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in Tech Support Scams
pymnts.com
· 2026-01-06
Modern scams have evolved into a sophisticated, AI-powered industry that targets people of all ages—not just the elderly—through social engineering and psychological manipulation on digital platforms. According to Block and PayPal executives, nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults have experienced a scam in the past five years, with Gen Z and millennials now equally vulnerable to these attacks. To protect yourself, experts recommend using "smart friction" (targeted warnings that interrupt suspicious transactions) and staying alert to urgency tactics, while companies should prioritize quick reimbursement and clear reporting mechanisms to maintain user trust in digital finance.
fox13news.com
· 2026-01-06
# Fraud Summary
Seniors lost $2.4 billion to fraud in 2024, a dramatic increase from $600 million in 2020, according to a new Federal Trade Commission report, with investment scams on social media being the most common type. Law enforcement in the Tampa Bay area is warning about rising government impersonation scams that trick seniors into sending money via wire transfers, gift cards, and cryptocurrency, often to international criminals who make recovery nearly impossible. To protect themselves, seniors should be cautious of unsolicited contacts claiming to be from the government or investment firms, especially around tax season, and verify requests directly with official agencies before sending any money.
patch.com
· 2026-01-06
An elderly woman in Palos Hills, Illinois lost $788,000 of her life savings to scammers who contacted her by phone and manipulated her through multiple calls involving Bitcoin, cashier's checks, and gold purchases. Senior citizens aged 60 and older lost nearly $4.9 billion to various fraud schemes in 2024—a 46% increase from the previous year—making older Americans a primary target for criminals exploiting their vulnerability. To protect yourself or elderly relatives, be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, never share personal financial information with callers, and report suspected fraud to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center or local law enforcement rather than handling it alone.
thefactsnewspaper.com
· 2026-01-06
# Fraud Prevention Summary
Washington State's Department of Financial Institutions and the North American Securities Administrators Association are warning investors about 12 new sophisticated fraud schemes expected in 2026, with scammers increasingly using artificial intelligence and deepfake technology to steal money. State securities regulators investigated over 8,800 cases in 2024 resulting in $259 million in fines and restitution, with common schemes including "pig butchering" romance scams that build trust before requesting fake investments and deepfake impersonations using AI-generated videos of celebrities. Investors should be skeptical of unsolicited investment pitches—especially those involving new technologies or creating urgency—and verify any investment opportunity through official channels before sending money.
dailymail.co.uk
· 2026-01-06
# Travel Hotel Booking Scam Summary
A travel expert nearly fell victim to a sophisticated hotel booking scam where scammers impersonated a hotel manager via WhatsApp and sent him a fake Booking.com login link to steal his credit card details. The scam targeted customers who had made reservations on Booking.com after hackers obtained hotel login credentials, likely through phishing emails to hotel staff. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links from unsolicited messages claiming to be from hotels—instead, contact the hotel directly using the phone number or email from your original booking confirmation.
wfsb.com
· 2026-01-06
Shelton police are warning residents about a growing "gold bar" scam targeting seniors, in which criminals impersonate government agents or tech support to convince victims their money or computers are at risk, then pressure them to withdraw cash or purchase gold bars that a "courier" collects and never returns. Red flags include urgent pressure to act quickly, threats of arrest, demands for secrecy, and requests for cash, gold, or cryptocurrency—legitimate government agencies will never ask for these actions. Residents who receive suspicious calls, pop-ups, or messages should report them to the Shelton Police Department at (203) 924-1544.
the420.in
· 2026-01-05
In 2025, cybercriminals defrauded Nagpur residents of ₹45.77 crore (approximately $5.5 million USD), with senior citizens making up 60% of victims through schemes involving fake investments, cryptocurrency scams, and "digital arrest" tactics that exploited fear and greed. The cyber police registered 125 FIRs from 15,000 complaints and arrested 42 accused persons, but the rapid psychological manipulation used in these scams—particularly digital arrest schemes involving impersonated government officials—allowed fraudsters to drain lifetime savings in minutes. Residents should verify any investment opportunities independently, never transfer money under pressure or threats of legal action, and report suspicious contacts to local cyber police rather than complying with demands from unknown callers claiming government authority.
thenightly.com.au
· 2026-01-05
Australian banks like NAB are deploying specialized teams of over 1,000 employees, including behavioral scientists, to help customers recognize and escape romance scams where offshore criminals pose as romantic interests to steal money. Scammers use psychological manipulation and grooming tactics to build trust with victims and often convince them to distrust their own banks' warnings. Customers should be skeptical of online romantic connections that eventually lead to requests for money or investment, and should trust their bank's warnings if staff express concern about their transactions.
the420.in
· 2026-01-04
Cybercriminals in India are increasingly using psychological manipulation tactics like fake reward point expiration warnings, fraudulent product listings, and fake legal threats to trick people into revealing sensitive financial information such as OTPs and UPI PINs, rather than relying on technical hacking methods. The scams disproportionately affect online shoppers and digital payment users who are pressured by urgency and fear into clicking malicious links or making advance payments for non-existent products. To protect yourself, never share OTPs or click links from unsolicited calls or messages claiming to be from banks or payment providers, and verify offers directly through official apps or customer service numbers before taking action.
smh.com.au
· 2026-01-04
# Inheritance Scam Summary
An Australian man left his $2 million estate to someone he met online and never met in person, but a court ruled the person didn't actually exist, making the inheritance a likely romance scam. The man changed his will in 2022 to name "Kyle Stuart Jackson," an American he'd been dating online for just a few months, as his chief beneficiary, but after his death in October 2022, the court determined Jackson was either fictional or the person behind the account was committing fraud. To protect yourself: never make major financial decisions based on online relationships you haven't verified in person, be especially cautious if someone you've never met asks to be named in your will, and consult with trusted family members and legal advisors before making significant estate changes.
13newsnow.com
· 2026-01-04
# Fraud Alert Summary
Consumer experts are warning that phone carriers' "Scam Likely" labels can incorrectly flag legitimate calls from banks, doctors, and schools, causing people to miss important communications. Scammers are also increasingly targeting businesses by impersonating executives or vendors and pressuring employees to transfer money immediately, exploiting urgency and familiarity to bypass normal verification processes. To protect yourself, verify any suspicious calls or requests independently by using known phone numbers, checking directly with supervisors, or confirming through official channels before taking action.
uniladtech.com
· 2026-01-03
A Lithuanian man named Evaldas Rimasauskas defrauded Google and Facebook out of $122 million over two years by sending fake invoices and tricking the companies into wiring money to accounts he controlled. He was arrested in 2017, extradited to the United States, and sentenced to five years in prison along with ordered restitution of over $26 million. The case highlights how even large corporations can fall victim to business email compromise schemes, so companies should implement verification procedures for payment requests and employees should confirm unusual wire transfer requests through separate communication channels before processing them.
en.cryptonomist.ch
· 2026-01-03
Cryptocurrency losses from hacks dropped 60% in December to $76 million, but the decline masked a shift toward fewer but more devastating attacks, with a $50 million address poisoning scam and a $27.3 million private key theft accounting for most losses. Users and cryptocurrency platforms were targeted through sophisticated scams where attackers created fake wallet addresses that closely resembled legitimate ones, exploiting visual confusion and the rush of transactions. To protect themselves, users should manually verify every character of wallet addresses before transferring funds rather than relying on copied data or transaction history, and platforms should implement stronger security protocols around private key management.
penbaypilot.com
· 2026-01-02
Scams have become increasingly sophisticated and professional, targeting vulnerable populations including seniors through impersonation schemes like fake grandson emergencies and fraudulent charity fundraising calls. Even intelligent and street-smart people—including law enforcement officers—fall victim to these scams, which exploit personal information shared on social media and use advanced technology to appear legitimate. To protect yourself, police recommend keeping your bank's official phone number on your refrigerator and calling it directly (rather than using numbers provided by callers) to verify any requests for money or personal information.
news9.com
· 2026-01-02
A retired Kingfisher teacher nearly lost $30,000 in a holiday cyberscam after clicking on a malicious pop-up that mimicked her bank's security system and pressured her to keep the incident secret—a common tactic scammers use. Bank officials are now warning Oklahomans to be suspicious of unexpected pop-ups, urgent demands for money or personal information, and any requests to keep transactions confidential. If you encounter such a pop-up, don't click on it or provide any information; instead, close your browser and contact your bank directly using a phone number from your statement or their official website.
mercatus.org
· 2026-01-02
Journalist Snigdha Poonam's new book "Scamlands" reveals that fraud operations in India, China, and Cambodia are not isolated incidents but rather massive, organized industries with sophisticated labor systems and capital structures that rival legitimate businesses. These transnational scam networks significantly interact with formal economies through banking systems and digital infrastructure, affecting vulnerable populations including young workers who are often recruited through false promises. The book examines how scam operations are embedded in specific Indian states like Jharkhand, Assam, and Tamil Nadu, highlighting that individuals seeking economic opportunity should be wary of unsolicited job offers, verify employment through official channels, and understand that scam networks deliberately exploit aspirations and economic desperation.
fairmontsentinel.com
· 2026-01-02
Banks are increasingly warning customers about fraud and scams, with the most common threats being fraudulent charges and impersonation scams where criminals pose as bank employees using information gathered from social media and LinkedIn. According to banking officials, scammers create artificial urgency to pressure victims into quick decisions, so the best defense is to pause, verify requests by contacting your bank directly through official channels (main number or online banking chat), and avoid sharing unverified information on social media. Additionally, be cautious of suspicious search results and internet ads that may be part of new scam tactics.
bworldonline.com
· 2026-01-02
Criminal gangs operating from Southeast Asia are using detailed instructional manuals to conduct "pig-butchering" romance scams, where they create fake personas to build romantic relationships with victims before tricking them into fraudulent investments. These scams, which disproportionately target women, are often carried out by trafficking victims forced to work in scam compounds and are increasingly sophisticated thanks to artificial intelligence tools that make fraudulent appeals more convincing. To protect yourself, be skeptical of romantic connections with people you've only met online, especially those who quickly propose investment opportunities, and verify investment platforms through official channels before sending money.
akron.com
· 2026-01-01
While seniors are increasingly active online—with 41% spending five or more hours daily on shopping, banking, and social media—this increased engagement puts them at greater risk for scams, malware, and data breaches. To protect older adults, experts recommend encouraging strong, unique passwords using password manager apps and promoting security software on their devices, while caregivers should play a supportive role in guiding their digital safety practices.
tradingview.com
· 2026-01-01
A recently divorced Bitcoin investor lost his entire retirement fund—one full Bitcoin—to a sophisticated "pig butchering" romance scam that used AI-generated deepfakes and synthetic portraits to build a fake romantic relationship and gain his trust. These scams exploit emotional vulnerability through fabricated video calls and relationships that feel real, then manipulate victims into sending cryptocurrency, which cannot be recovered since blockchain transfers lack the consumer protections and reversals available with traditional bank transfers. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious about online romantic relationships (especially if the person avoids meeting in person or quickly mentions investments), never share cryptocurrency wallet information with anyone you haven't met in person, and verify any investment opportunity through independent research rather than relying on advice from online contacts.
washingtonjewishweek.com
· 2025-12-31
While seniors are increasingly active online—with 41% spending five or more hours daily on shopping, banking, and social media—they face growing risks from scams, malware, and data breaches. The article recommends practical safety steps including using strong, unique passwords with a password manager and keeping security software up to date to help protect older adults from digital threats. Caregivers play an important role in supporting seniors' digital safety, as even though 61% of seniors can address digital issues independently, increased online engagement brings new security responsibilities.
pcmag.com
· 2025-12-31
Cybersecurity experts warn that AI-powered scams and deepfakes will pose major threats in 2026, as criminals increasingly use generative AI to automate fraud, create convincing fake videos and voices of loved ones, and craft highly personalized phishing emails targeting everyday people—not just high-profile executives. The scams work by harvesting personal data and photos from social media to impersonate colleagues or family members, then deceiving victims into sending money, revealing sensitive information, or clicking malicious links. To stay safe, people should be skeptical of unexpected requests for money or sensitive information, verify requests through independent contact methods, and be aware that convincing video or audio of someone they know might actually be a deepfake.
townhall.com
· 2025-12-31
A 79-year-old Florida man was sentenced to pay over $1 million in restitution for running a fake tech support scam that defrauded more than 300 elderly victims out of approximately $3.5 million. The scheme operated through two fraudulent companies that posed as computer support services, convincing vulnerable seniors their computers were infected or hacked and pressuring them to pay up to $150,000 for fake repairs before wiring the money to international co-conspirators. Authorities urge residents, especially seniors, to be cautious of unsolicited tech support calls or pop-ups claiming computer problems, and to verify support requests through official channels before providing payment or access to their devices.
wral.com
· 2025-12-30
Older Americans lost $2.4 billion to scams in 2024—quadrupling losses since 2020—with investment scams, romance scams, impersonation schemes, and tech support scams being the most costly. To protect yourself, watch for red flags like demands for immediate payment, threats of arrest, requests for money transfers, or promises of prizes in exchange for fees. The FTC encourages everyone to report suspected scams even if no money was lost, as these reports help authorities identify patterns and shut down fraudulent operations before more people are victimized.
consumeraffairs.com
· 2025-12-30
# Quishing Scams Target Older Adults
Criminals are increasingly using "quishing"—a fraud tactic that embeds malicious QR codes in mailed notices, bills, and fake alerts—to trick victims into visiting fake websites or downloading malware that steals personal information. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to these scams because they're less familiar with QR-code technology and more likely to receive official-looking mailed notices about healthcare, government benefits, and finances that scammers exploit. To protect yourself, approach urgent messages with skepticism, verify QR codes by visiting websites directly instead of scanning them, and be especially wary of codes in unsolicited mail or public spaces.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-30
# Fraud Alert Summary
Scammers are using a clever typosquatting trick where they replace the letter "m" in "microsoft.com" with "rn" (rnicrosoft.com), which appear nearly identical in most fonts, to create fake phishing emails that steal login credentials from unsuspecting users. The attack is particularly effective on mobile phones where URLs are shortened and hard to read carefully, and the fraudulent emails mimic Microsoft's legitimate branding to build false trust before tricking victims into entering passwords or downloading malware. To protect yourself, carefully examine domain names in the address bar before entering any login information, be suspicious of unexpected Microsoft emails asking for credentials, and consider enabling multi-factor authentication on your accounts.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-30
A man in his 70s from Santa Rosa lost his entire US$500,000 retirement savings to a "pig butchering" scam, where a fraudster posing as a Finnish woman named Alexa built trust with him over five months through daily messages, video calls, and gifts before convincing him to invest in fake cryptocurrency schemes. The scam is part of a growing trend where criminals build intimate relationships with victims to lower their guard before stealing their money, often operating from organized scam centers overseas. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of online romantic connections, especially those quickly encouraging financial investments or cryptocurrency opportunities, and verify investment opportunities through independent sources before sending any money.
seatacblog.com
· 2025-12-29
A young entrepreneur named Ashlyn Sidhu founded Your Senior Tech, a program providing hands-on technology training and scam prevention education to seniors across the Puget Sound region, addressing a growing problem as older adults face increasing threats from phishing, fake shipping notices, financial fraud, and AI voice impersonation scams. The program, staffed by trained high school and college students, offers community presentations teaching seniors to recognize red flags like suspicious links, emails, pop-ups, and strange phone calls. Seniors seeking to protect themselves can look for similar local tech support programs that emphasize digital safety education and provide step-by-step guidance they can take home.
b-townblog.com
· 2025-12-29
A young entrepreneur named Ashlyn Sidhu has created Your Senior Tech, a program providing hands-on technology training and scam prevention education to seniors across the Puget Sound region. With scams targeting older adults surging nationally—including phishing, fake shipping notices, financial fraud, and AI voice impersonation—the program teaches seniors to recognize red flags like suspicious links, emails, and unexpected calls. Your Senior Tech uses trained high school and college students to create a judgment-free, intergenerational learning environment, offering community presentations and take-home guides to help seniors feel confident and safe using technology.
thesenior.com.au
· 2025-12-29
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bitdefender.com
· 2025-12-29
Romance scams are becoming more dangerous as artificial intelligence automates the most persuasive part of the scheme—building emotional trust with victims over weeks or months before requesting money. These elaborate three-phase scams (Hook, Line, and Sinker) target vulnerable people through fake romantic relationships that eventually lead to fraudulent investment platforms and cryptocurrency schemes, resulting in severe financial loss and emotional trauma. To protect yourself, be suspicious of online relationships that quickly become intimate, avoid sharing personal details with people you haven't met in person, and never invest money based on advice from someone you only know online.
wctv.tv
· 2025-12-29
# Tech Support Fraud Summary
A former Tallahassee man named John Kuhlmann was sentenced for orchestrating a nationwide tech support scam that defrauded over 300 elderly victims of approximately $3.5 million between 2018 and his sentencing. Scammers convinced victims their computers were infected with viruses or hacked, then pressured them to pay up to $150,000 for fake repair services, with Kuhlmann funneling the money to co-conspirators overseas. If you're over 60 or know someone who has experienced financial fraud, contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311) to report it and seek help.
smh.com.au
· 2025-12-29
Scammers are impersonating airline customer service representatives to defraud stressed travelers by claiming to rebook flights and requesting payment for the difference. The author fell victim after being caught in traffic and missing a flight, giving a fake "United Airlines agent" nearly $2,137 for a supposed Lufthansa rebooking. To protect yourself, contact airlines directly using official phone numbers from their websites rather than responding to unsolicited calls, texts, or emails, and never provide payment or personal information to unverified callers.
indianexpress.com
· 2025-12-28
Fake call centers operating global scams have expanded from major Indian cities into smaller towns across Maharashtra, exploiting cheaper real estate, internet access, and local talent while evading law enforcement. The operations thrive due to weak regulatory oversight—including lax verification of business registrations, unmonitored internet services, and poor coordination between local and central agencies—allowing fraudsters to quickly restart operations even after being shut down. To protect yourself, verify the legitimacy of unsolicited calls from financial institutions or companies, never share personal or banking details over the phone, and report suspicious activity to local authorities or your bank immediately.
the420.in
· 2025-12-28
In 2025, organized international crime syndicates caused an estimated $10.5 trillion in global cybercrime damages—more than any single country's GDP except the US and China—marking a dramatic shift from individual hackers to industrialized criminal operations. The widespread adoption of artificial intelligence has made sophisticated fraud accessible to low-level criminals, who now create convincing deepfakes and execute psychological attacks like "digital arrests" that exploit human trust rather than just technical vulnerabilities. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unexpected communications from authority figures or executives, verify requests through independent channels before sharing sensitive information, and stay informed about AI-generated deepfakes and social engineering tactics.
decripto.org
· 2025-12-28
# Crypto Scam Summary
Italian cryptocurrency scams primarily operate through personal relationships and social trust rather than technical deception, with fraudsters gradually building genuine-seeming friendships before pitching investment opportunities presented as confidential advice or shared growth plans. This "pig butchering scam" exploits the human tendency to lower defenses around trusted peers, making victims unable to rationally assess financial risk because the monetary request appears natural within an established relationship. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited investment advice from new acquaintances, verify investment opportunities independently through official channels, and remember that legitimate investments don't require secrecy or special relationships to succeed.
wilsoncountysource.com
· 2025-12-27
Tennessee's Department of Commerce & Insurance warns investors about a surge in sophisticated scams expected this holiday season, with fraudsters increasingly using AI technology like deepfake videos and fake trading bots to deceive victims—tactics that contributed to over $259 million in fines and restitution from 8,800 active investigations in 2024. Key threats include "pig butchering" romance scams, deepfake impersonations of celebrities, and phantom AI trading bots that promise guaranteed returns but are actually designed to steal money. Investors should be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities, especially those involving new technologies or promises of guaranteed returns, and verify the legitimacy of investment platforms and contacts before committing any funds.
bakersfield.com
· 2025-12-26
Scammers increasingly target seniors through phone calls, texts, and emails using sophisticated technology to impersonate legitimate sources and request personal financial information or promise unrealistic rewards. Seniors are particularly vulnerable due to cognitive changes or unfamiliarity with modern fraud tactics. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact offering prizes or requesting bank details, and verify requests by contacting organizations directly through official numbers rather than using contact information provided in the suspicious message.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-26
Ghanaian authorities arrested 48 suspected Nigerian scammers in a raid near Accra who were running romance scams, investment fraud, and impersonation schemes targeting victims worldwide. The operation reflects a broader problem in West Africa where young people with limited economic opportunities turn to online fraud, while Ghana itself has become a target for foreign scammers including Chinese nationals. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited romantic advances online, verify investment opportunities through official channels, and never send money to unknown individuals or unverified businesses.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-26
A new cybersecurity study reveals that most parked domains (unused or expired websites) now redirect visitors to scams, malware, and fake security warnings—with over 90 percent containing malicious content. Anyone can be affected by simply mistyping a web address by just one letter, which instantly exposes their device to these dangers without requiring any clicks. To protect yourself, carefully verify URLs before typing them manually, consider using bookmarks or search results instead of direct navigation, and be cautious of any unexpected security warnings or login pages that appear after typing an address.
mb.com.ph
· 2025-12-25
Elderly Filipinos are increasingly targeted by online scammers who exploit their trust and lack of tech-savvy knowledge, with over 9 million seniors at risk. GoTyme Bank launched the "Madame Alam" campaign featuring a tech-savvy grandmother character who educates seniors about common scams in short, easy-to-understand videos covering topics like suspicious links, OTP sharing, and identity theft. The actionable advice for seniors includes not clicking suspicious links, never sharing one-time passwords, and staying vigilant against identity theft schemes.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-25
Scammers are targeting new iPhone owners with fake calls impersonating major carriers, claiming a shipping error requires immediate return of the phone and pressuring victims to leave their devices on their porch for pickup. The scam exploits the vulnerable window right after activation when owners are least suspicious, and relies on urgency and repeated calls to override logical thinking—red flags include unrealistic offers like gift cards and pressure tactics. To protect yourself, always verify unexpected caller claims directly by calling the carrier's official number independently, ignore pressure to act immediately, and remember that legitimate companies won't ask you to ship unopened products or offer suspicious compensation.
theoaklandpress.com
· 2025-12-25
Scammers are increasingly using texts, calls, and emails to target Oakland County residents by impersonating trusted sources like businesses, government agencies, and even celebrities, with recent victims losing anywhere from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald advises people to hang up on unknown callers and be cautious of urgent requests for money, threats of legal action or arrest, and demands for sensitive information like Social Security numbers. To protect yourself, ignore unsolicited contact demanding immediate payment and never share personal information with callers you cannot verify.
klfy.com
· 2025-12-25
Thieves are exploiting tap-to-pay technology, which was initially considered more secure than traditional card swiping, by either tapping cards against victims' phones and wallets in crowded public spaces like festivals and concerts, or by posing as vendors and charging significantly more than advertised prices while accepting only tap-to-pay with no transparency about transaction amounts. Consumers affected include shoppers in neighborhoods and at public events who lost between $500 to $1,100 in some reported cases. To protect yourself, be cautious in crowded areas, insist on seeing transaction amounts before paying, demand alternative payment options from vendors, and avoid rushing through the checkout process even if a seller creates a sense of urgency.
wrdw.com
· 2025-12-25
Scammers are targeting holiday travelers with multiple schemes during peak travel season, including fake rental car websites that steal personal information and payment details, fraudulent text messages about toll fees, wireless card skimming at airports, and impersonation scams posing as airlines. Millions of Americans traveling this season are at risk of losing money and having their personal data compromised. To stay safe, travelers should verify website security by checking for "https" in URLs, avoid clicking links in unsolicited texts or emails, use protective credit card sleeves, monitor bank statements regularly, and always verify flight information directly through official airline websites or apps.
uk.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-25
Ghana's authorities arrested nearly 50 Nigerian nationals in Accra during a raid targeting online scammers involved in romance scams, investment fraud, impersonation schemes, and illegal gold trading. The operation highlights a broader regional problem, as Nigeria has become known as a hub for internet fraud while also being targeted by scammers itself, with similar large-scale arrests occurring in Lagos earlier this year. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited romantic advances or investment opportunities online, verify the identity of people you meet digitally, and never send money to unknown individuals or invest in schemes you cannot independently verify.
bigislandnow.com
· 2025-12-24
# Fraud Alert Summary
As the holiday season approaches, Hawaii's Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs warns that scammers are using sophisticated new technologies, including artificial intelligence, to create convincing investment schemes that prey on consumers' fear of missing out on the latest trends. In 2024 alone, state securities regulators conducted over 8,800 investigations resulting in more than $259 million in fines and restitution, showing the widespread nature of these frauds. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment pitches, especially those claiming to involve cutting-edge technology, and verify any investment opportunity through official sources before committing money.
news.azpm.org
· 2025-12-24
# Fraud Surge in 2024
Americans lost over $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, a 25% increase from the previous year, with phone-based scams being particularly prevalent as criminals exploit the constant connectivity of mobile devices to target consumers anytime and anywhere. Older adults are disproportionately affected because they hold significant wealth, making them attractive targets for scammers who use texts, emails, social media, and even fake QR codes to deceive victims. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited contact on your phone or other devices, verify requests through official channels before sharing information or money, and report suspected scams to the FTC or local authorities.
wfaa.com
· 2025-12-24
North Texas residents have lost nearly half a billion dollars to scams, prompting the FBI to launch a public awareness campaign about prevalent fraud schemes including romance scams, investment fraud, and tech support scams. One Fort Worth woman lost approximately $500,000 after a scammer impersonated an FBI agent and convinced her to transfer funds and purchase gold bars. The FBI advises people to pause before sending money to anyone and remember that the agency would never request funds or direct financial transfers—and that victims rarely recover their losses.
kauainownews.com
· 2025-12-24
# Scam Warning Summary
Hawaii state officials are warning of increasingly sophisticated scams using artificial intelligence and new technologies to defraud consumers, particularly during the holiday season. Scammers are exploiting people's fear of missing out by pitching fake investment opportunities tied to trending tech, though the underlying schemes remain traditional fraud. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment pitches, verify opportunities independently, and contact state securities regulators if you suspect fraud.