Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 22,013 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
8,448 results
in Robocalls / Phone Scams
kymkemp.com
· 2025-12-08
A Humboldt County family narrowly avoided losing money to an AI voice-cloning scam in which fraudsters used artificial intelligence to impersonate their son Izaak and demand $15,000 in bail for a fabricated car accident and DWI charge. The family verified the scam by contacting an attorney, bail bondsman, and ultimately reaching their son at home; however, a similar scam in Harris County, Texas resulted in a $5,000 loss when a couple believed the AI-cloned voice of their son requesting emergency bail money. The FTC advises using personal security questions or code words known only to family members to verify callers' identities, an
digit.in
· 2025-12-08
A 42-year-old Bengaluru resident lost Rs 70,000 after falling victim to a fake traffic challan scam that began with a WhatsApp message claiming his SUV had violated traffic rules. When he clicked a malicious link to download the fraudulent "Vahan Parivahan" app, malware compromised his phone, allowing scammers to access his credit card and make unauthorized transactions to an e-commerce platform. The article advises users to verify traffic fines on official government websites, avoid clicking unknown links, refrain from downloading APK files from unverified sources, and enable two-factor authentication on banking apps.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
A federal jury convicted two Indian nationals, Pranay Kumar Mamidi (27) and Kishan Vinayak Patel (26), of money laundering conspiracy tied to a "phantom hacker scam" that defrauded victims across four states of their life savings between May and November 2023. In this scam, perpetrators impersonated bank employees, FTC agents, and DEA special agents to trick victims—particularly elderly—into withdrawing savings and surrendering cash or gold bars at drop-off locations, with investigators estimating tens of millions of dollars laundered through the U.S.-based operation directed by co-conspirators in India. Six additional co-conspi
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned residents about a government imposter scam involving fraudulent letters claiming recipients owe overdue taxes and threatening property seizure if they call a specified number to pay. The fake letters use personal information from public records and official-looking forms to appear credible, but the actual Michigan Department of Treasury sends official correspondence through the U.S. Postal Service with governor and treasurer names on letterhead. Residents are advised to contact the Treasury Department directly to verify suspicious letters and report suspected scams to the Federal Trade Commission or Attorney General's office.
etvbharat.com
· 2025-12-08
A retired government employee in Andhra Pradesh, Moole Brahma Reddy, was defrauded of Rs 36 lakh (approximately $43,000 USD) after receiving a call from unknown fraudsters who falsely accused him of receiving money from a criminal and threatened him with arrest. The scammers sent fake WhatsApp screenshots and blackmailed Reddy into transferring funds in multiple installments; the fraud was discovered only when his son grew suspicious after being asked for an additional Rs 90,000. Police have seized the scam-linked bank accounts and advised the public not to panic when receiving similar threatening calls, urging immediate reporting to authorities.
www3.erie.gov
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams involve fraudsters creating fake online dating profiles to build romantic relationships and eventually request money from victims. Red flags include requests for urgent payments, use of untraceable payment methods, claims of living abroad or military service, reluctance to meet in person, and rapid relationship escalation. According to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, romance scam victims lost over $600 million in 2020 alone, and victims should immediately cease contact, document evidence, report to law enforcement and the FTC, and alert the dating platform.
stocktitan.net
· 2025-12-08
A Norton study reveals that while 60% of online daters encounter AI-generated responses and many welcome AI tools for dating profiles, AI also enables increasingly sophisticated scams. Dating app users face significant threats: 40% have been targeted by scams with 41% of those becoming victims, including catfishing (55%), romance scams (34%), and sextortion (31%), while only 46% of users can identify fake AI-generated images and 27% have had their photos stolen without permission. Norton launched Genie, a free AI-powered scam detection app, to help users identify fraudulent profiles and protect themselves against these evolving threats.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
O2 created "Daisy," an AI chatbot designed to impersonate an elderly grandmother who wastes scammers' time through confusion, tangential conversations about knitting and scones, and technical incompetence. Over several weeks, the bot successfully detained individual fraudsters for up to 40 minutes each—time they could not spend targeting real victims—by feigning difficulty with computer instructions and repeatedly changing the subject. The project, developed in collaboration with scam baiter Jim Browning, was primarily designed as an awareness campaign rather than a full-scale rollout, demonstrating how AI could be used defensively against fraud.
jcpost.com
· 2025-12-08
Social Security imposter scams remain widespread in the United States, with scammers using deceptive tactics to obtain sensitive information or money through suspicious letters, texts, emails, or calls. The Social Security Administration clarifies that it will never text/email ID images, suspend Social Security Numbers, threaten arrest, demand payment via gift cards or wire transfers, or promise benefit increases for payment. Victims should report suspected scams to the OIG's website at oig.ssa.gov/report and remember that legitimate SSA contact typically occurs via mail or calls only to those who recently applied for benefits or requested agency contact.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Between December 2024 and January 2025, Coinbase users lost over $65 million to social engineering scams, with scammers impersonating Coinbase through spoofed emails and fake websites to trick victims into transferring funds to attacker-controlled wallets. The actual losses are likely higher, as this figure excludes cases reported only to Coinbase support or law enforcement, with estimated yearly losses from these scams exceeding $300 million. Investigators criticized Coinbase for inadequate security measures and called for urgent improvements including stronger protections against social engineering attacks and restricted account types for new users.
chicoer.com
· 2025-12-08
I cannot provide a summary of this content. The text appears to be a header or metadata for an audio player and editorial information rather than an actual article about a scam, fraud, or elder abuse incident.
Please provide the full article text or transcript about a specific scam or fraud case, and I'll be happy to summarize it according to the Elderus database format.
wwaytv3.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns taxpayers of common tax season scams, including IRS impersonation schemes where fraudsters call demanding immediate payment via prepaid cards or wire transfers, tax identity theft involving fake returns filed with stolen Social Security numbers, and phishing emails/mail directing victims to fraudulent websites. The BBB advises filing taxes early, verifying that the IRS never initiates contact by phone or email, using trusted tax professionals, and monitoring financial accounts for suspicious activity.
12news.com
· 2025-12-08
Arizona banking customers are experiencing a surge in sophisticated tech scams, with victims losing hundreds of thousands of dollars to fraudsters who use alarming text messages about account fraud to trick people into revealing account credentials. The Better Business Bureau also reports a spike in romance scams ahead of Valentine's Day, with victims averaging $126,000 in losses per person in early 2024, typically initiated through social media or dating websites with warning signs including rapid friendships, quick money discussions, and reluctance to video chat. Banks emphasize that contacting financial institutions within 24 hours of suspected fraud is critical, as scammers typically transfer funds overseas quickly, making recovery difficult after that window closes.
ky3.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns that romance scams are increasingly dangerous, with 532 reports in 2024 showing a median loss of $6,125, and seniors over 65 particularly at risk. Scammers are now using AI tools to create more realistic fake profiles and chatbots that eliminate grammatical errors, while also targeting victims through cryptocurrency investment schemes. The BBB recommends online daters watch for red flags such as excuses to avoid meeting, moving conversations to other apps, requests for money, and suspicious photos—and to verify profiles through reverse image searches and consult trusted friends and family before sending any money.
local.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Romance fraud scammers exploit emotional connections to steal money through tactics like "love bombing" (building trust before requesting funds), "catfishing" (using fake profiles on dating sites), and inheritance schemes (claiming victims will receive money if they pay upfront expenses). The scams affect people of all genders and can cost victims tens of thousands of dollars, with emotional devastation accompanying financial losses; victims should be wary of matches who avoid video calls and report suspected fraud to local law enforcement or AARP's Fraud Watch Network.
cmu.edu
· 2025-12-08
This guidance document provides travel and scam prevention advice for international students and scholars. It covers domestic and international travel documentation requirements and recommends monitoring official government websites for policy changes. A scam alert warns of IRS impersonators targeting people during tax season through unsolicited communications, along with alerts about fake delivery, SSN, and pyramid scheme scams, emphasizing that legitimate U.S. government agencies never request gift cards, checks, or wire transfers by phone.
coinbase.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting cryptocurrency owners through social engineering scams, with scams causing $4.6 billion in losses across the crypto industry in 2023. Threat actors impersonate legitimate companies like Coinbase via unsolicited texts and phone calls, using publicly available personal information to appear credible while tricking victims into transferring funds to fraudulent self-custody wallets. The article advises users to ignore unsolicited communications, never share seed phrases or personal information with callers, and recognize that legitimate financial institutions will never request fund transfers or sensitive information via phone.
cbs58.com
· 2025-12-08
The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau warned of a phone scam in which callers impersonate loan processing company representatives and request personal information such as income by claiming they need to verify details to finalize a loan application, often using fake application IDs to appear credible. The BBB received more than 100 reports of this scam in January 2025, and officials advised consumers to verify a company's legitimacy before sharing personal information and to report suspicious calls to BBB Scam Tracker.
kclyradio.com
· 2025-12-08
The North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging and Kansas Legal Services launched a free "Scam Scan" seminar series beginning January 24th to educate older Kansans about recognizing and avoiding common scams involving theft, fraud, and financial exploitation. The educational seminars, presented by managing attorney Corinne Petrik, provide prevention tips to help attendees protect themselves, their money, and personal information from email, phone, and text-based scams, with sessions continuing through April due to high demand.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Stonington Police Department issued a warning about increasingly sophisticated scam attempts affecting both residents and businesses in the area, which involve callers or emailers requesting personal information, remote computer access, or threatening to shut off services. The scams often impersonate family members in distress or claim urgent situations, demanding payment via money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, and typically involve scammers building rapport with victims before making requests. Police advise residents to verify phone numbers independently online, remain skeptical of unsolicited contacts, and consult family members or law enforcement if situations seem suspicious.
hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 42-year-old man in Bengaluru lost ₹70,000 after downloading a malicious APK file disguised as the "Vahan Parivahan" app, which he accessed through a WhatsApp message falsely claiming he had a traffic violation. The malware compromised his phone, enabling unauthorized credit card transactions, though his wife's linked accounts were protected before fraudsters could access them. Police registered charges under the Information Technology Act and cheating statutes, and authorities advised the public to avoid downloading APK files from unknown sources.
mb.com.ph
· 2025-12-08
In the Philippines, over 8,000 people lost more than PHP 155 million to online scams in the first eight months of 2023, prompting Senator Mark Villar to champion the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act—legislation designed to address emerging digital fraud threats including phishing, smishing, vishing, and quishing. The proposed law creates specific penalties for financial account fraud and money muling schemes while empowering the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to investigate suspicious transactions more swiftly and without traditional banking secrecy constraints.
themonroesun.com
· 2025-12-08
Common scams targeting victims include fake attorney calls claiming a loved one needs bail money, utility shutoff warnings, lottery schemes, romance scams, and cryptocurrency investment fraud. Law enforcement advises that when unsolicited callers request personal information or money, recipients should hang up and independently verify the claim by contacting the supposed organization or person directly. Scammers use tactics such as keeping victims on the phone to prevent critical thinking, leveraging personal information like Social Security numbers, and coaching victims on how to send money discreetly to avoid detection by store employees.
slguardian.org
· 2025-12-08
**Romance Scam Victimization - Poppy's Case (UK)**
An 84-year-old woman from Manchester named Poppy fell victim to three separate romance scams between 2021 and 2023, losing approximately £20,000 total. The scams involved fraudsters posing as an American oil worker, a wealthy businessman, and a NATO medic, each requesting financial help through various pretexts; her brother discovered the full extent of the fraud when managing her finances due to her declining memory. While NatWest refunded £16,000 of her losses, the case highlights a growing epidemic of romance scams in the UK, with
bangkokpost.com
· 2025-12-08
The Royal Thai Police established an international coordination centre in collaboration with 16 countries' embassies to prevent foreign nationals from being recruited into call centre scam operations in Myanmar, particularly through the Mae Sot border crossing in Thailand. The centre will enable real-time data sharing and communication between Thai police and foreign embassies to identify at-risk citizens arriving without clear travel plans and warn them against illegal border crossings and criminal employment. Many foreigners have been deceived into joining scam gangs or online gambling operations in Myanmar under false promises of high earnings, making prevention through international cooperation critical since Thai authorities cannot conduct direct operations in Myanmar.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
This AARP article provides educational guidance on protecting oneself from common fraud schemes affecting adults. It recommends three key protective steps: placing security freezes on credit accounts, monitoring financial accounts regularly, and using strong unique passwords. The article also warns about three specific scams—romance scams involving cryptocurrency, fake gift card balance-checking websites, and identity fraud from data breaches—and advises checking official sources like the SEC's investor.gov before making investments and using phone numbers or addresses on the back of gift cards rather than search results. For victims, AARP offers the Fraud Watch Network Helpline (1-877-908-3360) available weekdays 8 a.m.–
townandcountrymag.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, multiple high-profile fraud cases emerged involving sophisticated impersonation schemes: a Hermès heir reported a $13 billion fortune missing, Elvis Presley's estate discovered Graceland nearly sold at auction after a woman forged loan documents and signatures, and an Arup engineering employee wired $25 million to fraudsters using deepfake technology to impersonate company executives. The article highlights how modern scammers exploit advancing technology—including AI-generated voices and deepfakes—to impersonate authority figures, family members, and trusted individuals, with experts predicting AI-generated fraud could reach $40 billion by 2027. Recommended protections include establishing family
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are exploiting Elon Musk's reputation by promoting fake "energy-saving" devices through unsolicited emails, social media ads, and pop-ups, claiming the products can reduce electricity bills by 50% or more. These fraudulent websites use fake celebrity endorsements, doctored photos, pseudo-scientific language, and fake customer reviews to appear legitimate, but deliver either non-functional plastic devices or nothing at all after collecting upfront payment via credit card or PayPal. No legitimate plug-in device can actually reduce home electricity usage, and consumers should be wary of unsolicited offers making exaggerated claims about bill reduction.
brainerddispatch.com
· 2025-12-08
As tax season approaches, fraudsters are using increasingly sophisticated tactics—including artificial intelligence—to target taxpayers, with the FBI reporting 880,418 cybercrime complaints in 2023 resulting in losses exceeding $12.5 billion. Common tax scams include phishing emails impersonating IRS officials, unqualified tax preparers misusing client information, tax identity theft, and AI-enabled fraud schemes. Taxpayers should protect themselves by verifying preparer credentials, recognizing that the IRS initiates contact via mail rather than unsolicited phone calls or emails, avoiding suspicious links, and safeguarding personal information.
wave3.com
· 2025-12-08
Experts are warning the public about romance scams, particularly ahead of Valentine's Day, where scammers impersonate celebrities or create fake personas to build relationships and request money from victims. Red flags include quick declarations of love, requests for money, reluctance to meet in person, and insistence on communication only through dating platforms. According to the Federal Trade Commission, imposter scams were Kentucky's most common fraud type in 2024, with scammers stealing $2.7 billion nationally in that year; financial experts recommend consulting trusted friends or bank representatives when uncertain about suspicious requests.
berkshireeagle.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece presents five foundational "set it and forget it" scam defense resolutions: establish credit freezes with the three major bureaus, use a password manager, secure your Social Security card, register with the Do Not Call list, and create strong passwords for personal Wi-Fi networks. AARP Vermont Fraud Watch volunteers additionally recommend examining email origins for suspicious countries, allowing unknown calls to voicemail, avoiding public Wi-Fi for financial transactions, being skeptical of unsolicited bank calls, and steering clear of social media shopping deals.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
A widowed pensioner fell victim to a romance scam, sending thousands of pounds to a woman he had never met in person, whose photos were stolen from social media and used across multiple scam accounts. Santander's "Break the Spell" team, a specialized fraud prevention unit, worked to convince him he was being defrauded, though he initially resisted accepting the reality despite blocked transactions and a failed in-person meeting. The article highlights the growing prevalence of scams in the UK—with £213m lost across the banking sector in the first half of 2024—and notes that Santander's Break the Spell initiative has prevented £17.6m from reaching
local3news.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns of scams falsely claiming the government offers free grants that require an upfront application fee to access. Both individuals and businesses have fallen victim to these schemes, which often impersonate friends and guarantee free money before requesting payment or financial information. Legitimate government grants never require processing fees, and people should never provide banking details to unsolicited callers.
wdbj7.com
· 2025-12-08
The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office in Virginia is warning the public about a resurgent snail-mail scam in which fraudsters send letters posing as legitimate businesses with checks, asking recipients to pose as "secret surveyors" by purchasing multiple gift cards worth hundreds of dollars each in exchange for promised reimbursement. The scammers claim the check is on hold until the survey is completed, but authorities clarify this is false and victims will not be reimbursed. Law enforcement urges residents to discard suspicious mail and remain skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true, noting that scammers are typically not local and difficult to prosecute.
tnsi.com
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational resource rather than a news article about a specific fraud incident. The eBook offers guidance on spoofing protection solutions and best practices to secure telephone numbers and outbound call operations against spoofing threats.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
The Pennsylvania Attorney General's office warned fans attending Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans to be vigilant against ticket, merchandise, and credit card scams targeting eager consumers. The advisory recommends using reputable websites, avoiding purchases from strangers or sellers requesting gift cards or cryptocurrency, and contacting the state's Bureau of Consumer Protection if victimized. The guidance emphasizes common-sense precautions such as reviewing purchases carefully and trusting instincts when offers seem too good to be true.
mininggazette.com
· 2025-12-08
Michigan State Police are warning businesses across the Upper Peninsula and Northern Lower Peninsula about a fraud scheme involving stolen credit cards and lottery scratch-off tickets, with related cases also reported in Wisconsin and Nebraska. Scammers purchase large quantities of lottery tickets using stolen credit cards by requesting manual entry of card information, then quickly cash in winning tickets before the fraud is discovered. Businesses are advised to refuse manual credit card processing, limit lottery ticket purchases, and verify card legitimacy when transactions seem suspicious.
levittownnow.com
· 2025-12-08
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday issued a consumer alert warning residents about Super Bowl LIX ticket and merchandise scams, advising buyers to use official ticket platforms, verify URLs to avoid spoofing, avoid third-party sellers, and never pay via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. The warning recommends conducting transactions in safe locations, reviewing charges before checkout, and using credit cards for fraud protection. Victims can file complaints with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection at www.attorneygeneral.gov or by calling 800-441-2555.
kfyrtv.com
· 2025-12-08
An 84-year-old South Hadley woman lost $20,000 in July 2024 after being tricked by a scammer impersonating a Bank of America fraud representative who extracted her banking information during a five-hour call. Bank of America initially reimbursed only $6,055 of smaller fraudulent charges, denying the $20,000 wire transfer claim by arguing it fit her banking behavior, despite the victim having never previously made wire transfers. The case highlights a legal loophole in the Electronic Fund Transfer Act that does not require banks to reimburse customers who authorize payments while being deceived, though new legislation (the Protecting Consumers from Payment Sc
notizie.it
· 2025-12-08
Telephone scams targeting elderly people have increased significantly in recent years, but seniors are becoming more empowered to fight back through training courses organized by the Carabinieri in parishes and senior centers. These courses teach pensioners to recognize scam methods through real cases and simulations, enabling them to identify suspicious situations and contact authorities—transforming them from passive victims to active protectors of themselves. Key prevention strategies include never sharing personal information with strangers, verifying caller identity, and maintaining skepticism toward overly attractive offers.
nationthailand.com
· 2025-12-08
Thai national police met with ambassadors from 15 countries to strengthen international cooperation against call-centre scams that deceive foreign nationals into working for fraudulent operations in Southeast Asia, often transiting through Thailand. The initiative includes enhanced border screening at high-risk areas like Mae Sot district and 24/7 coordination between countries to identify and prevent potential victims. Reports indicate call-centre scam operations are declining in some areas but relocating across borders, requiring ongoing multinational enforcement efforts.
home.barclays
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, fraud and scams reached unprecedented levels, with 18 percent of consumers victimized and 34 percent knowing a scam victim, particularly targeting parents and grandparents. Investment scams emerged as the costliest threat, accounting for one-third of all scam losses with an average claim of £15,564, while 75 percent of scams originated on social media and tech platforms, including sophisticated AI voice-cloning schemes that remain underrecognized by consumers. The article emphasizes that while awareness campaigns have successfully educated the public about traditional scams like fake delivery and HMRC fraud, newer technological scams and recruitment fraud require increased education and cross-industry collaboration
kjzz.org
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonating bank representatives targeted at least four Yavapai County, Arizona residents, instructing them to withdraw funds and deposit them into new accounts under the false premise that their accounts were compromised. Victims who fell for the scheme lost an average of $25,000 each, though one woman was prevented from becoming a victim when an alert bank teller recognized the scam while the caller was still on the phone. Authorities recommend that anyone receiving such calls contact their bank directly to verify whether their account has actually been compromised.
rmoutlook.com
· 2025-12-08
A Barrhead man lost $200,000 to an online investment fraud impersonating Mark Cuban, while another victim lost $20,000 in a CRA impersonation scam demanding gift card payments. RCMP warned seniors about multiple circulating scams including cryptocurrency fraud, government impersonation, gift card extortion, and family emergency schemes, noting that recovered funds are rare and scammers use spoofed caller IDs and personal information to appear legitimate.
substack.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, scams targeting older adults resulted in approximately $3.4 billion in losses, according to the FBI's Elder Fraud Report. Common schemes include romance scams, tech support fraud, grandparent scams, government impersonation, lottery scams, and home repair fraud, with perpetrators typically using intimidation tactics or appeals to family relationships to pressure victims into sending money. Experts recommend maintaining awareness, being cautious of high-pressure situations, and reporting suspected fraud as the best defenses against these schemes.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Criminals are impersonating Elon Musk using fake advertisements and deepfake videos to perpetrate three main scams: selling ineffective energy-saving devices (with victims reporting losses of $152+ per unit), promoting a fraudulent Quantum AI investment platform using fabricated celebrity endorsements, and running giveaway schemes that extract fees or personal information from victims (with one person losing $6,000). These scams exploit AI deepfake technology to create convincing but entirely fictitious endorsements designed to steal money and personal information from unsuspecting targets.
local3news.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns of romance scams targeting Valentine's Day, particularly affecting people in their 50s and 60s on dating apps. Scammers use fake photos to catfish victims and eventually request money or personal information under the guise of a romantic relationship. The BBB recommends researching potential dates, asking specific questions, and being skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.
energized.edison.com
· 2025-12-08
Nearly 100 Southern California Edison customers fell victim to impersonation scams in just the first month of 2025, with fraudsters posing as SCE representatives to extract payments through various methods including urgency tactics, fake websites, prepaid cards, and barcode schemes. SCE advises customers to verify any calls by asking for a callback number, never provide credit card information over the phone, and report suspected scams to sce.com/scamalert, emphasizing that legitimate SCE representatives do not demand immediate payment or accept prepaid cards, Bitcoin, or Zelle transfers.
cw34.com
· 2025-12-08
Computer programmers in England developed "Daisy," an AI-powered elderly woman chatbot designed to waste scammers' time by engaging them in lengthy conversations—averaging seven minutes per call, with one interaction lasting 40 minutes. The prototype, created by Virgin Media O2, uses four layers of AI technology to generate realistic voice responses based on a detailed backstory (a 78-year-old widow who enjoys baking), and developers are now working to scale the technology into thousands of personas that can be installed on personal phones to combat both voice scams and phishing attempts.
nbcdfw.com
· 2025-12-08
During tax season, the Federal Trade Commission warns that identity theft scams are evolving, with scammers increasingly using text messages and emails rather than phone calls to direct victims to fake IRS websites and steal login credentials or install malware. In 2023, the FTC received over one million identity theft reports resulting in more than $10 billion in losses combined. The FTC advises taxpayers to avoid clicking unsolicited links, visit IRS.gov directly to verify information, freeze their credit, use strong passwords with multi-factor authentication, file taxes early, and obtain an IRS identity protection PIN.