billion in losses—a 25% increase from 2023, with more than one-third of reporters losing money (median loss of $497). Investment fraud led in per-victim losses at $9,196 median, followed by job scams ($2,250) and debt relief fraud ($1,500), while older adults reported losing significantly more money than younger age groups despite filing fewer reports. The FTC recommends protecting against fraud by remaining cautious of unsolicited contact, avoiding untraceable payment methods like wire transfers and gift cards, and reporting suspected scams to
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS released its 2025 "Dirty Dozen" tax scam list warning taxpayers about schemes targeting the tax season, including fake emails and texts impersonating tax agencies, fraudulent social media advice encouraging the creation of fake W-2 forms, and scammers posing as helpers to steal personal information and file fraudulent returns. Victims risk identity theft, bank account fraud, and significant delays in legitimate tax refunds, while those knowingly filing fraudulent returns face civil and criminal penalties.
housingwire.com
· 2025-12-08
A real estate agent was nearly victimized by a property listing scam when a fraudster posed as the out-of-state owner and provided a seemingly legitimate contract, only to be exposed seven hours after the listing went live when the actual owner called to report the fraud. The scammer had previously attempted the same scheme on the property during its last listing, which the prior agent had failed to report to authorities. The article identifies listing scams as increasingly common in land transactions due to the lack of in-person verification requirements, and provides red flags including unlisted phone numbers, spoofed seller email addresses, and suspicious urgency around remote closings.
corkbeo.ie
· 2025-12-08
Residents of Cork were warned about a text message scam in which fraudsters impersonate Revenue to trick users into sharing personal information by directing them to fake websites mimicking the official Revenue domain. The scammers use the stolen data to commit identity theft, open fraudulent credit lines, or sell the information online, though users can protect themselves by verifying texts come from the official "Revenue.ie" contact and checking that links end in ".ie" rather than ".com."
cyberdaily.au
· 2025-12-08
Australia's reported scam losses dropped 25.9% to $2 billion in 2024, with investment scams accounting for $945 million of losses, followed by romance, payment redirection, remote access, and phishing scams. However, experts warn the reported figures likely underrepresent the true impact, as many victims fail to report scams due to shame and embarrassment, with romance baiting scams being particularly devastating when combined with fake cryptocurrency platforms.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI has warned of a widespread "smishing" campaign using fraudulent text messages to steal personal and financial information from iPhone and Android users across the United States. Cybercriminals have registered over 10,000 malicious domains impersonating toll services and delivery companies (like DHL and FedEx), initially targeting victims with fake unpaid toll notifications and later expanding to fake delivery alerts; Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Orlando report the highest incident rates, with a fourfold increase in scams since January. The FTC advises recipients to delete suspicious messages, verify claims through legitimate company websites, and report incidents to the Internet Crime Complaint Center,
northjersey.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns of a "smishing" scam targeting E-ZPass users nationwide with fraudulent text messages claiming unpaid tolls of $3.95 to $12.55, designed to trick recipients into clicking malicious links and surrendering personal and financial information. E-ZPass does not initiate payment requests via text; users should delete suspicious messages and verify account status through official channels. Anyone who clicked the link should freeze accounts, change passwords, and file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
wxyz.com
· 2025-12-08
Michigan residents and others nationwide have received phishing text messages falsely claiming unpaid toll bills from services like EZ Pass, with scammers using fake links and professional-looking payment pages to steal credit card information. The Better Business Bureau reported approximately 800 complaints about this scam in 2024, with scammers also impersonating the Michigan Department of Transportation despite Michigan having no toll roads; authorities warn that legitimate toll agencies never request payment via text message and advise victims to report such messages to the FTC or file complaints with state attorneys general.
law.georgia.gov
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr's Consumer Protection Division secured nearly $80 million for Georgia taxpayers and consumers combined, including $3.3 million in restitution for nearly 500 older and disabled adults who were defrauded into purchasing unproven stem cell products. The division assisted over 26,755 consumers and conducted extensive education and outreach efforts, reaching more than 980,000 people through speaking engagements, webinars, and educational resources to help Georgians recognize and avoid scams and fraud.
education.economictimes.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article provides women with ten cybersecurity tips to protect themselves against digital scams, including avoiding fraudulent job offers, being cautious on social media, using strong passwords and two-factor authentication, recognizing phishing attempts, avoiding romance scams, securing devices with passwords, and shopping safely online. The piece emphasizes that women across all professions—from homemakers to CEOs—face sophisticated digital threats and that digital vigilance, not just tech-savviness, is essential to safely navigate the online world.
army.mil
· 2025-12-08
This article educates military parents about cyberbullying threats facing their children, noting that nearly half of U.S. teens ages 13-17 experience it. Cyberbullying—which includes online harassment, impersonation, surveillance, and threats—is a criminal offense in most states, yet approximately 81% of youth underestimate its severity. Parents are advised to maintain open communication, create safe spaces for children to report incidents, and educate themselves on state-specific cyberbullying laws and support resources.
securityweek.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, consumers filed 2.6 million fraud reports totaling over $12.5 billion in losses—a $2 billion increase from 2023—with investment scams ($5.7 billion) and imposter scams like romance and government fraud ($2.95 billion) being the largest loss categories, according to FTC data. The majority of scammers contacted victims via email, followed by phone calls and text messages, while bank transfers and cryptocurrency were the most common payment methods used in fraudulent transactions. The FTC is actively pursuing enforcement actions and refunding victims, including sending over 736,000 PayPal payments to consumers scammed by computer repair service companies.
luxtimes.lu
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational piece providing advice on protecting oneself from online scams. The expert outlines common scam types—including phishing emails, fake websites, investment schemes, romance scams, tech support scams, lottery scams, and job scams—and recommends protective practices such as being cautious with personal information, verifying requests directly with service providers, using strong passwords, and remaining skeptical of unexpected messages. The key message is that staying informed and vigilant about evolving fraud tactics significantly reduces the risk of falling victim to online fraud.
news24.com
· 2025-12-08
Gen Z and Gen Alpha are surprisingly twice as likely to fall victim to online scams, phishing, and social media account hacks compared to baby boomers, despite being digital natives. In the workplace, younger employees prioritize cybersecurity on personal devices over work-issued ones, creating organizational vulnerabilities, while older workers demonstrate greater caution and compliance with security protocols. The research suggests that younger generations' overconfidence in their digital skills and comfort with online sharing leaves them more exposed to cyber threats than older, more security-conscious populations.
pennlive.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS is warning taxpayers about its 2025-26 "Dirty Dozen" list of common tax scams that increase during filing season, including email phishing, smishing via text messages, misleading social media tax advice, fake charity schemes, and false claims for fuel tax credits and non-existent self-employment credits. These scams can lead to identity theft, fraudulent tax credit claims, and other financial harm if taxpayers are not vigilant. The IRS emphasizes that scammers exploit tax season urgency to trick people into divulging personal information or filing false returns.
wfmynews2.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting North Carolina Quick Pass users with fraudulent text messages requesting payment or personal information. The North Carolina Department of Transportation, Greensboro Police Department, and Burlington Police Department have issued warnings advising users that legitimate NC Quick Pass communications will never request payment via text, will only come from shortcode 696277, and will include links to ncquickpass.com or secure.ncquickpass.com. Users should verify the sender before responding to any toll-related text messages.
freep.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans lost a record $12.5 billion to scams in 2024, a 25% increase from 2023, with investment scams accounting for nearly half at $5.7 billion and bank transfers and cryptocurrency being the most commonly exploited payment methods. The Federal Trade Commission data shows 38% of consumers reported losing money to fraud in 2024, up from 27% in 2023, with the number of fraud reports remaining stable at 2.6 million. Michigan consumers alone reported $204 million in losses, with seniors ages 60+ losing $45.9 million, though younger consumers are also increasingly victimized.
wndu.com
· 2025-12-08
A nationwide scam targeting toll road account holders uses text messages claiming unpaid fees are due within 12 hours to create false urgency and pressure victims into paying or revealing personal information. Indiana State Police warn that legitimate toll road operators do not contact customers via text and advise recipients to verify through their account portals and report suspicious messages to the IC3, FTC, or identity theft authorities if information may be compromised.