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abc7news.com
· 2026-02-20
A San Francisco retiree lost over $500,000 of his life savings to a "pig butchering" scam after being manipulated by a woman he met on Facebook who posed as a wealthy Japanese businesswoman named Annie and promised him a romantic future and cryptocurrency investment returns. Despite repeated warnings from family, friends, and law enforcement agencies over several months, the victim continued sending money to the scammers because he was emotionally invested in the relationship. To protect yourself: be extremely skeptical of romantic relationships that develop quickly online, never send money to anyone you haven't met in person, verify investment opportunities through official channels before committing funds, and listen to warnings from trusted loved ones about suspicious behavior.
fox8live.com
· 2026-02-20
Two scammers were sentenced to over 30 years in prison for running a romance scam that defrauded 31 victims—primarily widows over 60—of nearly $10 million. The criminals posed as wealthy professionals like military generals and oil engineers on social media, building fake romantic relationships and convincing victims to send money for supposed emergencies or projects. Senior citizens, particularly those increasingly active on smartphones, should be wary of online romantic interests who quickly ask for money, and should verify identities independently before sending funds.
aarp.org
· 2026-02-20
Scammers are targeting vulnerable immigrants by posing as immigration lawyers and federal agents to steal money for fake legal services, with the American Bar Association reporting more than a dozen cases of impostors falsely claiming to work for them. Victims have lost thousands of dollars, and criminals are using artificial intelligence to create convincing fake documents and even impersonating real attorneys using their actual bar numbers. To protect yourself, verify an attorney's credentials directly through official bar association websites, never pay for immigration services through gift cards or wire transfers, and be skeptical of unsolicited offers on social media—you can also call the AARP Fraud Watch Network helpline at 877-908-3360 for free advice if you suspect you've encountered a scam.
rockawaytimes.com
· 2026-02-19
Romance scammers and imposter fraudsters cost Americans billions annually—the FTC reported $12.5 billion lost in 2024, though actual losses may exceed $158 billion due to underreporting. These criminals use fake online identities to build trust and emotional connections before requesting money or personal information, with 11 million Americans age 50+ and residents in Rockaway/Broad Channel reporting such schemes, though no age group is immune. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited romantic advances online, especially from people claiming to be overseas with high-profile jobs, and never send money or share personal/financial information with someone you've only met online.
metropolisplanet.com
· 2026-02-19
Romance scams cost Americans over $672 million in 2024, with adults aged 60 and older losing nearly $390 million to criminals who build fake online relationships and eventually request money. According to cybersecurity expert Zach Lewis, scammers use grooming tactics, talk about marriage and destiny early on, and then gradually request money through various emergencies or fabricated crises. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly escalate to marriage talk, verify identities before sending money, and be especially vigilant if you're an older adult—the primary target of these schemes.
newsday.com
· 2026-02-19
"Pig butchering" scams are sophisticated fraud schemes where criminals build trust with victims through fake personal or romantic relationships before convincing them to invest money in fraudulent schemes, often resulting in devastating financial losses. New York's Attorney General is warning residents about these scams, which have caused nearly $75 billion in global losses between 2020 and 2024 and can target anyone, not just seniors. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited contact from strangers on social media or dating apps, especially those who quickly suggest financial opportunities, and contact authorities if you suspect you've been targeted.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-19
Financial scams cost Americans at least $10 billion in 2023, with losses among older Americans surging from $600 million in 2020 to $2.4 billion in 2024, often involving large sums stolen through sophisticated schemes like the case of Marjorie Kessler, who lost over $2 million after being tricked into converting her retirement savings to gold and cryptocurrency. While the UN emphasizes that preventing scams requires strong legal and regulatory systems, American institutions like FINRA—which oversees brokerages holding most people's retirement savings—have failed to meaningfully address the epidemic. To protect yourself, be extremely skeptical of unsolicited requests to move funds or convert savings into alternative assets, verify requests directly with your financial institution through official channels, and report suspected scams to the FTC immediately.
thehill.com
· 2026-02-19
Americans lost at least $10 billion to scams in 2023, with losses among older adults particularly devastating—jumping from $600 million in 2020 to $2.4 billion in 2024. One victim, Marjorie Kessler, was tricked into withdrawing over $2 million from her retirement savings under the false pretense that the U.S. Treasury needed to safeguard it, though she recovered only a portion. Experts and the United Nations emphasize that preventing these crimes requires stronger legal and regulatory systems rather than relying on individuals to protect themselves, particularly through oversight of financial institutions like FINRA that hold most Americans' retirement savings.
wgem.com
· 2026-02-19
# Scam Summary
Older Americans, who control $53 trillion in wealth, lost $2.4 billion to scams last year, with cybercrime against seniors skyrocketing. A new study from Florida universities found that vulnerability to scams isn't just about intelligence or cognitive ability—factors like loneliness, social connections, emotional recognition skills, and decision-making speed also play significant roles, meaning even educated, sharp individuals can fall victim. To protect yourself, be cautious when making quick financial decisions, maintain strong social connections, and take time to verify suspicious communications rather than responding immediately.
thehindu.com
· 2026-02-18
Bengaluru police have launched digital literacy and cyber safety training programs specifically designed for senior citizens to protect them from online fraud and scams. The initiative, which began in June 2024 in partnership with Nightingales Medical Trust, aims to empower older adults by educating them about digital threats and how to stay safe online. Senior citizens are encouraged to participate in these awareness programs offered across the city to learn how to recognize and avoid cyber fraud.
lifehealth.com
· 2026-02-18
# Tax Season Scam Alert Summary
During tax season, scammers are targeting both individual taxpayers and businesses with increasingly sophisticated schemes including fake social media tax advice, romance scams, phishing emails, cryptocurrency "pig butchering" schemes, and scams targeting tax professionals. Frost Law urges people to verify tax information only through official sources like the IRS, Federal Trade Commission, and local law enforcement, and to be especially cautious of unsolicited communications asking for money or personal information. If you become a victim, seek help from legal professionals or report the scam to official government agencies rather than handling it alone.
fauquier.com
· 2026-02-18
# Romance Scam Summary
Fauquier County authorities are warning of an increase in romance scams after a local man reported being defrauded by someone claiming to be "Angela BillieJo Arnold" in December. Detective Richard Hudson and Captain Kristi Kiernan have been educating seniors on how to recognize and avoid these scams, which typically involve criminals building fake romantic relationships to steal money. People should be cautious of online romantic interests who ask for money, verify identities through video calls, and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement.
rnz.co.nz
· 2026-02-17
A 44-year-old Auckland woman has been arrested and charged with defrauding a Dunedin man of over $517,000 through an 18-year romance scam—a rare case since most romance scams are typically perpetrated by offshore criminals. The scheme involved the victim sending money to someone he believed he was in a romantic relationship with but never met in person. Police advise people to be extremely cautious about online relationships and investments, as romance scams almost always begin with online contact where victims are convinced to send money without ever meeting the person face-to-face.
nzherald.co.nz
· 2026-02-17
An Auckland woman has been charged with defrauding a Dunedin man of over $517,000 in an alleged 18-year romance scam—a rare case of a local perpetrator, as such scams are typically run by offshore criminal networks. The victim was convinced to send money to someone he believed he was in a romantic relationship with online, despite never meeting them in person. Police advise people to be highly skeptical of online romantic relationships, friendships, and investment opportunities, as these are common tactics used to exploit victims, and warn that offshore scammers are nearly impossible to prosecute.
patch.com
· 2026-02-17
# Elder Fraud Alert Summary
The Norwalk Police Department is warning residents about a rise in elder fraud targeting senior citizens in the community. The department has released a list of common scams and protective measures, urging residents to share this information with friends, family, and neighbors. To protect yourself and loved ones, stay alert to common fraud schemes, verify caller identities before sharing personal information, and report suspicious activity to local authorities.
citizenportal.ai
· 2026-02-17
Lawmakers are addressing a growing problem of title and deed fraud, where scammers impersonate property owners, forge documents, and quickly sell homes to steal proceeds. The proposals include requiring probate notices to be recorded at county registries to track ownership changes and prevent fraud, as well as launching a study to explore stronger filing requirements and technological safeguards. Property owners and municipalities can protect themselves by verifying deed transfers, monitoring property records, and ensuring probate notices are properly recorded when inheriting real estate.
sciotovalleyguardian.com
· 2026-02-17
# Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation in Ohio
Ohio's Attorney General has launched new partnerships with banks, healthcare organizations, and pharmacies to combat financial exploitation and elder abuse, which is growing increasingly sophisticated. The initiative focuses on training these organizations to recognize warning signs like unusual withdrawals and suspicious transactions, then report them to law enforcement before elderly residents lose money. If you're concerned about an older adult's financial activity or suspect exploitation, contact local law enforcement or the Ohio Attorney General's office.
newsantaana.com
· 2026-02-17
An Irvine resident lost $40,000 after a scammer sent a fake bank fraud alert text, then called to convince them to withdraw their savings for "protection" and arranged for a courier to collect the cash. The police warn that legitimate banks never ask customers to withdraw money or send it via courier, and they advise people to hang up suspicious calls and verify directly with their bank using the number on their card. If you or an older family member receives similar urgent requests involving cash withdrawal or secrecy, it's a red flag—contact your bank immediately through official channels.
walb.com
· 2026-02-17
# Scam Vulnerability Summary
Older Americans lost $2.4 billion to scams last year, with those over 70 controlling $53 trillion in wealth and becoming increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. A new study from Florida universities found that vulnerability to scams isn't just about intelligence or cognitive ability—social and emotional factors like loneliness, lack of family connections, and time pressure to make decisions also play critical roles, meaning even educated, sharp seniors can fall victim. To protect yourself, take time before responding to suspicious messages, maintain strong social connections with family and friends, and be cautious of situations that pressure you to decide quickly, especially those involving fake news, deepfakes, or emotional appeals.
nationaltoday.com
· 2026-02-16
An 89-year-old Berkeley woman was allegedly scammed by three men posing as a raccoon removal crew who deliberately damaged her roof, then demanded $1,600 for repairs, leaving with $600 cash and financial documents. The incident illustrates a growing problem of home repair scams targeting vulnerable seniors, particularly those living alone. To protect yourself, experts recommend never allowing strangers onto your property, refusing to sign contracts immediately, and reporting suspicious activity to authorities.
nationaltoday.com
· 2026-02-16
An 84-year-old woman fell victim to multiple financial scams and frauds perpetrated by accountants, family members, home health aides, and lawyers who exploited her declining memory and trusting nature, stealing thousands of dollars and attempting to gain control of her assets. Her daughter's firsthand account highlights the growing problem of elder financial abuse affecting seniors nationwide as the elderly population increases. Families should protect vulnerable loved ones by monitoring financial accounts, requiring dual signatures on checks, verifying credentials of hired professionals, and maintaining open communication about suspicious requests.
scmp.com
· 2026-02-16
Hong Kong recorded over 43,000 scam cases last year resulting in HK$8.1 billion in losses, with scams comprising nearly half of all reported crimes despite a slight decrease from the previous year. Particularly vulnerable are the elderly and investors, as investment scams surged 30% with average losses jumping to HK$700,000, while concert ticket and employment scams also increased significantly. Police and the public must work together to combat these crimes—residents should stay vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited offers, while banks and financial institutions need stronger protective measures to prevent fraudsters from accessing victims' money.
fortune.com
· 2026-02-15
# Romance Scams: A $16 Billion Crisis
Romance scams have cost victims billions of dollars by exploiting emotional connections and trust. Scammers typically pose as romantic interests or trusted acquaintances, gradually building relationships before requesting money or accessing bank accounts under false pretenses—such as Kate Kleinert losing her life savings after being manipulated through a fake friendship, and Beth Hyland nearly transferring large sums after believing she was helping a romantic interest. To protect yourself, be suspicious of online relationships that quickly become intimate, never share banking credentials with anyone, verify claims through independent channels, and remember that scammers often use emotional manipulation and urgency to override your judgment.
wvua23.com
· 2026-02-15
Online romance scams target lonely people of all ages by building emotional trust through fake personas before requesting money for supposed emergencies, with victims often losing thousands of dollars that are rarely recovered. The scammers—who may use stolen images or impersonate celebrities—exploit the emotional connection they've cultivated to manipulate victims into sending money repeatedly. If someone you've met online but never in person asks for money or gifts, that's a red flag to end contact immediately and report the situation to local authorities rather than continuing to send funds.
nationaltoday.com
· 2026-02-15
Americans are losing billions of dollars to sophisticated romance and investment scams that primarily target elderly people over 60, with victims like Kate Kleinert, Beth Hyland, and Jackie Crenshaw losing their life savings after scammers build trust through thousands of messages and deepfaked video calls before exploiting them financially. The FBI logged $16.6 billion in total fraud losses in 2024—a 33% increase from the previous year—with crypto-related fraud jumping 66%, yet the actual toll is likely much higher due to underreporting caused by victim shame and disbelief. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited romantic advances online, avoid sharing personal financial information or making investments based on pressure from people you've only met digitally, and report suspected scams to authorities rather than hiding them out of embarrassment.
inkl.com
· 2026-02-15
Seniors need to urgently audit their Social Security records due to 2026 security changes, including a mandatory transition from legacy login credentials to new federal systems by March 8th and rising "redirection" fraud targeting retirees. The article identifies five critical data points that require verification—including updating outdated login credentials, setting up two-factor authentication, and designating trusted individuals through the "Advance Designation" feature to prevent account lockouts, unexpected tax bills, or benefits being diverted to scammers. Experts advise all beneficiaries to log in immediately, update their account information with proper identification verification, and proactively designate authorized representatives before the deadline to avoid losing access to their accounts and benefits.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-02-15
Social Security beneficiaries need to audit their accounts now due to 2026 security changes, including a mandatory transition from legacy login credentials to new federally-mandated systems by March 8th, or risk losing access to their accounts. Seniors should verify five critical data points in their records—including the new "Advance Designation" feature that lets them pre-select trusted individuals to manage benefits if incapacitated—to prevent fraud, locked accounts, and unexpected tax bills. Experts recommend logging in immediately to update credentials, enable two-factor authentication, and complete necessary profile updates before the deadline to avoid server crashes and protect against the spike in elder fraud targeting Social Security beneficiaries.
vox.com
· 2026-02-15
Romance scams cost Americans $3 billion last year and are becoming increasingly prevalent, with AI now enabling scammers to run multiple schemes simultaneously by removing language barriers and providing ready-made fake personas and conversation scripts. These "pig-butchering" scams involve fraudsters building trust with victims over time before extracting money, and criminals can now purchase complete scam toolkits on the dark web with AI-generated photos, deepfake videos, and automated translation tools. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic interests who quickly ask for money, verify identities through video calls, and report suspicious activity to authorities rather than sending funds to anyone you haven't met in person.
christianpost.com
· 2026-02-14
Elderly people are increasingly targeted by text message scams ("smishing") that use urgent language and emotional manipulation to trick victims into revealing personal information or sending money, with scammers now using AI to make their deceptions more convincing. To protect yourself or elderly relatives, pause before responding to unexpected texts, never share personal information or act on urgent requests via text, verify requests through trusted contacts, and report suspicious messages to the FTC and your bank. The key is recognizing that legitimate organizations never demand immediate action or personal details through text messages.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-14
# Crypto Scams Costing Americans Millions
Americans are losing billions to rapidly growing crypto fraud schemes, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting significant losses last year from fake investment platforms and AI-generated impersonations. Two major scams include "pig butchering," where fraudsters build trust through dating apps or social media before convincing victims to invest in fake crypto opportunities and then disappearing with their money, and deepfake scams, where AI-generated videos impersonate celebrities and CEOs to promote fraudulent investments on social media platforms. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment pitches from online contacts, verify celebrity endorsements through official channels, and never invest based on video ads or messages from people you haven't met in person.
kjct8.com
· 2026-02-14
Romance scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence and coordinated networks to target people seeking love, especially around Valentine's Day and other holidays, often posing as potential partners before requesting money for cryptocurrency investments or other schemes. The scams are becoming harder to detect, with tactics including excessive emotional displays ("love bombing"), avoidance of in-person meetings, and targeting of older adults through dating apps and encrypted messaging platforms. To protect yourself, watch for red flags like reluctance to meet in person or appear on camera, and be skeptical of anyone pressuring you to send money or invest in cryptocurrency.
audacy.com
· 2026-02-14
# Romance Scam Summary
Americans lost over $672 million to romance scams in 2024, with scammers targeting vulnerable people on dating apps and social media by building false trust and emotional connections before stealing personal information and money. The scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and affect people of all ages, with victims often experiencing both financial and emotional devastation, particularly during holidays like Valentine's Day when people are seeking companionship. To protect yourself, be cautious of strangers on dating apps and social media who quickly build emotional connections, never share personal information with people you haven't met in person, and be especially wary if someone asks for money or cryptocurrency.
baynews9.com
· 2026-02-14
# Romance Scams Summary
Americans lose over $1 billion annually to romance scams, where fraudsters build trust with victims online and manipulate them into sending money, often by steering them toward fake investment platforms. The scams are becoming harder to detect due to AI-generated deepfakes that make scammers appear more authentic, and victims—even tech-savvy ones—often lose their life savings by maxing out credit cards. Lawmakers are pushing protective measures like the bipartisan Romance Scam Prevention Act, which would require dating platforms to warn users about profiles later identified as fraudulent.
alachuachronicle.com
· 2026-02-14
# Romance and Confidence Scams Warning
As Valentine's Day approaches, Operation Senior Shield warns of romance and confidence scams where fraudsters build trust with victims through online relationships or social networks, then manipulate them into sending money or sharing personal information over weeks or months. These scams often involve urgent requests for financial help, overly sympathetic stories, and pressure to act quickly without verification. To protect yourself, verify any financial requests independently, be cautious of people who quickly ask for money, and discuss suspicious requests with trusted friends or family before responding—if you suspect a scam, report it to the Florida Abuse Hotline (1-800-962-2873), the National Elder Fraud Hotline (833-372-8311), or the IC3 at complaint.ic3.gov.
aol.com
· 2026-02-14
# Scams Targeting Older Adults
Elder fraud is a growing problem, with individuals aged 60 and over losing $3.4 billion in 2023—an 11% increase from the previous year—with an average loss of $33,915 per victim. The most common scams targeting older adults include tech support scams (fake calls claiming to be from Microsoft or Apple), personal data breaches, romance scams, and investment fraud, with scammers typically initiating contact through calls, emails, or texts before requesting money or access to devices. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact from companies or strangers, never give remote access to your devices or personal information to callers you didn't initiate contact with, verify any claims by contacting companies directly using official phone numbers, and report suspicious activity to the FBI or local authorities.
nationaltoday.com
· 2026-02-14
# Article Summary
Patrick Dallas, a 38-year-old from Atlanta, pleaded guilty to defrauding elderly people in Rhode Island and other states through a fake Publishers Clearing House lottery scheme that stole over $1 million. The scammers told victims they had won large sums of money and then tricked them into paying upfront fees, taxes, or sending valuables like gift cards and watches to collect fake prizes. Seniors should be alert to sweepstakes and lottery scams that request personal information or upfront payments, as legitimate lotteries never require fees to claim winnings.
spectrumlocalnews.com
· 2026-02-14
Americans are losing over $1 billion annually to romance scams, where fraudsters build fake emotional connections online to manipulate victims into sending money or investing in fake platforms, often using deepfakes and AI to appear more authentic. The scams affect people across all tech-savviness levels, with victims frequently maxing out credit cards and losing their life savings. To protect yourself, be wary of new online romantic interests who quickly suggest investments or ask for money, and lawmakers are now pushing dating platforms to alert users about profiles banned for fraud.
koco.com
· 2026-02-13
# Romance Scams Powered by AI Are Costing Americans Hundreds of Millions
Americans lost over $672 million to romance scams in 2024, with artificial intelligence making scammers increasingly difficult to detect—one in four Americans has encountered a fake profile or AI chatbot, and one in seven has lost money to these schemes. Scammers use AI to create convincing personas by studying victims' social media posts, then gradually build trust through mirroring interests and offering sympathy over days or weeks. To protect yourself, be skeptical of online dating connections that seem too perfectly matched to your interests, avoid sending money to people you've only met online, and watch for red flags like requests for personal information or financial help early in the relationship.
wkbw.com
· 2026-02-13
Federal officials are warning Western New Yorkers about a sharp rise in romance scams, which cost victims over $1.3 billion nationwide in 2024, with criminals using fake dating profiles and AI technology to build trust before directing victims to fraudulent investment schemes. Scammers specifically target lonely individuals, and a particularly brutal tactic called "pig butchering" involves encouraging victims to make increasingly large investments before stealing their money, with victims often losing life savings and taking out loans. To protect yourself, be skeptical of online romantic interests who quickly push investment opportunities, and remember that if something "doesn't smell right or feel right, it probably isn't right."
audacy.com
· 2026-02-13
Federal authorities in Buffalo are warning of a rising romance investment scam where fraudsters build trust with victims online and then lure them into fake investment or cryptocurrency platforms, often showing fake statements of unrealistic returns and even sending back small withdrawals to build credibility before requesting larger sums. The scam represents an evolution of traditional romance fraud, making victims more likely to invest substantial amounts of money. People should be cautious about online relationships that quickly pivot to investment opportunities, verify investment platforms independently, and never send money to romantic interests they haven't met in person.
itweb.co.za
· 2026-02-13
South African dating app users are being warned about a surge in sophisticated "pig butchering" scams—where fraudsters use AI-generated deepfakes and fake identities to build trust with victims before stealing their money, often in cryptocurrency schemes. A recent Interpol operation across Africa resulted in 260 arrests and exposed how these criminal networks target middle-aged and recently divorced individuals on platforms like Tinder and Hinge, with about 80% of identity scams now using deepfake technology. To protect yourself, be cautious of anyone pushing you to move conversations off dating apps to encrypted platforms, verify video calls carefully, and avoid any requests for money or investment opportunities from people you've only met online.
fingerlakesdailynews.com
· 2026-02-13
# Romance and Investment Scams on the Rise
Federal law enforcement agencies in Western New York are warning the public about a sharp increase in sophisticated romance scams, where fraudsters build fake relationships on dating apps and social media before convincing victims to invest money in fake cryptocurrency or trading schemes. Victims of all ages—including professionals, seniors, and younger adults—have lost thousands of dollars and suffered significant emotional trauma, with scammers using tactics like "pig-butchering" where they shower victims with affection before disappearing with their money. Authorities advise people to be extremely cautious about what they share online, never send money to online contacts regardless of how trustworthy they seem, and trust their instincts if something feels off.
ohioattorneygeneral.gov
· 2026-02-13
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced new partnerships with banks, health care providers, and pharmacists to combat financial exploitation and elder abuse, which often goes undetected through subtle signs like unusual bank withdrawals or changes in spending patterns. These frontline professionals are being trained to recognize warning signs of abuse and will distribute educational materials to help victims and families seek help. Older Ohioans should be alert to suspicious financial activity in their accounts and report concerns to local law enforcement or the Attorney General's Office.
cobbcountycourier.com
· 2026-02-13
# Online Romance Scams Target Millions of Americans
Online romance scams are defrauding millions of Americans, with an estimated 11 million people targeted by scammers who pose as romantic partners to steal money or encourage risky cryptocurrency investments, particularly affecting adults ages 50-64. The FBI and local law enforcement have begun cracking down on these schemes, including prosecuting a Marietta man who used fake identities to defraud multiple victims. To protect yourself, be cautious about online romantic connections asking for money or investment opportunities, verify the identity of online contacts through video calls, and report suspicious activity to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
portal.hr
· 2026-02-13
Scammers in Croatia are targeting elderly people with phone calls impersonating doctors, police officers, and bankers, using urgent situations and threats to pressure victims into sending money or withdrawing cash—four incidents were reported in a single day, with one woman losing 8,000 euros. The fraudsters typically call from foreign numbers, speak with heavy accents, and exploit fear tactics to force quick action, while also recruiting unwitting accomplices through fake job ads to collect the stolen money in person. People should be wary of unexpected calls asking for immediate money transfers or bank details, and should independently verify any claims by contacting official institutions directly rather than following the caller's instructions.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-13
Scams have become increasingly sophisticated and organized, often powered by AI, causing significant financial and emotional harm across all demographics, with older Americans being particularly vulnerable to fraud schemes that exploit trust. The US Senate held a hearing in January focusing on international scams targeting seniors, who often lose their life savings to these carefully constructed schemes. Gen has released policy recommendations for lawmakers including improved data protection, stronger law enforcement coordination, and national awareness campaigns to combat these threats.
press-herald.com
· 2026-02-13
# Romance Fraud Alert: What You Need to Know
Romance scams have surged dramatically, with IRS Criminal Investigation cases more than tripling in the past year, particularly targeting older Americans and vulnerable individuals seeking connection. Victims often lose significant portions of their life savings or retirement funds through criminals posing as romantic partners on dating sites and social media, sometimes also using compromising photos for blackmail. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly escalate to requests for money, never send compromising photos to people you haven't met in person, verify identities through video calls, and report suspected fraud to authorities or the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311.
wamc.org
· 2026-02-13
# Fraud Prevention Summary
Millions of Americans fall victim to fraud each year, with elderly citizens particularly vulnerable to scams including romance schemes, tech support fraud, grandparent scams, and government impersonation plots. New York State Police Investigator Kurt Strassberger highlighted that common fraud tactics also include money mule schemes, cryptocurrency investment fraud, and business email compromise attacks. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited contact offering financial opportunities or tech support, verify requests through official channels before sharing personal information, and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or the FBI.
foxnews.com
· 2026-02-12
# Valentine's Day Romance Scam Summary
Romance scams peak around Valentine's Day and have become increasingly sophisticated, using artificial intelligence, stolen personal data, and AI-generated profiles to target vulnerable populations like widowed, divorced, or older adults returning to online dating. Modern scammers no longer rely on simple tactics but instead use AI to create convincing fake identities, impersonate real people, generate deepfake videos, and even build elaborate fake social networks to build trust before requesting money. To protect yourself, be cautious of new online connections asking for money, verify profiles through reverse image searches, watch for inconsistencies in stories, and avoid sharing personal information early in relationships.
wbaltv.com
· 2026-02-12
# Romance Scams Warning for Valentine's Day
As Valentine's Day approaches, the Better Business Bureau is warning people about romance scams that exploit trust through dating apps and social media, with scammers increasingly using AI and deepfakes to appear more convincing. Senior citizens are typically targeted, with fraudsters manipulating victims into sending money via wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency after building fake relationships online. To protect yourself, be suspicious of anyone asking for money upfront, verify video calls look natural (watching for unnatural blinking, odd lighting, or strange movements), and insist on meeting in person before engaging romantically or financially with online contacts.