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aol.com
Seniors lost nearly $4.8 billion to scams in 2024, according to an FBI report, with major fraud types including business email compromise scams ($2 billion), technology support scams ($1 billion), and investment fraud ($6 billion across all ages). Americans aged 60 and above comprised the majority of victims, though those aged 50-59 also suffered significant losses of $2.5 billion, and the FBI notes actual losses may be higher due to underreporting.
americanbazaaronline.com
Online scammers stole a record $16.6 billion in 2024, a 33% increase from $12.5 billion in 2023, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, with 859,532 total complaints filed and elderly victims representing over 147,000 complaints. Investment scams caused the largest losses at $6.5 billion, followed by business email compromise at $2.7 billion and tech support scams at $1.4 billion, while phishing remained the most commonly reported cybercrime. The figures represent only reported cases and underscore how the digitalization of daily life has expanded criminal opportunities since 2020.
wwltv.com
FBI data reveals that scammers stole over $16.6 billion in 2023, a 33% increase despite heightened public awareness, with victims losing an average of $19,000 each. Adults over 60 were disproportionately targeted, filing the most complaints and losing the most money at $4.8 billion total (averaging $80,000 per victim), with investment scams, romance scams, and tech support scams being the leading fraud types.
khmoradio.com
St. Louis County Police issued an alert about a text message scam impersonating Apple ID security warnings, claiming fraudulent account activity and directing victims to click links or call numbers to "secure" their accounts. The scam aims to steal personal and payment information, potentially leading to identity theft and financial loss. Police recommend contacting law enforcement if victimized and advise bypassing suspicious links by visiting Apple's website directly to check account activity.
the-independent.com
Seniors aged 60 and older lost nearly $4.8 billion to scams in 2024, according to an FBI report, with major fraud types including business email compromise scams ($2 billion), technology support scams ($1 billion), and investment fraud ($6 billion across all ages). Americans overall lost $16.6 billion from scams in 2024—a 33 percent increase from 2023—with Texas, California, and Florida experiencing the highest losses, though the FBI notes actual figures may be higher due to underreporting by victims.
newsbreak.com
Over 60,000 drivers have reported receiving convincing text message scams claiming they owe unpaid tolls, with the FBI warning of a significant spike between January and February 2025. The fraudulent texts use location-targeted information and URL shorteners to trick users into clicking malicious links that steal personal and financial data or download malware. Red flags include unsolicited messages creating urgency, generic greetings, suspicious domains, and links from unrecognized numbers—drivers should verify toll charges directly through official state websites or phone numbers rather than clicking message links.
abcnews4.com
South Carolina seniors suffered disproportionately in 2024 cybercrime, with 2,295 victims over age 60 losing over $58.5 million—more than a third of the state's total $146 million in reported internet crime losses. The most costly scams targeting seniors were tech support scams, government impersonation schemes, and investment fraud, each accounting for nearly $10 million in losses, while confidence/romance scams cost seniors almost $3 million. The FBI's 2024 Internet Crime Report documented a 33% nationwide increase in cybercrime losses to over $16 billion, with extortion, phishing, and personal data breaches
nbcnews.com
Cybercriminals stole a record $16.6 billion in 2024, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, a 33% increase from $12.5 billion in 2023. People age 60 and older were the biggest victims, losing $4.8 billion total, with $2.8 billion involving cryptocurrency and $1.8 billion lost to investment scams including "pig butchering" schemes where criminals pose as romantic partners to convince victims to invest in fake cryptocurrency ventures. The report, based on 859,532 complaints filed, is considered an undercount of actual cybercrime losses.
cbsnews.com
In 2024, scammers stole a record $16.6 billion from over 250,000 victims, representing a 33% increase from 2023, with an average loss of $19,000 per victim. People over 60 filed the most complaints (147,000) and suffered the greatest losses at $4.8 billion (average of $83,000 per person), while investment scams ($6.5 billion), compromised business emails ($2.7 billion), and tech support scams ($1.4 billion) were the leading fraud types. The FBI notes that cryptocurrency was the most common payment method used by scammers, and reporte
abcnews.go.com
Seniors lost $4.8 billion to scammers in 2024, contributing to a total of $16.6 billion in losses across all age groups in the United States—a 33% increase from 2023, according to the FBI's annual internet crime report. Investment scams were the most prevalent fraud type, with 47,919 complaints and $6 billion in losses, followed by business email compromise scams ($2 billion) and technology support scams ($1 billion). The FBI received an average of 836,000 cyber fraud reports annually, with California, Texas, and Florida experiencing the highest losses.
dailydodge.com
The Beaver Dam Police Department reports an uptick in impersonation scams where fraudsters pose as federal agents and demand payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. Scammers use fake credentials and emotional manipulation to pressure victims into sending money, which is typically unrecoverable once transferred. Authorities recommend contacting law enforcement or trusted contacts if something seems suspicious rather than complying with unsolicited payment requests.
hindustantimes.com
Gmail's 1.8 billion users face a sophisticated phishing scam that uses AI-generated calls and legitimate-looking emails to impersonate Google security alerts, directing victims to fake Google websites that appear nearly identical to the real platform. The emails pass Gmail's security checks because they are sent from legitimate domains with valid digital signatures, making them difficult to detect. Google has acknowledged the threat attributed to a group called Rockfoils and is rolling out protections, while recommending users enable two-factor authentication and passkeys for additional security.
fox5dc.com
D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a consumer alert warning of deepfake telemarketing scams targeting District residents, particularly seniors, which use artificial intelligence to create fake audio or video of loved ones requesting money for emergencies. Scammers easily obtain audio samples from voicemails or social media to create convincing "cheap fakes" that are simple to produce using low-cost tools. The AG recommends protecting yourself by refusing to share personal information, hanging up and calling back using verified numbers, disclosing requests to trusted contacts, denying remote access to devices, and staying informed about evolving scam tactics.
welivesecurity.com
Threat actors are exploiting Google Forms—a widely trusted, free, and easy-to-use tool with approximately 50% market share—to conduct phishing scams and malware distribution campaigns. They leverage Google Forms' legitimacy to evade email security filters and create convincing spoofs of banks, social media sites, and payment pages to harvest login credentials, financial information, and personal data, or to redirect victims to malware installation sites. Additional tactics include "callback phishing" where victims are tricked into calling numbers controlled by voice phishing gangs, and quiz spam designed to collect sensitive information.
cnbc.com
Text-based job scams have surged dramatically, with reported losses climbing from $14.8 million in 2023 to $61.2 million in 2024, according to the FTC. Scammers send unsolicited job offers via text with fake interview links and offers, exploiting economic uncertainty and job market competition to target vulnerable job seekers. Experts advise resisting the urge to immediately respond to text messages and verifying job offers through official company email addresses and websites.
vice.com
In 2024, seniors aged 60+ lost nearly $5 billion to online scams, filing 147,127 complaints representing a 46 percent increase in complaints and 43 percent increase in losses compared to 2023, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Report. The elderly were most commonly victimized by investment scams, tech support fraud, and romance scams, with an average loss of $83,000 per person, while cryptocurrency fraud also surged with seniors losing over $2.8 billion to such schemes. Overall, Americans reported over $16 billion in online fraud losses across 859,532 complaints in 2024, a 33 percent increase from
gottheimer.house.gov
U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer introduced bipartisan legislation called the GUARD Act to combat financial fraud and "pig butchering" scams targeting older Americans by providing state and local law enforcement with federal grant funding and blockchain tracing tools. "Pig butchering" scams involve fraudsters convincing retirees to invest in fake opportunities, with victims over 70 suffering median losses of $9,000 compared to $2,400 for all age groups, and these scams causing over $1 billion in losses in 2022 alone. The bill is supported by multiple organizations including AARP and law enforcement associations.
independent.co.uk
Seniors lost nearly $4.8 billion to scams in 2024, representing a significant portion of the $16.6 billion in total fraud losses reported by the FBI—a 33% increase from 2023. The most common scams targeting older Americans included business email compromise ($2 billion), technology support scams ($1 billion), and investment fraud ($6 billion), with victims aged 60 and above making up the majority of complaints. Texas, California, and Florida reported the highest losses, though the FBI notes actual figures may be higher due to underreporting by victims.
goodmorningamerica.com
Seniors lost $4.8 billion to scammers in 2024, part of a total $16.6 billion in U.S. fraud losses that year—a 33% increase from 2023. Investment scams were the most costly fraud type, resulting in nearly $6 billion in losses, followed by business email compromise scams ($2 billion) and technology support scams ($1 billion). The FBI received 836,000 cyber fraud reports annually and noted that actual losses likely exceed reported figures due to victim underreporting.
whsv.com
Scammers are sending fake text messages claiming overdue toll or E-ZPass payments in "smishing" scams designed to steal personal information, credit card data, and bypass multi-factor authentication. Legitimate toll agencies never request payment via text or email and advise recipients to delete suspicious messages immediately, paying attention to unrecognized sender addresses as a key warning sign.
washingtontimes.com
Gmail users are being targeted by a phishing scam disguised as a "subpoena alert" from Google that directs victims to a fake support page where scammers can access their account credentials. The fraudulent email appears to come from an official Google address but is actually sent from a privateemail.com account and uses a legacy sites.google.com URL to deceive users. Google has identified the threat and implemented protections, recommending users enable two-factor authentication and passkeys for protection.
unite.ai
AI vishing scams—which use voice cloning and deepfake technology to impersonate trusted individuals—have become increasingly sophisticated and effective, with losses to Americans rising 23% from 2023 to 2024. Recent high-profile attacks include scammers impersonating Italy's Defense Minister to target business leaders like Giorgio Armani (resulting in one $200,000+ loss), hotel staff targeted during peak hours, and elderly individuals tricked out of approximately $200,000 by voices mimicking family members. The proliferation of AI Vishing-as-a-Service platforms like PlugValley has enabled attackers to launch these convincing, automated attacks at scale with custom
gbhackers.com
Between December 2023 and February 2025, the FBI received over 100 reports of scams in which criminals impersonated Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) officials, contacting victims via email, phone, and social media to fraudulently obtain financial information by falsely promising to recover funds from previous scams. The scammers use elaborate tactics including fake female profiles on social media and fictional personas like "Jaime Quin," claiming to be IC3's Chief Director and communicating through Telegram to request sensitive data and payments. The FBI warns that the real IC3 never initiates contact directly and will not request payment or personal information for fund recovery, an
success.com
Smishing (text-based phishing) attacks cost Americans $470 million in reported losses in 2024, more than five times the 2020 total, with the actual amount likely much higher due to underreporting. The article identifies three trending scams in 2025: fake unpaid toll notices (particularly targeting metropolitan areas), package delivery issues and "brushing scams" using QR codes, and fake job opportunities (losses increased from $90 million in 2020 to $501 million by 2024). Key prevention strategies include never clicking links or responding to unexpected texts, verifying alerts directly through official websites, and reporting suspicious messages to your phone provider an
consumerreports.org
Scammers are increasingly sending fake delivery text messages and emails impersonating FedEx, UPS, and USPS, claiming packages missed delivery or require updated shipping information to lure victims into clicking malicious links or providing personal and financial data. These "smishing" scams are becoming more sophisticated with AI-generated content, realistic branding, and fewer spelling errors, making them harder to detect than traditional phishing attempts. Consumers should verify deliveries by contacting carriers directly rather than clicking links in unsolicited messages, as legitimate delivery services never request payment information or personal details via email or text.
dispatch.com
Scam text messages claiming unpaid Ohio Turnpike tolls have resurfaced, directing recipients to fake payment sites or fraudulent phone numbers to collect payment information. Official toll notices are sent by mail only, though the debt collector Reliant Capital Solutions may send legitimate texts on behalf of the Ohio Attorney General; the FTC advises recipients to verify claims directly with the Ohio Turnpike (440-971-2222 or ohioturnpike.org) and avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages. Victims who clicked links or provided payment should secure their financial accounts and report the scam to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center or the FTC.
turnto10.com
NordVPN reported detecting a "triple whammy" of scams targeting Google users through Calendar invites containing malicious links, fake Google Meet invitations that distribute malware, and phishing attempts to steal account recovery codes for Gmail takeovers. The cybersecurity firm recommends disabling auto-acceptance of calendar invitations, remaining suspicious of unsolicited emails, and never clicking links from unexpected sources, as approximately 90% of daily emails may be fraudulent or marketing-related.
benitolink.com
Online fraud and identity theft targeting seniors are rising significantly, with the senior population accounting for $3.4 billion in losses out of $12.5 billion total U.S. fraud losses tracked by the FBI. Common scams include phishing and spoofing schemes, with cryptocurrency investment fraud being particularly costly in 2023, affecting approximately 22% victims over age 60. Law enforcement recommends hanging up immediately when warning signs appear (such as demands for immediate payment or claims of official authority) and reporting attempts to authorities, while emphasizing that victims should not feel embarrassed about disclosing fraud since scammers exploit even aware individuals.
linknky.com
A 69-year-old Philadelphia woman nearly fell victim to a sophisticated tech support scam in which fraudsters, posing as Norton antivirus support and her bank's fraud department, pressured her to withdraw cash and purchase cryptocurrency by falsely claiming hackers had downloaded illegal content to her computer and stolen $18,000. The scammer used emotional manipulation, urgency, and knowledge of her banking details to convince her, but she avoided the scheme after recalling a friend who lost $800,000 to a similar scam. Financial scams cost Americans between $23.7 billion and $158.3 billion in 2023-2024, with AI, dark web data access, an
3blmedia.com
PSE&G warns customers about utility scams during National Consumer Protection Week, which involve scammers impersonating utility companies via phone calls, texts, emails, and in-person visits to demand immediate payment (often through gift cards, money transfers, or prepaid cards) by threatening service disconnection. Real victims reported losses ranging from $400 to over $2,400, with scammers using tactics like caller ID spoofing to appear legitimate; PSE&G advises customers to hang up and verify by calling the number on their bill, as the company never requires specific payment methods and offers multiple legitimate payment options including online, mobile app, and digital payment services.
news.asu.edu
This article reports on a US-ASEAN Center business leader series discussion on cybersecurity and public-private sector collaboration to address escalating cyber threats in Southeast Asia. Speakers from government and private sector highlighted the need for regulatory frameworks (such as Singapore's Shared Responsibility Framework to combat digital fraud and scams), balanced integration of AI tools with human expertise, and a whole-of-society approach to building secure digital infrastructure. The discussion emphasized that cybersecurity is integral to national and economic security across the region.
justice.gov
**Summary:**
Two Texas men, Stanley Anyanwu (41) and Vitalis Anyanwu (42), were convicted of wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering conspiracy for their roles as "money mules" in a scheme that defrauded the City of Memphis of $773,695.45 through a business email compromise (BEC) scam in February 2022, as well as romance scam victims. The conspiracy quickly laundered the stolen funds through a network before the city could recover them, and sentencing is scheduled for July 18, 2025.
actionnews5.com
Two men, Stanley Anyanwu, 41, and Vitalis Anyanwu, 42, were convicted of defrauding the City of Memphis of $773,695 through a business email compromise (BEC) scam in February 2022, in which funds intended for a contractor were redirected to their accounts and quickly laundered. The brothers were found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering, and were also identified as "money mules" processing funds from romance scams targeting individual victims. Both defendants are scheduled for sentencing on July 18, 2025.
northfortynews.com
**Summary:**
This is an educational awareness piece from Larimer County Sheriff's Office highlighting current scam trends affecting Northern Colorado residents, particularly seniors. Chief Scambuster Barbara Bennett presents 20+ active scams including romance schemes, impersonation frauds (bank, IRS, law enforcement), tech-based scams (DocuSign phishing, hacked Facebook accounts), and marketplace fraud, while proposing a confidential support group for scam victims and their families to address shame and isolation barriers to reporting.
abc13.com
The City of La Marque lost between $15,000 and $20,000 through a phishing scam in which a fraudster impersonated a vendor and tricked a new finance employee into making an unauthorized payment in December; a routine audit discovered the theft weeks later, the employee was fired, and an investigation is underway with no arrests made or funds recovered yet. The article also references a similar 2023 case in Galveston where someone posing as a truck company scammed the city out of nearly $700,000, resulting in the arrest and conviction of Fawn Sloan, who received a 10-year sentence for money laundering and was ordered to pay
buffalobulletin.com
**Summary:**
In 2025, Sheridan County continues to experience rising internet scams with increasingly sophisticated tactics, particularly impersonation of law enforcement and medical officers using scare tactics to demand payment. As of the reporting date, the Sheridan Police Department received 65 fraud reports and the Sheriff's Office reported 26 scams, with victims over age 50 disproportionately affected; at least two victims lost over $150,000 each. Law enforcement recommends reporting suspected scams immediately, using IC3.gov to document losses, and remembering that legitimate law enforcement never demands payment over the phone.
sjcda.org
Tech support scams use fake pop-up warnings impersonating companies like Microsoft and Apple to trick users into calling scammers, who then falsely claim the device is infected and demand payment for bogus services. Legitimate security warnings from real tech companies never ask you to call a phone number; instead, users should ignore pop-ups, manually update security software, and contact tech support only through official company websites or trusted in-person retailers. The FTC recommends reporting suspected scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and sharing information about these scams with others as a prevention tool.
abc15.com
Scammers are targeting job seekers via unsolicited text messages, WhatsApp, and social media with fake job offers promising high pay and flexible schedules, resulting in over $400 million in losses to Americans according to the FTC. Red flags include unexpected contact from unknown numbers, unrealistic pay claims ($200-$800 daily), requests for personal information or money/gift cards, poor grammar, and pressure to move conversations to other platforms. Consumers should avoid responding to or clicking links in unsolicited messages, independently verify job offers directly with companies, and report suspected scams to the FTC or their phone carrier.
globalinitiative.net
This article discusses the growing threat of online fraud and cybercrime involving India and the United States, highlighting how scammers exploit weak data security and leverage generative AI. India serves as both a hub for scam operations targeting Western victims through fake tech support and loan schemes, and increasingly, a source of victims itself, with Indian nationals being trafficked to scam compounds in Cambodia and exploited to defraud others. The article calls for the US and India to strengthen cooperation against these transnational fraud networks, particularly regarding data breaches—such as the 2023 theft of 815 million Indian citizens' personal information—that provide scammers with the databases they need to target vulnerable populations
ynetnews.com
The National Insurance Institute warned of a surge in phishing scams impersonating the government body, using fake messages about "unusual account activity" that direct recipients to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal and banking information. The scam targets vulnerable populations, particularly elderly individuals and those with limited digital literacy, with similar impersonation schemes affecting other Israeli institutions like the Tax Authority, Health Ministry, and banks. The Institute advises recipients to avoid clicking links, verify website addresses end in .gov.il, and report suspicious messages to authorities rather than providing any personal information.
wgnsradio.com
The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office warned residents of a phone scam where callers impersonated law enforcement using the spoofed number 615-208-3130, claiming to be a non-existent "Lt. Michael Carmen" and mimicking the department's actual voicemail system. The scammers attempted to solicit money from residents, exploiting the appearance of official authority through copied voicemail messaging. The Sheriff's Office emphasized that they do not demand payment over the phone and urged residents to delete suspicious voicemails rather than responding to them.
wyomingnews.com
**Summary:**
In 2025, Sheridan County law enforcement has received 91 combined fraud reports, with scammers increasingly impersonating law enforcement and medical officers using scare tactics to coerce victims into sending money, and exploiting Facebook Marketplace. The elderly and people over 50 are disproportionately targeted, with at least two victims losing over $150,000 each, though recovered funds are rare since money is typically sent electronically to overseas servers beyond law enforcement jurisdiction.
wydaily.com
Policy confusion surrounding Social Security Administration changes—which were initially announced and then reversed—has created an environment that scammers are exploiting to target Virginians, according to AARP Virginia's state director. Con artists typically initiate contact via phone, text, or email claiming urgency and impersonating Social Security Administration officials to defraud beneficiaries, with more than 1.6 million Virginians relying on Social Security benefits as critical income. The SSA's planned office closures and in-person appointment requirements would have further complicated access for seniors, particularly the 9% of Virginia seniors already living more than 45 miles from the nearest office.
winknews.com
Fake job offer scams targeting job seekers, particularly via text messages, caused Floridians to lose nearly $16 million in 2022. Scammers pose as employers offering work-from-home positions to steal personal information (Social Security numbers, dates of birth) and money through requests for equipment payments or banking details for "payroll setup." Job seekers should verify offers directly through official company websites, never send money to potential employers, and avoid providing sensitive information or clicking suspicious links.
indeonline.com
Scammers are creating fake websites advertised as "sponsored" content on search engines and social media platforms, targeting consumers seeking everything from retail merchandise to passport renewal services and health care enrollment. Victims click on these deceptive ads believing they're legitimate businesses, enter personal and financial information at checkout, and often never receive their purchases or can locate the fraudulent websites afterward. The BBB recommends verifying website legitimacy before entering personal information, being skeptical of unusually deep discounts, using BBB.org to confirm business details, and keeping official website bookmarks to avoid accidentally visiting impostor sites.
cantonrep.com
BBB Scam Tracker warns that scammers create fake websites advertised as "sponsored" content on search engines and social media to deceive consumers into purchasing non-existent merchandise or disclosing personal information. These scams target various sectors including retail, passport services, healthcare enrollment, and pet sales, with victims often receiving no merchandise and finding customer support unresponsive or unreachable. The BBB recommends verifying website legitimacy before entering personal or financial information, being skeptical of unusually deep discounts, using BBB.org to confirm business details, and bookmarking official websites to avoid lookalike impostor sites.
telluridenews.com
Alpine Bank is launching a multi-channel awareness campaign to counter a surge in text message phishing scams, warning customers through its website, emails, blog, and radio advertisements. Americans lost $630 million to texting scams in 2024 according to FTC data—a 45% increase from the previous year and a 600% jump since 2020—with scammers increasingly using AI to make fraudulent messages more sophisticated and difficult to detect. The bank advises customers to be vigilant by contacting their bank directly rather than responding to suspicious texts, checking monthly statements, and never providing personal information via text.
goldrushcam.com
In 2024, consumers lost $470 million to text message scams—five times the amount reported in 2020—with fake package delivery alerts and bogus job opportunities being the most common types reported to the FTC. Other frequent scams included fake fraud alerts from banks, fake toll payment warnings, and "wrong number" scams that often escalate into romance scams involving investment requests. Consumers are advised to forward suspicious texts to 7726, report through their phone's messaging app or the FTC website, avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, and verify any claims through official company contact information.
kfiz.com
Wisconsin has experienced an uptick in text message scams impersonating tolling agencies, directing recipients to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal data, financial information, or identities. To protect themselves, consumers should avoid clicking suspicious links, verify toll charges directly with legitimate agency contact information, report unwanted texts to their service provider, and delete suspicious messages without engaging with them.
en.as.com
Scammers increasingly use identity theft and impersonation via messaging apps (WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram DMs, iMessage) to pose as friends or relatives in distress and request urgent money transfers. The Spanish National Police recommend a simple verification tactic: ask the suspicious contact a personal question only a real acquaintance would know, such as "Where did we meet?" to confirm their identity before responding to money requests. This basic security question can effectively prevent victims from falling for these emotionally manipulative scams that exploit goodwill across messaging platforms worldwide.