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aol.com
· 2026-07-09
A new study reveals that Americans aged 60 and older lost $7.748 billion to internet fraud in 2025—a 59% increase from 2024—with the actual total likely much higher when accounting for unreported cases. Seniors fell victim to common scams including investment fraud, tech support scams, romance scams, and government impersonation schemes, with criminals increasingly using AI to make their deceptions more convincing. To protect yourself, stay skeptical of unsolicited contact about investments or tech problems, verify requests for money through independent channels, and report suspected fraud to the FTC or local law enforcement immediately.
exmouthjournal.co.uk
· 2026-07-09
A man's friend fell victim to a common banking scam where a caller attempted to obtain account access, but quick action by the actual bank prevented any financial loss. The article warns that scammers today use phones, emails, and social media to impersonate banks and trusted contacts, often requesting passwords or personal information that legitimate banks never ask for. The key advice is to never click links or download attachments from unexpected messages, verify unusual communications by contacting your bank directly, and remain skeptical even of messages appearing to come from known contacts, as email accounts can be hacked.
foxnews.com
· 2026-07-08
Scammers are sending fake Booking.com emails offering $500 travel credits to target travelers planning summer trips, using pressure tactics, personalized details, and suspicious sender addresses to trick people into clicking malicious links. The fraudulent messages exploit urgency and curiosity with vague subject lines and broad reward promises, particularly targeting people actively booking flights and hotels. To protect yourself, verify the sender's email address matches the official brand, look for clear offer details rather than vague language, and avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails—instead, go directly to the official website by typing the URL yourself.
wowt.com
· 2026-07-08
An Omaha college student lost nearly $5,000 after responding to a work-from-home data entry job posting that turned out to be a scam involving a fraudulent check. The scammer deposited a fake check into his account, instructed him to use the funds to purchase equipment via Cash App, then disappeared—leaving the student responsible when the bank later discovered the check was forged and clawed back the money. To protect yourself, be wary of job offers that involve upfront payments or equipment purchases, remember that banks can take weeks to identify fraudulent checks even though funds appear available within days, and verify job offers directly with companies through official contact information.
texastribune.org
· 2026-07-08
Texans lost over $1 billion to cryptocurrency scams in 2025, making the state second only to California for fraud losses, with criminals exploiting the digital currency's difficulty to trace. The scams typically fall into two categories: fraudulent investment schemes using fake websites that mimic legitimate trading platforms, and romance scams where criminals build relationships before directing victims to invest in fake opportunities or send money directly. To protect yourself, use only verified and established cryptocurrency exchanges, research investment opportunities through reputable sources or your bank, and be wary of unsolicited investment opportunities or romantic contacts that pressure you toward cryptocurrency transfers.
groundup.org.za
· 2026-07-08
"Money mule" scams occur when fraudsters trick people into opening bank accounts (often posing as legitimate businesses via fake emails) and then use those accounts to receive and quickly transfer stolen funds, making recovery nearly impossible despite FICA verification requirements. South Africans lose hundreds of millions of rands annually to this fraud, with high-profile victims including a homebuyer who lost R5.5 million and a nonprofit magazine that lost R600,000. To protect yourself, verify email addresses carefully before sending large payments, contact businesses directly through official channels to confirm banking details, and report suspicious transactions to your bank immediately.
dallasnews.com
· 2026-07-08
A 2025 study found that Americans lost over $68 billion to scams, with about 15 million adults victimized, but the damage goes beyond money—73% of scam victims reported significant negative impacts on their mental health and well-being. Many victims suffer in silence due to shame and self-blame, making the emotional toll as serious as the financial losses. The report underscores the importance of addressing not just fraud prevention, but also mental health support for victims, while emphasizing that scams affect roughly one in 10 U.S. households.
wideopencountry.com
· 2026-07-08
Alex Delgado, a former Fresno news anchor with 22 years of journalism experience, lost $72,000 to a sophisticated phone scam in March after receiving a text claiming to be from Robinhood about suspicious account activity. When she called the number in the text, the scammer posed as a fraud department representative, used technical jargon to sound legitimate, and convinced her over two days to transfer her money to a supposedly "safe" account while the matter was investigated. The key takeaway: verify any account alerts by calling the official number on your institution's website or app rather than using contact information from unsolicited messages, and be wary of callers who use pressure tactics or technical language to build false credibility.
yahoo.com
· 2026-07-07
Between 2019 and 2023, scammers operating from Southern California and India-based call centers defrauded elderly Americans of $65 million by posing as tech support or bank officials, gaining remote access to victims' computers through fake virus alerts, and then convincing them to mail cash back under the guise of a "refund" mistake. The scheme was dismantled with help from YouTubers who documented the fraud, leading to the arrest of key conspirators including Hua Wang, who personally handled over 2,000 cash packages. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected pop-up alerts claiming viruses, never allow strangers remote access to your computer, and verify any refund requests directly with your bank using a phone number you find independently.
uk.news.yahoo.com
· 2026-07-05
A 70-year-old California man lost $84,000 after falling victim to a tech support scam where someone claiming to represent McAfee Security convinced him his bank account was compromised, then arranged for him to withdraw cash and hand it to an accomplice. The scammer used accurate bank details to appear legitimate and instructed the victim to share a verbal security code before the exchange. Police arrested the man who collected the cash, 44-year-old Binchao Cen, and are urging the public to be wary of unsolicited calls claiming to be from security companies—legitimate firms will never ask you to withdraw cash or share security codes with unknown individuals.
yahoo.com
· 2026-07-03
A major elder fraud scheme that defrauded seniors of $64 million has resulted in the guilty plea of Hua Wang, who coordinated the operation from 2019 to 2023, sending over 2,000 cash packages mailed by elderly victims across the United States. The scam involved India-based call centers where fraudsters impersonated technical support agents, government officials, or bank employees to trick seniors into withdrawing cash, placing it in packages addressed to fake names, and mailing it through express carriers to short-term rentals. Elderly Americans should be cautious of unsolicited calls claiming to be from tech support or government agencies requesting immediate payment, and should verify any such requests by contacting the official organization directly before sending money.
southwhidbeyrecord.com
· 2026-07-02
Scams are becoming increasingly common and affecting people across all age groups on Whidbey Island and beyond, with victims often reluctant to admit they've been targeted despite warnings from loved ones. Common scams include romance schemes where scammers pose as romantic interests to build trust before requesting money, and victims can lose thousands of dollars. The article advises community members to stay vigilant, listen to concerns from friends and family if something seems suspicious, and seek out educational resources about scam prevention to protect themselves.
tech.yahoo.com
· 2026-07-02
AI-powered scams involving deepfakes and voice cloning were responsible for 12% of successful fraud cases in 2025, with roughly 15.1 million Americans losing approximately $68 billion to fraud overall, and losses projected to reach $40 billion annually by 2027. These scams use synthetic voices impersonating relatives or officials, deepfake videos, and AI-generated text to create convincing frauds that are harder to detect than traditional phishing attempts, with older adults bearing the heaviest burden—experiencing a 43% rise in fraud losses in 2024 alone. To protect yourself, verify unexpected calls about emergencies or money transfers through official channels directly, be skeptical of video or audio requests from relatives, and report suspected AI-generated fraud to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
courthousenews.com
· 2026-07-01
Eleven people pleaded guilty to operating a $65 million fraud and money laundering scheme in which scammers posing as technical support agents, government officials, and bank employees targeted elderly Americans, often working with call centers in India. The criminals used social engineering to trick victims into downloading remote access software and sending cash through the mail to addresses associated with short-term rentals. Elderly Americans should be cautious of unsolicited calls or emails from people claiming to be from tech support, government agencies, or banks, and should never download software or send cash based on such contacts.
einpresswire.com
· 2026-07-01
Fraudsters are targeting elderly Veterans through calls, texts, emails, and social media to steal personal information like Social Security numbers and bank details. The Veterans Administration is urging seniors and their loved ones to stay vigilant and offers several resources for protection, including the National Elder Fraud Hotline (1-833-FRAUD) for victims over 60 and direct VA contact (1-800-827-1000) for Veterans experiencing payment issues or suspicious activity. Anyone who suspects fraud should report it immediately through VSAFE (833-38V-SAFE) to help protect themselves and others.
jdsupra.com
· 2026-07-01
Older adults are particularly vulnerable to abuse and financial exploitation because they often have accumulated savings, may be socially isolated after losing a spouse, and sometimes need help managing finances—making them attractive targets for abusers seeking personal gain. The problem is compounded by the fact that elder abuse frequently goes undetected and unreported for extended periods, allowing the harm to continue and worsen without intervention. To protect themselves, older adults should maintain strong social connections, carefully monitor their financial accounts, be cautious about who they grant financial control to, and report any suspicious activity to family members or authorities promptly.
whidbeynewstimes.com
· 2026-07-01
Scams are becoming increasingly common and affecting people across all age groups on Whidbey Island and beyond, with victims often reluctant to acknowledge they've been targeted—as illustrated by cases ranging from romance scams involving fake romantic interests to financial fraud costing victims thousands of dollars. The article emphasizes that scams have evolved significantly over time and recommends community awareness and education as preventative measures, noting that even well-intentioned warnings from friends and family members are sometimes rejected by victims who refuse to believe they're being deceived. To protect yourself, stay skeptical of unsolicited contact from strangers (especially involving romantic or financial proposals), verify claims independently, and listen to warnings from trusted friends and family members about suspicious requests.
moabtimes.com
· 2026-06-30
Utah seniors aged 60 and older lost nearly $66 million to fraud last year, with criminals using common tactics like impersonating government agencies, family members, or businesses to pressure victims into sending money or sharing personal information. U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak is conducting statewide presentations to help older adults recognize scams before becoming victims, noting that many cases go unreported due to embarrassment or fear of losing independence. To protect yourself, be suspicious of urgent demands for payment, unexpected prizes, and unsolicited contact claiming to represent trusted organizations—always verify requests independently before sending money or sharing personal details.
straitstimes.com
· 2026-06-29
Vietnamese police arrested 12 suspects for operating a sophisticated transnational online fraud ring that defrauded victims of over $12 million using tactics like impersonating government officials, creating fake websites, and running romance and investment scams. The organized criminal network recruited Vietnamese citizens and operated from Cambodia, employing various schemes including fake job recruitment, cryptocurrency fraud, and social media account hijacking. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited contact from officials or investment opportunities, verify websites independently, and never send money to unknown accounts or provide personal information to unverified sources.
thestar.com.my
· 2026-06-29
Vietnamese police arrested 12 members of a transnational fraud ring that stole over $12 million from approximately 500 victims since October 2024. The criminal network, led by two Vietnamese ringleaders, operated from Cambodia and used sophisticated tactics including impersonating government officials, creating fake websites and apps, and running romance scams, investment schemes, and fake job recruitment frauds. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited contacts claiming to be officials, verify websites directly through official channels rather than links provided to you, and never send money or personal information to unknown parties—especially those claiming to represent police, banks, or government agencies.
cnbc.com
· 2026-06-27
Imposter scams remained the top reported fraud type in 2025, with about 1 million reports filed, resulting in $3.5 billion in losses for the 20% of victims who lost money. Total fraud losses reached a record $15.9 billion in 2025—a 27% increase from the previous year—with seniors age 60 and older disproportionately affected, accounting for $2.4 billion in losses. To protect yourself, be cautious of imposter scams (where someone pretends to be a trusted entity), verify caller identities independently, and report suspected fraud to the FTC if you're victimized.
au.finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-06-26
Multiple Australians have lost their life savings—including one woman who lost $150,000 and a 74-year-old who lost $320,000—to a sophisticated investment scam that fraudulently used Commonwealth Bank branding and images of former investment guru Tom Piotrowski. The scam operated through fake social media ads and WhatsApp groups that promised high returns and free stock advice, targeting vulnerable people including retirees and those saving for medical procedures. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited investment offers on social media, verify any investment opportunity directly with the actual financial institution (not through links in ads), and remember that legitimate financial advisors won't recruit clients through Facebook ads or private messaging groups.
the420.in
· 2026-06-25
U.S. and international authorities shut down a massive $31 billion cryptocurrency marketplace operated by Cambodia's HuiOne Group that facilitated global cybercrime, including money laundering, identity theft, and human trafficking—with advanced AI tools like face-swapping and voice-cloning software particularly targeting Indian citizens. The operation affected thousands of Indians who were trafficked to Southeast Asian scam hubs after being lured by fake job postings on social media. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited job offers on social media (especially from overseas), verify employment opportunities directly through official company websites, and enable multi-factor authentication on financial accounts to guard against identity theft and biometric spoofing attempts.
sowetan.co.za
· 2026-06-24
Romance scammers use emotional manipulation tactics—such as declaring intense love, showering victims with compliments, and creating artificial crises—to build trust and extract money from unsuspecting people online. A 51-year-old South African woman fell victim to this scheme, losing over R300,000 after taking out loans and convincing her sister and colleague to do the same to support her scammer boyfriend's fabricated business needs. To protect yourself, be wary of online relationships that escalate quickly with excessive declarations of love, refuse requests for money especially during "urgent crises," and verify a person's identity and story through independent means before sending any funds.
aspeninstitute.org
· 2026-06-24
Fraud and scams have become a major financial threat to American households, with criminal networks stealing billions of dollars by exploiting communication systems, payment channels, and platforms across borders. The Aspen Institute's National Task Force on Fraud and Scam Prevention—involving over 80 institutions and 300 experts from government, law enforcement, finance, technology, and retail—developed a comprehensive national strategy requiring coordinated action across all sectors to make scams harder to execute and easier to disrupt. The initiative is now moving into implementation phase, focusing on closing gaps that allow scammers to move between systems undetected through stronger federal leadership, public-private partnerships, and modernized legal frameworks.
wafb.com
· 2026-06-23
The U.S. Attorney's office is warning about government imposter scams, which caused Americans to lose $917 million across more than 375,000 reported cases in 2025. Scammers pose as representatives from legitimate businesses or government agencies and trick victims into transferring money, buying cryptocurrency, or withdrawing cash by claiming there's suspicious account activity or urgent issues with benefits. To protect yourself, remember that the government will never ask you to move money urgently, pay with gift cards or cryptocurrency, or wire funds—if you encounter such requests, report them immediately to reportfraud.ftc.gov.
paloaltoonline.com
· 2026-06-23
Santa Clara County is addressing a growing problem of financial scams targeting older adults, with county officials reporting 4,226 allegations of financial exploitation in 2025, nearly half involving scams. Common schemes include fraudsters impersonating the IRS or banks to trick victims into revealing personal information or transferring assets, with vulnerable seniors particularly at risk for real estate fraud and exploitation of declining cognitive abilities. To protect themselves, residents should avoid unsolicited financial requests, verify contact by calling official numbers on their cards, establish a family code word for verification during unexpected calls, and report scams immediately to law enforcement—as frozen funds can sometimes be recovered if reported quickly.
sg.finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-06-23
Precious metals company Monetary Gold is partnering with law enforcement in New Jersey to warn seniors and vulnerable Americans about courier scams, where criminals impersonate government agencies or banks to pressure victims into purchasing gold and silver or handing over cash and valuables to couriers at their homes. These sophisticated scams use fear and urgency tactics, often falsely claiming bank account compromise or identity theft to convince victims to act quickly and avoid contacting family or authorities. The key warning: legitimate government agencies, law enforcement, banks, or precious metals companies will never instruct you to buy gold, withdraw retirement funds, or give valuables to a courier—if they do, it's a scam.
sfgate.com
· 2026-06-23
Santa Clara County is launching educational efforts to combat rising financial scams targeting older adults, with a 2025 report showing 4,226 reported cases of financial exploitation, nearly half involving scams. Common schemes include scammers impersonating the IRS or banks requesting personal information, as well as real estate fraud targeting seniors with home equity. Residents are advised to verify unsolicited financial institution contacts by calling the number on their credit card, establish family code words for unusual calls, and report scams immediately to authorities, as recovering transferred money is difficult once it's gone.
sanjosespotlight.com
· 2026-06-22
Santa Clara County is raising awareness about financial scams that increasingly target older adults, with a 2025 report showing 4,226 reported allegations of financial exploitation, nearly half involving scams. Common scams include fraudsters impersonating the IRS or banks requesting personal information, as well as real estate fraud targeting seniors with home equity. Experts recommend residents be skeptical of unsolicited contact from financial institutions, use code words with family for verification, and report scams immediately—since recovering stolen money becomes difficult once it's transferred.
cnet.com
· 2026-06-21
Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to generate personalized, convincing emails and phishing campaigns that exploit urgency and trust—particularly targeting authors with fake book club offers, though the tactics affect people across all industries. These AI-powered scams can lead to stolen funds, identity theft, malware infections, and extortion, making them harder to spot than traditional scams. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited emails with suspicious praise or job offers, watch for red flags like all-caps text and generic personalization, verify organizations directly through official websites before clicking links, and never provide personal or financial information to unverified sources.
jdsupra.com
· 2026-06-21
Seniors lost approximately $16 billion to scams in 2025, with imposter scams being one of the most common type, where fraudsters pose as government agencies, banks, or family members via phone, text, or email to steal financial information and money. These scams often use fear tactics—such as threatening tax penalties or legal action—to pressure victims into quickly sharing credit card details or personal information. To protect yourself, stay aware of imposter scam tactics, verify the identity of anyone requesting personal or financial information through independent contact methods, and remember that legitimate agencies won't demand immediate payment or threaten you over the phone.
markets.financialcontent.com
· 2026-06-21
In 2026, cryptocurrency scams evolved dramatically, with $17 billion lost to fraud that now disguises itself as legitimate customer service, compliance checks, and payment systems rather than obvious red flags. Impersonation scams—where criminals pose as trusted figures like exchange support agents, government agencies, or even family members using AI-cloned voices—grew by 1,400% and are significantly more profitable, extracting an average of $3.2 million per operation. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact from companies or individuals, verify requests through official channels directly, and never share sensitive information or make payments based on urgent-sounding messages, even if they appear authentic.
bankingdive.com
· 2026-06-19
Banks and credit unions are significantly strengthening their defenses against scams that increasingly target older adults, who reported $7.7 billion in losses in 2024—a 59% increase from the previous year. Major institutions like Fifth Third Bank are expanding their fraud prevention teams, implementing real-time detection systems to intervene during scams rather than after, and training staff to recognize signs of financial exploitation. Customers, particularly seniors, should remain vigilant about unsolicited calls or messages from supposed banks or government agencies, verify requests through official phone numbers, and alert their financial institution immediately if they suspect fraudulent activity.
natlawreview.com
· 2026-06-19
Imposter scams are hitting seniors particularly hard, with elderly people losing about $16 billion to scams in 2025—a significant jump from $12.8 billion the previous year. Scammers impersonate government agencies, banks, or family members through phone, text, or email to trick seniors into revealing personal information or making immediate payments, often using scare tactics like threats of legal consequences. To protect yourself, stay aware of these common tactics, never give out personal or financial information to unsolicited callers, and verify requests by contacting the organization directly through an official number.
bitdefender.com
· 2026-06-18
In 2025, Americans lost $3.5 billion to imposter scams where criminals pretended to be government agencies, banks, tech support, employers, and romantic partners—a nearly 20% increase from the previous year and the ninth consecutive year this was the most common fraud type. The scams exploit trust rather than technical tricks, with government imposter scams surging 40%, particularly fake toll payment messages that create urgency through threats of penalties. To protect yourself, verify any unexpected requests for payment or personal information by contacting the organization directly using official contact information, never respond to unsolicited messages, and be skeptical of anything demanding immediate action.
yahoo.com
· 2026-06-18
Utah's top federal prosecutor is touring the state to warn seniors about AI-powered scams that impersonate banks, the IRS, and family members, which have caused reported losses to adults over 60 to skyrocket from $600 million in 2020 to over $3 billion in 2025. The scams often involve imposter schemes, investment fraud, and romance scams that target older adults with increasingly sophisticated tactics. Seniors are being urged to stay calm when contacted by unknown callers or messages, verify identities independently, and ask detailed questions before sharing any financial information—especially when feeling pressured or hearing from someone claiming to be a trusted contact.
broadbandbreakfast.com
· 2026-06-18
The Federal Communications Commission is partnering with the Department of Health and Human Services to launch the "Never, Ever" campaign to educate seniors about imposter scams, where fraudsters pose as government agencies or companies to steal money and personal information—a scheme that cost Americans $3.5 billion last year. The FCC clarified that legitimate government agencies will never call asking for payment via untraceable methods like cash apps, cryptocurrency, or gift cards, and will never threaten to suspend benefits or demand money transfers. To protect yourself, hang up on unsolicited callers claiming to be from the government or financial institutions, verify requests by calling the official number on your bill or website, and report suspicious calls to the FCC.
students.carleton.ca
· 2026-06-17
Job posting scams often lure job seekers by impersonating legitimate employers through spoofed emails and fake application processes, then direct victims to personal messaging platforms to request banking information or personal details. Warning signs include communications from non-official email addresses, lack of a real interview process, requests to share sensitive financial information upfront, and pressure to move conversations off official channels. To protect yourself, verify employer legitimacy through official websites and contact information, never share personal or banking details via email alone, and insist on conducting interviews through live video or phone calls with the organization.
siliconcanals.com
· 2026-06-16
In October 2025, the US Justice Department seized 127,271 bitcoin (worth $15 billion) in what it called the largest asset seizure in its history—coins that had sat untouched on the blockchain for five years with no police reports or public filings. The bitcoin is allegedly connected to Chen Zhi, a Cambodian businessman accused of running forced-labor scam operations across Southeast Asia alongside his legitimate business conglomerate, Prince Group. The case is unusual because such a massive theft typically generates immediate police reports and regulatory filings, but this one unfolded in complete silence, making the absence of any public reporting itself a key part of the investigation.
citizen.co.za
· 2026-06-16
A financial manager in Middelburg was targeted by sophisticated scammers who impersonated her bank (Absa) via WhatsApp and phone calls, tricking her into approving electronic transfers during a nearly four-hour call, resulting in over R21.5 million being drained from business accounts. The money was traced across a network of accounts, and a court has frozen the funds following an investigation by the Financial Intelligence Centre. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited bank alerts, never approve links or transactions based on incoming calls (legitimate banks won't ask you to do this), and contact your bank directly using a known number if you're unsure about suspicious activity claims.
nbcnews.com
· 2026-06-15
# Summary
Senators Hassan and Scott introduced the ReportScams.gov Act, a bipartisan bill to establish a centralized federal website for reporting scams and create a comprehensive Federal Scams Action Plan. Americans lost approximately $21 billion to cyber-enabled crimes in 2025 and over $2 billion to social media scams, with the bill addressing fragmented reporting systems across at least 13 federal agencies. The new platform aims to streamline scam reporting, provide educational resources, and route complaints to relevant law enforcement agencies while combating the rise of AI-enabled fraud.
bbc.com
· 2026-06-15
Fraud in the UK has surged dramatically, with over 4 million cases reported last year resulting in nearly £1.3 billion in losses, as criminals increasingly use AI and fake social media profiles to manipulate victims—including tactics like romance scams where fraudsters even marry victims to steal more money. The problem affects millions of people across the country and causes significant emotional harm beyond financial loss, with experts warning that many cases go unreported. To protect yourself, be cautious on dating apps and social media, verify identities before developing relationships or sending money, and report suspected fraud to your bank and authorities immediately.
theguardian.com
· 2026-06-15
Tom Honeyands, a tech YouTuber with 1.63 million subscribers, lost £70,000 to a phone scam where fraudsters impersonated his bank and tricked him into revealing security details during a late-night call while he was jet-lagged and traveling in Tokyo. The scammers had pieced together personal information about him from his social media posts and videos, including his location, bank, and address, making their impersonation convincing enough to exploit him during a moment of vulnerability. The key lesson is to be cautious of unsolicited calls claiming to be from your bank—legitimate banks won't ask you to verify codes or reset security details over the phone, and you should hang up and call your bank directly using a number from their official website instead.
forbes.com
· 2026-06-13
In 2024, Americans lost $470 million to text scams (also called "smishing"), which are fraudulent messages designed to trick people into clicking malicious links, sharing personal information, or sending money. Common scams include fake package delivery notifications, fake bank alerts, and fake job offers, and they're becoming increasingly difficult to detect as scammers use AI technology. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited texts, avoid clicking suspicious links, verify contact information independently, enable spam filters on your phone, and report suspected scams to 7726 (SPAM) and the Federal Trade Commission.
corkbeo.ie
· 2026-06-13
Fraudsters in Cork are impersonating Irish police officers and targeting international students with fake immigration check calls, attempting to steal their bank details, email addresses, and MyGovID information. Students who fall victim to this scam risk having large sums of money transferred to foreign accounts or cryptocurrency exchanges, making recovery difficult. To protect yourself, never provide personal or banking information over the phone, and if you're unsure about a caller claiming to be Gardaí, hang up and call the police station directly using the verified number from the official Garda website.
foxnews.com
· 2026-06-12
Scammers are targeting older adults with "grandparent scams" that use AI voice-cloning technology and stolen personal data to impersonate family members in distress and request urgent money transfers, resulting in over $5 million in reported losses in 2025 alone. The scams exploit three key pieces of information (date of birth, last four Social Security digits, and mailing address) that have been exposed in numerous data breaches and are commonly used for identity verification at banks and financial institutions. To protect yourself, verify unexpected urgent requests by contacting family members directly through known phone numbers, be skeptical of time-pressure tactics, and never transfer money based on emotional appeals or unfamiliar callers, even if they sound like someone you know.
salazar.house.gov
· 2026-06-12
Lawmakers have introduced bipartisan legislation to combat crypto ATM scams that cost Americans over $333 million in 2025, with seniors age 60 and older accounting for more than 85% of losses. The Stop Crypto ATM Scams Act would establish new safeguards, strengthen transparency requirements for crypto ATM operators, and give law enforcement better tools to investigate and prosecute these crimes. If you're a senior or helping elderly relatives manage finances, be wary of unsolicited requests to withdraw money and transfer it via cryptocurrency ATMs, and report suspected scams to the FBI immediately.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-06-12
Scammers are impersonating law enforcement, government agencies, and bank officials to trick seniors into buying physical gold and handing it over, often after coaching victims on what to say and pressuring them to keep transactions secret from family. The scheme typically starts with phone calls, texts, or emails claiming the victim's bank account is compromised or that they're under investigation, creating false urgency to buy gold. Families should watch for warning signs like requests to keep transactions private or buy gold, and remember that legitimate law enforcement and bank officials will never ask someone to purchase gold or hide financial transactions from loved ones.
wmtw.com
· 2026-06-12
A Maine man in his early 70s lost approximately $27,000 in a romance scam after connecting with someone he believed was a single mother on Facebook, who gradually convinced him to send money through bitcoin transactions under the guise of home repairs and shared future plans. The scammers exploited his trust by escalating requests from small gifts to larger investments, with most funds transferred via a bitcoin kiosk, which made the transactions difficult to reverse. Experts advise people to be cautious of online relationships that quickly turn financial, verify identities thoroughly, and avoid cryptocurrency transfers—which are nearly impossible to recover once sent.