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investopedia.com
This educational article outlines common cryptocurrency scams and protection strategies. According to the FBI, crypto fraud losses surged 45% year-over-year to $5.6 billion in 2023 based on 69,000 complaints, with scams ranging from phishing attacks to fake ICOs and rug pulls. The article advises crypto investors to verify website URLs, enable two-factor authentication, and remain vigilant about suspicious links and messages to protect their digital assets.
finance.yahoo.com
The U.S. Treasury sanctioned Funnull, a Philippines-based company run by Chinese national Liu Lizhi, for providing infrastructure to cybercriminals operating "pig butchering" crypto investment scams that defrauded American victims of approximately $200 million, with an average loss of $150,000 per victim. Funnull generated fraudulent domain names and website templates to help scammers impersonate legitimate brands, and also conducted the Polyfill supply chain attack to redirect website visitors to malicious gambling and scam sites. These services enabled criminals to quickly evade detection by switching domains and IP addresses when legitimate providers attempted to shut down their operations.
freep.com
Beginning in June, the federal government will resume aggressive collection of defaulted student loans, offsetting up to 15% of Social Security benefits (with $750 monthly protected) and garnishing up to 15% of wages for approximately 5.3 million borrowers. This financial crackdown is expected to trigger a surge in student loan scams, with fraudsters using unsolicited calls, texts, and emails to target vulnerable borrowers with offers of fake debt relief in exchange for upfront fees or to charge them for free services like income-driven repayment plans available directly through StudentAid.gov.
nbcchicago.com
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias warned residents about phishing text messages falsely claiming to be from the state's DMV, which threaten to suspend vehicle registration and driving privileges while attempting to extract personal or financial information. The official clarified that legitimate DMV communications via text are limited to appointment reminders, and urged residents to report suspicious messages to the Federal Trade Commission.
etnownews.com
This article outlines ten common fraud schemes targeting Indian consumers, including phishing impersonations of banks and government agencies, Ponzi schemes promising unrealistic returns, fake law enforcement extortion, fraudulent work-from-home jobs, UPI PIN theft, ATM skimming, predatory loan apps, pump-and-dump stock schemes, romance scams targeting vulnerable individuals, and fake parcel delivery scams. The piece emphasizes that fraudsters exploit trust through multiple channels (email, SMS, calls, apps) and advises victims to verify legitimacy through official channels, avoid sharing sensitive information like OTPs and UPI PINs, use only RBI-registered financial services, and report suspicious
justice.gov
Nadine Jazimne Wade, a 30-year-old Bronx resident, was sentenced to 63 months in prison for laundering over $2 million in proceeds from romance scams targeting elderly victims across the United States between 2016 and 2021. Scammers based in Nigeria and South Africa used fake identities to build romantic relationships with victims online, then convinced them to send money to bank accounts controlled by Wade, who rapidly moved the funds through cash withdrawals, vehicle purchases, and transfers to other scheme members. Wade was ordered to pay $1,772,618 in restitution and forfeit $2,261,791.
cointelegraph.com
Seniors are increasingly targeted in cryptocurrency scams because scammers view them as wealthy, trusting, and less technologically savvy, exploiting the irreversible nature of crypto transactions and victims' reluctance to report fraud. The FTC reports growing losses from crypto investment fraud, romance scams, and government impersonation, with seniors in Beaufort County, South Carolina alone losing over $3.1 million in 2024, while sophisticated schemes using AI voice cloning and fake websites are becoming more prevalent. Examples include British pensioners losing hundreds of thousands to romance fraud operations in Cambodia, Minnesota crypto ATM scams that cost over $189 million in 2023, and government impersonation
lsj.com.au
Transnational organized crime groups operating "scam factories" in Southeast Asian countries (Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia) force trafficked workers into sophisticated multilingual fraud operations targeting international victims. Between January 2024 and February 2025, Australia lost $384.2 million to scams, with investment scams causing the largest losses ($225.7 million), while over 300,000 people are estimated to be forced laborers in scam operations across the Mekong region, generating approximately $43.8 billion annually for criminal enterprises. These operations employ advanced technologies including deepfakes and AI language models to impersonate authority figures and craft convincing fraud scripts.
mosmancollective.com
A North Sydney man lost tens of thousands of dollars in a romance scam after meeting a woman named "Sherri" on a dating site in March. After building rapport over email, the scammer claimed financial emergencies and convinced the victim to transfer money for a work trip and then for flights and expenses to New Zealand, where she claimed her bank account had been frozen. The victim's bank eventually alerted him to the fraud after he had already sent multiple large sums of money.
cnet.com
Cybercriminals are using increasingly sophisticated methods—including AI-powered technology—to conduct online scams, with reported fraud losses reaching $12.5 billion in the previous year, a 25% increase. Google's report identifies five trending scams: customer support impersonation, malvertising (fake ads spreading malware), fake travel websites, package-tracking phishing, and toll road scams, and emphasizes that many people remain uninformed about recognizing these fraud tactics. The report recommends verifying contact information directly with companies, downloading software only from legitimate sources, being skeptical of unrealistic deals, and avoiding clicking links in unsolicited messages.
fox5atlanta.com
Scammers are targeting Georgia drivers with threatening text messages impersonating the "Georgia State Department of Motor Vehicles," claiming recipients have outstanding traffic tickets that must be paid immediately to avoid license suspension or prosecution, with links leading to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal and driver's license information. The Georgia Department of Driver Services clarified that they never contact customers via text to request payment or confidential information, and notes that the "Department of Motor Vehicles" does not exist in Georgia—a key red flag that such messages are fraudulent. Residents are advised to delete such messages immediately and verify ticket or license status through the official DDS website at dds.georgia.gov.
foxnews.com
This educational article explains how large language models like ChatGPT can be exploited to gather personal information about individuals, since these AI tools pull from publicly available online sources including people-search sites, social media, and public databases. The article provides guidance on protecting privacy by opting out of people-search sites individually or using automated data removal services, emphasizing that personal information is already widely exposed online and requires proactive steps to limit access.
wsbtv.com
Georgia Department of Driver Services warned residents about a text message scam in which criminals impersonate the nonexistent "Georgia Department of Motor Vehicles" and direct recipients to fraudulent websites to pay fake traffic tickets and surrender driver's license information. DDS emphasized that it never contacts customers via text to request payment or confidential information and instead notifies customers of license changes in writing; residents should delete such messages immediately and verify information through the official DDS website.
bendbulletin.com
Text scams create false urgency to trick recipients into clicking malicious links and entering sensitive information; one SELCO member recently fell victim to a phishing text impersonating the bank, entering her credentials on a fake site before fraudulent activity was caught and prevented. While reported text scams decreased slightly in 2024, losses increased more than fivefold since 2020, indicating scammers are becoming more effective, with common schemes including fake security alerts from banks and major companies, fake delivery notifications, and fraudulent job offers. The article advises consumers to avoid clicking suspicious links, verify senders, use phone spam filters, and remember that legitimate financial institutions never request passwords or account numbers via text.
wgal.com
Scammers are sending unsolicited text messages impersonating legitimate job websites like Indeed, offering unrealistic wages ($300-$900 per day for minimal work) to lure victims into providing personal information including Social Security numbers for identity theft. These fraudulent messages direct recipients to untraceable messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram and lack legitimate company details, making them easily identifiable as scams. Consumers should recognize that legitimate employers never initiate job contact via text and offers that sound too good to be true are red flags for fraud.
wgrz.com
Chautauqua County DMV is warning residents about phishing text messages falsely claiming to be from the New York DMV, demanding immediate payment for traffic fines and threatening vehicle registration suspension. Phishing scams have doubled since 2022 and are among the top three scams reported to the Better Business Bureau, affecting people across all age groups with some victims losing over $1,000. To protect themselves, residents should avoid clicking suspicious links, verify messages directly with their local DMV, check for spelling errors and suspicious web addresses, and never share personal information via text or email.
cleveland19.com
Olmsted Falls Police are warning residents about an increasingly sophisticated scam targeting senior citizens in which fraudsters pose as celebrities or their family members to obtain personal information, bank details, or money. In one case, a scammer claimed to be Johnny Carson's son and told a resident they had won a large cash prize, then later called back impersonating police to pressure the victim further. Police advise residents to hang up and not respond immediately to suspicious calls, texts, or emails, and note that scammers are using spoofed phone numbers to appear as legitimate callers.
atmorenews.com
The Atmore Police Department issued a reminder that financial fraud occurs every 15 seconds in the United States, with scammers using personal information obtained through phishing, mail, and social connections to deceive victims of all ages. The department is offering a Senior Citizen Financial Fraud PowerPoint presentation to community groups, civic organizations, and churches that provides prevention tools, best practices, and guidance for fraud victims. Interested organizations can contact Sgt. Darrell McMann to schedule the presentation.
pa.gov
The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities is hosting multiple free educational events throughout June 2024 aimed at seniors, service providers, and the general public to help them avoid scams, detect fraud, and prevent identity theft. Events include interactive presentations such as "Fraud BINGO" and "$camJam" held at senior centers and community locations across Pennsylvania, with Pennsylvanians encouraged to report scams via 1-866-PACOMPLAINT or pa.gov/consumer.
malwarebytes.com
Toll fee smishing scams—fraudulent text messages claiming users owe payment for tolls—have surged in waves since 2024, with the FBI and FTC issuing warnings and state DMVs in New York, Florida, and California recently alerting residents to the threat. In April 2025 alone, Americans received 19.2 billion spam texts, and text-based fraud attempts generated approximately $470 million in criminal revenue according to the FTC's 2024 data. The article advises consumers to verify sender phone numbers and domain names, check official toll agency websites, avoid engaging with messages, use mobile security features, and report suspicious texts to the FBI's Internet Crime
bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com
A senior citizen in Bengaluru lost Rs 4.7 crore to scammers who impersonated bank officials, government agencies, and judiciary members in a "digital arrest" fraud scheme spanning two months. The fraudsters used psychological manipulation, fear tactics, and fake WhatsApp video calls to convince the victim they were under investigation for money laundering and could not contact family or leave home. This marks the third similar case reported in the city within one week, highlighting gaps in awareness initiatives despite efforts by police and banks to educate the public about such scams.
smh.com.au
A person lost over $20,000 to a scam and sought advice on recovery and moving forward emotionally. The article provides practical security measures (two-factor authentication, strong passwords, avoiding suspicious links) and emphasizes that recovery requires processing difficult emotions like shock, anger, and grief rather than rushing to "move on," while avoiding shame and ensuring the experience doesn't negatively define future financial decisions.
theage.com.au
A financial contributor shares their experience losing over $20,000 to a scam and seeks advice on recovery and moving forward emotionally. The article emphasizes that emotional processing is crucial to healing from scam trauma—acknowledging feelings of shock, anger, and grief rather than rushing past them—and warns against developing shame or self-blame, since scammers actively employ deception tactics. Practical prevention steps like two-factor authentication and avoiding suspicious links are recommended, along with the importance of preventing past trauma from negatively shaping future financial decisions.
wral.com
Scammers used LinkedIn to target a WRAL news employee who had posted about starting her new job; the employee received a suspicious text impersonating a manager and avoided the scam by verifying the contact through a trusted work channel. Security experts warn that such scams are common across all employment levels and can range from phishing for information to recruiting victims for money laundering schemes, with risks increasing as deepfake technology improves. To protect themselves, people should limit personal information on social media, adjust privacy settings, and verify suspicious contacts through independent, trusted channels.
wgrd.com
Michigan residents are being targeted by text message scams falsely claiming they owe tolls through EZ-Pass or the DMV, with scammers directing victims to fraudulent links to steal credit card information. The Michigan Department of Transportation warns that these scams are not legitimate—MDOT operates no toll roads and never contacts residents via text or email about payments. Residents should avoid clicking links in suspicious toll-related messages and instead contact official agencies directly before making any payments.
blog.google
Google's threat advisory identifies four evolving scam trends in 2024: customer support scams using fake phone numbers and social engineering, malvertising targeting sophisticated users with valuable assets like crypto wallets, fake travel websites exploiting vacation bookings with counterfeit hotel sites, and package tracking scams impersonating delivery companies to collect fraudulent fees. The advisory comes as global fraud losses reached $1 trillion in 2024 and U.S. fraud reports increased 25% year-over-year, highlighting scammers' ability to evolve tactics and exploit user vulnerabilities despite growing awareness.
zanesvilletimesrecorder.com
Scammers impersonate legitimate customer service for airlines, banks, retailers, and other companies by posting fake support numbers and accounts online, particularly targeting frustrated consumers posting complaints on social media platforms. Amazon reported a 33% increase in customer service impersonation scams between December 2024 and February, with criminals using fake accounts to direct victims to malicious links, request personal information, or demand payment via gift cards. Consumer watchdogs advise against posting complaints publicly online and warn that red flags include requests for upfront payment, gift card payments, or claims of fraud investigations.
lifehacker.com
Recent college graduates are being targeted by multiple scams during their transition period, including unpaid tuition threats (demanding immediate payment via wire transfer or prepaid debit card), student loan forgiveness schemes (requesting upfront fees for services), job scams (offering unrealistic salaries while collecting personal information), moving scams (overcharging or holding belongings hostage), and rental scams. The Better Business Bureau advises graduates to verify all communications directly with official sources, never pay upfront fees, conduct thorough company research, and obtain all agreements in writing to protect themselves from identity theft and financial loss.
democratandchronicle.com
The New York State DMV is warning residents of phishing text scams where fraudsters impersonate the agency to steal personal information, often claiming victims have outstanding traffic tickets that must be paid by a deadline or face license suspension. Over 170 such phishing scams were reported across upstate New York regions in 2024, with red flags including poor grammar, threatening language, and suspicious URLs. Victims should avoid clicking links or sharing personal information and can report suspected phishing to the DMV or Federal Trade Commission.
welivesecurity.com
Docusign, a widely-used digital document signing platform with over 1 billion users, has become a target for cybercriminals who send phishing emails impersonating the service to steal login credentials and financial information. These scams typically trick victims into clicking on fake "review document" buttons or scanning QR codes that lead to spoofed login pages, with recent incidents including fake invoice schemes, refund scams, and impersonation of suppliers and government agencies. To protect against Docusign phishing, users should verify destination URLs, look for security codes in legitimate emails, avoid clicking attachments in initial emails, and watch for spelling errors and mismatched sender information.
wtap.com
The Parkersburg Police Department reported a significant rise in bitcoin scams using tactics such as phishing, romance scams, and fake law enforcement threats claiming outstanding warrants. Once victims send money to bitcoin machines, the funds are transferred overseas to criminals with no possibility of recovery. The department advises against sharing financial information with unknown contacts, investing based on online advice, and emphasizes that legitimate law enforcement will never request bitcoin payments for fines.
wgauradio.com
Social engineering and AI-powered fraud are recognized as major cybersecurity threats in 2025, with scammers increasingly using deepfakes, hyper-personalized phishing, and automation to deceive victims at scale. Adults 60 and older reported the highest losses in 2024 at over $4.8 billion (up 43% from 2023), particularly falling victim to phishing/spoofing and tech support scams, while investment fraud caused $6.57 billion and cryptocurrency fraud reached $9.3 billion in total losses. The article emphasizes that while classic scam methods like phishing and business email compromise remain dominant, AI technology is making
wsoctv.com
Social engineering and AI-powered fraud are among the top cybersecurity threats of 2025, with scammers now using deepfakes, hyper-personalized phishing, and AI automation to make deception more convincing and targeted than ever. Adults aged 60 and older reported the highest losses in 2024 at over $4.8 billion (up 43% from 2023), with phishing/spoofing and tech support scams hitting this demographic hardest, while investment fraud alone caused $6.57 billion in losses and cryptocurrency fraud reached $9.3 billion. To protect against these evolving threats, individuals and organizations should employ straightforward defense strategies including
wham1180.iheart.com
The New York State DMV issued an alert about phishing scams using fraudulent text messages falsely claiming recipients have outstanding traffic tickets and threatening license suspension, with over 170 cases reported across upstate New York regions in 2024. These scams attempt to steal personal information or install malicious software by impersonating the DMV, which does not send unsolicited text messages requesting personal data. Residents are advised to delete suspicious messages immediately and report incidents to the DMV or the Federal Trade Commission.
thegazette.com
An Iowa AARP Fraud Watch Network educator warns that artificial intelligence has made scams significantly easier and cheaper to execute, with seniors disproportionately targeted due to perceived lower technology skills, social isolation, and accumulated wealth. In 2024, over $12.5 billion was lost to scams and fraudulent activities across the nation, with people aged 70 and older reporting the largest dollar losses per incident. Key prevention strategies include never trusting unsolicited messages, verifying information through independent trusted sources, avoiding opening attachments or links from unknown senders, and recognizing that scams typically follow a three-part pattern designed to manipulate emotions before requesting personal information.
htxt.co.za
Scammers used a fake Spotify renewal email to trick victims into revealing their login credentials, employing familiar brand names and false urgency claims (account deletion threat on May 26, 2025) as bait. The phishing email contained multiple red flags including incorrect company locations, non-functional links, and a malicious URL disguised as a legitimate renewal button, which could compromise financial information stored in accounts and signal to criminals that the target is susceptible to further fraud. Victims who click such links risk password theft, malware infection, and compromise of other online accounts if passwords are reused.
moneycontrol.com
This content does not contain information about elder fraud, scams, or abuse. It is a website landing page for Moneycontrol, a financial news and information platform, describing their services and cookie/privacy policy consent options. This is not relevant to the Elderus research database.
moneysense.ca
Older adults in Canada are particularly vulnerable to fraud and identity theft due to their politeness and trust, making them targets for emergency scams, grandparent scams, and deepfake impersonations that create urgency and fear. Common tactics include fake bank calls claiming accounts will be closed, messages from supposed relatives in distress requesting money, fake obituaries with donation links, and attempts to harvest personal information like social insurance numbers. Experts recommend seniors understand they have the right to end conversations, verify requests independently through official channels, and recognize that fraudsters constantly evolve their tactics using new technologies.
app.com
Since April 2025, the FBI has warned of an escalating scam where malicious actors use AI-generated voice messages and text messages (vishing and smishing) to impersonate senior U.S. officials and target government employees and their contacts. Once scammers establish trust, they attempt to gain access to personal accounts through malicious links, which they can then use to impersonate victims and target additional officials or solicit money from their contacts. The FBI recommends independently verifying caller identity through legitimate sources, scrutinizing communications for spelling errors and AI imperfections (distorted features, unnatural voices, lag), and never sharing sensitive information or money with unverified contacts
kaaltv.com
Scammers are impersonating MnDOT, E-ZPass, and other tolling agencies by sending fake text messages and emails claiming recipients owe unpaid tolls and directing them to fraudulent payment links. Legitimate tolling agencies never contact customers via text or email requesting payment or personal information; recipients should delete suspicious messages and verify account information through official secure portals or direct contact with the agency instead.
globenewswire.com
This article is a promotional review of Senior Match, an online dating platform launched in 2001 for adults aged 50 and above, which boasts over one million registered members. The platform offers features including profile browsing, match suggestions, messaging (on paid accounts), and community resources, with both free and premium membership tiers available. The article serves as an informational guide for older adults seeking companionship, relationships, or friendships through a dedicated senior dating service.
usatoday.com
Bogus customer service scams are proliferating online, with scammers impersonating legitimate companies (airlines, banks, Amazon, etc.) by planting fake customer service numbers and accounts on social media to target frustrated consumers. Amazon reported a 33% increase in customer service impersonation scams between December 2024 and February 2025, with criminals monitoring public complaints, responding with fake accounts, and directing victims to fraudulent links or requesting personal information and payment. Consumer experts advise against posting complaints on social media and recommend using official company channels instead, as scammers exploit vulnerable moments—such as flight cancellations or lost packages—to manipulate victims into providing money or sensitive data.
wwlp.com
Experts warn that tariff-related confusion is creating opportunities for cybercriminals, with cybersecurity firms identifying approximately 300 fraudulent tariff-related domain registrations and phishing sites mimicking government agencies. Scammers are using fake postal service messages, government emails, and bogus "tariff relief payment" schemes to trick consumers into paying money or divulging personal information, exploiting the public's uncertainty about how tariffs are implemented. To protect themselves, consumers should verify requests independently, avoid clicking suspicious links, never send money to unknown parties, and report suspected scams to the Better Business Bureau.
cbsnews.com
Scammers are exploiting summer travel season through fake booking websites (like Airbnb imitations), phony passport renewal sites, and fraudulent TSA PreCheck enrollment pages that mimic legitimate services to steal money and personal information. Travelers can protect themselves by verifying websites use "https" encryption and end in official domains (.gov for government sites), avoiding clicking links in unsolicited emails, and going directly to known websites rather than relying on search results. The FTC and Better Business Bureau warn that legitimate government services never charge fees for form completion—only for the actual renewal or service itself.
dig.watch
Scam text messages frequently impersonate delivery updates and payment alerts using trusted brand names to trick recipients into clicking malicious links, with the '.TOP' domain extension being a particularly strong indicator of fraud. Nearly one-third of all '.TOP' domains are linked to cybercrime, and experts advise that legitimate Western organizations would never use this top-level domain—making any message containing a '.TOP' link a reliable warning sign to delete immediately without clicking.
mb.com.ph
Meta platforms (Instagram and Facebook) are experiencing a surge in scams operated by fraud rings in China, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and the Philippines, with internal Meta analysis showing 70 percent of newly active advertisers promoting scams or low-quality products. Despite recognizing the problem, Meta has deprioritized scam enforcement, allowing repeat offenders to accumulate violations before facing consequences. Common scam tactics include phishing, fake giveaways, investment/crypto schemes, romance scams, fake job offers, and sextortion, which exploit urgency and emotional manipulation to deceive users.
journalnews.com.ph
Meta platforms Instagram and Facebook are experiencing a surge in scams operated by international fraud rings from China, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and the Philippines, with an internal Meta analysis revealing that 70% of newly active advertisers promote scams or low-quality products. Common scam tactics include phishing, fake giveaways, investment schemes, romance scams, fraudulent job offers, and sextortion, which exploit urgency and emotional manipulation to deceive users. Despite recognizing the problem, Meta has deprioritized scam enforcement, allowing repeat offenders to accumulate multiple violations before facing consequences.
techbullion.com
Cryptocurrency losses totaling millions of dollars annually occur through investment scams, romance scams, phishing attacks, exchange hacks, and accidental transfers, with blockchain's immutable nature making recovery extremely difficult. Tawny Swift Ltd has positioned itself as a specialized cryptocurrency recovery service in the United States, utilizing advanced blockchain analytics, forensic techniques, and data-driven investigations to trace and potentially recover lost digital assets. The firm's focus exclusively on crypto recovery and commitment to modernizing its tools and strategies distinguishes it in addressing a growing crisis that exceeds conventional law enforcement capabilities.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This educational article provides practical guidance for seniors to stay safe online by recognizing common scam tactics and implementing protective habits. Key advice includes: pausing before responding to urgent messages and verifying through official channels, questioning callers claiming to be loved ones (especially regarding deepfake technology), carefully checking website URLs rather than relying on security locks, avoiding sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi, and creating strong passwords using unrelated words or phrases. The article emphasizes that online safety requires awareness and skepticism rather than advanced technical skills.
investopedia.com
Americans lost an estimated $47 billion to scams in 2024, with investment fraud accounting for at least $5.7 billion of those losses. Contrary to common assumptions, younger adults are 34% more likely than older adults to fall victim to fraud, which takes multiple forms including impostor scams using AI voice cloning, lottery/prize schemes, and phishing attempts. To protect yourself, watch for red flags such as unsolicited contact, pressure to act quickly, promises of guaranteed returns, unusual payment requests, and demands for login credentials—and always independently verify investment opportunities through official resources like the SEC's EDGAR database before committing funds.