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in Scam Awareness
lockhaven.com
· 2025-12-08
This is a community announcements section, not an elder fraud case. However, it includes a relevant notice: A free senior scams prevention seminar will be held at the Castanea Township Building on Tuesday, May 20, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., offering education on fraud threats to seniors, prevention strategies, and resources for safety concerns.
timesdaily.com
· 2025-12-08
I cannot summarize this content. This appears to be a list of country names and territories rather than an article about elder fraud, scams, or abuse.
To provide a summary for the Elderus database, please provide an actual article or transcript about:
- Fraud or scams targeting older adults
- Elder abuse incidents
- Educational content about protecting seniors from fraud
windsornewstoday.ca
· 2025-12-08
Chatham-Kent police issued a public warning after receiving multiple complaints about "grandparent scams" targeting seniors, where fraudsters impersonate family members claiming an emergency and demanding urgent money for bail or release. The scammers falsely claim to be affiliated with law enforcement, but police emphasized that no legitimate officer will ever collect money in person. Residents can report incidents to Chatham-Kent police at 519-352-1234 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
pennlive.com
· 2025-12-08
As the April 15 tax filing deadline approaches, the IRS warns taxpayers about its annual "Dirty Dozen" list of common scams including email phishing, text smishing, misleading social media tax advice, fake charity donation schemes, and false claims for fuel tax credits and non-existent self-employment tax credits. These scams aim to steal personal and financial information, facilitate identity theft, and trick taxpayers into claiming ineligible tax credits. The IRS recommends taxpayers verify information directly through official IRS channels and remain cautious of unsolicited communications during tax season.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax season 2025 has become a prime target for AI-powered fraud, with cybercriminals using generative AI, deepfakes, and voice cloning to create highly convincing phishing emails, fake IRS calls, and impersonations of tax professionals and agents. The IRS identified over $37 billion in tax and financial crimes in fiscal year 2023, with fake IRS calls using voice cloning jumping 150% in 2025, affecting individuals, small businesses, tax professionals, and large firms through personalized attacks that bypass traditional security defenses. Criminals are also creating synthetic identities to file fraudulent returns and claim illegitimate refunds, while deepfake videos
hackaday.com
· 2025-12-08
A researcher analyzed romance scam emails using technical investigation methods, tracing stolen Facebook photos and fake profiles back to Russian-based scammers operating on monthly cycles. The scam targets vulnerable individuals by establishing fake romantic relationships and eventually requesting money transfers for fabricated emergencies or relocation assistance. The analysis revealed that while scammers use hacked email accounts and VPNs to hide their location, they often leave clues in image metadata and occasionally fail to activate VPN protection, underscoring that human awareness and critical thinking—rather than technological solutions—remain the most effective defenses against these schemes.
dl-online.com
· 2025-12-08
According to the 2024 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report, investment and cryptocurrency scams remain the most prevalent fraud type, with romance and friendship scams climbing to third place. Both often employ "financial grooming" tactics where scammers build trust over weeks or months before encouraging victims to invest in fraudulent platforms, resulting in a median loss of $5,000-$6,099 per victim. People ages 65 and older reported the highest median losses ($160), and overall reported median losses increased 30% from 2023 to 2024, with emotional impacts including anger, loss of trust, and anxiety affecting nearly 30% of victims.
rcmp.ca
· 2025-12-08
Canadian fraud and cybercrime losses exceeded $638 million in 2024, a significant increase from $578 million in 2023, with investment scams accounting for $311 million of losses, according to the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre. Beyond financial damage, victims report severe emotional and psychological harm including feelings of betrayal, shame, anxiety, and depression, which can be compounded by victim-blaming from others. Experts emphasize that fraud's impact extends across all demographics and fraud types, and that supportive responses from those victims confide in are critical to their healing.
kwch.com
· 2025-12-08
A 72-year-old Wichita woman lost her entire life savings of $36,000 in a sophisticated cryptocurrency scam when a caller impersonating a Coinbase representative convinced her that her account had been compromised. The scammer used fear-based tactics to pressure her into transferring her funds to a fraudulent wallet controlled by the criminals, from which the money cannot be recovered. The article advises verifying any account security claims by independently calling official customer service numbers rather than responding to unsolicited calls or clicking provided links.
wsmv.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI reported over 2,000 toll payment scam text messages in less than two weeks, with scammers sending deceptive texts claiming recipients owe tolls and directing them to click malicious links to steal personal information or download malware. One Nashville resident received multiple such texts and nearly fell victim after her husband considered paying the fake toll. Experts recommend reporting suspicious toll texts as junk, reporting the sender to the FBI, and verifying toll charges directly through official toll service websites rather than clicking links in unsolicited messages.
theoaklandpress.com
· 2025-12-08
A Troy woman lost $19,000 in a fraud scheme that began with a text message falsely claiming to be from Apple. Suspecting a scam, the victim attempted to verify the message through official channels but was instead directed to fraudsters who convinced her to transfer money, ultimately falling victim to the very scam she was trying to avoid.
dfpi.ca.gov
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams, also known as relationship or confidence scams, are among the top five online scams in the U.S., resulting in over $650 million in losses in 2023. Scammers use fake profiles and emotional manipulation through dating apps, social media, and email to build trust before requesting money, personal information, or investments, with common tactics including impersonation ("catfishing"), long-term trust-building schemes, and platonic friendship scams. To protect yourself, avoid sharing personal information with unknown contacts, research and verify all information before making financial decisions, take time before acting on requests, and report suspected scams to authorities.
syracuse.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI is warning about a surge in "smishing" scams—fraudulent text messages impersonating toll authorities and package delivery services—with threat actors registering over 10,000 malicious domains targeting users in at least 10 U.S. states and Ontario, Canada. These scams direct victims to fake websites designed to steal personal data including credit card, bank, and Social Security information. The FTC advises users to avoid clicking unsolicited links, verify messages through official channels, and report suspicious texts, while the FBI recommends securing accounts and disputing unauthorized charges if compromised.
nbcnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Chinese-speaking cybercriminals operating on Telegram are distributing phishing kits that enable widespread text message scams claiming victims owe unpaid tolls or E-ZPass fees, with links to fake payment websites designed to steal credit cards and personal information. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center has received over 60,000 reports of the scam, which rapidly escalated starting in early February as operators copy each other's tactics and target bulk datasets of hacked phone numbers. The scammers exploit the tactic's effectiveness by requesting small fees that appear reasonable, and victims' stolen information is used to compromise payment methods and digital wallets.
redding.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS released its 2025 "Dirty Dozen" list of tax scams that proliferate during tax season, including fake emails and texts impersonating the IRS, misleading tax advice on social media (particularly encouraging fraudulent W-2 forms), scammers posing as helpers to create IRS online accounts to steal personal information, and promotion of non-existent tax credits like bogus self-employment credits claiming payouts up to $32,000. Victims of these scams risk identity theft, unauthorized bank account access, and significant delays to legitimate tax refunds, with those knowingly filing fraudulent returns facing civil and criminal penalties.
dfpi.ca.gov
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies four common types of tax-related fraud and scams: identity theft (where stolen SSNs are used to file fraudulent returns), ghost preparers (unlicensed tax preparers who charge fees but disappear without filing or file inaccurate returns), phishing/smishing attempts (fraudulent emails and texts impersonating the IRS), and social media scams (misinformation about tax laws and services). The article recommends protecting yourself by filing early, using electronic filing through secure channels, employing professional tax services with verified credentials, and enabling two-factor authentication on accounts.
kbzk.com
· 2025-12-08
Bozeman Police Detective Jake Ahmann reports that scam calls and texts are widespread, with he himself receiving two to three per week, often using emotional manipulation tactics like promises of free items, threats of legal consequences, or appeals for help with family members in trouble. Ahmann advises the public to avoid clicking links from unknown numbers, never share personal or financial information over the phone, request payment via gift cards or bitcoin as red flags, and to contact police and financial institutions immediately if scammed. He also notes that scam reports are likely under-reported due to victim embarrassment, and recommends simply not answering calls from unknown numbers when in doubt.
nbcboston.com
· 2025-12-08
Daniele Gonsalves lost over $2,500 after meeting "David" on a dating app who posed as a wealthy cryptocurrency investor and convinced her to transfer money to a fraudulent trading platform. This scam tactic, known as "pig butchering," involves scammers building romantic trust with victims before encouraging them to invest in fake cryptocurrency schemes that ultimately disappear. Cybersecurity experts advise verifying the identity of anyone offering investment advice, never investing based on online-only relationships, and reporting suspected fraud to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
winknews.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly Cape Coral woman fell victim to a romance scam in which she unknowingly acted as a "money mule," depositing fraudulent checks sent by a man claiming to be "Jeff Baker" and transferring over $250,000 through a bank account he convinced her to open. Cape Coral police are pursuing civil forfeiture to recover the funds, and authorities believe the suspect operates from outside the United States and may have additional victims in the area. Experts warn that romance scams are rising and recommend never sending money or depositing checks for people met online, being skeptical of quickly escalating relationships, and maintaining open family discussions about online interactions.
e.vnexpress.net
· 2025-12-08
A 32-year-old Vietnamese man lost approximately US$196,348 to a romance scam after meeting a woman claiming to be a Singapore-based fund manager on an investment forum. The scammer built trust through romantic attention and personal connection before introducing him to a fake high-return investment scheme that showed false profits, then disappeared when he attempted to withdraw funds. The victim's case illustrates how romance scammers use fabricated identities and emotional manipulation to overcome victims' financial judgment, and serves as a cautionary warning against sending money to online contacts never met in person.
mininggazette.com
· 2025-12-08
The Michigan State Police urge residents to recognize and avoid common scams transmitted through phone calls, text messages, and social media, including romance scams that manipulate victims into sending money through fake emergencies, tech support scams offering fake virus solutions, and toll payment scams. Key warning signs include unsolicited contact, artificial urgency, unusual payment demands (cryptocurrency or gift cards), and requests for personal or financial information. Authorities recommend trusting instincts, consulting trusted contacts or law enforcement if something seems suspicious, and not feeling ashamed to report suspected fraud.
discoverairdrie.com
· 2025-12-08
Investment fraud is rising among younger Canadians for the first time, with scammers using social media to target victims with promises of quick returns on little risk. Canadians reported $310 million in investment fraud losses in 2024, though authorities believe the actual figure is much higher due to underreporting, with common tactics including spear phishing and romance scams. Experts attribute the surge to increasing sophistication of fraud schemes and victims' reluctance to report due to embarrassment, urging those affected to contact provincial securities regulators, local police, or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
local.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
I cannot provide a summary of this content. What you've shared appears to be a navigation menu or sitemap from the AARP website rather than an article or transcript about a specific scam, fraud case, or elder abuse incident.
To create a summary for the Elderus database, please provide:
- An actual news article about a fraud case or scam
- A transcript of an elder abuse incident
- An educational piece on fraud prevention with specific details
Once you share the substantive content, I'll be happy to summarize it according to the Elderus guidelines.
americanbar.org
· 2025-12-08
A retired teacher named Daniel was targeted by a scammer named Jim on an online investment forum who posed as a successful investor and offered mentorship on cryptocurrency investments, eventually convincing Daniel to invest substantial retirement savings in a fraudulent scheme promising guaranteed high returns before disappearing with all the funds. Research shows that older adults experiencing social isolation are more susceptible to such fraud due to alterations in cognitive decision-making and risk evaluation, and seniors lost over $240 million to imposter scams alone in 2022.
41nbc.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, scams extracted a record $12.5 billion from consumers—a 25% increase from 2023—despite the number of scam reports remaining relatively flat, according to the Better Business Bureau citing FTC data. The BBB highlighted two prevalent scams: cryptocurrency investment scams involving unknown coins and promises of guaranteed returns, and imposter scams where fraudsters pose as government agencies demanding immediate payment via gift cards or crypto while threatening arrest. Consumers should verify agency contact information independently, watch for ".gov" or ".mil" email addresses, and be wary of urgent demands, threats, and requests for unusual payment methods or wallet access.
local3news.com
· 2025-12-08
Email phishing scams remain a common threat, with scammers impersonating legitimate businesses to claim auto-renewing subscriptions and trick victims into clicking malicious links or revealing personal information. The fraudulent emails appear authentic by including business logos and fake customer service numbers. To protect yourself, verify unexpected subscription notices by logging into the company's official website directly or calling their known phone number, and avoid clicking links or responding to unsolicited emails claiming to represent businesses.
texasattorneygeneral.gov
· 2025-12-08
The Texas Attorney General's Office Consumer Protection Division assists victims of nonviolent financial crimes including identity theft, scams, fraud, and elder financial abuse by accepting complaints, providing guidance, and monitoring trends to inform enforcement priorities. While the division cannot pursue individual cases on behalf of victims, it offers resources on filing complaints, protecting identity, understanding consumer rights, and learning about fraud prevention tactics. Victims can contact the division via their website or helpline at (800) 621-0508.
afslaw.com
· 2025-12-08
This article summarizes predictions about DOJ enforcement priorities under the second Trump Administration discussed at the ABA's 40th White Collar Crime Institute in March 2025, notably in the absence of DOJ representatives due to travel restrictions. Panelists predicted the DOJ would continue pursuing elder fraud, opioid diversion, and healthcare fraud while likely decreasing efforts on public corruption, securities fraud, and corporate misconduct cases. The future of voluntary disclosure programs was also debated, with speakers theorizing these initiatives would likely survive and potentially be amended to provide greater incentives for self-reporting.
ca.style.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Canadians lost $638 million to scams in 2024, with impersonation and investment fraud being the costliest types, as fraudsters increasingly use sophisticated technology including AI to create convincing deepfakes and pose as legitimate organizations or celebrities. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reports that while fewer cases were processed in 2024 compared to 2023, authorities estimate 90-95% of fraud cases go unreported, and recommend Canadians verify unexpected calls or messages and be aware of red flags such as requests for personal information or unsolicited payment demands. Key prevention strategies include trusting instincts, questioning suspicious communications, and educating seniors about evolving scam tactics.
npr.org
· 2025-12-08
Smishing (SMS phishing) scams have surged significantly, with Americans receiving 19.2 billion spam texts in February alone, often impersonating toll agencies, utilities, and financial institutions to trick victims into clicking malicious links or providing payment information. Scammers quickly adapt their tactics to current events—such as NYC's congestion pricing launch in January 2025—to exploit confusion and urgency among consumers. To protect themselves, consumers should register with the National Do Not Call Registry, never click links in unsolicited texts, verify requests by independently calling companies, and report scams to the FBI's IC3 or by forwarding messages to 7726.
phillyburbs.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns of a "smishing" scam targeting E-ZPass users nationwide, in which scammers send fraudulent text messages claiming recipients owe unpaid tolls ($3.95–$12.55) and directing them to click malicious links to steal personal and financial information. E-ZPass never contacts customers via text for payment, so recipients should delete suspicious messages and avoid clicking links; those who have already provided information should freeze their accounts and monitor for fraudulent charges. The scam uses spoofing techniques to impersonate trusted toll collection services and relies on creating panic to bypass critical thinking.
wxii12.com
· 2025-12-08
A surge of smishing scams impersonating toll road agencies like NC Quick Pass is targeting North Carolina and other states, with the FBI reporting over 2,000 complaints since March of the previous year. The scams use text messages claiming unpaid tolls and threatening fines, license suspension, or legal action to pressure victims into clicking malicious links that can result in losses ranging from $100 to hundreds of thousands of dollars and potential theft of personal information like bank account and Social Security details. Authorities have traced the scams' origin to Canada in early 2024 and believe operations have since moved to the U.S., with NC Quick Pass reporting thousands of daily inquiries about the fraudulent texts
mastercard.com
· 2025-12-08
U.S. consumers lost over $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, a 25% increase from 2023, with investor scams causing the most financial damage ($5.7 million) while imposter scams remain most frequently reported, according to the FTC. Cybercriminals increasingly exploit human emotions through social engineering tactics via email, phone, and text, using sophisticated tools like deepfakes and generative AI to create convincing false identities and communications. The article emphasizes that even trained employees can be deceived, citing a $25.6 million loss by a Hong Kong financial firm whose employee was tricked by a computer-generated deepfake video conference
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-08
As the 2025 tax season begins, cybercriminals are launching a surge of tax-related scams targeting taxpayers, with malicious domains using tax-related terms seeing a 693% traffic increase in the 30 days before the 2024 filing deadline. Common scam tactics include phishing emails impersonating tax software providers like TurboTax, fake charities, unlicensed tax preparers, and misleading fuel tax credit offers (which increased 121% from 2024 to 2025), with fraudulent activity persisting even after the April 15 deadline. Experts advise taxpayers to verify all websites and email requests before
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
Digital payment apps like Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, and PayPal are increasingly exploited by scammers, with customers at three banks losing over $870 million to Zelle fraud since 2017 according to a CFPB lawsuit. Common scams include cash flipping schemes, phishing expeditions, fake item sales, counterfeit tickets, software glitch fraud, and security deposit schemes, all of which exploit the irreversible nature of digital transfers. Users should verify requests through official channels, never pay sight unseen, and avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails to protect themselves from these threats.
bai.org
· 2025-12-08
Financial institutions must implement transaction monitoring systems and staff training to combat elder financial exploitation, which totaled $27 billion in 155,415 suspicious activity reports between June 2022 and June 2023. The most common exploiters are known individuals—relatives or caregivers—who may have legal access to accounts and use manipulation or coercion, though romantic scams and government impersonation schemes targeting the elderly are also on the rise. Banks and credit unions must balance sensitive customer interactions with regulatory reporting requirements under the Bank Secrecy Act to identify and report suspicious transactions that may indicate elder abuse.
aba.com
· 2025-12-08
I cannot provide a summary of this content. What you've shared appears to be a navigation menu or table of contents from a banking organization's website, not an article about elder fraud, scams, or abuse.
To help you, please provide the actual article text or content about a specific scam, fraud incident, or elder abuse case.
du.edu
· 2025-12-08
This article is an educational piece about the University of Denver's research initiatives to improve health outcomes for older adults, particularly focusing on dementia and neurological diseases. Key findings include: Professor Sunil Kumar is developing treatments to halt dementia and Parkinson's progression using a $2.8 million NIH grant, and researcher Daniel Paredes has created a simple blood test using AI to detect early signs of neurological disorders—a faster and more affordable alternative to traditional diagnostic methods. The article also provides practical caregiving advice for families supporting loved ones with dementia, emphasizing the importance of routine, clear communication, and safe environments.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
A 77-year-old woman lost $130,000 of her life savings to a lottery scam operated by Darien Deventon Smith and Sheniece Elaine Smith of Connecticut, who convinced her in March 2024 that she had won a jackpot and car but needed to pay various "taxes" and "processing fees" to claim the prize. Over months of manipulation, the victim opened multiple bank accounts and purchased money orders at the scammers' direction before becoming suspicious and contacting authorities; both suspects were arrested in February 2025 and face charges of obtaining money by false pretenses and conspiracy to commit a felony.
hola.com
· 2025-12-08
A 63-year-old woman from Los Angeles, Guadalupe Cepeda, was defrauded of over $3,000 by a scammer impersonating Latin pop star Enrique Iglesias through a fan group on social media. Over two years, the impostor used romantic manipulation and convinced her to send money via gift cards before her family traced the scammer to Nigeria. The real Enrique Iglesias responded by warning fans to only connect with verified accounts and cautioning against celebrity impersonation scams.
wcnc.com
· 2025-12-08
Financial grooming scams, where fraudsters build trust with victims over time before exploiting them financially, are on the rise according to the Better Business Bureau's 2024 report. These scams affect people of all ages and include cryptocurrency schemes, romance scams, and employment fraud, with investment and cryptocurrency scams being particularly risky—over 80% of targeted individuals reported financial losses. The BBB recommends protecting yourself by being cautious of unsolicited contact from strangers, avoiding sharing personal information on social media, using credit cards for online purchases, and ignoring suspicious links and messages.
cleveland.com
· 2025-12-08
A retired IT professional in northeast Ohio, known as "Eastside Eddie," combats robocall and text scams by posing as a victim to waste scammers' time and expose their tactics on YouTube and in community educational classes. Cuyahoga County residents lost over $3.4 million to various scams last year, with two victims losing their homes, prompting both Eddie's vigilante efforts and an official county awareness campaign highlighting common schemes (romance, grandparent, company/government, and lottery scams) and warning signs like requests for gift cards, cryptocurrency, or remote computer access.
chestnuthilllocal.com
· 2025-12-08
AARP Pennsylvania issued a consumer alert about increasingly sophisticated phishing scams designed to steal personal and financial information, noting that phishing was the most commonly reported cybercrime in 2023 with nearly 300,000 complaints and losses exceeding $18.7 million. The advisory recommends protective measures including verifying sender information, avoiding suspicious links, using strong passwords with multi-factor authentication, and reporting suspicious messages to authorities or AARP's fraud helpline at 1-877-908-3360.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A Portland senior nearly fell victim to a $170,000 gold bar scam in which fraudsters impersonated law enforcement and claimed his Social Security number was compromised, pressuring him to purchase gold bars to "protect" his assets; he avoided the full loss but still lost $4,000 in price differences. A similar scam in Clark County resulted in a victim losing $500,000. The scam typically involves criminals posing as authorities claiming identity theft, then directing victims to quickly purchase precious metals as a supposed protective measure.
postguam.com
· 2025-12-08
Docomo Pacific issued a public warning about sophisticated AI-driven scam calls targeting elderly residents in Guam, prompted by an incident where the company's CEO's mother received a call from a scammer impersonating a federal agent demanding personal information and threatening home visits. The warning highlights how artificial intelligence now enables scammers to clone voices of family members and gather personal details from social media to pressure seniors into revealing information or sending money. The advisory recommends residents verify callers through trusted contacts, maintain skepticism of unexpected communications, and report suspected scams to the FCC.
wdsu.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission reported 2.6 million fraud cases in 2024, resulting in a record $12.5 billion in losses—a 25% increase from 2023, with more than one-third of reporters losing money (median loss of $497). Investment fraud led in per-victim losses at $9,196 median, followed by job scams ($2,250) and debt relief fraud ($1,500), while older adults reported losing significantly more money than younger age groups despite filing fewer reports. The FTC recommends protecting against fraud by remaining cautious of unsolicited contact, avoiding untraceable payment methods like wire transfers and gift cards, and reporting suspected scams to
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS released its 2025 "Dirty Dozen" tax scam list warning taxpayers about schemes targeting the tax season, including fake emails and texts impersonating tax agencies, fraudulent social media advice encouraging the creation of fake W-2 forms, and scammers posing as helpers to steal personal information and file fraudulent returns. Victims risk identity theft, bank account fraud, and significant delays in legitimate tax refunds, while those knowingly filing fraudulent returns face civil and criminal penalties.
housingwire.com
· 2025-12-08
A real estate agent was nearly victimized by a property listing scam when a fraudster posed as the out-of-state owner and provided a seemingly legitimate contract, only to be exposed seven hours after the listing went live when the actual owner called to report the fraud. The scammer had previously attempted the same scheme on the property during its last listing, which the prior agent had failed to report to authorities. The article identifies listing scams as increasingly common in land transactions due to the lack of in-person verification requirements, and provides red flags including unlisted phone numbers, spoofed seller email addresses, and suspicious urgency around remote closings.
azfamily.com
· 2025-12-08
A man in his 90s fell victim to a romance scam that began on WhatsApp, with scammers posing as a romantic interest and subsequently soliciting money for purported investment opportunities. According to the Federal Trade Commission, fraud losses totaled $12.5 billion in 2024, with "pig butchering" investment scams accounting for $5.7 billion of that total. The article provides guidance on how family members can help victims by approaching with empathy rather than criticism, validating their feelings, and using trusted sources to demonstrate the scam patterns.
kxly.com
· 2025-12-08
Residents in the Spokane, Washington region received fraudulent text and email messages claiming unpaid toll fees, a scam targeting people in an area with no tolls. One couple fell victim after the husband received a fake toll notice email following a red-light camera incident; he attempted payment with a credit card before the courthouse confirmed they do not send violation notices via email. Law enforcement and WSDOT warn the public not to respond to unsolicited toll payment messages and advise reporting such scams to local police or the FBI's internet complaint center.