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in Scam Awareness
punchng.com
· 2026-01-22
Thai police arrested 11 Nigerians and 2 Ivorians who were running an international romance scam operation from a condominium, targeting victims through fake Facebook profiles posing as engineers or professionals. The scam began after a Thai woman reported being defrauded of over two million baht by someone claiming to be a Chinese engineer who built a romantic relationship with her before requesting money transfers. People should be cautious of online romantic relationships with strangers, especially those requesting money or financial assistance, and verify identities through video calls or meeting in person before sending any funds.
bitdefender.com
· 2026-01-22
A wave of fake recruitment emails is circulating during hiring season, impersonating trusted companies like Amazon, Carrefour, and the NHS to trick job seekers into responding by claiming their résumés have been pre-approved and offering quick interviews. These scams, detected globally across multiple languages, target vulnerable job seekers in the US, UK, and Europe by creating urgency and pressuring them to act before they can verify the sender's legitimacy. Job seekers should verify any recruitment communication directly through official company websites or phone numbers, be suspicious of unsolicited job offers that claim immediate approval without an application, and never respond to emails that pressure quick action.
knsiradio.com
· 2026-01-22
Minnesota has enacted a new law effective January 1st that strengthens legal protections for older adults who fall victim to scams or financial exploitation by family members or trusted individuals. The law allows vulnerable adults or their representatives to obtain orders of protection that can freeze accounts and cut off contact with perpetrators, giving courts and banks the authority to stop fraud faster than previously possible. Older adults should be aware of this resource if they experience financial scams or suspect exploitation, and financial professionals are now protected when reporting suspected crimes involving vulnerable populations.
lvpnews.com
· 2026-01-22
A 25-year-old man from New Jersey was sentenced to up to 3 years in prison for defrauding a 74-year-old Whitehall resident out of over $500,000 in gold and $91,000 in cash through an elaborate scam involving fake PayPal alerts and threats of arrest. The perpetrator used various pretexts—claiming payment errors and demanding cryptocurrency, gold, or cash—to manipulate the elderly victim into withdrawing retirement funds and purchasing gold bars, which he then collected in person. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected payment alerts via email, never send money via cryptocurrency or gift cards based on unsolicited calls, and verify suspicious claims by directly contacting your bank or PayPal using official phone numbers rather than numbers provided by the caller.
thesandpaper.net
· 2026-01-21
Stafford Township Police and the Mental Health Association are hosting a free scam awareness seminar on February 19th for seniors 60 and older to educate them about the rising threat of senior-targeted scams. The two-hour event will teach participants how to recognize scam red flags, protect their personal information, and safely handle suspicious communications through phone calls, emails, and door-to-door visits. Interested seniors can register by calling Suzanne at 732-703-7706, with both in-person and virtual attendance options available.
news-shield.com
· 2026-01-21
A presentation at a Wisconsin Men's Shed meeting warned senior citizens about online scams while encouraging continued safe internet use. Former Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald shared practical tips including avoiding suspicious links and unsolicited emails, verifying bank contacts directly before sharing information, watching for spelling errors in messages, and enabling two-factor authentication on accounts. If fraud occurs, he advised reporting it immediately to your bank and closing compromised accounts, despite the inconvenience of switching accounts and waiting for new cards.
fox35orlando.com
· 2026-01-21
# Tax Scam Warning
The Better Business Bureau is warning Americans that tax scammers will be especially active during the upcoming 2024 tax season, with fraudsters expected to exploit confusion around new tax deductions and take advantage of stressed taxpayers. Common scams include identity theft through phishing emails and fake tax preparers, IRS impersonation calls demanding immediate payment, and fraudulent websites mimicking official IRS portals—with taxpayers losing $5.5 billion to tax fraud in 2023 alone. To protect yourself, verify any tax preparation services before hiring them, never click links or call numbers in unsolicited emails claiming to be from the IRS, and remember that the real IRS will never demand immediate payment via wire transfer or prepaid debit cards.
berkshireeagle.com
· 2026-01-21
A 23-year-old South Boston man pleaded guilty to defrauding a 75-year-old North Adams resident of $420,000 through a scheme that falsely claimed federal officials were protecting the victim's money. The scam targeted a senior citizen who was particularly vulnerable to the fraudster's claims of government involvement. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls or messages claiming federal agencies are safeguarding your funds, verify any such claims directly with official government agencies, and never send money based on these types of requests.
fox5atlanta.com
· 2026-01-21
The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers that tax scammers are expected to be especially active this year, with taxpayers losing $5.5 billion to tax fraud in 2023 alone. Common scams include identity theft through phishing emails, fake IRS calls demanding immediate payment, impersonation of tax officials, and fraudulent tax preparation services that promise unusually large refunds. To protect yourself, verify that emails actually come from the IRS (never click suspicious links), remember that the real IRS won't demand immediate wire transfer payments, and research any tax preparation company before hiring them.
wral.com
· 2026-01-21
Rental scams cost Americans millions of dollars annually, with nearly 65,000 reported cases since 2020 totaling about $65 million in losses—though the real total is likely much higher. Scammers steal real listings from websites and social media, reposting them with fake information to trick renters into sending money and personal details, with people ages 18-29 being three times more likely to fall victim. To protect yourself, verify rental addresses online for red flags (different prices or contact info), avoid sharing personal information like your Social Security number before agreeing to rent, be wary of deals priced significantly below market value with pressure to pay quickly, and use secure payment methods like certified checks instead of cash.
29news.com
· 2026-01-21
# Utility Scams Warning During Winter
AARP Virginia is alerting residents to winter utility scams where fraudsters pose as utility companies and send threatening messages about service shutoffs to pressure people into paying money, clicking malicious links, or sharing personal information. Scammers use urgency and emotional tactics to prevent victims from thinking critically, and anyone can fall victim regardless of age or background. To protect yourself, pause before responding to unexpected communications, verify any claims directly with your utility company using official contact information, and watch for red flags like pressure to act immediately.
fox29.com
· 2026-01-21
# Tax Scam Summary
During tax season, scammers impersonate the IRS to steal money and personal information from taxpayers by making false promises of refunds, threatening arrest, or creating fake official-looking messages designed to pressure quick action. To protect yourself, remember that the IRS typically contacts people first by mail through the postal service—not by unsolicited phone calls, emails, or texts—and watch out for red flags like promises of large refunds, urgent payment demands, threats of arrest, and suspicious website links with misspelled addresses. If you receive a suspicious tax message, verify it by checking the IRS website directly or searching for the specific notice rather than clicking any links provided.
theguardian.com
· 2026-01-21
Thousands of people, including suspected trafficking victims, have fled or been released from scam compounds across Cambodia following international pressure to shut down the multibillion-dollar online fraud industry. Workers from Indonesia, China, and other countries who were forced to carry out online scams are now seeking assistance, with concerns that without proper support, many may be recaptured or moved to other compounds. People affected should seek help from their country's embassy, local safe houses, or international organizations like Amnesty International, as there is risk of re-exploitation without proper intervention.
herald.wales
· 2026-01-21
Romance scams are targeting Welsh people ahead of Valentine's Day and Dydd Santes Dwynwen, with scammers exploiting the Welsh language and cultural trust to deceive victims—over £11 million was lost to scams in 2025, with an average loss of £17,785 per person. The Money and Pensions Service is urging people to stay vigilant and remember that scammers can operate in any language, including Welsh, and that being scammed is not something to feel ashamed about. If targeted, victims should report the fraud and seek free, confidential support through MoneyHelper or Report Fraud rather than suffering in silence.
thescottishsun.co.uk
· 2026-01-21
A 66-year-old Scottish pensioner named Karen Lawrence defrauded mortgage and pension companies of £100,000 by impersonating her husband over the phone using a fake deep voice, stealing approximately £55,000 from a mortgage company and £45,000 from his pension without his knowledge. Lawrence claimed she had been manipulated into the scheme by an online romance scammer who emotionally exploited her vulnerability and isolation, leading her to commit the fraud between 2019 and 2020. This case highlights the dangers of online romance scams and the importance of being cautious about unsolicited romantic connections online, especially for vulnerable people, as well as protecting access to sensitive financial accounts and documents.
digitaljournal.com
· 2026-01-21
# Fraud Alert Summary
Finance Complaint List, a consumer protection organization, is warning of a global surge in sophisticated online scams targeting investors and everyday consumers through social media, messaging apps, and fake investment platforms. Common scams include fraudulent AI-trading bots promising guaranteed returns, romance scams that escalate to fake investment pitches, and cloned legitimate financial websites designed to steal deposits. The organization urges victims to report scams immediately through official regulatory channels or FinanceComplaintList.com, and advises consumers to verify platform legitimacy before investing, be skeptical of guaranteed returns, and watch for red flags like withdrawal restrictions or requests for "unlock fees."
sootoday.com
· 2026-01-21
# Scam Summary
An Ontario senior lost over $10,000 to a highly convincing phone scam where a caller impersonated a government fraud investigator, claimed her cards had been cloned, and eventually convinced her to hand over her debit and credit cards to a person who came to her home. The scammer gained credibility by using the victim's personal information, confirming her address, and citing specific transactions, while also warning her against calling her bank directly. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited calls claiming fraud has occurred, independently verify by contacting your bank directly using a known phone number, and remember that legitimate authorities will never ask you to hand over your physical cards or sensitive information.
theglobeandmail.com
· 2026-01-21
An 87-year-old Toronto retiree nearly lost $3,000 to a convincing "bank investigation" scam where a fraudster posed as an official and instructed her to withdraw cash, claiming her account had been compromised. Canadian seniors are increasingly targeted by cyberscams, with research showing that one in three Canadians fell victim to fake-job or CRA refund scams over a three-month period last summer. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls asking you to withdraw money or keep conversations secret, and alert bank staff or cashiers if you suspect fraud—in this case, a pharmacy cashier's intervention saved the victim from losing her money.
pembroke-today.co.uk
· 2026-01-21
Romance scams are surging in Wales, with over £11 million reported lost in 2025 and an average loss of £17,785 per victim, particularly ahead of Dydd Santes Dwynwen and Valentine's Day. Scammers operate in any language, including Welsh, exploiting the perceived trustworthiness of Welsh speakers and accents to target victims. Those affected are urged to seek free, confidential support through MoneyHelper and report crimes to Report Fraud, without shame, as victims have been targeted by criminals rather than at fault.
kpq.com
· 2026-01-21
# Verizon Scam Alert Summary
Following a recent Verizon outage, scammers are sending fraudulent texts and emails to Verizon customers claiming they can receive the promised $20 service credit by providing personal information—a classic phishing scheme designed to steal data. Verizon users should know that the company will never ask for personal information via unsolicited messages and will automatically notify them when the credit appears in their account. To stay safe, customers should ignore suspicious messages and verify any account credits by logging in directly through Verizon's official website or app, not by clicking links in emails or texts.
aol.com
· 2026-01-20
Scammers are targeting older Americans with increasingly sophisticated "grandparent scams" that combine personal data, emotional manipulation, and sometimes AI voice technology to impersonate family members in fake emergencies. A grandfather nearly wired his life savings after receiving a convincing call claiming his grandson needed bail money, complete with real details like the grandson's name and recent move. To protect yourself, fraud experts recommend asking the caller a question only your real family member would know—scammers typically hang up when challenged this way—and always verify emergencies by calling another trusted family member directly before sending money.
mycarrollcountynews.com
· 2026-01-20
# Scam Awareness Seminar for Seniors Scheduled
A free scam awareness seminar will be held on January 28th at the Carroll County Senior Services Center, featuring presentations from Farmers National Bank and Sheriff Ryan Kloepping on common fraud tactics, warning signs, and protective measures. The event is specifically designed for seniors and will cover easy-to-understand information about how scams work and how to recognize them. If you're a senior or know someone who is, attending this free seminar is a practical way to learn how to protect yourself from becoming a scam victim.
livenowfox.com
· 2026-01-20
# Tax Season Fraud Warning
The Better Business Bureau is warning taxpayers about scammers targeting people during tax season, particularly with new tax deduction rules expected to increase fraud activity. In 2023, taxpayers lost $5.5 billion to tax scams and fraud, with common schemes including identity theft through phishing emails, fake IRS calls demanding immediate payment, and untrustworthy tax preparers promising unusually large refunds. To protect yourself, verify that communications are from official IRS sources, never click links in unsolicited emails or call numbers provided in them, and research any tax preparation business before hiring them.
prnewswire.com
· 2026-01-20
In Q4 2025, fake advertisements and online shops became the leading cyberthreat, with over 45 million fake shop attacks blocked during the holiday season—a 62% increase from the previous year. Cybercriminals increasingly relied on social media, video feeds, and messaging apps to trick people into completing simple actions like clicking links, scanning QR codes, or entering verification codes, rather than using sophisticated technical exploits. To protect yourself, remain cautious when shopping online or clicking ads on social media, verify shop legitimacy before entering payment information, avoid scanning unfamiliar QR codes, and be suspicious of unsolicited requests for verification codes or device pairing approvals.
veterans.house.gov
· 2026-01-20
The House passed the Veteran Scam and Fraud Evasion (VSAFE) Act, which creates a new office within the Department of Veterans Affairs to combat scams targeting veterans and seniors by providing prevention guidance, monitoring fraud, and protecting VA benefits. Veterans and their families are increasingly vulnerable to scammers using sophisticated tactics to steal benefits and personal information. The legislation aims to give the VA better tools to detect and prevent fraud, helping ensure veterans don't lose hard-earned benefits to criminal schemes.
usatoday.com
· 2026-01-20
# Payment App Scam Prevention Summary
Payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Zelle are convenient for quick money transfers, but they're also vulnerable to scams and fraud. No single app is significantly safer than others—they all offer similar services with different fee structures and user bases, so choosing one depends on your needs and who you're sending money to. To protect yourself, experts recommend using strong passwords, verifying recipient information before sending money, and being cautious of unsolicited payment requests, as funds sent through these apps are often difficult or impossible to recover once transferred.
wowt.com
· 2026-01-20
Nebraska experienced an 82% surge in reported scams during 2025, with nearly 871 incidents and over $415,000 in losses, particularly affecting young adults aged 18-24 who fell victim to schemes on social media, payment apps, and online marketplaces. To protect yourself, the Better Business Bureau recommends verifying identities before sharing money or information, researching businesses thoroughly, watching for red flags, and reporting suspicious activity through the BBB Scam Tracker at BBB.org.
mirror.co.uk
· 2026-01-20
# Romance Scam Summary
A 67-year-old woman from Wisconsin lost £60,000 to a romance scammer who posed as a construction worker online, promised her high-return investment opportunities to pay off her debts, then disappeared with her money. The victim has since had to remortgage her home and now works at a supermarket while warning others about the dangers of romance scams. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities from people you've only met online, especially those who quickly build emotional connections and promise guaranteed financial returns.
mirror.co.uk
· 2026-01-20
A 67-year-old widow from Wisconsin lost £60,000 to a romance scam after meeting a man online who posed as a construction worker and promised her high-return investments to solve her financial problems. After she invested the money, the scammer disappeared and cut all contact, forcing her to remortgage her home and take additional work to recover from the loss. The victim is now warning others to be cautious of romance scams and to verify investment opportunities through official channels, particularly when meeting new romantic partners online who quickly discuss financial matters.
the-independent.com
· 2026-01-20
A South Korean woman in her 30s was arrested for stabbing a man in his 40s during their first in-person meeting after connecting on a dating app, leaving him with injuries to his arm and face that are not life-threatening. The incident highlights growing safety concerns around dating apps in South Korea, where romance scams have surged to over 1,500 cases annually, causing financial losses exceeding $7 million. Users should exercise caution when meeting online contacts in person, meet in public places, inform trusted contacts of their whereabouts, and be alert to suspicious behavior or requests for money.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-01-20
In 2025, PayBack, a wealth recovery firm, helped 1,903 clients recover over $41 million lost to various scams including investment fraud, romance scams, and digital asset theft. The company uses an investigation-led approach that traces transactions, documents evidence, and creates action plans to help victims pursue restitution through appropriate legal channels. If you've been defrauded, working with specialized recovery firms that investigate the scam and provide detailed documentation can improve your chances of reclaiming lost funds, though outcomes vary depending on jurisdiction and case complexity.
helpnetsecurity.com
· 2026-01-20
Millions of people turn to Reddit for help when facing cyberattacks, fraud, and account compromises because they lack the technical knowledge to handle these threats on their own. The threat landscape is rapidly evolving with faster, more automated attacks powered by AI, including sophisticated phishing, voice cloning, and text-message scams that cost victims globally around €850 million annually. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited messages and emails, verify requests through official channels before sharing information, use strong unique passwords, and consider seeking help from official support channels rather than relying on strangers online.
statetimes.in
· 2026-01-20
# Cyber Scam Summary
An elderly couple in Srinagar lost their lifetime savings of 48 lakh rupees to a sophisticated "digital arrest" scam in which fraudsters posing as CBI and telecom authority officials convinced them through WhatsApp video calls that they were under criminal investigation and threatened immediate arrest and asset seizure. The scammers used forged government documents, psychological pressure, and isolation tactics (forbidding contact with family or police) to coerce the victims into transferring money over several days. To protect yourself, verify government agency contact through official channels rather than responding to unsolicited calls, know that real authorities won't demand money transfers or threaten arrest over the phone, and report suspicious communications to police immediately instead of engaging further with the caller.
signalakron.org
· 2026-01-19
A 16-year-old Ohio student named Charlie Landers is teaching seniors in Akron how to recognize and avoid scams, inspired by his study of ethics and artificial intelligence. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes—including fake messages, romance scams, and AI-generated voice impersonations—with U.S. seniors losing over $4.8 billion to scams last year. Landers recommends seniors verify suspicious links using tools like VirusTotal, stay alert to requests for untraceable payments like gift cards or cryptocurrency, and understand that scammers exploit human emotions rather than just technical vulnerabilities.
wrdw.com
· 2026-01-19
# Scams Rising Across the U.S.
Americans receive approximately 2.5 million scam and robocalls monthly, with scammers increasingly impersonating law enforcement to threaten arrest or demand payment via gift cards and wire transfers. In the Augusta area alone, ten of 22 counties have reported rising scam activity since November, including impersonations of local agencies like North Augusta Public Safety and major companies like Amazon and Georgia Power. To protect yourself, never provide personal information or payment to callers claiming to be law enforcement, verify suspicious calls by contacting the agency directly, and register your phone number on the Federal Trade Commission's Do Not Call list to reduce scam call volume.
waff.com
· 2026-01-19
# GLP-1 Weight Loss Drug Scams Surge with New Year's Resolutions
Scammers are exploiting people's New Year's fitness goals by promoting fake GLP-1 weight loss drugs through phony online ads, text messages, and AI-generated celebrity endorsements, stealing money and personal information from victims who either receive nothing or counterfeit products. The Better Business Bureau is tracking numerous reports of these scams nationwide, with fraudsters targeting people who click links and order from illegitimate websites. To protect yourself, only obtain GLP-1s through a legitimate physician or licensed pharmacy (look for "https" on websites, verify contact information, and remember that prescription medications shouldn't be available for direct online purchase), and use a credit card for disputes if needed.
wfmynews2.com
· 2026-01-19
Rental scams have cost Americans millions of dollars, with the FTC reporting nearly 65,000 scams since 2020 totaling about $65 million in losses, with young adults aged 18-29 being three times more likely to fall victim. Scammers steal legitimate property listings from real estate websites and social media, reposting them with fake contact information to trick renters into sending money and personal information. To protect yourself, verify rental listings by searching the address online for red flags like multiple prices or different contact info, avoid sharing sensitive information before agreeing to rent, be skeptical of deals priced far below market value with pressure to act quickly, and never pay deposits or rent using cash, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
bbc.com
· 2026-01-19
In February 2024, Foday Musa's 22-year-old son and 18-year-old daughter were recruited from their village in Guinea by agents promising work abroad, but were actually trafficked to Sierra Leone and held captive by criminal gangs using the QNET company name as a front. Thousands of people across West Africa have fallen victim to this trafficking scam, which lures vulnerable individuals with job promises in countries like the US, Canada, and Dubai, demands upfront "administration fees," and then forces them to recruit others or remain trapped. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited job offers requiring upfront payments, verify job opportunities directly with legitimate employers, and report suspicious recruitment schemes to local authorities or organizations like Interpol.
shinyshiny.tv
· 2026-01-19
# Romance Scams: What You Need to Know
Romance scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, combining fake relationships with investment schemes—particularly cryptocurrency and forex trading—resulting in record losses of $17 billion in 2025 alone as AI makes fraudsters more convincing. The scams typically follow a pattern: scammers use "love bombing" to build trust, move conversations to encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, share fabricated investment success stories, and then encourage victims to invest small amounts (which show fake profits) before requesting much larger sums. To protect yourself, watch for red flags like rapid requests to move off dating apps, excessive early attention, unsolicited investment advice, pressure to invest money, and sudden urgency around financial decisions.
ca.news.yahoo.com
· 2026-01-19
A 74-year-old terminally ill cancer patient in British Columbia lost $1,500 in a scam while attempting to buy a used camper van from a stranger, hoping to take one final camping trip with his grandson before he dies. The man, who is living in a hospice on a minimal pension, was approached by someone who showed him the vehicle and claimed to sell it, but the transaction turned out to be fraudulent. For anyone buying used vehicles or items from strangers, experts recommend meeting in safe public locations, verifying ownership documentation, and considering using escrow services or payment methods that offer buyer protection rather than cash transactions.
cryptorank.io
· 2026-01-19
# Crypto Scams and Hacks Summary
Crypto scams and hacks resulted in over $4 billion in losses during 2025, with social engineering attacks—like phishing and impersonation—becoming increasingly common rather than technical security breaches. The losses affected individual crypto users and centralized platforms alike, highlighting a shift in how criminals target the crypto ecosystem. Users should remain vigilant against suspicious messages, verify communications directly with official channels, and enable additional security measures like two-factor authentication to protect their assets.
abqjournal.com
· 2026-01-18
# Amazon Refund Scam Warning
Following a $1.5 billion FTC settlement with Amazon over deceptive Prime enrollment practices, eligible customers are receiving refunds of up to $51, but scammers are impersonating Amazon and FTC officials to steal money from people claiming their refunds. The FTC warns that neither Amazon nor the agency will call about refunds, demand money upfront, make threats, or ask for fees to guarantee payments—anyone doing so is a scammer. If you receive a claim notice about an Amazon refund, apply directly through official channels and ignore any callers or messages asking for payment or personal information.
ca.finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-01-18
A "pig butchering" scam exploited Joe Novak, a 51-year-old father who lost $280,000 after a fake woman befriended him on Facebook, built emotional trust over months, and then convinced him to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes that promised high returns. These sophisticated scams target vulnerable people by establishing romantic connections before pivoting to financial requests, leaving victims emotionally devastated and financially ruined. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited romantic connections from strangers online, never invest money based on advice from people you've only met digitally, and verify investment opportunities through official, independent sources before committing any funds.
timesandstar.co.uk
· 2026-01-18
Online dating scams in Cumbria have surged 25% over three years, with residents losing over £630,000 to romance fraud in the past year alone, as part of a UK-wide problem costing more than £100 million. The scams primarily target people aged 50-79, with criminals building false relationships and fabricating emergencies (like medical crises or travel costs) to extract money from victims. Police urge victims to report scams without shame, emphasizing that fraud is never the victim's fault, and advise people to be skeptical of requests for money from online dating contacts and verify identities through video calls before sending any funds.
rvtravel.com
· 2026-01-18
RVers are particularly vulnerable to scams because they frequently travel between states, use public Wi-Fi, and are isolated while traveling, making them targets for increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes including fake job offers, recovery scams targeting previous victims, government impersonation scams, and romance scams. To protect themselves, RVers should avoid unsolicited job offers requesting upfront payments or gift cards, never pay fees to recover stolen funds (legitimate agencies don't charge upfront), hang up on callers claiming to be government officials demanding immediate payment, and be cautious of online relationships that eventually request money. The key advice is to verify any unexpected contact through official channels, never send money to unknown parties, and remain skeptical of urgent payment demands regardless of who claims to be calling.
chicagotribune.com
· 2026-01-18
An elderly Palos Hills resident lost $788,000 in a phone scam involving cryptocurrency and other methods, part of a troubling trend of high-value fraud targeting seniors in the south suburbs. A second victim in the same area lost $19,000 when a scammer impersonated a Chase Bank representative, and similar schemes have cost other residents hundreds of thousands of dollars through fake cryptocurrency investment opportunities. According to the Federal Trade Commission, scams targeting older adults for amounts exceeding $100,000 have increased nearly sevenfold since 2020, making it critical for seniors and their families to verify any unsolicited financial requests directly with their banks using official phone numbers and to be skeptical of pressure to quickly transfer money or invest in cryptocurrency.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-01-18
Scammers are targeting seniors with fake "urgent" messages claiming they'll lose federal tax credits by January 20th, using artificial time pressure to trick people into revealing personal information or paying bogus fees. The actual IRS filing deadline isn't until April 15, 2026, and legitimate tax credits don't vanish from missing a random mid-January cutoff. To protect yourself, ignore pressure to act immediately—contact the IRS directly through their official website or phone number, verify claims with trusted family members, and remember that the IRS typically initiates contact by mail, not unsolicited calls or emails.
clickondetroit.com
· 2026-01-18
During Detroit Auto Show weekend, Michigan's Attorney General warned visitors about parking scams after a family from Columbus paid $60 instead of the advertised $25. The AG recommends using services like SpotHero to prepay for parking and avoid giving keys to attendants unless valet service is confirmed in advance, as some fraudulent operators sell spots they don't own, leading to vehicles being ticketed, towed, or stolen—and fake parking tickets are also being issued by scammers.
cryptopolitan.com
· 2026-01-18
# Crypto Scam Summary
A Massachusetts man defrauded a Tinder user of $200,000 in a "pig butchering" scam, where he posed as a financial advisor named "Nino Martin" and convinced her to invest in fake cryptocurrency through fake platforms like a fraudulent Coinbase account. The Department of Justice is now working to recover the stolen funds in Tether stablecoin. To protect yourself, be suspicious of romantic connections who quickly pivot to financial opportunities, verify investment advisors through official channels, and never send money to unknown individuals or unverified platforms, especially those accessed through dating apps.
inkl.com
· 2026-01-18
California cities and transit agencies are increasingly using camera-based enforcement to issue parking citations by mail rather than through traditional officer interactions, which has sparked alarm and made the situation ripe for scammers. Criminals are now creating fake parking citations with QR codes designed to steal money and personal information from residents. If you receive a citation, verify it directly with the issuing agency by phone or their official website rather than clicking any links or QR codes in the notice.