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in Bank Impersonation
wrat.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article from the Federal Trade Commission outlines common online scams and fraud schemes affecting consumers. Key scams discussed include spoofing (falsifying caller ID to impersonate legitimate organizations), the 809 scam (international callback schemes with high rates), catfishing (creating fake online identities for romance or exploitation scams), cramming (unauthorized small charges on bills), and family emergency scams (targeting grandparents with urgent requests for money). The article advises consumers to hang up on unsolicited callers, verify numbers independently, never share personal information with unknown callers, and be cautious of suspicious requests—noting that while younger adults report romance scams more frequently, older consumers typically lose
dlnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warned about scammers impersonating crypto exchange employees who contact victims with urgent claims of account problems or compromises, then trick them into providing login credentials or clicking malicious links to steal their cryptocurrency. The agency advises recipients to hang up immediately, independently verify concerns by calling the exchange's official number, never provide login information, and avoid clicking links or visiting websites sent by the caller. Victims should report incidents to the FBI and be wary of recovery services claiming they can retrieve stolen crypto.
tomsguide.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating bank employees via spoofed caller IDs, tricking victims into cutting up their debit cards while keeping the chip intact, then sending accomplices to collect the chip and coerce the PIN from victims' homes. Once obtained, the scammers use the chip and PIN to withdraw funds directly from victims' accounts in person, bypassing bank fraud detection systems. The FBI warns that to protect yourself, scrutinize the call quality and professionalism of the caller, ask verification questions, and never comply with requests to damage your debit card—legitimate banks never ask customers to do this.
wibx950.com
· 2025-12-08
**Police Impersonation Scam - Central New York**
Scammers are impersonating Oneida County Sheriff's deputies and calling residents claiming they have outstanding court proceedings and demanding payment, threatening arrest if victims don't comply. The Oneida County Sheriff's Office warns residents never to provide personal information (SSN, birthday, bank details, etc.) over the phone to unidentified callers and advises hanging up and calling the Sheriff's Office directly to verify any such claims.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
A Schwab Bank customer received a text message impersonating the bank's fraud department asking about a suspicious $2,500 transfer; after replying "No," scammers called and tricked the victim into authorizing two wire transfers of approximately $5,500 each, claiming the transfers would return funds to the account. The client's advisor successfully helped cancel the second transfer with Schwab, preventing total loss, though the scam demonstrates how fraudsters use legitimate account holder names and mass messaging to impersonate trusted financial institutions.
interpol.int
· 2025-12-08
A Singapore commodity firm transferred USD 42.3 million to fraudsters in a business email compromise scam after receiving a spoofed email from what appeared to be a supplier requesting payment to a new bank account in Timor Leste. Acting swiftly through INTERPOL's Global Rapid Intervention of Payments (I-GRIP) mechanism, Singapore and Timor Leste authorities recovered USD 39 million from the fake account, arrested seven suspects, and recovered an additional USD 2 million through follow-up investigations. This represented Singapore's largest-ever recovery of funds lost to business email compromise fraud.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Impersonation scams, where fraudsters mimic trusted entities through phishing and fake websites, caused over $1.1 billion in U.S. consumer losses in 2023, with new malicious sites created every 11 seconds. AI technology has made these scams more sophisticated and harder to detect quickly, though governments, regulators, and companies are responding with stronger enforcement actions, expanded rules like the FTC's updated Impersonation Rule, and consumer education campaigns emphasizing multi-factor authentication and fraud awareness.
jocoreport.com
· 2025-12-08
A 70-year-old Johnston County resident lost $1,000 in gift cards after being contacted on social media by someone impersonating "General Douglas" with the United Nations Peace Corps who claimed to be interested in a romantic relationship. The scammer is part of a broader pattern of fraud schemes that falsely claim UN affiliation to obtain money or personal information through romance, employment, and confidence scams via multiple channels including social media, email, and phone calls.
wbrc.com
· 2025-12-08
Alabama experienced a dramatic increase in reported financial elder abuse cases, rising from 23 in 2016 to approximately 250 cases reported since January, largely due to a 2016 law requiring financial institutions to report suspicious account activity. Scammers employ two primary methods: online schemes and personal manipulation targeting vulnerable elderly individuals, often widowed, with perpetrators frequently coming from out of state across various professional backgrounds. While most victims do not recover their stolen funds, Alabama authorities actively prosecute these cases and pursue restitution.
fortune.com
· 2025-12-08
Zelle, the payment app owned by major U.S. banks including JPMorgan, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo, faces a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau investigation over fraud vulnerabilities, with Zelle's chief fraud risk manager arguing the app has adequate safeguards while placing responsibility on users, lawmakers, and law enforcement to combat scammers. Between 2019 and 2023, the percentage of reimbursed Zelle fraud claims declined from 62% to 38%, according to Senator Richard Blumenthal, though Zelle reports a 50% decrease in fraud reports from 2022 to 2023 and attributes this partly to its anti
latimes.com
· 2025-12-08
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is investigating whether banks offering Zelle are adequately protecting customers from scams, with JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo disclosing they've been contacted by the regulator. Zelle, which processed $806 billion across 2.9 billion transactions in 2023, is vulnerable to fraud because payments cannot be reversed once sent; while scams represent a small percentage of transactions (0.05% in 2023), the massive transaction volume means hundreds of millions of dollars and tens of thousands of users are affected, and banks currently refuse to reimburse victims who authorize payments to scammers.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
The Alabama Regional Council of Governments (TARCOG) held an educational summit in Huntsville to raise awareness about rising scams targeting seniors, with elder fraud reports to the FBI increasing 14% in 2023. Attendee Teresa Hazzard shared her experience of losing $700 to a fake Netflix offer that requested her credit card information, though her bank recovered the funds. The summit covered cybersecurity, consumer fraud definitions, and legal implications, emphasizing that seniors should recognize and report scams—particularly those promising free offers or services.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A financial planner identifies four prevalent scams targeting baby boomers: government impersonation scams (which increased 32% last year), voice impersonation scams using AI technology to impersonate family members, phantom hacker scams where fraudsters pose as tech support to gain computer access and steal funds, and email phishing scams that have surged since the COVID-19 pandemic. The FBI reported a 14% increase in complaints and 11% increase in losses from those over 60 in 2023, with boomers particularly vulnerable due to less digital experience and reliance on retirement income that may be targeted by scammers.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Facebook Marketplace hosts common scams including seller fraud (fake or non-existent listings), buyer fraud (posers with no intent to pay), verification code phishing, and payment/identity theft schemes. Users can protect themselves by verifying identities, meeting in person before payment, using secure payment methods like PayPal, never sharing verification codes or personal information, and reporting suspicious activity. The article emphasizes avoiding unusually low prices, unconventional payment methods, and requests to complete transactions outside Facebook's integrated tools.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
**Article Title:** Scott Hermann on AI-Powered Scams
This educational piece identifies the top AI-enabled scams targeting consumers, including deepfakes (AI-generated videos and images impersonating real people) and AI-generated voice phishing (realistic synthetic voices used in fraudulent calls). The article provides protective measures such as verifying unsolicited video calls through trusted channels, approaching shocking online content with skepticism, and being cautious of urgent messages demanding money or personal information.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies 11 common Instagram scams in 2024, with a focus on fake brand accounts and fake follower schemes. The FTC reported that $2.7 billion was lost to social media scams between 2021 and mid-2023, with online shopping scams comprising 44% of fraud reports; scammers use imposter accounts for luxury brands like Gucci and Nike to sell counterfeit goods or steal funds. The article advises users to verify accounts are officially verified, check URLs carefully, and avoid purchasing from sellers offering unrealistic discounts or unusual payment methods, while also warning against buying fake followers or likes as it violates Instagram's terms and harms
vpd.ca
· 2025-12-08
Vancouver Police warned the Chinese community about three scams that defrauded victims of nearly $6 million since January of that year, with 26 reported cases under investigation. The scams included impersonation of Chinese police officers demanding payment to Hong Kong banks, "blessing scams" targeting elderly victims through spiritual manipulation to extract cash and jewelry, and fake job postings in traditional Chinese that escalate into romance or investment schemes. Police urged community members to alert vulnerable family and friends and report suspected fraud to the VPD non-emergency line.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
Since January 2024, scammers have defrauded Vancouver's Chinese Canadian community of nearly $6 million through three primary schemes: impersonating Chinese police officers to redirect victims to Hong Kong banks, exploiting spiritual beliefs to extort cash and jewelry from elderly victims, and recruiting victims via fake job postings before switching to romance or investment scams. The Vancouver Police Department is investigating 26 cases and expects more victims to come forward, with community leaders noting that seniors and newcomers face heightened vulnerability due to language and cultural barriers.
ca.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Vancouver police are investigating 26 cases of scams targeting the Chinese Canadian community that have netted scammers nearly $6 million since the start of the year, with authorities believing more victims have yet to come forward. Three primary scam types are being used: spoofed calls impersonating Chinese police demanding money transfers to Hong Kong, "blessing scams" exploiting spiritual beliefs to extort cash and jewelry from victims (especially elderly), and fake job postings that pivot to romance or investment scams once victims engage. Vulnerable populations including seniors and newcomers are particularly susceptible due to cultural and language barriers, and police are urging community members to report incidents and warn family and friends.
straitstimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 21-year-old national serviceman's suicide in 2021 after losing $10,000 to a scam prompted Singapore's Government Technology Agency (GovTech) to intensify anti-scam efforts. GovTech's Scam Analytics and Tactical Intervention System (Satis) has taken down over 42,000 scam websites since July 2023, including fraudulent sites impersonating government agencies, banks, and concert ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster, which victimized at least 2,000 people of $1 million from January to May alone. GovTech warns that scammers increasingly use artificial intelligence an
bluenotes.anz.com
· 2025-12-08
Despite 94% of Australians surveyed feeling confident they could spot a scam, sophisticated social engineering tactics and organized criminal syndicates continue to exploit human emotions and trust, particularly targeting Australians over 55 with substantial savings. Investment scams alone resulted in approximately $79 million in losses in 2024, though reporting remains low at 3,818 cases, suggesting significant underreporting. The article advises victims to pause before acting on urgent requests, contact their bank immediately if funds are sent, and report incidents to increase awareness, noting that ANZ's fraud controls prevented over $100 million in losses during the year to March 2024.
bluenotes.anz.com
· 2025-12-08
Despite 94% of Australians surveyed feeling confident they could spot a scam, this article emphasizes that sophisticated scammers exploit human emotions and psychology, with particular targeting of Australians over 55 with substantial savings. Key scam types include romance, investment, and impersonation schemes, with investment scams alone resulting in approximately $79 million in losses in 2024, though under-reporting suggests actual numbers are higher. The article advises victims to pause before acting on urgent requests, immediately contact their bank if money has been sent, and report incidents to help raise awareness and prevent future fraud.
malaymail.com
· 2025-12-08
A CelcomDigi survey of 10,893 Malaysians found that 65% have encountered fraud, with scammers increasingly targeting educated and higher-income individuals through impersonation calls claiming to be bank officials, government agencies, or service representatives requesting personal information or threatening legal action. The article documents common scam tactics including fake financial assistance offers, OTP requests, and fake ticket sales, and includes a case where a 70-year-old retiree lost money after receiving calls from scammers impersonating contacts in his phone list.
recklinghausen.polizei.nrw
· 2025-12-08
Multiple scam schemes target older adults through psychological pressure and impersonation tactics. Common frauds include the "fake police officer trick" (claiming to protect savings from criminals), "shock calls" (impersonating relatives in emergencies to demand bail or medical payment), and fake bank employee schemes (requesting card and PIN under false pretenses). Police recommend hanging up immediately on suspicious calls, never admitting strangers or handing over money/banking information, and verifying identities by independently calling the relevant authority.
vermontjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece debunks three common myths about fraud victimization: that intelligence protects against scams, that only wealthy people are targets, and that only elderly people are victimized. The article emphasizes that scammers target people across all ages, education levels, and demographics, noting that the FTC reports higher victimization rates among 25-45 year-olds than seniors, though seniors typically suffer larger dollar losses. The piece advocates for fraud defense through behavior change and awareness rather than relying on intelligence alone, and alerts readers to an active scam targeting Justices of the Peace involving fake wedding payments.
sunshinecoastnews.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Sunshine Coast police warned residents of a sophisticated gift card scam targeting elderly residents, in which fraudsters impersonate bank or telco security staff and convince victims to purchase thousands of dollars in gift cards under the guise of conducting a "sting operation" on scammers, promising reimbursement. One incident in June 2021 resulted in a 91-year-old man losing $28,000 in gift cards purchased in a single day. Police advised the public to treat requests for gift card purchases or money transfers as red flags and to verify directly with financial institutions rather than engaging with unsolicited callers.
7news.com.au
· 2025-12-08
A Washington business owner nearly fell victim to an impersonation scam when a fraudster posing as a National Australia Bank representative called his assistant, requesting banking credentials under the pretense that his business credit card had been blocked due to activity in Darwin. The scammer targeted an account containing $3 million, but the business owner and assistant recognized red flags—including the scammer's inability to provide account details or the correct banker's name—and verified the call through official channels, preventing any loss. The article notes that impersonation scams are among the most common fraud tactics, with the Australian Tax Office receiving 22,000 reports of government impersonation scams in the past year, emphasizing the importance of vigilance
malaysia.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Scam victims in Malaysia often face repeated targeting by the same scammers who retain their personal information for follow-up frauds, and many victims lack awareness of protective measures and support resources. Key vulnerabilities include poor data protection practices and low public understanding of scams, particularly among seniors and youth, while only 35% of survey respondents knew to contact the National Scam Response Centre (997) within 24 hours to report fraud. Experts recommend improved public education about specific scam types, stronger legal frameworks against mule account schemes, and collaborative community action to combat online fraud.
nj1015.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly woman in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, lost $13,000 in a tech support scam on July 25 after a pop-up warning of a computer virus directed her to call a fake Microsoft support number. The scammer, posing as a TD Bank representative, convinced her to withdraw cash from her bank account to "protect" her financial information, and a male courier in his early 30s was sent to her home to collect the money. State Police are seeking the courier suspect and warn the public never to move money based on unsolicited tech support alerts or phone calls.
galvnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Check fraud costs the U.S. banking system $10-50 billion annually, with independent bankers arguing that major banks' failure to enforce "know your customer" requirements and adequately police accounts allows fraudsters to deposit stolen checks that are quickly withdrawn before detection. Galveston County has been particularly hard hit, with criminal enterprises stealing over $1 million in postal checks in 2022, and 90% of independent bank association members reported difficulty obtaining reimbursement from larger banks that improperly accepted fraudulent checks.
freep.com
· 2025-12-08
This article warns consumers about several back-to-school scams that surge in August and September, including fake websites that duplicate legitimate retailers to steal money or personal information, clickbait ads with nearly-identical URLs offering unrealistic discounts, and fraudulent payment requests. Victims often receive outdated or counterfeit merchandise, nothing at all, or lose money entirely when paying through digital platforms like Zelle that offer no fraud protection. The article advises shoppers to verify deals directly on official websites, check for red flags like suspicious URLs and missing contact information, use credit cards instead of payment apps, and contact their bank before completing questionable transactions.
ministers.treasury.gov.au
· 2025-12-08
Australia has seen a modest decrease in scam losses over the past 12 months, with Queensland reporting losses dropping from $54 million (January-June 2023) to $21 million in the same period this year, down significantly from $37-38 million in 2022. Investment scams account for over half of losses nationwide, typically originating through emails or social media messages promoting cryptocurrency investments, fake bonds, or fake celebrity endorsements. Key prevention advice includes: never clicking links in unsolicited text messages or emails, avoiding investments that offer returns above market rates, and consulting professional financial advisors rather than relying on social media recommendations.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
A Pennsylvania woman nearly fell victim to a romance scam involving a fake foreign inheritance scheme, where an online acquaintance convinced her to front money for supposed legal fees and escrow to unlock a British estate. Red flags included fake legal documents with spelling errors, an implausible timeline, and a fabricated London law firm address, which legal experts confirmed were fraudulent. The article highlights how elder fraud is increasingly difficult to recover due to modern money transfer methods and cryptocurrency, and emphasizes the importance of verifying credentials and seeking professional legal advice before sending money in estate-related matters.
mirror.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
This educational article by consumer rights expert Martyn James outlines the growing landscape of fraud in 2024, explaining why scammers are increasingly successful through digital innovation, mass messaging, and sophisticated social engineering tactics. The article cites that 252,626 people lost nearly £341 million to "push payment" fraud in the UK, with some victims losing life savings exceeding £100,000, though £1.2 billion in fraud was prevented last year. James provides practical advice for fraud victims, including immediately contacting their bank via the official number or the 159 stop scams line, and emphasizes the importance of identifying the type of fraud to determine the appropriate response.
ynetnews.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article explains how online scams have evolved to exploit vulnerable targets through voice phishing (vishing), SMS phishing (smishing), and AI-generated voice technology, with real examples including a $250,000 CEO impersonation fraud and a $25 million company theft via deepfake video calls. The article identifies key vulnerabilities including the widespread sale of personal data by brokers and the increasing sophistication of scam tactics like "pig butchering," romance scams, and tech support hoaxes that require minimal technical skills to execute at scale. Protective measures recommended include avoiding unexpected calls from unknown numbers, enabling two-factor authentication with security keys rather than SMS, verifying
wrrv.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies area codes commonly associated with phone scams targeting New York State residents, noting that approximately 60 million Americans reported phone scams in 2021. The article explains that scammers often use VoIP technology and call spoofing to disguise their true location and identity, and provides a list of nine international area codes (primarily from Caribbean and African nations) and nine U.S. area codes to avoid answering. The article recommends screening unknown calls and performing quick Google searches on unfamiliar numbers to verify legitimacy.
info.gov.hk
· 2025-12-08
From January to June 2024, Hong Kong Police recorded 19,897 scam cases resulting in $4.48 billion in losses, a 66.5% increase from the prior year, with "Impersonating Customer Service" scams being particularly prevalent and causing $379 million in losses. Mainland students in Hong Kong face heightened vulnerability to "Pretend Officials" scams, especially during September and October, with 481 cases reported in the first half of 2024. Police, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and the banking sector launched an "Anti-Scam Month" campaign featuring educational initiatives, including a "Survival Guide" for Mainland students an
citizen.co.za
· 2025-12-08
One in ten South Africans fell victim to fraud in Q2 2024, with phishing attacks accounting for 28% of incidents, often involving scammers creating fake social media profiles and cloned websites that fool 53% of consumers into providing personal and financial information. Financial losses ranged from approximately R1,833 to over R18,329, though emotional impacts were often more severe, with 22% of victims requiring months to recover. Consumers can protect themselves by using tools like WHOIS and Google's safe browsing function to verify website legitimacy, while businesses can combat cloning by blocking fraudulent sites and filing takedown requests with hosting providers.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A Baltimore therapist lost over $10,000 in a police impersonation scam in May, when a fraudster claiming to be a Baltimore County Sheriff's officer threatened her with arrest for missing a court date and demanded payment of two citations via bank withdrawals and bitcoin. The scammer kept her on the phone for five hours and attempted to extort additional money before she contacted the actual police department and discovered the fraud; FBI officials warn that recovered funds are rarely returned and recommend hanging up on such calls.
iid.iowa.gov
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece identifies six common scams targeting Iowa storm victims: FEMA impersonation scams, contractor fraud (storm chasers), fake charities, insurance claim scams, phishing communications, and identity theft. The article provides preventative measures for each scam type, including verifying credentials, obtaining multiple estimates, researching charities through watchdog organizations, contacting insurance companies directly, and freezing credit. Resources provided include the Iowa Attorney General's Office, Iowa Insurance Division, and FEMA fraud hotline for reporting suspected fraud.
whec.com
· 2025-12-08
An 83-year-old woman in Webster, New York lost $400,000 in four months when her computer was compromised and scammers made 76 fraudulent withdrawals from her bank account, none of which were flagged or stopped by ESL Bank despite many being five-figure amounts. Dan Lyon, a fraud expert at Lifespan, notes that banks typically release funds if customers request them and cites a proposed state budget provision that would have allowed tellers to place holds on suspicious withdrawals—a measure that was removed during spring negotiations but AARP is pushing to reinstate. Experts emphasize that seniors over 60 are deliberately targeted because they hold the nation's wealth
wwaytv3.com
· 2025-12-08
Election-related scams exploit voters' emotional investment in candidates and causes by mimicking legitimate campaign emails and phone calls to steal personal information, banking details, and donations. The Better Business Bureau advises verifying email links by typing official URLs directly into browsers, avoiding clicking suspicious links, being wary of pressure tactics, and researching organizations before donating or sharing personal information. Common scams include phishing emails with malicious links, fake surveys requesting Social Security numbers or credit card information under the guise of prizes, and fraudulent donation requests that divert funds to scammers rather than campaigns.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Young adults ages 18-24 are increasingly targeted by scammers during back-to-school season, with this age group reporting a median loss of $155 per scam in 2022—higher than other age groups for the first time. Common scams include textbook fraud, scholarship schemes, and employment offers, which exploit college students' inexperience with financial transactions and life decisions. Protection strategies include verifying websites, using credit cards for purchases (which offer more protection than peer-to-peer payment apps), and being cautious of unsolicited offers and deeply discounted prices.
dos.ny.gov
· 2025-12-08
The New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection released fraud prevention guidance for older adults, noting that financial exploitation is the most prevalent form of elder abuse. According to the FBI's 2023 Internet Crime Report, adults aged 60 and older lost at least $3.4 billion annually to fraud, with investment scams accounting for over $1 billion of those losses—a 38% increase from 2022. The agency advises seniors to recognize red flags in investment and reverse mortgage scams, conduct independent research before committing funds, and avoid unsolicited financial contacts.
freep.com
· 2025-12-08
Metro Detroit police report a surge in scam schemes targeting residents, in which perpetrators impersonate government agencies, tech support, or financial institutions to convince victims to withdraw large sums of cash or cryptocurrency. Victims are instructed to either hand cash to "couriers" or deposit funds into bitcoin ATMs, with one Northville Township woman in her 70s losing $300,000 through a combination of cash, bitcoin, and gold bars in summer 2024. Scammers keep victims on the phone to prevent them from seeking help and often direct them to multiple banks to avoid suspicion.
helpnetsecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
In the first half of 2024, Hiya detected nearly 20 billion suspected spam calls globally, with spam flag rates exceeding 20% of unknown calls in 25 of 42 countries, alongside a significant rise in AI deepfake voice-cloning scams—including a January robocall impersonating Joe Biden in New Hampshire. Medicare, health insurance, and tax scams dominated in the United States, while France and Spain experienced the highest European spam rates (53% and 51% respectively), Brazil received the most spam calls per capita (26 monthly), and Canada and the UK saw surges in Amazon and tax authority impersonation scams. Researchers anticipate voice
liherald.com
· 2025-12-08
Nassau County police arrested two Bronx men in July 2024 after they attempted to scam a 73-year-old East Meadow resident by falsely claiming his bank account was compromised; the investigation revealed they were responsible for numerous additional scams. The county is warning residents about prevalent scams including home improvement fraud, fake relative arrest schemes, Social Security and IRS impersonation scams, lottery fraud, and computer remote access scams, which collectively cost victims thousands of dollars. Officials urge residents, particularly seniors, to remain vigilant, verify caller identities, avoid unsolicited services, and report suspected scams to authorities immediately.
androidauthority.com
· 2025-12-08
Phone scams are increasingly sophisticated and cost US consumers $2.7 billion in reported losses in 2023 alone, with numbers rising annually. The article identifies 12 common phone and text scams including the "loved one in need" (grandparent scam), government impersonation (FBI/IRS), and other fraudulent schemes that exploit emotional pressure and official-sounding tactics. Key prevention strategies include verifying caller identity through alternative contact methods, refusing to send money to unknown callers, and being skeptical of urgent payment demands, especially via wire transfers or gift cards.
abc7news.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI launched a new public awareness campaign called "Take a Beat" to educate the public about major fraud schemes, including impersonation scams (posing as banks or law enforcement), cryptocurrency investment fraud, grandparent scams using AI voice cloning, and recovery scams targeting previous fraud victims. One Bay Area victim lost $950 to a scammer impersonating a Citibank employee, illustrating how fraudsters exploit emotional urgency and personal information to manipulate victims into sending money or revealing passwords.
mortgagebusiness.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Between January and June 2024, Scamwatch received 143,113 reports and documented over $139 million in losses, with people aged 55 and over accounting for 48.7 percent of losses despite representing only a portion of reports. A key finding shows that 30 percent of people do not report serious scams, and social media scams cost Australians $80.2 million in the previous year, with common tactics including fake accounts, fraudulent investment opportunities, and requests for personal information. Banks emphasize the importance of reporting scams and sharing awareness to collectively prevent fraud, particularly targeting vulnerable populations including older adults, non-English speakers, and people with