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wtop.com
D.C. police arrested two California residents, Amruth Vaka, 27, and Saloni Shaikh, 28, for defrauding an elderly woman of approximately $640,000 through a tech support scam operating between February and June. The scammers gained the victim's trust by posing as computer repair technicians, then instructed her to make wire transfers and purchase gold coins over several months until a suspicious merchant alerted police. Authorities suspect the pair may be part of a larger nationwide fraud ring and are collaborating with the FBI to identify additional victims.
aarp.org
In 2023, older adults lost nearly $62 billion to scams and fraud out of an estimated $158 billion stolen overall, according to the FTC, with victims suffering devastating consequences including loss of homes and significant health/emotional impacts. The AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline received over 100,000 calls in 2024 from scam targets, with notable cases including a Florida man defrauded of $400,000 from a home sale and another victim losing $650,000 to a romance scam. Scams have become increasingly sophisticated through artificial intelligence, deepfakes, and social media, prompting AARP to urge lawmakers to strengthen frau
wlrn.org
Scammers are targeting senior citizens with increasingly sophisticated schemes including AI-generated scams, cryptocurrency theft, and robocalls, resulting in losses exceeding $4.8 billion for Americans over 60 in the past year alone, according to Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz. Common tactics include impersonation of grandchildren, government officials, and businesses, with victims often too ashamed or fearful to report the crimes. Law enforcement officials are calling for enhanced tools and resources to track scammers, rapid reporting by victims, and heightened awareness of emerging threats like HOA and condo fraud targeting elderly homeowners.
wlrn.org
Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz testified before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging that scammers are using increasingly sophisticated schemes—including AI-generated scams, cryptocurrency theft, and robocalls—to target senior citizens, with losses exceeding $4.8 billion for Americans over 60 in the past year alone. The sheriff emphasized that victims often don't report scams due to shame and fear, and highlighted emerging threats including HOA fraud targeting elderly homeowners in South Florida. Law enforcement officials stressed the importance of rapid reporting to increase chances of recovering stolen funds and prosecuting criminals before they disappear and reinvent their schemes.
thepress.net
Fraudsters stole over $12.5 billion from Americans over 55 in 2024, a 25% increase from $10 billion in 2023, according to the FTC's Consumer Sentinel Network report. Seniors are targeted due to limited online experience, accumulated wealth, and social isolation, with common scams including grandparent schemes, romance scams, impersonation of government agencies or utilities, tech support fraud, home repair scams, and cryptocurrency schemes. Experts advise that pressure to act quickly is a hallmark of scams, and legitimate government agencies and corporations typically do not contact people via unsolicited text messages or calls demanding immediate payment.
floridapolitics.com
U.S. Senator Rick Scott held a roundtable in Florida to address the escalating threat of scams and fraud targeting seniors, highlighting common schemes including grandparent scams, fraudulent investments, and government imposter emails. Speakers emphasized that seniors lose significant sums—including one case where a victim lost over $400,000—and that many large-scale operations originate from foreign call centers, constituting a national security concern; they also noted that Medicare fraud alone costs tens of billions of dollars annually through false billing and manipulation of member numbers. The roundtable stressed that awareness, prevention, and stronger legal penalties are essential to combat this crisis, while acknowledging that embarrassment often prevents victims from reporting
fidelity.com
This educational article explains how to protect against text-based scams, which fraudsters increasingly use to impersonate financial institutions and lure victims into clicking malicious links that expose personal information. The guide advises recognizing suspicious texts through warning signs like urgent language, unfamiliar numbers, and requests for personal information; not engaging with or replying to suspicious messages; and contacting financial institutions directly through official channels if legitimacy is uncertain.
fema.gov
After natural disasters, criminals pose as disaster workers or FEMA representatives to steal personal information and commit identity theft and fraud. The advisory provides protective measures including: never give money or personal information to unsolicited callers, verify FEMA contacts through official channels (1-800-621-3362), always request official ID badges, and report suspicious activity to the Disaster Fraud Hotline (1-866-720-5721) or local authorities.
ftc.gov
FTC reports document a surge in imposter scams targeting retirees, with scammers posing as trusted government agencies and businesses to drain bank accounts and retirement funds through fake security alerts and false criminal accusations. From 2020 to 2024, reports of older adults losing $10,000 or more increased fourfold, while reports of losses exceeding $100,000 increased nearly sevenfold. These scams exploit older adults' vigilance about financial security by creating false urgency through phone calls and fabricated crises, instructing victims to transfer funds, use Bitcoin ATMs, or hand cash to couriers—tactics the real FTC and legitimate companies never use.
foxnews.com
"Quishing" attacks—phishing scams using QR codes instead of emails or texts—have surged, with malicious QR codes tricking over 26 million people into visiting fraudulent websites designed to steal personal and financial data or install malware. Cybercriminals are placing fake QR codes on payment terminals, parking meters, packages, and other public surfaces, exploiting the fact that 73% of Americans scan codes without verifying their source. To protect yourself, verify the legitimacy of QR code sources before scanning and consider using personal data removal services to prevent scammers from accessing your information.
marketplace.org
A Pew Research study found that 73% of U.S. adults have experienced online scams or fraud, with the FBI reporting record losses of $16.6 billion in internet crimes last year—though actual losses are likely much higher due to underreporting. While scammers target all demographics, younger and older adults face elevated vulnerability, and Black, Hispanic, and Asian adults are more likely to experience multiple forms of online fraud. Despite increasing efforts by government and business to combat fraud, the low likelihood of perpetrator capture and prosecution—complicated by organized international crime groups—means that most people will eventually fall victim to scams.
international-adviser.com
Investment scams are now among the most common consumer scams in the UK, often initiated through phone calls, emails, or social media with promises of guaranteed returns and exclusive opportunities. Common types include fake broker scams using cloned websites and cryptocurrency trading platform scams that show fake returns before freezing withdrawals; red flags include high-pressure tactics, lack of verifiable company addresses, requests for payment to personal accounts or cryptocurrency, and unregulated platforms. The FCA and consumer protection bodies recommend verifying company details on the FCA register, taking time to research independently, and avoiding firms that pressure quick decisions or request unusual payment methods.
spectrumnews1.com
Governor Andy Beshear announced the launch of StopScams.ky.gov, a new website designed to help Kentuckians report scams, learn prevention strategies, and access recovery resources. According to a 2024 FBI report, Kentuckians lose over $74 million annually to online scammers, prompting the state to partner with the Better Business Bureau and AARP to equip residents with tools to identify and avoid fraud. The site emphasizes a "pause, check, and protect" approach and offers scam alerts via email or text, along with free educational "Scam Jam" events throughout the state.
morningstar.com
An 80-year-old man nearly lost $40,000 to a sophisticated FTC impersonation scam that began with a text message about a fraudulent Apple Pay charge, which led him to call fake bank representatives who convinced him he owed money and connected him to supposed FTC officials. His daughter-in-law intervened by explaining that banks don't have direct FTC lines, government agencies contact people by mail (not phone), and fraud liability is capped at $50, successfully stopping him from withdrawing cash for prepaid debit cards. The article highlights that seniors are particularly vulnerable to scams due to cognitive decline and isolation, accounting for over $3 billion in annual losses, an
mondaq.com
Romance scams have evolved to exploit cryptocurrency investments rather than traditional forex trading, using dating apps as the initial contact point where scammers build emotional trust with victims before directing them to fake investment platforms. The scam operates by showing fabricated profits on fraudulent websites, then requesting additional "fees" or "taxes" to withdraw funds, with victims often investing money they cannot afford to lose and accumulating debt. The article advises protecting yourself by recognizing that emotional manipulation combined with promises of easy investment returns are classic warning signs, and following the principle of never investing more than you can afford to lose.
myupnow.com
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined 50 bipartisan state attorneys general in launching Operation Robocall Roundup, sending warning letters to 37 voice service providers for failing to comply with Federal Communications Commission rules regarding illegal robocalls. The providers had not responded to government traceback requests, registered in the FCC's Robocall Mitigation Database, or filed mitigation plans, with the FCC simultaneously removing seven of these companies from its database to prevent other providers from routing calls through their networks.
sg.finance.yahoo.com
A 2025 Payments Canada study found that 13% of Canadians experienced payment fraud over six months, with disproportionately higher rates among newcomers (25%) and younger adults aged 18-34. Cash fraud incidents were nearly three times more common than credit card fraud, driven by counterfeiting, pickpocketing, and scams such as romance schemes and advance fee frauds, though 65% of reported losses under $500 were fully reimbursed by financial institutions.
cbc.ca
Two Winnipeg seniors over 80 lost over $10,000 in a grandparent scam in July after receiving calls from someone impersonating their grandson claiming he needed bail money following a car accident. The victims made two transfers at their TD Bank branch over consecutive days, and the bank's investigation concluded it would not refund the money since the cardholders authorized the transfers, though the daughter—a former banker and investigator—contends the tellers failed to question the suspicious transactions. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reports that emergency-based fraud scams resulted in over $819,000 in losses in the first half of 2025 alone, with only 5-10%
boredpanda.com
This article discusses various scams and questionable spending habits that millennials fall victim to, including multilevel marketing schemes, online sports betting, rage bait engagement, fake detox products, and premium food delivery services. The piece compiles Reddit comments from millennials admitting to these scams, though commenters debate whether some items (like detox products and food delivery) are actual scams or simply poor financial decisions and that similar issues affected previous generations.
wbrz.com
A Baton Rouge man nearly lost $3,500 to a jury duty scam in which a caller impersonating an East Baton Rouge Sheriff's deputy claimed he had missed court and demanded payment or threatened criminal charges. After withdrawing the money and being directed to a gas station under the pretense of paying a sheriff's office, Collier recognized the fraud and reported it to police. Banks warn that such scams often pressure victims to withdraw cash or purchase cryptocurrency, and that anyone can be vulnerable to these fraudulent schemes.
toronto.citynews.ca
A Toronto man lost nearly $200,000 in life savings to a romance scam that began on a dating app in March 2025, after months of communication with someone claiming to be named "Pierre" who convinced him to invest in a fraudulent cryptocurrency platform. The scam exploited the victim's desire for a romantic relationship and his charitable nature, with the scammer building trust through video calls and shared values before requesting the investment. According to Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre statistics, over 1,000 Canadians fell victim to similar romance scams in 2024, with combined losses exceeding $58 million, highlighting how scammers use psychology and manipulation as their "full-time job
justice.gov
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Illinois partnered with the Sparta Senior Center to present a free fraud prevention seminar educating seniors on online and phone scams, including impersonation schemes where fraudsters pose as federal agents to steal money. The presentation, held on August 20, covered common fraud schemes targeting seniors, details on prosecuted federal cases, and practical tips for detecting scams and reporting suspected fraud to law enforcement.
thesouthern.com
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alreporter.com
Senators Katie Britt (R-Alabama) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York) introduced the bipartisan GUARD Act to combat financial scams targeting older Americans, particularly those using cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies. The legislation would allow state and local law enforcement to use existing federal grant funding to hire personnel and deploy advanced tracing tools, addressing gaps that enable scammers to escape prosecution. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans aged 60 and older lost over $2.3 billion to fraud in 2024—a 21% increase from 2023—with experts estimating total unreported fraud at $61.5 billion, including growing "
jcsentinel.com
Elderly fraud in the U.S. resulted in nearly $5 billion in losses during 2024, representing a 46% increase in complaints and 43% increase in financial losses compared to 2023, according to FBI data showing 147,127 complaints. TARCOG's Senior Medicare Patrol is hosting a free Fraud & Scam Summit on August 20, 2025, to educate seniors, families, and caregivers on recognizing common scams, identity theft prevention, detecting financial abuse, and reporting resources. The event at Athens State University will feature local experts and community organizations providing educational information and support.
broadbandbreakfast.com
Senators Budd and Welch introduced the Foreign Robocall Elimination Act, which would direct the FCC to establish a task force combining federal agencies and private sector experts to combat international robocalls targeting Americans. The task force must deliver a report within 360 days with recommendations on identifying source countries, quantifying identity theft losses, encouraging foreign adoption of caller ID authentication, and evaluating stronger criminal penalties. The bill has support from AARP and USTelecom, with AARP noting that older Americans are disproportionately targeted by robocall scams resulting in financial loss and identity theft.
budd.senate.gov
U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) introduced the bipartisan Foreign Robocall Elimination Act to combat unlawful robocalls originating from overseas, which victimize tens of millions of Americans and steal billions of dollars annually. The bill would establish an interagency task force with federal agencies (FCC, FTC, DOJ) and private sector experts to develop strategies for eliminating foreign robocalls and increase international cooperation and law enforcement prosecution efforts. The legislation has been endorsed by AARP and USTelecom, with advocates noting that older Americans are disproportionately targeted by
indianstartupnews.com
As senior citizens increasingly adopt digital tools, they face growing vulnerability to scams due to unfamiliarity with technology and evolving fraud tactics, resulting in financial losses and reduced trust in digital communication. Truecaller and Khyaal have partnered to address this issue by offering discounted premium caller identification services and creating educational materials including "New Scam Highlights" sessions, "Spot the Scam" workshops, and safety guidance to help seniors recognize and avoid emerging fraud tactics. The initiative will be featured at Khyaal's "50Above50" event, where seniors can access practical digital security advice and tools to protect themselves while maintaining independence.
mynbc15.com
According to a Pew Research Center report, nearly three-quarters of Americans have experienced some form of online scam or attack, with 21% reporting actual financial losses. Common attacks include stolen credit card information (nearly 50%), hacked personal accounts (30%), fraudulent emails or texts leading to information disclosure (25%), and ransomware incidents (10%), with fraudsters increasingly exploiting untraceable payment methods like gift cards and payment apps. The FBI reported $16 billion in losses from cyber-enabled crime in the past year, a 33% increase, though experts note that many scams go unreported due to shame or awareness gaps.
khou.com
As companies recall employees to offices in 2025, scammers are exploiting the scarcity of legitimate remote jobs by impersonating real companies and sending fake checks to unsuspecting job seekers. The scheme involves victims depositing fraudulent checks and sending back a portion of the money before the check bounces, leaving them responsible for the full amount; red flags include no face-to-face interviews, claims of international operations, and receiving payment before work begins. The FBI warns that job seekers should verify company legitimacy and be cautious of remote positions that seem too good to be true, as scammers are targeting virtually all major job sites.
usatoday.com
The Federal Trade Commission warns the public about a phishing scam in which scammers send text messages impersonating Amazon, claiming items have failed quality inspections or been recalled and offering full refunds if recipients click a link—but the link is designed to steal money and personal information rather than process refunds. To protect themselves, consumers should avoid clicking links in unsolicited texts, verify messages through Amazon's official website or app, report spam texts to 7726, and immediately alert banks and freeze accounts if they believe their information has been compromised.
cityandstateny.com
In 2024, payment scams cost Americans over $12.5 billion, with New York reporting nearly 280,000 fraud cases to the FTC—a 25% increase year-over-year. Seniors are particularly targeted through scams involving impersonation of grandchildren, family members, and government agencies (like fake DMV and toll road warnings), sometimes using AI to replicate voices, resulting in victims losing tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. A bipartisan group of senators is proposing the TRAPS Act to establish a federal task force coordinating the Treasury, Justice, FTC, and other agencies to investigate and combat these rapidly escalating payment scams.
wymt.com
**Summary:**
Scammers are using artificial intelligence to clone victims' voices from social media, voicemails, or brief audio clips, then impersonating those individuals to pressure friends and family members into sending money under the guise of emergencies. Officials recommend verifying the identity of callers through alternative communication methods, being cautious of demanding or pressured requests, and reporting suspected scams to protect others from similar schemes.
myeasternshoremd.com
Queen Anne's County Sheriff Gary Hofmann presented a seminar to the Chamber of Commerce outlining common scams targeting businesses and individuals, including phishing emails, stolen credit card fraud, fake invoices, prepaid gift card demands, check washing, and tech support impersonation. He recommended protective measures such as verifying charitable organizations before donating, implementing multi-factor authentication, monitoring accounts with alerts, requiring dual signatures on checks, and reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement. Hofmann emphasized that scammers exploit fear and urgency, so slowing down and validating requests is essential to prevention.
wfsb.com
**Labubi Toy Scams**
The Better Business Bureau has warned consumers about fraudulent Labubi toy sales, primarily advertised on social media platforms like TikTok, where victims either received counterfeit dolls or nothing at all. Scammers marketed the fake toys on social media, collected payment, then disappeared without shipping products or refunds. The BBB recommends purchasing Labubi toys only from established toy retailers and verified online stores to avoid these scams.
ksat.com
Scammers are exploiting the extreme popularity and scarcity of Labubu plush toys, with the Better Business Bureau receiving 71 reports of Labubu-related scams where consumers received counterfeit products or nothing at all. To protect themselves, consumers should shop from reputable retailers, avoid suspicious sponsored ads with heavily discounted prices, verify customer reviews, use secure payment methods like credit cards rather than peer-to-peer apps, and research websites for scam reports before purchasing.
postcrescent.com
A Grand Chute woman was defrauded of over $2.2 million in gold bars in a scam where she believed she was protecting her money, leading to federal charges against Antonio Peña and Brandi Durst for money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud. The scammers posed as Microsoft representatives, bank officials, and government agents to build trust, isolated victims from family members, and convinced them to convert retirement funds into gold bars, which the defendants would then steal. Gold bar scams have become increasingly common and specifically target elderly populations, as gold is difficult to trace and perceived as secure, making it ideal for money laundering schemes.
kclu.org
Santa Barbara County authorities arrested Caihong Lee after she attempted to collect $30,000 from a 77-year-old Goleta woman who had been scammed in a phone fraud scheme claiming her bank accounts were breached. Two other victims in the Tri-Counties lost tens of thousands of dollars in the same scam wave before this attempted theft was stopped. Authorities advise older adults to verify account issues directly with their banks using official contact numbers, avoid urgent money requests, and report suspicious calls immediately.
2urbangirls.com
**Incident:** A wildfire survivor in Ventura County filed a lawsuit against ServPro Global DRT alleging fraud, elder abuse, and property destruction following the November 2024 Camarillo Mountain Wildfire. The contractor allegedly performed unauthorized restoration work on the plaintiff's property, caused significant damage to HVAC systems and structural components, then demanded over $62,000 and filed a fraudulent mechanic's lien against the property when challenged. The California Contractors State License Board identified multiple violations including lack of proper contracts, failure to provide required senior cancellation rights, and use of unregistered sales personnel, supporting allegations of predatory fraud targeting vulnerable disaster survivors.
vocal.media
This is a poetic testimony about healthcare access denial for low-income seniors and disabled adults, not a fraud case. The piece criticizes proposed Medicaid cuts (including $1 trillion over a decade via the One Big Beautiful Bill Act) that would implement work requirements and eligibility checks, potentially pushing millions—especially elderly and vulnerable populations—off coverage, while highlighting how seniors are denied necessary procedures like bone grafts due to financial barriers rather than medical necessity.
newindianexpress.com
Bengaluru has experienced a surge in online dating scams where fraudsters build emotional relationships with victims on matrimonial and dating apps before exploiting them through sextortion or fake investment schemes. Recent cases include a 32-year-old software engineer who lost Rs 79.3 lakh investing in a fraudulent trading app and a 37-year-old businessman who lost Rs 5.5 lakh in a sextortion scam. Cybercrime police advise against sharing personal or financial information with online strangers and warn against promises of quick financial returns.
reddit.com
A Toronto man lost nearly $200,000 in a romance scam that began in March 2025 when he connected with someone posing as "Pierre" on a dating app. After months of building trust through daily communication and video calls, the scammer convinced Aning to invest in a cryptocurrency platform by claiming he could help fund Aning's $120,000 MBA goal, but the funds became inaccessible for withdrawal. This case exemplifies a broader trend affecting over 1,000 Canadians in 2024 alone, with combined losses exceeding $58 million, as scammers use psychological manipulation and organized tactics to exploit victims' basic human needs for connection an
tradingview.com
WhatsApp removed 6.8 million accounts linked to "pig butchering" scams, which combine romance-baiting with fake investment fraud schemes that often result in cryptocurrency losses. Scammers used AI tools like ChatGPT to generate initial contact messages, then moved victims to Telegram where they were shown fake profits before requesting real money deposits. A study of 236 major cryptocurrency scam cases found total losses exceeding $60 billion, with pig butchering schemes accounting for 39 cases and representing one of the most damaging forms of fraud due to extended manipulation periods lasting months or years.
oregonlive.com
The Oregon Department of Justice warned residents of a rising "gold bar" scam targeting Pacific Northwest residents, in which scammers impersonating banks or government agencies convince victims their accounts are compromised and pressure them to purchase gold bars and hand them over to couriers. Recent victims in Eastern Oregon lost significant amounts—one woman lost $600,000 with an additional $300,000 in gold bars prevented by police intervention, and another lost $60,000 in a related silver bar scam. Officials emphasized that no legitimate financial institution or government agency requests customers to liquidate assets into gold and transfer them to strangers.
fintech.global
A UK study by Yaspa found that over 40% of fraud victims in the past year recovered no losses, with only 19% retrieving their full amounts—the average loss was £765 with just 34% recovered overall. Men lost significantly more than women (£943 vs. £476 average), and Northern Ireland experienced the highest regional losses at £2,290, while online shopping, fake emails, and Facebook Marketplace were the most common fraud platforms. The research highlights that push payment fraud is particularly difficult to recover from, though emerging AI-powered scams and lack of consumer awareness pose growing threats despite 75% of respondents claiming confidence in identifying fraud.
newsday.com
Job scams have surged significantly in recent years, with victims losing over $220 million in the first half of 2024 as scammers impersonate recruiters via text, email, and fake postings on legitimate job sites to steal money and personal information. Experts advise job-seekers to avoid unsolicited offers, never provide sensitive personal data or payment upfront, and be particularly cautious of remote work opportunities promising high pay for minimal effort. The rise of remote work and AI technologies have made these scams easier to execute and harder to trace.
nltimes.nl
A Dutch survey of over 21,000 adults found that 22 percent have been victims of cybercrime, with phishing being most common but online sales fraud causing the most damage; 51 percent of victims suffered financial losses, and seniors who were victimized lost significantly more money (one in three lost at least 1,000 euros) compared to younger victims. Despite the prevalence of cybercrime, only 36 percent of victims reported incidents to police, and just 12 percent of reports resulted in arrests. The survey revealed that cybercrime affects both younger and older adults equally, though seniors experience greater psychological effects and financial harm, with common scams including dating app romance schemes
womansworld.com
Hallmark Channel and actor Tyler Hynes warned fans about a widespread Instagram scam in which impersonators claiming to be Hallmark stars direct-message fans asking for money, often claiming romantic interest and using AI-generated videos and audio to appear authentic. Hallmark advised fans to never send money to anyone claiming to be a celebrity, to verify official accounts are verified and legitimate, and to adjust privacy settings so only confirmed followers can send direct messages.
ainvest.com
A cryptocurrency user lost $3.05 million in a sophisticated phishing scam after signing a malicious transaction that granted a scammer long-term wallet access through an ERC-20 token approval; the attacker waited over 458 days until the victim's balance was substantial before executing the theft in August. This incident exemplifies a growing trend of delayed approval-based scams where once users sign approval transactions, the permissions remain active indefinitely unless manually revoked, creating extended vulnerabilities. Security analysts warn that users often lack awareness of active token approvals, and while tools exist to revoke permissions, associated gas fees deter action, leaving victims with limited recourse as blockchain transfers are typically
express.co.uk
Cybercriminals are exploiting the summer holiday season in the UK through sophisticated scams including AI-generated fake travel websites, bogus delivery notifications (parcel scam searches up 400%), and fraudulent accommodation bookings, with victims losing hundreds to thousands of pounds and risking identity theft and account compromise. August is identified as a peak fraud month when people's guards are lowered by holiday distractions, and sharing travel details online—such as boarding passes on social media—further exposes victims to targeted attacks and personal data theft.