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in Scam Awareness
kttc.com
· 2025-12-08
A U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report identifies significant gaps in federal anti-fraud coordination, finding that 13 agencies lack a unified strategy, clear definitions of scams, government-wide loss estimates, and risk assessments needed to combat fraud proactively. The report recommends establishing a government-wide coordinated approach led by the FBI, improving consumer education and awareness, and urging the public to report scams rather than remain silent, while noting inconsistent fraud warnings across retailers like gift card sellers demonstrate the need for standardized consumer outreach.
roanoke-chowannewsherald.com
· 2025-12-08
Detective Darrell Rowe of the Northampton County Sheriff's Office presented at an Elder Abuse Awareness event to educate older adults about financial exploitation, which includes family members misusing benefits or bank accounts and strangers conducting home repair scams, grandchild bail scams, and IRS impersonation scams. Rowe emphasized that victims are often reluctant to report abuse due to shame and that it is difficult to recover lost money, recommending community members verify suspicious calls with family and report potential scams to law enforcement or DSS before sending any money.
torontoguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams cost Americans $1.3 billion in 2022, with nearly 70,000 people reporting losses, according to recent findings. Contrary to common assumptions, adults aged 18-59 are 13% more likely to fall victim than those over 60, though older victims typically lose nearly twice as much money per scam. Romance scammers employ sophisticated tactics including creating fake personas (military personnel, offshore workers, or those with emergencies), moving conversations to private messaging apps, and gradually requesting financial assistance, with half of 2023 fraud cases originating on mainstream social media rather than dedicated dating sites.
verywellmind.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article from Verywell Mind explains that phishing scams and fraud are widespread in the digital age, using psychological manipulation tactics that can deceive even intelligent individuals. The piece emphasizes that banks never initiate contact about suspicious account activity, and advises readers that falling victim to scams is not a reflection of intelligence or gullibility but rather a result of sophisticated criminal tactics. It also stresses the importance of self-compassion for scam victims and introduces a series covering common fraud types, psychological vulnerabilities exploited by scammers, and prevention strategies.
goerie.com
· 2025-12-08
Police are warning the public about a widespread DMV text message scam that threatens to suspend vehicle registration unless victims click malicious links and pay fake fines, with reports across multiple states including Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, and New Jersey. The scam is part of a broader wave of "smishing" (SMS phishing) attacks designed to steal personal and financial information by creating panic and prompting immediate action. To protect yourself, do not click links in unsolicited DMV texts, report suspicious messages to the FTC and your wireless provider, and verify any requests directly through your state's official DMV website or phone number.
al.com
· 2025-12-08
The Mobile Police Department warned residents of a "pine straw scam" operating in the Spring Hill area, where scammers quote low initial prices ($8 per roll) but charge victims thousands of dollars (up to $5,000) upon job completion without providing accurate estimates beforehand. Police advise citizens to verify business reputation, obtain written agreements before paying, and never pay upfront costs without documentation.
businessinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
Text message job scams have surged dramatically, with reported losses reaching $470 million in 2024—five times the 2020 amount—making job offers the second most common scam after fake package delivery. Scammers pose as recruiters from well-known companies, using increasingly sophisticated AI-crafted messages to lure vulnerable job seekers with unrealistic offers, then steal personal information (Social Security numbers, IDs, bank details) or trick victims into sending money for supposed work equipment. The problem is expected to worsen as economic uncertainty and remote work demand increase, making people more susceptible to these plausible-seeming frauds.
wgal.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission warned of investment scams on social media where hackers compromise victims' accounts to post bank account screenshots and fake investment opportunities promising quick returns with little risk, typically requesting a few hundred dollars via cryptocurrency or payment apps before blocking the victim. The FTC advises consumers to resist pressure to act immediately, research companies using terms like "scam" or "fraud," and remember that no legitimate investment guarantees returns. Victims should alert their compromised contacts directly in case their accounts have been hacked.
latimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are running fake social media advertisements impersonating the California DMV and offering 50% discounts on vehicle registration renewals, requesting personal information and payment via Cash App. State law prohibits the DMV from offering discounted registrations, and the department never solicits personal or financial information through unauthorized channels or social media. Residents should only renew registrations through the official DMV website, kiosks, or offices, and should verify any suspicious offers by contacting the DMV directly.
pennlive.com
· 2025-12-08
DMV officials across multiple U.S. states issued advisories in May warning citizens about text message scams impersonating the DMV and demanding payment for fake "outstanding tolls" or traffic violations, with messages threatening license suspension, penalties, or legal action. The fraudulent texts use official-looking ".gov" links and domain variations (such as "ezpassnj") to appear legitimate, targeting unsuspected victims in at least ten states including New York, New Jersey, Florida, and California. Authorities recommend recipients delete the messages immediately, avoid clicking links or providing information, and report the scams to the FTC or their service provider via the SPAM hotline (7726).
denver7.com
· 2025-12-08
The Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles is warning residents of a text message scam claiming recipients have outstanding traffic tickets and threatening license suspension or prosecution to pressure them into paying fake fines. The DMV clarified it never initiates contact via text and advises recipients not to click links or provide personal information, while the Better Business Bureau recommends verifying sender identity, avoiding suspicious links, and reporting such messages as junk.
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
Dishonest businesses are impersonating legitimate substance abuse treatment centers through paid search ads, misleading callers about their identity and redirecting them to unwanted or distant treatment options. To protect yourself, verify contact information by accessing company websites directly rather than relying on search results, distinguish between paid ads and organic results, and use trusted resources like FindTreatment.gov to locate legitimate treatment services.
pajaronian.com
· 2025-12-08
Seniors in three California communities attended a town hall meeting where Santa Cruz County District Attorney Jeff Rosell and Sheriff Chris Clark provided guidance on current scams targeting older adults, including phone, text, postal service, credit card, and door-to-door fraud schemes. Law enforcement advised residents to hang up on unrecognized callers, request suspicious in-person transactions occur at a police station, verify government contacts use official domains (not .com or .net), use credit cards instead of debit cards, and refuse unsolicited door-to-door offers. The presentation emphasized that legitimate businesses rarely conduct transactions at someone's home, and residents should report scams to the Federal Trade Commission or local authorities.
ffxnow.com
· 2025-12-08
Fairfax County leaders are advocating for a coordinated regional approach to combat senior fraud, noting that inconsistent messaging across jurisdictions weakens prevention efforts. The county's Silver Shield campaign has reached over 60,000 residents since 2017, but data shows the problem remains significant—the county's Financial Exploitation Task Force handled nearly 160 cases in fiscal year 2024 involving $19 million in losses, with only about 20% recovered. County officials plan to work with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments to develop consistent anti-fraud messaging across the D.C. region and potentially statewide.
nysenate.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
A senior fraud prevention forum is being held in Glenmont, NY on June 23 to educate seniors and community members about avoiding common scams and fraud. The event, hosted by Senator Patricia Fahy, AARP New York, and local officials, highlights that senior fraud costs consumers over $3 billion annually and has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic.
saltwire.com
· 2025-12-08
Whitbourne RCMP reported two grandparent scam attempts targeting elderly victims in June 2025, in which scammers impersonated police and family members to request emergency funds. One victim lost $20,000 after being told her grandson needed bail money and was coached on how to withdraw cash discreetly; a second attempted scam was prevented when a family member intervened after the victim was pressured to purchase gift cards. The RCMP warns that scammers use fear-based tactics and advises residents to verify claims directly with sources and never share personal information.
leaderadvertiser.com
· 2025-12-08
The Montana Department of Justice is offering a free educational class on June 11 at the First Christian Church of St. Ignatius to help seniors recognize and avoid telephone and internet scams, as well as financial exploitation. An Elder Justice prosecutor and investigator will provide information on identifying scams, protecting oneself, and reporting exploitation if it occurs.
charkoosta.com
· 2025-12-08
The Montana Department of Justice is hosting an educational class on "Elder Scam and Exploitation Self Defense" on June 11 in St Ignatius, where an Elder Justice Prosecutor and Investigator will teach participants how to identify and avoid telephone and internet scams, recognize financial exploitation, and respond if they or someone they know becomes a victim. The free class is open to all community members.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Nirav Patel was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for his role in an imposter scam that defrauded multiple elderly victims across the Midwest of thousands of dollars in life savings. Patel, operating from Chicago, would collect money and gold from victims after scammers impersonating federal agents threatened them with identity theft and legal consequences, sometimes calling up to 12 times daily; the collected funds were then sent to accounts in India. In 2024, gold bar schemes similar to this operation stole $219 million nationally, making imposter scams the most common type of criminal scheme as of March 2025.
wave3.com
· 2025-12-08
AARP hosted its Summer Scam Jam event in Louisville, Kentucky to educate seniors about rising fraud schemes, as reported losses reached $12.5 billion in 2024. One victim, Mary Ellen Strange, lost approximately $378,000 over seven weeks to an Amazon impersonation scam that used fear tactics and false law enforcement claims, leaving her facing additional IRS debt. Common fraud schemes include impersonation scams (family members, law enforcement, and customer service representatives), and AARP stressed that anyone regardless of education level can become a victim.
lptv.org
· 2025-12-08
Minnesota's Department of Public Safety is warning residents of a scam involving fake text messages impersonating the state's motor vehicles department, falsely claiming unpaid traffic tickets and threatening legal action to pressure recipients into payment. The scam texts often escalate in threatening language across multiple messages and direct victims to click links that steal personal information. DPS advises residents not to open any payment links in unsolicited texts and notes that the department never requests payment via text message; victims should report incidents to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
wpst.com
· 2025-12-08
A scammer in Mercer County, New Jersey impersonated a Lieutenant from the Prosecutor's Office, calling a victim and claiming a family member had an outstanding warrant requiring a $10,000 Bitcoin ATM deposit. The Mercer County Prosecutor's Office warns that legitimate law enforcement will never request money, financial information, or personal details over the phone, and advises residents to hang up and report suspicious calls immediately.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
Minnesota state officials warned residents of a phony text message scam impersonating a non-existent "Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles (DPSMN)" that falsely claims recipients have outstanding traffic tickets and threatens license suspension and credit damage unless they pay through a suspicious link. The Minnesota Department of Vehicle Services confirmed the scam is circulating statewide and emphasized they never request payment via text. Officials advised residents to delete the messages, avoid clicking links, and report suspected scams to the Minnesota Attorney General's Office or Federal Trade Commission.
theaustraliatoday.com.au
· 2025-12-08
The Australian Federal Police reported a sharp rise in cryptocurrency ATM scams between January 2024 and January 2025, with 150 reported cases resulting in losses exceeding $3.1 million (averaging over $20,000 per victim), though authorities suspect significant under-reporting. Investment scams were most common, followed by extortion and romance scams, predominantly affecting women and people over 51. The AFP, AUSTRAC, and JPC3 have launched a joint taskforce and are placing warning materials at crypto ATM locations, urging the public to avoid sending cryptocurrency to strangers and to report suspicious activity.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
A Google and Morning Consult survey found that over 60 percent of Americans report increased scam attempts in the past year, with email and text being primary channels; the FBI has documented a 33 percent year-over-year spike in online scams. Google is combating this threat with AI-powered detection tools that block 99.9 percent of phishing attempts, expanded scam flagging on Android, and safer login options like passkeys and two-factor authentication. Consumers can further protect themselves by enabling two-factor authentication, using password managers, and learning to identify red flags such as urgent language and suspicious links.
spectrumnews1.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers in Wisconsin are impersonating the Wisconsin Department of Transportation DMV by sending text messages claiming unpaid traffic violations or final notices, attempting to trick recipients into revealing personal information or clicking malicious links. The Wisconsin DMV received a large volume of complaints on June 2 and noted similar scams had recently targeted Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, New Jersey, Georgia, and New York. The DMV advises residents not to respond to unsolicited texts, avoid clicking links, and warns to be suspicious of communications requesting money or creating urgency.
ia.acs.org.au
· 2025-12-08
Australian police warned of a surge in cryptocurrency ATM scams, with 150 reported incidents in 2024 resulting in approximately $3.1 million in losses, averaging over $20,000 per scam. Investment scams were the most common type, with 72 victims aged over 51, and one elderly man lost $1.4 million in a romance scam involving crypto ATMs. In response, financial watchdog AUSTRAC implemented new regulations including $5,000 transaction limits, mandatory scam warnings, and enhanced customer due diligence requirements for crypto ATM operators.
newscop.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Women aged 50 and older account for the majority of crypto ATM scam victims in Australia, with 150 reports received over 12 months (January 2024-2025) totaling $3.1 million in losses, averaging over $20,000 per report. The most common scams involved investments (63 cases), extortion emails (35), and romance scams (24), with authorities warning that actual losses are likely significantly underreported due to victim embarrassment or lack of awareness. The AFP recommends vigilance against common warning signs including unsolicited requests to use crypto ATMs, promises of guaranteed high returns, and pressure from new romantic partners or strangers to invest
blog.google
· 2025-12-08
A 2025 survey conducted with Morning Consult reveals that U.S. consumers are increasingly aware of rising online scams, with over 60% perceiving an increase in scam attempts and one-third having experienced a data breach, while the FBI reported online scams reached a record $16.6 billion in losses the previous year (up 33% annually). The study found that security practices vary significantly by generation, with older Americans (Gen X and Baby Boomers) relying on traditional passwords and two-factor authentication, while Gen Z is adopting more modern authentication methods like passkeys and social sign-ins that offer better protection against phishing and data breaches.
azfamily.com
· 2025-12-08
According to a CNET survey, 96% of U.S. adults receive at least one scam email, text, or phone call weekly, with Americans losing $470 million to text scams alone in 2024. Scammers use urgent messaging tactics around bills, packages, and banking to trick victims, and their tactics are becoming increasingly sophisticated with AI. To protect yourself, experts recommend filtering messages to known senders only, using carrier spam-blocking tools, and never responding to or clicking links in suspicious messages.
wndu.com
· 2025-12-08
Residents of South Bend, Indiana received fraudulent text messages impersonating the Indiana Department of Motor Vehicles, claiming unpaid traffic tickets and threatening vehicle registration suspension unless recipients clicked a link and paid a "fine" by June 6. The scam can be identified by several red flags: it comes from a suspicious email address, references nonexistent agencies ("Indiana Department of Vehicles" and "North Indiana State Administrative Code"), and promises an illegal 35% service fee. Police advise recipients not to click the link and note that legitimate DMV issues are handled through official mail, not text messages.
wymt.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud is a rapidly growing crisis, with victims losing over $3 billion in 2023 at an average loss of $33,915 per person, particularly targeting older adults with cognitive decline and substantial wealth. Financial exploiters are frequently family members or caregivers rather than strangers, taking advantage of conditions like dementia to manipulate victims. To protect elderly relatives, experts recommend monitoring financial accounts, setting up legal protections like powers of attorney and trusts, and maintaining regular contact with aging parents.
publicnewsservice.org
· 2025-12-08
Medicare loses $60 billion to $80 billion annually to fraud, with common scams including callers requesting Medicare numbers under the pretense of issuing new cards, unsolicited medical equipment deliveries, and strangers offering fraudulent free services like house cleaning that are billed to the government. The Senior Medicare Patrol advises beneficiaries to regularly check their Medicare summary notices on MyMedicare.gov and remain vigilant for red flags such as charges for services never received or from unfamiliar providers, and warns that some scammers trick people into unknowingly enrolling in hospice care, which can result in Medicare denying essential surgeries or medications.
kbtx.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud is a rapidly growing crisis, with victims losing over $3 billion in 2023 at an average loss of $33,915 per victim, particularly affecting wealthy seniors over 65 who may have declining mental capacity. Scammers—often family members rather than strangers—exploit vulnerable elderly individuals through various schemes, making it critical for families to monitor finances, install cameras, establish legal protections like powers of attorney and trusts, and maintain regular contact with aging relatives. The FBI recommends contacting the National Elder Fraud Hotline for anyone suspecting financial exploitation of seniors.
capitol-beat.org
· 2025-12-08
Christie Edwards, a 47-year-old bookkeeper at a Glynn County accounting firm, was indicted for stealing over $380,000 from an elderly client through fraudulent ATM withdrawals, point-of-sale transactions, checks, and credit card payments. The case highlights the vulnerability of seniors to financial exploitation by trusted individuals with access to their accounts, and Georgia's Attorney General urged families to establish oversight systems and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.
law.georgia.gov
· 2025-12-08
Christie Edwards, a 47-year-old Florida bookkeeper, was indicted in Glynn County, Georgia on charges of Racketeering and Theft by Taking for allegedly stealing over $380,000 from an elderly client through fraudulent ATM withdrawals, point-of-sale transactions, checks, and credit card payments while employed at a local accounting firm. The case was investigated by the Attorney General's White Collar and Cyber Crime Unit and highlights the vulnerability of seniors to financial exploitation by trusted individuals with direct access to their finances.
nbcboston.com
· 2025-12-08
A Texas teenager created an app called Shield Seniors after her 86-year-old grandfather nearly fell victim to an impersonation scam in which a caller posing as a family member requested $2,000. Unable to find existing online resources to help protect her grandfather, Tejasvi developed the app to help seniors recognize common scams, report fraud, and receive real-time advice through AI chatbots.
newtownpanow.com
· 2025-12-08
Between May 27-29, Newtown Township and Wrightstown Township police reported multiple scams targeting residents. Two gift card scams resulted in losses totaling $7,000—one involving a fake YouTube TV account cancellation threat and another using a fraudulent Netflix billing increase email. Additionally, residents received text messages impersonating the Pennsylvania Court system demanding payment for alleged traffic violations through a scam URL. Police emphasized that legitimate businesses and government agencies never request payment via gift cards or unsolicited electronic transfers, and advised residents to verify contact through official channels before providing any payment information.
uta.edu
· 2025-12-08
Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington received funding to develop and test inoculation-based messaging designed to protect people against online romance scams. The project applies inoculation theory—exposing individuals to mild versions of deceptive tactics to build resistance—to create evidence-based public awareness campaigns, with the goal of filling gaps in current scam prevention efforts that often lack effectiveness. The team will develop and evaluate video scenarios simulating realistic online interactions to measure how well different inoculation strategies help users resist emotionally manipulative persuasion tactics used by scammers.
wbtv.com
· 2025-12-08
A Catawba County woman lost over $160,000 to a government impersonation scam after being deceived by someone posing as a Department of Justice investigator who claimed she was under a gag order. Government impersonation crimes affected 17,367 people in 2024 with losses exceeding $405 million, while romance scams resulted in over $670 million in losses that year. U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson emphasized the importance of reporting fraud quickly to enable money recovery and highlighted his office's success in prosecuting scammers, including cryptocurrency fraud cases, with recent convictions resulting in lengthy prison sentences and millions of dollars recovered.
wilcosun.com
· 2025-12-08
The Williamson County Sheriff's Office warned residents about imposter scams where fraudsters falsely claim to be law enforcement, using real employee names and fake local phone numbers to appear credible. Legitimate sheriff's offices never request money, threaten arrest, or demand personal information via phone; scammers commonly use pressure tactics, robocalls, and request payment through untraceable methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or bitcoin. Residents should hang up on suspicious calls immediately and contact the sheriff's office directly, and should be alert to common scam variations including debt collection fraud via text, sweepstake scams, and emergency schemes involving fake relatives.
explodingtopics.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2025, scams affect billions globally: approximately 608 million people fall victim to scams annually worldwide, while in the US alone, 34% of adults experienced scams in the past year with losses exceeding $12.5 billion (a 25% increase year-over-year). The most common scam methods are phone calls and SMS messages, followed by email, with romance scams causing the highest average losses at $2,000 per victim, while identity theft remains the most prevalent scam type in the US.
shreveportbossieradvocate.com
· 2025-12-08
Medicare Fraud Prevention Week (held annually in early June) educates older adults and healthcare providers about common fraud schemes targeting seniors, including romance scams where fraudsters pose as companions and gradually request money, diabetic supply buyback scams advertised on roadsides that endanger victims' health, and phone scams using numbers similar to legitimate healthcare providers. Experts emphasize the importance of removing stigma around fraud victimization so seniors report scams quickly, and warn that legitimate healthcare providers never request financial information over the phone.
9news.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Australia's financial crime watchdog (AUSTRAC) announced a crackdown on cryptocurrency ATM scams, which have cost victims an estimated $3.1 million in reported losses over 12 months, with the actual figure likely much higher. Criminals exploit the machines to pressure victims—predominantly women over 50—into sending cryptocurrency through investment swindles, extortion, and romance scams; once sent, the crypto is nearly impossible to recover. New industry-wide controls are being implemented, and authorities warn people to be suspicious of urgent requests to use crypto ATMs, promises of guaranteed high returns, or any unsolicited pressure to deposit cash.
berkshireeagle.com
· 2025-12-08
A two-stage phone scam is circulating where criminals first defraud victims, then pose as FTC agents claiming to recover their money while stealing additional personal information and funds. The scam exploits victims' desperation to recover losses and uses fake badges and official-looking credentials easily created from internet images. The FTC warns that legitimate agents never call unsolicited, request money, or ask for personal information—victims should hang up and call agencies directly to verify identity, avoid payments via gift cards or cryptocurrency, and report suspected scams to local police and the FTC.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, 2.6 million U.S. consumers reported $12.5 billion in losses to fraud—a 25% increase from 2023—with investment scams ($5.7 billion) and imposter scams ($2.95 billion) comprising the largest categories. Notably, government imposter scams and business/job opportunity fraud showed significant growth, and consumers lost more money through bank transfers and cryptocurrency payments than through all other payment methods combined.
nbcconnecticut.com
· 2025-12-08
The Connecticut Department of Vehicles and multiple state police departments warned residents against clicking links in fraudulent text messages falsely claiming to be from the DMV regarding traffic violations or toll fees. The phishing scam attempts to trick recipients into clicking malicious links that could compromise personal data or lead to financial loss, and can be identified by red flags such as strange sender addresses, false urgency, and references to non-existent state codes.
linncountyiowa.gov
· 2025-12-08
The Linn County Treasurer's Office received multiple reports of phishing text messages impersonating the Iowa DMV, claiming recipients owe tolls or fees with threats of enforcement penalties. Recipients should not click links or share personal information, and should instead verify through official .gov websites, report the messages as spam, and delete them.
abc11.com
· 2025-12-08
A multi-state text scam impersonating the North Carolina DMV claimed recipients had unpaid traffic tickets or toll charges and threatened vehicle registration suspension or required payment of $6.99 within hours. The fraudulent texts included links to fake websites mimicking official DMV sites, designed to steal personal information or payment card details from drivers across North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, New York, and Florida. The NC DMV advises recipients not to respond, to block the sender, and to report the messages to the FTC via text to 7726.
nbcdfw.com
· 2025-12-08
A Texas teenager created an app called Shield Seniors after her 86-year-old grandfather nearly fell victim to an impersonation scam in which a caller posing as a family member requested $2,000. Unable to find existing resources to help prevent such fraud, the teenager developed an app specifically designed for older adults that provides information on recognizing scams, enables users to report fraudulent activity, and uses AI chatbots to offer real-time guidance and education.