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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
bangkokpost.com
· 2025-12-08
Malaysian authorities raided a luxury residence in Kuala Lumpur operating as an international scam call centre, arresting 42 foreign workers including six Thai nationals who were employed to conduct investment, gambling, and romance scams generating approximately 1.13 million baht daily. The suspects, aged 23-54 from multiple countries, confessed to earning around 30,080 baht monthly and targeted victims via Facebook, TikTok, WeChat, Telegram, and WhatsApp across Malaysia and internationally. Police seized 100,000 ringgit in cash along with phones, computers, and scam manuals, while the alleged syndicate leader, a Chinese national, remained at large.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
A 73-year-old retired couple in Mentor, Ohio lost their entire life savings of $45,000 to an elaborate online scam involving a fake pop-up alert, impersonated bank and federal officials, and instructions to withdraw cash and hand it over in a parking lot. The scammers convinced the victim his accounts were compromised and used social engineering and authority manipulation to overcome his initial skepticism. The article includes expert advice on fraud prevention, including verifying communications directly with your bank, protecting personal information, and placing credit freezes to prevent unauthorized accounts.
the420.in
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting senior citizens and pensioners through sophisticated digital scams including QR code fraud, OTP theft, fake investment schemes, malicious apps, and impersonation of bank representatives and government officials, resulting in significant losses of lifelong savings. Cybersecurity experts attribute these attacks to seniors' limited awareness of digital threats and recommend education and vigilance in identifying fraudulent tactics such as fake customer service numbers and online marketplace scams. An awareness webinar organized by FCRF and Paytm on February 24, 2025, aims to help seniors learn how to identify scams, protect their bank accounts, and report cyber fraud.
islandpacket.com
· 2025-12-08
**Article:** "What can I do about all these scams? Tips and tricks to keep you and your loved ones safe"
Beaufort County, South Carolina residents—particularly older adults—face a high risk of scams, with the state ranking seventh nationally for fraud cases. Common schemes targeting seniors include cryptocurrency scams (up 900% since 2020), contractor fraud, phone solicitation, and religious impersonation scams. The FTC advises identifying scams by recognizing when scammers impersonate legitimate organizations, create false urgency or prize claims, and pressure immediate action or unusual payment methods.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A Chicago woman lost nearly $5,000 in a tap-to-pay scam in November after two men approached her at Whole Foods requesting a donation for a deceased relative and pressured her to use contactless payment on their phone instead of cash. After disputing the charges with Fifth Third Bank and filing a police report, she spent three months fighting the bank's repeated denials before finally receiving her money back after media inquiries were made. The scam, which targets well-intentioned people by charging unauthorized amounts far exceeding the stated donation, has been affecting a growing number of Chicago residents.
newindianexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
The call merging scam is a phishing method where fraudsters pose as acquaintances or professionals and trick victims into merging phone calls, then exploit the merged line to capture one-time passwords (OTPs) from banking apps and complete unauthorized transactions. The scam works by timing the call merge with a victim's bank OTP verification, causing the victim to unwittingly share sensitive authentication codes that enable account theft. The National Payments Corporation of India warns users to avoid merging calls with unknown numbers, never share OTPs over the phone, and immediately report suspicious OTP receipts to prevent financial loss.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Marion Tyler from County Antrim lost £2,000 after calling a scam number she found online while trying to contact loveholidays about her holiday booking; the scammers obtained her one-time passcode and gained access to her account. The family reported a potential security loophole in loveholidays' authentication system, as the daughter-in-law was able to access Marion's account even after login details were changed, suggesting scammers could repeatedly gain entry. The case has been reported to Action Fraud and the Information Commissioner's Office, with the family working to recover the funds while loveholidays maintains that its two-factor authentication process is secure.
kkco11news.com
· 2025-12-08
The Mesa County Sheriff's Office warns residents of common online scams, including fraudulent calls from individuals impersonating government agencies, financial institutions, or tech support claiming computer viruses. Law enforcement advises people to trust their instincts, disengage immediately if something seems suspicious, and contact police right away, while noting that prevention through awareness is the most effective deterrent since stolen money is difficult to recover due to evolving technology.
kkco11news.com
· 2025-12-08
The Mesa County Sheriff's Office warns residents about common cyber scams targeting hundreds of victims daily, including fraudulent calls impersonating government agencies or financial institutions, computer virus scams, and money-demanding calls. Law enforcement officials emphasize that evolving technology makes these scams difficult to investigate and recovery unlikely, and advise people to trust their instincts, disengage from suspicious communications, and report incidents immediately. The department offers a monthly fraud prevention community class series to increase awareness and prevention in the area.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
A widespread "smishing" scam is circulating across the U.S. via text messages impersonating legitimate toll road services like FastTrak and EZ Pass, with fake links directing victims to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal and financial information. The FBI and FTC advise recipients to avoid clicking links, verify toll balances directly through official websites or customer service, report suspicious texts, and file complaints if they have already clicked malicious links or shared information.
southtahoenow.com
· 2025-12-08
Residents of South Lake Tahoe received impersonation scam calls from individuals claiming to be El Dorado County Sheriff's Office representatives demanding payment for alleged missed federal jury duty and threatening arrest warrants. The scammers used spoofed phone numbers, possessed personal information including names and addresses, and instructed victims to pay citations before appearing at the sheriff's office. Law enforcement agencies never contact people by phone regarding warrants or jury duty, and the best defense is to hang up and independently verify any such calls by contacting the official agency directly.
championnewspapers.com
· 2025-12-08
Identity theft and consumer fraud are growing significantly in the digital age, with the FTC receiving over 5.7 million fraud reports in 2021 and the ITRC documenting a 68 percent increase in data compromises compared to 2020. Common scams targeting North Americans include phone scams impersonating government agencies, phishing emails with malware, text message links requesting personal information, Medicare card verification schemes targeting seniors, and large-scale data breaches at major companies. Consumers should never share personal information over the phone unless they've verified legitimacy, avoid clicking suspicious links, be cautious of emails from apparent legitimate sources, and monitor credit regularly for unauthorized activity.
moneywise.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans receive an average of two scam calls and three scam texts weekly, with reports showing $12.5 billion lost to cybercrime in 2023 alone. AI-powered scams are increasingly sophisticated, including AI-generated fake voice recordings and photos (particularly grandparent scams with fake mugshots), enhanced phishing emails with professional formatting, and counterfeit e-commerce websites using pressure tactics and chatbots to extract personal information. Protection strategies include verifying unexpected requests through independent contact, being skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, and using security software that can detect suspicious websites and content.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-08
A 62-year-old former Chinese businessman in Seremban lost RM4.2 million to a scam syndicate posing as police officers, who contacted him via WhatsApp claiming he was involved in a money laundering case and instructed him to make transfers and deposits to company accounts. Police data shows that from January to December the previous year, there were 105 investigation papers filed related to Macau scam cases involving RM1.89 million in losses. Authorities advise the public to be cautious of unsolicited calls or messages from individuals claiming to represent agencies and requesting payments, and to never share banking information.
bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Two women in Bengaluru lost a combined approximately Rs 19 lakh to online astrologers operating on Instagram who promised to resolve their personal and financial problems through paid rituals. The scammers gained victims' trust through initial small payments, then coerced them into escalating payments for elaborate rituals (claiming issues like Shani dosha), before disappearing with the money and offering minimal refunds. Police warn that these cyber fraudsters use psychological manipulation and social media to exploit vulnerable individuals, with a consistent pattern of building trust, making alarming predictions, demanding large sums, and then vanishing.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) warned users about the "call merging scam," in which fraudsters trick victims into revealing one-time passwords (OTPs) by calling them about an opportunity, then merging the call with a fake "friend" who is actually another scammer posing as the victim's bank. Once the victim unknowingly connects to a bank verification call and shares their OTP, the scammers complete unauthorized financial transactions. To protect themselves, users should avoid merging calls with unknown numbers, verify caller identities before sharing information, remember that banks never request OTPs over phone calls, and report suspicious activity to authorities immediately.
chicagotribune.com
· 2025-12-08
Naperville residents reported losing nearly $5.5 million to scams in 2024, representing a dramatic increase from previous years, according to police authorities. The most common fraud schemes included arrest warrant extortion, "pig butchering" (romance/investment scams), phishing, and online marketplace fraud, with victims ranging from age 15 to 91. Police note that actual losses likely exceed reported figures, as many victims don't report due to shame, and funds paid via gift cards or cryptocurrency are rarely recoverable.
willmarradio.com
· 2025-12-08
Two individuals were arrested in Olivia, Minnesota after attempting to collect cash from a resident through a computer and phone scam that compromised the victim's computer. The victim had already handed over an unspecified sum of cash to a courier on February 11, 2025, and the scammers subsequently demanded an additional $40,000; officers arrested both suspects at the victim's residence when the courier arrived to collect the second payment. One suspect has been flagged with an immigration hold by ICE, and the case remains under investigation by the Olivia Police Department and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
ingstadmedia.com
· 2025-12-08
Olivia Police arrested two men in connection with a phone and computer scam targeting a resident whose computer was compromised. The victim was deceived into handing over cash to a courier on February 11, and was then contacted again with a demand for an additional $40,000. Police arrested the two suspects when the courier arrived at the victim's residence on Monday, and one suspect was also flagged with an immigration hold by ICE.
nasdaq.com
· 2025-12-08
Cryptocurrency scams are evolving with AI technology, with pump-and-dump schemes and copycat tokens emerging as major threats in 2025. Scammers use AI agents to artificially boost coin prices before selling for profit, and create fraudulent tokens mimicking legitimate projects to deceive investors seeking early-stage opportunities. Experts advise investors to conduct thorough due diligence on projects, communities, and founders before investing, and to be suspicious of sudden price surges with no performance history.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
Tens of thousands of people are believed to be held in illegal scam compounds operating in Myanmar near Thailand's border, run by approximately 30-40 Chinese criminal gangs that force trafficked workers from over 30 nationalities to conduct online fraud targeting victims worldwide. Thailand has launched a major crackdown, and officials estimate these operations generate $63.9 billion annually in global scam revenue, with victims subjected to violence and held against their will after being lured with false job promises. Repatriation efforts are underway, with authorities screening returnees to determine whether they are human trafficking victims or willing participants in the criminal schemes.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Alfred's family discovered unusual bank transactions and learned that their father had fallen victim to multiple scams over several years, including romance fraud involving an impostor posing as WWE wrestler Alexa Bliss, as well as advance-fee schemes. Despite his sons' efforts to protect him, Alfred believed he was helping friends in need and paying legitimate bills, leading to family conflict and legal action between father and son over the attempts to stop the fraudulent transactions.
wpdh.com
· 2025-12-08
A 77-year-old Town of Wallkill woman was defrauded of $30,000 after receiving a fraudulent email impersonating PayPal that directed her to a scammer posing as an FTC agent who convinced her to empty her bank account for "safe keeping." Working with Town of Wallkill Police, the victim agreed to a follow-up transaction of $20,000, during which an undercover officer posed as the elderly woman and arrested the suspected scammer, identified as Caiduan Li from Brooklyn, who was charged with Grand Larceny in the third degree and taken into custody by Homeland Security.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
Middlesex County, New Jersey is hosting a free Senior Fraud Prevention Conference on March 14, 2025, in partnership with the County Prosecutor's Office to educate older adults, caregivers, and service providers about scams targeting seniors. The conference will cover common fraud schemes including online, phone, and door-to-door scams, with expert guidance from law enforcement on protecting personal information and financial security. Registration is required and closes March 10.
nbcdfw.com
· 2025-12-08
Immigrants in the United States have been targeted by impostors posing as ICE agents who use phone calls, texts, emails, and in-person visits to threaten victims with arrest and deportation unless they pay hundreds or thousands of dollars in fake fees. According to the Federal Trade Commission, impostor scams resulted in $2.7 billion in losses in 2023. Legitimate ICE agents do not call to warn of imminent arrest, request financial information, or demand money to dismiss investigations.
vox.com
· 2025-12-08
Text message scams have become a sophisticated and growing threat, with complaints increasing 500 percent from 2015 to 2022 as scammers use AI and personal data to craft convincing, targeted messages about unpaid fines, packages, and other common scenarios. In 2024 alone, phone scammers stole over $25 billion, averaging $450 per victim, with risks increasing when messages include personal details like names or addresses. The article advises consumers to verify suspicious texts independently, avoid clicking links from unknown senders, and recognize red flags like unusual domain extensions, as human vigilance remains the most effective defense against increasingly sophisticated text fraud.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A Queens woman lost nearly $700,000 to scammers who posed as FTC officials and claimed her Social Security number was compromised, convincing her to drain her bank accounts and purchase gold bars and coins as "asset protection." The scammers maintained contact for over a month, threatened her with surveillance and jail time to prevent disclosure, and disappeared after collecting the gold and cash via courier; her family discovered the fraud only when she posted a GoFundMe page on Facebook. This elaborate scheme involving spoofed phone numbers, fake government emails, and precious metals represents a variation of investment scams targeting seniors that the FBI has previously warned about.
whio.com
· 2025-12-08
Phone scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with scammers using text messages and calls to target financial institutions and individuals directly by exploiting data breaches and personal information available online. Members of Wright-Patt Credit Union received fraudulent texts appearing to be from the credit union, prompting them to click malicious links; experts warn the problem will worsen as artificial intelligence enables more convincing, personalized attacks including deepfakes and QR code scams. Financial institutions and cybersecurity experts recommend remaining vigilant by verifying messages through official channels, enabling multi-factor authentication, changing passwords regularly, and educating vulnerable family members about these threats.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Cryptocurrency remains vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated scams as technology advances. Experts warn of two major threats in 2025: AI-driven pump-and-dump schemes where scammers use hundreds of thousands of AI agents to artificially inflate coin prices before selling off for profit, and copycat token scams where fraudsters create fake or misleading tokens mimicking legitimate projects to deceive investors seeking ground-floor opportunities. The article advises investors to be suspicious of sudden price surges without history, conduct thorough due diligence on projects and founders, and avoid rushing into investments based on FOMO (fear of missing out).
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
A 30-year-old Florida man was ordered to pay over $1.1 million for operating EmpiresX, a $100 million cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors across 50+ countries from 2020-2021. The article explains common crypto scams including Ponzi schemes, pig-butchering scams (which combine romance fraud with fake investment schemes), and advises protection strategies such as verifying investment legitimacy, being cautious of unsolicited financial offers, and understanding that cryptocurrency transactions are difficult to reverse or recover.
moonstone.co.za
· 2025-12-08
"Pig butchering" is a rapidly growing romance scam that combines fake romantic connections with cryptocurrency fraud schemes, primarily targeting victims on dating platforms and social media. South Africans lost over R125 million to online dating scammers in 2022, with scammers now using AI and deepfake technology to create increasingly convincing fake profiles and lure victims into fraudulent investment schemes. These operations, run by international crime syndicates that often exploit trafficked workers, build long-term emotional trust before pressuring victims to send cryptocurrency, which is then laundered through shell companies and criminal networks.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
A speaker will present "Break Your Bank, Break Your Heart: Avoiding Romance Scams" at the La Canada Community Center on February 28, 2025, addressing the growing threat of romance scams targeting seniors. The presentation will cover the warning signs of romance scams, how to avoid them, recovery strategies, common victim characteristics, and ways to strengthen emotional resilience against these emotionally and financially devastating schemes.
kgun9.com
· 2025-12-08
Green Valley, Arizona authorities warn residents about multiple evolving scams targeting seniors, including voice cloning fraud, impersonation schemes (costing victims $1.1 billion nationally in 2023), romance scams (which cost Arizona residents $47 million over two years), and pornography-related blackmail scams. Experts recommend residents verify suspicious communications through trusted third parties and never share personal information without confirming legitimacy, noting that scammers use urgency tactics and exploit loneliness to manipulate their targets.
nationthailand.com
· 2025-12-08
Metropolitan Police arrested five suspects, including Chinese national "Boss Zhou" and former Thai teacher Alisa, for operating a sophisticated romance scam that defrauded victims of over 91 million baht. The operation created fake online profiles to establish romantic relationships, then coerced victims into investing in a fictitious Singaporean TikTok shop, with funds ultimately laundered through cryptocurrency exchanges. A raid on their Bang Phli residence—identified as the operation's "nerve centre"—uncovered 102 active bank accounts, 70 debit cards, and links to 132 reported fraud cases.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Thirty New York organizations, including AARP, have signed a letter supporting Governor Hochul's proposal to allow banks to place holds on transactions suspected of involving elder financial exploitation. According to FBI data, elder fraud complaints increased 14% nationally in 2023 with associated losses up 11%, and New York ranks among the top five states for elder fraud complaints and monetary losses. An AARP survey found 88% of New Yorkers age 45 and older support the proposed measure to protect vulnerable seniors from scammers using sophisticated methods to target older adults.
clickorlando.com
· 2025-12-08
An 84-year-old woman in Volusia County, Florida was defrauded out of approximately $32,500 in a fake Publisher's Clearing House sweepstakes scam in June 2023, after being told she won $1 million and needed to pay upfront taxes. Two suspects were arrested, including 25-year-old Shania Baptiste, who was extradited from New York and faces felony charges of fraud and grand theft; the victim had sent two checks ($20,000 and $12,500) despite warnings from bank and store employees that she was being scammed. The case highlights the ongoing threat of PCH impersonation scams targeting
observernews.net
· 2025-12-08
This article announces the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office's eighth annual fraud awareness forum scheduled for March 4 in Sun City Center, Florida, designed to educate seniors about evolving scams and fraud prevention. The free event will feature presentations on AI fraud, nonprofit fraud, and the emotional impact of scams, with expert panelists available for questions and community resources on-site. The forum emphasizes that education is the primary defense against victimization, as scammers continually adapt their tactics using advancing technology.
thestar.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A Vodafone study found that nearly one million UK children aged 11-16 fell victim to online scams in the past year, with 13-year-olds most affected and average losses around £100, though 69% reported increased anxiety. An online harm specialist identifies key warning signs including secretive behavior, emotional changes, and urgent requests for in-game purchases, and recommends parents maintain open dialogue, avoid frustration, and educate children about scam tactics to prevent victimization.
ingstadmedia.com
· 2025-12-08
Two men were arrested in Olivia on suspicion of operating a phone and computer scam in which victims were convinced their computers were compromised and instructed to hand cash to couriers. The victim lost money on February 11 and was contacted again for an additional $40,000 before police intercepted the courier and made arrests; one suspect also has an ICE immigration hold.
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-08
During the 2024 tax season, scammers increased identity theft and refund fraud attempts, with the IRS receiving nearly 300,000 identity theft reports resulting in an estimated $5.5 billion in losses. Common scams include fraudulent IRS communications via phone/text/email, AI-powered voice cloning, fake account setup offers, phishing emails promising unclaimed refunds, and fraudulent tax preparers who steal personal information and refunds. Taxpayers can protect themselves by remembering the IRS only contacts via mail, verifying caller information, researching tax preparers using the IRS directory, and avoiding unsolicited IRS-related communications or links.
alliancetimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Financial Advisor Dalsey Lambley presented a scam awareness workshop at the Alliance Public Library, highlighting common fraud types including internet scams, romance scams, collection fraud, and computer intrusion schemes that typically begin with unsolicited contact. Lambley advised attendees to recognize red flags, avoid sharing personal information with unverified online contacts, verify contact numbers independently, and consult trusted friends before responding to urgent requests. The presentation emphasized that scammers exploit emotions like loneliness and fear to pressure victims into quick decisions without careful consideration.
womenlovetech.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams cost Australians $201.1 million in 2023 and over $585 million in 2024, with scammers using psychological manipulation and AI-generated fake profiles to deceive online daters. Tinder released a Romance Scam Awareness Guide identifying red flags such as love-bombing, requests to move conversations off-app, sudden financial requests, and zero digital footprints, while recommending users verify profiles, conduct reverse image searches, keep personal details private, and never send money to online-only contacts. The guide, developed with fraud survivors and cyberpsychologists, complements Tinder's 20+ safety features including AI-powered scam
iomtoday.co.im
· 2025-12-08
Sixteen Isle of Man residents reported being victims of dating scams to Action Fraud between 2020 and 2024, contributing to an estimated £409.7 million in losses across the British Isles from romance fraud during this five-year period. Victims lost an average of over £10,000 each, with the psychological and emotional impact often leaving victims isolated due to shame and stigma. The scams affected people across all age groups, though victims were more likely to be middle-aged.
mad-daily.com
· 2025-12-08
ANZ Bank and TBWA\New Zealand launched an awareness campaign called "Scammers Bloom" on Valentine's Day, featuring deliberately foul-smelling roses at an Auckland pop-up to highlight the growing problem of online romance scams. The campaign used clever messaging and Valentine's cards to educate the public about romance scam tactics and warning signs, generating significant social media buzz and directing visitors to ANZ's scam prevention resources. The initiative aimed to raise awareness that romance scams often involve deceptive online relationships that appear genuine but are fraudulent schemes targeting vulnerable people.
king5.com
· 2025-12-08
A Washington State House hearing examined a bill to protect vulnerable adults after an Olympia senior citizen lost $300,000 in a coercion scam where fraudsters convinced her to liquidate investments and wire funds to purchase gold coins. The proposed House Bill 1900 would require banks to flag suspected fraudulent activity on vulnerable adults' accounts and immediately notify state authorities, addressing a gap in federal law that leaves victims of coerced wire transfers without reimbursement protection. The bill's sponsor cited the victim's case as motivation to prevent others from losing their life savings to financial exploitation.
business-standard.com
· 2025-12-08
A senior citizen in Karnataka lost Rs 3 lakh after searching for his bank manager's phone number on Google and calling a fraudster who had planted fake contact details online; the scammer posed as the bank manager, built trust through video and voice calls, and tricked the victim into clicking a malicious link that enabled unauthorized withdrawal. The article also reports a separate "digital arrest" scam in Agra where two suspects extorted money by impersonating police officers and threatening legal consequences. Protection requires verifying contact details through official websites or bank helplines rather than search results, and avoiding clicks on suspicious message links.
news18.com
· 2025-12-08
The "call merging scam" tricks victims into revealing their One-Time Passwords (OTPs) by having an unknown caller claim to connect them to a friend, then merging the call with a legitimate bank OTP verification line, causing victims to unknowingly share their OTP with fraudsters who then complete unauthorized transactions. The National Payments Corporation of India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) issued an urgent warning advising users to never merge calls from unknown numbers, verify caller identity before taking action, and immediately report suspicious OTPs to their bank at 1930.
welivesecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
Employment termination scams are phishing attacks that exploit workers' fear of job loss by impersonating HR departments or other authorities, attempting to trick victims into clicking malicious links or opening infected attachments. These scams can lead to malware installation, credential theft, corporate data breaches, or account hijacking, with attackers leveraging stolen work logins for extortion or further fraudulent activity. The scams are effective because they create urgent psychological pressure, and victims can protect themselves by verifying sender addresses, checking for generic greetings, and being cautious about unexpected termination notifications.
paymentsdive.com
· 2025-12-08
JPMorgan Chase identified social media platforms as the origin point for approximately half of push payment scams reported to the bank, where fraudsters contact victims and persuade them to send money through peer-to-peer networks like Zelle. Starting March 23, Chase will block Zelle payments originating from social media transactions, as the service is intended only for known recipients; the bank noted that once money is sent through these instant payment channels, recovery is extremely difficult. This action follows criticism from lawmakers and consumer advocates, with a 2024 Senate report showing that customers disputed $206.7 million in Zelle transactions for fraud in 2023, yet only about 19% were reimbursed.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
JPMorgan Chase reports that approximately half of scams it handles originate on social media platforms, where fraudsters contact consumers and persuade them to send money through peer-to-peer payment networks like Zelle. Beginning March 23, Chase will block Zelle transactions initiated from social media platforms, as the service is intended only for payments to known contacts. The broader issue remains significant: customers of major banks disputed over $206 million in Zelle transactions in 2023 claiming fraud, with only 19% reimbursed, and the CFPB has sued Zelle alleging $870 million in losses over seven years.