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usatoday.com
· 2026-01-20
# Payment App Scam Prevention Summary
Payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Zelle are convenient for quick money transfers, but they're also vulnerable to scams and fraud. No single app is significantly safer than others—they all offer similar services with different fee structures and user bases, so choosing one depends on your needs and who you're sending money to. To protect yourself, experts recommend using strong passwords, verifying recipient information before sending money, and being cautious of unsolicited payment requests, as funds sent through these apps are often difficult or impossible to recover once transferred.
statetimes.in
· 2026-01-20
# Cyber Scam Summary
An elderly couple in Srinagar lost their lifetime savings of 48 lakh rupees to a sophisticated "digital arrest" scam in which fraudsters posing as CBI and telecom authority officials convinced them through WhatsApp video calls that they were under criminal investigation and threatened immediate arrest and asset seizure. The scammers used forged government documents, psychological pressure, and isolation tactics (forbidding contact with family or police) to coerce the victims into transferring money over several days. To protect yourself, verify government agency contact through official channels rather than responding to unsolicited calls, know that real authorities won't demand money transfers or threaten arrest over the phone, and report suspicious communications to police immediately instead of engaging further with the caller.
ca.finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-01-18
A "pig butchering" scam exploited Joe Novak, a 51-year-old father who lost $280,000 after a fake woman befriended him on Facebook, built emotional trust over months, and then convinced him to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes that promised high returns. These sophisticated scams target vulnerable people by establishing romantic connections before pivoting to financial requests, leaving victims emotionally devastated and financially ruined. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited romantic connections from strangers online, never invest money based on advice from people you've only met digitally, and verify investment opportunities through official, independent sources before committing any funds.
rvtravel.com
· 2026-01-18
RVers are particularly vulnerable to scams because they frequently travel between states, use public Wi-Fi, and are isolated while traveling, making them targets for increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes including fake job offers, recovery scams targeting previous victims, government impersonation scams, and romance scams. To protect themselves, RVers should avoid unsolicited job offers requesting upfront payments or gift cards, never pay fees to recover stolen funds (legitimate agencies don't charge upfront), hang up on callers claiming to be government officials demanding immediate payment, and be cautious of online relationships that eventually request money. The key advice is to verify any unexpected contact through official channels, never send money to unknown parties, and remain skeptical of urgent payment demands regardless of who claims to be calling.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-01-18
Scammers are targeting seniors with fake "urgent" messages claiming they'll lose federal tax credits by January 20th, using artificial time pressure to trick people into revealing personal information or paying bogus fees. The actual IRS filing deadline isn't until April 15, 2026, and legitimate tax credits don't vanish from missing a random mid-January cutoff. To protect yourself, ignore pressure to act immediately—contact the IRS directly through their official website or phone number, verify claims with trusted family members, and remember that the IRS typically initiates contact by mail, not unsolicited calls or emails.
the420.in
· 2026-01-18
A retired senior citizen in Navi Mumbai lost over ₹4 crore in an elaborate cyber fraud where scammers impersonated police and investigation officials, using WhatsApp calls and fabricated bank notices to convince him his identity was involved in money laundering and threatening him with arrest if he didn't transfer funds to "secure accounts." The victim eventually realized the deception after noticing suspicious account activity and reported it to authorities. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from officials, never transfer money based on threats or alleged legal issues, and verify any such claims directly with official agencies through their known contact numbers rather than responding to the caller.
goldrushcam.com
· 2026-01-18
A Chinese national named Zhao Wang pleaded guilty to orchestrating a $27 million fraud scheme that targeted approximately 2,000 elderly Americans through fake technical support calls, bank impersonation, and refund scams. The scammers used unsolicited calls and pop-up ads to direct victims to India-based call centers, where they used social engineering and remote access software to trick victims into sending their own money via wire transfers or cash in the mail. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact about refunds or technical problems, never grant remote access to your computer to unknown callers, and verify any refund claims directly with companies using official contact information.
inkl.com
· 2026-01-18
California cities and transit agencies are increasingly using camera-based enforcement to issue parking citations by mail rather than through traditional officer interactions, which has sparked alarm and made the situation ripe for scammers. Criminals are now creating fake parking citations with QR codes designed to steal money and personal information from residents. If you receive a citation, verify it directly with the issuing agency by phone or their official website rather than clicking any links or QR codes in the notice.
wavy.com
· 2026-01-17
A Virginia Beach man, Dion Lamont Camp, was sentenced to 45 years in prison for defrauding romantic partners—particularly Navy servicemembers with good credit—through an identity theft and auto loan scheme that netted over $1.7 million in fraudulent loans for luxury cars between 2020 and 2022. Victims were manipulated into romantic relationships, then had their identities stolen and credit used without consent, leaving them to spend years rebuilding their financial lives while Camp defaulted on over $100,000 in child support for his 22 children. If you have good credit and are dating someone new, be cautious about sharing personal financial information, monitor your credit reports regularly, and watch for unexpected loan applications or credit inquiries in your name.
womansworld.com
· 2026-01-17
Cybersecurity experts warn that AI voice cloning scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and dangerous, allowing criminals to impersonate trusted figures like family members, police officers, and bank employees to manipulate victims into sending money or revealing personal information. These scams use emotional pressure tactics and create artificial urgency, with warning signs including demands to keep the call secret, stay on the line, or pay via cryptocurrency, gift cards, or ATM transfers. To protect yourself, establish a family password that must be provided before responding to urgent requests for money or personal information.
yahoo.com
· 2026-01-17
# Top Scams to Watch for in 2026
According to the Better Business Bureau, online shopping scams (particularly fake websites selling pets or hard-to-find items), phishing emails and texts impersonating banks or government agencies, and fake job offers—including AI-powered interviews—are among the most common fraud schemes affecting consumers this year. These scams target anyone making online purchases or responding to unsolicited communications, and scammers often use urgency and impersonation tactics to trick victims into giving up money or personal information. To protect yourself, take time to verify websites and companies independently before providing any information or making payments, as scammers rely on rushed decisions.
abc7chicago.com
· 2026-01-17
According to the Better Business Bureau, the top scams in 2026 include online shopping fraud (fake websites), phishing emails and texts impersonating banks or government agencies, and employment scams offering fake work-from-home jobs. These scams affect anyone shopping online or using email and can result in stolen money, personal information, or identity theft. To protect yourself, the BBB advises taking time to verify websites independently and avoiding clicking links in unsolicited messages, since scammers rely on creating urgency to trick victims.
fullertonobserver.com
· 2026-01-17
# Elder Fraud Prevention Initiative Expands Across Southern California
Elder fraud is escalating nationwide with older adults losing billions of dollars annually to increasingly sophisticated scams involving impersonation, investment schemes, and AI-powered fraud. The San Diego Seniors Community Foundation, supported by a $200,000 Wells Fargo Foundation grant, is expanding free educational programs across Southern California to help seniors and their families recognize and prevent these crimes before they happen. To protect yourself, stay alert to urgent requests, verify caller identities through independent phone numbers, and never share personal or financial information with unsolicited contacts—education about these tactics is the most effective defense against becoming a victim.
kashmirlife.net
· 2026-01-17
An elderly couple in Srinagar lost Rs 48 lakh after scammers posing as CBI and TRAI officials convinced them they were under "digital arrest" for financial fraud, subjecting them to psychological intimidation and continuous video surveillance until they transferred the money. Authorities emphasize that "digital arrest" is not a real legal process and warn that such scams disproportionately target senior citizens, particularly those living alone. People should immediately report suspicious calls to the cyber helpline 1930, never share banking details with callers claiming to be officials, and always verify claims directly through official channels.
cointribune.com
· 2026-01-17
Cryptocurrency scams reached an unprecedented $17 billion in losses in 2025, driven by criminals using AI tools like deepfakes and automated messaging to create more convincing frauds at scale, with average losses per victim jumping 253% to $2,764. Scammers are leveraging AI-generated fake videos, impersonations of government officials and authority figures, and language models to build trust quickly and target thousands of victims simultaneously, with AI-enabled scams now accounting for over 70% of the largest crypto fraud operations. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited messages asking for crypto payments—especially those with videos or claims from officials—and verify any requests through official channels directly rather than through contact information provided in the message.
foxnews.com
· 2026-01-16
Scams spike dramatically in January as criminals exploit people focused on taxes and finances, using updated personal data from data brokers to craft convincing fraudulent messages about account verification and benefits. U.S. consumers received 4.7 billion robocalls in January 2025 alone, with scammers impersonating government agencies and banks to pressure people into sharing sensitive information. To protect yourself, remember that legitimate government agencies and banks never request personal information via unsolicited emails or texts, and you should always verify requests by contacting the organization directly through official channels.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-01-16
Older adults nationwide lose billions of dollars annually to increasingly sophisticated scams involving investment fraud, impersonation schemes, and technology-driven attacks, prompting the San Diego Seniors Community Foundation to expand its fraud prevention education programs across Southern California with a $200,000+ grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation. The foundation will reach more seniors, caregivers, and families through in-person and virtual education events, as scammers now use advanced tools like AI, voice cloning, and spoofed phone numbers to impersonate trusted contacts and institutions. Experts emphasize that the best defense is education and awareness before fraud occurs, rather than trying to recover losses after the fact.
wgem.com
· 2026-01-16
The Quincy Police Department has appointed Detective Katie Hatch as its new Elder Service Officer to help protect seniors from increasingly sophisticated scams involving phone calls, social media impersonation, and fake government agencies. Elderly residents are particularly vulnerable to financial exploitation, and Hatch's key advice is straightforward: don't answer calls from unknown numbers and hang up without being polite if unsure who's calling. Seniors and their families can seek help from Hatch's office at the Quincy Senior & Family Resource Center, available Monday-Thursday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by calling (217) 592-3604.
iapp.org
· 2026-01-16
# Article Summary
AI-powered fraud targeting seniors—including voice-cloned calls and AI-generated images—increased 14% in 2024, with people over 60 being particularly vulnerable to romance and financial scams. Opt-Inspire, a nonprofit founded by privacy professional Lexi Lutz, has trained over 750 volunteers to educate seniors through interactive presentations on recognizing common fraud tactics like phishing, tech support scams, and impersonation schemes. Key protective steps seniors should take include remaining skeptical of urgent requests, never sharing personal information unsolicited, and learning to identify red flags such as offers that sound too good to be true.
dailyexcelsior.com
· 2026-01-16
# Cyber Fraud Summary
Cyber fraud is increasing rapidly as digital platforms expand, with criminals constantly evolving their tactics to target unsuspecting victims through scams like fake job offers, digital arrest schemes, phishing, and "pig butchering" fraud. Police officials emphasize that public awareness and basic precautions—such as not sharing OTPs or passwords, verifying links, and maintaining cyber hygiene—are the strongest defenses against these crimes. Victims should report incidents immediately to the 1930 helpline or cybercrime.gov.in to help prevent financial losses.
whnt.com
· 2026-01-15
# Tax Scam Summary
Scammers are impersonating the IRS during tax season, either demanding immediate payment for supposed back taxes via wire transfer or prepaid debit card (threatening arrest if you don't comply), or requesting personal information under the guise of issuing refunds—tactics that can lead to identity theft and particularly target college students. These fraudsters use sophisticated tactics like fake badge numbers, spoofed caller IDs showing Washington D.C., and official-looking emails to appear legitimate, but the real IRS always initiates contact by mail first and allows time for questions. To protect yourself, be suspicious of any urgent pressure to pay immediately or share personal information, and remember that legitimate IRS agents won't demand payment by wire transfer or prepaid debit card.
kxan.com
· 2026-01-15
# AI-Powered Scams on the Rise
Artificial intelligence is making scams increasingly sophisticated and difficult to detect, with criminals now able to create convincing deepfake videos and voice impersonations that can target anyone from government officials to everyday citizens. Recent examples include an FBI warning about AI-generated voice memos impersonating senior U.S. officials and a Round Rock Police alert about fake AI videos of home invasions paired with alarming texts designed to frighten parents and teens. To protect yourself, stay alert for red flags in suspicious messages and calls, verify unexpected communications through official channels before responding, and remember that AI-generated content can look and sound remarkably authentic.
fox21online.com
· 2026-01-15
# Gold Bar Scam Alert for Minnesota Seniors
Scammers in Minnesota are targeting older residents by pressuring them to wire large sums of money (often six figures or more) to purchase gold bars, which are then handed to a "courier" and stolen. These schemes, which may be connected to romance or investment scams, can seem convincing because the gold is purchased from legitimate businesses in the victim's name, but the Minnesota Department of Commerce warns they pose financial and potential physical dangers. To protect yourself, watch for red flags including pressure to act quickly, requests for secrecy, large wire transfers, and any demands involving gold bars.
wltx.com
· 2026-01-15
# Scam Summary
Orangeburg County residents are being targeted by scammers impersonating sheriff's deputies, using real officers' names, spoofed phone numbers, and fake badge numbers to demand payment for alleged missed jury duty. Victims are threatened with arrest or told to pay fines of thousands of dollars through a website, and callers instruct them not to tell anyone. If you receive such a call, experts recommend hanging up and verifying the claim directly with the actual sheriff's office or by speaking with someone you trust before taking any action.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-01-15
# Crypto Scam Summary
Cryptocurrency scams reached a record $17 billion in losses during 2025, driven by AI-powered deepfakes and impersonation tactics that made fraud schemes significantly more convincing and profitable. The average scam payment tripled to $2,764, with scams using AI tools generating 4.5 times more money per operation than traditional scams, while government impersonation scams using deepfaked images of officials surged over 1,400%. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected requests from government agencies, financial institutions, or crypto platforms—especially via text or video calls—and verify communications through official channels directly.
thesun.co.uk
· 2026-01-14
Steve, a 39-year-old Army veteran, became a victim of identity fraud when scammers stole his photo from the internet and used it in romance scams globally, leading his girlfriend Jennifer to receive approximately ten messages weekly from people worldwide—including jealous threats and accusations—who believed they were in relationships with him and some of whom had lost significant money to the scammers. The scammers exploited Steve's public appearances on survival shows like Bear Grylls Wild Reckoning and Discovery's Naked & Afraid to make their fake profiles seem more credible. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic interests, especially if they avoid video calls, ask for money, or their stories seem inconsistent—and verify someone's identity through multiple channels before developing an emotional or financial connection.
khou.com
· 2026-01-14
A Houston woman lost her entire life savings of $20,000 to scammers who impersonated Wells Fargo bank officials and the FBI, using convincing text messages and even forged FBI letterhead to convince her to withdraw cash and deposit it into a fraudulent Chase Bank account. The scammers kept her on the phone throughout the process, instructing her step-by-step to move money from her savings to checking, withdraw it in cash, and then deposit it at an ATM using a fake account they created. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited contact claiming to be from your bank or government agencies—legitimate institutions will never ask you to withdraw cash or use ATMs during investigations, and you should hang up and call your bank directly using a number from your statement to verify any fraud alerts.
asiatimes.com
· 2026-01-14
# Crypto Scams Surge to $14 Billion in 2025 with AI-Powered Tactics
Cryptocurrency scams reached at least $14 billion in 2025, more than doubling from $12 billion in 2024, with scammers using artificial intelligence, impersonation tactics, and sophisticated phishing to target victims more effectively than ever before. The average scam payment jumped dramatically from $782 to $2,764, while impersonation scams—where fraudsters pose as government agencies or legitimate organizations—grew by 1,400% year-over-year. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited cryptocurrency investment opportunities, verify the authenticity of official communications through independent channels before responding, and never transfer funds based on messages or calls claiming to be from government agencies or authority figures.
ucalgary.ca
· 2026-01-14
Canadian seniors lost $38 million to fraud in 2021, with common scams including phishing, tech support scams, investment fraud, and charity fraud, according to research by University of Calgary graduate students Harshad Krishnaraj and Shah Zaib. The researchers found that seniors face increasing vulnerability as digital systems replace in-person services, and identified a critical gap in cybersecurity education and awareness programs specifically designed for older adults. Their award-winning research recommends developing targeted education programs and policy solutions to better protect seniors from these growing threats.
m.economictimes.com
· 2026-01-14
I appreciate you sharing this, but I'm unable to provide the summary you requested. The article text provided doesn't contain the actual content about the five IRS scams—it only shows navigation elements, app download prompts, and links to unrelated news stories about Canadian events, shootings, and other topics. To give you an accurate summary focused on fraud prevention advice for a general audience, I would need the actual article content describing the specific scams the IRS warned about.
ibtimes.co.uk
· 2026-01-14
Scammers posing as government officials are draining retirement accounts from older Americans at alarming rates, with adults over 60 losing $2.4 billion to fraud in 2024—a fourfold increase since 2020. These "government imposter" schemes, now the third-largest scam category targeting seniors, trick victims into emptying their 401(k)s and bank accounts by fabricating crises like identity theft or criminal investigations and claiming their money needs to be moved for "protection." To stay safe, older adults should never transfer money based on unsolicited calls or messages, verify requests directly by calling official government agencies using numbers from their official websites, and remember that legitimate government agencies will never ask for emergency fund transfers.
the420.in
· 2026-01-14
# Cybercrime Summary
Digital fraud operations across India are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with criminals using tactics like impersonation, fake accounts, and mobile-based scams to steal money from businesses and individuals. Recent law enforcement actions shut down a cyber fraud ring in Jharkhand and arrested scammers in Karnataka who impersonated a company CEO via WhatsApp to defraud a senior manager of 80 lakh rupees. To protect yourself, verify unexpected financial requests through independent channels (calling the person directly using a known number), never transfer money based solely on digital messages, and report suspicious activity to authorities immediately.
vermontbiz.com
· 2026-01-13
Vermont saw a 12% increase in scam reports in 2025, with 3,982 reports filed to the state Attorney General's office, with computer tech support scams continuing to dominate (over 25% of cases) alongside rising debt collection and government imposter scams, particularly targeting SNAP benefit recipients. Vermont residents should never respond to unsolicited calls, emails, or texts—especially those threatening legal action—and should instead verify suspicious requests by contacting trusted contacts or the Attorney General's Consumer Assistance Program directly. Free protection resources are available through the VT Scam Alert System, which has already enrolled roughly 9,000 residents to receive scam warnings.
positivelynaperville.com
· 2026-01-13
The Better Business Bureau warns that scammers are expected to be especially aggressive during the 2026 tax season, using imposter calls, texts, emails, and fake letters to steal personal information and money from taxpayers who are feeling pressured. Additionally, the BBB cautions Chicago Bears fans to avoid purchasing counterfeit tickets through fraudulent websites, social media ads, and scam messages. To protect yourself, never share your Social Security number unless you're certain you're dealing with a trusted source, and purchase tickets only from official, verified vendors.
pymnts.com
· 2026-01-13
According to a recent survey of over 15,000 U.S. consumers, nearly one in five adults have experienced a scam in the past five years, with younger generations (millennials and Gen Z) facing the highest risk at 22-24% compared to just 14% for older adults. Fraudsters typically use email, phone calls, and social media to impersonate trusted entities like banks and government agencies to deceive victims. To protect yourself, remain vigilant about unsolicited communications, verify requests through official channels before sharing information, and be especially cautious on social media platforms if you're younger.
sg.finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-01-13
# Fraud Alert Summary
AARP Pennsylvania is warning residents about five sophisticated scams targeting older adults in 2026, including employment scams, recovery scams, digital arrest schemes, blackmail emails, and romance scams. Losses from impostor scams among seniors have surged dramatically—jumping from $55 million in 2020 to $445 million in 2024—and experts predict artificial intelligence will make scams even harder to detect this year. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited offers or threats, verify requests before acting, and report scams to local law enforcement or AARP Pennsylvania at 1-877-908-3360.
deltaplexnews.com
· 2026-01-13
# Lottery Scam Conviction
A man from out of state was sentenced to 10 years in prison for defrauding a 76-year-old Arkansas resident in a lottery scam scheme that promised an $11 million Jamaican lottery prize. The victim lost approximately $57,000 before law enforcement intervened during a cash exchange in May 2025, where the perpetrator attempted to hand over a briefcase containing only printer paper instead of winnings. Authorities advise elderly citizens and others to be suspicious of unsolicited lottery claims requiring upfront payments, as legitimate lotteries never ask winners to pay fees to collect winnings.
ashleycountyledger.com
· 2026-01-13
A man named Portier Guytan was convicted in January 2026 for running a financial scam that targeted an elderly Crossett resident, who was defrauded of $50,000 after being told he had won an $11 million Jamaican lottery. The scam began in May 2025 when the 76-year-old victim received a call from someone claiming he had won the lottery and needed to send money to claim his prize. To protect yourself from similar scams, be skeptical of unexpected lottery winnings or prize notifications, never send money upfront to claim prizes, and verify claims by contacting official authorities directly.
womansworld.com
· 2026-01-13
Scammers pose as talent scouts and casting agents to lure aspiring actors and models with fake opportunities for major film and TV roles, often targeting them through email, text, or social media. These frauds typically aim to steal money or banking information, and may even pressure victims to attend in-person meetings in unsafe locations or enroll in unnecessary acting classes. To protect yourself, watch for red flags like pressure to pay upfront fees or demands for banking details before auditioning—legitimate casting calls never require payment in advance.
wreg.com
· 2026-01-13
Scammers are increasingly targeting people through cryptocurrency ATM machines at grocery stores and other locations, with victims losing significant money through fake investment schemes, romance scams, and extortion tactics. The FBI and Secret Service are working together to raise awareness after discovering that cryptocurrency fraud is now the top way people are losing money to scams, with criminals often calling victims and directing them to these ATMs while walking them through the transaction step-by-step. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited calls promising guaranteed high investment returns, avoid cryptocurrency ATMs when contacted by strangers, and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.
etvbharat.com
· 2026-01-13
A Union Minister of State for Defence in India recently became the target of a cyber fraud scheme, but avoided losing money by immediately involving police during the suspicious call. The scam attempt, which also targeted his brother with threats about his ministerial position, highlights how cybercriminals use organized tactics and AI-driven methods that can empty bank accounts in minutes. The minister advised the public to avoid accepting video calls, messages, photos, emails, or links from unknown sources, and stressed the importance of cybersecurity awareness, particularly for small businesses that lack technical knowledge and proper security measures.
milwaukeeindependent.com
· 2026-01-13
Criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, and stolen data to commit sophisticated financial fraud against Americans, with deepfake technology allowing scammers to convincingly impersonate CEOs, managers, and family members to steal money and sensitive information. Over 105,000 deepfake attacks were recorded in the U.S. in 2024, costing more than $200 million in just the first quarter of 2025, with elderly victims particularly vulnerable to fake emergency calls claiming a grandchild needs help. To protect yourself, verify requests for money or sensitive information through independent channels (call back known phone numbers), be skeptical of urgent emotional appeals, and remember that legitimate businesses and family members won't pressure you into immediate financial decisions.
times-standard.com
· 2026-01-12
As people age, they may become vulnerable to financial scams and poor decision-making, prompting adult children to seek ways to protect their parents without removing their independence. Elder law attorneys can help families establish legal safeguards—such as powers of attorney, trusts, and asset protection strategies—that reduce the risk of financial exploitation while allowing aging parents to maintain dignity and control over their lives. The key is addressing these concerns early through professional legal consultation before financial damage occurs.
independent.co.uk
· 2026-01-12
Fraudsters are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create highly convincing scams, including deepfake videos, cloned voices of relatives or bank employees, and sophisticated phishing emails that are difficult to distinguish from legitimate communications. These AI-powered scams can target anyone, from individuals to bank customers, with criminals using voice cloning to impersonate loved ones asking for money or posing as financial institutions requesting sensitive information. To protect yourself, verify unexpected callers by asking personal questions only the real person would know, independently confirm any banking requests before moving money, and be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.
marinij.com
· 2026-01-12
Criminals are targeting seniors with a "gold scam" where they impersonate government officials or tech support, falsely claiming accounts are compromised and pressuring victims to convert their savings into physical gold that is then stolen. Red flags include unsolicited contact, fake urgency, and requests to purchase gold for "safekeeping"—legitimate government agencies never demand gold purchases. To protect yourself, verify caller information independently, consult trusted family or financial advisors before moving money, and hang up immediately if anyone claiming to be government asks for gold; if targeted, contact local law enforcement.
vintontoday.com
· 2026-01-12
National Slam the Scam Day encourages people to recognize and report Social Security-related scams that target individuals seeking to steal their money and personal information. The Social Security Administration recommends learning the four basic signs of a scam, ignoring scammers, and reporting suspected criminal activity to the SSA Office of the Inspector General through their website at www.ssa.gov/scam. Sharing scam awareness information with loved ones and spreading #SlamtheScam messages on social media can help protect your friends and family from becoming victims.
foxnews.com
· 2026-01-11
Email scams targeting seniors have become a major theft method, with a single click potentially exposing bank accounts, personal data, and lifetime savings. North Korean agents are reportedly posing as IT workers in phishing scams to steal funds, while AI-generated scams are also increasing in sophistication. To protect older adults, families should limit device access to online banking, create separate checking accounts with minimal funds linked to email devices, keep primary savings accounts offline or view-only, and require in-branch verification for large transfers.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-01-11
Banks nationwide have implemented aggressive automated fraud detection systems that are freezing retirees' accounts for days or weeks based on unusual spending patterns, intended to combat a record surge in elder financial abuse but creating hardship for legitimate account holders. Adults over 60 lost nearly $5 billion to scams in 2024 (potentially $60 billion including unreported cases), prompting financial institutions to use "guilty until proven innocent" AI monitoring that flags common transactions like wire transfers or one-time purchases. Retirees should contact their banks immediately if their accounts are frozen, keep detailed records of legitimate transactions to speed up account reinstatement, and consider discussing unusual transactions with their bank in advance to reduce the likelihood of holds.
ca.finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-01-11
# Travel Scams Summary
Travel fraud is surging, with scammers using fake rental listings, phishing, and impersonation tactics to steal millions from vacationers—the FTC reported nearly 10,000 fraud cases in Q2 2025 totaling US$40 million, while Canada received over 108,000 fraud reports in 2024 with losses exceeding $638 million. Travelers of all experience levels are vulnerable, as demonstrated by cases like a family that lost $4,000 on a fake Rhode Island beach house rental through what appeared to be a legitimate booking site. To protect yourself, book only through official websites, verify property details independently, avoid sending upfront payments to unfamiliar contacts, and report suspicious activity to authorities like the FTC or Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
wafb.com
· 2026-01-11
As tax filing season approaches in 2026, the Better Business Bureau is warning that scammers target unsuspecting taxpayers and steal thousands of dollars annually by using stolen personal information to fraudulently file tax returns. To protect yourself, the IRS now offers free six-digit PIN numbers that only you and the IRS know, which must be used when filing your federal returns each year to prevent identity theft. Additionally, remember that the IRS will never contact you first via email, text, or social media—if you receive such contact, it's likely a scam.