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yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, text message scams cost U.S. consumers an estimated $470 million, five times the losses from 2020, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The most common scams involved fake package delivery notices, bogus job opportunities, fraudulent bank alerts, and romance scams, all initiated via text message. The FTC recommends consumers forward suspicious texts to 7726, report them through their messaging apps, avoid clicking links or responding, and contact companies directly using verified numbers.
thv11.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are increasingly using AI voice-cloning technology to create deepfakes that impersonate loved ones in emergency scams, asking victims to send money immediately. Consumer Reports found that four of six popular voice-cloning apps lacked meaningful consent protections, allowing users to clone voices without permission, and experts say these deepfakes are becoming difficult to distinguish from real audio. Protection measures include recognizing deepfake scams exist, enabling two-factor authentication on financial accounts, being suspicious of unsolicited requests for personal or financial information, and applying critical thinking before responding to unexpected calls or messages.
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-08
A new phishing attack attributed to threat actor Rockfoils exploits Google Sites to create convincing fake domains that bypass Gmail's security filters, deceiving users into visiting fraudulent support portals and sharing personal information like Social Security numbers. Google confirmed awareness of the attack and stated it has been rolling out protections over the past week that will fully deploy soon. In the interim, Google recommends users enable two-factor authentication and passkeys, and remain cautious of any unsolicited emails requesting personal information.
ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, reported text scam losses reached $470 million—more than five times the amount from 2020—according to the FTC's Data Spotlight. Common text scams targeting businesses include fake fraud alerts redirecting victims to move money to scammer-controlled accounts, bogus toll notices designed to collect financial information, and phony job offers impersonating legitimate companies. The FTC recommends verifying unexpected texts by contacting businesses directly through official channels, avoiding clicking links or calling numbers provided in texts, and pausing before responding to urgent demands.
weirdkaya.com
· 2025-12-08
A 69-year-old German man lost RM3,089,800 after being duped by scammers impersonating Malaysian tax and central bank officials who used official-looking documentation to convince him to open a bank account and make 25 transfers. In a separate case, a 54-year-old Malaysian company manager was defrauded of RM2,652,000 through a Facebook-advertised investment scheme that used fake platforms and a WhatsApp contact named "Wendy Wong," initially paying him RM100,000 to build confidence before requesting tax fees to withdraw his non-existent profits.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Two professionals in Hyderabad lost a combined 67 lakh rupees to separate cyber fraud schemes in early 2025: a microbiologist lost 39.7 lakh to scammers operating a fake stock trading platform via Instagram and WhatsApp between January and April, while a software engineer lost 28 lakh within two days to fraudsters posing as a cryptocurrency trading company that initially advertised part-time work on WhatsApp. Both victims were asked to make additional payments before being denied access to their accounts, leading to cases filed under the IT Act by Cyber Crime Police in Cyberabad.
livebitcoinnews.com
· 2025-12-08
**Operation Avalanche:** U.S. Secret Service and Canadian authorities dismantled a $4.3 million Ethereum approval phishing scam through a collaborative investigation involving crypto platforms and blockchain analysis firms. The scam used deceptive tactics to trick users into signing malicious transactions that granted attackers access to their wallets; authorities identified compromised wallets, froze assets on trading platforms, and notified victims to revoke old approvals. Key prevention measures include verifying transaction links, using hardware wallets, checking wallet permissions regularly via Etherscan, and avoiding unsolicited messages promising high returns.
ksdk.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are sending fraudulent text messages in the St. Louis region claiming residents owe unpaid tolls and must pay immediately, with links directing victims to fake payment websites. If clicked, these links harvest personal and financial information to commit identity theft and fraud. Recipients should block the sender and delete the message without responding, and those who entered payment information should contact their bank or credit card company immediately.
blog.knowbe4.com
· 2025-12-08
**Cash Bag Scamming**
Thousands of victims are currently being defrauded through "cash bag scamming," where scammers impersonate federal law enforcement (FBI, CIA, IRS, etc.) or retail companies like Amazon to convince victims their accounts are compromised by terrorists and their money is at risk. Victims are instructed to withdraw large sums of cash from their banks, avoid telling family members, and hand over their life savings to strangers, with scammers using social engineering tactics like fake official paperwork, coached bank withdrawal instructions, and isolation tactics to manipulate victims into complying.
wxxv25.com
· 2025-12-08
**Genetic Testing Fraud - Expert Talk**
Danielle Guillory from Senior Medicare Patrol discusses current genetic testing scams targeting Medicare beneficiaries and provides guidance on recognizing and reporting Medicare fraud. The expert talk addresses emerging schemes involving fraudulent genetic testing offers and outlines steps seniors can take if they suspect they have been victimized by this type of fraud.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warned of a surge in Real ID scams as the May 7th deadline approached, with scammers using calls, texts, emails, and fake websites to impersonate government employees and steal personal information such as bank account numbers and identity details. The BBB advised that no government agency contacts people directly about Real ID and recommended not clicking links or providing information unless on official government websites, and reporting suspicious communications to the BBB.
myupnow.com
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel released a scam awareness roundup highlighting major fraud schemes targeting state residents, including disaster relief and charity scams, government imposter fraud, phishing/smishing attacks, cryptocurrency "pig butchering" romance scams, and data breach identity theft. The advisory recommends consumers verify charity legitimacy before donating, never click suspicious links or provide personal information to unsolicited contacts, monitor credit reports regularly through AnnualCreditReport.com, and implement security measures like two-factor authentication and password changes following data breaches.
almanacnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Police in the San Francisco Bay Area arrested two suspects in separate elder fraud schemes targeting elderly residents in mid-April. A 22-year-old San Jose man was arrested for allegedly scamming a 77-year-old Menlo Park resident out of $35,000 through text messages impersonating a major retailer and federal agency, while a 57-year-old woman was arrested before completing a PayPal impersonation scam in Atherton that targeted $15,000. Both suspects were booked into San Mateo County Jail on charges including elder abuse and theft by false pretenses, with authorities urging residents to avoid clicking unknown links, sharing personal details, or
wifr.com
· 2025-12-08
As the May 7, 2025 REAL ID deadline approaches, the Better Business Bureau warns consumers to watch for identity theft scams where fraudsters pose as government officials and create fake websites to steal personal information. Scammers use deceptive calls, texts, and emails claiming to help people obtain REAL ID compliance, but legitimate government agencies do not contact citizens unsolicited about REAL IDs. Consumers should avoid suspicious links, refuse to share personal information with unknown sources, and be skeptical of misspelled messages or urgent demands.
wrbiradio.com
· 2025-12-08
Indiana State Police warned the public about text and email scams impersonating legitimate companies like PayPal, Geek Squad, and McAfee, where scammers attempt to trick recipients into calling back and divulging personal information or granting computer access. Sgt. Stephen Wheeles advises recipients of suspicious messages to verify the sender independently, research before responding, and look for red flags in supposedly legitimate communications.
komonews.com
· 2025-12-08
**Tariff Scams Target Consumers and Businesses**
Scammers are exploiting market confusion surrounding tariffs through phishing emails, fake websites, and fraudulent investment schemes targeting consumers and small businesses. Common tactics include impersonating government officials or freight companies to demand immediate payment for fake "tariff fees," with scammers taking advantage of people's heightened emotional states during economic uncertainty. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to verify contact information independently, avoid clicking unsolicited links, and remember that individuals do not pay tariffs directly—any such demand is a scam.
nbcchicago.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warned of a surge in Real ID scams as the May 7 deadline approached, with fraudsters using phone calls, text messages, emails, and fake websites to impersonate government officials and steal personal information. These scams exploited the urgency of the federally mandated deadline to trick victims into revealing sensitive data that could be used for identity theft and financial fraud. The BBB emphasized that legitimate government agencies do not contact people unsolicited about Real IDs and advised individuals to watch for suspicious URLs and messages.
ksby.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Americans reported losing $470 million to text message scams, with the Federal Trade Commission identifying fake package delivery alerts as the most common type, followed by fraudulent bank alerts, fake toll warnings, and "wrong number" scams that often escalate into romantic and investment schemes. Other prevalent scams include task scams that promise online work but ultimately solicit personal investments from victims.
cnn.com
· 2025-12-08
Over 60,000 complaints were filed with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center about unpaid toll text scams, with scammers using location data and fake domains to impersonate state toll services and trick recipients into clicking malicious links. One Massachusetts resident received both legitimate and fraudulent toll texts, ultimately falling victim to confusion between the two and facing collection agency action before resolving the debt. The FBI advises people to avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, verify company contact information independently, and recognize that legitimate toll agencies do not request payments via text.
ic3.gov
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns of an ongoing impersonation scam in which criminals pose as Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) employees to defraud victims, with over 100 reports received between December 2023 and February 2025. Scammers contact victims via email, phone, social media, or forums claiming to recover previously lost funds, then use this pretext to extract financial information and revictimize them. The FBI emphasizes that it never initiates contact with individuals through these channels, does not request payment for fund recovery, and urges victims to report suspicious activity to ic3.gov or the DOJ Elder Justice Hotline.
almanacnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Two separate elder fraud cases were arrested in the San Francisco Bay Area in April: a 22-year-old San Jose man was arrested for allegedly scamming a 77-year-old Menlo Park resident out of $35,000 through a text message impersonating an online retailer and federal agency that threatened prison time, and a 57-year-old woman was arrested in Atherton for attempting to impersonate a PayPal representative to extract $15,000 from an elderly resident (though cash was intercepted before being handed over). Both suspects were booked on charges including theft by false pretenses and elder abuse, with authorities advising residents to avoid clicking unknown links,
newstalkkzrg.com
· 2025-12-08
A 28-year-old Chinese national, Dongyi Guo, was sentenced to 21 months in prison and ordered to repay $95,000 after stealing cash from a 79-year-old Missouri woman as part of a conspiracy targeting elderly victims. The scammers posed as financial institution and Social Security officials, claiming her accounts were compromised and instructing her to withdraw cash for an FDIC employee to collect; Guo made three pickups totaling $95,000 in March 2024 before his arrest. The victim's family reported that the trauma from the fraud contributed to her death seven months later, as she stopped eating, taking medication, and engaging in
thescottishsun.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A 50-year-old German woman lost her entire £50,000 inheritance to a romance scammer who impersonated British actor Richard Gadd using AI-generated photos and deepfake voicemails. The fraudster, who contacted her after she sent fan mail to a fake social media account, gradually built an emotional relationship with her before requesting £13,000 for a non-disclosure agreement and making additional requests citing personal crises, ultimately extracting multiple payments totaling over £50,000 before she became suspicious when promised meetings failed to materialize. She reported the scam to police and hired a private investigation firm, which traced her money through multiple bank accounts linked to five scam websites, though
kdhlradio.com
· 2025-12-08
Phishing scams, particularly fake shipping notices impersonating UPS, are the most common fraud targeting Minnesotans, with 69 percent of state residents reporting low confidence in spotting such attempts. One in five Minnesotans have received localized phishing messages that reference nearby towns or businesses, making them increasingly difficult to distinguish from legitimate communications. The article advises consumers to verify deliveries directly through official websites, avoid clicking suspicious links, and be wary of urgent language and requests for personal information.
kplctv.com
· 2025-12-08
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dailyutahchronicle.com
· 2025-12-08
Phishing and email scams pose growing cybersecurity risks to college students, with scams becoming increasingly sophisticated and sometimes targeting students directly through fake payment links and malicious emails. University of Utah IT officials and students recommend strategies to reduce vulnerability, including avoiding suspicious links, using password managers with unique passwords, reviewing cookie policies, utilizing pop-up blockers, and reporting suspicious activity to IT support. The article emphasizes that even tech-savvy individuals can fall victim to phishing scams, highlighting the importance of vigilance and awareness when handling online communications and data collection.
vicksburgnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans lost an estimated $470 million to text message scams in 2024, a five-fold increase from 2020, according to FTC data, with scammers becoming more sophisticated despite fewer overall reports. The most common scams involve fake delivery notifications and job scams that trick victims into clicking malicious links or investing money, though fake bank alerts, toll notices, and messages from wrong numbers can also escalate into fraudulent schemes. The FTC recommends ignoring unsolicited texts and links, contacting companies directly using verified contact information, and forwarding suspicious messages to 7726 to help block similar scams.
fingerlakes1.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are exploiting confusion about federal stimulus programs by sending fake IRS texts, emails, and creating fraudulent websites claiming to offer early access to stimulus checks, primarily targeting low-income families and seniors. These scams use urgency tactics and request personal information like Social Security numbers and bank details, though the IRS clarifies it will never contact people via email, text, or social media about stimulus money and legitimate updates only appear on IRS.gov. Recipients should avoid clicking links, report suspicious messages to the IRS and FTC, and monitor their credit if they've already shared information.
scrippsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Americans reported losing $470 million to text message scams, with the most common being fake package delivery alerts containing malicious links. Other prevalent scams included fraudulent bank alerts, fake toll warnings, "wrong number" messages that escalate into romance scams, and "task scams" promising online work that ultimately request personal investment, according to Federal Trade Commission data.
nltimes.nl
· 2025-12-08
Bank helpdesk fraud in the Netherlands declined significantly in 2024, with reported victims dropping 30% to approximately 6,900 people and total losses falling 20% to €23 million. Despite this improvement, the Dutch Banking Association warned that scammers continue evolving their tactics—including coaching victims to ignore legitimate bank warnings and exploiting social media platforms—and stressed the need for ongoing consumer vigilance and stronger identity verification measures by digital service providers.
timesnownews.com
· 2025-12-08
Indian telecom companies Vodafone-Idea and Bharti Airtel are deploying AI-powered systems to combat the rising threat of cyber fraud, including digital arrest scams and AI voice-cloning calls. Vi's Spam SMS solution has flagged over 250 million suspicious messages using machine learning to detect phishing and scam attempts in real-time, while Airtel's spam detection network identified nearly one million spammers daily and flagged 8 billion spam calls and 0.8 billion spam SMS messages within 2.5 months, resulting in a 12% decline in suspicious contact attempts.
10tv.com
· 2025-12-08
As artificial intelligence advances, scams targeting seniors have become increasingly sophisticated, with Americans aged 60 and older losing $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023. Attorney Carlos Crawford led a free cybersecurity training at a Columbus community center to educate seniors on recognizing common scams including phishing, tech support fraud, fake charities, and romance scams, advising them to watch for red flags like misspelled emails, suspicious sender addresses, and unusual payment requests (cash, cryptocurrency, gift cards). Experts recommend trusting instincts when something feels off and consulting trusted contacts before responding to suspicious communications.
en.as.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers increasingly use identity theft and impersonation via messaging apps (WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram DMs, iMessage) to pose as friends or relatives in distress and request urgent money transfers. The Spanish National Police recommend a simple verification tactic: ask the suspicious contact a personal question only a real acquaintance would know, such as "Where did we meet?" to confirm their identity before responding to money requests. This basic security question can effectively prevent victims from falling for these emotionally manipulative scams that exploit goodwill across messaging platforms worldwide.
kfiz.com
· 2025-12-08
Wisconsin has experienced an uptick in text message scams impersonating tolling agencies, directing recipients to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal data, financial information, or identities. To protect themselves, consumers should avoid clicking suspicious links, verify toll charges directly with legitimate agency contact information, report unwanted texts to their service provider, and delete suspicious messages without engaging with them.
goldrushcam.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, consumers lost $470 million to text message scams—five times the amount reported in 2020—with fake package delivery alerts and bogus job opportunities being the most common types reported to the FTC. Other frequent scams included fake fraud alerts from banks, fake toll payment warnings, and "wrong number" scams that often escalate into romance scams involving investment requests. Consumers are advised to forward suspicious texts to 7726, report through their phone's messaging app or the FTC website, avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, and verify any claims through official company contact information.
telluridenews.com
· 2025-12-08
Alpine Bank is launching a multi-channel awareness campaign to counter a surge in text message phishing scams, warning customers through its website, emails, blog, and radio advertisements. Americans lost $630 million to texting scams in 2024 according to FTC data—a 45% increase from the previous year and a 600% jump since 2020—with scammers increasingly using AI to make fraudulent messages more sophisticated and difficult to detect. The bank advises customers to be vigilant by contacting their bank directly rather than responding to suspicious texts, checking monthly statements, and never providing personal information via text.
cantonrep.com
· 2025-12-08
BBB Scam Tracker warns that scammers create fake websites advertised as "sponsored" content on search engines and social media to deceive consumers into purchasing non-existent merchandise or disclosing personal information. These scams target various sectors including retail, passport services, healthcare enrollment, and pet sales, with victims often receiving no merchandise and finding customer support unresponsive or unreachable. The BBB recommends verifying website legitimacy before entering personal or financial information, being skeptical of unusually deep discounts, using BBB.org to confirm business details, and bookmarking official websites to avoid lookalike impostor sites.
indeonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are creating fake websites advertised as "sponsored" content on search engines and social media platforms, targeting consumers seeking everything from retail merchandise to passport renewal services and health care enrollment. Victims click on these deceptive ads believing they're legitimate businesses, enter personal and financial information at checkout, and often never receive their purchases or can locate the fraudulent websites afterward. The BBB recommends verifying website legitimacy before entering personal information, being skeptical of unusually deep discounts, using BBB.org to confirm business details, and keeping official website bookmarks to avoid accidentally visiting impostor sites.
winknews.com
· 2025-12-08
Fake job offer scams targeting job seekers, particularly via text messages, caused Floridians to lose nearly $16 million in 2022. Scammers pose as employers offering work-from-home positions to steal personal information (Social Security numbers, dates of birth) and money through requests for equipment payments or banking details for "payroll setup." Job seekers should verify offers directly through official company websites, never send money to potential employers, and avoid providing sensitive information or clicking suspicious links.
wydaily.com
· 2025-12-08
Policy confusion surrounding Social Security Administration changes—which were initially announced and then reversed—has created an environment that scammers are exploiting to target Virginians, according to AARP Virginia's state director. Con artists typically initiate contact via phone, text, or email claiming urgency and impersonating Social Security Administration officials to defraud beneficiaries, with more than 1.6 million Virginians relying on Social Security benefits as critical income. The SSA's planned office closures and in-person appointment requirements would have further complicated access for seniors, particularly the 9% of Virginia seniors already living more than 45 miles from the nearest office.
wyomingnews.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
In 2025, Sheridan County law enforcement has received 91 combined fraud reports, with scammers increasingly impersonating law enforcement and medical officers using scare tactics to coerce victims into sending money, and exploiting Facebook Marketplace. The elderly and people over 50 are disproportionately targeted, with at least two victims losing over $150,000 each, though recovered funds are rare since money is typically sent electronically to overseas servers beyond law enforcement jurisdiction.
wgnsradio.com
· 2025-12-08
The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office warned residents of a phone scam where callers impersonated law enforcement using the spoofed number 615-208-3130, claiming to be a non-existent "Lt. Michael Carmen" and mimicking the department's actual voicemail system. The scammers attempted to solicit money from residents, exploiting the appearance of official authority through copied voicemail messaging. The Sheriff's Office emphasized that they do not demand payment over the phone and urged residents to delete suspicious voicemails rather than responding to them.
ynetnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The National Insurance Institute warned of a surge in phishing scams impersonating the government body, using fake messages about "unusual account activity" that direct recipients to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal and banking information. The scam targets vulnerable populations, particularly elderly individuals and those with limited digital literacy, with similar impersonation schemes affecting other Israeli institutions like the Tax Authority, Health Ministry, and banks. The Institute advises recipients to avoid clicking links, verify website addresses end in .gov.il, and report suspicious messages to authorities rather than providing any personal information.
globalinitiative.net
· 2025-12-08
This article discusses the growing threat of online fraud and cybercrime involving India and the United States, highlighting how scammers exploit weak data security and leverage generative AI. India serves as both a hub for scam operations targeting Western victims through fake tech support and loan schemes, and increasingly, a source of victims itself, with Indian nationals being trafficked to scam compounds in Cambodia and exploited to defraud others. The article calls for the US and India to strengthen cooperation against these transnational fraud networks, particularly regarding data breaches—such as the 2023 theft of 815 million Indian citizens' personal information—that provide scammers with the databases they need to target vulnerable populations
abc15.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting job seekers via unsolicited text messages, WhatsApp, and social media with fake job offers promising high pay and flexible schedules, resulting in over $400 million in losses to Americans according to the FTC. Red flags include unexpected contact from unknown numbers, unrealistic pay claims ($200-$800 daily), requests for personal information or money/gift cards, poor grammar, and pressure to move conversations to other platforms. Consumers should avoid responding to or clicking links in unsolicited messages, independently verify job offers directly with companies, and report suspected scams to the FTC or their phone carrier.
sjcda.org
· 2025-12-08
Tech support scams use fake pop-up warnings impersonating companies like Microsoft and Apple to trick users into calling scammers, who then falsely claim the device is infected and demand payment for bogus services. Legitimate security warnings from real tech companies never ask you to call a phone number; instead, users should ignore pop-ups, manually update security software, and contact tech support only through official company websites or trusted in-person retailers. The FTC recommends reporting suspected scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and sharing information about these scams with others as a prevention tool.
buffalobulletin.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
In 2025, Sheridan County continues to experience rising internet scams with increasingly sophisticated tactics, particularly impersonation of law enforcement and medical officers using scare tactics to demand payment. As of the reporting date, the Sheridan Police Department received 65 fraud reports and the Sheriff's Office reported 26 scams, with victims over age 50 disproportionately affected; at least two victims lost over $150,000 each. Law enforcement recommends reporting suspected scams immediately, using IC3.gov to document losses, and remembering that legitimate law enforcement never demands payment over the phone.
abc13.com
· 2025-12-08
The City of La Marque lost between $15,000 and $20,000 through a phishing scam in which a fraudster impersonated a vendor and tricked a new finance employee into making an unauthorized payment in December; a routine audit discovered the theft weeks later, the employee was fired, and an investigation is underway with no arrests made or funds recovered yet. The article also references a similar 2023 case in Galveston where someone posing as a truck company scammed the city out of nearly $700,000, resulting in the arrest and conviction of Fawn Sloan, who received a 10-year sentence for money laundering and was ordered to pay
northfortynews.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
This is an educational awareness piece from Larimer County Sheriff's Office highlighting current scam trends affecting Northern Colorado residents, particularly seniors. Chief Scambuster Barbara Bennett presents 20+ active scams including romance schemes, impersonation frauds (bank, IRS, law enforcement), tech-based scams (DocuSign phishing, hacked Facebook accounts), and marketplace fraud, while proposing a confidential support group for scam victims and their families to address shame and isolation barriers to reporting.
actionnews5.com
· 2025-12-08
Two men, Stanley Anyanwu, 41, and Vitalis Anyanwu, 42, were convicted of defrauding the City of Memphis of $773,695 through a business email compromise (BEC) scam in February 2022, in which funds intended for a contractor were redirected to their accounts and quickly laundered. The brothers were found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering, and were also identified as "money mules" processing funds from romance scams targeting individual victims. Both defendants are scheduled for sentencing on July 18, 2025.