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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
jocoreport.com
An 81-year-old man in Benson lost $17,000 to a grandparent scam in which scammers impersonated his grandson and then a lawyer, claiming the grandson needed bail and legal fees for a traffic accident. The victim withdrew cash twice and left envelopes outside his home for pickup before realizing his grandson had not been in an accident; the Johnston County Sheriff's Office is investigating the case.
aol.com
A 25-year-old woman from Kent fell victim to a Monzo bank impersonation scam in March 2024, where fraudsters convinced her to transfer £580 for "safekeeping" and then tricked her into applying for a £6,000 loan by claiming a hacker had accessed her account. After reporting the scam to Monzo, she faced a two-month delay in resolution during which her credit score dropped from 995 to 637 due to missed loan repayments, though the bank eventually closed the loan, refunded her £890, and corrected her credit file in May 2024. The incident highlights the vulnerability of victims to sophisticated impersonation sc
cnn.com
Google is deploying its Gemini AI model to detect and warn users of tech support scams and other fraudulent content across Chrome, Search, and Android, marking an escalation in AI-powered anti-scam efforts as bad actors simultaneously use AI to create more convincing fraudulent content. The technology can identify scams in real-time by scanning webpages and understanding language nuance better than previous systems, with Google reporting it now blocks 20 times more problematic pages than before and removed hundreds of millions of scam search results daily in 2024. This defensive use of AI comes as consumers worldwide lost over $1 trillion to scams in the previous year.
mashable.com
Scammers are sending fraudulent emails impersonating Geek Squad, claiming victims owe $300-$500 for fake subscription renewals to pressure them into calling the provided number or clicking links. Once victims engage, scammers use social engineering tactics to steal personal information like credit card or Social Security numbers, or trick them into installing remote access software. To protect yourself, ignore these emails entirely and contact Geek Squad directly through Best Buy's official website if you need legitimate support.
klarna.com
This educational guide from Klarna outlines common fraud and scam types affecting consumers, including phishing, impersonation, fake investment schemes, robocalls, online shopping fraud, job scams, and scams targeting elderly individuals. The article advises protecting personal information by never sharing credentials unsolicited, recognizing red flags such as unexpected urgent requests, untrustworthy websites, and promises that seem too good to be true, and verifying merchant legitimacy through store reviews, return policies, and contact information before making purchases.
seroundtable.com
Google announced significant improvements to its scam-detection capabilities, now catching 20 times more fraudulent pages and reducing scams in Search results by over 80% through AI-powered systems. The improvements specifically targeted impersonation scams, such as fake airline customer service pages, which Google has reduced by more than 80% in Search results. Google also deployed new AI-powered scam detection features across Chrome, Google Messages, and Phone by Google to protect users from fraud and data theft.
consumer.ftc.gov
This educational article warns consumers about gift card scams that surge around holidays like Mother's Day. Scammers use urgent tactics—impersonating government agencies or family members—to pressure victims into purchasing gift cards and sharing the codes, exploiting the holiday shopping season. The article identifies key red flags including demands for gift card payments, specific brand recommendations, artificial urgency, and requests for secrecy.
pymnts.com
Google has integrated AI-powered scam detection tools across its products, including Gemini Nano in Chrome's Enhanced Protection mode to detect tech support scams and fake websites, along with AI-powered alerts in Chrome on Android and scam detection features in Google Messages and Phone. The company reports that its AI now blocks 20 times more scam websites than three years ago and reduced impersonation scams of official sites by over 70% in 2024, with all processing occurring on-device to protect user privacy.
wjla.com
A Rockville, Maryland resident lost $400,000 after scammers used phishing tactics—posing as a trustworthy Canadian business via email, text, or phone—to convince the victim to send multiple checks. Police arrested a suspect in Ontario, Canada in March after tracking the funds to Canadian bank accounts and coordinating with banks to shut down the fraudulent accounts, with the investigation ongoing. Montgomery County officials are warning residents that phishing scams are increasingly sophisticated and urging people to be wary of urgent or threatening communications requesting money or personal information.
oklahoman.com
Cellphone scams targeting seniors are increasing, with scammers exploiting vulnerabilities through various schemes that are difficult to recover from once money is lost. The article emphasizes that awareness and prevention are critical defenses, as seniors have limited recourse options after being defrauded.
cbs8.com
In response to escalating elder fraud losses—$100 million in San Diego last year and $4.8 billion nationally in 2024—the District Attorney's office in Oceanside hosted a fraud prevention seminar for 250 seniors, highlighting common scams including fake court documents, computer pop-ups, and property title theft. Officials discussed new legislative tools to stop suspicious transactions in real time and promoted free monitoring programs, while emphasizing that scams affect people of all education levels and encouraging victims to report incidents to law enforcement and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
windsornewstoday.ca
The Ontario Provincial Police warned Essex County residents about a Ponzi-style investment scheme involving a business selling alcohol, after a victim lost $109,000 in January. The scam builds trust by promising above-market returns and encouraging victims to recruit friends and family, while paying early investors with money from new recruits until the scheme collapses. Police advised potential victims to approach investment offers skeptically, fully understand any proposal before investing, verify legitimacy, and report suspected fraud to police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
whiznews.com
Ohio's Department of Commerce and Department of Aging are raising awareness about the growing number of scams targeting seniors, noting that scammers exploit older adults due to perceived vulnerability and financial stability, while victims often avoid reporting due to shame and fear. Key fraud threats include voice-cloning scams using AI technology, romance scams that exploit emotional connections to steal tens of thousands of dollars, and unsolicited contact attempts. The state recommends seniors avoid responding to unknown contacts, verify identities before sharing information, resist high-pressure tactics, and utilize available resources from the Department of Aging to protect themselves.
nwitimes.com
Cryptocurrency investment fraud accounted for nearly $4 billion in losses in 2023 (71% of all crypto-related losses), a 53% increase from 2022, with victims often lured through "pig butchering" scams that build trust via dating apps and social media before directing them to fake investment platforms. Criminals exploit cryptocurrency's decentralized nature, irreversible transactions, and AI-enhanced deception tactics—including voice cloning and fake videos—to operate sophisticated call center operations that mimic legitimate businesses. While people aged 30-49 filed the most complaints, victims over 60 suffered the highest losses at over $1.24 billion.
capenews.net
The Cape and Islands District Attorney is requesting $580,000 in state funding to hire additional prosecutors and forensic examiners to combat elder fraud, which has become increasingly prevalent in the region. In 2023-2024, Barnstable County logged 397 elder fraud calls, but only 3.3% resulted in charges against perpetrators. A recent case in Falmouth involved a 79-year-old woman who received a fraudulent Publisher's Clearing House call promising $2,000 plus weekly payments and a car, though she recognized the scam when personal banking information was requested.
people.com
The Better Business Bureau warns that scammers are creating fraudulent websites claiming to offer REAL IDs online without requiring in-person DMV visits, capitalizing on confusion and urgency as the federal REAL ID requirement took effect on May 7, 2025. To obtain a legitimate REAL ID, applicants must visit their local DMV in person with required documentation; consumers should avoid any online offers and never provide bank account or credit card information. The BBB advises reporting suspicious websites to the BBB Scam Tracker.
blog.google
Google is deploying advanced AI systems across its platforms to detect and block scams at scale, including blocking hundreds of millions of fraudulent search results daily and reducing airline impersonation scams by over 80%. The company is expanding protections through on-device AI models in Chrome's Enhanced Protection mode, Android's Google Messages and Phone app, and new warnings against malicious notifications—all designed to combat evolving threats like phishing, remote tech support scams, and sophisticated call/text message fraud.
malwarebytes.com
Between December 2023 and February 2025, the FBI received over 100 reports of scammers impersonating FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) employees to defraud victims via email, phone, social media, and online forums. The scammers typically claim to have recovered lost funds or offer recovery assistance, then request upfront "recovery fees," sensitive personal and financial information (including Social Security numbers, bank account details, and cryptocurrency credentials), or payment for fake "extraction software." Victims can protect themselves by recognizing red flags such as spoofed email addresses, urgent language, unsolicited requests for sensitive data, and suspicious attachments or links, and by reporting fraudulent
kcci.com
The FBI warned of growing discount medical insurance scams where fraudsters contact victims via phone, text, and email offering fake insurance plans at reduced rates with high-pressure tactics and upfront payment requirements. Victims have lost millions of dollars annually, including a Pennsylvania couple who discovered their policy didn't cover emergency care and a Maryland man who faced a $7,000 medical bill after his fake insurance was rejected by providers. To protect themselves, consumers should verify insurance offers through their state's insurance commissioner and Better Business Bureau, confirm provider acceptance, and report suspected scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
whio.com
A Franklin County senior citizen lost nearly $90,000 in a sweepstakes scam after being told she won $3 million from Publishers Clearing House and needed to pay taxes upfront via personal checks sent to Arkansas. David Nelson, 68, of Little Rock was arrested and charged with felony theft in connection with the scheme. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office advised the public to be skeptical of unsolicited calls, avoid sharing personal information, resist pressure for immediate payments, and watch for high-pressure tactics and "free" offers.
wral.com
The Wake County Sheriff's Office is investigating a scam where callers impersonate law enforcement officers, claiming victims have outstanding warrants or missed jury duty and demanding money or gift cards over the phone. The sheriff's office has documented three active cases with numerous additional reports over several months, though no victims have reported losing money. The agency advises residents that legitimate law enforcement will never request payment by phone and recommends hanging up and independently contacting the agency to verify caller identity.
cbsnews.com
This educational piece highlights the growing problem of senior-targeted scams, particularly romance and grandparent scams, which police departments report receiving complaints about daily. A notable case involved a romance scam where a victim lost over $100,000, though authorities face challenges helping victims who deny being scammed or refuse assistance. Law enforcement agencies are conducting community awareness events to educate seniors on warning signs and prevention tactics for internet-based fraud schemes.
wesh.com
The FBI warned of discount medical insurance scams targeting individuals seeking affordable healthcare, with victims losing millions of dollars annually through fraudulent plans offered via calls, texts, and emails. Scammers used high-pressure tactics and false promises of reduced rates to pressure victims into prepaying for fake policies that failed to cover medical services, resulting in thousands of dollars in unexpected bills. The FBI recommends verifying insurance offers with state insurance commissioners and the Better Business Bureau, confirming provider acceptance, and avoiding high-pressure sales tactics and upfront payment requests.
12onyourside.com
An FBI report reveals that scams targeting adults 60 and older are increasing rapidly, with over 100,000 complaints filed in 2023 resulting in $3.4 billion in losses nationwide, with Virginia ranking 9th at over $90,000 in fraud losses. Romance scams, cryptocurrency scams, and impostor scams (such as fake bank agent calls) are the most common tactics exploiting older adults who have more time and financial resources. Experts recommend authenticating all communications, not trusting caller ID alone, and educating seniors about fraud prevention strategies.
klaq.com
The "wrong number" text scam is surging in Texas, where scammers initiate contact with seemingly innocent messages like "Is this Kevin?" to verify active phone numbers, then build rapport over days or weeks before soliciting money or sensitive information through romance scams or investment schemes. Texans are advised not to respond to unknown numbers, to block and report suspicious texts to their carrier (7726), and to avoid clicking links or switching to other messaging apps, while warning vulnerable relatives of this social engineering threat.
freep.com
Online scammers stole a record $12.5 billion from consumers in 2024, with text message scams alone accounting for $470 million in losses and phone scams averaging $1,500 per victim. Michigan Legacy Credit Union partnered with Wayne State University's Institute of Gerontology to train employees in fraud prevention, enabling staff to identify and stop scams through careful questioning—such as one incident where a teller prevented a woman from withdrawing $20,000 after confirming her daughter was not actually in jail. The initiative focuses on educating consumers and front-line workers to recognize common impersonation schemes involving government agencies like the IRS, Social Security Administration, and local
hme-business.com
Medicare fraud involving durable medical equipment (DME) targets adults 55 and older through unsolicited telemarketing calls offering "free" items like knee braces or walkers, which scammers then bill to Medicare, costing the public over $6 billion. The BBB advises consumers to refuse such calls, never share their Medicare number, and report unsolicited DME offers, as accepting unrequested equipment could result in future Medicare claim denials for legitimately needed devices.
katv.com
A 68-year-old Little Rock man, David Nelson, was arrested for operating a sweepstakes scam that defrauded an Ohio senior citizen of over $89,000. Nelson posed as a Publishers Clearing House employee and convinced the victim she had won $3 million, then persuaded her to send personal checks for taxes before claiming the prize. He faces felony theft charges in Franklin County, Ohio, and is currently awaiting extradition from an Arkansas jail.
sierradailynews.com
Three individuals were arrested in Douglas County for extortion schemes targeting local residents through fraudulent emails impersonating companies like Microsoft, with two suspects apprehended in Genoa on May 2 (Junyan Wu, 22, and Lirui Diao, 21) and a third arrested in Gardnerville Ranchos on May 7 (Quan Fu Ma, 45). All three face charges including extortion, exploitation of the elderly, and conspiracy, with bail ranging from $52,509 to $100,000. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with the FBI and other agencies, hosted a free Senior Scam Seminar to educate residents on
chicagocrusader.com
Over 75 seniors and family members attended a Fraud and Scam Prevention Seminar in Chicago on May 6, presented by JPMorgan Chase, the Chicago Police Department, and Chicago Commons, to learn protective strategies against financial fraud targeting older Americans. Illinois residents lost over $324 million to scams in the previous year, with seniors remaining highly vulnerable, and the event educated participants on common tactics including romance fraud, fake IRS calls, tech support scams, and impersonation schemes using the "Four Ps" framework (Pretend, Problem/Prize, Payment, Pressure). Attendees received practical guidance on fraud prevention, including setting up account alerts, using unique passwords, enabling
indianexpress.com
Meta removed over 23,000 Facebook pages and accounts operating scam networks targeting users in India and Brazil, which used deepfakes of celebrities and financial influencers to promote fake investment apps and gambling websites. Victims were redirected to messaging apps or fake Google Play Store pages where scammers posed as investment advisors and collected payments before disappearing or reversing transactions. Meta implemented anti-fraud measures including facial recognition technology for identity verification, advance-payment warnings, and suspicious activity detection, while partnering with Indian government agencies to conduct cybersecurity awareness training.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
As the May 7, 2025 REAL ID deadline approaches, fraudsters are exploiting consumer urgency through fake DMV websites, phishing texts, and social media scams designed to steal personal and financial data by posing as expedited processing services. Scammers use pressure tactics, unofficial payment requests, and official-looking communications to deceive applicants unfamiliar with the process. Consumers should only use official state DMV websites, verify https security, avoid third-party payment methods, and report suspicious activity to the FTC or their state DMV.
welivesecurity.com
Jury duty scams involve fraudsters impersonating government officials or court workers who contact victims by phone, email, or text claiming they missed jury service and must pay a fine immediately or face arrest. Scammers use threatening language, phishing tactics, requests for personal information (like Social Security numbers), and demand payment via untraceable methods such as cryptocurrency, gift cards, or payment apps. Legitimate courts never request payment over the phone for missed jury service, and actual summonses and notices are only sent via USPS mail with fines issued only after repeated ignored notices.
about.fb.com
Investment and payment scams exploit current events and economic anxieties through fraudulent schemes promising quick returns on cryptocurrency, real estate, or other assets, often contacted via email, social media, or calls. Common tactics include fake investment coaching groups, advance payment schemes on resale platforms, and overpayment-refund fraud where scammers reverse legitimate payments after receiving refunds. Protection strategies include verifying investment advisers through FINRA BrokerCheck or SEC tools, recognizing warning signs of suspicious accounts, and using platform safety features like payment warnings and facial recognition verification.
washingtontimes.com
Cybersecurity experts warn that digital REAL ID scams are targeting immigrants, seniors, and time-pressed individuals as the TSA enforced stricter identification requirements for domestic air travel beginning May 7, 2025. Scammers use fake websites, phishing emails, and text messages impersonating government agencies to steal personal information and financial data, with losses from government imposter scams surging from $171 million in 2023 to $789 million in 2024. Experts emphasize that REAL ID can only be obtained in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles office with original government-issued documents, and legitimate government agencies never request personal information electronically.
2news.com
The Better Business Bureau held educational classes during Older Americans Month to teach community members about fraud prevention, with imposter scams and identity theft identified as the most common threats overall, while cryptocurrency investment, romance, and employment scams pose the greatest risk to those 55 and older. The BBB emphasized that technology gives scammers an advantage, particularly against older adults less fluent with digital tools, and offered resources including a Scam Tracker for reporting incidents and a free Scam Survival Toolkit to help victims recover both financially and emotionally from fraud.
ktnv.com
Seniors in Henderson, Nevada are being targeted by scammers using calls, emails, and AI-generated voices to steal money, with one woman's mother losing a quarter of her net worth over nearly two years before intervention stopped the fraud. According to the Federal Trade Commission, people lost $12.5 billion to scams in 2024, a 25% increase from 2023, with seniors particularly vulnerable to employment offers, loan scams, tech support fraud, and AI impersonation calls. Former FBI agent Thomas Quilty recommends seniors establish secret code words with family, limit WiFi connections, use strong passwords, and report fraud without shame to help combat the growing problem.
aol.com
According to the FBI's 2024 Internet Crime Report, Americans over 60 lost approximately $4.885 billion to cybercrimes in 2024—about 40% of all reported cybercrime losses—averaging $83,000 per victim, representing a 46% increase in complaints from the prior year. Seniors are particularly vulnerable due to declining digital literacy and financial awareness, with investment scams, tech support scams, and romance scams causing the largest losses, often involving cryptocurrency. The most common cyberattacks targeting this demographic include phishing, spoofing, extortion, sextortion, and personal data breaches, with criminals exploiting loneliness and trust
aol.com
According to the FBI's 2024 Internet Crime Report, Americans aged 60+ reported approximately 147,000 cybercrimes totaling $4.885 billion in losses, averaging $83,000 per victim—representing 40% of all cybercrime losses despite being a portion of complainants. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to phishing, tech support scams, investment fraud, and romance scams due to declining digital literacy and social isolation, with investment scams causing the largest financial losses for this age group.
ice.gov
A Cameroonian criminal organization operating across southern California defrauded at least 100 elderly victims of over $10 million through phone and email scams impersonating law enforcement and bank employees, as well as fake real estate sales schemes. Leslie Kibula Bongajum, 34, is wanted on money laundering charges after three co-conspirators were arrested in February 2024; the group created 36 shell companies, 145 fraudulent bank accounts, and 32 fake mailboxes to launder stolen funds and facilitate their asylum system abuse. The conspiracy operated from at least November 2021 to the present, with victims tricked into transferring money to accounts controlled by
aol.com
A Florida man was scammed out of $55,000 after a caller posing as a Wells Fargo employee claimed his account was under investigation and instructed him to withdraw cash and surrender it in person; the suspect, Terol Castel Lyn, also impersonated an FBI agent to pressure additional payments before being arrested in a sting operation. This case reflects a broader surge in elder fraud, with Americans over 60 reporting $4.8 billion in losses to internet crimes in 2024—a 40% increase from 2023—with impersonation scams being the most common tactic. Key protective measures include refusing cash withdrawal requests, independently ver
buckscounty.gov
A Bucks County resident fell victim to an impersonation scam in which a caller falsely claimed there was an arrest warrant and threatened immediate arrest unless payment was made; the scammer reinforced the deception by sending a fabricated arrest warrant photo via text, causing the frightened victim to comply and pay money. The Bucks County District Attorney's Office and local police are investigating the case, which exemplifies how scammers use fear and urgency to manipulate victims into sending funds.
uk.news.yahoo.com
The FBI warns that AI-powered scam calls—in which fraudsters use deepfake technology to imitate loved ones' voices and appearances to extort money—are increasing in frequency and effectiveness. Experts recommend establishing a secret codeword or passphrase with family members to verify identity during unexpected calls, while additional protections include scrutinizing voice/appearance inconsistencies, limiting public social media content, and registering with the Telephone Preference Service to identify unsolicited callers as potential scammers.
lifehacker.com
This article provides consumer awareness about emerging tariff-related scams rather than reporting a specific fraud incident. The main scam types include: fake government emails impersonating U.S. Customs demanding direct tariff payments (identifiable by non-.gov domains and recent registration dates), fraudulent shipping company messages claiming packages are held for tariff fees, and counterfeit factory shopping schemes promoted on social media. Consumers should remember that tariffs are passed through higher prices, not paid directly, and should verify any suspicious communications through official company websites and customer service.
states.aarp.org
Gift card scams cost Americans over $217 million in 2023, with scammers impersonating government agents, family members, or businesses to pressure victims into purchasing cards and sharing serial numbers and PINs. More than one-third of U.S. adults have been targeted by these scams, which exploit trust and urgency to steal money that cannot be recovered. AARP recommends purchasing gift cards directly from retailers, verifying balances before leaving stores, and never using gift cards as payment, while encouraging victims to report scams to local law enforcement.
ksat.com
A San Antonio resident nearly fell victim to an impersonation scam in which a caller posing as law enforcement claimed he had received a jury duty summons, kept him on the phone for about an hour using official-sounding language and court terminology, then demanded $3,000. The victim only realized it was a scam when a second caller pressured him for payment, and he was saved further by his wife listening in and questioning the call's legitimacy. The scammers used a documented technique including spoofed phone numbers, fake badge numbers, judicial references, and isolation tactics to prevent victims from seeking legal advice or consulting others.
thehackernews.com
Cybersecurity researchers identified two threat actor groups—Reckless Rabbit and Ruthless Rabbit—operating investment scams that use spoofed celebrity endorsements on social media to direct victims to fake cryptocurrency exchanges and investment platforms. The scammers collect personal and financial information through deceptive web forms, validate victims using IP geolocation tools, and route qualified targets through traffic distribution systems to either steal funds directly or connect them with call centers that coach them into depositing money. Both groups primarily target users in Eastern Europe and use domain generation algorithms and cloaking services to evade detection.
states.aarp.org
AARP Virginia hosted an interactive "Whodunnit: Spot the Scammer" event in Richmond on April 10, 2025, attracting over 30 participants to learn about common fraud schemes affecting older adults. The educational event featured a fictional case study of a retiree targeted by romance, sweepstakes, and IRS scams, with volunteers providing information on how to recognize and avoid these frauds, addressing the 57,867 fraud reports filed in Virginia during 2024. AARP's Fraud Watch Network offers free support through their helpline at 877-908-3360, answering approximately 500 calls daily to help fraud victims and provide
herald-dispatch.com
Scammers commonly target adults 55+ with investment/cryptocurrency scams, online purchase fraud, romance scams, and home improvement schemes. The article outlines key warning signs including unsolicited calls from those claiming to be government officials or bank employees, requests for unusual payment methods, pressure to act quickly, and too-good-to-be-true offers. Recommended protections include registering with the National Do-Not-Call Registry, hanging up on unsolicited callers, researching investments thoroughly, avoiding clicking suspicious links, and verifying unexpected claims by contacting official sources directly.