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in Identity Theft
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Identity theft targeting children under 19 has become increasingly common, with the FTC reporting 22,229 claims in a recent year resulting in over $15 million in losses, often going undiscovered for years. Perpetrators—ranging from online criminals to family members—use children's clean credit histories and Social Security numbers to obtain loans, credit cards, and government benefits, with victims like a 28-year-old experiencing wage garnishment and long-term financial damage into adulthood. Parents can protect their children by freezing credit reports, monitoring for warning signs such as debt collection calls or IRS notices, and safeguarding personal information from data breaches and social media exposure.
yourvalley.net
· 2025-12-08
Over 100 Sun City residents attended a March 20 scam prevention seminar hosted by Chase Bank and the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, where officials reported that fraud and scams are rising nationally and particularly in retirement communities. Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Captain Brian Stutsman noted that Arizona ranked 10th nationally for fraud in 2022, with losses reaching over $10 billion in 2023, and that a nine-month period in the Sun Cities resulted in $2.7 million in losses, though actual figures are likely higher due to underreporting caused by shame and embarrassment.
techradar.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, the FBI reported that cryptocurrency scams cost victims $4.57 billion—a 38% increase from $3.31 billion in 2022—surpassing ransomware losses of $59.6 million. Romance scammers typically impersonate attractive individuals to build weeks-long relationships before convincing victims to "invest" in fake cryptocurrency platforms, displaying false gains until withdrawal attempts trigger additional "fees." The FBI acknowledged its ransomware figures likely underrepresent actual losses since they exclude business downtime costs and only count reported incidents.
irs.gov
· 2025-12-08
A Spring Hill, Florida couple, Wendy and Samuel Bunner, defrauded an elderly Berkeley County man with dementia of over $1.9 million by fraudulently obtaining cashier's checks, emptying bank and investment accounts, and opening credit cards in his name. The couple used the stolen funds to purchase homes, vehicles, campers, and consumer goods for their personal benefit, with Wendy pleading guilty to money laundering and Samuel previously pleading guilty to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft; they face up to 10 and 30 years in prison respectively.
nwestiowa.com
· 2025-12-08
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers a free research-based workshop called "Stay Independent: Spot, Stop and Avoid Fraud" designed for adults 60 and older to help them identify and prevent financial scams. The workshop addresses why seniors are targeted by scammers, reviews common fraud schemes in Iowa, and provides strategies to protect finances, as elder financial fraud is the most prevalent form of elder abuse affecting over 50 million Americans age 62 and older. Interested participants can contact their local ISU Extension county office to request the workshop in their community.
observerlocalnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A 19-year-old Palm Coast man was indicted in January 2025 for federal wire fraud involving over $800,000, following a separate incident in October 2024 where Flagler Schools lost $719,000 to fraudulent transfer. Elderly residents are increasingly targeted by sophisticated fraud schemes including tech support scams, investment fraud, and impersonation of government officials, with FBI data showing that victims over 60 reported $3.1 billion in losses in 2022—an 84% increase—and cryptocurrency-related losses among seniors jumping 350%. Law enforcement officials note that most cases go unsolved due to funds being transferred overseas or through multiple accounts
nij.ojp.gov
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. population of adults age 60 and older grew 33% from 2010 to 2020, yet research on fraud victimization in this demographic remains limited despite older adults losing over $36 billion annually to financial fraud. Older adults face heightened vulnerability to fraud due to cognitive decline, reduced financial literacy, social isolation, and greater trustfulness, with 34.8% of those age 50+ targeted by scams in a five-year period and 2.7-6.6% experiencing fraud annually, though actual numbers are likely higher due to significant underreporting.
lex18.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax season invites cybercriminals to exploit the chaos of online tax forms through phishing emails impersonating TurboTax or H&R Block, fake IRS calls claiming money is owed, and fraudulent links directing victims to fake sites to harvest login credentials. The IRS received 294,138 identity theft complaints in 2023, with cases taking an average of 19 months to resolve. To protect against these scams, individuals should avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or texts, go directly to official websites through a browser, and remember that the IRS never initiates digital contact to request personal information.
actionnews5.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece features a Google technology expert discussing how to recognize and prevent online scams during tax season, when identity theft targeting tax refunds increases. The article notes that Americans spend over 8 hours daily online and face various scam types including fear-based fraud and romance scams, with the IRS reporting the second-highest number of identity theft complaints in history last year. The expert provides guidance on identifying scams and protecting personal information.
wafb.com
· 2025-12-08
Smishing scams—fraudulent text messages impersonating delivery services like USPS, FedEx, and UPS—have increased significantly, with Americans receiving 78 billion robotexts in the first half of 2023 alone and 1.1 billion delivery-related texts in December 2023. Scammers use these messages to trick recipients into clicking malicious links to steal personal information, install malware, or collect fake delivery fees. The FTC and USPS recommend ignoring suspicious texts, never clicking links from unknown senders, using text-blocking apps, and reporting suspected smishing by emailing screenshots to USPS without clicking the link.
actionnews5.com
· 2025-12-08
The FTC and U.S. Postal Inspection Service warned of a significant increase in "smishing" scams—fraudulent text messages impersonating shipping companies and USPS—with Americans receiving 78 billion robotexts in the first half of 2023 alone. Scammers use these messages to trick recipients into clicking malicious links or providing personal information for identity theft, malware installation, or fraudulent payment collection. Consumers are advised to ignore suspicious texts, avoid sharing personal information, report suspected smishing to USPS, and note that the postal service only sends texts from five-digit numbers to those who have opted in and never includes clickable links.
techradar.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating FTC and U.S. government workers to defraud victims, particularly elderly people, by claiming accounts are compromised and directing them to purchase gold bars or withdraw cash to send to couriers. The FTC has issued a warning clarifying it never demands money, threatens arrest/deportation, or directs consumers to Bitcoin ATMs or gold purchases; the FBI received over 14,000 government impersonation reports in the past year, with median losses increasing from $3,000 in 2019 to $7,000 in 2024.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonating FTC agents are stealing an average of $7,000 per victim in 2024, more than double the $3,000 average from 2019, according to FTC warnings. The scheme typically involves fraudsters posing as government agents who pressure victims to move money to protect their accounts, often directing them to withdraw cash, purchase cryptocurrency or gold, or transfer funds—tactics the FTC explicitly states it never employs. The FTC received 228,282 complaints about government impersonation scams in 2023, highlighting a broader fraud crisis that cost Americans $10 billion in losses last year.
fortune.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonating FTC agents are increasingly successful in 2024, stealing an average of $7,000 per victim—more than double the $3,000 average from 2019. The FTC warns that legitimate agents never demand money transfers, direct victims to Bitcoin ATMs or gold purchases, or threaten arrest, and the agency received 228,282 complaints about government impersonation scams in 2023. Overall fraud losses reached a record $10 billion in 2023, with data showing that while younger adults are more susceptible to scams, those over 40 typically lose larger amounts.
hermoney.com
· 2025-12-08
Contrary to common stereotypes, younger adults (ages 18-59) are 34% more likely than older adults to report losing money to fraud, with particular vulnerability to online shopping and investment scams. Financial columnist Charlotte Cowles fell victim to an elaborate scam involving fake Amazon and FTC calls that threatened arrest and her child's safety, ultimately resulting in her handing over $50,000 in cash from her emergency fund. The key takeaway is that victims should speak with a trusted person before transferring money, as interruption by someone else is often what prevents financial loss rather than recognizing red flags.
tillamookheadlightherald.com
· 2025-12-08
A 2023 study analyzing Federal Trade Commission data found Oregon ranked 13th most defrauded state in the US, with $97.5 million lost across 29,002 fraud reports. Imposter scams were the most common fraud type in Oregon at 23% of all reports, followed by identity theft (15%) and online shopping scams (9%). The analysis provides guidance on recognizing and avoiding these common scam categories, emphasizing the importance of never sharing personal information with unknown callers and verifying legitimacy through official channels.
amac.us
· 2025-12-08
Scams are widespread dishonest schemes used by bad actors to defraud victims through various channels including text, phone, email, and in-person contact, with the goal of stealing money or personal information for identity theft. According to 2023 Gallup data, 15% of Americans reported being scam victims in the past year, with nationwide fraud losses exceeding $10 billion, including $4.6 billion from investment scams and $2.7 billion from imposter scams. The FTC monitors scam trends and urges consumers to protect themselves by safeguarding sensitive information, remaining vigilant against impersonators, and reporting fraud at reportfraud.ftc
alaskapublic.org
· 2025-12-08
Alaska experienced a 91% surge in internet scam losses from 2022 to 2023, jumping from $16.5 million to $31.5 million—nearly double the national average increase of 21%—with seniors over 60 representing about 300 victims but accounting for over $8.7 million (more than a quarter of total losses). The FBI identified the three main fraud types affecting Alaskans as compromised business emails, investment fraud, and romance scams, while emphasizing that actual losses are likely underreported. Authorities stress prevention through strong passwords, anti-virus software, caution with virtual relationships, and reporting incidents to the FBI's Internet Crime
keyt.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, scammers impersonating Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) stole approximately $875,000 from nearly 43,000 customers across California, with an average loss of $785 per victim. The scams, which peaked in early 2024 with $67,000 stolen in January alone, targeted vulnerable populations including seniors, low-income communities, and non-English speakers through phone calls and emails demanding immediate payment via prepaid cards to avoid service disconnection. PG&E advises customers to verify bills through official channels, use only legitimate payment methods (checks, money orders, or ACH transfers), and report suspected scams to authorities or
wltx.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, 277 South Carolinians lost over $11 million to romance scams, though only 29 cases were reported to state authorities, indicating significant underreporting of this growing threat. Sandra Shealy exemplified the impact when she lost approximately $85,000 after developing trust with a scammer on Facebook who used fake photos, videos, and Zoom calls; she is still repaying the debt. The FBI emphasizes that romance fraud and confidence scams are increasingly common due to easier fake persona creation with AI technology and urges victims to report incidents to improve prevention efforts.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
Albertans reported losing over $156 million to fraud since 2020, with losses reaching $62.5 million in 2023 alone—a fivefold increase from 2020—though experts estimate only 5-10% of incidents are reported due to victim reluctance and embarrassment. Investment scams, particularly cryptocurrency fraud, accounted for nearly 58% of 2023 losses ($35.9 million), followed by spear-phishing attacks that took $8.5 million, with technological advancements and the unregulated nature of cryptocurrency enabling fraudsters to operate across borders with relative anonymity.
fox5atlanta.com
· 2025-12-08
Georgia ranks as the third most dangerous state for online dating according to a Privacy Journal survey analyzing romance scams, identity theft, violent crime, and STDs. The state leads the nation in identity theft and fraud reports, with 985 STD cases per 100,000 residents, though it has a relatively low romance scam rate of 3.9 per 100,000. Nevada is the most dangerous state overall, while Vermont is the safest, and the article recommends online daters use Facebook groups to identify and avoid scammers.
kyuk.org
· 2025-12-08
Alaska's internet fraud losses nearly doubled from $16.5 million in 2022 to $31.5 million in 2023—a 91% increase that far outpaced the national 21% rise—with the FBI noting actual losses are likely underreported. While older adults (60+) represented only about 13% of Alaska's 2,338 fraud victims that year, they accounted for over $8.7 million in losses (more than 25% of the total), with the top fraud types being compromised business emails, investment scams, and romance scams. The FBI emphasizes prevention through strong passwords, caution with virtual relationships and suspicious links,
wbay.com
· 2025-12-08
Tech support scammers use fake pop-up warnings claiming a computer is locked or infected to frighten users into calling fraudulent support numbers, where victims may lose money, install malicious software, or divulge personal information. The FBI and FTC report these scams are generating record profits, though one Wisconsin woman avoided financial loss by immediately shutting down her computer and seeking help from a trusted IT professional. To avoid these scams, users should never call numbers on security pop-ups, never grant remote access to strangers, and instead contact trusted tech support or use security best practices like two-factor authentication and regular software updates.
cybershack.com.au
· 2025-12-08
An 80-year-old tech-savvy reader named John fell victim to an online scam after clicking on a fake ad-blocker offer, compromising his credit card and personal information; scammers made several fraudulent purchases within 24 hours before he took corrective action. The article outlines common online scam types—including email phishing, SMS fraud, malware/ransomware, and fake websites—and provides protective measures such as using clean email addresses, running malware detection software, maintaining backups, and remaining skeptical of unsolicited offers. The key message is that online scams affect people across all technical skill levels, and awareness combined with proactive security practices can help
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-08
Police warn that lonely and retired seniors are susceptible to investment and love scams, with victims losing substantial sums including one retiree who lost RM2 million in a cryptocurrency investment scheme and a 60-year-old widow who transferred RM200,000 to a fake online romantic interest. Scammers exploit victims' lack of cybersecurity awareness and isolation by posing as investment opportunities or authority figures on social media, with victims often refusing to believe they've been defrauded. Authorities recommend frequent family contact, cybersecurity education, and vigilance against online relationships that involve requests for money or gifts.
nwfdailynews.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article discusses common scams targeting the public, particularly elderly individuals. It covers traditional fraud like the "grandchild in jail" scheme where scammers pose as a relative needing bail money, as well as modern digital scams including fake package delivery notifications requesting payment and credit card information, and fraudulent refund offers designed to exploit victims' greed by asking for financial details.
heraldextra.com
· 2025-12-08
The Social Security Administration recently warned of increasing fraud schemes in which scammers change bank account numbers to divert benefit checks to themselves. AARP's Fraud Watch Network offers free, comprehensive resources to help people of all ages combat fraud through educational materials, scam-tracking maps, real-time alerts, and a community reporting system. The platform covers various fraud types including identity theft and online scams, accessible via newsletters, social media, and a dedicated website.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
A pharmacist fell victim to an elaborate impersonation scam when scammers spoofed the Ohio Board of Pharmacy's number, falsely claiming her license was linked to a narcotics investigation and threatening arrest unless she paid a $500,000 bond. Over three months, the scammers manipulated her into moving $500,000 of her savings and retirement funds into a "protected account" and taking out two additional loans totaling $250,000, all of which went directly to the fraudsters. The article notes that scams are rising nationally, with Americans losing over $159 billion in 2023, and that professionals with specialized licenses and higher incomes—such as pharmacists
nzherald.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
Last year, New Zealanders reported losses of nearly $200 million to scams, though actual losses may exceed $2 billion when unreported cases are considered, with two-thirds of Kiwis encountering scams monthly. ASB Bank is spearheading a multi-sector anti-scam initiative with telcos, police, and social media companies, while launching an awareness campaign that outlines common scam types—including phishing, marketplace fraud, investment schemes, and romance scams—along with protective measures such as verifying contacts directly, inspecting goods in person, researching investments thoroughly, and guarding personal information.
cyberdaily.au
· 2025-12-08
During Ramadan and Eid Fitr celebrations, scammers targeting Saudi Arabia and other regions have stolen between $70-$100 million through various fraud schemes, with the criminal group known as the Smishing Triad primarily responsible. The scams employ multiple tactics including fake logistics delivery notifications (impersonating companies like Aramex), romance scams, fake charities, and phishing sites mimicking banks and bill payment platforms, often using personal data from previous breaches to appear legitimate and bypass security measures like two-factor authentication. Victims are directed to counterfeit websites where their financial information, banking credentials, and personal data are harvested for unauthorized charges, identity theft, and recruitment
floridadaily.com
· 2025-12-08
Taufiq Mohammed Kailani of Daytona Beach was arrested for using a business email imposter scam to defraud two construction companies of $60,725 by posing as an employee and sending a counterfeit bank letter to trick one company into wiring funds. Kailani exploited an elderly victim he met through a romance scam to open a fraudulent bank account and withdraw the stolen money, which the victim unwittingly facilitated. He was charged with organized fraud, fraudulent use of personal identification information, and money laundering, with bail set at $1.5 million.
longmontleader.com
· 2025-12-08
A 2023 QRFY study found that Colorado ranked seventh in the nation for fraud losses, with residents losing $161.2 million total ($2.8 million per 100,000 residents) across 40,625 reported scams to the FTC. Imposter scams were the leading fraud type at 19% of incidents, followed by identity theft at 17%, with scammers commonly posing as banks, utilities, or police to trick victims into sending money or purchasing gift cards via phone, email, or text.
knoxpages.com
· 2025-12-08
Ohio residents lost over $150 million to financial scams in 2023, with identity theft, imposter fraud, and online shopping scams being the most prevalent types, according to state authorities. Ohio ranked 12th nationally for identity theft cases in 2023, with younger residents at risk through social media exploitation and seniors vulnerable due to larger financial holdings. Law enforcement recommends reviewing financial statements regularly, avoiding unsolicited requests for payment via gift cards or prepaid cards, and remembering that legitimate government agencies do not solicit personal information via email.
delcotimes.com
· 2025-12-08
This article contains three community news items, with the elder fraud-related segment focusing on a presentation by Detective Brian Layton of the Delaware County Criminal Investigative Unit to the Villagers of Newtown Square on March 21, where he discussed elder fraud and was accompanied by two Villanova University forensic accounting students to provide information on the topic. The article does not provide specific details about the fraud cases discussed or advice given during the presentation.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
John Sapienza, 60, of the Bronx was sentenced to 38 months in prison for aggravated identity theft and attempted bank fraud, along with co-defendant Tyshawn Wilson, who received 44 months. Between January 6-11, 2023, the pair travelled to multiple bank locations in New York and Kentucky attempting to withdraw funds from customer accounts using counterfeit IDs bearing Sapienza's photograph with victims' identifying information, until their arrest by Fort Thomas Police on January 11, 2023.
colorado.edu
· 2025-12-08
Employment scams targeting job seekers pose risks of identity theft and financial loss through unsolicited offers, fake interviews, social media impersonation, and requests for upfront payment. Red flags include vague job descriptions with grammatical errors, pressure to respond quickly, offers that seem too good to be true, and any request for money from applicants. Job seekers should verify opportunities through trusted platforms, research companies independently, trust their instincts, and contact Career Services or report suspicious activity to OIT if they encounter potential scams.
investopedia.com
· 2025-12-08
Pig butchering scams are a sophisticated investment fraud scheme in which scammers create fake online identities to build trust with victims before stealing their money, often through fraudulent cryptocurrency investments. The scams use social engineering, AI-generated content, and emotional manipulation to exploit victims' vulnerabilities, with billions of dollars in global losses reported. To protect yourself, ignore unsolicited messages, verify financial advice independently, and immediately report any suspected scam to your bank and law enforcement.
welivesecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
Loan fraud is surging as financial pressures from inflation and rising costs push vulnerable populations to seek credit, with scammers exploiting this desperation through various schemes. Common tactics include advance-fee fraud (requesting upfront payments for loans that never materialize), student loan forgiveness scams, phishing for personal information, and malicious loan apps—with victims in the UK losing an average of £255 ($323) per incident. Those most at risk are young people, seniors, low-income households, and individuals with poor credit scores who are targeted because they're most likely to be desperate for quick funding.
abcnews.go.com
· 2025-12-08
Tareasa Johnson, a TikTok creator, went viral sharing a 50-part series documenting her marriage to a man she met online who deceived her about his finances, family background, and identity, including allegedly using a phony Social Security number. The article examines her case alongside other victims of online deception and scams, noting that the Internet Crime Complaint Center reported roughly 880,000 scam complaints in 2023, nearly double the 467,000 complaints from 2019, with cybersecurity experts warning that scammers can target anyone regardless of age or expertise.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Angel Giancarlo Bellido Cosio and Angel Eugenio Bances Chaponan, both Peruvian citizens, were indicted on federal charges of credit card fraud and identity theft for operating a distraction theft scheme at Trader Joe's and other retail stores across the United States. The defendants rented vehicles using fraudulent passports, stole wallets from victims, and then used the stolen credit and debit cards to purchase electronic devices and other merchandise. Both men were arrested on March 13, 2024, and face up to 10 years imprisonment for access device fraud plus a mandatory 2-year consecutive sentence for aggravated identity theft.
boredpanda.com
· 2025-12-08
A 16-year-old boy was scammed by an online "girlfriend" he had never met in person, who pressured him into purchasing $50-$100 in in-game items by threatening to break up with him if he refused. His father discovered the unauthorized charges, paid them off, and confiscated the son's credit card while requiring reimbursement. The incident highlights how teenagers' emotional vulnerability and lack of online safety education make them susceptible to financial manipulation and exploitation by online predators.
orlandosentinel.com
· 2025-12-08
Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill was arrested following a grand jury indictment charging her with three counts of elder exploitation, two counts of identity fraud, one count of mortgage fraud, and one count of scheming to defraud involving at least $50,000. Hill is accused of abusing her power of attorney over a constituent and misusing their money.
tampabay.com
· 2025-12-08
Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill was indicted on charges of elder exploitation, identity fraud, mortgage fraud, and scheming to defraud after allegedly abusing her power of attorney over a 96-year-old constituent to drain approximately $100,000 from the woman's bank accounts between 2021 and the investigation period, using the funds for personal expenses including home renovations, cosmetic surgery, and luxury items. Hill faced three counts of elder exploitation, two counts of identity fraud, and single counts of mortgage fraud and scheming to defraud of at least $50,000, and was held on a $40,000 bond. The city indicated that if suspended by the governor, a special election would be hel
au.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Orlando Commissioner Regina Hill was indicted on charges of elder abuse and fraud for allegedly exploiting 96-year-old constituent Annie Mae Curtis from April 2021 to March 2024. Hill fraudulently obtained power of attorney over Curtis and stole over $100,000 from her savings to purchase property, renovate a home, and pay for personal luxuries including cosmetic surgery, while Curtis lived in poor conditions. The investigation, triggered by a former aide, revealed Hill gained access to Curtis through her position as commissioner but the charges pertain to her actions as a private citizen rather than in her official capacity.
thedailybeast.com
· 2025-12-08
Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill was indicted on charges including three counts of first-degree elder abuse, fraud, and mortgage fraud totaling over $100,000 for financially exploiting a 96-year-old constituent, Annie Mae Curtis, between April 2021 and March 2024. Hill fraudulently obtained power of attorney over Curtis and used stolen funds exceeding $100,000 to purchase a $400,000 house, renovate Curtis's own home, and pay for personal luxuries, while Curtis lived in poor conditions. The investigation, initiated by a former aide, found no other victims, and authorities stated the crimes were committed in Hill's personal capacity rather than her official role as commissioner.
morningjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonating U.S. Marshals, court officers, and law enforcement officials are calling victims claiming they owe fines for identity theft, missed jury duty, or civil violations, then pressuring them to pay immediately via cash deposits to bitcoin ATMs to avoid arrest. The scammers use spoofed government phone numbers, real badge numbers, and actual official names to appear credible. The U.S. Marshals Service clarified that it never demands payment by phone or requests financial information, and victims should report such calls to local law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission.
cavazossentinel.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article from the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division provides guidance on identity protection and outlines common scams targeting soldiers, veterans, and their families. Key recommendations include using strong passwords, password managers, two-factor authentication, and separating work and personal accounts, while growing threats include impersonation scams (where scammers pose as military officials), romance scams targeting those over 50, credit repair fraud, cryptocurrency schemes, social media account takeovers, and two-factor authentication exploitation. Supervisory Special Agent Deric Palmer emphasizes that data brokers sell personal information for as little as $20, enabling social engineering attacks, and warns that impersonation scams cause reputational
securityboulevard.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax scams escalate during filing season when victims are stressed and vulnerable, with cyber criminals using text messages and phone calls to exploit emotions. Common schemes include SMS fraud demanding immediate payment or offering fake government benefits, and extortion calls using scare tactics threatening jail time or legal action; attackers often include personal information to appear legitimate. To protect yourself, never click links in unsolicited messages or provide information over the phone—instead, log directly into official CRA or IRS accounts to verify any notices.
journalofaccountancy.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS opened its 2024 Dirty Dozen list of scams with a warning about phishing and smishing scams designed to steal sensitive financial and personal information from taxpayers and tax professionals. Fraudsters impersonate the IRS via deceptive emails and text messages using tactics like fake refund offers or false threats of legal action to trick victims into clicking malicious links or providing personal data that can lead to identity theft. The IRS emphasized it only initiates contact through regular mail, never through email, text, or social media, and provided reporting resources for victims.