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in Scam Awareness
countryherald.com
· 2026-02-22
# Pinellas County Dating Fraud Alert Summary
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about online romance scams on dating apps, where fraudsters create fake profiles to build trust and then request money through hard-to-trace methods like cryptocurrency or wire transfers. Red flags include refusals to video chat or meet in person, rapid declarations of love, poor grammar, and attempts to move conversations to private messaging apps. To protect yourself, avoid sending money or personal information to people you haven't met in person, use reverse image searches to verify profile photos, and report suspected scams to local law enforcement.
businesstoday.com.my
· 2026-02-22
# Love Scam Summary
Malaysian police reported 100 love scam cases in January resulting in RM3.5 million in losses, with women comprising 60% of victims, predominantly those aged 30-50 years old. While the number of cases increased slightly compared to last year, total losses actually dropped by 27%, suggesting some awareness efforts may be taking effect. To protect yourself, authorities recommend verifying bank account details through the official PDRM Semak Mule portal before sending any money to online romantic interests.
fox32chicago.com
· 2026-02-22
# Tax Scam Summary
During tax filing season, scammers are targeting taxpayers through phone calls and emails impersonating the IRS, using two main tactics: falsely claiming victims owe back taxes and demanding immediate payment via wire transfer or prepaid debit cards, or posing as refund issuers to steal personal information for identity theft. These scams often use sophisticated tactics like fake badge numbers, spoofed caller IDs showing Washington D.C., and official-looking emails with IRS logos to appear legitimate. To protect yourself, remember that the real IRS will never demand immediate payment, require a specific payment method, or ask for credit card information over the phone—hang up and contact the IRS directly through their official website or phone number if you're unsure about a communication.
mocoshow.com
· 2026-02-22
# Fraud Alert Summary
International call centers operating from India defrauded hundreds of Americans out of nearly $49 million since 2022 through government impersonation and tech support scams, with Maryland residents losing over $6 million. Law enforcement in Maryland and India dismantled the operations and arrested multiple perpetrators, though authorities warn the scams continue to target vulnerable people, particularly seniors. To protect yourself, authorities advise being skeptical of unsolicited calls, texts, or pop-ups demanding urgent payment, and remember that legitimate government agencies will never call demanding money or threatening arrest.
boothbayregister.com
· 2026-02-22
# Travel Scam Summary
Scammers are targeting winter travelers through fake vacation rental listings and pressure tactics to pay upfront via untraceable methods like wire transfers and gift cards. Anyone booking travel is at risk, particularly those lured by steep discounts or unfamiliar booking sites. To protect yourself, always use credit cards for purchases, verify properties and companies by searching for reviews and complaints online, and never pay outside official booking platforms.
butlereagle.com
· 2026-02-22
Senator Elder Vogel Jr. is hosting a free educational seminar on March 9 at the Cranberry Township Senior Center to help protect seniors from fraud and scams, featuring guidance from the state attorney general's office on warning signs and prevention strategies. The event is open to the public and will also cover nursing home abuse warning signs. Interested attendees can register by calling Vogel's Rochester district office at 724-774-0444, though registration is not required.
thenationonlineng.net
· 2026-02-22
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke faces calls to resign after an alleged N13.7 billion annual payroll fraud was discovered, in which ghost workers (non-existent employees) were being paid salaries, with one individual allegedly receiving funds meant for over 5,600 workers. The opposition APC party is demanding Adeleke's resignation and calling for anti-corruption agencies to investigate the matter, noting that the misappropriated public funds could have benefited tens of thousands of young people in the state. Citizens and businesses in Osun State are affected by this loss of public resources meant for legitimate government services and payroll.
techbullion.com
· 2026-02-22
# Article Summary
A "pig butchering" scam is a sophisticated fraud where criminals build false trust with victims over weeks or months before stealing their cryptocurrency. Victims who discover they've been scammed should immediately stop communicating with the perpetrator, preserve all evidence (screenshots of messages, profiles, and transactions), and report the theft to authorities and recovery services like Pro Crypto Recovery—while being cautious of recovery scams themselves. The key advice is to treat your phone and computer as a crime scene, gather documentation of all communications and blockchain transactions, and resist the urge to respond to scammers, as alerting them could cause them to destroy evidence.
abc11.com
· 2026-02-21
The Better Business Bureau of Eastern Carolinas reported over 2.6 million dollars in scam losses across the region in 2025, with online purchase scams being the most common threat, followed by phishing and employment scams. Consumers are urged to research online purchases carefully (especially those from social media ads), verify financial communications by calling their bank directly using numbers on official cards, and avoid clicking unexpected links or responding to urgent messages. Legitimate employers will never ask you to pay upfront, and being cautious about where you shop and whom you communicate with online can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to these prevalent scams.
montclair.edu
· 2026-02-21
# Tax Scam Summary
During tax season, cybercriminals impersonate the IRS, tax software companies, and other trusted organizations to steal personal and financial information through phishing emails, texts, and fake websites—often using urgent language and threats to pressure victims into immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Students, employees, and anyone filing taxes are vulnerable, but you can protect yourself by remembering that the IRS typically initiates contact through official U.S. mail (never email, text, or social media), never demands immediate payment, and never asks for passwords or sensitive information. If you receive a suspicious tax-related message, independently verify it by contacting the IRS directly through IRS.gov rather than clicking any links in the suspicious communication.
pcmag.com
· 2026-02-21
# Job Search Scams on the Rise
As job losses mount due to AI and economic pressures, scammers are targeting desperate job seekers through fake job postings on platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn, using AI-generated fake websites to steal personal information like Social Security numbers, addresses, and banking details. Beyond data theft, criminals may also request upfront payments for fake background checks or equipment, or send fraudulent checks that bounce after obtaining bank account information. To protect yourself, verify job postings directly through company websites, be wary of unsolicited payment requests, and never provide sensitive information like your Social Security number before speaking with a legitimate company representative.
boothbayregister.com
· 2026-02-21
People over 50 are particularly vulnerable to fraud, with over $11 million reported in scams during just a nine-month period in 2025, according to a presentation by Coastal Maine Regional Broadband and local police. Most scams involve impostors contacting victims through email, text, or phone with urgent messages designed to cloud judgment, sometimes building fake relationships over time to gain trust. To protect yourself, experts recommend verifying unexpected contacts directly with the person, avoiding clicking links or sharing passwords, watching for language errors and mismatched email addresses, and declining friend requests from people already in your network.
shoredailynews.com
· 2026-02-21
Scammers are increasingly targeting renters by posting fake rental listings on platforms like Facebook, using stolen photos and offering suspiciously low prices to pressure victims into sending deposits before viewing properties. Once payment is made through untraceable methods, the scammers disappear and victims discover the homes were never available for rent. To protect yourself, always tour a property in person and verify the listing through a licensed real estate professional before sending any money or sharing personal information.
cbsnews.com
· 2026-02-21
# Fraud Awareness Summary
The Boulder County Sheriff's Office launched a new training program to help people recognize and avoid fraud scams, after Sheriff's Victim Advocate Stephen Conley witnessed fraud impact his own family members through grandparent and tech support scams. The program, targeting seniors and the general public, teaches people to recognize warning signs like urgency, requests for secrecy, password demands, and money transfers—using the acronym SUPER as a memory tool. The key advice is to slow down when contacted with urgent demands, pause before acting, talk to someone you trust, and ask yourself "Could this be a scam?" before sending money or personal information.
hometownstations.com
· 2026-02-21
# Fraud Alert Summary
Consumers lost $12 billion to scams in 2024, with common schemes including tax fraud, romance scams, and identity theft, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Scammers typically use urgency tactics—such as threatening calls, emails, or texts claiming your money is unsafe—to pressure victims into sending money via cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gift cards, and increasingly are showing up in person to collect payments. To protect yourself, officials recommend pausing before acting on urgent money requests, verifying who is contacting you, and immediately alerting your bank or local authorities if something seems suspicious.
hometownstations.com
· 2026-02-21
American consumers lost $12 billion to scams in 2024, with tax fraud, romance scams, and identity theft being among the most common schemes, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Scammers typically use urgency tactics—such as claiming your money is unsafe or sending fake emails and texts demanding immediate action—to pressure victims into making quick decisions, and officials warn that anyone can fall victim, not just the elderly. To protect yourself, experts advise slowing down before responding to money requests, verifying the legitimacy of the request directly with your bank or institution, and contacting local authorities if something feels suspicious.
fox44news.com
· 2026-02-21
The Brenham Police Department is warning about multiple scams targeting elderly residents, including impersonation calls from government agencies, fake tech support, romance scams, and fake lottery winnings. Red flags include pressure to act quickly, requests for gift cards or wire transfers, demands for personal information, and instructions to keep the matter secret. To protect yourself, slow down before acting, never share personal details over the phone or online, verify requests by calling organizations directly, and consult with family or trusted friends before sending money—and report suspected scams to local police, Adult Protective Services, or the FTC.
1440wrok.com
· 2026-02-21
# Spring Break Travel Scam Warning
The Rockford Better Business Bureau is alerting consumers to a surge in travel fraud schemes targeting spring break planners, with scammers creating fake vacation rental listings, fraudulent booking sites, and sham travel agencies to exploit the increased demand for premium vacations. So far this year, 159 travel scams have cost consumers nearly $55,000 locally, while the FTC reports that travel scams nationwide resulted in over $122 million in losses in 2023 alone. To protect yourself, the BBB advises thoroughly researching travel companies before booking, avoiding suspicious deals that seem too good to be true, and being cautious about upfront payments and requests for personal information on third-party booking sites.
inkl.com
· 2026-02-21
Your Social Security number is highly valuable to criminals who can use it to commit identity theft, open fraudulent accounts, and file fake tax returns, yet many Americans share it too freely without realizing the risk until damage occurs. Scammers use convincing tactics like impersonating government agencies through calls, creating fake emails and text messages that look legitimate to pressure people into revealing their SSN. To protect yourself, never share your Social Security number in response to unsolicited calls, emails, or texts—instead, hang up and call official numbers directly from verified sources, delete suspicious emails, and avoid clicking links from unknown senders.
bankinfosecurity.com
· 2026-02-21
Cambodia shut down approximately 190 online scam centers and arrested 11,000 foreign nationals in a major crackdown on transnational fraud operations that were running romance and investment scams on a massive scale, generating tens of billions of dollars annually for criminal gangs. The scam centers, which primarily operated in Phnom Penh and southern Cambodia, exploited trafficked and forced workers to defraud victims, with prominent targets including Chen Zhi, founder of Prince Holding Group, who was indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice for overseeing multiple compounds since 2015. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited romantic or investment opportunities online, verify the legitimacy of financial institutions directly through official channels, and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.
tpr.org
· 2026-02-20
San Antonio's Department of Human Services is expanding fraud and abuse protections for seniors following a council member's request prompted by a rise in scams targeting elderly residents in the area. Scammers have been impersonating utility companies and solar firms to trick seniors into signing contracts for loans exceeding $95,000, sometimes resulting in liens on their properties. With over 316,000 residents aged 65+ in Bexar County and over 1,100 exploitation allegations reported in 2024, the city plans to increase preventative messaging and regularly report on elder fraud cases to council members.
carrollspaper.com
· 2026-02-20
# Fraud Prevention Program for Seniors
Iowa State University Extension is hosting a free fraud prevention workshop on March 5, 2026, in Carroll to help seniors and their caregivers protect themselves from financial scams, which disproportionately target older adults—elder financial fraud is the most common form of elder abuse affecting millions of Americans age 62 and older. The program will teach participants how to identify common scams, recognize warning signs, and implement protective strategies for their finances. Interested attendees must pre-register by contacting the Carroll County Extension Office at 712-792-2364 or through the Iowa State Extension website.
koco.com
· 2026-02-20
# Gold Scams Costing Americans Hundreds of Millions
Scammers are exploiting Americans' trust in gold as a safe investment through "gold courier" schemes that have resulted in over $262 million in losses nationwide between January and October 2025. The scam typically begins with a fraudulent phone call, email, or pop-up claiming to be from your bank or a federal agency (FBI, IRS, or FTC), warning that your accounts have been compromised and urging you to immediately withdraw cash to purchase gold bars or coins. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited urgent demands to buy gold, verify any claims by contacting your bank directly using a number from their official website, and remember that legitimate government agencies will never ask you to purchase gold to protect your money.
abc7news.com
· 2026-02-20
A San Francisco retiree lost over $500,000 of his life savings to a "pig butchering" scam after being manipulated by a woman he met on Facebook who posed as a wealthy Japanese businesswoman named Annie and promised him a romantic future and cryptocurrency investment returns. Despite repeated warnings from family, friends, and law enforcement agencies over several months, the victim continued sending money to the scammers because he was emotionally invested in the relationship. To protect yourself: be extremely skeptical of romantic relationships that develop quickly online, never send money to anyone you haven't met in person, verify investment opportunities through official channels before committing funds, and listen to warnings from trusted loved ones about suspicious behavior.
ntu.org
· 2026-02-20
# Tax Season Scams: What You Need to Know
During tax season, scammers impersonate the IRS and state tax agencies through texts, emails, and phone calls to pressure people into sending money immediately, exploiting the confusion and urgency surrounding tax filing. The key warning sign is that legitimate tax agencies never initiate contact via text, email, social media, or unsolicited calls demanding immediate payment—they send official letters by mail with time to respond. If you receive a suspicious tax message demanding urgent payment, threatening legal action, or asking for gift cards or wire transfers, stop and verify it independently before responding; legitimate agencies don't use these pressure tactics or payment methods.
koaa.com
· 2026-02-20
# Fraud Summary
Fraud has evolved from isolated crimes into a sophisticated, organized industry with specialized supply chains for stealing identities and creating fraudulent documents, according to cybersecurity expert Dr. David Maimon who monitors dark web fraud rings. The biggest emerging threat is artificial intelligence making scams more advanced, with AI systems potentially operating independently by 2026, while criminals are also targeting mail theft to steal personal information for creating fake bank accounts. To protect yourself, follow the Federal Trade Commission's identity protection tips and be cautious of mail theft—criminals are actively seeking checks and personal documents that can be used for fraud.
wbal.com
· 2026-02-20
# Gold Scam Summary
Scammers are exploiting Americans' trust in gold as a safe investment through "gold courier" scams that have cost victims over $262 million nationwide in just the first ten months of 2025. The scheme typically begins with a fraudulent call or message impersonating banks or federal agencies like the FBI or IRS, claiming your accounts are compromised and pressuring you to withdraw cash and buy gold bars or coins. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited urgent messages about account security, verify caller identities by contacting institutions directly (not using numbers they provide), and remember that legitimate agencies won't ask you to buy gold or wire cash to protect your money.
fox13now.com
· 2026-02-20
Romance scammers use fake online relationships to exploit lonely people—especially around Valentine's Day—by building emotional trust before asking for money under false pretenses like emergencies or investments. Anyone can fall victim, but you can protect yourself by slowing down when feeling pressured by urgency or emotion, and by independently verifying the identity of anyone asking for money or personal information before responding. If you suspect a scam, stop contact immediately, document everything, alert your bank, and report it to the FTC, IC3.gov, and law enforcement.
vintontoday.com
· 2026-02-20
Iowa's Attorney General reported over 4,000 consumer complaints in 2025, with used auto fraud, imposter scams, and internet-related issues topping the list of consumer complaints affecting residents. Scammers are increasingly targeting vulnerable people through deceptive practices via text, phone, email, and social media, with used car sales accounting for the largest share of complaints (783). Iowans are advised to research purchases carefully, verify seller information, be skeptical of unsolicited contacts claiming to be from government agencies or offering unexpected opportunities, and report suspected scams to the Attorney General's office immediately.
aarp.org
· 2026-02-20
Scammers are targeting vulnerable immigrants by posing as immigration lawyers and federal agents to steal money for fake legal services, with the American Bar Association reporting more than a dozen cases of impostors falsely claiming to work for them. Victims have lost thousands of dollars, and criminals are using artificial intelligence to create convincing fake documents and even impersonating real attorneys using their actual bar numbers. To protect yourself, verify an attorney's credentials directly through official bar association websites, never pay for immigration services through gift cards or wire transfers, and be skeptical of unsolicited offers on social media—you can also call the AARP Fraud Watch Network helpline at 877-908-3360 for free advice if you suspect you've encountered a scam.
kcrg.com
· 2026-02-20
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird is warning residents about a surge in fraud and scams, with the state's Consumer Protection Division receiving over 4,000 complaints in 2025—the second consecutive year of increases. The most common scams include auto-related fraud (783 complaints), imposter scams like fake job offers and IRS schemes (398 complaints), and internet-related issues such as hacked accounts and phishing (319 complaints), along with complaints about home improvement, housing, and personal services. Consumers are advised to be cautious when dealing with auto repairs and sales, job offers from unknown sources, and unsolicited contact from government agencies, while verifying contractor credentials before hiring and protecting their online accounts with strong passwords.
ketk.com
· 2026-02-20
A Chinese national was sentenced to 40 months in prison and ordered to pay $2.8 million after running "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scams that defrauded multiple victims. The scam involved fraudsters posing as romantic interests or financial professionals on social media and dating apps, building trust with victims before convincing them to invest in a fake cryptocurrency platform called Nanobit. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment offers from people you meet online, verify that financial platforms are legitimately registered with the SEC, and never invest based on advice from strangers on social media or messaging apps.
kucoin.com
· 2026-02-20
A Chinese national was sentenced to 40 months in prison for laundering millions of dollars from cryptocurrency investment scams, including the deceptive "pig butchering" scheme that targets victims through social media and dating apps by building false trust before requesting cryptocurrency investments. Victims lose money when fraudulent platforms show fake returns and prevent withdrawals, with this case involving over $2.3 million in seized assets and $2.8 million in restitution. If you encounter these scams, report them to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and preserve all communications, transaction records, and details about the fraudulent platform, cryptocurrency addresses, and suspect contact information.
yonkerstimes.com
· 2026-02-20
New York Attorney General Letitia James has warned residents about "pig butchering" scams, where fraudsters build fake relationships with victims through social media and dating apps before convincing them to invest money in fake cryptocurrency or currency trading schemes. The scammers use encrypted messaging apps to hide their identities and create elaborate personas—such as romantic partners or financial advisors—to gain trust before stealing victims' savings. New Yorkers should remain vigilant about unsolicited contact, verify investment opportunities independently, and report suspected scams to the Attorney General's office or the platforms where they occur.
thetravel.com
· 2026-02-20
# Scam Summary
A fake Facebook group impersonating Carnival Cruise Line's brand ambassador John Heald successfully scammed at least one woman into sending money for a fake shore excursion. Heald issued a rare public warning urging his 15,000 followers to report and block the fraudulent page, noting that several other people admitted they had nearly fallen for the scam as well. To protect yourself, verify that you're following official pages directly from the company's website, be cautious of unsolicited payment requests on social media, and report any suspicious groups immediately.
eldoradospringsmo.com
· 2026-02-19
# Romance Scams: What You Need to Know
Romance scammers create fake dating profiles to build trust with victims over weeks or months, then exploit that relationship by asking for money or pushing cryptocurrency investments. Scammers are increasingly using AI tools to generate convincing conversations and realistic fake profiles, while also combining romance scams with investment schemes to steal thousands of dollars from victims. To protect yourself, be cautious of anyone who asks for money or personal information, makes excuses to avoid meeting in person, or seems unrealistically perfect—legitimate partners will be willing to meet face-to-face and won't pressure you for financial commitments.
metropolisplanet.com
· 2026-02-19
Romance scams cost Americans over $672 million in 2024, with adults aged 60 and older losing nearly $390 million to criminals who build fake online relationships and eventually request money. According to cybersecurity expert Zach Lewis, scammers use grooming tactics, talk about marriage and destiny early on, and then gradually request money through various emergencies or fabricated crises. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly escalate to marriage talk, verify identities before sending money, and be especially vigilant if you're an older adult—the primary target of these schemes.
newsday.com
· 2026-02-19
"Pig butchering" scams are sophisticated fraud schemes where criminals build trust with victims through fake personal or romantic relationships before convincing them to invest money in fraudulent schemes, often resulting in devastating financial losses. New York's Attorney General is warning residents about these scams, which have caused nearly $75 billion in global losses between 2020 and 2024 and can target anyone, not just seniors. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited contact from strangers on social media or dating apps, especially those who quickly suggest financial opportunities, and contact authorities if you suspect you've been targeted.
tbrnewsmedia.com
· 2026-02-19
New York Attorney General Letitia James warned New Yorkers about "pig butchering" scams, where fraudsters build fake relationships with victims through social media and dating apps before pressuring them to invest money in fraudulent cryptocurrency or currency schemes. The scammers use fake screenshots and fake wealth displays to gain trust, then transition conversations to encrypted messaging apps to hide their identities before stealing victims' savings. New Yorkers are urged to remain vigilant, verify investment opportunities independently, and report suspected scams to the Attorney General's office or the platforms where they occur.
foxnews.com
· 2026-02-19
# Tax Scam Summary
Scammers are launching fake IRS tax scams starting in January, sending fraudulent emails and text messages that mimic legitimate IRS communications to steal personal information like Social Security numbers and banking details. These attacks target Americans waiting for tax refunds and use stolen personal data from breaches and public records to make the scams appear authentic. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited IRS messages—the real IRS typically initiates contact by mail—verify any claims directly through the official IRS website, and never click links or download attachments from unexpected tax-related emails.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-19
Financial scams cost Americans at least $10 billion in 2023, with losses among older Americans surging from $600 million in 2020 to $2.4 billion in 2024, often involving large sums stolen through sophisticated schemes like the case of Marjorie Kessler, who lost over $2 million after being tricked into converting her retirement savings to gold and cryptocurrency. While the UN emphasizes that preventing scams requires strong legal and regulatory systems, American institutions like FINRA—which oversees brokerages holding most people's retirement savings—have failed to meaningfully address the epidemic. To protect yourself, be extremely skeptical of unsolicited requests to move funds or convert savings into alternative assets, verify requests directly with your financial institution through official channels, and report suspected scams to the FTC immediately.
thehill.com
· 2026-02-19
Americans lost at least $10 billion to scams in 2023, with losses among older adults particularly devastating—jumping from $600 million in 2020 to $2.4 billion in 2024. One victim, Marjorie Kessler, was tricked into withdrawing over $2 million from her retirement savings under the false pretense that the U.S. Treasury needed to safeguard it, though she recovered only a portion. Experts and the United Nations emphasize that preventing these crimes requires stronger legal and regulatory systems rather than relying on individuals to protect themselves, particularly through oversight of financial institutions like FINRA that hold most Americans' retirement savings.
wgem.com
· 2026-02-19
# Scam Summary
Older Americans, who control $53 trillion in wealth, lost $2.4 billion to scams last year, with cybercrime against seniors skyrocketing. A new study from Florida universities found that vulnerability to scams isn't just about intelligence or cognitive ability—factors like loneliness, social connections, emotional recognition skills, and decision-making speed also play significant roles, meaning even educated, sharp individuals can fall victim. To protect yourself, be cautious when making quick financial decisions, maintain strong social connections, and take time to verify suspicious communications rather than responding immediately.
shu.edu
· 2026-02-19
# Toll Charge Text Message Scam Summary
Cybercriminals are targeting drivers nationwide with fake text messages claiming unpaid toll balances, creating urgency to trick recipients into clicking malicious links that lead to fraudulent websites mimicking legitimate toll agencies. Victims who click these links are prompted to enter credit card and personal information, putting them at risk of identity theft, unauthorized transactions, and long-term financial damage. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited toll payment texts, verify suspicious messages by contacting your toll agency directly through official channels, and remember that legitimate agencies send invoices by mail or through secure account portals—never via urgent text message demands.
malwarebytes.com
· 2026-02-18
Malwarebytes has expanded its free Scam Guard tool to Windows and Mac computers to help users identify scams in real-time, addressing a growing crisis where scams drained $442 billion from consumers globally last year. The tool, which uses AI and cybersecurity expertise to analyze suspicious messages, emails, texts, and calls, has already prevented high-risk fraud in 15% of interactions on its mobile version. Users who frequently encounter scams should download this free protection tool, as criminals are increasingly using AI-generated impersonations and deepfakes that are difficult for people to detect without assistance.
prnewswire.com
· 2026-02-18
Malwarebytes has expanded its free Scam Guard tool to Windows and Mac desktops to help users identify fraudulent messages, emails, texts, and calls in real-time. Scams cost consumers $442 billion globally over the past year, yet two-thirds of people struggle to distinguish legitimate communications from fraudulent ones, making tools like Scam Guard increasingly important. Users can now get instant expert advice on suspicious content by using the AI-powered chatbot, which prevented high-risk fraud in 15% of interactions during testing.
ag.ny.gov
· 2026-02-18
# Pig Butchering Scam Alert
New York's Attorney General is warning residents about "pig butchering" scams, where fraudsters build fake relationships with victims through social media and dating apps before convincing them to invest money in fraudulent schemes, often involving cryptocurrency. The scammers gain trust over time by posing as romantic partners or financial advisors, use encrypted messaging to hide their identity, and show fake screenshots of profits to seem legitimate. To protect yourself, remain cautious of unsolicited contacts offering investment opportunities, verify relationships before sharing financial information, and report any suspected scams to the Attorney General's office or the relevant platform.
lifehealth.com
· 2026-02-18
# Tax Season Scam Alert Summary
During tax season, scammers are targeting both individual taxpayers and businesses with increasingly sophisticated schemes including fake social media tax advice, romance scams, phishing emails, cryptocurrency "pig butchering" schemes, and scams targeting tax professionals. Frost Law urges people to verify tax information only through official sources like the IRS, Federal Trade Commission, and local law enforcement, and to be especially cautious of unsolicited communications asking for money or personal information. If you become a victim, seek help from legal professionals or report the scam to official government agencies rather than handling it alone.
wfmz.com
· 2026-02-18
Romance scams have become one of the fastest-growing fraud schemes, with Americans losing over $1 billion in 2023 alone—averaging $83,000 per victim, particularly targeting adults over 60. Scammers use fake profiles and AI-generated deepfakes to build trust slowly over months before requesting money for emergencies or investments, while isolating victims from family and friends. To protect yourself, move slowly in online relationships, keep accounts private, use reverse image searches to verify photos, consult trusted friends about new relationships, and report suspected scams to the dating platform, local law enforcement, the FTC, and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
evrimagaci.org
· 2026-02-18
In February 2026, cybercriminals launched a sophisticated global wave of scams combining phishing emails, text messages, and traditional mail to steal sensitive information from individuals and businesses. A particularly alarming campaign weaponized the XWorm Remote Access Trojan through deceptive emails mimicking purchase orders or shipments, which tricked users into opening malicious Excel files that exploited a decade-old Microsoft vulnerability to give attackers complete control of victims' computers. To protect yourself, experts urge vigilance by being skeptical of unexpected emails requesting file downloads, keeping software updated, and using multi-factor authentication on important accounts.