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atholdailynews.com
· 2025-12-07
Between 2023 and May 2025, the FBI's Boston Division documented 103 courier-based fraud schemes targeting elderly residents, resulting in over $26 million in losses, with 59 Massachusetts victims losing $18.6 million combined—98% of losses reported by people over 60. The scams typically involved impersonation (grandparent, government, or tech support) to convince victims to either transfer funds to fake government accounts or hand cash and gold bars to couriers; nationally, the FBI documented 1,737 similar instances totaling approximately $186.2 million in losses. The FBI advises the public to discuss these schemes with elderly relatives and warns that the government
newtimes.co.rw
· 2025-12-07
Money mule schemes accounted for 29 percent of Rwanda's reported fraud losses between August and December 2024, with scammers targeting vulnerable job seekers through fake employment offers on social media that promise easy remote work involving payment transfers. Victims unknowingly become part of money-laundering chains, exposing their bank accounts to closure and themselves to legal consequences, though banks use advanced monitoring tools to detect suspicious activity such as sudden large transfers. Protection requires individuals to verify job offers, avoid sharing bank details with strangers, and report suspected scams to law enforcement or the Financial Intelligence Centre.
abc6onyourside.com
· 2025-12-07
An 82-year-old in Northern Virginia was nearly scammed out of over $20,000 by a fraudster posing as a lawyer claiming to represent their son in a criminal case, complete with a crying man in the background for authenticity. The victim's family intervened before money was lost, and law enforcement coordinated a fake cash pickup that led to the arrest of Yordanys Rodriguez, 33, of the Bronx, who was found to be impersonating a law enforcement officer and is now facing charges of conspiracy to commit a felony and obtaining money by false pretenses.
dailyinterlake.com
· 2025-12-07
A free two-hour educational seminar titled "Scam Smart: Protecting Seniors from the Newest Scams" is scheduled for October 21 in Kalispell, Montana, hosted by state officials and community organizations to help older adults recognize and prevent fraud. The program will cover emerging scams including AI-generated calls, text phishing, cryptocurrency schemes, and investment fraud, providing practical strategies to protect personal information and finances. Seniors, caregivers, and community members are invited to attend free of charge, with advance registration required due to limited space.
cnhi.com
· 2025-12-07
Older adults aged 60-plus lost $3.4 billion globally to financial scammers in 2023, with fraudsters targeting this population because they believe older adults have substantial savings and are less likely to report crimes. The article describes five common scams targeting seniors: grandparent scams (emotional manipulation using impersonation), financial services scams (impersonating banks or debt collectors), tech support scams (the most frequently reported type), government impersonation scams (IRS/Social Security threats), and romance scams, all of which exploit trust, fear, or emotion to extract money or personal information.
reddit.com
· 2025-12-07
Hugo Sanchez, a Toronto man in his 40s, lost $80,000 to a romance scam after meeting a woman named "Lina" on social media following his separation. The scammer convinced him to invest in cryptocurrency, falsely promising he would triple his money. Advocates from the Canadian Association of Retired Persons are calling for stricter criminal penalties and mandatory fraud prevention measures at banks and telecoms, noting that romance scams have cost 778 Canadians over $54.6 million so far this year.
aol.com
· 2025-12-07
Internet scams have evolved from crude 1990s email cons like Nigerian prince schemes to sophisticated AI-powered deepfakes that can convincingly impersonate voices and faces, with phishing attacks emerging in the early 2000s as online banking adoption grew. Despite technological advances making fraud more convincing and difficult to detect, successful scams continue to rely on exploiting fundamental human emotions—greed, fear, compassion, and loneliness—through predictable psychological manipulation patterns that create urgency and isolate victims from support systems. Understanding how scam tactics have evolved reveals that technological complexity often masks simple psychological manipulation, and recognizing consistent underlying patterns can help potential victims identify manipulation attempts regardless of delivery method.
kdhlradio.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers posing as Wells Fargo contacted Minnesota residents and convinced three people in the Duluth area to overnight ship cash to Florida, resulting in $48,000 in combined losses before authorities recovered the funds. Police warn that legitimate financial institutions never request customers send money, gift cards, or wire funds, and advise victims to hang up and call their bank directly using a verified number rather than returning the scammer's call. Criminals are also increasingly using AI technology to mimic loved ones' voices in phone scams targeting seniors, making it critical for families to discuss these threats and verify unusual requests in person at bank branches.
bnnbloomberg.ca
· 2025-12-07
Canada's Ontario Securities Commission has identified seven prevalent investment scams targeting victims in autumn, including romance scams (fraudsters gaining trust online before pitching fake investments), cryptocurrency scams (requesting additional funds before allowing withdrawals), affinity fraud (targeting social groups with Ponzi schemes), pump-and-dump schemes (artificially inflating stock prices before selling), boiler room operations (fake trading platforms), AI voice scams (deepfakes impersonating relatives or celebrities), and exempt securities fraud (misrepresenting fraudulent investments as legitimate exclusive opportunities). The advisory emphasizes that common red flags include unsolicited contact about investment tips, requests for money from online contacts never met in person, an
news.trendmicro.com
· 2025-12-07
This educational piece outlines how to identify and respond to social media scams targeting users. Common scams include fake celebrity accounts, phishing links, romance scams, fraudulent job offers, giveaway schemes, and investment fraud—all designed to steal personal information, credentials, or money through deceptive friend requests and messages. The article recommends verifying profiles for authenticity, reporting suspicious accounts, blocking scammers, and maintaining strong privacy settings to protect against these threats.
abc7news.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers operating from overseas, many in Southeast Asian compounds, are exploiting Bitcoin ATM machines to steal from victims through classic fraud schemes—including impersonation scams, computer hacking claims, and fake legal emergencies—directing them to convert cash into cryptocurrency. Victims like San Jose resident Jim Meduri and an 82-year-old Minnesota woman lost thousands of dollars this way, though some funds have been recovered through blockchain tracking and law enforcement intervention. The DC attorney general has sued Bitcoin ATM provider Athena Bitcoin over inadequate fraud protections, as cryptocurrency theft through these machines has become a major scam tool with victims often unaware their money goes directly to criminals.
troopers.ny.gov
· 2025-12-07
New York State Police warn of a phone scam targeting senior citizens in which callers falsely claim identity theft has occurred and pressure victims to withdraw large sums of money or purchase gold bars for "safekeeping," with scammers then sending couriers to collect the funds. In one documented case in Tompkins County, victim(s) lost $500,000 in gold bars across two incidents in 2024, leading to the indictment of Akash B. Thakkar, age 41, on Grand Larceny charges after investigators identified him as a courier who picked up the gold bars. Authorities advise victims to hang up and contact trusted family members rather than comply with such demands
bnnbloomberg.ca
· 2025-12-07
A Toronto man lost $80,000 to a romance scam after meeting a woman claiming to be from Seattle on social media; she convinced him to invest in cryptocurrency under the promise of tripling his money. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, romance scams have already cost 778 Canadians over $54.6 million in 2024, making it one of the most common frauds in Canada. The Canadian Association of Retired Persons is calling for stricter criminal penalties, mandatory fraud prevention measures at banks and telecoms, and greater bank responsibility in preventing large transfers associated with fraud.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-07
A woman using multiple aliases, including Adva Lavie and Mia Ventura, is wanted by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for a series of residential burglaries targeting elderly and lonely men she met on dating apps; she posed as a romantic interest to gain access to their homes before stealing valuables. The case reflects a broader surge in online romance fraud, with the FBI reporting $1.3 billion in losses during 2024, with victims aged 60 and older accounting for nearly 40% of losses and an average loss of $12,000 per victim.
thesun.co.uk
· 2025-12-07
A woman identified as Adva Lavie is wanted by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for a series of residential burglaries targeting elderly and lonely men across LA County; she allegedly used fake identities (including Mia Ventura and Shoshana) on dating apps to pose as a girlfriend, gain entry to victims' homes, and steal their valuables before disappearing. The case reflects a broader surge in online dating crimes in Los Angeles, including a separate case involving a man accused of using dating apps to lure, rob, and allegedly murder multiple victims.
bgindependentmedia.org
· 2025-12-07
In October 2024, the Ohio Department of Commerce warned Ohioans about rising cyber threats during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, noting that internet crime complaints reached nearly 860,000 nationwide with losses exceeding $16 billion in 2024—a 33% increase from the prior year, with Ohio ranking 7th in the nation with 25,000 complaints. Common scams include one-time passcode interception, cryptocurrency "pig butchering" schemes, financial institution impersonation, government imposter scams, and AI-fueled fraud, with the FTC reporting $12.5 billion in total consumer fraud losses in 2024, including $2
deloitte.com
· 2025-12-07
The FBI has highlighted "phantom hacker scams," where fraudsters impersonate tech support, banks, and government agents to manipulate victims—particularly seniors—into voluntarily transferring money directly to scammers' accounts. These scams are part of a broader category called authorized push payment (APP) fraud, which is rapidly growing; the Deloitte Center for Financial Services estimates APP fraud losses in the U.S. could reach $14.9 billion by 2028 (up from $8.3 billion in 2024), with investment scams like "pig butchering" driving the majority of growth, fueled by increasingly sophisticated AI-generated deepfakes and social engineering
stomp.sg
· 2025-12-07
An elderly resident raised concerns about fraudulent job opportunity advertisements targeting seniors on Facebook, noting that multiple ads direct applicants to identical forms requesting personal information, with AI analysis flagging them as likely scams. The inquiry highlights the prevalence of job scams among the top five scam types affecting consumers, alongside investment scams and phishing schemes, and questions why such advertisements remain visible on the platform.
shorenewsnetwork.com
· 2025-12-07
Wall Township Police Department held an educational session with the Pride of Wall Seniors group to address the growing problem of scams targeting older residents, covering common fraud methods including phone impersonation, tech support scams, and fake investment schemes. Officials advised seniors to avoid unsolicited calls, gift card payment requests, and suspicious online messages while encouraging immediate reporting of suspicious activity to law enforcement. The department emphasized prevention through awareness and plans to continue community outreach partnerships to strengthen public safety education.
koaa.com
· 2025-12-07
A Colorado Springs woman lost her entire $37,000 inheritance to a cryptocurrency investment scam after seeing a fraudulent post from a hacked friend's Facebook account. The scammers used a sophisticated multi-layered approach, including fake Bitcoin wallet instructions and a spoofed cryptocurrency website, to make the scheme appear legitimate and promise returns of $194,000. The victim, who was grieving her recently reconnected father, received nothing when she attempted to withdraw her funds, illustrating how investment fraud remains the top scam in Colorado with nearly 15,000 reports in 2024.
info.gov.hk
· 2025-12-07
In Hong Kong during the first eight months of 2025, police reported 184 telephone scam cases targeting local tertiary students and 86 cases targeting Mainland students, resulting in approximately $32 million and $75 million in losses respectively. The government has implemented fraud prevention measures under the Theft Ordinance with penalties up to 14 years imprisonment, and is consulting with educational institutions and authorities to strengthen anti-scam awareness programs among students through seminars and enhanced promotional efforts.
the420.in
· 2025-12-07
A senior telecom executive in Pune lost ₹51.89 lakh in a Facebook-based cryptocurrency scam perpetrated by scammers posing as a fashion designer and agents of a Seychelles-based crypto exchange who promised high returns on Tether (USDT) investments. The victim made over 30 transactions in May 2025 after being deceived by fake credentials and professional documentation shared by the fraudsters. Cybercrime experts identified the case as classic social engineering and warned that cryptocurrency scams are rising due to their difficulty in tracing and immediate financial impact on victims.
indianexpress.com
· 2025-12-07
Match Group's Head of Trust and Safety acknowledged the rising concern of romance scams on dating apps, particularly in India, where scammers use "catfishing" to manipulate vulnerable individuals (especially women and the elderly) into financial and emotional losses. To combat repeat offenders, the company is rolling out facial recognition technology called "Face Check" in India, requiring new users to verify their identity through video selfies, and is partnering with Indian law enforcement to respond to reports within 24 hours and support prosecutions.
khou.com
· 2025-12-07
This educational piece from the Better Business Bureau identifies common scams targeting older adults, including fake investments, fraudulent online purchases, medical scams, and romance fraud. Dan Parsons, BBB President for Metropolitan Houston and South Texas, provides guidance on recognizing red flags and hiring trustworthy businesses to help seniors and their families safeguard their money and avoid becoming fraud victims.
halifaxexaminer.ca
· 2025-12-07
In 2024, Canadians lost $310.5 million to investment fraud, with Nova Scotia seniors accounting for approximately $1.56 million of reported cases in the province. Financial elder abuse—the unauthorized or coercive use of an older person's money—is most commonly perpetrated by family members, caregivers, and financial advisors, with social isolation, cognitive decline, and financial dependence identified as key vulnerability factors. Warning signs include unpaid bills, behavioral changes, requests to sign blank documents, and avoidance of account statements, and experts recommend careful communication with suspected victims and immediate reporting of suspicious activity.
mvprogress.com
· 2025-12-07
Mesquite Police detectives informed nearly 100 residents of Del Webb Sun City about prevalent scams targeting seniors, including grandparent scams, tech support fraud, romance scams, and investment schemes that exploit trust through calls, emails, and online platforms. Gift card scams are particularly prevalent locally, with thieves using untraceable cards or tampering with physical cards before purchase, while imposter scams involving government agencies and voice-cloning technology also pose significant risks. Residents were advised to verify claims independently, protect personal information, avoid public Wi-Fi, and report suspicious activity to the FTC or their bank immediately.
acronis.com
· 2025-12-07
The Acronis Cyber Foundation and Digital Literacy Project are hosting a free cyber safety workshop for seniors on October 11, 2025, in Stoughton, Massachusetts, to address the vulnerability of older adults to online fraud. According to the FBI's 2024 Internet Crime Report, seniors aged 60+ experienced the highest monetary losses from cyberattacks at $4.8 billion, with personal data breaches and investment scams being leading threats. The workshop will educate participants on recognizing AI-enabled deepfake scams, creating strong passwords, identifying phishing attempts, and protecting personal information.
stimson.org
· 2025-12-07
Southeast Asia faces a rapidly escalating scam epidemic, with 79% of adults exposed to scams in the past year and global scam losses exceeding $1 trillion annually, threatening the region's digital economy projected to reach $1 trillion in five years. Scammers are leveraging advanced technologies like AI, instant payments, and encrypted messaging to conduct sophisticated cross-border fraud schemes including fake job offers, romance scams, and investment fraud. The article recommends that governments, companies, and civil society organizations collaborate through strengthened institutions, cross-border data-sharing, regional working groups, and partnerships to combat this transnational criminal activity.
acnnewswire.com
· 2025-12-07
The Global Anti-Scam Alliance released the 2025 Global State of Scams Report, surveying 46,000 adults across 42 countries and finding that 57% experienced a scam in the past year with 23% losing money. Shopping scams were most common (54% of victims), followed by investment and unexpected money scams (48% each), with South America, Africa, and Oceania experiencing the highest rates of financial losses. The report emphasizes that despite 73% of adults feeling confident in recognizing scams, awareness campaigns alone are insufficient, and stronger international collaboration, better prevention tools, and cross-sector accountability are needed to combat this growing global threat.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-07
A 79-year-old woman from Manchester was scammed out of £500 by a fraudulent modelling agency after responding to a social media advertisement for mature models; she was charged £200 for an initial photoshoot and £300 for a second one under the promise of a lucrative cruise line job that never materialized. A similar victim, 73-year-old Roland Parker, lost approximately £1,000 to the same scam across multiple fake job opportunities. Experts warn that reputable agencies never charge upfront fees, and victims should verify companies through official channels, use buyer-protected payment methods (avoiding "friends and family" transfers), and be wary of artificial urgency
thelogicalindian.com
· 2025-12-07
A 50-year-old MNC professional from Gurugram lost ₹73.42 lakh in a romance-scam investment fraud after meeting a woman on the dating app Bumble in August-September 2025, who convinced him to invest in a fake stock trading platform through emotional manipulation and fabricated profit screens shown via Telegram. The victim was blocked when attempting withdrawal and told to pay an additional release fee; Gurugram Cyber Police launched an investigation and warned the public that romance-driven financial scams are rising in urban India, with perpetrators using deepfake technology and social engineering tactics that make detection difficult. Experts advise verifying investment credentials
bitdefender.com
· 2025-12-07
Bitdefender's October 2025 "They Wear Our Faces" campaign highlights a surge in AI-driven fraud targeting Americans, who reported over $12.5 billion in fraud losses in 2024. The campaign exposes how scammers use deepfake technology, voice cloning, and personalized impersonation across email, SMS, and social media, with the U.S. receiving 37% of global spam between March-September 2025. Top threats include phishing impersonating Microsoft, Amazon, and Costco, along with increasingly sophisticated SMS scams and AI-powered deepfake videos promoting fake cryptocurrency investments.
thehindu.com
· 2025-12-07
The CBI arrested eight individuals and identified 45 suspects during Operation HAECHI-VI, an Interpol-led international operation targeting transnational cyber-enabled financial crimes including voice phishing, romance scams, sextortion, and investment fraud. The operation, conducted in coordination with the FBI and German authorities, dismantled illegal call centers in Delhi, Amritsar, and Siliguri that targeted U.S. and German nationals, resulting in the seizure of $66,340 in cash and the blocking of 30 bank accounts.
boomlive.in
· 2025-12-07
This article explains how scammers use fake Facebook accounts to perpetrate various frauds, including romance scams, investment schemes, phishing, and catfishing, by using stolen photos and fabricated profiles that appear legitimate. The piece provides detection methods such as reverse image searching profile pictures, checking posting history authenticity, and verifying mutual connections, along with protective steps including reporting suspicious accounts and blocking profiles. Key warning signs include vague bios, sparse activity, rapid profession of affection, and suspicious links or urgent requests for money.
nanaimonewsnow.com
· 2025-12-07
A Parksville senior lost approximately $200,000 in a cryptocurrency investment scam that began in June after being referred by a friend. The scam used what appeared to be a legitimate trading platform and initially showed quick returns on a $2,500 investment, prompting the victim to increase their investment substantially over several months before reporting it to Oceanside RCMP in September.
nbcmontana.com
· 2025-12-07
Shawn Cutting, an Idaho man, was charged with operating a Ponzi scheme through a company called "CryptoTraders Management" that defrauded dozens of elderly investors of over $1 million in cryptocurrency investment funds. Cutting faces multiple charges including securities fraud, operating without a license, elder exploitation, and conspiracy, with two unidentified co-conspirators also involved in the scheme. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities emphasizing their commitment to holding perpetrators accountable and protecting Montana's elderly population from financial exploitation.
fox5dc.com
· 2025-12-07
Chase Bank warns customers of escalating scams where fraudsters impersonate bank staff and law enforcement to pressure victims into withdrawing cash or transferring funds to fake "safe accounts" or couriers, with caller ID spoofing making these schemes increasingly convincing. Nearly half of Chase-reported scams originate on social media platforms through fake listings, phony job/rental offers, and romance schemes, with scammers exploiting irreversible payment methods like Zelle and wire transfers. Chase advises customers to verify callers independently, avoid sharing banking credentials, use secure payment channels, and report suspicious activity to the FTC and the bank immediately.
bbc.co.uk
· 2025-12-07
A 79-year-old woman from Manchester was scammed out of £500 after responding to a social media advert for older models, paying fees for professional photoshoots and a supposed cruise line modeling job that never materialized. The scam, which has evolved to target elderly people as the fashion industry embraces older models, typically involves charging victims hundreds of pounds for fake portfolios and fabricated job opportunities, with scammers repeatedly extracting money through promised lucrative contracts. To avoid this scam, experts recommend never paying upfront for modeling work, verifying companies through official channels like Companies House, and using secure payment methods with buyer protection such as PayPal's "goods and services" option
gazettenet.com
· 2025-12-07
Between 2023 and May 2025, the FBI's Boston Division documented 103 courier-based fraud schemes targeting elderly Massachusetts residents, resulting in over $26 million in losses, with 59 victims (98% over age 60) losing $18.6 million collectively. The scams typically impersonated family members, government officials, or tech support to convince victims to withdraw cash or gold bars for couriers to collect, with similar schemes causing approximately $186.2 million in losses nationwide during the same period. The FBI recommends victims report fraud immediately to ic3.gov or the DOJ Elder Justice hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 and advises
clickorlando.com
· 2025-12-07
A 75-year-old Florida man lost approximately $15,000 over several months after responding to a text message offering a flexible work-from-home job with promises of $50-$3,000 daily wages. The scammers, posing as "business managers" for Warner Brothers, initially had him perform simple tasks and sent small checks to build trust, then convinced him to invest his own money in cryptocurrency trading with promises of substantial returns that never materialized. Law enforcement noted that such scammers are often located overseas, making prosecution difficult, and advised people to delete unsolicited job offer texts rather than responding.
irvinetimes.com
· 2025-12-07
Eighty percent of people worry about older friends and family being scammed online, with concerns heightened by bank closures forcing over-65s to rely on digital services; a 74-year-old woman lost approximately £20,000 to a Bitcoin investment scam involving a deepfake video of a celebrity. Virgin Media O2 is launching free "scam school" sessions across the UK to help vulnerable people recognize and prevent fraud as part of Get Online Week awareness efforts.
markets.financialcontent.com
· 2025-12-07
Indian youth are being trafficked to Southeast Asia and forced to conduct cryptocurrency scams—including fake investment schemes, romance scams, and phishing attacks—while stripped of passports and subjected to brutal conditions. The criminals launder illicit proceeds through cryptocurrencies like USDT and ETH via platforms such as Binance, exploiting the speed and relative anonymity of digital assets for international transfers. This ongoing crisis, active since early 2023, has prompted increased regulatory scrutiny globally and eroded trust in the crypto ecosystem, potentially deterring institutional investors and spurring stricter AML and KYC requirements.
richmondsunsetnews.com
· 2025-12-07
This is an educational awareness piece in which California Assemblymember Catherine Stefani announces two free "Senior Scam Stopper" workshops designed to help seniors and their families recognize and prevent fraud. The events, held in partnership with the California Department of Consumer Affairs and featuring experts from state agencies and law enforcement, will cover common scams including fraudulent contractors, identity theft, Medicare fraud, lottery schemes, and mail fraud.
goldrushcam.com
· 2025-12-07
The Placer County Sheriff's Office warned local businesses about a credit card fraud scheme where scammers purchase items using fraudulent or stolen credit cards, have them picked up by couriers, and then initiate chargebacks weeks later—leaving businesses without product or payment. Businesses are advised to scrutinize large or unusual purchases from new customers, verify the identity of pickup persons, and trust their instincts when transactions seem suspicious.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-07
A 39-year-old woman in Udupi lost Rs 4.2 lakh in an investment scam after being lured through a fake Instagram profile offering high trading profits. The scammer used fabricated transaction screenshots and WhatsApp messages to build trust, then repeatedly convinced the victim to send additional payments under the guise of tax charges and fees before she could access her returns. After the victim transferred the total amount, the scammer stopped responding, and police registered a case under fraud and IT Act provisions.
gizmodo.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers are impersonating Elon Musk to defraud victims through cryptocurrency investment schemes, using tactics including fake livestreams during SpaceX/Tesla events, AI-generated videos, and fake endorsements from family members or political figures. FTC complaints reveal multiple victims, primarily elderly individuals, losing substantial sums ranging from $10,000 to $225,000, with some victims remaining confused about whether they interacted with the real Musk or impersonators. The scams exploit vulnerable populations, including those with serious illnesses or cognitive impairment, and often target victims through YouTube, Facebook, and fake cryptocurrency matching schemes.
freep.com
· 2025-12-07
Criminals are impersonating banks via fake texts and calls to convince customers their debit cards have been compromised, then intercepting replacement cards sent by mail or hiring accomplices to steal them from porches. In a metro Detroit case, David Andrew Williams was arrested in September 2024 after attempting to steal a Chase Bank customer's replacement debit card from a UPS delivery, and was charged with identity theft and theft of financial transaction devices. Debit card fraud ranked as the top payment method for both attempted fraud and actual dollar losses in 2024, with criminals using various tactics including card skimming and exploiting information obtained through spoofed communications to drain bank accounts.
theleafchronicle.com
· 2025-12-07
Consumers lost $470 million to text message scams in 2024, with fake package delivery notifications being the most common type, followed by phony job offers, fraudulent fraud alerts, fake toll notices, and romance scams. The FTC and BBB recommend never clicking links or replying to unexpected texts, not assuming messages from known companies are legitimate, and reporting suspicious messages using the phone's spam reporting feature.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-07
Rome Police Department warned residents about the rising sophistication of scams targeting locals, particularly seniors who have lost significant amounts to romance, investment, and elder fraud schemes. Three recent victims lost a combined $1,019,000 to scammers, while national data shows fraud losses reached $16.6 billion in 2024, up 33% from the previous year. Police advise residents to avoid sending money or personal information to strangers and to verify communications, cautioning that about half of current local fraud cases involve seniors who often don't report incidents due to embarrassment.
consumerreports.org
· 2025-12-07
Texting and messaging scam attempts increased by 50 percent in the past year, with young adults experiencing the highest rise, according to Consumer Reports' 2025 Cyber Readiness Report. The report revealed significant disparities in scam vulnerability: low-income households were three times more likely to lose money from scams than high-income households (29% vs. 10%), and Black Americans who encountered scams lost money at more than twice the rate of white Americans (37% vs. 15%), partly due to lower credit card usage and reliance on less-protected payment methods. Consumers can protect themselves by not replying to suspicious texts, blocking senders, reporting to their mobile provider