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in Grandparent Scams
theglobeandmail.com
· 2026-01-21
An 87-year-old Toronto retiree nearly lost $3,000 to a convincing "bank investigation" scam where a fraudster posed as an official and instructed her to withdraw cash, claiming her account had been compromised. Canadian seniors are increasingly targeted by cyberscams, with research showing that one in three Canadians fell victim to fake-job or CRA refund scams over a three-month period last summer. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls asking you to withdraw money or keep conversations secret, and alert bank staff or cashiers if you suspect fraud—in this case, a pharmacy cashier's intervention saved the victim from losing her money.
aol.com
· 2026-01-20
Scammers are targeting older Americans with increasingly sophisticated "grandparent scams" that combine personal data, emotional manipulation, and sometimes AI voice technology to impersonate family members in fake emergencies. A grandfather nearly wired his life savings after receiving a convincing call claiming his grandson needed bail money, complete with real details like the grandson's name and recent move. To protect yourself, fraud experts recommend asking the caller a question only your real family member would know—scammers typically hang up when challenged this way—and always verify emergencies by calling another trusted family member directly before sending money.
ca.news.yahoo.com
· 2026-01-19
A 74-year-old terminally ill cancer patient in British Columbia lost $1,500 in a scam while attempting to buy a used camper van from a stranger, hoping to take one final camping trip with his grandson before he dies. The man, who is living in a hospice on a minimal pension, was approached by someone who showed him the vehicle and claimed to sell it, but the transaction turned out to be fraudulent. For anyone buying used vehicles or items from strangers, experts recommend meeting in safe public locations, verifying ownership documentation, and considering using escrow services or payment methods that offer buyer protection rather than cash transactions.
waff.com
· 2026-01-17
A high school senior in Huntsville, Alabama named Harris Dunham is volunteering at a senior living facility to teach older adults how to use technology safely and avoid online scams—inspired after his own grandparents lost money to an Amazon scam. The sessions cover practical topics like password security, camera operation, and how to recognize suspicious calls, helping seniors understand that unexpected calls from unknown numbers should not be answered. For seniors seeking to protect themselves, Dunham's advice is simple: be cautious of unsolicited calls and seek help from trusted younger family members or tech-savvy friends when questions arise about technology or unfamiliar contacts.
fullertonobserver.com
· 2026-01-17
# Elder Fraud Prevention Initiative Expands Across Southern California
Elder fraud is escalating nationwide with older adults losing billions of dollars annually to increasingly sophisticated scams involving impersonation, investment schemes, and AI-powered fraud. The San Diego Seniors Community Foundation, supported by a $200,000 Wells Fargo Foundation grant, is expanding free educational programs across Southern California to help seniors and their families recognize and prevent these crimes before they happen. To protect yourself, stay alert to urgent requests, verify caller identities through independent phone numbers, and never share personal or financial information with unsolicited contacts—education about these tactics is the most effective defense against becoming a victim.
ktalnews.com
· 2026-01-17
# Grandparent Scam Summary
An elderly Louisiana resident lost over $13,000 in a "grandparent scam" where a caller impersonated her grandson, claiming he was in jail and needed bond money, then a female accomplice posed as a bail bond courier to collect the cash in person. Police warn this scam specifically targets seniors by exploiting family bonds and creating false urgency, and they're appealing to the public to help identify the suspects. Elderly individuals should verify any urgent requests by calling family members directly at known numbers and never give cash to strangers, even if they claim to represent law enforcement or bail bond services.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-01-16
Older adults nationwide lose billions of dollars annually to increasingly sophisticated scams involving investment fraud, impersonation schemes, and technology-driven attacks, prompting the San Diego Seniors Community Foundation to expand its fraud prevention education programs across Southern California with a $200,000+ grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation. The foundation will reach more seniors, caregivers, and families through in-person and virtual education events, as scammers now use advanced tools like AI, voice cloning, and spoofed phone numbers to impersonate trusted contacts and institutions. Experts emphasize that the best defense is education and awareness before fraud occurs, rather than trying to recover losses after the fact.
inkl.com
· 2026-01-16
Starting January 2026, over half of U.S. states have implemented new "Safe Harbor" laws that allow banks to freeze customer accounts for up to two weeks if they suspect elder financial exploitation, leaving thousands of retirees unable to access their own funds for routine transactions. Banks now have legal immunity to delay transfers without fear of lawsuits, causing AI-driven systems to aggressively flag legitimate transactions—like gifts to grandchildren—as potential scams. To navigate these changes, seniors should contact their bank in advance to understand their specific policies, inform institutions about planned large transfers, and verify any account holds directly with their bank rather than responding to unsolicited contacts.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-01-15
Starting January 2026, over half of U.S. states enacted "Safe Harbor" laws that allow banks to freeze senior citizens' accounts for up to two weeks if they suspect financial exploitation, protecting the institutions from lawsuits while doing so. While these rules aim to prevent elder fraud, they can inadvertently lock legitimate account holders out of their own funds, preventing them from paying bills or making routine transfers. Seniors should contact their banks to understand their specific hold policies, document the purpose of large transfers clearly, and consider discussing transaction patterns with their banks in advance to avoid unexpected account freezes.
azfamily.com
· 2026-01-15
Scammers stole over $400,000 from Sedona residents in 2025, with 67 police reports filed related to fraud and phone scams, targeting both elderly residents and younger people through AI impersonation schemes. The problem is part of a nationwide trend, with Americans losing $196 billion to scams in 2024 and Arizonans losing over $521 million. To protect yourself, avoid clicking suspicious links, be wary of urgent money requests from people claiming to be friends or family, and keep your passwords updated.
daytondailynews.com
· 2026-01-14
# Fraud Alert Summary
A Butler County couple has been accused of operating a $11 million Ponzi scheme that defrauded over 25 people, including retirees who lost their life savings, while the perpetrators spent stolen funds on real estate, luxury cars, and personal expenses. Recent scams in the region include a jail impersonation scheme demanding $500 for fake ankle monitors and a cryptocurrency fraud targeting seniors through fake computer security warnings. To protect yourself, verify caller identities independently before sending money, never grant remote access to your devices based on unsolicited warnings, and be especially cautious with investment opportunities and requests from supposed authority figures.
vermontbiz.com
· 2026-01-13
Vermont saw a 12% increase in scam reports in 2025, with 3,982 reports filed to the state Attorney General's office, with computer tech support scams continuing to dominate (over 25% of cases) alongside rising debt collection and government imposter scams, particularly targeting SNAP benefit recipients. Vermont residents should never respond to unsolicited calls, emails, or texts—especially those threatening legal action—and should instead verify suspicious requests by contacting trusted contacts or the Attorney General's Consumer Assistance Program directly. Free protection resources are available through the VT Scam Alert System, which has already enrolled roughly 9,000 residents to receive scam warnings.
deltaplexnews.com
· 2026-01-13
# Lottery Scam Conviction
A man from out of state was sentenced to 10 years in prison for defrauding a 76-year-old Arkansas resident in a lottery scam scheme that promised an $11 million Jamaican lottery prize. The victim lost approximately $57,000 before law enforcement intervened during a cash exchange in May 2025, where the perpetrator attempted to hand over a briefcase containing only printer paper instead of winnings. Authorities advise elderly citizens and others to be suspicious of unsolicited lottery claims requiring upfront payments, as legitimate lotteries never ask winners to pay fees to collect winnings.
ashleycountyledger.com
· 2026-01-13
A man named Portier Guytan was convicted in January 2026 for running a financial scam that targeted an elderly Crossett resident, who was defrauded of $50,000 after being told he had won an $11 million Jamaican lottery. The scam began in May 2025 when the 76-year-old victim received a call from someone claiming he had won the lottery and needed to send money to claim his prize. To protect yourself from similar scams, be skeptical of unexpected lottery winnings or prize notifications, never send money upfront to claim prizes, and verify claims by contacting official authorities directly.
milwaukeeindependent.com
· 2026-01-13
Criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, and stolen data to commit sophisticated financial fraud against Americans, with deepfake technology allowing scammers to convincingly impersonate CEOs, managers, and family members to steal money and sensitive information. Over 105,000 deepfake attacks were recorded in the U.S. in 2024, costing more than $200 million in just the first quarter of 2025, with elderly victims particularly vulnerable to fake emergency calls claiming a grandchild needs help. To protect yourself, verify requests for money or sensitive information through independent channels (call back known phone numbers), be skeptical of urgent emotional appeals, and remember that legitimate businesses and family members won't pressure you into immediate financial decisions.
times-standard.com
· 2026-01-12
As people age, they may become vulnerable to financial scams and poor decision-making, prompting adult children to seek ways to protect their parents without removing their independence. Elder law attorneys can help families establish legal safeguards—such as powers of attorney, trusts, and asset protection strategies—that reduce the risk of financial exploitation while allowing aging parents to maintain dignity and control over their lives. The key is addressing these concerns early through professional legal consultation before financial damage occurs.
ca.finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-01-11
# Travel Scams Summary
Travel fraud is surging, with scammers using fake rental listings, phishing, and impersonation tactics to steal millions from vacationers—the FTC reported nearly 10,000 fraud cases in Q2 2025 totaling US$40 million, while Canada received over 108,000 fraud reports in 2024 with losses exceeding $638 million. Travelers of all experience levels are vulnerable, as demonstrated by cases like a family that lost $4,000 on a fake Rhode Island beach house rental through what appeared to be a legitimate booking site. To protect yourself, book only through official websites, verify property details independently, avoid sending upfront payments to unfamiliar contacts, and report suspicious activity to authorities like the FTC or Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
goldsborodailynews.com
· 2026-01-10
The Wayne County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about phone scams where callers impersonate law enforcement and demand money for inmate release or ankle monitor placement, creating false urgency to pressure victims into sending funds. Several residents have already fallen victim to these scams, which can target anyone with a loved one in the justice system. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately without sharing any personal or financial information, and report it to local law enforcement right away.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-01-09
Banks are increasingly freezing routine transfers from seniors in 2026 due to new state "Hold Laws" and federal regulations that protect financial institutions from lawsuits when they delay transactions suspected of elder fraud. Thousands of retirees have had accounts frozen for up to two weeks, losing access to $3,500-$10,000, even for legitimate transfers to family members. To protect yourself, understand your bank's fraud policies, ask about their hold procedures before transfers, and maintain communication with your bank to quickly resolve freezes on legitimate transactions.
iexaminer.org
· 2026-01-09
A new bilingual safety booklet titled "With Love for Our Grandparents & Seniors" has been distributed to elderly Asian American residents in Seattle's Chinatown International District to help them identify and avoid scams and other safety threats. The 40-page guide, created by OCA Asian Pacific American Advocates and UW students, includes practical advice on situational awareness, home safety, recognizing scams, and what to do if victimized, with careful translation into Traditional Chinese and the Taishanese dialect spoken by many seniors in the community. Volunteers are delivering the booklets directly to senior housing buildings, targeting vulnerable elderly residents whose English skills may be limited and who are at higher risk of becoming scam victims.
claremont-courier.com
· 2026-01-09
American consumers lost an estimated $196 billion to financial fraud in 2024—a 43% increase in two years, with older adults accounting for nearly half these losses. Scammers use psychological tactics including surprise (unexpected communications from authority figures), danger (threats to you or loved ones), urgency (pressure to act quickly), and secrecy (demands to keep the situation quiet) to manipulate victims into sending money. To protect yourself, recognize these red flags and remember that legitimate organizations won't pressure you for immediate payment or demand secrecy about financial matters.
spokesman.com
· 2026-01-09
Scammers are increasingly using AI-generated voices, trust-building tactics, and impersonation of banks and government agencies to defraud Washington residents, with the state reporting over 15,600 fraud cases and $86 million in losses during the first nine months of 2025. Contrary to expectations, younger people (ages 19 and under) represent the majority of reported victims at 57%, though elderly victims suffer higher average losses of around $2,750 compared to $120 for younger victims. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from government or financial institutions, never provide personal information or money based on caller requests, and verify any official contact by calling the institution directly using a number you find independently.
qchron.com
· 2026-01-08
The Queens District Attorney's Elder Fraud Unit is warning seniors about sophisticated scams that exploit emotions like fear, romance, and greed to steal tens of thousands of dollars through phone, computer, home improvement, and romance schemes. Common tactics include fake investment opportunities presented by fraudsters met online who build trust before requesting money transfers, or romance scammers claiming to be new to an area and needing financial help. The key advice from authorities is to "verify, verify, verify"—don't act quickly when pressured, and always confirm requests through independent channels before sending any money.
pcmag.com
· 2026-01-08
Online scammers are increasingly exploiting vulnerable populations—including laid-off workers, lonely dating app users, and immigrants seeking legal help—using techniques like AI-generated deepfakes and fake immigration legal services to steal money through wire transfers and video call impersonation. Scam artists target anyone regardless of financial status and send numerous daily messages to maximize victims, with particular surges expected in 2026 around immigration services, phone/text schemes, and AI-enabled fraud. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited contact offering quick solutions, verify services through official channels before sending money, and remember that legitimate government agencies and lawyers won't demand payment via wire transfer apps like Western Union or Zelle.
valleycenter.com
· 2026-01-08
# Scam Summary
One in five people have fallen victim to scams, which caused $12.5 billion in losses last year—a 25% increase from the previous year, according to a bank manager's presentation at a safety symposium. The most common scams include imposter fraud (criminals posing as officials), romance scams targeting lonely individuals through dating sites and social media, and wire fraud where scammers pose as trusted contacts to trick victims into sending money. To protect yourself, be cautious about wire transfers (which cannot be reversed once sent), verify requests from banks or loved ones through independent contact, and report suspicious transactions to your financial institution immediately.
redrocknews.com
· 2026-01-07
# Scammers Stole $400K from Sedona in 2025
Scammers stole over $400,000 from Sedona residents and visitors in 2025, with cryptocurrency becoming the preferred payment method (accounting for nearly 66% of losses), followed by gift cards, wire transfers, and cash used in impersonation schemes, bank compromises, and marketplace fraud. Common tactics include criminals posing as law enforcement or government officials to establish credibility before pressuring victims into immediate payments, with one victim losing $90,000 to someone claiming to be from a fake "Cyber Crime Department" and another losing $20,000 in cash to someone posing as an FBI agent. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited contact from officials demanding immediate payment, never send cryptocurrency or cash to unknown parties, verify claims by contacting official agencies directly through their legitimate phone numbers or websites, and remember that legitimate government
kiplinger.com
· 2026-01-06
The article discusses how aging parents may experience declining financial judgment and become vulnerable to poor money decisions, prompting concerned adult children to seek legal protection without removing their parents' independence. An elder law attorney can help establish safeguards—such as powers of attorney, trusts, or joint account arrangements—that protect aging parents from financial mistakes while respecting their desire for autonomy. The key takeaway for families is to consult with an elder law specialist early to create legal frameworks that prevent costly errors before cognitive decline becomes severe.
fox13news.com
· 2026-01-06
# Fraud Summary
Seniors lost $2.4 billion to fraud in 2024, a dramatic increase from $600 million in 2020, according to a new Federal Trade Commission report, with investment scams on social media being the most common type. Law enforcement in the Tampa Bay area is warning about rising government impersonation scams that trick seniors into sending money via wire transfers, gift cards, and cryptocurrency, often to international criminals who make recovery nearly impossible. To protect themselves, seniors should be cautious of unsolicited contacts claiming to be from the government or investment firms, especially around tax season, and verify requests directly with official agencies before sending any money.
bitdefender.com
· 2026-01-05
Americans lost at least $333 million to Bitcoin ATM scams in 2025, with older adults being particularly vulnerable to fraudsters impersonating government agencies or using fake emergency situations to pressure victims into depositing cash into irreversible cryptocurrency machines. Scammers exploit the fact that Bitcoin ATM transactions cannot be traced or reversed and operate through social engineering tactics like IRS impersonation calls, fake malware warnings, or fake kidnapping emergencies. The key takeaway: no legitimate organization will ever ask you to pay through a Bitcoin ATM, and if a request feels urgent or suspicious, verify it directly with the official organization before taking action.
yellow.com
· 2026-01-04
Bitcoin ATM fraud losses reached a record $333 million in 2025, with scammers targeting over 12,000 victims by impersonating banks and tricking people into depositing cash that irreversibly transfers to criminal wallets. Elderly Americans are disproportionately affected—victims aged 60 and above lost $46 million in the first half of 2024 alone—and scammers are increasingly using AI-generated deepfake voices to pose as family members in fake emergencies. To protect yourself, verify any suspicious account alerts by calling your bank directly using a number from your statement, never rush into transactions, and remember that legitimate financial institutions will never ask you to use Bitcoin ATMs to secure your funds.
agrinews-pubs.com
· 2026-01-03
Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to target seniors by cloning voices and creating fake videos from social media photos and posts, allowing them to impersonate family members or pose as people the victim knows. To protect yourself, the article advises removing personal photos from social media, being cautious about sharing vacation details and family names online, and asking friends and family to delete any photos you send them. If you suspect you've been defrauded, report it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
yahoo.com
· 2026-01-03
# Scam Summary
Scammers target people of all ages with tailored schemes—from college tuition scams for young people to Social Security and "grandma scams" for seniors—exploiting trust and emotional appeals, sometimes even using AI to mimic voices of loved ones. According to Fox Crossing Police Officer Dan Wiechman, seniors are particularly vulnerable because they come from an era when handshakes meant something and often have greater financial resources, with victims sometimes losing tens of thousands of dollars. To protect yourself, establish a secret code with family members, hang up and call loved ones directly to verify requests, and consult a trusted person before proceeding with any suspicious requests or transactions.
wbay.com
· 2026-01-02
In 2025, Wisconsin consumers fell victim to numerous high-impact scams including bank impersonation schemes (often initiated via text), Medicare fraud targeting seniors, and family emergency scams that exploited emotional panic to steal money. The scams affected people across the state, with victims losing thousands of dollars and experiencing lasting psychological distress, while data breaches raised concerns about future identity theft. To protect yourself, verify requests by independently calling your bank or trusted organizations, be skeptical of unsolicited texts and calls asking for money or personal information, and alert bank employees if you suspect fraudulent activity—they may recognize patterns and stop the scam.
yahoo.com
· 2026-01-02
Americans lost $333.5 million to Bitcoin ATM scams in 2025, with seniors (median age 71) being the primary targets, losing an average of $15,600 each after scammers impersonate officials or relatives to pressure victims into withdrawing cash and converting it to cryptocurrency at ATMs. Once converted to Bitcoin, the money is irreversible and transferred to criminals' wallets, while ATM operators profit from 20-30% transaction fees even on fraudulent transactions. Regulators are now taking action through lawsuits and licensing restrictions against major ATM companies like Athena Bitcoin and Bitcoin Depot, and people should be wary of any urgent requests to visit Bitcoin ATMs and verify requests independently through official channels rather than using numbers provided by callers.
ketv.com
· 2026-01-01
Scams targeting elderly people are becoming increasingly sophisticated and harder to detect, with AI-generated voices and celebrity imposter schemes causing particular concern—the FBI reported an 11% increase in financial losses among victims over 60 in 2023, with some losing their entire life savings. Common scams include celebrity impersonators requesting money for travel and "grandparent scams" where fraudsters pose as distressed grandchildren needing bail money. Experts recommend involving family members in financial oversight and maintaining healthy skepticism about unsolicited contact, especially when callers request money or sound unusually convincing.
hayspost.com
· 2026-01-01
Scammers use various false stories—such as claiming you owe taxes, your bank account is hacked, or a family member has an emergency—to pressure victims into quickly giving money or personal information without time to verify their claims. The FTC has created an "Action Plan" tool to help people protect themselves by listing trusted contacts they can consult and keeping direct contact information for their banks and other companies they do business with. Everyone should create and share this action plan with family and friends, posting it somewhere accessible like on a refrigerator, and report any suspected scams to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
apg-wi.com
· 2026-01-01
Online scams targeting residents of Washburn County include celebrity impersonation schemes and "pig butchering" fraud, where scammers create fake profiles impersonating celebrities or romance interests to build trust before requesting money or gift cards. Investigators report that victims have lost substantial sums—including one woman who lost $90,000—and these funds are nearly impossible to recover since scammers typically spend them immediately or convert them to cryptocurrency. To protect yourself, remember that legitimate companies never request payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency, and be cautious of unsolicited messages from celebrities or strangers asking for financial information.
gazettextra.com
· 2025-12-31
Online scams continue to plague internet users, with celebrity impersonation and "pig butchering" schemes among the latest threats. Scammers create fake celebrity profiles on social media to build trust with victims before requesting money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency—funds that are nearly impossible to recover once sent. To protect yourself, remember that legitimate companies never ask for payment via gift cards or crypto, and be cautious of unsolicited messages from celebrities or investment opportunities online.
jdsupra.com
· 2025-12-30
# AI-Generated Impersonation Scam Summary
The FBI has warned of an increasing scam where criminals use artificial intelligence to impersonate senior U.S. government officials, targeting individuals including family members and personal acquaintances of these officials. The scammers send fake voice and text messages to lure victims into encrypted messaging apps like Signal, Telegram, and WhatsApp where they attempt to manipulate them further. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected messages from officials, verify requests through official channels, and avoid moving conversations to encrypted platforms with unverified contacts.
americascreditunions.org
· 2025-12-29
This article highlights the most-read posts from America's Credit Unions Blog in 2025, covering how credit unions support members during crises, the importance of strategic planning, and community banking practices. Key takeaway: Members 1st Federal Credit Union demonstrated crisis preparedness during the federal shutdown by offering payment skips, deferred loans, and financial counseling—services that proved critical since previous shutdowns caused 27% of federal workers to miss mortgage/rent payments. For members facing financial hardship, the actionable advice is to proactively contact your credit union about flexible payment options and seek free financial counseling services rather than waiting until you fall behind.
kiro7.com
· 2025-12-28
A Black Diamond resident lost their entire life savings in a phone scam, prompting police to escalate the case to federal authorities. Scammers commonly impersonate the IRS, lottery officials, or family members in distress to trick victims into sending money or personal information. To protect yourself, remember that the IRS only contacts you by mail, never give money for lottery winnings or taxes you didn't expect, and always hang up and independently verify requests from family members claiming to be in trouble.
alachuachronicle.com
· 2025-12-26
Scammers are impersonating grandchildren in distress, calling or emailing seniors to pressure them into sending money urgently through wire transfers, gift cards, or cash, often while instructing them not to tell family members. The "grandchild in trouble" scam targets older adults by creating false emergencies like accidents or arrests to exploit their protective instincts. To protect yourself, establish a family password with relatives, always call back using a known number to verify the person's identity, and be suspicious of any request for immediate payment accompanied by a demand for secrecy.
tomsguide.com
· 2025-12-26
A brushing scam is when sellers send you unsolicited packages you didn't order, particularly during busy shopping seasons like the holidays when mysterious deliveries are common. The scammers use these shipments to post fake positive reviews under your name or address to boost their product ratings on e-commerce platforms. If you receive an unexpected package, you should verify whether you actually ordered it, check your account for unauthorized purchases, and report the item to the seller or platform if it's confirmed as a scam.
theoaklandpress.com
· 2025-12-25
Scammers are increasingly using texts, calls, and emails to target Oakland County residents by impersonating trusted sources like businesses, government agencies, and even celebrities, with recent victims losing anywhere from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald advises people to hang up on unknown callers and be cautious of urgent requests for money, threats of legal action or arrest, and demands for sensitive information like Social Security numbers. To protect yourself, ignore unsolicited contact demanding immediate payment and never share personal information with callers you cannot verify.
stormlake.com
· 2025-12-24
Iowa's Attorney General warns that scammers frequently target older Iowans through schemes like impersonating family members requesting emergency money or claiming the victim is involved in a crime requiring immediate payment. One victim, Lynne Caltrider, lost a considerable sum after being directed to deposit money in a cryptocurrency ATM, but authorities recovered some funds and arrested individuals involved after she reported the scam. The Attorney General urges Iowans to be cautious about unusual requests for money, recognize warning signs, and contact the office for help if they suspect they're being scammed.
news.azpm.org
· 2025-12-24
# Fraud Surge in 2024
Americans lost over $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, a 25% increase from the previous year, with phone-based scams being particularly prevalent as criminals exploit the constant connectivity of mobile devices to target consumers anytime and anywhere. Older adults are disproportionately affected because they hold significant wealth, making them attractive targets for scammers who use texts, emails, social media, and even fake QR codes to deceive victims. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited contact on your phone or other devices, verify requests through official channels before sharing information or money, and report suspected scams to the FTC or local authorities.
pandasecurity.com
· 2025-12-23
Telegram scams have surged as the messaging app's user base has grown to over 1 billion, with scammers exploiting the platform's privacy features and anonymity to conduct various frauds—including crypto pump-and-dump schemes, fake investment projects, phishing attacks, and customer service impersonations. Users are particularly vulnerable because scammers use urgent language, exclusive opportunities, and technical-looking websites to appear legitimate. To protect yourself, verify identities independently, avoid clicking suspicious links, never send money upfront for guaranteed returns, and report fraudulent accounts immediately.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-20
# Holiday Scam Summary
During the 2024 holiday season, scammers are targeting shoppers with five main schemes—including fake shipping alerts, non-delivery scams, and too-good-to-be-true deals on social media—that cost Americans hundreds of millions of dollars in losses. To protect yourself, experts recommend verifying links by going directly to retailer websites rather than clicking suspicious messages, being wary of urgent demands for payment, and checking URLs for signs of fraud. If a deal seems too good to be true or a message pressures you to act immediately, it's likely a scam designed to steal personal information or install malware on your device.
tbrnewsmedia.com
· 2025-12-20
An 80-year-old woman from North Dakota was tricked by scammers posing as her granddaughter and lawyer who claimed the granddaughter needed bail money after a car accident; she mailed $8,500 in cash, but authorities in Suffolk County intercepted the package before the scammers could retrieve it and returned the money. This "grandchild bail" scam specifically targets senior citizens by creating urgency and requesting secrecy to prevent victims from consulting family members. If you receive a similar call, authorities advise hanging up, verifying the caller's identity independently, and reporting the incident to local law enforcement rather than sending money via mail or wire transfer.
patch.com
· 2025-12-20
An 80-year-old grandmother from North Dakota was nearly scammed out of $8,500 after receiving a phone call from someone impersonating her granddaughter, claiming she had been arrested in Suffolk County and needed bail money. Law enforcement officials intercepted the cash before scammers could access it and arrested those responsible, with authorities emphasizing their commitment to protecting seniors from such predatory schemes. To protect yourself, be suspicious of urgent requests for money from family members, never send cash through the mail for bail or legal fees, and always verify claims by calling your family member directly at a known number or contacting local police.