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al.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns consumers to remain vigilant during Black Friday shopping, as scammers increasingly exploit the holiday season using fake websites, phishing emails, counterfeit products, and deceptive deals to steal personal and financial information. The BBB recommends safe shopping practices including verifying secure websites (HTTPS), avoiding suspicious links, comparing prices, researching businesses, using credit cards for better fraud protection, and planning purchases in advance. These precautions apply to both online and in-store shopping to help consumers protect themselves and their wallets during the busy retail period.
fox13news.com
· 2025-12-08
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office warns that scammers are placing fake QR codes over legitimate ones to trick people into downloading malicious apps or visiting fraudulent websites that mimic legitimate sites, particularly during the holiday travel season. The scam works by displaying urgent messages (such as account lockouts or parking tickets) that pressure victims into quickly scanning the code and providing payment or personal information. Authorities recommend typing URLs directly into browsers, pausing when prompted for immediate action, and freezing credit with major bureaus to prevent identity theft.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Tracey Watkins, a 42-year-old accountant from Cardiff, lost £52,000 (her savings plus her daughter's savings and unauthorized loans) after being approached via WhatsApp by a scammer posing as an investment firm representative who promised to triple or quadruple her money through bitcoin investments. After granting remote access to her phone via the AnyDesk app under the pretense of facilitating the investment, the scammer used her device to authorize loans and drain her accounts, then disappeared; her bank and the Financial Ombudsman Service denied recovery because she had granted permission through the app. Citizens Advice warns against investment scams on social media, advising people
scmp.com
· 2025-12-08
A 60-year-old Hong Kong retiree lost HK$11.5 million (US$1.4 million) to scammers who posed as technical support staff and police officers in November. The victim was deceived after a pop-up alert appeared on her computer claiming it was hacked; she called the provided number and was transferred to a fake policeman who gained remote access to her computer and instructed her to check her bank accounts. This case represents one of Hong Kong's largest cyber scams involving impersonation of authority figures and technical support.
travelandtourworld.com
· 2025-12-08
AI-powered travel scams have surged 900% in the past 18 months, with US travelers losing $265,000 in 2023 and nearly 1 in 4 losing $1,000 or more per scam. Scammers use AI to create fake booking websites, fraudulent chatbots, convincing phishing emails, and fake reviews to exploit holiday travelers, with defenses including verifying URLs, avoiding suspicious links, and cross-checking reviews across multiple platforms.
advocate.com
· 2025-12-08
A phishing scam targeting members of the trans community in Washington, D.C. attempted to redirect employee payroll by sending fraudulent emails impersonating workers and requesting banking information changes. At least two individuals—SC Nealy, founder of LGBT+ Counseling Collaborative, and SK Smigiel, a content creator—were targeted, with Nealy falling victim after providing banking details based on a convincing fake email. The scammers reportedly gathered personal information from social media to craft targeted messages, highlighting how phishing scams evolve and exploit vulnerable communities.
wtsp.com
· 2025-12-08
Local law enforcement agencies across the Tampa Bay area are warning that elderly fraud has reached epidemic levels, particularly during the holiday season when seniors are vulnerable to scams involving romance, fake investments, and impersonation schemes. The Bradenton Police Department's Elder Fraud Unit has investigated cases resulting in nearly $3 million in losses this year, including a case where a 56-year-old man scammed a Texas woman of approximately $600,000 by impersonating billionaire Elon Musk via Facebook over several months. Authorities advise seniors to verify identities by calling contacts directly, hang up on suspicious calls, and recommend family members stay involved in elderly relatives' financial and digital activities.
wral.com
· 2025-12-08
Fayetteville police are warning citizens of a scam involving fraudulent voicemails impersonating police sergeants claiming to have "confidential legal matters" requiring immediate attention. When victims call back, scammers pressure them to pay money or provide gift cards to avoid legal consequences, a tactic law enforcement will never use. Police advise citizens to verify suspicious calls directly through official department phone numbers and to share this warning to prevent others from being victimized.
barbadostoday.bb
· 2025-12-08
This opinion piece examines the escalating problem of elder fraud in the digital age, highlighting how seniors are disproportionately targeted by scammers who exploit their trusting nature, financial assets, and technological vulnerabilities. The 2023 FBI report revealed that seniors aged 60 and older lost over $3.4 billion to fraud, with individuals losing an average of $33,915, while data breaches exposing personal information make them prime targets for sophisticated, personalized attacks. The article emphasizes that common scams include tech support fraud, romance scams, and emergency/grandparent scams, and stresses the urgent need for awareness and protective measures given seniors' limited ability to recover
wvva.com
· 2025-12-08
During the holiday season, seniors are being warned about phishing scams, particularly text messages impersonating postal services and shipping companies that trick recipients into clicking malicious links to "confirm delivery." State Senator Chris Head and local aging advocates are urging seniors to avoid clicking unsolicited links, verify requests independently, and never share personal information via text messages, as these scams are actively circulating and targeting vulnerable populations.
wfmd.com
· 2025-12-08
Carroll County Sheriff Jim DeWees warns that senior citizens are increasingly targeted by scammers, particularly during the holidays, due to their substantial savings, home ownership, and good credit. Recent scams affecting Maryland seniors include a gold bar scheme that cost seven residents $6.3 million, as well as fake check and phishing scams, with the FBI reporting that people over 60 lost more than $3.4 million to fraud in 2023, an 11 percent increase from 2022. DeWees recommends seniors verify unsolicited communications independently, never share personal information, stay informed about scam tactics through trusted sources, and report suspected fraud to local law enforcement.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A 35-year-old Oakland man, Zhongqiang Chen, was arrested on November 14 after scamming an elderly Stanislaus County woman out of $30,000 through a fake McAfee antivirus email that gave him remote access to her computer. Chen transferred $60,000 from her money market account, convinced her she owed him that amount, and collected an initial $30,000 payment before being arrested in an undercover operation when he arrived to collect the remaining $30,000. The case remains under investigation to determine if there are additional victims.
lockhaven.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines common holiday scams targeting seniors, including fake online stores, gift card fraud, phishing emails, government impersonation, grandparent scams, lottery schemes, and romance scams (which caused $652 million in losses to Americans in 2023). The article provides practical prevention advice such as verifying legitimate websites, not clicking suspicious links, and remembering that the IRS never calls by phone. It also lists warning signs of financial exploitation, including unusual bank visits, large cash withdrawals, unpaid bills, and sudden changes in financial habits or relationships.
yorkdispatch.com
· 2025-12-08
Holiday shoppers face increased online scams during peak shopping season, including puppy scams (fake breeders requesting upfront deposits for dogs never delivered), toy scams (counterfeit or non-existent products offered at discounted prices on fraudulent websites), and Facebook Marketplace scams (sellers disappearing after collecting payment via payment apps or gift cards). Security experts advise shoppers to be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, avoid clicking links from social media ads, shop directly on official websites, and avoid sending payment in advance to unknown sellers.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
This article outlines six common gift card scams that surge during the holiday season, including display rack tampering (where scammers record activation codes or swap barcodes to drain cards before use), impersonation schemes (where fraudsters pose as trusted contacts requesting gift card purchases), resale fraud (fake or empty cards sold on online platforms), and phishing attacks. The piece provides practical prevention advice for each scam type, such as checking packaging for tampering, verifying caller identity through independent contact, using reputable retailers only, and avoiding unsolicited requests for gift card information or payment.
abc11.com
· 2025-12-08
During the holiday shopping season, online scams proliferate through fake websites, social media ads, and AI-generated deepfakes impersonating major brands, with non-delivery scams being particularly prevalent. Gift card fraud is a major concern, with 30% of Americans having received worthless gift cards in the past year, as criminals tamper with cards in retail stores or use ghost bots to drain balances. Experts recommend shopping only on trusted platforms, using credit cards for payment protection, and immediately registering and checking the balance of gift cards upon receipt.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies seven categories of personal information that should not be shared online, as they make people vulnerable to scams and fraud. Key targets include relationship status (widows are especially targeted for romance scams), vacation plans, videos/photos for deepfake creation, expensive items being sold, fitness routes via GPS, children's school/activity details, and work information. The article provides practical protective advice for each category, such as keeping social media private, meeting sellers in public spaces, and avoiding identifiable details about children and employment.
interpol.int
· 2025-12-08
A five-month global law enforcement operation (July-November 2024) involving 40 countries arrested over 5,500 financial crime suspects and seized more than USD 400 million in assets across seven types of cyber-enabled frauds including voice phishing, romance scams, investment fraud, and cryptocurrency scams. Notable outcomes included Korean and Chinese authorities dismantling a voice phishing syndicate that defrauded 1,900 victims of USD 1.1 billion, and the recovery of USD 39.3 million in a Singapore business email compromise case affecting a commodity firm that lost USD 42.3 million.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
Two Nigerian nationals and a U.S. citizen were sentenced to federal prison for conducting inheritance scams, romance scams, and business email compromise schemes that defrauded victims of at least $3.5 million. Anthony Emeka Ibekie, 59, of Oswego, received 20 years in prison after conviction on 14 counts including wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering, while his co-conspirator Samuel Aniukwu, 50, was sentenced to 10 years after pleading guilty to wire fraud charges. The schemes involved using aliases to convince victims they had inheritances or build romantic relationships through social media before soliciting money transfers.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 29-year-old man in North East Delhi lost Rs 17.5 lakh in an online investment scam after receiving a promotional call in October and being convinced by fraudsters to invest in trading with promises of profits. The scammers repeatedly requested additional funds under pretexts like taxes and account unfreezing before the victim realized the fraud and reported it to police, who registered a case under cheating charges.
au.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A Proofpoint cybersecurity study found that 66% of Australian banks failed to implement the highest level of email authentication protection (DMARC), leaving customers vulnerable to spoofing and phishing scams—a significant gap compared to 42% of U.S. banks that lack such protections. In 2024, over 66,000 Australians reported falling victim to email scams, resulting in losses exceeding $224 million, prompting the government's new Scam Prevention Framework to impose mandatory fraud prevention obligations on financial institutions with potential fines up to $50 million.
wlos.com
· 2025-12-08
Following Hurricane Helene, approximately 70% of scams tracked by the Carolina Cyber Center have been linked to relief donation fraud, with criminals impersonating charities, sending phishing emails, and using fake text messages to steal money and personal information from victims. Experts recommend donating only through trusted established organizations like the Red Cross or Salvation Army, verifying websites and social media profiles before giving, and avoiding clicking suspicious links. The center warns that fraudulent activity is expected to continue for years as donations keep coming in.
prunderground.com
· 2025-12-08
Andy LaPointe, a retired registered investment advisor, held a book signing event on November 27, 2024, for *Senior Savvy: A Comprehensive Guide to Avoiding Scams*, a resource designed to help seniors recognize and protect themselves from increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes. The book covers common scams targeting seniors—including phishing, cryptocurrency schemes, and door-to-door fraud—and provides practical guidance on internet safety, password creation, and recovery steps if victimized. Organizations can purchase bulk editions with customized branding to strengthen fraud prevention efforts in their communities.
9to5mac.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission closed a significant loophole in the Telemarketing Sales Rule by extending protections to "inbound" calls—those initiated by consumers responding to deceptive online ads, emails, and pop-ups that impersonate tech support services. Seniors are disproportionately targeted by these scams, losing over $175 million last year, with adults 60 and older being five times more likely than younger consumers to report losses to fraudulent tech support schemes. The expanded rule now prohibits scammers from even requesting payment through irreversible methods like wire transfers or cash reload cards, enabling the FTC to take action against perpetrators regardless of whether victims were ultimately defrauded.
pcmag.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Black Friday shopping increases fraud risks as scammers exploit high consumer activity through phishing emails, fake websites, and compromised payment systems. To protect themselves, shoppers should avoid clicking suspicious links and instead navigate directly to official websites, use virtual credit cards or payment apps like PayPal, and verify product reviews with tools like Fakespot. Additional precautions include monitoring credit card statements for unauthorized charges and avoiding sign-ups on unverified sites.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are exploiting Spotify's public playlists and podcasts by embedding keywords like "free download" and "crack" to appear in search results, directing users to malicious external links that distribute malware, steal personal information through phishing, and generate revenue via fake ads and affiliate links. The scam targets users searching for pirated software, ebooks, audiobooks, and game cheats, with some podcasts using synthesized speech to drive clicks to unsafe sites. Users should avoid suspicious links, download only from official sources, use antivirus software, and verify content legitimacy through trusted channels to protect themselves.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters are operating thousands of fake websites impersonating major retailers like Wayfair, IKEA, and The North Face to exploit Black Friday shoppers, stealing personal and payment information when consumers attempt purchases. Online shopping fraud reached $12.5 billion in potential losses in 2023 (a 22% increase from 2022), with scammers using increasingly sophisticated tactics including AI and fabricated "Trusted Store" badges to appear legitimate. To protect themselves, consumers should use multifactor authentication, avoid unfamiliar links, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
postcourier.com.pg
· 2025-12-08
ANZ bank introduced a new scams education module within its MoneyMinded financial literacy program in Papua New Guinea to combat rising fraud threats. The module educates participants about phishing, remote access scams, and romance scams as part of standard financial training.
independent.ie
· 2025-12-08
Gardaí in Limerick warned the public about counterfeit €50 notes in circulation and online scams, particularly ahead of the busy Christmas shopping season. One woman was scammed out of €250 after clicking a fraudulent link in a text purporting to be from An Post requesting payment for customs charges on a parcel. Police advised retailers to verify currency with marking pens and urged consumers to avoid clicking links in unsolicited texts or emails, especially during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping period.
independent.ie
· 2025-12-08
Irish law enforcement (Gardaí) recovered approximately €3.5 million from bank accounts as part of an international operation targeting organized fraud networks that employed sextortion, romance scams, and phishing tactics. Irish nationals were identified as victims across multiple types of cyber-enabled fraud schemes. The operation demonstrates coordinated global efforts to combat sophisticated organized fraud affecting vulnerable populations.
news.virginmediao2.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
O2 has launched Call Defence, a free AI-powered service that flags suspected scam and nuisance calls to customers before they answer, using Adaptive AI technology to analyze call behavior in real-time. The rollout comes as data shows 16% of UK consumers fell victim to phone scams last year, losing an average of £798 each, with nearly a quarter of Brits targeted by scammers at least weekly. O2 is the first UK mobile operator to offer this protection at no extra cost to Pay Monthly and business customers on both Android and iOS 18+ devices.
onfocus.news
· 2025-12-08
Black Friday shopping attracts a spike in scams, with one in four American online shoppers falling victim to fraud during the season, largely because shoppers act impulsively when pursuing deals. Common scams include fake retail websites mimicking legitimate stores, social media phishing posts with fraudulent links, counterfeit goods, fake order confirmations and delivery notifications, gift card scams, and account verification schemes designed to steal financial and login information. Consumers can protect themselves by verifying URLs before clicking links, being skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, avoiding links from unsolicited emails and social media posts, and shopping only through trusted retailers.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
A Liverpool fan lost £1,500 to fake Champions League final tickets purchased through a fraudulent social media account that impersonated a legitimate ticket seller; he eventually recovered his money through his bank's ombudsman after proving prior legitimate transactions with the same account. Between January and September, Santander customers reported £243,000 in losses to sports ticket scams, with football-related fraud accounting for 52% of losses and an average loss per victim rising to £352 in 2024. Police warn that ticket scams spike during high-profile fixtures with limited availability, and victims who bypass official sellers lose consumer protections, though new UK banking rules now require refunds up to £
digit.in
· 2025-12-08
A 61-year-old child specialist in Hyderabad was targeted by scammers using a digital arrest scam who convinced him to withdraw over Rs 13 lakhs to settle a supposed legal dispute, but alert SBI employees Surya Swathi and Kumar Gaud recognized his distressed behavior and continuous incoming calls, educating him about the scam with newspaper evidence before he lost his money. The scammers used fear-mongering tactics common in digital arrest schemes, which prey on elderly and less digitally aware individuals, but the victim severed contact with the fraudsters after realizing the deception.
boston25news.com
· 2025-12-08
This article discusses Cyber Monday shopping trends and scam prevention advice. It notes that Adobe predicts $13.2 billion will be spent on Cyber Monday this year, with deals from major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target, but warns that scammers use fake websites, phishing, and malicious QR codes to steal personal and financial information during the holiday shopping season. The article provides protective measures including verifying URLs and email senders, checking for "https://" security features, avoiding unsolicited QR codes, and using credit cards instead of debit cards.
dailyrecord.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns that thousands fall victim to holiday scams annually, including nondelivery scams, nonpayment fraud, auction fraud, and gift card scams, which cost consumers over $309 million in 2023 alone. The agency recommends protecting oneself by avoiding suspicious links and unverified sellers, using secure websites with "https," never wiring money directly or paying with prepaid gift cards, obtaining tracking numbers for purchases, and monitoring credit card statements regularly. Key red flags include sellers claiming to be in the U.S. but stating they're abroad, requests to ship internationally to avoid customs, and unfavorable seller ratings.
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-08
As Bitcoin approaches $100,000, cybercriminals are exploiting FOMO and market excitement through increasingly sophisticated cryptocurrency scams, including fake celebrity endorsements (particularly deepfakes of Elon Musk), phishing emails, Ponzi schemes, and "pig butchering" romance scams. The FBI received over 69,000 cryptocurrency fraud complaints last year resulting in losses exceeding $5.6 billion—nearly half of all reported fraud losses. Consumers should verify communications directly with providers, avoid one-time promotional offers, and never respond to unsolicited messages claiming account compromises.
theweek.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines common online shopping scams that increase during peak shopping periods like Black Friday, including fake websites, bogus order confirmations, false card decline alerts, and phishing texts. Red flags to watch for include unusually low prices, URL spelling errors, artificial urgency, and requests for wire transfers or gift cards. To protect yourself, verify URLs before clicking, use secure payment methods, and be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
Black Friday shoppers face increased cybercrime risks, with 30% of annual cybercrime occurring on this shopping day, including fraudulent websites using fake "Trusted Store" badges and counterfeit ads impersonating popular brands like Wayfair and IKEA to steal financial information. Experts recommend verifying website legitimacy by checking for secure "https" URLs, avoiding unrealistically steep discounts, looking for payment method inconsistencies, reading third-party reviews, and being cautious of smishing text scams that prompt victims to verify payment information.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns holiday shoppers to be cautious of common scams during Black Friday and Cyber Monday season, including auction fraud, non-delivery scams, gift card fraud, and non-payment scams. Non-delivery and non-payment scams cost consumers over $309 million in 2023, with credit card fraud accounting for another $173 million in losses. The FBI recommends verifying website security, researching sellers, avoiding suspicious links, using secure payment methods, and monitoring shipping to protect against holiday shopping fraud.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Black Friday shopping presents heightened fraud risks, with approximately 30% of annual online scams occurring on this day according to Norton's Scam Research Labs. The article identifies common scams including fake e-shops (which use unrealistically steep discounts and inconsistent payment options) and "smishing" attacks, and provides detection tips such as verifying secure connections (https/lock icons), checking URLs for brand consistency, reviewing third-party seller ratings, and confirming physical business addresses.
dvidshub.net
· 2025-12-08
Soldiers, veterans, and their family members face multiple growing scams including romance, confidence, and online impersonation fraud, according to Army Criminal Investigation Division officials. Data brokers sell personal information for as low as $20, which scammers use for targeted attacks such as impersonating military officials requesting gift cards, romance schemes targeting those over 50, and social media account takeovers. To protect themselves, individuals should use strong passwords with two-factor authentication, password managers, and separate work and personal accounts.
telecomtv.com
· 2025-12-08
O2 has launched Call Defence, a free AI-powered service that automatically alerts customers to suspected scam and nuisance calls before they answer, using Adaptive AI technology to analyze call behavior in real-time. The service addresses a significant problem in the UK where 16% of consumers fell victim to phone scams last year, losing an average of £798 each, with 22% of Brits targeted by scammers at least weekly. O2 is the first UK mobile operator to offer this fraud detection tool at no cost to all Pay Monthly and Business customers on compatible devices.
e.vnexpress.net
· 2025-12-08
A phishing scam targeting Samsung users exploited a fake website mimicking Samsung's SmartThings app to steal login credentials, resulting in dozens of users having their smartphones and tablets remotely locked within days of accessing the fraudulent link shared on social media. Victims were presented with a phone number to contact for unlocking but found it unreachable, leaving them with the option of factory resetting their devices and losing all data. Samsung Vietnam confirmed it received reports of the scheme and launched an investigation, while local repair technicians reported increased requests to help unlock affected devices.
mirror.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Research by Virgin Money surveying 2,000 adults found that Millennials and Gen Z are most vulnerable to scams, with one in five Millennials having fallen victim to phishing scams; Millennials lost an average of £150 per scam while Gen Z lost around £141, with a third of victims reporting embarrassment. The survey highlights that scam attempts are at an all-time high and constantly evolving, with nearly 75% of scams now occurring online, and experts warn that even financially savvy individuals can be deceived—as demonstrated by a money influencer who lost 50 euros to a street art scam in Rome.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
A 35-year-old Oakland man, Zhongqiang Chen, was arrested after scamming an elderly California woman out of $30,000 in a tech support fraud scheme. On November 12, 2024, Chen posed as McAfee Customer Service via email, gained remote access to the victim's computer, transferred $60,000 between her accounts, and falsely convinced her she owed him money, resulting in her initial payment of $30,000 before law enforcement intervened. Chen was arrested on November 14 when he arrived to collect a second $30,000 payment and faces charges including elder abuse, grand theft, and identity fraud.
nbcboston.com
· 2025-12-08
Boston police have issued a holiday season fraud alert identifying six common scams: online shopping fraud using fake websites and social media ads, temporary job scams impersonating legitimate employers, phishing emails mimicking major retailers and banks, mail delivery scams requesting personal information via fake links, and gift card schemes involving PIN theft or manipulation. Police advise consumers to verify websites and employers directly, avoid clicking suspicious links, purchase gift cards from counters or legitimate online retailers, and report incidents to local police, the FTC, or the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center.
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI issued a holiday shopping warning highlighting four common scams: non-delivery, non-payment, auction fraud, and gift card fraud, which collectively cost consumers over $309 million in 2023. The agency advised shoppers to verify website security (https URLs), avoid suspicious links, check seller reviews, never use prepaid gift cards for payment, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, as fraudsters use advanced tactics like credential-testing bots during peak shopping periods.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Scam websites have surged 89% ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, with nearly 80% of shopping offers in inboxes being fraudulent, prompting the FBI to release a safety checklist for online shoppers. The FBI warns consumers to verify website security (HTTPS and padlock icons), research sellers and reviews before purchasing, avoid sellers with poor ratings or suspicious overseas origins, avoid unusual shipping arrangements and gift card payments, and use credit cards for additional protection. Cyber criminals are exploiting the holiday shopping season by impersonating legitimate brands, poisoning search results, and creating counterfeit storefronts designed to steal money or personal information.