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cnn.com
Approximately 7,000 people were recently released from scam compounds operated by Chinese crime syndicates and warlords along the Myanmar-Thailand border, where they had been held captive and forced to conduct fraudulent investment schemes and romance scams targeting victims worldwide, including American citizens who lost their life savings. An estimated 100,000 people remain trapped in these facilities, which generate billions of dollars annually; experts warn the industry will quickly rebuild using advanced technologies including AI-generated scripts, deepfakes, cryptocurrency, and malware. A coordinated global response is needed to combat what analysts describe as an unprecedented and rapidly expanding cyber threat that is spreading to Africa, South Asia, the Gulf, and the Pacific
salon.com
American consumers lost over $10 billion to fraud in 2023, the highest amount ever recorded, with fraudsters increasingly using AI to create convincing deepfakes and impersonation scams. Key fraud types include AI-driven impersonation, phishing emails, investment/cryptocurrency scams (which rose to $3.96 billion in losses), tech support scams, and romance scams (which caused $1.14 billion in losses with a median loss of $2,000 per victim). Consumers should watch for red flags such as rushed messages, inconsistencies, and suspicious email addresses to protect themselves from these evolving schemes.
newsweek.com
The FBI seized $8.2 million in cryptocurrency from an international "pig butchering" romance scam investigated by its Cleveland Field Office, which identified over 30 victims whose funds were traced through three cryptocurrency wallets using advanced blockchain analytics. One Cleveland victim alone lost over $650,000 in retirement savings after being deceived into what she believed was a legitimate investment account. The scam—named for how perpetrators "fatten up" victims emotionally before draining their finances—originated in China and typically targets vulnerable individuals through dating apps; seized funds are expected to be used for restitution as the Department of Justice continues investigating additional victims and fraud networks.
amp.cnn.com
Around 7,000 people were recently released from scam compounds operated by criminal syndicates along the Myanmar-Thailand border, where an estimated 100,000 people remain trapped and forced to conduct romance scams and fraudulent investment schemes targeting victims worldwide, including American citizens, generating billions of dollars in illicit proceeds. The scam operations, run largely by Chinese crime syndicates and ethnic militia groups, are rapidly evolving to use artificial intelligence, deepfakes, cryptocurrency, and other advanced technologies to expand their targeting capabilities and evade law enforcement. Experts warn that a coordinated global response is needed to combat what they describe as an unprecedented and growing cyber threat that shows no signs of slowing despite recent
newstalk.com
A bill is being introduced to make catfishing—the creation of fake online identities using stolen photographs to deceive others—illegal in Ireland. Currently, while catfishing is often used in romance scams that cause significant financial and emotional harm to victims, it is not itself a criminal offense, though it may be difficult to prosecute as identity fraud. Senator Fiona O'Loughlin is pushing for specific legislation to give law enforcement the tools needed to protect victims from this deceptive practice.
investmentexecutive.com
FINRA's Securities Helpline for Seniors recovered over $9.3 million for investors approaching its 10th anniversary, with all funds returned voluntarily after helpline intervention without requiring enforcement action. The service has handled more than 32,000 calls and generated thousands of enforcement referrals and referrals to other authorities, addressing rising reports of crypto scams, impersonation schemes, and romance scams targeting seniors. Success depends on collaboration between the helpline, brokerage firms, and regulatory agencies, with many firms designating contacts to expedite resolution of investor concerns.
chicagotribune.com
Scammers are using fake text messages claiming unpaid tollway balances to steal personal and financial information through "smishing" (SMS phishing), with Illinois residents particularly targeted at rates higher than the national average. The fraudulent messages impersonate E-ZPass accounts and direct victims to fake websites; authorities warn consumers never to click links or reply to such messages, as the Illinois Tollway uses the I-PASS system instead. Americans lost 25% more money to fraud in the past year compared to 2023, with complaints in Illinois reaching 1,470 per 100,000 residents versus the national average of 1,215 per 100,000.
greenecountynewsonline.com
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird warned residents in 2024 about the state's top 10 complaint categories, with the Consumer Protection Division receiving over 3,900 complaints across 30+ scam types. Notable 2024 trends included significant increases in social media hacking/account locking and imposter scams, particularly schemes directing victims to cryptocurrency ATMs to send money to fraudsters. The top complaints involved auto fraud (623), internet/social media issues (593), imposter scams (376), home improvement fraud (332), and personal goods/services complaints, with the Attorney General's office urging Iowans to verify sellers, avoid prepayment and cryptocurrency
cbsnews.com
A Maryland woman lost over $3 million in a "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scam, where scammers based in Southeast Asia built trust with her through a Korean messaging app before convincing her to invest in fake crypto platforms that appeared legitimate. The FBI's Baltimore field office warns that this scam is growing, typically targeting victims in their 50s and older, and that victims often lose their entire investments as scammers eventually disappear with all funds, sometimes returning to target the same victims with fake recovery schemes.
daytondailynews.com
This article describes four common scams targeting seniors: Social Security Administration impostor scams that use caller ID spoofing to trick victims into moving money to gift cards; tech support scams where criminals pose as representatives from recognized companies to gain remote device access and obtain banking information; lottery scams where perpetrators impersonate officials and extract fees from supposed foreign lottery winners; and romance scams conducted through dating sites and social media where scammers build relationships to solicit money. These represent a small fraction of the scams seniors face, with detailed information available through the Department of Justice's elder justice resources.
pcmag.com
According to a 2024 Statista study, 90% of US adults aged 65 and older use the internet, making them frequent targets for online scams, particularly in states with older populations like Florida and Texas. The National Council on Aging recommends six protective strategies including listening without judgment, encouraging delayed responses to urgent-sounding messages, and involving anti-fraud organizations and peer networks to help vulnerable seniors recognize and avoid romance scams, crypto schemes, and other fraud.
ospreyobserver.com
This educational piece by an elder law attorney identifies three major scam types targeting seniors: confidence scams (where perpetrators build trust to gain financial access), tech support scams (unsolicited offers to fix computer problems in exchange for payment or personal information), and government impersonation scams (fraudsters posing as IRS, law enforcement, or Social Security officials). The article emphasizes that seniors, particularly isolated "elder orphans" without family support, are especially vulnerable and provides protective advice including verifying agency contacts independently and reporting suspected fraud to the National Elder Fraud Hotline or FTC.
states.aarp.org
Candice Trees, a 71-year-old Illinois retiree, lost $12,000 in a romance scam after developing an online relationship with a man claiming to work abroad who eventually asked to borrow money. In 2024, over 71,000 Illinois consumers reported fraud cases totaling $318.1 million, prompting AARP Illinois to expand prevention efforts through monthly educational programs and advocacy for stricter cryptocurrency ATM regulations, as losses from crypto-related scams topped $65 million nationally in the first half of 2024 with seniors disproportionately affected.
states.aarp.org
In 2024, Michigan residents reported $204 million in fraud losses—a dramatic increase from $60 million in 2020—with an 84-year-old woman losing $40,000 to a man posing as a bank employee serving as one documented case. Scams targeting older adults have diversified to include impersonation, extortion, investment fraud, tech-support schemes, and cryptocurrency fraud, with crypto scams alone affecting Michigan seniors at growing rates (141 instances in 2022 vs. 262 in 2023, with losses rising from $14 million to $24 million). AARP Michigan is responding with fraud prevention education sessions, document sh
wdsu.com
Beth Highland, a 52-year-old woman, lost $26,000 in a romance scam after meeting a man named "Richard" on a dating app who posed as a construction worker needing help with payments for a project in Qatar. The scammer gained her trust through incremental requests for money, eventually convincing her to send $26,000 in bitcoin for a supposed account unfreezing fee, before she consulted a financial advisor who identified the scheme as classic romance fraud. Her case has prompted legislative attention, with the Romance Scam Prevention Act being introduced to require dating apps to notify users about accounts flagged for fraud, and law enforcement has yet to apprehend the scammer or
valadao.house.gov
Congressmen David Valadao, Brittany Pettersen, Tom Suozzi, and Craig Goldman introduced the bipartisan Romance Scam Prevention Act, which requires online dating platforms to notify users if they have interacted with someone removed from the app for fraudulent activity. Romance scams cost Americans over $1.1 billion in 2023, with scammers using fake identities to manipulate victims into financial exploitation on platforms used by over 60 million Americans.
drinksindustryireland.ie
Bank of Ireland warns that fraudsters continuously employ multiple scam tactics beyond April Fool's Day, with the most common schemes including investment fraud, smishing texts, vishing calls, purchase scams, romance scams, family impersonation, rental/holiday fraud, money mule recruitment, malware, and phishing emails. The bank emphasizes that victims should watch for red flags such as promises of unrealistic returns, pressure to act quickly, celebrity endorsements of investments, and demands for secrecy, while never sharing PINs, activation codes, or other sensitive credentials. Bank of Ireland offers 24/7 fraud support at 1800 946 764 to help customers identify
pcmag.com
Modern scammers increasingly employ generative AI tools, data breaches, and app data collection to target victims through romance scams and online job frauds. If victimized, individuals should immediately change passwords and enable multi-factor authentication, use a password manager for unique credentials, monitor account activity, contact their financial institution's fraud department, and report the incident to law enforcement and agencies like the Internet Crime Complaint Center and Identity Theft Resource Center.
pratidintime.com
**Summary:**
Dipjyoti Bora, a resident of Dibrugarh, was arrested by Guwahati police for orchestrating an elaborate romance scam that defrauded at least ten women of approximately ₹50 lakh. Bora used fake identities, including posing as an Oil India employee, to charm victims—primarily divorced bank employees—on dating apps, building trust before extracting money through fabricated promises of love and marriage. Police seized luxury vehicles, multiple mobile phones, and financial documents during his arrest, with authorities expecting additional victims to come forward.
infosecurity-magazine.com
US authorities recovered $8.2 million in stolen cryptocurrency from a "romance baiting" scam ring that targeted at least 30 victims through fake investment schemes initiated on dating sites, with one Cleveland-area victim losing her entire $650,000 retirement account. The Department of Justice used blockchain analysis to trace the laundered funds across multiple cryptocurrency platforms and networks, ultimately seizing them for potential restitution to victims. Romance baiting scams typically involve scammers grooming victims on dating platforms before persuading them to invest in fraudulent schemes, with operations often run by trafficked individuals in Southeast Asia.
saharareporters.com
Three Nigerian nationals—Olumide Olorunfunmi, Samson Amos, and Emmanuel Unuigbe—pleaded guilty to a multimillion-dollar money laundering conspiracy involving romance scams and business email compromise fraud that victimized over 125 individuals from 2020 to 2023. The conspirators deceived elderly victims and businesses into transferring funds, then laundered the money through multiple domestic and international accounts while converting stolen dollars to Nigerian currency at black market rates. The three defendants face a combined potential 60-year prison sentence, with money laundering charges carrying a maximum 20 years per defendant.
businessday.ng
Three Nigerian nationals based in the United States pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy involving $4.5 million in proceeds from romance scams and business email compromise schemes that defrauded approximately 125 victims between 2020 and 2023. Olumide Olorunfunmi, Samson Amos, and Emmanuel Unuigbe directed victims to deposit funds into accounts they controlled, then transferred the money to Nigeria while retaining a percentage as profit, with romance scams typically targeting elderly victims. Each defendant faces up to 20 years in prison, with sentencing dates yet to be scheduled.
pymnts.com
British banks (Barclays, HSBC, Santander, Lloyds), tech companies (Amazon, Meta, Google), and telecoms (BT, Three) have pledged to increase real-time data-sharing on fraud indicators to detect scammers faster, moving beyond a 2023 pilot program to exchange tens of thousands of data points daily. Fraud accounts for 41% of offenses in England and Wales, costing an estimated $8.8 billion annually, with investment scams causing median losses of $1,104 and romance scams causing median losses of $1,996 per victim.
deccanchronicle.com
A Noida man, Daljit Singh, lost Rs 6.3 crore in savings after being befriended by a woman named Anita on a dating app who convinced him to invest in fraudulent trading platforms promising high returns. Singh initially invested Rs 3.2 lakh and saw quick profits, which encouraged him to transfer his entire life savings of Rs 4.5 crore plus an additional Rs 2 crore loan across 30 transactions to 25 bank accounts. When he attempted to withdraw his funds, he was asked to pay a 30% fee; after refusing, the scammer disappeared and the websites went offline, prompting Singh to file a cyber complaint with
english.aaj.tv
A businessman from Noida, India lost INR6.52 crore in an online romance scam after being befriended by a woman named Anita Chauhan on a dating app in December 2024, who lured him into investing in fraudulent trading platforms promising high returns. After initially receiving small profits that encouraged further investment, the scam was exposed when the platforms demanded additional security and exchange fees totaling INR61 lakh before allowing withdrawals. The victim filed a cybercrime complaint with police and expressed concerns about the security of his personal data and family safety.
en.antaranews.com
Indonesian authorities repatriated 29 citizens arrested in the Philippines for involvement in online gambling and scam operations at a Manila-based company; they were questioned upon arrival to separate alleged victims from perpetrators. This repatriation follows a larger operation that brought home 569 Indonesian migrant workers from Myanmar who were victims of human trafficking forced into investment and romance scams, with government data indicating approximately 6,800 Indonesian citizens are suspected victims of human trafficking abroad as of February 2025.
azcentral.com
"Pig butchering" scams, which lure victims into fake investment schemes, became the most frequently investigated crime by the Secret Service in Arizona in 2024, with the scam causing an estimated $2.5 billion in nationwide losses and an average loss of $700,000 per investigated case. Arizonans lost millions to this fraud, which has continued to increase in frequency and impact.
bleepingcomputer.com
The U.S. Department of Justice seized over $8.2 million in Tether cryptocurrency stolen through "romance baiting" scams, where victims were manipulated into investing on fraudulent platforms offering false returns, then prevented from withdrawing funds. The seizure involved 38 victimized cryptocurrency accounts with confirmed losses exceeding $5.2 million, with named victims from five states losing over $1.6 million collectively, and the worst individual loss reaching $663,352; the scam operation is believed linked to human trafficking syndicates in Cambodia and Myanmar. The recovered assets will enable restitution to identified victims and others the FBI is attempting to locate through wallet tracing.
slate.com
A woman's mother has been victimized by multiple romance scams since October, losing tens of thousands of dollars to scammers impersonating celebrities and entertainment figures through gift cards, bank transfers, and cryptocurrency payments. The daughter has attempted multiple interventions including gentle conversations and contacting organizations like AARP and the FTC, but her mother denies the scams, remains secretive, and continues sending money, including funds for a canceled "visit" with an alleged fiancé. The advice column recommends framing a conversation around financial planning rather than the romance itself, focusing on how these expenditures impact her mother's long-term financial security.
securityaffairs.com
On February 27, 2025, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Ohio filed a civil forfeiture complaint for $8.2 million in cryptocurrency linked to a "pig butchering" romance scam, in which fraudsters built false romantic and financial relationships with victims via anonymous messaging apps before exploiting them. One Cleveland victim liquidated over $650,000 in retirement savings; the FBI used blockchain intelligence to trace funds across multiple crypto platforms and networks, ultimately leading to the seizure and reissuance of the frozen Tether tokens for victim restitution. This case highlights the rapidly growing threat of pig butchering scams—often operated by human trafficking syndicates from
kjzz.org
Elder fraud cases are rising nationwide, with Arizona experiencing the highest rate at 289 cases per 100,000 seniors, and older adults losing $3.4 billion to scams in 2023. Louise Harrison, 73, lost $2,000 in an Arizona jury duty scam in which fraudsters impersonated law enforcement and sent a fake arrest warrant to pressure payment. Experts warn that scams are evolving to exploit technology, including voice-cloning AI, romance schemes, and urgent payment demands via phone, text, and social media, and recommend education and awareness efforts through organizations like AARP, the Better Business Bureau, and R.O.S.E. to protect
lptv.org
Bemidji area law enforcement held a public presentation warning residents about a surge in scams following a "grandparent" scam incident in the region, including IRS impersonation scams, online romance scams, and phishing emails/texts. Officers advised the public to verify callers before answering, use Google to check suspicious phone numbers, never send money to unknown persons, and watch for red flags such as suspicious URLs, grammar errors, and pressure tactics. Additional awareness sessions were scheduled to educate the community on recognizing and avoiding these fraud schemes.
onlineathens.com
An Athens man lost over $70,000 to a cryptocurrency investment scam after being befriended by a woman named "Lyra" on Instagram who convinced him to invest through a fraudulent app. When he attempted to withdraw funds to pay off his car, he was told to deposit more money first, and upon checking the app again, his $74,000 balance had been reduced to 25 cents. The FBI warns that these "pig butchering" scams manipulate victims into making repeated deposits into fake cryptocurrency investments controlled by overseas criminals, with victims typically losing all invested funds.
richlandsource.com
Imposter scams are among the most commonly reported forms of fraud, according to Federal Trade Commission data, with scammers posing as trusted businesses, government entities, family members, or romantic interests to deceive victims. While older adults typically lose larger sums when victimized, people in their 30s and 40s report the highest fraud victimization rates per age group, with scammers using tactics like fake Facebook accounts, urgency-creating threats, grandparent schemes, and romance scams to trick victims into sending money, gift cards, or personal information. Common scam tactics include impersonating utilities or banks threatening service shutoffs, posing as stranded relatives needing emergency funds
natlawreview.com
The CFTC secured a $2.3 million enforcement action and default judgment against Debiex, a fraudulent digital asset platform that operated a "pig butchering" romance scam, misappropriating over $2 million from customers who believed they were making legitimate cryptocurrency trades. Debiex operators cultivated romantic relationships with victims to gain trust, then solicited them to fund fake trading accounts that never actually traded. The judgment requires Debiex to pay $221,466 in civil penalties and $2.2 million in restitution, and qualified whistleblowers now have 90 days to claim awards of 10-30% of collected funds.
abc7ny.com
More than 72 million Americans use cryptocurrency, but they face significant vulnerability to scams that stole nearly $10 billion in 2024. Common scams include phishing, romance scams luring victims into crypto investments, and "rug pulls" where celebrities or developers promote tokens then abandon them, leaving investors with worthless assets. Experts recommend sticking to established cryptocurrencies with proven track records, researching developer credentials, and questioning why payments are requested in cryptocurrency, as these transactions are difficult or impossible to reverse.
eastidahonews.com
A 68-year-old Oxford, Michigan woman lost nearly $500,000 in life savings to a romance scammer who impersonated "NCIS" actor Mark Harmon over a ten-month period beginning in April 2023. The victim sold her home and car to wire funds to the scammer, who claimed his money was tied up in California and he needed the loan to return from Italy, but disappeared after receiving the money. The Oakland County Sheriff's Department is investigating the case, and authorities note that such romance scams are increasingly common and often originate overseas, making recovery of funds difficult.
upnorthlive.com
A Northern Michigan woman lost over $20,000 in an online romance scam in 2024 after being contacted by someone impersonating a celebrity actor on Instagram. The scammer used love bombing and emotional manipulation, gradually building trust before requesting money for fabricated emergencies; the victim only recognized the fraud when asked for an additional $100,000. Experts note that romance scammers exploit emotional vulnerabilities and common interests to establish trust, and victims should understand that such crimes result from criminal manipulation rather than personal fault.
technologyreview.com
Gavesh, a South Asian man facing financial hardship, was trafficked into a "pig butchering" scam operation after responding to a fraudulent Facebook job posting promising $1,500 monthly salary. Criminal syndicates operating from compounds in Myanmar-Thailand border regions use social media platforms and tech services to recruit victims and conduct romance/investment fraud schemes that have netted billions of dollars globally, exploiting trafficked workers through coercion and violence. The investigation reveals that major tech companies—including social media, dating apps, cryptocurrency platforms, and messaging services—have enabled the industrialization of these fraud operations and may hold the key to dismantling them if compelled to take action.
whbl.com
Manitowoc Police reported a dramatic increase in scams targeting residents, including romance scams that develop over weeks or months with escalating requests for money, impersonation scams where criminals pose as officials demanding payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency, and a novel tactic involving fraudulent crypto ATMs. Police advise residents to avoid currency transfers to unknown sources, be cautious of aggressive payment demands, and contact them with concerns, noting that government entities never use crypto ATMs or electronic payment methods for fines and fees.
wxyz.com
Fraud losses reached $12.5 billion in 2024, a 25% increase from 2023, affecting consumers nationwide including older adults who are increasingly targeted through evolving scam tactics that exploit vulnerabilities. Tanjai Green lost money through a money transfer app scam and was unable to recover her funds despite repeated requests, while psychologist Dr. Peter Lichtenberg emphasizes that scammers specifically target retired individuals and those with disabilities or anxiety. Experts recommend approaching potential scam victims by listening to their perspective rather than confronting them directly, maintaining trusted confidants for financial discussions, and following best practices such as verifying identities online, being skeptical of urgent requests, and avoiding money
eastidahonews.com
A Provo man in his 70s lost $186,000 over two years in a romance scam in which someone claiming to be a woman from Maryland promised a romantic relationship and help claiming an inheritance, but the two never met in person and a video call may have been AI-generated. The case, discovered only when the man's son intervened, exemplifies a broader problem affecting seniors nationally, with other common scams including impersonation of law enforcement, banks, and utility companies; tech support schemes; and "grandparent in jail" fraud. Police and the FBI recommend hanging up on calls demanding urgent payment, independently verifying callers' identities, watching for cryptocurrency requests, and family members monitoring elderly relatives
tmj4.com
A West Bend, Wisconsin woman discovered her husband was victimized in a celebrity romance scam after he was contacted by someone impersonating Nancy Wilson of the band HEART on Facebook, leading him to send approximately $1,000 and share personal information including their home address. The scammer used AI-enhanced "deepfake" videos and fabricated money requests (including a $600 claim to dock a jet) to manipulate the victim, who professed love for someone he had never met. According to the FTC, romance scammers stole over $1 billion in 2023, with law enforcement noting these scams are difficult to trace since perpetrators typically operate internationally.
abc12.com
A 68-year-old Oxford, Michigan woman lost approximately $475,000 of her life savings in a romance scam after being contacted on Facebook by someone impersonating actor Mark Harmon. Over ten months, the scammer convinced her to wire money by claiming he was in Italy under contract and needed funds to return to her, with promises of marriage and financial security for her and her adult son with special needs. She sold her home and car to send the money, and when the scammer disappeared after claiming to board a flight to her, she faced eviction with nowhere to go.
corkbeo.ie
A 61-year-old man from North Cork lost his life savings of approximately €18,200 to a romance scammer who posed as a Filipino woman online and promised to move to Ireland after he sent money for her travel expenses. Devastated by the loss and struggling with his mental health, Ted publicly shared his story on local radio, prompting community support including a GoFundMe fundraiser that raised over €1,200. The case highlights a widespread problem, with Irish gardaí reporting approximately 50 romance fraud cases annually, with victims losing an average of €28,500, though many cases go unreported due to shame and embarrassment.
cbsnews.com
The U.S. Postal Service held a scam awareness event to educate consumers about fraud threats, including unsolicited text messages about delivery problems, unrequested merchandise shipments designed to boost fake product reviews, and romance scams. The Postal Service emphasized that they do not send unsolicited texts and warned customers not to scan QR codes in unexpected packages or send money to unknown individuals, while also reporting a 27% decrease in letter carrier robberies under their Project Safe Delivery initiative since 2023.
altoonamirror.com
Pennsylvania State Police presented a seminar on scams targeting seniors, noting that older adults lost over $1 billion to cybercrimes in 2023, with common schemes including government imposter scams, grandparent scams, and tech support fraud. One victim paid $500 for fake tech support and later wired $65,000 to the same scammers after they gained remote access to her device, highlighting how emotional manipulation and technology exploitation are used to defraud older adults.
yahoo.com
A Portland, Oregon single mother lost $40,000 to a romance scam after meeting a man on Tinder who posed as a civil engineer working in Turkey and used a fake hospital photo to guilt her into sending money over several months. The FTC reported that romance scams affected 70,000 people in 2022 with total losses of $1.3 billion, with a median loss of $4,400, and recommends victims never send money to online matches they haven't met, report scams to the FTC, and seek help from financial advisers to rebuild their finances.
ca.style.yahoo.com
Katie Powell, a single mother from Portland, OR, lost $40,000 to a romance scam after meeting a con artist on Tinder who posed as a civil engineer working in Turkey and repeatedly requested money under false pretenses, including a fake hospital stay. The FTC reports that romance scams affected 70,000 people in 2022 with $1.3 billion in total losses, with a median loss of $4,400. Powell's case highlights the importance of never sending money to online matches and reporting suspected scams to the FTC immediately.
wvnews.com
West Virginians reported over $27 million in fraud losses in 2024, according to the Federal Trade Commission, as scams continue to rise across the state through phone calls, emails, and text messages. The article outlines common scam tactics including IRS/Social Security impersonation, romance scams, tech support scams, and phishing emails, and advises consumers to watch for red flags such as urgent language, requests for payment via gift cards or wire transfers, and unfamiliar contact information. Key protective measures include not answering unknown numbers, never clicking suspicious links, verifying charities before donating, and reporting suspected scams to authorities.