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socialmediatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Meta released Valentine's Day safety reminders about romance scams, which cost Americans $1.14 billion in 2023. Romance scammers typically pose as attractive, successful individuals (often claiming military or business backgrounds) on dating apps and social media, building trust before requesting money or promoting fraudulent investments. Meta is expanding in-app warnings and partnering with third-party organizations to detect and disrupt romance scam operations, including those impersonating U.S. military members and fake dating agencies.
foxbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are sending smishing texts claiming victims owe unpaid toll charges, often impersonating E-ZPass or state tolling agencies, and directing recipients to click malicious links to steal personal information and money. The FBI received over 2,000 complaints about this scam in April 2024 alone across multiple states. Consumers should verify toll charges directly with legitimate state tolling agencies using recognized phone numbers or websites rather than clicking links in unsolicited texts.
khou.com
· 2025-12-08
Job scammers are targeting desperate job-seekers through platforms like LinkedIn, with a Houston man nearly falling victim to a scheme involving a fake $2,500 check after eight emails of communication without phone or in-person contact. The FTC and job platforms warn applicants to research positions thoroughly, never pay upfront fees, verify recruiter legitimacy, and avoid sharing personal information like résumés with unverified contacts. Red flags include unrealistically high pay for minimal work, lack of phone/video interviews, and inability to find the employer or recruiter online.
blog.ssa.gov
· 2025-12-08
The PACT Act expanded VA benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances, but scammers have exploited this by impersonating VA employees and offering to help veterans access benefits for illegal fees. The article provides seven protective strategies, including verifying company credentials, avoiding pressure tactics and unrealistic promises, being cautious of phishing attempts and unsecured websites, limiting social media sharing, and recognizing red flags in communications such as non-.gov email addresses and spelling errors.
news.illinoisstate.edu
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to launch sophisticated phishing and romance scams targeting university students, faculty, and staff, particularly around Valentine's Day. AI-generated deepfake videos, voice cloning, and realistic fake profiles make these scams harder to detect than traditional fraud, as attackers can now personalize messages by mimicking authentic university communications and creating convincing long-term online relationships. Universities face significant challenges in defending against these evolving threats, with particular vulnerability among international students, new students, and those with access to financial systems or sensitive data.
local3news.com
· 2025-12-08
Elderly adults aged 60 and older lost approximately $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, an 11% increase from the previous year, with scammers employing increasingly sophisticated tactics tailored to exploit seniors' wealth and vulnerabilities. The most common scams targeting seniors include romance scams (averaging $2,000 per victim), investment/cryptocurrency scams, gift card scams, texting scams, home improvement scams, and imposter scams, with scammers often using social media and high-pressure tactics to build trust before manipulating victims into sending money. Prevention strategies include staying connected with elderly loved ones, remaining skeptical of online connections, and being aware
cronkitenews.azpbs.org
· 2025-12-08
Arizona experienced over $47 million in losses from online romance scams during 2022-2023, ranking fifth nationally, with elderly residents particularly targeted by scammers who build false relationships to extract money. Common tactics include professing instant love, moving conversations off dating platforms to private channels, refusing to share photos, and requesting money—sometimes stringing victims along for extended periods. Authorities warn that scammers increasingly use artificial intelligence and deepfake technology to create convincing false identities, and many victims remain unreported due to embarrassment.
wilmingtonbiz.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines common financial scams targeting seniors and the general public, including phishing, investment fraud, imposter scams (grandparent and IRS varieties), computer scams, romance scams, lottery schemes, charity fraud, and fake debt relief services. The article provides red flags and warning signs for each scam type, such as urgent requests, unsolicited offers, promises of guaranteed returns, and requests for upfront payments. Key protective measures include awareness of common scam tactics, verification of organizations before sharing information, and skepticism toward unsolicited offers or high-pressure requests.
nationaltechnology.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A UK Safer Internet Centre study found that 80% of children aged 8-17 encounter online scams at least monthly, with 46% having fallen victim to one at some point; common scams include fake giveaways, phishing, and fake websites, primarily discovered on social media (35%) and emails (17%). While 9% of victims lost money multiple times, the research noted that most young people employ protective strategies like blocking suspicious accounts (87%) and consulting parents (79%), highlighting the need for continued support and stronger online safety regulations.
securityboulevard.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, cybercriminals exploited Valentine's Day through romance scams, phishing campaigns, and fraudulent e-commerce offers, with romance scams alone affecting 58,734 Americans and resulting in approximately $697 million in losses. Scammers increasingly use artificial intelligence to create convincing fake profiles, deepfake videos, and chatbots that bypass traditional detection methods, while Valentine-themed phishing emails surged dramatically, with half of all such spam classified as scams between mid-January and early February. Red flags include requests to move conversations to private channels, quick declarations of love, excuses to avoid in-person meetings, and requests for money or personal information.
dallasnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Dallas tops the list of U.S. cities targeted by scam text messages impersonating toll payment services, followed by Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Orlando, according to a McAfee report. Scammers send fraudulent texts claiming recipients owe unpaid tolls and include phishing links designed to steal personal and financial information such as driver's license numbers for identity theft purposes. The FBI has been warning about this scheme since last year, with over 10,000 fraudulent domains registered impersonating toll and package delivery services.
wcnc.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are sending unsolicited text messages to drivers claiming they owe tolls to state agencies and demanding immediate payment via links that harvest banking or credit card information. N.C. Quick Pass, the legitimate North Carolina tolling agency, clarified it only texts from number 696277 and never requests payment via text. The FTC recommends consumers avoid clicking links in unexpected texts, verify legitimacy through official channels, and report suspicious messages to their carrier or 7726 (SPAM).
myfox28columbus.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams resulted in $823 million in losses nationally in 2024, with the FBI recording over 17,800 complaints in 2023 alone; Ohio authorities have investigated eight cases since early 2023. Scammers create fake dating profiles to build trust with victims over weeks or months before introducing fraudulent investment schemes, often targeting older individuals and draining their savings. The Ohio Department of Commerce advises protection measures including avoiding offshore money transfers, verifying identities through reverse image searches, meeting in person when possible, and consulting only licensed investment professionals to confirm credentials.
abc15.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece identifies three major Valentine's Day scams to watch: impostor websites that mimic legitimate retailers using fake photos and logos, romance scams where fraudsters build fake dating profiles to extract money after establishing emotional connections, and wrong-number ploys where scammers initiate contact to gather personal information. The article advises consumers to recognize red flags such as unrealistic discounts, requests for cryptocurrency payments, rapid relationship progression, and pressure for secrecy, and recommends reporting suspected fraud to the FTC, FBI, local law enforcement, or the Arizona Attorney General's office.
whec.com
· 2025-12-08
Scam artists are sending fake E-Z Pass text messages from Philippine numbers (+63) claiming recipients have unpaid tolls and requesting sensitive personal information. The legitimate E-Z Pass and Tolls by Mail services confirm they never request personal information via text or email, and this scam has been reported across multiple states including New York, California, Florida, and Texas.
about.fb.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scammers exploit Valentine's Day and other occasions by impersonating military personnel, celebrities, or fake dating agencies across social media and messaging platforms to build trust with victims before soliciting money via wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. A tech company disrupted multiple romance scam networks operating across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok, and other platforms, with schemes originating from Nigeria and Kenya targeting users in the US, UAE, Japan, Africa, and other regions. The company recommends users verify identities, avoid sending money to unknown contacts, and use platform safety tools to protect against these schemes.
abc11.com
· 2025-12-08
As Valentine's Day approaches, scammers are exploiting the holiday with malicious tactics: Check Point Software identified over 18,000 Valentine's-themed websites since early 2025, with approximately 1 in 72 being malicious, including phishing emails impersonating legitimate brands to steal money and personal information. North Carolina consumers lost over $16 million to romance scams in 2023 alone, with experts warning to verify sender addresses, avoid suspicious links, and reject requests for money, cryptocurrency, or gift cards from online romantic interests.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams are increasingly targeting younger age groups (people in their 20s and 30s), with reported incidents shifting from primarily affecting those aged 50-59 in 2019 to younger demographics by 2023. According to the Federal Trade Commission, romance scams resulted in $469.9 million in losses across all age groups in 2023, more than double the $229.3 million lost in 2019. Scammers typically build emotional connections through dating sites and social media before requesting money or personal information, and victims should be wary of requests for financial help, unusual stories requiring assistance, and fake profiles or AI-generated images.
kingstonpolice.ca
· 2025-12-08
Kingston Police reported a significant increase in "grandparent" or "emergency" scams, with 15 reports received on February 11, 2025 alone. These scams target seniors by impersonating a grandchild in legal trouble and requesting $8,000-$9,000 in bail money via courier pickup, with scammers sometimes hiring legitimate courier companies unknowingly to transport the cash. Police emphasize that bail is never requested in cash and advise victims to verify caller identity through security questions, call back family members directly, and never send money to unknown persons.
wrdw.com
· 2025-12-08
Cody Lee Anderson, 37, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud for his role in manipulating an 88-year-old Aiken woman into signing a will during the pandemic that left her approximately $20 million estate to co-conspirator Thomas Allen Bateman Jr., despite evidence she lacked mental capacity to make informed decisions. Anderson, who was designated as personal representative and stood to receive a 5% fee, faces up to 30 years in federal prison, a $1 million fine, and five years of supervision; his co-conspirator Bateman also pleaded guilty and is scheduled for sentencing in March 2025.
thefintechtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
According to the Federal Trade Commission, romance scams have caused over $1.14 billion in losses, with victims losing an average of $2,000 each, and criminals are now using AI-generated deepfakes and synthetic identities to make these scams more convincing and personalized. Debbie Fox, a widow seeking companionship, was defrauded of $58,000 by a scammer using a fake identity who posed as a man named Russell and eventually requested money claiming to be in legal trouble. As generative AI becomes mainstream, fraudsters are increasingly exploiting the technology to automate romance scams, phishing attacks, and impersonation schemes, making them harder to
publicnewsservice.org
· 2025-12-08
AARP Arizona warns consumers to be vigilant against romance scams, which target vulnerable individuals seeking companionship through social media and dating apps, with scammers requesting money after building false emotional connections. The organization also cautions against fraudulent tax season text messages impersonating the IRS that attempt to steal personal and financial information, recommending people contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network at 877-908-3360 if they suspect fraud.
dnronline.com
· 2025-12-08
Online scammers target people of all ages and backgrounds, not just seniors, with Americans losing $10 billion to fraud in 2023, according to Park View Federal Credit Union officials. Common scam tactics include creating false urgency, impersonating legitimate organizations (banks, the IRS, Norton Antivirus), and using AI to mimic voices in grandparent schemes, though one customer recovered $250 after scammers gained access to her account. Key defenses include pausing before clicking links, recognizing red flags like grammar errors and mismatched email addresses, and remembering that legitimate financial institutions will never request passwords or usernames.
bbc.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
BBC journalist Nick Robinson's X account was hacked after he fell for a phishing email designed to look like an official platform message, which he clicked while tired and rushed; the hackers used his account to promote a fake cryptocurrency called '$Today' on the Solana blockchain. Robinson acknowledged that despite security training, he failed to verify the email sender's address and only attempted the link after multiple failed attempts through official X channels. Cybersecurity experts note that such attacks commonly target high-profile accounts to exploit their credibility and encourage people to buy worthless crypto coins, though Robinson's case appears to have resulted in minimal financial gain for the scammers.
bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
BBC Radio 4 presenter Nick Robinson's X account was hacked after he fell for a phishing email while tired and rushing, resulting in fraudulent posts advertising a fake cryptocurrency called "dollar today" to his one million followers. Robinson acknowledged his main mistake was not checking the sender's email address, though the phishing attempt mimicked X's official appearance and created urgency by falsely claiming an account problem. He has since been locked out of his account and warns others against ignoring red flags when tired or under time pressure.
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, people lost $10 billion to fraud according to FTC data, but consumers can protect themselves by recognizing common banking scams. The article outlines ten prevalent scam tactics—including check-cashing schemes, phishing, fake websites, advance fee fraud, and government imposter scams—and provides specific protective strategies such as verifying bank URLs, never clicking unsolicited links, using secure checks, and contacting official customer service lines to confirm requests.
nbcbayarea.com
· 2025-12-08
A phishing scam falsely claiming to be from Costco targeted consumers with emails offering a free Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker in exchange for completing a survey, with the intent to steal financial information or gain unauthorized computer access. The fraudulent emails originated from "@handtoneed.net" rather than an official Costco domain, and the Sonoma County District Attorney's office advised consumers to verify sender email addresses and avoid clicking suspicious links.
fox10tv.com
· 2025-12-08
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission launched the "Dating or Defrauding" awareness campaign to warn Americans about relationship investment scams, in which fraudsters use fake dating profiles and text messages to trick victims into converting money to cryptocurrency under the false promise of investment returns. These scams caused reported losses exceeding $4 billion to the FBI in 2023 and target people of all ages, particularly those who live alone or spend significant time on social media. The campaign advises never sending money to people you haven't met in person and recommends reporting suspected fraud through the CFTC or FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
wtol.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance and confidence scams are rising in Ohio and nationwide, with fraudsters creating fake profiles on dating sites and social media to build trust before requesting money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or valuable items under false pretenses such as medical emergencies or legal fees. Ohioans lost over $15.3 million to these scams in 2023, while nationwide losses exceeded $652 million in romance fraud complaints and $823 million in 2024, with scammers primarily targeting women over 40 who are divorced, widowed, elderly, or disabled. The FBI and Ohio Department of Commerce advise the public to remain vigilant online, avoid sending money to unknown contacts, and verify investment tips through
techtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams have become increasingly sophisticated with the use of generative AI and deepfake technology, with scammers using AI-crafted personalized messages and realistic videos to deceive victims. Over $46 million has been stolen across Taiwan, Singapore, and India through these scams, which particularly target vulnerable groups including the elderly, former military members, and those seeking financial connections, often through tactics like fake investment schemes ("pig butchering") that build trust over weeks before requesting money. Recovery of stolen funds is extremely difficult, especially with cryptocurrency, and victims are cautioned to verify identities and never send money to people they haven't met in person who request payment.
mynorthwest.com
· 2025-12-08
Seattle Police issued a Valentine's Day warning about romance scams, where perpetrators build fake relationships to trick victims into sending money or personal information. According to the Federal Trade Commission, romance scam victims lost over $1 billion in 2023 and $800 million in 2024, with older Americans particularly vulnerable; the FBI and SPD recommend using reputable dating sites, moving slowly in relationships, never sending money to online contacts, and reporting suspected scams to authorities immediately.
yorkshirepost.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A 61-year-old man lost £3,250 in 2023 after clicking on a Facebook advertisement featuring a deepfake video of Elon Musk promoting an AI trading platform investment scheme. The scammer posed as an account manager, convinced him to download legitimate trading software (MetaTrader 5) and remote access software (AnyDesk), and fabricated profits through fake live trading to build trust before the funds became inaccessible. The victim is now seeking recovery assistance from solicitors, and warns others to ignore similar fraudulent posts featuring celebrity endorsements on social media.
mystratfordnow.com
· 2025-12-08
A West Perth resident lost $3,000 to a text scam on February 7 after receiving a message from someone impersonating their daughter requesting urgent financial help. Perth OPP launched an investigation into the fraud and advises the public to verify requests through direct contact with family members, be wary of urgent demands, and never send money to unverified persons.
racq.com.au
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, RACQ Bank identified marketplace scams, remote access scams, and investment scams as the most prevalent threats to its members, with investment scams causing the largest financial losses; Queenslanders reported over $51 million lost across 46,734 scams during the year. Scammers primarily used phishing tactics via text, phone calls, pop-ups, and social media, with one in four Queenslanders contacted by suspected scammers yet 86% unaware of reporting options. RACQ Bank recommends members practice "stop, check and report" protocols and access the Be Connected program, an Australian Government initiative offering free online courses to help older
news24.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams and cyber threats targeting couples are increasing around Valentine's Day, with 43% of people in committed relationships feeling pressured to share logins and passcodes. The article details cautionary tales like Nkateko Dladla's experience with investment fraud via a dating app, highlighting how scammers use "love-bombing" and social engineering to exploit trust and manipulate victims into financial schemes. Experts recommend couples maintain individual accounts and passwords, avoid sharing sensitive information, use password managers, and prioritize open communication about online safety to protect themselves from these threats.
analyticsinsight.net
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece identifies nursing home residents as vulnerable targets for fraud due to limited technology familiarity and describes common scam tactics including phishing, Medicare fraud, prize scams, and investment schemes. According to LA County District Attorney data, one in five older adults experiences financial fraud, with California seniors over 60 filing over 11,000 fraud complaints in 2023 totaling $620 million in losses (averaging $57,000 per victim). The article emphasizes that education is the primary prevention method and recommends immediate legal action if a loved one becomes victimized.
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warned of rising romance scams ahead of Valentine's Day, with victims losing $1.14 billion in 2023 according to the FTC. Scammers create fake profiles on dating apps and social media, build trust quickly, and manipulate victims—sometimes impersonating celebrities or military personnel—to send money or invest in cryptocurrency, with one victim losing $850,000 to a scammer posing as Brad Pitt. Red flags include requests for money, reluctance to meet in person or video chat, and inconsistent stories; prevention through identity verification and caution about rapidly escalating relationships is the best defense.
fox26houston.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Postal Service warns that romance scammers target individuals seeking companionship by creating fake online identities and building trust over weeks or months before requesting money for fabricated emergencies like medical bills or travel expenses. The article provides red flags (such as avoiding video calls, pledging love quickly, and requesting urgent financial help), protective measures (verifying identities through video or reverse image searches, never sending money to strangers), and common scammer tactics to help people avoid losing money through wire transfers, checks, or gift cards that are difficult to recover.
wisbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax scams reappear seasonally with scammers impersonating the IRS through phone calls, emails, and mail to pressure victims into paying fake debts or divulging personal information for identity theft. Common schemes include threatening arrest for unpaid taxes, claiming refunds are owed, using fake IRS logos and spoofed caller IDs, and sending phishing emails directing victims to bogus websites. To protect yourself, file taxes early, remember that the IRS initiates contact by mail only, never accepts prepaid debit cards or wire transfers for payment, and verify any IRS communication directly with the agency.
cftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
The CFTC and multiple federal, state, and nonprofit organizations launched the "Dating or Defrauding?" awareness campaign to alert Americans to relationship investment scams, which caused nearly $4 billion in reported losses to the FBI in 2023. These scams, also called "pig butchering," use fake profiles on dating apps, social media, and messaging platforms to build false relationships and convince victims to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency or trading platforms. The campaign identifies red flags including requests for payment, inability to meet in person, and pressure to move conversations to encrypted apps, urging the public to be skeptical and share warnings with friends and family.
spdblotter.seattle.gov
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams cost victims over $1 billion in 2023 and $800 million in 2024, with scammers using fake personas and social media information to build trust before requesting money, cryptocurrency, or personal information. Older Americans are particularly vulnerable, with seniors losing an estimated $28.3 billion annually to financial exploitation. The FBI recommends verifying online identities, taking relationships slowly, never sending money to online-only contacts, and remaining cautious of requests to move communication offline or claims of overseas emergencies.
wcnc.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams have surged significantly, with BBB reporting a 13% increase in 2021 and more than double the cases in early 2022 compared to the prior year. Scammers create fake dating profiles using stolen photos and fabricate elaborate backstories (often claiming military or overseas work) to build fake relationships, eventually requesting money with increasingly persistent demands. The BBB advises potential dating app users to watch for red flags such as reluctance to meet in person, rapid declarations of love, requests to move off dating platforms, suspicious language patterns, and hard luck stories before money requests are made.
recordnet.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scammers intensify their tactics around Valentine's Day, using social media research and emotional manipulation to build trust with victims before requesting money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Scammers employ various schemes including fabricated emergencies (medical bills, travel costs, equipment damage) and increasingly sophisticated methods like Bitcoin transactions, while also resorting to blackmail and threats. Experts advise vigilance across all communication channels and recommend contacting local law enforcement if victimized, noting that while elderly individuals were traditionally targeted, younger people are now also vulnerable to these evolving scams.
kauainownews.com
· 2025-12-08
The County of Kauaʻi Agency on Elderly Affairs, in partnership with multiple state agencies through Kupuna Alert Partners, is hosting a free fraud and scam prevention presentation to address a rising tide of scams targeting seniors, particularly romance scams ahead of Valentine's Day. Romance scams involve criminals creating fake online identities to build trust with victims over weeks or months before soliciting money through fabricated emergencies, often requesting payment via mail, wire transfers, or gift cards. The presentation will cover Medicare fraud, securities fraud, identity theft, and prescription drug misuse prevention, with the U.S. Postal Service emphasizing caution against online relationships that escalate quickly and recommending victims never
ice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams are confidence schemes where perpetrators build trust with victims to extract money through false pretenses. Nearly 70,000 Americans reported being victims in 2022, with older adults losing approximately $240 million that year; scammers commonly use red flags such as claims of foreign locations, requests for video call avoidance, inconsistent stories, and demands for payment via cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers. Protection strategies include remaining suspicious of unsolicited contact, verifying identities through independent means, and never sharing personal information or sending money to online contacts, particularly those who quickly profess love or request alternative communication platforms.
nbcbayarea.com
· 2025-12-08
A Bay Area woman lost over $400,000 in life savings after receiving a fraudulent text claiming unauthorized pornography purchases on her accounts, which prompted her to call scammers who used fear tactics to gain access to her finances. The incident highlights a gap in California consumer protection laws, as Governor Newsom previously rejected a bill that would have allowed banks to delay transactions and notify account holders, similar to protections already in place in Florida.
telluridenews.com
· 2025-12-08
Colorado drivers have been targeted by a widespread texting scam impersonating state highway authorities, claiming unpaid toll invoices or traffic violations and demanding immediate payment via text message. The Colorado Department of Transportation has confirmed this is at least the third wave of the scam, which appears to originate from either bulk Colorado phone number databases or randomly generated numbers, with some victims reporting they paid specific amounts like $18.49 before realizing it was fraudulent. CDOT advises drivers never to click links or respond to such texts, noting that legitimate toll violation notices are only sent through official ExpressToll accounts or U.S. mail, and warns the scam will likely continue to circulate.
indianexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are exploiting fake Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems—automated phone systems used by banks and government agencies—to trick victims into revealing sensitive financial information through spoofed caller IDs and professional voice cloning. Recent incidents include a woman in Bengaluru who lost Rs 2 lakh and a man in Sri Vijaya Puram who lost Rs 80,000 after responding to fraudulent calls mimicking their bank and government agencies. Legitimate IVRs never request OTPs, CVVs, or passwords; senior citizens, non-English speakers, and new online banking users are most vulnerable, and people should hang up and independently verify contact numbers when
abc7news.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Consumers in Sonoma County were warned about a phishing scam impersonating Costco that offered a free Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker in exchange for survey completion. The fraudulent emails, originating from "@handtoneed.net" rather than an official Costco domain, aimed to steal financial information or gain computer access. Authorities advised recipients to verify sender email addresses and avoid clicking suspicious links.
timesnownews.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns Gmail users about increasingly sophisticated AI-driven phishing scams targeting account access and personal data, noting a 49% rise in phishing attacks since 2022 that can evade security filters. Hackers use malicious links and unsolicited calls impersonating customer support to steal credentials, with legitimate companies never initiating contact to request passwords or personal information. Users should be extremely cautious of unsolicited messages requesting personal data and avoid clicking links from unknown sources.