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michigan.gov
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned consumers about a rising trend of scams impersonating celebrities (including Snoop Dogg, Garth Brooks, and Kid Rock) and military leaders to defraud victims. The scams include romance schemes, cryptocurrency/pig butchering investment frauds, and merchandise scams, often using AI-generated deepfakes to appear authentic. Nessel advised consumers never to send money to online contacts claiming to be celebrities, to verify requests through trusted contacts, and to avoid sharing personal or financial information with unverified online sources.
mlive.com
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a public advisory warning residents about increasingly common celebrity impersonation scams, in which fraudsters pose as famous figures like Snoop Dogg, Garth Brooks, and Kid Rock to deceive victims into sending money. Common schemes include romance scams (where victims believe they're in relationships with celebrities and send substantial sums), cryptocurrency/investment scams, and merchandise fraud; one notable case involved a French woman who sent over $800,000 to someone impersonating Brad Pitt. Nessel advises never sending money to online contacts, avoiding pressure to rush into relationships, and consulting trusted contacts before engaging with strangers on social media.
hometownstations.com
In the first four months of 2024, elder fraud resulted in an estimated $1.6 billion in losses nationwide, with Ohio reporting a 22% increase in scam complaints year-over-year. Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated methods including deepfakes, voice cloning, and cryptocurrency to target older adults, who are exploited due to perceived vulnerability and are often reluctant to report crimes due to shame or fear. Authorities recommend verifying unfamiliar contacts, establishing family code words, monitoring financial accounts regularly, and resisting high-pressure tactics to prevent fraud.
wbbjtv.com
Crime Stoppers Lieutenant Mike Johnson conducted a scam awareness presentation at Brookdale Senior Living in Jackson, Tennessee, highlighting that billions of dollars are lost annually to people over 60 through various scams including romantic schemes and fake court warrant threats. Johnson emphasized the importance of in-person education because seniors may not read all digital communications, and noted that many scams go unreported due to victims' reluctance to inform family members, with recent cases in the Jackson-Madison County area involving losses exceeding $50,000.
crosstimbersgazette.com
In 2024, Americans lost $12.5 billion to fraud—a 25% increase from 2023—with text message scams accounting for $470 million in losses alone. The article provides protective measures against common scams including text/email fraud, Medicare enrollment scams, and impersonation calls, advising consumers to verify requests through official channels, scrutinize sender information, and never provide Social Security numbers to unsolicited callers. Victims should report suspected scams to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov or 1-877-438-4338.
pymnts.com
A PYMNTS Intelligence and Featurespace report examining over 10,000 U.S. consumers reveals that scammers increasingly use personalized, sophisticated tactics targeting specific vulnerabilities across generations rather than employing generic approaches. Generation Z faces higher risks from employment and social media fraud, while older generations are disproportionately targeted by fake eCommerce and sweepstakes scams—with baby boomers and seniors experiencing eCommerce fraud at three times the rate of Gen Z. The report emphasizes that financial institutions must implement dynamic defenses, advanced analytics, and consumer training to combat these evolving threats that exploit psychological manipulation and consumer trust.
valpo.life
Americans lose $10 billion annually to scams, with older adults being particularly vulnerable due to lower confidence in recognizing fraudulent schemes and varying levels of tech-savviness. Common scams targeting seniors include tech support fraud, sweetheart scams (which cost people over 60 nearly $367 million in 2023), imposter scams, advance fee scams, investment scams, gift card scams, emergency wire transfers, and phishing attempts. To protect yourself, understand how scams operate—scammers pose as trusted entities and create urgent situations to pressure you into sharing money or personal information—and avoid clicking unknown links, verify requests by calling institutions directly, and be skeptical of
wired.com
Nicole Yelland fell victim to an elaborate job scam in January involving scammers impersonating a real company's hiring manager, who refused to turn on their camera during a video interview and requested sensitive personal information like her driver's license number. According to the FTC, job and employment-related scams have nearly tripled from 2020 to 2024, with losses increasing from $90 million to $500 million, fueled by AI tools that make it easier for fraudsters to create convincing fake personas and deepfakes. To combat these digital imposter scams, professionals are employing both high-tech solutions (AI detection startups, biometric verification) and low-tech
lifehacker.com
**REAL ID Scams and Prevention**
Scammers are exploiting the REAL ID deadline urgency through phishing emails, texts, and calls impersonating the DMV or DHS, directing victims to fake websites that steal personal information or deploy malware. Key warning signs include unsolicited contact from unknown sources, non-.gov email addresses, mismatched area codes, and fraudulent claims that REAL IDs can be obtained online or that services like "driver's license waivers" exist. To protect yourself, verify your current license already has a gold or black star (indicating compliance), ignore unrequested messages from government agencies, never click unknown links, and remember
neworleanscitybusiness.com
A 69-year-old Philadelphia woman nearly fell victim to a sophisticated tech support scam in which fraudsters posed as Norton antivirus, Microsoft, and her bank, threatening her with arrest and claiming hackers had transferred $18,000 to Russian accounts unless she purchased cryptocurrency. She avoided losing money after recalling that a friend had lost $800,000 to a similar scam and hung up the phone. Experts note that artificial intelligence, dark web data access, and lack of federal oversight have made financial scams increasingly believable and effective, with Americans losing between $23.7 billion and $158.3 billion to such schemes in 2023-2024.
nkytribune.com
U.S. consumers lost over $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, a 25% increase from the prior year, with investment scams accounting for $5.7 billion in losses. Adults aged 60+ are particularly vulnerable, having lost $3.4 billion in 2023 alone to scams including tech support, grandparent, and government impersonation schemes. The article recommends consumers verify caller identity by hanging up and calling their bank directly, never share account credentials or one-time access codes, and ignore unsolicited payment requests, as legitimate banks will never ask for such information.
fingerlakes1.com
The IRS warns that tax scams and identity theft threats persist year-round, not just during tax season, highlighting top schemes including phishing attacks, W-2 fraud, fake charities, and new client scams targeting both individuals and businesses. The agency recommends protective measures such as using multi-factor authentication, strong passwords, anti-malware software, and reporting suspicious activity to [email protected], while maintaining secure business information like EINs and remaining cautious of disaster-related fraud schemes.
cantonrep.com
The Better Business Bureau warns new college graduates to be cautious of four main scam types during their transition to post-college life: fake student loan forgiveness programs that charge fees for services, fraudulent tuition collection schemes demanding immediate payment via wire transfer, deceptive job offers promising high pay for remote entry-level positions while requesting personal/banking information or training fees, and fake graduation gifts or scholarships requesting personal information or processing fees. Graduates are advised to understand their actual loan terms, verify communications directly with institutions, research companies before applying for jobs, and be skeptical of unsolicited offers.
pymnts.com
Meta warned users about rising scam tactics including fake coupons, gift cards, and counterfeit products sold at artificially low prices designed to steal personal information. Research shows scam-related fraud increased 56% in share and financial losses jumped 121% this year, with scams now accounting for 23% of all fraudulent transactions, as fraudsters shift from targeting technical payment vulnerabilities to exploiting human behavior through phishing, impersonation, and social engineering tactics.
mix106radio.com
A sophisticated phishing scam targeting Idaho residents has been exploiting vulnerabilities in Google's infrastructure to bypass security systems and appear as legitimate Google emails. The attack, discovered by developer Nick Johnson, uses fraudulent emails designed to trick recipients into sharing sensitive data or downloading malware. Experts recommend using authenticator apps, regularly updating passwords, and forwarding suspicious emails to legitimate support sources like Google Support for verification.
bristolpost.co.uk
Romance scams targeted 29% of people seeking relationships online in the UK, with 51% of those targeted agreeing to send money to someone they hadn't met in person; these scams stolen £31.3 million from victims in 2022, with fraudsters using emotional manipulation and false pretenses (medical emergencies, travel costs) to build trust before disappearing with the money. Nationwide warns that recovered funds are unlikely and advises victims to contact their bank immediately with evidence, while recommending potential dating app users stay on legitimate platforms, avoid pre-meeting money discussions, verify profiles through reverse image searches, consult trusted friends, and watch for generic script language and investment solicitation tactics.
express.co.uk
Nationwide Building Society warns that romance scams result in victims rarely recovering their money, with scammers typically disappearing after funds are sent. In 2022, romance fraud cost UK victims £31.3 million, with 29% of online daters reporting being asked for money by someone they haven't met in person, and over half complying with these requests. The institution advises victims to immediately contact their bank with evidence and outlines seven prevention steps, including staying on reputable platforms, avoiding money discussions before meeting in person, conducting background research on potential matches, and consulting trusted friends or family about new relationships.
bristolpost.co.uk
Romance scams targeted 29% of people seeking relationships online in the UK, with 51% of those asked actually sending money to fraudsters they had not met in person. According to UK Finance, these scams stole £31.3 million in 2022, with victims unlikely to recover their funds once transferred. Nationwide advises staying on trustworthy dating platforms, avoiding money discussions with unmet contacts, researching potential partners through reverse image searches, and consulting trusted loved ones to identify scammers who use emotional manipulation and generic scripts to exploit victims.
devonlive.com
Romance scammers defraud victims by building trust-based online relationships and requesting money with emotional manipulation tactics; in 2022, romance scams stole £31.3 million from British victims, with 51% of those asked for money by online contacts agreeing to send it. Once money is sent to scammers, recovery is typically impossible as the fraudster disappears. Nationwide recommends staying on legitimate dating platforms, avoiding financial discussions before meeting in person, researching potential partners' backgrounds, consulting trusted loved ones, and being alert to scripted messaging and investment schemes.
bristolpost.co.uk
Nationwide warned that romance scams affected 29% of people seeking partners online, with 51% of those targeted agreeing to send money to someone they hadn't met in person. These scams stole £31.3 million from British victims in 2022, with fraudsters using emotional manipulation to build trust before requesting funds, after which money is rarely recovered. The bank advised protective measures including staying on legitimate dating platforms, avoiding money discussions before meeting in person, researching potential partners' authenticity, and consulting trusted contacts before sending funds.
safetydetectives.com
**Summary:**
Google is deploying AI-powered defenses in Chrome to protect users from online scams, including a version of its Gemini Nano model that runs on-device to identify suspicious websites and scams on desktop, and new warnings for suspicious notifications on Android. The Enhanced Protection mode in Safe Browsing now offers an additional layer of protection against both known and emerging scams, while Google's AI efforts across Search have reportedly caught 20 times more scam pages compared to previous methods.
abc15.com
This educational piece warns parents that scammers target children both for their personal data and their parents' information, potentially using stolen social security numbers to commit identity theft and credit fraud years later. The article emphasizes that children lack online security skills and may fall victim to gaming scams, fake social media accounts, phishing links, and fraudulent online stores. Parents are advised to have regular conversations with children about online safety, set clear boundaries on internet usage, use parental controls, and teach kids to recognize suspicious websites, unusual payment requests, and suspicious links.
cbsnews.com
Pittsburgh-area law enforcement leaders warned the public about increasingly sophisticated scams facilitated by technology, including common schemes like "grandparent" scams, fake tech support, and gift card fraud. The officials advised people to pause before acting on suspicious communications, verify information with trusted sources, avoid clicking links, and report all scams regardless of amount, noting that most stolen money is quickly moved out of the country and difficult to recover.
finance.yahoo.com
In 2024, fraud cost Americans $12.5 billion with a median loss of $1,500 per victim, with many incidents involving imposters posing as banks, retailers, or government agencies. Common scams include fraudulent bank charge texts, arrest threat calls demanding payment to avoid police action, fake USPS or Amazon messages requesting payment details, and official-looking property tax bills targeting recent homebuyers. Consumers should verify suspicious communications by contacting official numbers or agencies directly rather than using contact information from the suspicious message itself.
cnet.com
CNET advises fraud victims to report scams to the Federal Trade Commission and FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, even if no money was lost, as these reports help authorities identify trends, educate the public, and build cases against criminals. The FTC received over 3.4 million complaints last year with only 38% involving monetary losses, and victims can also take steps like freezing credit, contacting their bank, or using identity theft protection services to mitigate damage.
consumerfinance.gov
Five federal financial regulatory agencies and FinCEN issued guidance to help banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions combat elder financial exploitation, which affected approximately $27 billion in reported suspicious activity over a one-year period ending in June 2023. The statement recommends risk management practices including employee training on recognizing exploitation, establishing trusted contact processes, implementing transaction holds when appropriate, and timely reporting to law enforcement and Adult Protective Services. These measures aim to help supervised institutions identify, prevent, and respond to elder financial exploitation that can cause older adults to lose their life savings and financial security.
wired.com
This article is not about elder fraud. It covers cybersecurity and immigration policy issues, including CBP's face recognition expansion, data breaches affecting a messaging app used by government agencies, and a hack of a deportation airline that revealed flight manifests. These topics fall outside the scope of elder fraud research and do not involve scams targeting older adults or elder abuse.
gator995.com
A phishing scam targeting Texas Gmail users involves fraudulent emails that impersonate Google or banking institutions, directing victims to fake login pages to steal credentials. Developer Nick Johnson fell victim after clicking a link in an email claiming he had been served a subpoena and needed to upload documents. Google advises users to enable account recovery options (backup email and phone number) and ignore any emails requesting passwords or verification codes, as legitimate Google communications never request this information via email.
gulfcoastnewsnow.com
The Cape Coral Police Department is warning residents about courier scams in which imposters pose as police officers, federal agents, IRS officials, or bank employees via phone, email, or text to pressure victims into withdrawing large sums of money by creating false urgency and threats of arrest. Police emphasize that legitimate institutions never contact people this way and advise residents to never open suspicious links or withdraw money based on unsolicited contact, and to report such attempts to the non-emergency line at 239-574-3223.
mashable.com
Scammers are sending fraudulent emails impersonating Geek Squad, claiming victims owe $300-$500 for fake subscription renewals to pressure them into calling the provided number or clicking links. Once victims engage, scammers use social engineering tactics to steal personal information like credit card or Social Security numbers, or trick them into installing remote access software. To protect yourself, ignore these emails entirely and contact Geek Squad directly through Best Buy's official website if you need legitimate support.
ktnv.com
Cybercriminals are exploiting post-Real ID deadline confusion by using fake websites, AI-generated phone calls, and phishing messages to impersonate government agencies like the DMV and TSA, attempting to steal personal information including Social Security numbers and payment details. Red flags include unsolicited urgent messages with suspicious links, requests for sensitive data via text or email, and offers to expedite Real ID online—a process that requires mandatory in-person DMV interviews. Authorities emphasize that the DMV will never initiate contact about Real ID applications, and there are no legitimate online shortcuts to obtain the credential.
klarna.com
This educational guide from Klarna outlines common fraud and scam types affecting consumers, including phishing, impersonation, fake investment schemes, robocalls, online shopping fraud, job scams, and scams targeting elderly individuals. The article advises protecting personal information by never sharing credentials unsolicited, recognizing red flags such as unexpected urgent requests, untrustworthy websites, and promises that seem too good to be true, and verifying merchant legitimacy through store reviews, return policies, and contact information before making purchases.
seroundtable.com
Google announced significant improvements to its scam-detection capabilities, now catching 20 times more fraudulent pages and reducing scams in Search results by over 80% through AI-powered systems. The improvements specifically targeted impersonation scams, such as fake airline customer service pages, which Google has reduced by more than 80% in Search results. Google also deployed new AI-powered scam detection features across Chrome, Google Messages, and Phone by Google to protect users from fraud and data theft.
consumer.ftc.gov
This educational article warns consumers about gift card scams that surge around holidays like Mother's Day. Scammers use urgent tactics—impersonating government agencies or family members—to pressure victims into purchasing gift cards and sharing the codes, exploiting the holiday shopping season. The article identifies key red flags including demands for gift card payments, specific brand recommendations, artificial urgency, and requests for secrecy.
pymnts.com
Google has integrated AI-powered scam detection tools across its products, including Gemini Nano in Chrome's Enhanced Protection mode to detect tech support scams and fake websites, along with AI-powered alerts in Chrome on Android and scam detection features in Google Messages and Phone. The company reports that its AI now blocks 20 times more scam websites than three years ago and reduced impersonation scams of official sites by over 70% in 2024, with all processing occurring on-device to protect user privacy.
wjla.com
A Rockville, Maryland resident lost $400,000 after scammers used phishing tactics—posing as a trustworthy Canadian business via email, text, or phone—to convince the victim to send multiple checks. Police arrested a suspect in Ontario, Canada in March after tracking the funds to Canadian bank accounts and coordinating with banks to shut down the fraudulent accounts, with the investigation ongoing. Montgomery County officials are warning residents that phishing scams are increasingly sophisticated and urging people to be wary of urgent or threatening communications requesting money or personal information.
hometownstations.com
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yourvalley.net
Kingsley Sebastian Ibhadore, a 40-year-old Glendale man, was sentenced to 17 months in prison on May 5 for his role as a "money mule" in online romance scams, pleading guilty to structuring charges. Between July 2019 and March 2020, Ibhadore used 24 bank accounts under multiple aliases to withdraw over $500,000 in small amounts below federal reporting thresholds, deliberately concealing and distributing funds stolen from romance scam victims. Surveillance footage documented him conducting transactions using fraudulent identities at multiple Arizona banks even after confirming the money originated from romance scams.
yourvalley.net
Kingsley Sebastian Ibhadore, a 40-year-old Glendale man, was sentenced to 17 months in prison on May 5 for his role as a "money mule" in online romance scams, having pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit structuring. Between July 2019 and March 2020, Ibhadore used 24 bank accounts under false identities to deposit and withdraw over $500,000 in romance scam proceeds in amounts below federal reporting thresholds to avoid detection. Surveillance footage captured him conducting transactions using fraudulent identities at multiple Arizona banks, and he continued the illegal activity even after confirming the funds came from romance sc
whiznews.com
Ohio's Department of Commerce and Department of Aging are raising awareness about the growing number of scams targeting seniors, noting that scammers exploit older adults due to perceived vulnerability and financial stability, while victims often avoid reporting due to shame and fear. Key fraud threats include voice-cloning scams using AI technology, romance scams that exploit emotional connections to steal tens of thousands of dollars, and unsolicited contact attempts. The state recommends seniors avoid responding to unknown contacts, verify identities before sharing information, resist high-pressure tactics, and utilize available resources from the Department of Aging to protect themselves.
nwitimes.com
Cryptocurrency investment fraud accounted for nearly $4 billion in losses in 2023 (71% of all crypto-related losses), a 53% increase from 2022, with victims often lured through "pig butchering" scams that build trust via dating apps and social media before directing them to fake investment platforms. Criminals exploit cryptocurrency's decentralized nature, irreversible transactions, and AI-enhanced deception tactics—including voice cloning and fake videos—to operate sophisticated call center operations that mimic legitimate businesses. While people aged 30-49 filed the most complaints, victims over 60 suffered the highest losses at over $1.24 billion.
2news.com
Three suspects were arrested and booked into Douglas County Jail for conducting elder fraud and extortion schemes in which they collected money from victims using scam-based tactics. The article does not specify the number of elder victims affected, dollar amounts stolen, or detailed charges against the suspects.
nypost.com
A sophisticated phishing scam impersonating law enforcement is targeting Gmail users by exploiting vulnerabilities in Google's infrastructure, particularly through Google Sites subdomains that appear legitimate. The fraudulent emails claim a subpoena has been issued and direct users to a fake support portal where they enter credentials, allowing cybercriminals to hijack accounts. Google acknowledged the attack and recommends users enable two-factor authentication and passkeys for protection, while researchers call for the company to disable scripts and embeds in Google Sites to prevent future credential harvesting schemes.
blog.google
Google is deploying advanced AI systems across its platforms to detect and block scams at scale, including blocking hundreds of millions of fraudulent search results daily and reducing airline impersonation scams by over 80%. The company is expanding protections through on-device AI models in Chrome's Enhanced Protection mode, Android's Google Messages and Phone app, and new warnings against malicious notifications—all designed to combat evolving threats like phishing, remote tech support scams, and sophisticated call/text message fraud.
malwarebytes.com
Between December 2023 and February 2025, the FBI received over 100 reports of scammers impersonating FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) employees to defraud victims via email, phone, social media, and online forums. The scammers typically claim to have recovered lost funds or offer recovery assistance, then request upfront "recovery fees," sensitive personal and financial information (including Social Security numbers, bank account details, and cryptocurrency credentials), or payment for fake "extraction software." Victims can protect themselves by recognizing red flags such as spoofed email addresses, urgent language, unsolicited requests for sensitive data, and suspicious attachments or links, and by reporting fraudulent
kcci.com
The FBI warned of growing discount medical insurance scams where fraudsters contact victims via phone, text, and email offering fake insurance plans at reduced rates with high-pressure tactics and upfront payment requirements. Victims have lost millions of dollars annually, including a Pennsylvania couple who discovered their policy didn't cover emergency care and a Maryland man who faced a $7,000 medical bill after his fake insurance was rejected by providers. To protect themselves, consumers should verify insurance offers through their state's insurance commissioner and Better Business Bureau, confirm provider acceptance, and report suspected scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
wesh.com
The FBI warned of discount medical insurance scams targeting individuals seeking affordable healthcare, with victims losing millions of dollars annually through fraudulent plans offered via calls, texts, and emails. Scammers used high-pressure tactics and false promises of reduced rates to pressure victims into prepaying for fake policies that failed to cover medical services, resulting in thousands of dollars in unexpected bills. The FBI recommends verifying insurance offers with state insurance commissioners and the Better Business Bureau, confirming provider acceptance, and avoiding high-pressure sales tactics and upfront payment requests.
12onyourside.com
An FBI report reveals that scams targeting adults 60 and older are increasing rapidly, with over 100,000 complaints filed in 2023 resulting in $3.4 billion in losses nationwide, with Virginia ranking 9th at over $90,000 in fraud losses. Romance scams, cryptocurrency scams, and impostor scams (such as fake bank agent calls) are the most common tactics exploiting older adults who have more time and financial resources. Experts recommend authenticating all communications, not trusting caller ID alone, and educating seniors about fraud prevention strategies.