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spectrumnews1.com
· 2025-12-17
During the 2024 holiday season, Ohio residents and people nationwide face a surge of sophisticated scams that have cost Americans over $50 billion between 2020 and 2024, with the most common schemes including fake shipping alerts, fake urgent requests from authority figures for gift cards, convincing charity impersonations, phishing for loyalty points, and dangerous public Wi-Fi networks. Consumers of all ages are vulnerable during the busy holiday period when scammers exploit the seasonal chaos to catch people off guard. To protect yourself, take a few seconds to verify shipping notifications directly through official retailer websites, never respond to unexpected urgent requests for gift cards, donate only through official charity channels you've verified independently, avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, and avoid conducting sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi networks.
kctv5.com
· 2025-12-17
# Holiday Scams Surge with AI Technology
The FBI is warning Kansas City shoppers that scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to commit fraud during the holiday season, with over 535,000 Americans losing $13.7 billion to online scams in 2024 alone. Criminals are now using AI to create convincing fake social media profiles, clone voices, forge documents, and produce deepfake videos impersonating loved ones and public figures to pressure victims into quick decisions. To protect yourself, the FBI recommends verifying requests before clicking links, using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and trusting your instincts if something feels suspicious—and reporting any scams you encounter, even if you didn't lose money, helps law enforcement stop future victims.
panewslab.com
· 2025-12-17
A professional angel investor in China lost at least 100,000 yuan in cryptocurrency after unknowingly downloading malware disguised as a game launcher while testing a Web3 project called "MetaToy." The scam began when someone posing as a co-founder contacted him on Telegram and directed him to download the infected software, which compromised his digital wallet. The investor's key advice to the public is to avoid downloading software from unknown sources, never share two-factor authentication details with anyone, and remain vigilant about phishing attempts—even experienced tech professionals can fall victim to these schemes.
infosecurity-magazine.com
· 2025-12-17
During the Christmas shopping season, internet users face a surge of sophisticated AI-powered scams, with security experts detecting over 33,500 phishing emails and 10,000 fraudulent social media ads in just two weeks. Scammers are using AI to create convincing fake delivery notices, e-commerce websites, and charity appeals in flawless local languages, with fake delivery scams increasing 100% compared to last year. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited messages and deals, verify websites before entering payment information, avoid clicking links in unexpected delivery notifications, and be wary of social media giveaway claims—especially from newly created accounts.
13wmaz.com
· 2025-12-17
# Holiday Scam Summary
During the holiday season, scammers target unsuspecting shoppers with fake ads and unsolicited messages to steal money and personal information. The FBI recommends verifying online deals by visiting retailer websites directly rather than clicking promoted links on social media, and treating unexpected texts and emails as red flags. Taking a moment to question whether deals seem too good to be true can help protect you and your loved ones from falling victim to holiday scams.
wmbfnews.com
· 2025-12-17
During the holiday season, the Better Business Bureau warns of imposter scams where fraudsters pose as legitimate businesses on social media, airlines, and utility companies to trick consumers into revealing personal information or making emergency payments. These scams use high-pressure tactics and urgency to bypass critical thinking, targeting shoppers who may be distracted or vulnerable. To protect yourself, use credit cards for purchases (which offer dispute protection), verify websites use secure HTTPS connections, research businesses beforehand, and be skeptical of urgent demands for payment or personal information.
cryptorank.io
· 2025-12-17
A Bitcoin adviser warns of rising "pig butchering" scams—where fraudsters build trust with victims before convincing them to send cryptocurrency to fake trading accounts—after one of his clients lost their entire Bitcoin holdings to such a scheme. These social engineering scams are proving difficult to prevent even when victims use security measures like multi-signature wallets, as scammers manipulate people into voluntarily transferring their funds. Crypto holders should be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities and remember that legitimate investments don't promise unrealistic returns like doubling your money.
news.shib.io
· 2025-12-17
A Bitcoin investor lost his entire retirement savings of 1 BTC in an AI-powered "pig butchering" scam after being approached by someone posing as both a trader and romantic interest who promised to double his investment. Originally reported by The Shib Daily, the scam exploited emotional manipulation tactics typical of pig butchering schemes, which lure victims through fake romantic relationships and investment promises before stealing their funds. To protect yourself, be extremely skeptical of unsolicited investment offers from strangers online, never send cryptocurrency to people you haven't verified through trusted channels, and remember that legitimate traders won't pressure you through romantic appeals or promise guaranteed returns.
tradingview.com
· 2025-12-17
During the holiday season, cryptocurrency users face increased scam risks as cybercriminals exploit increased online activity, heightened emotions, and distraction to trick people into fraudulent schemes like phishing emails, fake wallet apps, and bogus investment opportunities. Crypto users are particularly vulnerable because cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible, making it difficult or impossible to recover stolen funds. To stay protected, users should avoid clicking suspicious links, verify wallet addresses carefully, and take time to authenticate requests before conducting any crypto transactions, especially during busy holiday periods.
idtechwire.com
· 2025-12-17
Identity theft has become criminals' primary target in 2025, with AI-powered attacks making scams easier to execute at scale through stolen credentials, synthetic identities, and automated impersonation—resulting in billions of dollars in annual losses that affect consumers across financial services and social media platforms. The report reveals that weak passwords and outdated authentication methods remain the biggest vulnerability, while many people worldwide lack reliable identity verification systems that fraudsters can exploit. To protect themselves, consumers should strengthen their passwords, enable multi-factor authentication on critical accounts, monitor their credit reports regularly, and be cautious of unexpected account access attempts or requests for personal information.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-16
Online scams are disproportionately targeting seniors, who are vulnerable due to isolation, loneliness, and less familiarity with technology, according to local aging offices. Common scams include fraudulent texts and phone calls (especially during Medicare enrollment and tax season), romance scams on social media, and requests for gift card purchases. Seniors who suspect they've been scammed can contact Lifespan of Greater Rochester at 585-244-8400 or 866-454-5110 (toll-free) for counseling, support groups, and assistance in potentially recovering funds.
journal-news.net
· 2025-12-16
# Fraud Investigation Summary
A Berkeley County resident fell victim to a government impersonation scam in which fraudsters sent a fake Apple Pay alert, then threatened her with false criminal allegations to extort money. Following law enforcement's advice to report the incident to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, the victim's case contributed to international law enforcement raids in Jaipur, India, that shut down fraudulent call centers and arrested approximately 60 suspects. If you receive unsolicited payment alerts or calls impersonating government agencies, hang up, contact official agencies directly using verified phone numbers, and report the incident to IC3.gov, the FBI, or the Federal Trade Commission.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-16
According to a recent Federal Trade Commission report, Americans over 60 lost $2.4 billion to scams in 2024—a 400% increase since 2020—with investment scams, imposter scams, and romance scams being the most common types, primarily spread through social media. Seniors are particularly vulnerable because they often have accumulated savings and may experience age-related brain changes that reduce their ability to detect risk and read social cues. To protect yourself, thoroughly investigate any investment opportunity through the Securities and Exchange Commission before committing money, and be cautious of unsolicited contact on social media.
wgal.com
· 2025-12-16
# Scam Summary
The Federal Trade Commission reports a significant rise in scams targeting older adults, with increasing numbers losing over $100,000 to fraudsters. While seniors are more likely to report scams when they occur, helping warn others, adult children should proactively discuss current scam trends with elderly family members rather than assuming they're aware of the latest threats.
seattlered.com
· 2025-12-16
# Scam Losses Among Older Americans Surge Dramatically
Reported fraud losses for Americans aged 60 and older have skyrocketed to $2.4 billion in 2024—nearly four times higher than the $600 million reported in 2020—with the FTC estimating the actual total damage could exceed $81 billion. Scammers are increasingly targeting seniors through social media platforms with cryptocurrency investment scams and romance schemes, while also impersonating authority figures like law enforcement and banks to pressure victims into transferring large sums of money. To protect yourself, watch for common warning signs: unexpected contact from unknown people, emotional appeals designed to upset you, and artificial pressure to act quickly without thinking.
pennwatch.org
· 2025-12-16
# Scam Summary
An elderly Lancaster County couple lost $1.3 million in a Social Security impersonation scam that began with a phone call claiming their Social Security number was compromised. The fraudsters convinced them to liquidate retirement savings, convert the money to gold bars, and hand them over in person as a supposed "fee" for obtaining a new Social Security number. Authorities warn the public to immediately hang up on any caller threatening legal action or demanding payment for government services, as legitimate government agencies never request payment or personal assets over the phone.
wgal.com
· 2025-12-16
A scammer in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania impersonated a Social Security Administration representative and convinced two residents their Social Security numbers had been compromised, persuading them to liquidate retirement accounts and buy over $1.3 million in gold under the false promise of protecting their money. Older adults appear to be at highest risk for this type of fraud. To protect yourself and loved ones, verify any unexpected calls about benefits or legal issues by contacting family members or official agencies directly, and have conversations with elderly relatives about these common warning signs.
countryherald.com
· 2025-12-16
# Romance Scams on the Rise in Berkeley County
Scammers are increasingly using dating apps and social media to prey on people by posing as romantic interests, building emotional connections quickly before requesting money, gift cards, or personal financial information under false pretenses like emergencies or investments. Residents in Berkeley County, South Carolina, are being warned to watch for red flags such as vague personal stories, refusal to video chat, pressure to keep relationships secret, and urgent requests for money. To protect themselves, people should never send money or gift cards to online-only contacts, verify identities independently, and report suspicious activity immediately to local law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission.
fdic.gov
· 2025-12-16
During the busy holiday shopping season, identity theft and scams increase significantly, making December's National Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month an important reminder for consumers to protect themselves. The FDIC offers free Money Smart educational resources that teach people how to recognize phishing attempts, protect personal financial information, and take action if they become victims—including steps like reviewing credit reports and freezing credit, with specialized guidance available for older adults who are frequently targeted by scams. Consumers can access these tools at FDIC.gov/MoneySmart, while educators and community groups can use the materials to conduct local workshops and help people stay vigilant throughout the year.
southcarolinapublicradio.org
· 2025-12-16
# Holiday Season Fraud Warning
As holiday shopping and travel season peaks, the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs warns that scammers are increasing their fraudulent schemes targeting busy consumers. Common holiday scams include various travel and shopping cons that can compromise personal information and financial security. To protect yourself, the SCDCA recommends staying vigilant during holiday activities, attending their free webinar "Guard Your Wallet on the Road," and downloading their free guide "Ditch the Pitch" for practical tips on avoiding scams.
fox5dc.com
· 2025-12-16
Washington D.C.'s Attorney General is warning residents about holiday gift card scams where thieves tamper with cards on store shelves by scanning codes or swapping barcodes to steal funds immediately after purchase. These scams are particularly dangerous because they don't require personal information and are difficult to detect, putting any shopper who buys compromised cards at risk. To protect yourself, carefully inspect gift cards before buying, keep your receipt, and report any suspicious activity to D.C.'s DISB (202-727-8000) or the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Office (202-442-9828).
abc7ny.com
· 2025-12-16
# Holiday Pet Scam Summary
Scammers are targeting pet lovers during the holidays with fake puppy listings and stolen photos, with the Better Business Bureau warning that 80% of online pet listings may be fraudulent. Victims lose hundreds or thousands of dollars paying upfront for non-existent dogs, plus fake shipping and insurance fees. To stay safe, adopt from reputable local shelters, verify photos through reverse image searches, never wire money or use untraceable payment methods, and remember that suspiciously cheap prices are usually scams.
home.treasury.gov
· 2025-12-16
The U.S. Treasury Department has released a holiday advisory warning consumers about a surge in cyber-enabled fraud and scams, which now cost tens of billions of dollars annually and increasingly use artificial intelligence to impersonate trusted contacts and businesses. Consumers of all ages shopping and conducting transactions online are vulnerable, particularly during the holiday season when digital activity peaks. The Treasury urges people to verify unexpected messages, consult trusted sources before acting, and report suspected fraud to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
cxodigitalpulse.com
· 2025-12-16
Telegram scams are surging in India, with fraudsters using the platform's encrypted channels to promote fake investment schemes, lottery wins, and job offers that have cost Indians over ₹1,100 crore in the first half of 2025 alone. Scammers typically start by flooding public channels with promises of quick profits, then move victims to private chats where they use deepfakes and psychological pressure to extract money through UPI payments or malware-infected apps. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment pitches on Telegram, never share personal details with unknown contacts, and avoid clicking links or downloading files from untrusted sources.
abc27.com
· 2025-12-16
During the holiday season, scammers are increasingly targeting generous Americans, with data showing that roughly 60% will be targeted by scams this year and one in five will fall victim. Common scams include fraudulent charities, romance scams on dating apps, and impersonators claiming to be from financial institutions. To protect yourself, never give money to people you've met online, be suspicious of requests to move conversations to third-party messaging apps, and always hang up and call your financial institution directly using a number from their official website rather than trusting incoming calls.
agedcareguide.com.au
· 2025-12-16
# Scam Threat Summary
Australian seniors over 50 are facing unprecedented fraud risks as AI-powered scams become more sophisticated, with 84% having encountered or fallen victim to scams and 83% reporting it's harder to trust information than ever before. The most common scams targeting this group involve phishing emails, parcel delivery schemes, and overdue payment demands, often delivered via phone calls, emails, or text messages. To protect themselves, older Australians should regularly fact-check information before believing or sharing it, verify unexpected communications directly with organizations, and remain skeptical of unsolicited contact—particularly those claiming urgency or requesting personal information.
atg.wa.gov
· 2025-12-16
Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown secured a court order blocking the Trump administration's attempts to fine states millions of dollars over their SNAP (food assistance) program operations. The administration had tried to cut off benefits to lawful permanent residents and then threatened states with penalties for not quickly enough implementing contradictory guidance that kept changing. If you receive SNAP benefits as a green card holder or know someone who does, you should know that the court has confirmed your eligibility remains protected, and your state cannot be penalized for delays in implementing unclear federal directives.
foxbusiness.com
· 2025-12-15
# Fraud Losses Among Older Americans Surge to Billions
Older Americans lost an estimated $2.4 billion to financial fraud in 2024, with the FTC warning the true figure could be as high as $81.5 billion when accounting for underreporting—a dramatic four-fold increase from 2020 losses. The surge is being driven by large-scale scams where victims lose over $100,000, and scammers are increasingly using social media as their primary tool to target seniors. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited offers on social media, verify requests for money through independent contact with known institutions, and report suspected fraud to the FTC immediately.
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-15
Scammers are targeting Medicare beneficiaries with fake calls claiming to issue new plastic cards or requesting verification of Medicare numbers to prevent coverage loss—tactics that are entirely fraudulent. Seniors in New York and nationwide are vulnerable to these schemes, which contribute to an estimated $60 billion in annual Medicare fraud losses. To protect yourself, never provide personal information over the phone in response to unsolicited calls, and if you suspect fraud or believe your Medicare number has been compromised, contact the New York State Senior Medicare Patrol at 800-333-4374 or visit www.nysenior.org for assistance.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-15
Scammers are targeting Medicare recipients with fake phone calls claiming to issue new plastic Medicare cards or requesting verification of Medicare numbers to prevent coverage loss, but Medicare never calls people asking for this information and only issues standard paper cards. Seniors and their caregivers should immediately hang up on unsolicited calls asking for Medicare information, never share personal or medical details with unexpected callers, and regularly review their Medicare statements for unfamiliar charges. The New York StateWide Senior Action Council is warning older adults about this recurring scam and urging them to report suspicious activity to protect themselves from fraud.
blackenterprise.com
· 2025-12-15
# Senior Fraud Alert: 2024 Losses Hit Billions
Seniors lost billions of dollars to fraud in 2024, with people over 80 reporting median losses of $1,600 each, according to FTC data showing that older Americans are disproportionately targeted by investment scams, business impersonators, government imposters, and romance scams—often initiated through social media. To protect yourself, authorities recommend becoming familiar with common scams, ignoring suspicious calls and messages, and reporting fraud to ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Free resources like the AARP Fraud Watch Network helpline are also available to help identify and avoid scams.
bankingexchange.com
· 2025-12-15
# Bank Fraud Hitting Seniors the Hardest
Senior citizens are being targeted disproportionately by financial scams, with those over 60 accounting for the majority of the $2 billion in reported fraud losses, though the actual total including investment scams may exceed $80 billion. The problem is worsening, with increasingly sophisticated schemes stealing over $100,000 from individuals, adding significant stress to seniors already worried about their financial security. To protect yourself, stay vigilant about unsolicited financial offers, verify requests directly with your bank using official phone numbers, and consider having a trusted family member review major financial decisions.
consumeraffairs.com
· 2025-12-15
# Fraud Summary
While overall fraud declined in 2024, older Americans age 60 and older continued losing billions of dollars to scams, with impostor fraud, investment schemes, and tech-support scams causing the most damage. Although seniors file fewer fraud complaints than younger people, their individual losses are significantly higher because scammers exploit trust, create false urgency, and target retirement savings. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact claiming legal trouble or account issues, verify requests independently before sending money, and be wary of investment pitches promising guaranteed returns, especially those tied to trendy topics like AI or cryptocurrency.
hometownsource.com
· 2025-12-15
# Fraud and Scams Summary
Minnesota Aging Pathways is offering a free virtual seminar on January 14 to help people—particularly older adults—learn how to prevent, detect, and report fraud and scams, which are increasingly targeting seniors. The presentation will cover fraud prevention strategies and information from the Senior Medicare Patrol federal program, with registration available through Eventbrite or by calling 800-333-2433. To protect yourself, attend educational sessions like this one and learn how to recognize warning signs of scams targeting your personal information.
asaaseradio.com
· 2025-12-15
Cybercrime in Ghana has become increasingly sophisticated and organized, with criminal syndicates using artificial intelligence to create convincing fake identities for romance scams that primarily target lonely, elderly, and retired individuals. Victims often don't report these crimes due to shame or embarrassment about sensitive personal information they've shared with scammers. Experts advise treating all online fraud as organized crime rather than isolated incidents, and urge potential victims—especially seniors—to be skeptical of online romantic advances, verify identities through multiple means, and report suspicious activity despite any embarrassment.
times-herald.com
· 2025-12-15
Detective Sgt. Steve McCook of the Newnan Police Department warned the Kiwanis Club that scams have become increasingly sophisticated and can target anyone regardless of intelligence or education, using emotional manipulation and fear tactics like fake arrest warrants and romance scams to pressure victims into paying with gift cards or cryptocurrency. The detective emphasized that victims can protect themselves by remembering they control the conversation—they can always hang up and call police immediately if something feels suspicious. Key actionable advice: never pay fines or fees over the phone or with gift cards, as legitimate law enforcement will never demand payment this way, and always verify requests by independently calling official authorities.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-15
A Bitcoin investor lost his entire retirement savings to a "pig butchering" scam after being manipulated by someone posing as a romantic interest and investment advisor online. This type of scam uses emotional manipulation and fake identities to convince victims to voluntarily transfer their assets, and they cost victims $5.5 billion in 2024 despite increased law enforcement efforts. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities from online contacts, never send funds based on romantic relationships with strangers, and verify any investment advice through established professional advisors before taking action.
knoe.com
· 2025-12-15
The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about "ghost tapping," a scam where fraudsters exploit tap-to-pay systems and mobile wallets to charge unauthorized amounts, often in crowded environments or through door-to-door schemes. Victims have reported losses ranging from hundreds to over a thousand dollars after being pressured to make tap payments without seeing the total or receiving receipts. To protect yourself, watch for unexpected small "test" charges on your bank statements, always verify transaction amounts before tapping, and request receipts—if you suspect fraud, contact your bank immediately or report it to the BBB.
dimsumdaily.hk
· 2025-12-15
The Hong Kong Consumer Council has warned about problems with matchmaking agencies and dating apps, including mismatched recommendations, fake user profiles, and unrealistic promises about finding partners. In documented cases, consumers paid thousands of dollars but received introductions that didn't match their stated criteria—such as dates significantly older than promised—or faced pressure for additional fees. The Council advises consumers to manage expectations, get clear written terms before signing contracts, and stay alert for online romance scams, while urging service providers to improve user verification and transparency.
goldrushcam.com
· 2025-12-15
# Nevada County Inheritance Mail Scam Alert
Nevada County authorities are warning residents about a fraudulent mail scam targeting vulnerable adults, particularly seniors, claiming they've inherited millions from a life insurance policy. The official-looking letters falsely claim the recipient shares a surname and nationality with a deceased person and offer to split 90% of a supposed $10 million estate between the recipient and a law firm. Residents should be skeptical of unsolicited inheritance claims and contact Nevada County Adult Services (530-265-1639) or the Sheriff's Office if they receive suspicious mail or suspect they've been targeted.
bitdefender.com
· 2025-12-14
During the holiday season, scammers target families—especially seniors—through fake shopping sites, delivery scams, charity fraud, and impersonation schemes, taking advantage of increased online shopping and emotional vulnerability. Grandparents are particularly at risk when searching for gifts or receiving urgent messages claiming a relative needs help. To protect your family, use free verification tools like Link Checker to verify suspicious URLs and Scamio to review questionable messages or charity requests before engaging with them.
freepressjournal.in
· 2025-12-14
Mumbai Police's Cyber Cell is launching an awareness campaign to protect senior citizens from "digital arrest" scams, where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officers and threaten victims into transferring money or sharing personal information. The campaign includes direct home visits to elderly residents in South Mumbai, where officers explain that "digital arrest" doesn't exist under Indian law and that legitimate law enforcement never makes arrests or demands money through phone or video calls. **Actionable advice:** Hang up immediately if anyone calls claiming you're under arrest or investigation, and contact your local police to verify any such claims—this is a clear sign of fraud.
castanet.net
· 2025-12-14
A Kamloops senior lost $5,000 after a scammer impersonated a bank representative, claiming her accounts were compromised and instructing her to purchase gift cards and share the numbers over the phone. Seniors and vulnerable people are being specifically targeted with this type of fraud during the holiday season. To protect yourself, remember that legitimate banks and government agencies will never request payment via gift cards or ask you to provide sensitive information over the phone—if you receive such a call, hang up and contact your bank directly using a number from their official website.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-14
# Fake Online Reviews Scam Summary
Criminals are using AI, bots, and paid workers to generate fake five-star reviews on a massive scale, tricking online shoppers into buying poor-quality or counterfeit products—a practice that remains widespread despite being banned in the UK in April 2024. Between 11-30% of online reviews on major shopping platforms are estimated to be fake, with scammers sometimes creating entirely fraudulent review websites for high-demand items like air fryers and vacuum cleaners. To protect yourself, be skeptical of over-the-top praise (like "changed my life"), check for typos and grammar errors in reviews, buy from recognized brands or trusted retailers, and report suspicious reviews to platforms.
postandcourier.com
· 2025-12-14
The Better Business Bureau warns consumers about multiple holiday scams targeting shoppers and generous donors, including fake websites, phishing emails with malware, fraudulent charity solicitations, and impersonation scams claiming family members need emergency money. Those affected include online shoppers, parents receiving fake Santa letters, job seekers, and anyone approached for charitable donations. To stay safe, use credit cards on secure websites (look for https and lock symbols), verify charity legitimacy at give.org before donating, confirm emergency requests with family members before sending money, and be skeptical of unsolicited emails and shipping notifications.
whyy.org
· 2025-12-14
# Holiday Fraud Summary
During the busy holiday shopping season, fraudsters are increasingly targeting consumers through fake retail websites and phishing scams, as illustrated by the case of Dr. Susan Moyer, who clicked a fraudulent link texting from what appeared to be a trusted contact and nearly lost thousands of dollars before her bank blocked the transactions. According to recent surveys, 89% of U.S. adults have experienced or been targeted by fraud, with scammers using sophisticated tactics like artificial intelligence to create convincing fake sites that are hard to distinguish from legitimate ones. To protect yourself, experts recommend verifying website URLs before entering payment information, checking for security indicators like the lock icon, being suspicious of unsolicited links even from known contacts, and immediately contacting your bank if you notice suspicious activity.
victoriaadvocate.com
· 2025-12-14
The Better Business Bureau warns consumers about 12 common holiday scams, including fake online purchases, fraudulent gift exchanges, malicious apps, phishing emails, and employment scams that exploit increased holiday shopping, travel, and job searching. To protect themselves, consumers should avoid clicking unsolicited links, paying via wire transfer or gift cards, downloading unfamiliar apps, and should verify requests directly with official sources rather than through provided contact information. Being cautious with social media ads, unsolicited messages, and requests for personal information can help avoid falling victim to these schemes during the holiday season.
wnegradio.com
· 2025-12-14
# Delivery Scam Summary
Scammers are sending fraudulent text messages and emails impersonating major delivery carriers like FedEx, UPS, and USPS, asking recipients to click links to "update delivery preferences" or reschedule packages. These fake links lead to phishing sites that steal personal information, financial data, or install malware on devices, with scams becoming especially prevalent during the holiday shipping season. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in unsolicited delivery messages and instead contact the carrier directly through their official website or phone number to verify any delivery issues.
keysnews.com
· 2025-12-14
Police in Monroe County, Florida are alerting residents to a rise in holiday scams, including fraudsters impersonating First Horizon Bank and Florida Highway Patrol officials to trick people into providing personal information or making payments. The scams typically involve unsolicited text messages or calls claiming false debts or license suspension threats, with perpetrators asking victims to pay via gift cards or Bitcoin or to share passwords. Residents are advised to hang up on suspicious callers and contact financial institutions or government agencies directly using official numbers rather than information provided by the caller.
tampafp.com
· 2025-12-14
# Fraud Epidemic Summary
Scam artists stole an estimated $16.6 billion from Americans in 2024, with seniors losing over $4.8 billion alone, prompting U.S. Senators Rick Scott and Kirsten Gillibrand to introduce bipartisan legislation called the National Strategy for Combating Scams Act to coordinate federal anti-fraud efforts before holiday scams peak. The bill aims to unify the currently fragmented federal response to increasingly sophisticated schemes, including AI-driven scams targeting older Americans. Consumers should remain vigilant during the holiday season, verify requests from financial institutions directly, and report suspected fraud to the FBI's Fraud Hotline to help authorities combat these growing criminal operations.