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silive.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers, believed to be linked to Chinese criminal gangs, have sent millions of fraudulent text messages impersonating E-ZPass toll services, with cybersecurity firms reporting a 900% increase in such texts over three months and identifying over 60,000 associated domains across multiple states. While victims may pay small toll fees ($3), scammers primarily target valuable personal information that can be used for additional fraud, and they have successfully circumvented Apple and Android security features while using AI to generate more convincing messages. Experts advise recipients never to respond to or click links in such texts, as engagement confirms the phone number is active.
howtogeek.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece warns about a prevalent TikTok scam offering $750 for completing simple tasks, which actually steals personal information through surveys and free trial sign-ups. Scammers create legitimacy through fake influencer endorsements, FOMO tactics ("limited slots"), bot-generated comments, and sending real payments to initial participants to lure victims. The primary dangers include identity theft and sale of personal data (phone numbers, emails, Social Security numbers, credit card details) to other criminals or advertisers.
channelnewsasia.com
· 2025-12-08
Standard Chartered Bank launched an updated MyWay savings account for seniors aged 55 and above, featuring complimentary digital scam insurance for the first year that covers up to S$50,000 in losses from phishing and malware attacks, along with higher tiered interest rates on account balances. The insurance, underwritten by MSIG, excludes authorized payment scams such as love scams and investment scams where customers willingly transfer funds, and requires customers to maintain device security and report incidents to the bank within 7 days to be eligible for claims.
wellingtonadvertiser.com
· 2025-12-08
A Mapleton senior was defrauded of approximately $250,000 over one year in an online phishing scam that began in February 2024, during which the victim was instructed to purchase gift cards at local businesses and provide the scammer with the card numbers. Wellington County OPP is warning residents to be alert to common fraud indicators such as unsolicited messages requesting personal information or payment via gift cards, spelling errors, and messages sent at odd hours, and encourages victims to report incidents to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
businesstoday.com.my
· 2025-12-08
Standard Chartered Bank launched a revamped savings account for customers aged 55 and above that includes complimentary digital scam insurance (covering up to S$50,000 from phishing and malware scams) for the first year and higher tiered interest rates. The insurance, underwritten by MSIG, does not cover authorized payment scams such as love scams, investment scams, or impersonation scams, but will cover legal costs if account holders pursue action against scammers. The bank also increased interest rates on the account, with the maximum effective rate rising to 2.37 percent annually for balances of S$5 million.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Job scams targeting unemployed individuals have surged dramatically, with reported losses exceeding $220 million in the first half of 2024—a more than threefold increase since 2020. Scammers use text messages and messaging apps to lure victims with fake remote job offers promising unusually high pay ($100-$500/day), often pivoting to "task scams" where victims are asked to invest their own money to complete work, with cryptocurrency becoming the primary payment method and accounting for $41 million in losses in early 2024 alone. The FTC warns that these scams typically start with vague job offers, show small initial payments to build trust, then request personal
khou.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are sending fraudulent text messages and emails claiming recipients owe money for unpaid tolls or tax refunds; common red flags include awkward phrases like "Would you kindly" and "Dear sir or madam," which indicate the sender is likely a non-English speaker operating from another country. Consumers should scrutinize all unexpected communications for grammatical errors and unusual wording, though artificial intelligence increasingly threatens to eliminate these telltale signs by enabling scammers to craft grammatically correct messages impersonating banks, government agencies, and the IRS.
the420.in
· 2025-12-08
A WhatsApp hijacking scam targeting users in India involves fraudsters impersonating delivery agents or friends to trick victims into dialing call-forwarding codes or sharing OTPs, which grants scammers access to hijack accounts and solicit money from contacts. Cybercrime authorities warn these social engineering attacks are growing across India, particularly in Bhopal, and recommend victims enable two-step verification, link a recovery email, and report compromises immediately to police or WhatsApp support for account restoration within 24-48 hours.
boredpanda.com
· 2025-12-08
This article is a collection of various scam examples and general awareness advice rather than a single incident report. It showcases multiple types of fraud including restaurant billing schemes, GoFundMe donation fraud using deceased pets, charity scams involving emotional appeals (cancer), fake charity sales, and robocalls targeting business owners. The article highlights that scammers use psychological tactics such as professional language, appeals to trust, fear and urgency, and confusion to manipulate victims, and emphasizes the importance of verifying receipts, checking credentials, and remaining cautious even when feeling pressured.
woub.org
· 2025-12-08
The city of Athens, Ohio fell victim to a $721,976 cyber scam when fraudsters impersonated a construction company accountant via spoofed email addresses and convinced city officials to redirect a fire station project payment to a fraudulent bank account. The scammers gained access to legitimate email exchanges between city staff and the actual contractor, created nearly identical fake email domains, and posed as the accountant to request electronic payment instead of checks. The fraud was discovered when the scammers attempted to redirect a second payment, and investigations are ongoing.
therecord.com
· 2025-12-08
A Guelph-area senior lost $250,000 to an online romance scam that operated over approximately one year, during which the victim sent roughly $20,000 monthly to someone they met online and was instructed to purchase gift cards and provide the card numbers to the scammer. The victim eventually grew suspicious and reported the fraud to Wellington OPP, whose investigation is ongoing. The article also outlines common romance scam tactics—including fake profiles, requests for money under false pretenses, pressure to use private communication platforms, and discouragement from discussing the relationship with others—and provides resources for reporting suspected fraud.
daily-tribune.com
· 2025-12-08
Data breaches and financial scams targeting seniors have reached all-time highs, with scammers exploiting seniors' perceived wealth, politeness from older generations, and limited technological skills to commit fraud. The article recommends protective measures including regularly reviewing credit reports from all three bureaus, placing credit freezes, seeking technology safety education, and screening phone calls from unknown numbers to reduce vulnerability to scams.
technode.global
· 2025-12-08
Malaysia recorded 770 love scam cases in 2024, down from 935 in 2023, but financial losses increased to RM45.9 million (from RM43.9 million in 2023). Fraudsters are increasingly using AI-generated chatbots and deepfake technology to create convincing fake profiles and manipulate victims emotionally and financially. A global survey found that 61% of respondents worry about encountering bots on dating apps, with 21% experiencing phishing attempts, highlighting the need for stronger user verification systems on digital dating platforms.
miamitimesonline.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines major scam trends for 2025, including AI-enhanced scams (phishing, deepfakes, voice cloning), imposter scams where fraudsters pose as trusted contacts or companies with a median loss of $800 per victim, sextortion schemes involving explicit content extortion, romance scams using fake profiles and deepfake video calls, and phone-based scams using robocalls and malware. The article emphasizes that scammers primarily seek personal information or money, and recommends skepticism when contacted unexpectedly, especially regarding urgent requests or investment opportunities.
tasteofcountry.com
· 2025-12-08
A Texas woman in her 30s was catfished by a Morgan Wallen impersonator who posed as the country singer on Instagram, eventually convincing her to apply for a fake job with his charity where she provided sensitive personal information including her social security number and bank account details. The scammer then used her credentials to have her purchase high-dollar gift cards, resulting in over $18,000 in debt and fears of bankruptcy. The scam involved deepfake video technology and a fake staffing agency, demonstrating that romance scams targeting celebrities can affect people of all ages and technical backgrounds.
spectrumlocalnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax season scams are prevalent, with fraudsters impersonating the IRS, tax preparers, and tax software companies through emails, texts, and voice-cloned phone calls to steal sensitive financial information or install malware on victims' devices. Common tactics include fake refund offers, threats of legal action, malicious links, and posing as tax professionals to create fraudulent IRS accounts and file returns in victims' names. Experts recommend verifying the legitimacy of communications by directly contacting organizations using official phone numbers and being cautious about unsolicited requests for personal information.
today.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers create fake retail websites that impersonate popular retailers like J. Crew, Ann Taylor, and Old Navy, promoting these sites through social media ads offering deep discounts. When consumers click the links, they are directed to counterfeit sites designed to look legitimate, where they risk having personal and financial information compromised.
phila.gov
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonate government tax agents via mail, phone, and email to pressure taxpayers into providing personal information or making immediate payments, particularly during tax season. To protect against tax scams, taxpayers should recognize warning signs like threatening language, urgent payment demands, and promises of unusually large refunds, and should never share sensitive information like Social Security numbers or passwords unless they can verify the requester's identity through official channels. The Philadelphia Department of Revenue advises verifying any notices through your online tax account, reporting suspicious contacts, and obtaining tax information only from official government websites.
newscentermaine.com
· 2025-12-08
Text message scams cost Americans over $330 million in 2022, with banking-related phishing messages being the most common type. Experts advise never clicking links or calling numbers in suspicious texts, instead independently verifying contact information with banks or organizations directly, and emphasize that banks never request personal information via text. Additional protective measures include using antivirus software on all devices, reporting suspicious messages to the FTC or FCC, and maintaining healthy skepticism toward unsolicited messages, particularly during tax season when scammers intensify their efforts.
wisconsinrapidstribune.com
· 2025-12-08
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is alerting consumers to potential scams surrounding the 2025 NFL Draft being hosted in Green Bay (April 24-26), anticipating fraud targeting the projected 250,000 visitors. Common scams include fake lodging listings on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, fraudulent ticket sales (though general admission is free through the NFL OnePass app), and imposter websites selling counterfeit merchandise or stealing personal information. Consumers are advised to verify listings across multiple platforms, use map apps to confirm addresses, check reviews, avoid leaving official platforms to communicate with sellers, and never use untraceable payment methods like cryptocurrency or gift cards.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers exploit psychological vulnerabilities and human behavior to deceive victims, using tactics like "spray and pray" messaging to catch people when distracted, tired, or stressed. The FTC received 2.6 million fraud reports in 2024 resulting in $12.5 billion in losses, with research showing that nine in ten Americans have been targeted by fraud attempts, and cognitive impairment—whether temporary or chronic—significantly increases susceptibility to scams. Key protective insights include recognizing that truth bias makes people inherently inclined to believe what others tell them, and that remaining alert and verifying requests independently are essential defenses against fraud.
cruiseradio.net
· 2025-12-08
A UK couple in their 60s fell victim to SIM-jacking fraud while on a P&O cruise in October 2024, losing control of their mobile phone numbers and facing unauthorized bank withdrawals, overdrafts, and a £25,000 fraudulent loan from HSBC. Fraudsters used stolen personal data to impersonate them to their mobile provider, transferring their phone numbers to new SIM cards and then bypassing two-step verification security to access their accounts. The couple's quick action in alerting their bank and mobile provider iD Mobile prevented further losses, with the fraudulent transactions canceled and charges reversed.
the420.in
· 2025-12-08
A nationwide Singapore cybersecurity drill involving over 4,500 employees across five sectors revealed that 17% clicked on simulated phishing links—8 percentage points above the global average—and only 5% reported suspicious emails compared to the 18% global standard. The Exercise SG Ready initiative, conducted by Nexus, MINDEF, and the Singapore Business Federation from February 15-28, found that employees were most vulnerable to phishing emails mimicking internal communications, indicating a dangerous false sense of trust in company-originating messages. Authorities emphasize that businesses of all sizes must prioritize employee cybersecurity training, security protocols, and a culture of vigilance to prevent
kiplinger.com
· 2025-12-08
Identity theft remains the most common fraud, but real estate fraud is rapidly increasing, with the industry losing $500 million annually to business email compromise scams. Wire fraud particularly threatens homebuyers and sellers during transactions, with 25% of consumers targeted and 1 in 20 falling victim, resulting in 27% of victims unable to recover their funds. Key protection strategies include verifying wire transfer instructions directly with lenders or title companies using independently confirmed phone numbers, avoiding reliance on email instructions, and confirming property listings are legitimate by visiting in person.
ny1.com
· 2025-12-08
IRS and tax-related scams are particularly prevalent during tax season, with fraudsters impersonating the IRS, tax preparers, and tax software companies through phishing emails, texts, and increasingly sophisticated voice cloning calls to steal sensitive financial information and submit fraudulent tax returns. Common tactics include fake refund offers, threats of criminal charges, malicious links that install ransomware, and fraudulent tax preparer services designed to capture personal data and file false returns in victims' names. Consumers should verify contact information directly with official sources, avoid clicking unsolicited links, and hang up on suspicious calls to independently verify the caller's identity.
northjersey.com
· 2025-12-08
"Smishing" is a rising text message scam in which cybercriminals send fraudulent texts impersonating legitimate services (such as E-ZPass toll systems, package delivery companies, and utility providers) to trick recipients into clicking malicious links or providing personal and financial information. The FBI warns that these scams use social engineering tactics to create panic and urgency, often requesting small payments ($3.95–$12.55) or identity verification to lower victims' guard before stealing sensitive data. Victims should delete suspicious texts immediately, never click embedded links, verify account information through official channels, and report scams to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov).
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Smishing—fraudulent text messages impersonating toll agencies, billing companies, and delivery services—has surged as a major scam targeting Americans, with the FBI receiving over 60,000 complaints about unpaid toll text scams alone in 2024. Scammers, often part of international criminal syndicates, use sophisticated technology to send mass texts that trick victims into clicking links or providing financial information, potentially compromising devices and enabling identity theft. The scam is difficult to investigate due to international phone numbers and likely vastly underreported, as victims often fail to report losses out of embarrassment or because they consider the amounts too small.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are sending fake text messages nationwide impersonating toll collection services like E-ZPass, PA Turnpike, and FasTrak, requesting payment or personal information from unsuspecting victims. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center received over 2,000 complaints about these "smishing" scams, with New York State alone reporting 26,948 internet crime complaints totaling $750 million in losses in 2023, with seniors as the most targeted group. To protect themselves, consumers should never click links or reply to suspicious texts, keep devices updated with security software, and report suspected scams to law enforcement, the FCC, or Federal Trade Commission.
bucks.crimewatchpa.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece from a Bucks County Sheriff addresses the rising threat of fraud targeting seniors, particularly grandparent scams, government impersonation schemes, tech support fraud, romance scams, and phishing attacks. The article emphasizes that seniors are vulnerable targets and provides concrete prevention strategies including verifying contacts independently, protecting personal information, resisting pressure tactics, and reporting suspected fraud to local police. The key message is that protecting seniors from fraud is a community-wide responsibility requiring awareness and vigilance.
timesdaily.com
· 2025-12-08
Colbert County Sheriff's Office conducted educational presentations for senior citizens about recognizing and avoiding scams, noting they receive approximately five scam-related calls daily. The sheriff's department shared examples of common scams targeting seniors of all ages, including impersonation schemes (claiming to be authorities with arrest warrants), fake prize notifications, bogus package delivery claims, and fraudulent Medicare offers, with reported losses reaching $40,000 locally. Authorities advised seniors never to provide personal information, click suspicious links, or send money to unknown parties, and to contact the Sheriff's Department with questions.
iecn.com
· 2025-12-08
A 73-year-old Redlands man was scammed out of $25,000 by Quan Lin, 53, who impersonated an FBI agent and threatened the victim with arrest for alleged child pornography possession. Lin returned the next day attempting to collect an additional $35,000, but was arrested before completing the second transaction when police intervened. Lin faces charges including elder abuse, grand theft, and theft by false pretenses, and has been linked to similar scams in other communities.
cknxnewstoday.ca
· 2025-12-08
During March Anti-Fraud Month, the Ontario Provincial Police reported 72 fraud calls in the Grey Bruce area from January through early March 2024, with romance scams, grandparent scams, cryptocurrency schemes, gift card scams, and e-transfer fraud being the most common types. Constable Krista Linthorne advised the public to avoid acting under pressure, never share financial information via unsolicited communications, and verify requests by contacting institutions directly. Victims should immediately contact their bank and credit bureau to freeze accounts, report losses to police, and those who identify attempted scams should contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
cknxnewstoday.ca
· 2025-12-08
During the first two months of 2025, the Grey Bruce OPP received 72 fraud reports, with romance scams, grandparent scams, cryptocurrency schemes, gift card scams, and e-transfer fraud being the most common. Constable Krista Linthorne advises the public to avoid pressure to act quickly on money requests, never share personal or financial information via unsolicited calls or texts, and remember that legitimate government agencies and banks will never contact citizens requesting such information. Those who suspect fraud or lose money should immediately contact their bank and credit bureau, while confirmed victims should report to police and use the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre for additional resources.
billingsgazette.com
· 2025-12-08
This article explains two types of online scams: catfishing and phishing. Catfishing involves creating fake online personas to deceive victims emotionally and financially, often starting as romance scams that lead to requests for money or gifts. Phishing attacks use fraudulent links, emails, and websites impersonating trusted organizations to steal personal information like passwords, bank details, and Social Security numbers for identity theft or financial exploitation.
ccpc.ie
· 2025-12-08
This Global Money Week awareness article outlines common scams targeting young people, including money mule schemes (where individuals are tricked into laundering illegal funds through their bank accounts), fake ticket sales for sold-out events, and risky cryptocurrency and forex investments that often operate as scams through romance schemes or phishing. The piece emphasizes protective measures such as never sharing bank details with untrusted parties, purchasing tickets only from official sources, and verifying investment legitimacy before committing funds.
northernvirginiamag.com
· 2025-12-08
Two Connecticut residents were arrested for a year-long prize scam that defrauded a Woodbridge elderly woman of $130,000, during which they convinced her she had won a car and money but needed to pay fees to claim the prizes. Local authorities are warning residents of rising phishing text scams falsely claiming toll debt and fraudulent document shredding events, advising people to avoid urgency-driven communications, verify unexpected contacts through established channels, and never provide financial information or click links from unidentified sources.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Bank impersonation scams via text, email, and phone calls increased dramatically in 2024, with the FTC reporting these scams accounted for nearly half of all reported frauds and resulted in losses exceeding $1.1 billion—more than triple the 2020 total. Criminals use spoofing technology and sophisticated replicas of bank communications to trick victims into revealing PINs, passwords, account access codes, or moving money to "safe" accounts by creating false urgency around account security threats. Consumers should never provide account credentials or personal information to unsolicited contacts; instead, they should hang up and call their bank directly using verified contact information from official websites or statements, an
pymnts.com
· 2025-12-08
A PYMNTS and Featurespace study reveals that scammers are increasingly personalizing financial scams based on individual consumer vulnerabilities rather than using generic approaches, with 3 in 10 U.S. consumers (approximately 77 million people) reporting financial losses to scams over the past five years, typically exceeding $500 per victim. While scams affect all demographics, specific groups face higher risks from tailored schemes—younger consumers are three times more likely to fall victim to job search scams, while older adults are over three times more frequently targeted by fake eCommerce schemes. The research underscores the need for financial institutions to implement advanced analytics, behavioral monitoring, and consumer
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers nationwide are sending fake text messages claiming recipients have unpaid tolls in a scam known as "smishing," where fraudsters impersonate toll agencies and other billing companies to trick people into clicking malicious links or providing personal information. This increasingly common scheme exploits the rise of smartphones and cashless payment systems, with some fraudsters even impersonating legitimate scam warnings.
duanemorris.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS's annual 2025 "Dirty Dozen" list warns taxpayers about prevalent tax scams that use both sophisticated and simple social engineering tactics to steal sensitive financial information. The most common scams include phishing and smishing attacks (fake IRS emails and texts designed to trick people into sharing personal data) and social media tax scams promoting false credits and loopholes. The IRS emphasizes that awareness alone is insufficient—taxpayers must proactively protect themselves by verifying communications directly through official sources and consulting trusted tax professionals rather than relying on unsolicited messages or unverified social media advice.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS released its 2025 "Dirty Dozen" list of prevalent tax scams, including phishing emails, IRS impersonation calls demanding payment, fake tax preparers, fraudulent refund claims using stolen identities, and misleading social media tax advice. Taxpayers should protect themselves by verifying communications, using trusted tax software, enabling multi-factor authentication, and reporting suspected scams to authorities; victims may be eligible for theft loss deductions under certain circumstances with proper documentation.
newstalk870.am
· 2025-12-08
Washington State has experienced a surge in text message scams impersonating Good To Go!, the state's toll billing system, which direct victims to fake websites and threaten legal action to collect payment information. A victim described losing access to her accounts after providing her driver's license and credit card number through a fraudulent link. WSDOT advises that legitimate Good To Go! communications never request payment via text or direct users to external websites; customers should only log into the official Good To Go! account to address toll issues.
petersburgpilot.com
· 2025-12-08
Petersburg resident Lila Trask's compromised GCI email account was hijacked and used to send phishing emails to her contacts claiming she had a throat infection and asking if they shopped on Amazon. Two of her friends responded to the scam email, which then escalated into a request for help purchasing a birthday gift, representing a classic email compromise fraud targeting her social network.
pcworld.com
· 2025-12-08
A Menlo Security report documents a 140% increase in browser-based phishing attacks and 130% increase in zero-hour phishing attacks over the past year, driven by criminals using generative AI to create credible fake websites, automate targeted attacks, and deploy phishing-as-a-service kits. The report warns that fake AI tool sites trick users into downloading infected files and stealing login credentials and personal data, with particular risk on mobile devices where security red flags are harder to spot. Users are advised to verify website authenticity before entering credentials, scrutinize suspicious emails from known companies, and avoid clicking links or downloading files from unverified sources.
actionnewsnow.com
· 2025-12-08
The California Franchise Tax Board issued a warning during tax season about persistent scams targeting taxpayers, particularly text message schemes directing victims to fraudulent FTB website replicas designed to steal personal and banking information. State Controller Malia M. Cohen advised taxpayers to guard sensitive information and verify any communications from tax agencies directly rather than clicking links or downloading attachments from suspicious messages. The FTB recommends contacting them at (800) 852-5711 or the IRS at (800) 892-1040 if taxpayers receive suspicious correspondence.
latimes.com
· 2025-12-08
ICE impersonators and other scammers are increasingly targeting immigrant communities, capitalizing on fears related to deportation policies, according to California Attorney General Rob Bonta. The article provides protective guidance including: verify federal officials through official identification and government channels only, never sign documents or provide personal/financial information to unsolicited callers, understand that legitimate ICE agents will not contact you via personal social media or request money, and be aware that "notario" or notary public titles do not indicate legal expertise in the United States. Impersonating a federal officer is illegal and punishable by fines or imprisonment.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
An 80-year-old Texas man lost $5,000 to a bitcoin ATM scam after receiving a false call claiming his son was in jail; according to FTC data, bitcoin ATM scams targeting seniors over 60 increased nearly tenfold from $12 million in 2020 to $114 million in 2023, with victims three times more likely to be older adults. Scammers exploit the speed and irreversibility of cryptocurrency transactions by directing victims to deposit cash at bitcoin ATMs using QR codes that transfer funds directly to criminal accounts. Most states lack regulations on bitcoin ATMs, making recovery difficult, though some jurisdictions have successfully returned funds when caught quickly
abc11.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, scammers stole a record $12.5 billion from Americans, a 25% increase from the previous year, with investment scams and imposter scams causing the largest losses according to FTC data. A Raleigh woman lost nearly $3,000 to a Microsoft imposter scam after being tricked into purchasing gift cards, a common tactic where fraudsters impersonate legitimate companies or government agencies. Red flags include requests to buy gift cards, cryptocurrency, or send money through payment apps to unknown individuals.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article highlights two prevalent scams and prevention strategies: a deepfake video impersonating Warren Buffett offering investment tips through a fake "assistant" (exploiting AI technology to create convincing but false endorsements), and phishing emails falsely claiming to be from Social Security. The article advises readers to verify links by hovering over them to check their actual destinations, use link expansion services for shortened URLs, and independently log into official websites rather than clicking embedded links in suspicious emails.
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-08
Reports of individuals impersonating ICE agents have increased across the United States, with scammers contacting victims by phone, email, or in person to demand payment via cash, wire transfers, or gift cards while threatening arrest or deportation. Authorities advise immigrants to verify agent identities through official ICE field offices, avoid sharing original documents without verified government requirements, seek help only from licensed lawyers and accredited representatives, and report suspicious activity to local authorities, as legitimate federal agencies never demand payment over unsolicited contact.