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tech.co
· 2025-12-08
A Tech.co study of 1,036 senior executives found that 98% of US business leaders cannot correctly identify all indicators of phishing emails, with only 1.6% able to spot clear warning signs—a critical gap given that phishing attacks account for 40% of data breaches surveyed. The research also revealed significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities, including 19% of senior leaders unable to define multi-factor authentication and 35% of businesses lacking any security policy for AI chatbot use, leaving organizations increasingly exposed to evolving threats powered by new technology.
business-standard.com
· 2025-12-08
A senior citizen in Karnataka lost Rs 3 lakh after searching for his bank manager's phone number on Google and calling a fraudster who had planted fake contact details online; the scammer posed as the bank manager, built trust through video and voice calls, and tricked the victim into clicking a malicious link that enabled unauthorized withdrawal. The article also reports a separate "digital arrest" scam in Agra where two suspects extorted money by impersonating police officers and threatening legal consequences. Protection requires verifying contact details through official websites or bank helplines rather than search results, and avoiding clicks on suspicious message links.
welivesecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
Employment termination scams are phishing attacks that exploit workers' fear of job loss by impersonating HR departments or other authorities, attempting to trick victims into clicking malicious links or opening infected attachments. These scams can lead to malware installation, credential theft, corporate data breaches, or account hijacking, with attackers leveraging stolen work logins for extortion or further fraudulent activity. The scams are effective because they create urgent psychological pressure, and victims can protect themselves by verifying sender addresses, checking for generic greetings, and being cautious about unexpected termination notifications.
paymentsdive.com
· 2025-12-08
JPMorgan Chase identified social media platforms as the origin point for approximately half of push payment scams reported to the bank, where fraudsters contact victims and persuade them to send money through peer-to-peer networks like Zelle. Starting March 23, Chase will block Zelle payments originating from social media transactions, as the service is intended only for known recipients; the bank noted that once money is sent through these instant payment channels, recovery is extremely difficult. This action follows criticism from lawmakers and consumer advocates, with a 2024 Senate report showing that customers disputed $206.7 million in Zelle transactions for fraud in 2023, yet only about 19% were reimbursed.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
JPMorgan Chase reports that approximately half of scams it handles originate on social media platforms, where fraudsters contact consumers and persuade them to send money through peer-to-peer payment networks like Zelle. Beginning March 23, Chase will block Zelle transactions initiated from social media platforms, as the service is intended only for payments to known contacts. The broader issue remains significant: customers of major banks disputed over $206 million in Zelle transactions in 2023 claiming fraud, with only 19% reimbursed, and the CFPB has sued Zelle alleging $870 million in losses over seven years.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services offers a free educational workshop on recognizing and avoiding scams, covering phone, text, email, and online fraud prevention. The workshop teaches participants how to protect themselves online and provides guidance on what to do if they become scam victims.
regtechtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams, where fraudsters create fake profiles on dating apps and social media to manipulate victims emotionally and extract money, have increased 14% globally in 2024 with over 1,193 new scam profiles detected. The United States (38%), Nigeria (14%), and India (12%) are the most affected countries, with scammers employing tactics like "love bombing," fake personas, and blackmail to exploit victims over weeks or months. Tech companies including Meta, Tinder, Bumble, and Google are implementing AI-powered detection systems, safety notices, and content filters to identify and remove fraudulent accounts and warn users of suspicious activity.
express.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams using AI-generated deepfake videos impersonating celebrities became the most reported scams in 2024, with criminals creating hyper-realistic videos and audio to trick victims into fraudulent relationships or investment schemes. A recent investigation by London's Proactive Economic Crime Team led to two arrests after victims handed over approximately £200,000, including one individual who lost £60,000, while a similar case involving a deepfake of Martin Lewis and Elon Musk defrauded a tradesman of £76,000. The technology has evolved faster than regulatory measures, making it increasingly difficult for the public to distinguish real from fabricated content, with deepfake attempts occurring every five
businesstimes.com.sg
· 2025-12-08
Standard Chartered Bank partnered with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to conduct monthly digital literacy workshops for seniors aged 50-90 from August 2024 to February 2025, addressing Singapore's 16.3% rise in scam cases in the first half of 2024. The workshops taught seniors how to identify and protect themselves from fake friend, investment, and phishing scams, with 120 participants and 70 bank volunteers participating in hands-on training sessions. The initiative, part of a corporate volunteering program, demonstrates how partnerships between financial institutions and government agencies can raise fraud awareness and help vulnerable populations avoid becoming victims of self-effected transfer
mirror.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters impersonating bailiffs nearly scammed two victims out of £3,000 by falsely claiming County Court Judgements and threatening to seize their belongings. The scammers used fake court documents, accomplices to "verify" fake debts, and pressure tactics to convince victims to transfer money to personal accounts. Both victims avoided losing money by independently verifying court contact numbers and receiving alerts from their banks, highlighting the importance of confirming such claims directly with official sources rather than using provided phone numbers.
dailymail.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Criminals are impersonating bailiffs and court officials to defraud victims by claiming they owe thousands of pounds in fictitious debts and threatening imminent home visits to seize possessions. The scammers create urgency and fear by claiming bailiffs will arrive within minutes, use duplicated court phone systems and forged court documents to appear legitimate, and direct victims to transfer money to personal bank accounts. The Civil Enforcement Association has reported an increase in these sophisticated scams, with victims targeted with alleged debts ranging from £2,950 to over £3,500.
makeuseof.com
· 2025-12-08
Online job offer scams use deceptive tactics including fake email domains, vague job descriptions with buzzwords, requests for upfront fees, and pressure to hire immediately without proper vetting. The author shares personal experience falling victim to a pyramid scheme disguised as a job offer and recommends verifying company domains, checking for professional job descriptions, never paying hiring fees, and using trusted job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn to avoid fraudulent postings.
kbtx.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece outlines how to detect utility scams that surge during weather emergencies. Scammers impersonate power companies using spoofed caller IDs and stolen personal information to pressure victims into immediate payments via untraceable methods like gift cards, wire transfers, and cryptocurrency. The key defense is to hang up and independently verify claims by calling the company directly, avoiding payment methods without buyer protection, and resisting urgency tactics.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers nationwide are sending text messages impersonating toll collection agencies, demanding payment for unpaid tolls and directing victims to fake websites to steal banking information, credit card details, and personal identifying information like driver's license numbers. The Federal Trade Commission and multiple state authorities including New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania have issued warnings about this "smishing" scam, which the FBI reported had generated over 2,000 complaints across at least three states as of April 2023. Victims should avoid clicking links or replying to unsolicited toll texts, and should instead delete and report suspicious messages to their phone carrier.
local3news.com
· 2025-12-08
Elderly people aged 60 and older lost approximately $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, an 11% increase from the previous year, with seniors targeted because they hold significant wealth and are susceptible to increasingly sophisticated fraud tactics. The most common scams affecting seniors include romance scams (averaging $2,000 per victim), investment/cryptocurrency scams, gift card scams, texting scams, home improvement scams, and imposter scams, which often involve refined variations of traditional schemes rather than entirely new tactics. Experts recommend staying connected with elderly loved ones and remaining vigilant about suspicious offers that create artificial time pressure or build false relationships, as scammers exploit lon
thirteen.org
· 2025-12-08
Online romance scams exploit digital connections through fake profiles and texts to defraud billions of dollars annually from Americans. These scams work by building trust with victims to manipulate them into sending money, with certain populations being more vulnerable to this form of fraud than others.
wilx.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns consumers to watch for IRS impersonation scams during tax season, including phishing emails, fake phone calls demanding payment via wire transfer or prepaid debit cards, and fraudulent mailing scams requesting personal information. To protect themselves, taxpayers should file early, use an Identity Protection PIN, verify they're on the official IRS website, remember that the IRS contacts by mail first, and work with trustworthy tax professionals. Victims of tax identity theft should contact the IRS at 1-800-908-4490 and file a complaint with the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.
pandasecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax season 2025 brings increased fraud risk as over 160 million Americans file returns by April 15th, with scammers exploiting the confusion through multiple tactics including fake charities, dishonest tax preparers, and IRS impersonation calls and phishing emails. The IRS warns taxpayers to verify non-profit status before donating, use honest tax preparers, hang up on unsolicited IRS calls requesting banking information or gift cards, and avoid clicking links in suspicious emails or following unqualified social media tax advice. Installing antivirus software and being cautious of tax debt relief services can help prevent personal information theft and fraudulent refund claims filed in victims' names.
sowetanlive.co.za
· 2025-12-08
A 66-year-old pensioner from South Africa was robbed of R2,000 (her and her mother's old age grants) by a man she met on the dating app Badoo; he gained her trust through online dating, accompanied her to withdraw the money, then stole her purse during their first in-person date and disappeared. Romance scams are rising in South Africa, particularly targeting older single women and widows through fake online relationships built to exploit emotional vulnerability and extract money or personal information, with international reports indicating up to 3% of Europe's population has fallen victim to such schemes.
wlen.com
· 2025-12-08
Lenawee County TRIAD is hosting a free educational workshop called "Shield Against Scams" on March 12th in Onsted, Michigan, designed to teach older adults how to recognize and prevent fraud targeting seniors. The event will feature Cory Reindel, a certified fraud examiner and senior fraud investigator, who will discuss common scams, warning signs, and protection strategies, followed by a Q&A session for personalized advice.
deeside.com
· 2025-12-08
A campaign led by Age Cymru and North Wales Police launched 2,500 stickers and information leaflets across North Wales to combat rising doorstep scams, particularly courier fraud and rogue trader schemes targeting older and vulnerable people. The stickers, designed to be placed inside front doors with the message "Stop – don't hand over money!" and the police non-emergency number 101, aim to remind residents to be cautious of unexpected callers, especially during winter months when such scams increase. The initiative was developed with input from dementia support groups to ensure accessibility and is part of the broader Wales Against Scams Partnership effort to protect vulnerable individuals from fraudsters.
tarmaclife.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
Gmail users are facing an AI-powered scam that the FBI identified in May, wherein criminals send convincing fake emails and voice/video messages claiming account security breaches to trick victims into revealing Gmail recovery codes, potentially leading to identity theft and financial loss. To protect themselves, users should avoid clicking suspicious links, use multi-factor authentication, enable password managers, and verify security alerts by visiting Google Account directly rather than through email links.
freepressjournal.in
· 2025-12-08
A 52-year-old man from Pune was defrauded of Rs77.74 lakh over four months by scammers who lured him with promises of high returns in gold mining and forex trading investments. After registering on a fraudulent trading portal and making 51 transactions, he saw his account balance grow to Rs2.57 crore but was unable to withdraw funds starting in December, when scammers demanded an additional Rs26 lakh as a "risk security deposit." He reported the scam to cyber crime police, and a case was filed under cheating and IT Act violations.
irishmirror.ie
· 2025-12-08
Gmail users are being warned about a sophisticated AI-powered scam targeting Irish and international accounts, where scammers use convincing phone calls and fake Google emails to trick victims into revealing their Gmail recovery codes, potentially leading to account takeover, identity theft, and financial losses. The FBI first warned of these AI-driven scams in May 2024, and the problem has since escalated with attackers using increasingly realistic voice, video, and email impersonations. Security experts recommend users verify alerts directly through official Google accounts, enable multi-factor authentication, avoid clicking suspicious links, and use password managers to protect themselves from these threats.
pbs.org
· 2025-12-08
Online romance scams cost Americans billions of dollars annually, targeting victims across all ages, genders, nationalities, and educational backgrounds through fake profiles and psychological manipulation. Investigative reporter Cezary Podkul notes that victims have lost anywhere from hundreds of thousands to over a million dollars each, with red flags including unsolicited contact, pushy investment offers, and requests for repeated deposits. Victims are advised to seek a second opinion from trusted contacts, report crimes to local police, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, and the U.S. Secret Service, as clustering reports can help law enforcement recover funds and identify other victims of the same fraudulent operations.
monroenews.com
· 2025-12-08
Monroe Community Credit Union reports that fraud cases in Monroe County are doubling year-over-year, with criminals increasingly using artificial intelligence and spoofing tactics to target victims of all ages. The latest scams include AI-generated voice clones of loved ones, fake fraud alerts impersonating financial institutions, local number spoofing, and tech support scams, alongside traditional schemes like phishing, romance scams, and grandparent scams. The credit union advises residents to never share full Social Security numbers or online banking credentials with callers, verify unexpected calls by hanging up and calling back using verified numbers, and scrutinize email addresses, URLs, and website security features before providing personal information.
governor.ny.gov
· 2025-12-08
New York consumers are receiving fraudulent SMS text messages impersonating E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail that request personal information and payment for fake tolls, often originating from international numbers with links to unofficial websites. Legitimate E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail services never request sensitive information like credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, or birthdates via text or email. Consumers should verify suspicious messages by contacting E-ZPass (1-800-333-8655) or Tolls by Mail (1-844-826-8400) directly, and report scams to the New York Department of Consumer Protection or the Federal Trade Commission.
cxotoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams, increasingly enhanced by generative AI to create convincing messages, are surging globally with a 400% increase in romance-related fraud in India, where 39% of dating app users encountered scammers and 78% of women faced fake profiles. Vulnerable populations including elderly individuals, military personnel, and those seeking financial relationships are targeted through fake profiles, cryptocurrency investment schemes ("romance baiting"), and fake recovery scams that exploit emotional manipulation and are difficult to reverse, especially when cryptocurrency is involved. The best defense is skepticism toward requests for money from people never met in person, with victims advised to report incidents to law enforcement immediately.
nbcnewyork.com
· 2025-12-08
New Jersey authorities warned residents about a phishing scam using text messages claiming unpaid E-ZPass tolls of $6-$7, with links that steal personal information like credit cards and dates of birth when clicked. The official E-ZPass and consumer affairs agencies clarified they never contact customers by text or phone about unpaid tolls, and advised consumers to watch for red flags like foreign phone numbers and grammatical errors, and to place fraud alerts on their credit with agencies if targeted.
spectrumlocalnews.com
· 2025-12-08
New York residents are being targeted by phishing scam text messages posing as E-ZPass toll collection notices, with messages from international numbers requesting recipients reply with "Y" to access fake payment websites. State officials emphasized that E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail never request sensitive information via text or email, and urged consumers to verify messages through official channels (1-800-333-8655 for E-ZPass or 1-844-826-8400 for Tolls by Mail) before clicking any links.
twincities.com
· 2025-12-08
This is not an article about fraud or elder abuse. Instead, it is instructional content from the Pioneer Press newspaper outlining procedures and policies for submitting obituaries, including required information, verification requirements, pricing, payment methods, and deadlines. The content is administrative in nature and does not involve any scams, fraud, or elder abuse incidents.
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Americans lost $10 billion to fraud, with scammers employing increasingly sophisticated tactics to steal money and personal information. The article outlines 10 common banking scams—including check fraud, phishing, fake websites, advance fee schemes, and government imposter scams—and provides protective measures such as verifying bank URLs, never clicking unsolicited links, and avoiding upfront payments for promised services.
sentinelone.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals exploit Valentine's Day by launching romance baiting scams, phishing attacks, and fraudulent gift card promotions to manipulate victims through emotional appeals and false investment opportunities. Romance baiting schemes have caused significant financial damage, with investment fraud losses increasing from $3.31 billion in 2022 to $4.57 billion in 2023, often resulting in severe psychological trauma for victims beyond monetary losses. The article advises individuals to recognize common scams such as fake dating profiles, malicious e-cards, and spoofed promotions, and emphasizes that awareness, education, and timely reporting are essential to prevent victimization and aid law enforcement.
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
Criminals exploit legitimate data breach notices by creating fraudulent scams that impersonate companies and ask victims to download malware, click phishing links, or divulge personal information. Red flags for fake data breach alerts include suspicious sender contact information, spelling errors, odd-looking URLs, and artificial urgency in the message. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links or replying to unsolicited breach notices; instead, contact the company directly, and report suspected scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
wgnsradio.com
· 2025-12-08
Three Rutherford County, Tennessee residents reported scam attempts in which callers impersonated sheriff's deputies and threatened arrest via phone calls, text messages, and fake court documents to coerce victims into sending money via bitcoin or other payments. One senior victim nearly complied with a fake court document ordering bitcoin deposits after being threatened with 30-60 days jail time for missed jury duty, but stopped when she visited the Sheriff's Office in person; another senior recognized a toll road payment demand as fraudulent; and a third victim traced a caller's number to a China-linked company. The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office clarified that it does not call citizens threatening arrest or demanding money, and urged residents
news.clearancejobs.com
· 2025-12-08
Nearly 60,000 Americans fell victim to romance scams last year, though losses have slightly declined as people become more cautious; however, scammers are increasingly using AI-generated images and deepfakes to impersonate romantic interests and extract money through manipulation. These scams follow a pattern of building trust via dating apps or social media, creating excuses to avoid in-person meetings, and gradually requesting money in small increments—a technique called "pig butchering"—while exploiting victims' emotions rather than technical vulnerabilities. To protect themselves, people should pause before responding to urgent requests, verify identities through reverse image searches, and consult trusted friends or family before taking action.
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams cost Americans $1.14 billion in 2023, with a median loss of $2,000 per victim, and $384 million in the first nine months of 2024 alone. Scammers create fake profiles on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, build emotional relationships with victims, and then request money or investment opportunities; one elderly widow lost an estimated $50,000-$60,000 to seven overlapping romance scams over seven years. To protect themselves, users should verify identities through video calls, be skeptical of requests for money or personal information, and report suspicious accounts to platforms.
standard.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
YouTube warned users of a phishing scam impersonating the platform's creator support team, where fraudulent emails with links to fake private videos direct victims to malicious websites designed to steal login credentials and install malware. At least one YouTube creator with 500,000 subscribers nearly fell victim to the scheme, which uses red flags like misspelled words ("crearors" instead of "creators") and requests for electronic signatures to appear legitimate. YouTube emphasized it never communicates with creators through such methods and advised users to avoid downloading files or accessing links from suspicious emails.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
A resurfacing SMS scam (known as "smishing") targets drivers by sending text messages claiming unpaid road toll bills are due, with fake links directing victims to fraudulent websites that could compromise personal and financial information. The FBI previously received over 2,000 complaints about similar toll road smishing scams across three states as of April of the prior year. Recipients should not click suspicious links, verify toll accounts directly through official websites, and report the scam to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
enews.wvu.edu
· 2025-12-08
During tax season, identity theft and tax fraud increase when criminals file fraudulent returns using stolen Social Security numbers to claim refunds. To protect against these scams, individuals should file taxes early, obtain an IRS Identity Protection PIN, watch for phishing emails and calls impersonating the IRS or tax preparers, securely exchange tax documents through encrypted services, and maintain encrypted backups of tax records. The IRS never contacts taxpayers by email or phone, and scammers often use threats of arrest or penalties to pressure victims into providing personal information.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Dennis Jones, 82, lost his life savings and subsequently took his own life after being victimized by a "financial grooming" scam (also called "pig butchering"), in which a person posing as "Jessie" built an online relationship with him over months before pressuring him to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. Financial grooming scams—where criminals establish trust with victims before luring them into fake investments—caused losses rising from $3.31 billion in 2022 to $4.57 billion in 2023, with individual victims losing hundreds of thousands of dollars; the scams originate from criminal operations primarily in Myanmar, Cambodia, and the Philippines, where
fox10tv.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI's "Operation Level Up" initiative has identified over 4,300 victims of "pig butchering" cryptocurrency investment scams across all 50 states, with the majority of victims aged 30-60 who were lured through unsolicited messages and online ads with promises of high returns. Victims are shown fake accounts displaying investment growth, but their money is lost immediately upon investment, resulting in an estimated $5 billion in losses in 2024; however, the FBI's intervention efforts have prevented approximately $285 million in additional fraud losses. The FBI advises potential victims to remain skeptical of unsolicited investment pitches, verify communications claiming to be from the FBI, and report
wcax.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams, which surge around Valentine's Day, involve scammers creating fake online personas on social media, dating apps, and text messages to manipulate victims into sending money or divulging personal information. Red flags include requests for urgent financial help and unwillingness to meet in person; protection strategies include avoiding unsolicited messages, limiting personal information shared online, and never sending money to people you haven't met in person. Victims should report scams to local authorities and their state attorney general's office.
ncdoj.gov
· 2025-12-08
Sweetheart scammers build fake online relationships on dating and social media platforms to steal money or personal information from victims, often targeting lonely or grieving individuals. In North Carolina during 2024, sweetheart and friend-in-need scams resulted in 25 victims losing $1,833,047 (average $73,322 per victim), while cryptocurrency scams—often an evolution of romance scams—caused 25 victims to lose $3,334,408 (average $133,376 per victim). Attorney General Jeff Jackson advises verifying who you communicate with online and watching for warning signs such as requests to move conversations off dating apps, claims of being a U
theweek.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scammers operating primarily from overseas (notably Nigeria and Ghana) use fake dating profiles with stolen photos to build false romantic relationships with Americans, then manipulate victims into sending money. The FBI and FTC report that romance scams caused over $1 billion in losses in 2023, with more than 64,000 victims, and scammers employ sophisticated tactics including impersonating celebrities and military members. To protect themselves, people should avoid sending money to online-only contacts, verify profile photos through reverse image searches, and be cautious about sharing personal information on social media and dating platforms.
lewistownnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Central Montana seniors face increasingly sophisticated scams at a rate of 5-10 reports weekly to the Council on Aging, with Montana experiencing disproportionately high fraud rates due to its elderly population (sixth-highest percentage age 65+ nationally) and rural vulnerabilities. Common scams include healthcare-related fraud, Medicare enrollment threats, grandparent impersonations using AI technology, fake donation solicitations, and mail-based schemes involving insurance lapses and fraudulent medical equipment billing to Medicare. The Council on Aging recommends seniors speak up about suspicious communications, verify caller identity through independent contact, and avoid providing personal information unsolicited.
irishexaminer.com
· 2025-12-08
Founder Lisa Jordan fell victim to a fake website scam when she purchased a White Fox Boutique hoodie from a fraudulent site that closely mimicked the official retailer; she discovered the deception weeks later when the order never arrived and White Fox Boutique confirmed she had not ordered from their legitimate website. The article highlights how scammers create convincing counterfeit websites that appear in Google search results and recommends consumers verify website legitimacy using tools like CheckMyLink and Trustpilot, watch for warning signs like suspicious emails, pressure to act quickly, and suspicious domain extensions (.net or .org), and confirm the padlock security symbol before making purchases.
thewirechina.com
· 2025-12-08
This appears to be a bio/promotional blurb rather than an article about a specific scam or fraud case. Sue-Lin Wong, a correspondent for The Economist, has created an eight-part podcast series called "Scam Inc" that investigates online scamming as a global industry, though the full details of specific cases or findings are not included in this excerpt.
connachttribune.ie
· 2025-12-08
An AIB customer in Ireland fell victim to an elaborate phishing scam in which fraudsters sent a text from what appeared to be AIB's legitimate number, claiming a new device had been activated on the account. When the customer called the provided number, a scammer with a Dublin accent gained credibility by referencing real recent transactions (a pub lunch, petrol purchase, and electrical store visits), eventually convincing the victim to compromise their account security. The only financial penalty was being without credit and debit cards for a week while AIB's fraud unit resolved the incident, though the scammer demonstrated sophisticated social engineering by impersonating bank staff and weaponizing knowledge of legitimate customer activity.