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highlandcountypress.com
· 2025-12-08
The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program empowers Medicare beneficiaries to prevent and report healthcare fraud, particularly medical identity theft where fraudsters use personal information to bill for unauthorized services. In 2023, the nationwide SMP program reached 1.2 million people through outreach events, assisted over 270,000 beneficiaries with fraud-related issues, and helped Medicare recoup more than $111 million in fraudulent billings while identifying 26 emerging fraud schemes.
timesgazette.com
· 2025-12-08
The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is a national program that educates Medicare beneficiaries and their families about detecting and reporting healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse, with particular focus on medical identity theft—when fraudsters use personal information like Medicare numbers to bill for unauthorized services. In 2023, the SMP program reached 1.2 million people through outreach events, assisted over 270,000 beneficiaries with fraud complaints, identified 26 emerging fraud schemes, and helped Medicare recover more than $111 million in fraudulent billings. The Ohio SMP, operated by Pro Seniors Inc., encourages beneficiaries to report suspicious activity and offers resources to protect Medicare information.
vaildaily.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud scams cause over $3.4 billion in annual losses, with the average senior victim losing $33,915, according to the FBI's 2023 report. Common scams include the "grandparent scam" (where fraudsters pose as grandchildren needing bail money) and IRS impersonation schemes that exploit seniors' trusting nature and politeness. To protect loved ones, maintain open communication, verify emergency requests with other family members, never share personal information over the phone, and report suspected fraud to relevant companies and authorities.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
A Schwab Bank customer received a text message impersonating the bank's fraud department asking about a suspicious $2,500 transfer; after replying "No," scammers called and tricked the victim into authorizing two wire transfers of approximately $5,500 each, claiming the transfers would return funds to the account. The client's advisor successfully helped cancel the second transfer with Schwab, preventing total loss, though the scam demonstrates how fraudsters use legitimate account holder names and mass messaging to impersonate trusted financial institutions.
interpol.int
· 2025-12-08
A Singapore commodity firm transferred USD 42.3 million to fraudsters in a business email compromise scam after receiving a spoofed email from what appeared to be a supplier requesting payment to a new bank account in Timor Leste. Acting swiftly through INTERPOL's Global Rapid Intervention of Payments (I-GRIP) mechanism, Singapore and Timor Leste authorities recovered USD 39 million from the fake account, arrested seven suspects, and recovered an additional USD 2 million through follow-up investigations. This represented Singapore's largest-ever recovery of funds lost to business email compromise fraud.
news.airbnb.com
· 2025-12-08
Airbnb partnered with the International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators (IAFCI) to combat travel scams as consumer research revealed that 47% of Americans have fallen for scams, losing an average of $2,697 per victim. The partnership provides safety guidance for online travel bookings, noting that scammers exploit deal-seeking behavior and use sophisticated tactics including fake websites, emails, and AI-generated content to trick travelers. Airbnb reported detecting and mitigating nearly 2,500 phishing domains globally in 12 months and recommends users only communicate, book, and pay directly through legitimate platforms.
kcbd.com
· 2025-12-08
Lubbock Police Department reported a surge in scams targeting elderly residents over two to three months, with 20-30 victims reporting losses to authorities. Scammers falsely claim victims' accounts are compromised and pressure them to withdraw funds and deposit them into Bitcoin machines, with reported losses ranging from $25,000 to $70,000; police warn that money sent through these scams is rarely recovered since perpetrators are often located outside the country. Key warning signs include being asked to stay on the phone during financial transactions and unsolicited contact claiming money is owed; victims are advised to trust their instincts and verify claims by contacting organizations directly.
wbrc.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau advises the public to report suspected scams to law enforcement before sending money, as scammers often operate from foreign countries and once funds are transferred, law enforcement has limited ability to recover them. The BBB emphasizes a proactive approach—contacting police about suspicious activity on devices or communications before financial loss occurs—enables better investigation and prevents crime, whereas post-fraud forensics rarely result in money recovery. Residents are urged to avoid clicking unknown links and contact local law enforcement with questions about potential scams.
kare11.com
· 2025-12-08
The City of Blaine, Minnesota lost $1.57 million to an international wire fraud scam in August 2023 when fraudsters used a fake email address mimicking a legitimate contractor (New Look Contracting) to intercept a payment meant for a construction project. The scam was discovered when the real contractor inquired about their overdue payment, prompting Blaine to issue a duplicate payment; federal authorities later indicted a Maryland-based network that used confusingly similar company names and shell companies to steal and launder funds. The city did not publicly disclose the fraud for nearly a year, and it remains under federal investigation.
blackenterprise.com
· 2025-12-08
A North Carolina woman lost $60,000 after a romantic interest connected her to a fraudulent job opportunity posing as a charity finance position, requiring her to open bank accounts and provide all banking credentials to the scammer. The perpetrator used her accounts to make over $60,000 in unauthorized charges on her credit cards and attempted to deposit fraudulent checks, with payment reversals leaving her liable for mounting debt. The FTC reports nearly 105,000 job opportunity scams in 2023 alone with $450 million in total losses, and advises job seekers to never disclose personal information before formal employment, refuse positions requiring payment, and independently verify company legitimacy.
oig.ssa.gov
· 2025-12-08
Three Dominican nationals were extradited to face charges in a "grandparent scam" that defrauded hundreds of elderly Americans across multiple states out of millions of dollars. The defendants operated call centers in the Dominican Republic where they impersonated grandchildren in distress, then had "closers" pose as lawyers or police to convince victims to send thousands in cash via couriers or mail. Each defendant faces up to 20 years in prison and substantial fines if convicted on charges including wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering conspiracy.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Christopher Parks, Christopher Noah Parks, and Stephen Miller operated a fraudulent medical debt collection scheme through companies Assured Collections LLC and Assured Financial LLC, sending thousands of false debt collection notices nationwide to veterans and older Americans demanding payment for medical devices they either did not owe or had never received. The scheme, which Parks directed while incarcerated for prior healthcare fraud charges, caused consumers to pay debts that were largely illusory, leading a federal court in Oklahoma to issue permanent injunctions on August 2 barring the defendants from engaging in any future billing or debt collection activities.
ktvz.com
· 2025-12-08
QR code scams, known as "quishing," have surged dramatically since May 2023, with email-based attacks increasing 2,400% by March 2024, targeting both individuals and businesses by embedding malicious URLs or malware in fake QR codes placed on physical locations or sent via phishing emails. Scammers use these codes to steal personal information, download malware, or trick users into providing login credentials, with executives facing disproportionately higher attack rates due to their access to sensitive data. To protect themselves, consumers should inspect QR codes for irregularities before scanning, keep their phone operating systems and apps updated, and use multi-factor authentication as a defense against
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission reported over $10 billion in losses to fraud and identity theft last year, prompting AARP to advocate for new consumer protections in Minnesota. New legislation now regulates cryptocurrency ATMs with daily transaction limits of $2,000 for new customers and requires operators to post fraud warnings, along with 14-day refund protections for fraud victims. Additional protections were enacted to combat predatory real estate schemes targeting vulnerable homeowners, making long-term exclusive sales contracts unenforceable and allowing victims to pursue court damages or restitution through the Attorney General's office.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Impersonation scams, where fraudsters mimic trusted entities through phishing and fake websites, caused over $1.1 billion in U.S. consumer losses in 2023, with new malicious sites created every 11 seconds. AI technology has made these scams more sophisticated and harder to detect quickly, though governments, regulators, and companies are responding with stronger enforcement actions, expanded rules like the FTC's updated Impersonation Rule, and consumer education campaigns emphasizing multi-factor authentication and fraud awareness.
helpnetsecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
Bolster research identified 24 nation-state threat actor groups (75% from China, Russia, or Iran) conducting AI-fueled phishing campaigns targeting U.S. citizens ahead of the 2024 presidential election, with phishing site hosting nearly doubling compared to 2023 and averaging over 45,000 malicious sites daily in May. Threat actors are exploiting stolen voter data (including databases with over 100,000 records dating back to 2015) sold on the dark web to create counterfeit identification cards for potential identity theft and voter fraud, while also breaching U.S. military and government email accounts to impersonate legitimate officials and extract sensitive
thestatesman.com
· 2025-12-08
Criminals are impersonating Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials by using the agency's logo as display pictures on social media and making calls to extort money from victims. The scammers use fake warrants, summons, and forged documents attributed to CBI officers to convince people they are under investigation and must pay money to resolve the matter. The CBI has advised the public to remain cautious, verify any official communications directly with local authorities, and report suspicious attempts to police immediately.
oklahoman.com
· 2025-12-08
The Social Security Administration sent a legitimate email notifying beneficiaries that they must update their online accounts by transitioning from the old "my Social Security" account to a new Login.gov account if created before September 18, 2021. The article advises users to verify they are visiting the legitimate SSA website (www.ssa.gov/myaccount) and warns of scammers who create fraudulent websites mimicking SSA links to steal personal information, recommending users report suspicious emails to the SSA Office of the Inspector General at 800-269-0271.
ca.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Major dating apps including Tinder, Hinge, Match, and Plenty of Fish launched a public awareness campaign with scam alerts to help users identify romantic fraudsters, advising them to stay on-platform, use photo verification, and avoid anyone claiming crypto expertise. Dating scams caused significant financial losses globally—8,036 UK reports totaling £91.4 million in 2023 and $300 million annually in the US since 2020, with average losses per victim reaching $190,000—prompting Match Group to partner with victim advocates and cyber-crime investigators on the safety initiative.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
Online fraud reports in Greater Sudbury increased from 381 to 405 cases per 100,000 people between 2022 and 2023, with police warning residents to never share personal information or allow remote computer access to strangers. Fraud and extortion account for approximately 60 percent of criminal internet activity nationwide, with victims often experiencing significant financial and emotional distress and reluctance to report crimes. Police recommend contacting the communications branch to report incidents, though investigations are complicated by perpetrators frequently operating internationally.
news.trendmicro.com
· 2025-12-08
Deepfake technology, powered by AI advances, is increasingly used in fraud schemes targeting individuals and businesses. Criminals employ deepfake videos, face-swapping, and voice cloning to impersonate celebrities, executives, and recruiters in romance scams, job recruitment fraud, and investment schemes, with deepfake content increasing 900% between 2019-2020 and an estimated 26% of small companies and 38% of large companies experiencing deepfake-related fraud in 2023. Notable cases include a Japanese manga artist losing nearly $500,000 USD to a fake video call impersonating actor Mark Ruffalo, while experts warn that by
uppermichiganssource.com
· 2025-12-08
The Marquette Police Department warned that scammers are increasingly targeting people of all ages through romance, missing persons, and government impersonation schemes. Detective Lieutenant Chris Aldrich advised residents to avoid sharing personal or banking information with unsolicited contacts, and reminded the public that government agencies do not accept payment via gift cards; he also recommended verifying bank communications by visiting the institution in person rather than responding to calls or emails.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Sherlyn Sims was convicted of money laundering and conspiracy related to romance scams and business email compromise schemes that defrauded dozens of victims of over $1.2 million between December 2019 and August 2020. Sims registered sham businesses, including Grace Trading LLC, to open bank accounts where she deposited stolen funds, then quickly transferred the money to foreign countries, withdrew cash, or spent it; victims included elderly individuals and others who lost significant sums, with one romance fraud victim depleting her life savings of nearly $100,000 after being tricked by an online scammer posing as her boyfriend. Sims was sentenced to be determined at a November 2024
wsbtv.com
· 2025-12-08
Sherlyn Sims, a Zimbabwe national, was found guilty of laundering over $1.2 million obtained through romance fraud and business email compromise schemes, using fake Georgia-registered businesses to collect victim funds before transferring money internationally and to personal accounts. Multiple elderly victims were defrauded through fake online romantic relationships, with one victim sending nearly $100,000 after being deceived, and another losing money intended for a home purchase. Sims faces sentencing in November, while her co-conspirators received prison sentences ranging from five years to later sentencing dates.
thehackernews.com
· 2025-12-08
A Singapore-based commodity firm lost $42.3 million in a business email compromise (BEC) scam in July 2024 when fraudsters impersonated a supplier and redirected a payment to a fake bank account in Timor-Leste; using INTERPOL's Global Rapid Intervention of Payments (I-GRIP) mechanism, authorities recovered $39 million and froze the fraudulent account within one day, with seven suspects arrested and an additional $2 million recovered. The article also covers law enforcement's seizure of the Cryptonator cryptocurrency exchange, which facilitated over 4 million transactions worth $1.4 billion and allegedly enabled money laun
nbcboston.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece warns consumers about moving scams prevalent around Boston's September move-in season, noting that the Better Business Bureau received 5,918 complaints against moving companies in 2023, with victims losing an average of $350. Common scams include no-shows where deposits are taken without service, unexpected upcharges beyond quoted prices, and theft or withholding of belongings. The article advises consumers to thoroughly vet moving companies by checking physical addresses and insurance, avoiding phone-only estimates, requesting onsite inspections, limiting upfront deposits, documenting belongings with photos and labels, and walking away from any company that raises red flags or refuses to answer questions.
jocoreport.com
· 2025-12-08
A 70-year-old Johnston County resident lost $1,000 in gift cards after being contacted on social media by someone impersonating "General Douglas" with the United Nations Peace Corps who claimed to be interested in a romantic relationship. The scammer is part of a broader pattern of fraud schemes that falsely claim UN affiliation to obtain money or personal information through romance, employment, and confidence scams via multiple channels including social media, email, and phone calls.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
TRICARE beneficiaries in the Augusta area are being targeted by phishing scams via text messages claiming to come from Wisconsin Physicians Service (the TRICARE For Life contractor) and threatening coverage expiration due to nonpayment. TRICARE reminded beneficiaries that the agency never contacts them by phone or text requesting payment or personal information, and advised them to report suspicious messages to their TRICARE contractor or the Defense Health Agency's Office of the Inspector General.
lawfaremedia.org
· 2025-12-08
Deputy Assistant Attorney General Arun Rao discusses the Department of Justice's Consumer Protection Branch work, which addresses the growing scale and sophistication of consumer fraud schemes, including elder fraud, that have been enabled by technological advances such as robocalls, texts, emails, and social media. The Consumer Protection Branch brings together criminal and civil cases across federal courts nationwide with nearly 250 staff members and over 100 trial attorneys, partnering with agencies like the FTC, FDA, and CPSC to protect consumer health, safety, economic security, and privacy.
freep.com
· 2025-12-08
A viral Facebook post claiming a missing autistic child named Brandan Cooper has circulated across multiple communities in Canada and the United States, but authorities and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children have identified it as a scam. Scammers use these fake missing child posts to gain shares and engagement, then alter the original post to promote fraudulent schemes such as fake apartment rentals, surveys promising cash prizes, or cryptocurrency investments, unknowingly enlisting people who shared the original post to spread the scam to their networks. To protect against these schemes, people should verify missing child posts only come from official law enforcement agencies or credible news sources before sharing.
wmtw.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns consumers to watch for three back-to-school scams: fake online shopping websites using clickbait ads to steal personal information, phone scams impersonating the College Board requesting payment for test prep materials, and job scams targeting students that involve fake checks and requests to send money back via gift cards or money orders. The advisory recommends verifying website URLs when shopping online, never providing financial information to unsolicited callers, and remembering that legitimate employers will never ask applicants to pay money or send funds before employment begins.
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonate government officials or utility company representatives to pressure homeowners into purchasing solar panels or energy efficiency upgrades, falsely promising free installations, large rebates, or guaranteed bill savings that can cost victims tens of thousands of dollars. These scams typically begin with unsolicited calls, messages, or visits offering "free" energy audits or claiming the victim is already enrolled in a program requiring payment. To protect yourself, avoid any "free" solar offers, resist pressure for immediate payment or unusual payment methods (cash, gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency), and never share personal information in response to unexpected online requests.
staysafeonline.org
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are exploiting vulnerabilities in EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) cards used for SNAP benefits by tampering with card readers to skim account information, targeting vulnerable government assistance recipients whose cards lack modern security features like EMV chips. The article provides protective measures including shopping at larger retailers with better security, safeguarding PIN information, inspecting card readers for tampering, using online shopping options, monitoring account balances regularly, and reporting suspected fraud to state authorities promptly.
wpsdlocal6.com
· 2025-12-08
Smishing—text message scams that trick recipients into clicking malicious links or calling scammer numbers—has become increasingly common as cybercriminals shift from robocalls and emails to take advantage of higher text message open rates. Common tactics include fake package delivery notifications, impersonation of trusted brands like Amazon and FedEx, and social engineering to steal login credentials, financial information, or gain remote device access, potentially leading to identity theft and financial loss. Consumers can protect themselves by ignoring unsolicited texts, enabling two-factor authentication, verifying company contact information independently, and reporting suspicious messages to the FTC by forwarding to 7726 (SPAM).
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is investigating major US banks including JPMorgan, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo over their handling of fraud and scams on the Zelle peer-to-peer payment platform. Senate investigations found that reimbursements for unauthorized Zelle transactions declined significantly over five years, prompting lawmakers and regulators to scrutinize whether banks are adequately protecting consumers, though the banks argue that covering scam costs could encourage further fraud and cost billions of dollars.
campaignbrief.com
· 2025-12-08
Age Concern New Zealand and ANZ bank launched an innovative scam prevention campaign featuring a reimagined version of the 1980s TV show "CHiPs" to educate older New Zealanders about fraud risks. The campaign, created by TBWA\NZ, uses nostalgic humor and messaging to empower seniors to recognize and reject common scams, with survey data showing 80% of Kiwis over 65 believe older people are too trusting; the effort includes digital literacy programs, training guides, and educational materials distributed nationwide through community centers and rest homes.
thespec.com
· 2025-12-08
Hamilton police reported 465 crimes against seniors in 2023, a 127% increase from 2022, with fraud victims losing over $1 million since 2020. Grandparent scams remain a significant problem, accounting for 117 of 127 reported scams between 2022-2023, where fraudsters pose as distressed grandchildren claiming to need bail money. The rise in reported incidents is attributed both to an aging population and mandatory reporting requirements from long-term care facilities introduced in mid-2022, though police estimate only 5-10% of fraud victims report crimes to authorities.
northernvirginiamag.com
· 2025-12-08
Advik Atyam created the nonprofit platform ScamCops in 2021 after losing his birthday money to a payment scam as an eighth grader, partnering with classmates David Nam and Yousif Al Atbi to build an AI-powered scam prevention tool. The platform features an AI chatbot, scam awareness guides, quizzes, and educational courses, with active users across 36 countries and direct outreach to senior citizens at retirement homes in Fairfax County. The three high school students won the 2024 Fairfax Area Student Shark Tank Technology Challenge and stress that education and staying informed about current scams is the most effective way to prevent vict
wbrc.com
· 2025-12-08
Alabama experienced a dramatic increase in reported financial elder abuse cases, rising from 23 in 2016 to approximately 250 cases reported since January, largely due to a 2016 law requiring financial institutions to report suspicious account activity. Scammers employ two primary methods: online schemes and personal manipulation targeting vulnerable elderly individuals, often widowed, with perpetrators frequently coming from out of state across various professional backgrounds. While most victims do not recover their stolen funds, Alabama authorities actively prosecute these cases and pursue restitution.
wbrc.com
· 2025-12-08
I cannot provide a summary because the text provided does not contain article content. Instead, it only shows a list of headline timestamps and titles from what appears to be a news website's homepage or feed.
To create an appropriate summary for the Elderus database, please provide the full article text for one of these stories, particularly if it relates to elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. The only potentially relevant headline is "Cullman County schools warn about phishing email claiming to be from superintendent," but the actual article content is needed to summarize it properly.
chicagotribune.com
· 2025-12-08
**Event Type:** Scam Awareness Educational Initiative
The Palos Park Police Department held a National Night Out event to educate residents about elder fraud, highlighting that seniors in their predominantly elderly, affluent community are particularly vulnerable targets. Key scams discussed included door-to-door service schemes and "grandparent scams," with the FBI reporting that elder fraud caused $3.4 billion in losses in 2023 (up 11% from 2022), averaging $33,915 per victim, though many cases go unreported due to victim embarrassment and fear. Police advised residents to verify caller identities, trust their instincts when something feels off, and be
walesonline.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters are increasingly using AI-generated deepfake videos featuring trusted figures and financial influencers to direct victims to phishing websites and fraudulent investment schemes. Research by Santander reveals that 53% of people don't understand deepfakes and only 17% feel confident identifying them, with 54% concerned about their use in fraud. Experts advise verifying sources through official channels like the Financial Conduct Authority Register and remaining skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities or requests.
santander.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Research shows that over half of British adults (53%) lack awareness or understanding of deepfakes, with only 17% confident in their ability to identify one, while 54% worry about deepfakes being used for fraud and 51% fear family members could fall victim to such scams. Santander partnered with financial influencer Mr Money Jar to create demonstration deepfake videos and raise awareness about this emerging fraud tactic, emphasizing that fraudsters increasingly use AI-manipulated videos to create convincing investment scams and other deceptive schemes. Experts recommend verifying legitimacy through official channels like the Financial Conduct Authority Register and remaining skeptical of opportunities that seem too good to be true
markets.financialcontent.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans lost $10 billion to scams in 2023, an increase of $1 billion from 2022, with elderly people frequently targeted due to their presumed savings. Financial professionals recommend three protective strategies: slow down and verify requests before acting, be selective about who accesses sensitive financial information and documents, and seek assistance from certified financial planners who can monitor accounts and help recover from fraud.
ktul.com
· 2025-12-08
The Wagoner County Sheriff's Office warns of multiple rising scams exploiting social media and artificial intelligence, including fake product listings, romance scams, and deepfake audio/video impersonations that target victims across all ages. Key threats include grandparent scams, charity fraud, peer-to-peer payment app scams, student loan forgiveness schemes, and cryptocurrency fraud, with scammers commonly requesting payment via untraceable methods like cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers. The sheriff's office recommends protecting oneself by adjusting privacy settings, verifying organizations independently, enabling multi-factor authentication, and avoiding unsolicited requests for money or personal information.
thedrum.com
· 2025-12-08
Age Concern New Zealand and ANZ Bank launched a scam prevention awareness campaign featuring the iconic 1980s TV show CHiPs to educate seniors about fraud protection. The campaign addresses findings that 80% of New Zealanders over 65 believe older people are too trusting and vulnerable to scams, using nostalgia and humor to encourage older adults to reject unsolicited calls, texts, and emails. The initiative includes TV spots, an ANZ Scam Academy website, and educational toolkits distributed through community centers and rest homes across New Zealand.
npr.org
· 2025-12-08
Criminal syndicates operating in Southeast Asia (particularly Cambodia and Myanmar) traffic and enslave people to conduct "pig butchering" scams—a fraud scheme where scammers build trust with victims to convince them to invest money before disappearing with their funds. Victims like Billy, a 41-year-old Ethiopian man, are deceived into traveling for fake jobs, then held captive in compounds, beaten, and forced to send scam texts impersonating wealthy individuals to defraud hundreds of people. This multi-billion-dollar cyber fraud industry involves systematic human trafficking, torture, and labor exploitation by organized criminal networks targeting both the scam victims and the enslaved workers forced to perpet
fortune.com
· 2025-12-08
Zelle, the payment app owned by major U.S. banks including JPMorgan, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo, faces a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau investigation over fraud vulnerabilities, with Zelle's chief fraud risk manager arguing the app has adequate safeguards while placing responsibility on users, lawmakers, and law enforcement to combat scammers. Between 2019 and 2023, the percentage of reimbursed Zelle fraud claims declined from 62% to 38%, according to Senator Richard Blumenthal, though Zelle reports a 50% decrease in fraud reports from 2022 to 2023 and attributes this partly to its anti
news-leader.com
· 2025-12-08
Utility impostor scams involve fraudsters impersonating utility company representatives via phone, email, or in-person visits, claiming customers have overdue bills that must be paid immediately to avoid service shutoff, or requesting home access under the guise of repairs or energy audits. To protect yourself, avoid paying by prepaid card or wire transfer, resist pressure to pay immediately, verify requests by calling your utility company directly using a number from your actual bill, and never allow strangers into your home without a scheduled appointment and valid identification.
latimes.com
· 2025-12-08
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is investigating whether banks offering Zelle are adequately protecting customers from scams, with JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo disclosing they've been contacted by the regulator. Zelle, which processed $806 billion across 2.9 billion transactions in 2023, is vulnerable to fraud because payments cannot be reversed once sent; while scams represent a small percentage of transactions (0.05% in 2023), the massive transaction volume means hundreds of millions of dollars and tens of thousands of users are affected, and banks currently refuse to reimburse victims who authorize payments to scammers.