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forbes.com
Tax fraud schemes in 2025 have become far more sophisticated, leveraging generative AI, deepfake audio, and social engineering to create nearly authentic-looking IRS communications—with nearly half of Americans reporting receipt of fake IRS messages and 55% believing these scams are more convincing than ever. Scammers now use AI-generated personalized emails and voice messages, along with deceptive delivery methods like QR codes and malicious PDFs, to steal credentials and distribute malware, exploiting victims' fear and urgency to pressure quick decisions. Cybersecurity experts recommend layering defenses including multi-factor authentication, credit freezes, IRS Identity Protection PINs,
wbay.com
Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to personalize fraud schemes, moving beyond generic text and email scams to create convincing deepfake audio and video impersonations. Experts warn that AI allows fraudsters to manipulate personal information from social media and celebrity audio to create fake calls from grandchildren asking for money or fabricated celebrity investment pitches that appear authentic. Consumers are advised to pause and independently verify any urgent requests for money before responding.
aarp.org
US Postal Inspector Cory McManus led an investigation into an elaborate romance scam network operated by Wisdom Onyobeno from Atlanta, which stole millions of dollars from dozens of victims. After arresting two money mules who recruited victims and managed bank accounts ("strikers"), investigators traced the operation back to Onyobeno, who posed as a romantic interest to manipulate victims into sending money and even selling their homes. Onyobeno pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.
spokanejournal.com
Washington Trust Bank employees launched a Senior Fraud Awareness workshop series in April 2023 to combat rising scams targeting older adults, after branch staff witnessed seniors being pressured to withdraw cash while on phone calls with scammers. The trio of bank managers has conducted five workshops in Spokane senior living communities and plans to expand regionally, providing FTC data, practical fraud prevention tips, and resources for reporting elder fraud. According to federal data, older adults lost over $1.9 billion to fraud in 2023 alone, with estimates suggesting actual losses could reach $61.5 billion.
shreveporttimes.com
Ticketmaster scams are increasing nationwide, with victims losing thousands of dollars when hackers gain account access and steal tickets, as exemplified by a St. Louis woman and multiple Taylor Swift "Eras Tour" fans. To protect accounts, users should create strong unique passwords, purchase only from official Ticketmaster channels, and watch for common scams including phishing emails, lookalike websites, fake support numbers, account takeovers, and unauthorized ticket transfers.
spokanejournal.com
Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams targeting companies and their employees have surged in sophistication due to AI availability, with cybercriminals posing as vendors or trusted contacts to trick employees into sending money or data. Between 2013 and 2023, BEC scams resulted in over $55 billion in losses, with a 9% increase in losses between December 2022 and December 2023, and 71% of businesses reporting BEC attempts in 2022. Financial institutions in the Inland Northwest are launching educational programs to warn businesses, particularly small business owners and accounts payable personnel who are primary targets, that verification procedures and email security awareness are critical
cbsnews.com
A Chicago graduate student fell victim to an elaborate employment scam involving a fake remote proofreader job listing impersonating a legitimate California school serving international students; the victim provided personal information including her Social Security number and bank account details during the fake onboarding process, only recognizing the scam when asked to purchase equipment for reimbursement. Her Social Security number was found on the dark web within two days of enrolling in identity theft monitoring services, and the real school reported receiving inquiries from approximately 10 other victims of the same scam.
6abc.com
Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to perpetrate tax-related fraud, sending realistic emails, texts, and calls impersonating the IRS while also creating fake tax filing websites and using AI voice technology to pose as legitimate tax preparers. The schemes aim to steal personal information, demand payments, or redirect refunds. Consumers should avoid clicking unsolicited links, verify the authenticity of preparers and websites before sharing information, and remember that the actual IRS does not initiate contact via phone, text, or email to demand payment.
securitymagazine.com
Cybersecurity experts warn that AI is enabling increasingly sophisticated tax fraud and scams, with malicious actors using AI-generated phishing emails, deepfakes, and voice impersonations to target individuals during tax season, capitalizing on the $9.1 billion in tax and financial fraud identified by the IRS in 2024. Key threats include AI-enhanced phishing attacks mimicking trusted entities like the IRS, credential stuffing exploiting reused passwords, and malicious files hosted on legitimate cloud platforms. Defenders are advised to verify requests through independent channels, use strong unique passwords with multi-factor authentication, implement fraud alerts with credit bureaus, and remain skeptical of urgent communications received via email
bucks.crimewatchpa.com
This educational article outlines common scams targeting seniors—including phone scams, phishing, romance fraud, investment schemes, charity scams, home repair fraud, identity theft, and grandparent scams—and provides practical prevention strategies. Key protective measures include being skeptical of unsolicited contact, safeguarding personal information, avoiding rushed decisions, recognizing communication red flags, verifying identities before trusting, staying informed about technology, and building a support network. The article emphasizes that seniors can protect themselves and their finances through knowledge and vigilance, offering resources like the AARP Fraud Watch Network and National Elder Fraud Hotline for additional support.
investopedia.com
Research identifies loneliness and financial fragility as the two most significant risk factors for elder financial fraud victimization. Socially isolated individuals are more vulnerable to relationship-based scams (romance, pig-butchering, affinity fraud) because they lack trusted contacts to validate suspicious offers, while financial stress impairs rational decision-making and increases willingness to take risky financial gambles that fraudsters exploit.
wmar2news.com
The FBI launched "Operation Level Up" in January 2024 to proactively contact victims of cryptocurrency investment scams in progress, using emails and phone calls to prevent further money transfers. From January 2024 to February 2025, the FBI contacted over 5,000 victims and estimated it saved approximately $318 million in planned transfers, with 76 percent of contacted victims unaware they were being scammed. The scammers typically pose as romantic interests or influencers on social media, build trust over weeks, then direct victims to fake investment websites promising high cryptocurrency returns before requesting increasingly larger deposits.
cointelegraph.com
Australia's corporate watchdog (ASIC) secured court approval to shut down 95 "hydra" companies suspected of operating "pig butchering" scams—romance and cryptocurrency investment frauds where scammers build fake relationships to manipulate victims into investing in fraudulent schemes. Nearly 1,500 investors across 14 countries filed claims totaling over $35.8 million in losses, with the scam activity believed to originate largely from Southeast Asia. ASIC has removed over 10,000 scam websites in recent efforts, though the regulator warns that new fraudulent sites continue to emerge rapidly.
mitrade.com
Australia's Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) shut down 95 companies operating as fronts for crypto romance scams following Federal Court approval, with liquidators appointed to manage the wind-down. Over 1,500 victims from 14 countries have filed claims totaling more than $35 million, with scammers using fake company registrations, stolen identities, and AI-generated content to perpetrate "pig butchering" schemes that increased 40% between 2023-2024. Despite ASIC taking down over 10,000 fraudulent websites, regulators warn that scams remain persistent and evolving, though Australia saw a 26% decline in total sc
justice.gov
The U.S. Secret Service seized the web domain NFT-UNI.com, which was used in a "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scam that defrauded a Warren County victim of approximately $172,405.61 between November 2023 and March 2024, with total losses across all victims reaching approximately $4,564,936.47. In pig butchering schemes, scammers build trust with victims through dating apps, social media, or text messages before convincing them to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms, then disappearing with their funds. This is the second domain seizure by the Secret Service in Warren County related to this type of scheme, as part
wtsp.com
A Manatee County, Florida woman lost $2,400 in a spoofed bank and FTC impersonation scam after receiving a fraudulent email claiming an unauthorized Apple charge on her Chase account. The scammer posed as both a bank representative and FTC official, convincing her to purchase gift cards at multiple retailers (Lowe's, Walmart, and Winn Dixie) under the false premise that authorities were tracking a hacker. The FTC reports that fraud losses increased 25% in 2024, with seniors losing over $2.3 billion, and emphasizes that legitimate government agencies never demand gift card payments or threaten to freeze accounts.
hk-now.com
The Killingworth Committee on Aging is hosting a free educational session on May 3, 2025, presented by attorney Don Phillips to help seniors recognize and prevent scams targeting older adults. The program will cover common scams, why seniors are targeted, how to identify suspicious communications, and steps to take if victimized, followed by a question-and-answer discussion.
johnsoncitytn.org
The Johnson City Police Department reported a rise in phone scams where callers impersonate law enforcement, government agents, or company representatives to pressure victims into purchasing gift cards, sending cryptocurrency, or sharing financial information by claiming urgent issues like pending arrests or compromised bank accounts. Victims have been contacted via phone, social media, text, and other platforms, with scammers requesting gift card numbers after purchase to access funds immediately. The JCPD emphasizes that legitimate law enforcement never demands payment to avoid arrest and advises the public to hang up on suspicious callers and report them to Crime Stoppers, noting that older adults are particularly targeted in these scams.
states.aarp.org
Research shows veterans and active-duty military service members are nearly 40 percent more likely than civilians to fall victim to fraud, with scammers frequently impersonating Department of Veterans Affairs officials to exploit confusion surrounding government benefits programs. AARP Wisconsin is launching multiple initiatives to combat this threat, including a Veterans Fraud Center workshop, regional "Scam Jams" events, and a new Southeastern Wisconsin AARP Veterans Advisory Council to provide resources and fraud protection education. Scammers have particularly targeted veterans since 2022 regarding PACT Act benefits through email, phone, and social media schemes.
uk.news.yahoo.com
Julie-Anne Kearns, a 47-year-old NHS worker from Dorset who runs a TikTok scam awareness account with over 10,000 followers, fell victim to identity theft in December 2024 when fraudsters attempted to take out loans in her name through three different lenders (Lendable, Moneybarn No 1, and Billing Finance Limited), likely using cloned copies of her passport and driving licence. Despite her extreme vigilance and efforts to prevent fraud, she discovered the identity theft through a credit report and subsequently locked her credit file, though she remains uncertain how the criminals obtained her personal information.
dailystar.co.uk
Julie-Anne Kearns, a 47-year-old NHS worker and anti-scam TikTok creator, was targeted by a dating scam in November 2022 when a fraudster posing as a military surgeon attempted to trick her into buying an iTunes gift card; she avoided the scam through image verification but later discovered her identity had been stolen. In December 2024, Kearns learned that identity thieves had used her personal information to apply for loans with three different lenders (Lendable, Moneybarn No 1, and Billing Finance Limited), prompting her to lock her credit file to prevent further fraud attempts.
express.co.uk
Research by Nationwide Building Society reveals that one in four Britons (25%) have fallen victim to ticket scams, losing an average of £82 each, with high-demand events like Glastonbury creating ideal conditions for fraud exploitation. Over half of survey respondents admitted they would consider buying from unofficial sources, with those aged 25-34 showing the highest risk tolerance, and victims experiencing significant emotional distress beyond financial loss. Nationwide urges ticket buyers to use their free Scam Checker Service to verify transactions and avoid purchasing from unauthorized sellers, particularly during high-demand resale periods.
bristolpost.co.uk
A Nationwide Building Society study found that 25% of Brits have been defrauded by ticket scammers, losing an average of £82 per person, with the problem expected to worsen as Glastonbury's final ticket resale approaches. High demand, limited supply, and fear of missing out create ideal conditions for fraudsters, with over half of respondents willing to buy from unofficial sources and 40% willing to purchase counterfeit tickets. The research highlighted victim stories, including a café owner who lost £1,500 to a fake crew pass seller, and Nationwide urged ticket buyers to use their free Scam Checker Service before making purchases.
asic.gov.au
ASIC successfully obtained Federal Court orders to wind up 95 companies incorporated with false information that were suspected of facilitating "pig butchering" scams (romance baiting scams) involving fake investment platforms for forex, digital assets, and commodities trading. The scammers used professional-looking websites and apps to trick victims into depositing money into accounts controlled by fraudsters, with some companies potentially incorporated using stolen identities. ASIC warns consumers remain highly vigilant against these sophisticated scams, noting it removes approximately 130 scam websites weekly as part of its ongoing enforcement efforts.
tradingview.com
Australia's financial regulator (ASIC) obtained a court order to shut down 95 companies linked to "pig butchering" scams—sophisticated investment and romance fraud schemes where criminals build trust with victims over weeks before directing them to fake trading platforms for forex, crypto, and commodities. These organized criminal networks, often operating from countries like Myanmar and Eastern Europe, target high-income individuals globally by using fake websites, stolen identities, and complex deception tactics to create false legitimacy. Despite regulatory efforts to remove scam websites and shut down fraudulent companies, Australians lost AU$2.74 billion to financial fraud in the most recent reporting period, though losses declined 13.1
sjcda.org
This article combines information about San Joaquin County's District Attorney's office commitment to public safety with educational guidance from the Federal Trade Commission on protecting families from text message scams. The FTC advises parents to teach children to recognize scam texts impersonating legitimate companies and banks, avoid clicking links or sharing personal information, and report suspicious messages, as these scams can lead to identity theft and financial loss. The article also describes Family Justice Centers as collaborative resources that provide comprehensive support to victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, elder abuse, child abuse, and stalking.
investopedia.com
Scammers are increasingly targeting 401(k) retirement accounts through multiple methods including phishing emails, fake investment platforms, impersonation phone calls and text messages, robocalls with AI voice impersonations, and fraudulent rollover schemes. To protect retirement savings, individuals should use two-factor authentication, create strong unique passwords, monitor account notifications, and only conduct rollovers with trusted financial institutions while remaining vigilant against suspicious communications and fake investment opportunities.
communitynewspapers.com
Frauds and scams are escalating in Miami-Dade County, with consumers nationwide reporting over $12.5 billion in losses to fraud in 2024—a 25 percent increase from the previous year—and seniors facing particular vulnerability to identity theft, telemarketing fraud, and fraudulent solicitations. In response, District 5 Commissioner Eileen Higgins launched Lunch and Learn workshops in partnership with the county's Consumer Protection Division, which have educated over 100 seniors across low-income housing communities with ten workshops planned total. The workshops provide practical fraud prevention strategies, including guidance on protecting personal information, recognizing scams, monitoring financial accounts, and reporting suspicious activity to
paymentsjournal.com
Cybercriminals are launching increasingly sophisticated tax-themed phishing campaigns during tax season, using generative AI to create convincing emails impersonating the IRS and tax preparation services like TurboTax and H&R Block. These emails contain malicious links and PDFs that install malware or remote access trojans when clicked, exploiting consumers' time pressure and anxiety about filing deadlines. Security experts recommend that legitimate service providers direct customers to official websites and apps rather than sending links via email or text, and emphasize that the IRS never contacts taxpayers via email or phone to request personal information.
the420.in
An 87-year-old retired doctor in Mumbai lost ₹16.14 lakh after a scammer posing as a BMC pest control official sent her a phishing link, compromising her mobile banking and enabling over 40 unauthorized transactions across multiple accounts between December 2024 and January 2025. The fraudster initially tricked the victim by requesting a ₹50 registration fee and assuring a refund, but once the malicious link was clicked, funds were systematically siphoned from her Kotak Mahindra, Punjab National, and Axis Bank accounts. The West Cyber Police registered an FIR and are investigating the case as a phishing scam
bankingjournal.aba.com
Generative AI tools are significantly enhancing traditional fraud schemes by enabling scammers to create convincing impersonations through voice cloning (available for $5/month), deepfake avatars, and AI-generated emotional audio effects. Criminals exploit open-source AI capabilities and services like "FraudGPT" to execute more sophisticated versions of classic scams such as business email compromise and grandparent scams, making them harder to detect even when victims attempt verification calls. Experts recommend families establish authentication protocols like shared passwords to combat these AI-enhanced impersonation frauds.
cnbc.com
A 2024 survey of over two million FTC and FCC complaints found Ohio leading the nation with 859 scam call and text complaints per 100,000 residents, followed by Illinois and Delaware. The study identified the top 10 states most targeted by phone scams, with common schemes including IRS fraud, Medicare scams, debt relief, and toll violations, possibly due to large population centers, favorable regulations, and high concentrations of seniors. The article advises screening calls, avoiding suspicious links, and considering identity theft protection services with credit monitoring and insurance coverage.
ftc.gov
Impersonation scams cost nearly $3 billion in reported losses during 2024, with the FTC receiving approximately 850,000 reports of such fraud that year. The FTC's Impersonation Rule, which marked its one-year anniversary in April, has enabled the agency to file multiple lawsuits against scammers impersonating government agencies, utility companies, banks, and delivery services, and has successfully shut down over a dozen fake FTC websites designed to trick victims. The FTC advises consumers to avoid sending money or personal information to unexpected contacts, not to trust caller ID (which can be faked), and to verify requests by contacting organizations directly using independently verified contact information
wjla.com
Criminals are sending approximately one billion fraudulent toll notification texts daily targeting drivers nationwide, impersonating legitimate agencies like EZPass and SunPass, with the DMV region experiencing a 900% surge in complaints since January 2024. Experts warn that any engagement with these messages—even replying—signals to AI-powered scam networks that a number is active, leading to further fraud attempts; consumers reported losing $2.95 billion to impersonation scams in 2024 overall. Authorities including the FBI, FTC, and state transportation departments advise drivers to never click links in unsolicited toll texts and instead verify toll status directly through official agency channels.
malwarebytes.com
A wave of SMS phishing (smishing) scams impersonating U.S. toll authorities like E-ZPass, SunPass, and TxTag has spread across the country, with some users receiving up to 7 fraudulent messages daily. The scams use urgent language threatening fines or license suspension and direct victims to fake websites designed to steal personal and payment information through domains that closely mimic legitimate toll service sites. State transportation departments including Wisconsin and Arizona have issued public warnings, and the FBI recommends reporting suspicious messages to ic3.gov along with the originating phone number and malicious link.
boston25news.com
An 88-year-old Hingham, Massachusetts resident lost $15,500 in a phishing scam after receiving a fraudulent email impersonating the Federal Trade Commission. The scammers convinced her that her daughter was in financial trouble and instructed her to send a cashier's check to an address in Illinois, where it was cashed immediately. Police emphasize that awareness and education are the most effective prevention methods, recommending residents delete, block, or ignore suspicious communications.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
A 38-year-old man named Ashish Sharma in New Delhi operated an online traffic challan scam, posing as an RTO officer and using fake police credentials to contact vehicle owners threatening permit cancellation unless they paid fines immediately. Sharma exploited his position as a private agent at Ghaziabad RTO to illegally access vehicle registration files and combined this data with information from the e-Vahan app to target victims convincingly; he defrauded at least one victim of Rs 12,500 before being arrested following police investigation that traced bank records and call details. The case highlights the growing trend of e-challan scams targeting individuals through fear of traffic
makeuseof.com
Hackers are increasingly using generative AI to conduct more effective and affordable scams by automating social engineering attacks, including cloning social media accounts to impersonate trusted contacts and deploying AI chatbots to conduct mass spear-phishing campaigns and romance scams. AI tools enable cybercriminals to personalize attacks at scale, create deepfake videos of high-profile individuals, and automate time-consuming fraud tactics like relationship-building for romance scams. Users should be aware that traditional security measures alone are insufficient, as people remain the primary vulnerability exploited by these AI-enhanced attack methods.
independent.ie
Financial abuse differs from typical scams in that perpetrators are usually known to the victim—such as family members, caregivers, or spouses—making it more difficult to detect and harder for victims to report. Key red flags include unexplained financial transactions, sudden changes in banking access, isolation from financial decision-making, and unusual gifts or loans to family members. Recognizing these warning signs and acting quickly is essential to protect vulnerable individuals from this insidious form of exploitation.
yahoo.com
This article outlines common scams targeting seniors, including "pig-butchering" schemes that build trust over time before convincing victims to invest in fake cryptocurrency platforms, as well as tech support scams, government impersonation scams, grandparent scams using voice cloning, and sweepstakes frauds. Older adults are particularly vulnerable due to larger savings, higher trust levels, and potential unfamiliarity with technology, compounded by factors like cognitive decline and social isolation. Key prevention strategies include teaching seniors to recognize red flags such as urgency, requests for untraceable payments (gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency), poor grammar, and soliciting personal information—and encouraging them to verify
dailyinterlake.com
Montana State University graduate students created an educational presentation about common scams after one student's grandfather received an AI-generated voice call impersonating the student and requesting $15,000. The accounting students presented fraud prevention information to senior audiences in Bozeman, covering family impersonation scams, tech support scams, government impersonation scams, and phishing, with attendees reporting personal losses of thousands of dollars to scammers.
forbes.com
A widespread phishing campaign is targeting mobile users across the U.S. with text messages impersonating toll agencies (E-ZPass, FasTrak, etc.) and state DMVs, warning of unpaid tolls and license suspensions to pressure victims into clicking links that steal personal and financial information. The scam uses sophisticated tactics including mobile-only fake websites, exploitation of iMessage and RCS systems, and phishing-as-a-service platforms like Lucid and Darcula that enable criminals to send thousands of messages daily while evading detection. Consumers should assume all unsolicited payment texts are scams, avoid clicking links or replying, and use call/
bleepingcomputer.com
A phishing campaign impersonating toll agencies like E-ZPass, FasTrak, and Florida Turnpike has surged recently, sending thousands of iMessage and SMS texts with urgent language claiming unpaid tolls to trick recipients into clicking malicious links that steal personal and credit card information. The scam uses automated attacks bypassing anti-spam filters, with some users receiving up to 7 messages daily; victims are advised to avoid responding, block the numbers, and check toll balances directly on official websites rather than through text links.
ladailypost.com
A smishing scam impersonating New Mexico Bank & Trust attempted to deceive recipients with a text message claiming their account was on hold and directing them to click a malicious link hosted on Weebly. The scam contained multiple red flags including a non-local phone number, typos, misspelled words designed to evade spam filters, and a fake URL with the actual root domain being "weebly.com" rather than the legitimate bank website. The article emphasizes that recipients should verify sender information, scrutinize URLs, and avoid clicking links when messages create a false sense of urgency.
businessinsider.com
Cryptocurrency fraud losses reached $3.96 billion in 2023, up 335% from 2021, with scam activity growing an average of 24% annually since 2020. Crypto scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, particularly "pig butchering" schemes where scammers build online relationships before soliciting investments or money, with this fraud type growing 40% in 2024. Investigators recommend maintaining skepticism in online interactions, verifying investment details independently, and being alert to requests for fees or repeated payments, as scammers often exploit victims over months or years before detection.
foxnews.com
Carmen Valdez De Miguel, 67, was arrested in Florida after allegedly defrauding a man of at least $3,000 through a fake tarot card reading and "spiritual cleansing" scam that began with a flyer on his car. De Miguel, who used the alias Maria Rodriguez, convinced the victim to pay $200 initially for a tarot reading, then persuaded him to bring $3,000 in cash for a ritual where she claimed the money would double, but kept the funds by claiming they were part of an ongoing ritual. De Miguel faces charges of organized scheme to defraud, grand theft, and resisting arrest, and investigators discovered she had three additional theft warrants.
khak.com
The Iowa Department of Transportation warned residents about a text message scam claiming recipients have unpaid tolls or registration fees. The scam targets people who may have traveled on toll roads in other states (like Illinois) and creates urgency by threatening consequences, but the Iowa DOT does not collect tolls and never sends collection notices via text. Recipients are advised not to click links or share personal information if they receive these fraudulent messages.
ktar.com
This educational article identifies five major scams targeting seniors: "pig butchering" (long-term cryptocurrency investment schemes), tech support scams, government impersonation scams, grandparent scams (sometimes using voice-cloning AI), and sweepstakes/lottery scams. The article explains that older adults are targeted due to larger savings, higher trust levels, and potential unfamiliarity with technology, and recommends seniors watch for red flags including urgency, requests for untraceable payments (gift cards, wire transfers, crypto), poor grammar, and suspicious requests—while seeking a second opinion before sharing personal information or money.
fernandinaobserver.org
**Financial Scams on the Rise; Community Education Efforts Expand**
U.S. consumers lost over $12.5 billion to fraud in 2023—a 25% increase from the previous year—with email and phone calls being the most common scam methods and imposter scams most frequently reported. Pineland Bank, the Nassau County Sheriff's Office, and the Nassau County Council on Aging are partnering to offer free fraud awareness seminars to educate the public on recognizing and avoiding financial scams, noting that fewer than half of victims report incidents due to embarrassment and fear of losing independence. Experts advise consumers to become informed about evolving scam