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nbcbayarea.com
· 2026-01-28
# Super Bowl Scam Alert
As fans rush to buy Super Bowl tickets and book accommodations, scammers are taking advantage with fake websites, fraudulent ticket sellers, and hotel reservation schemes. The Better Business Bureau warns consumers to research sellers on bbb.org, avoid suspiciously low prices and unsolicited links from social media or Craigslist, and never pay with gift cards or wire transfers. To stay safe, use credit cards, verify websites have "https://" (secure), book hotels directly with the establishment, and watch for red flags like fake reservation numbers or last-minute switches to more expensive properties.
wired.com
· 2026-01-28
A journalist received an encrypted message from an insider at a Southeast Asian scam compound who was being forced to work as a computer engineer for a major "pig butchering" operation—where scammers pose as romantic interests to trick victims into investing money they never see again. The operation, staffed by hundreds of thousands of trafficked laborers in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos and controlled by Chinese organized crime groups, generates tens of billions of dollars annually by devastating victims worldwide who lose their life savings. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious about online romantic relationships that quickly pivot to investment opportunities, verify investment advice through independent channels, and report suspected romance scams to authorities immediately.
therecord.media
· 2026-01-28
Chinese money laundering networks processed over $16 billion in illicit cryptocurrency during 2025, representing about 20% of all criminal crypto activity globally, with organized groups advertising their services on platforms like Telegram to help criminals hide stolen funds. The networks have become sophisticated operations that quickly adapt to law enforcement crackdowns by moving to new platforms, using tactics like money mules and cryptocurrency swaps to obscure the origins of stolen money. To protect yourself, avoid cryptocurrency transactions with unknown parties, be wary of investment opportunities promoting guaranteed returns, and report suspicious crypto activity to authorities or blockchain analytics firms.
khou.com
· 2026-01-27
# Fraud Summary
Texas seniors are being targeted by financial scammers at an alarming rate, ranking second nationally with over 62,000 fraud complaints and $1.35 billion in losses in a single year, according to FBI data. Modern scams have become increasingly sophisticated, using techniques like AI-generated voices, spoofed phone numbers, and impersonation rather than obvious red flags, making them harder for vulnerable people to recognize. Experts recommend that family members educate themselves and seniors about verifying incoming communications before responding, and victims can report scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
whiznews.com
· 2026-01-27
Romance scammers pose as potential love interests on dating apps and social media, quickly building trust before asking victims for money through fake investment opportunities or hardship stories. These scams particularly surge around Valentine's Day, targeting people seeking romantic connections. To protect yourself, the Better Business Bureau advises never sending money or personal information to someone you haven't met in person, refusing requests for credit card or banking details, and immediately cutting off contact if someone pressures you for financial help or won't meet you in person after repeated promises.
41nbc.com
· 2026-01-27
Scammers in Georgia are impersonating prosecutors and law enforcement officers to trick people into revealing sensitive financial information or making payments, using tactics like caller ID spoofing and fake badge numbers to appear legitimate. The victims are everyday residents who receive threatening calls, texts, or emails falsely claiming they're suspects in investigations or victims of fraud. If you receive such a contact, do not provide any personal or financial information and report it immediately to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
abc7ny.com
· 2026-01-27
After major storms and severe weather, scammers posing as contractors and utility workers target homeowners needing repairs for burst pipes, broken furnaces, and other damage. Victims should be wary of unsolicited door-to-door or phone solicitations, verify contractors have valid licenses displayed on their vehicles, and never pay the full amount upfront—some scammers have taken thousands of dollars and disappeared without completing work. Using unlicensed contractors can also result in insurance claims being denied, so homeowners should always check credentials with the Better Business Bureau before hiring anyone.
wbaltv.com
· 2026-01-27
A Facebook Marketplace seller nearly fell victim to an overpayment scam involving a fake Zelle email that promised a "verification" payment before releasing funds for an online couch sale. In this common scheme, scammers pose as buyers and send fake payment confirmations, then ask sellers to refund the "overpayment," which causes the victim to lose money when the original payment never actually goes through. To protect yourself, verify any unexpected payment issues directly through the payment app's official website or customer service, never through links in emails, and be especially cautious of urgent requests to send money back.
wcvb.com
· 2026-01-27
A Facebook Marketplace seller nearly fell victim to an overpayment scam involving a fake Zelle email that claimed his account was suspended and requested a $500 "verification" payment to release funds from a buyer. In this common scheme, scammers pose as buyers offering overpayment, use fake emails or screenshots to appear legitimate, and trick sellers into sending back the difference—money that never actually existed in the first place. To protect yourself, verify payment directly through official apps or bank websites (not links in emails), never send money back to buyers, and be suspicious of buyers who want to send money without seeing items in person or who claim account issues.
pcmag.com
· 2026-01-26
Online scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread in 2026, with scammers targeting vulnerable populations including laid-off workers, lonely people on dating apps, immigrants seeking legal help, and taxpayers through impersonation schemes. New threats include AI-generated deepfake videos and audio clips designed to trick people into sending money to criminals who pose as loved ones, immigration officers, or government agents. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited contact requests money transfers, verify identities through official channels before sharing personal information or funds, and remember that anyone—regardless of financial status—can become a victim of these evolving scams.
asbn.com
· 2026-01-26
# Valentine's Day Scam Alert for Small Businesses
As Valentine's Day approaches, scammers are intensifying romance fraud, phishing schemes, and fake promotional offers targeting both consumers and small businesses, with particular risk to SMBs that lack dedicated fraud prevention teams. Small business employees and customers are vulnerable to scams involving malicious emails posing as romantic messages or promotions, stolen payment credentials, and fraudulent gift offers that never get delivered. To protect themselves, businesses should implement employee training, enable multi-factor authentication on all accounts, verify vendor contacts, avoid irreversible payment methods like wire transfers, and communicate scam warnings to customers through newsletters and social media.
shawlocal.com
· 2026-01-26
# Scam Summary
A Clinton man named Daniel was victimized multiple times over nearly a decade by the same scam operation: he first purchased fake vacation packages in 2016, was threatened into paying more money in 2022, and in 2025 was targeted again with a fake "settlement" scam claiming he could recover losses from convicted fraudsters (the real criminals were actually prosecuted in 2023, but scammers impersonated court officials to demand "taxes"). The article warns that victims of fraud are repeatedly targeted by scammers who know they're susceptible, so if you've been scammed before, be extremely cautious about any follow-up calls or offers and verify directly with official agencies rather than clicking links or making payments based on unsolicited contact.
lifehacker.com
· 2026-01-26
# Tax Season Scams Summary
During the 2026 tax filing season, scammers are targeting taxpayers through phone calls impersonating fake government agencies, phishing emails and texts posing as the IRS, and fraudulent letters demanding personal information or payments. These schemes aim to steal Social Security numbers, upfront fees, and other sensitive data from unsuspecting taxpayers. To protect yourself, remember that the IRS only contacts you by mail about tax issues, never via phone, email, text, or social media—so don't click links or provide information in response to unsolicited messages, and if you owe back taxes, settle directly with the IRS rather than through third-party "services."
yahoo.com
· 2026-01-26
DESCO Federal Credit Union and The Bridge Church in Vanceburg are hosting a free educational event on March 3 called "In the Know: Spot the Scam, Protect What Matters" to help community members, especially older adults and vulnerable populations, recognize and avoid common financial scams. The lunch-and-learn event will cover topics like deed fraud and other forms of financial exploitation, providing attendees with tools to identify and report scams before they cause financial harm. Interested community members can attend for free from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Bridge Church, or contact Whitney Lowe at (800) 488-0746, ext. 3560 for more details.
mychesco.com
· 2026-01-25
AARP Pennsylvania is warning older residents about five major scams expected to surge in 2026—including employment fraud, recovery scams, digital arrests, blackmail schemes, and romance scams—as criminals use advancing technology and AI to make deceptive tactics more convincing. Losses from impostor scams targeting seniors aged 60+ have skyrocketed from $55 million in 2020 to $445 million in 2024, with individual cases now reaching $100,000 or more. To protect yourself, pause before responding to urgent demands or suspicious offers, verify claims independently, and report any scams to local law enforcement or AARP's Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 1-877-908-3360.
au.pcmag.com
· 2026-01-25
Online scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread, with scammers targeting vulnerable populations including laid-off workers, lonely people on dating apps, immigrants seeking legal help, and anyone receiving unsolicited calls or texts. A major emerging threat is the use of generative AI to create deepfake videos and audio to impersonate loved ones and trick people into sending money. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited contact, verify requests through independent means (calling organizations directly), never send money via untraceable methods like wire transfers or gift cards, and remember that scammers cast a wide net—anyone can be a victim regardless of income or credit score.
e-know.ca
· 2026-01-25
Scammers are increasingly using fake QR codes hidden in unsolicited packages—a tactic called "brushing"—to trick people into visiting malicious websites that steal personal information or install malware, with over 26 million people potentially affected. The threat is particularly dangerous because people tend to trust physical QR codes more than suspicious emails, and 73% of Americans scan QR codes without checking their legitimacy first. To protect yourself, treat unexpected QR codes with the same caution you would use for suspicious links in emails, and avoid scanning codes from unknown or unexpected sources.
mexicoledger.com
· 2026-01-25
# Fraud-Free Summary
The Better Business Bureau's 2025 report reveals that investment, cryptocurrency, employment, and romance scams were the costliest fraud schemes, with online scams accounting for over 61% of all reports and 78% of financial losses. Social media has become a primary hunting ground for scammers, with over 36% of BBB reports involving social media platforms, often starting when users respond to ads or posts from unknown contacts. To stay safe in 2026, consumers should be cautious about investment opportunities and job offers from online strangers, avoid clicking suspicious links on social media, and verify the legitimacy of contacts before sharing personal or financial information.
igamingtoday.com
· 2026-01-25
Cambodia's government has made significant progress in busting online scam operations, earning praise from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, which is pushing for stronger global cooperation to combat telecom and cyber fraud that often intersects with human trafficking and other serious crimes. Both Cambodian officials and UNODC representatives acknowledged that scams cross borders and cannot be stopped by individual countries alone, emphasizing the need for increased information sharing, joint investigations, and international partnerships. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited calls or online contacts, verify requests for personal information through official channels, and report suspected scams to local authorities and your country's fraud prevention agency.
straitstimes.com
· 2026-01-25
A sophisticated scam called "digital arrest" is targeting India's elderly population, where fraudsters impersonate police officers and falsely claim victims are involved in money laundering to extort large sums of money. One victim, a 73-year-old man, lost nearly all his retirement savings (9 million rupees/approximately $126,000) before his family discovered the fraud, and Indian authorities report that elderly victims have collectively lost around 30 billion rupees to these scams. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls from officials threatening legal action, never transfer money based on such calls, and verify any claims by contacting authorities directly through official channels rather than using contact information provided by the caller.
lewistownsentinel.com
· 2026-01-24
# Utility Scam Summary
Scammers are targeting Pennsylvania utility customers this winter through fake websites, misleading ads, and fraudulent phone calls that impersonate legitimate utility companies, exploiting customers' fear of losing heat or electricity to pressure them into sharing personal and banking information. Victims can lose access to their bank accounts or have their identity stolen, with scammers using tactics like claiming missed payments and threatening immediate service shutoffs. To protect yourself, type your utility company's web address directly into your browser (found on your bill) rather than clicking search results, and hang up immediately if anyone unexpectedly calls asking for personal or banking information.
thestarnews.com
· 2026-01-24
# AI Voice Scams Alert
Criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to clone people's voices from social media posts and videos, then impersonating loved ones or government officials to trick victims into sending money—a trend already affecting families across San Diego County and California. These convincing scams typically involve urgent scenarios like a grandchild needing bail or a child in an accident, made more believable through spoofed phone numbers. To protect yourself, establish a family code word for emergencies, ask personal questions only the real person would know, call back using a known number to verify, resist pressure to act quickly, and never send money based on phone or text requests.
the-sun.com
· 2026-01-24
An 80-year-old Florida retiree lost $1.3 million after scammers convinced her to withdraw funds from her Chase account by posing as a legitimate investment opportunity; she made 30 large withdrawals over five months that Chase's systems flagged as suspicious but failed to stop. The woman is now suing Chase, arguing the bank should have done more to protect her given her long banking history with the branch and the unusually high transaction amounts for her account. **Actionable advice:** Seniors should be extremely cautious of unsolicited investment offers, never withdraw large sums of cash based on promises of returns, and consider asking trusted family members or advisors to review major financial decisions—banks may flag suspicious activity, but customers remain responsible for their own protection.
kqkinews.com
· 2026-01-24
# Scam Summary
Louisiana residents are being targeted by fraudulent text messages impersonating the "Louisiana Department of Motor Vehicles" and threatening legal action over unpaid traffic violations to pressure victims into clicking malicious links or sharing personal information. The scam is particularly dangerous because Louisiana's actual agency—the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV)—never sends unsolicited payment demands via text. To protect yourself, ignore suspicious texts, never click unknown links or share personal information, and verify any official communication by contacting state agencies directly through their official channels.
the420.in
· 2026-01-24
An 80-year-old retired professor in Mumbai was defrauded of ₹4.38 crore through a psychological manipulation scheme where scammers posed as police and government officials, threatening him with arrest for alleged financial crimes linked to his identity. The fraudsters used fake documents, repeated intimidating phone calls, and video calls claiming "digital arrest" to coerce the victim into transferring money, which was later used for money laundering. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming legal threats, verify requests directly with official agencies using known contact numbers, and remember that legitimate authorities won't demand immediate transfers or conduct arrests over the phone.
vindy.com
· 2026-01-23
# Medicare Fraud Summary
Medicare loses an estimated $100 billion annually to fraud and abuse, with schemes ranging from double-billing and charging for services never performed to identity theft using seniors' account numbers. Seniors are urged to carefully review their Medicare statements for unfamiliar charges and report any suspicious activity to the Medicare fraud center at 1-800-633-4227, which can issue a new account number to prevent future fraudulent billings.
tribtoday.com
· 2026-01-23
# Medicare Fraud Summary
Medicare loses an estimated $100 billion annually to fraud and abuse, with scammers ranging from dishonest medical providers billing for services never performed to criminals using seniors' account numbers to file false claims. Medicare beneficiaries can protect themselves by carefully reviewing their Medicare statements when they arrive and calling the Medicare fraud hotline at 1-800-633-4227 if they spot suspicious charges, which may result in a new account number to prevent further fraudulent activity.
abc7chicago.com
· 2026-01-23
Scammers are using fake calendar invites to trick people into giving them remote access to their computers, where they can steal passwords, bank information, and money. One Chicago woman nearly lost thousands of dollars after clicking on what appeared to be a party invitation from a friend, but was actually a phishing link that allowed criminals to access her banking and transfer funds via Zelle. To protect yourself, be cautious about clicking calendar invite links—especially from unexpected sources—and report any fraudulent activity to your bank immediately, as quick action can help recover stolen funds.
uk.finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-01-23
Scammers are increasingly impersonating government agencies and financial institutions through emails, texts, and letters to trick people into sharing personal information or money, making their fake messages nearly indistinguishable from legitimate communications. During the cost-of-living crisis, these scams are particularly effective because people are actively seeking financial assistance and may respond quickly to what appears to be official help, especially when messages create artificial urgency or appeal to emotions like fear or hope. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited messages offering government aid or warning of financial problems—verify any claims by contacting official organizations directly through their known phone numbers or websites rather than using contact information in suspicious messages.
kltv.com
· 2026-01-23
Criminals are using AI voice cloning technology to impersonate loved ones in fake kidnapping scams, exploiting families' emotions to extract money. According to a 2023 McAfee survey, about 10% of people received calls from AI voice clones, and 77% of those victims lost money—one mother lost $3,270 after receiving a convincing call appearing to be from her daughter claiming she'd been kidnapped. To protect yourself, verify emergencies through a separate call or contact to the person directly, never wire money based on phone calls alone, and be aware that scammers need only a brief voice sample to create realistic audio impersonations.
6abc.com
· 2026-01-23
A 60-year-old Northern California woman lost her entire life savings of $176,000 after falling victim to a sophisticated job scam posing as a Facebook remote position. The scammers used AI-generated materials and realistic communication to convince her she was testing ad placement software, then instructed her to wire money through cryptocurrency platforms under the guise of conducting ads. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited remote job offers that seem too easy, avoid wiring money or using cryptocurrency for any legitimate employment, verify job opportunities directly through official company websites, and communicate only through official channels—not messaging apps like WhatsApp.
the-sun.com
· 2026-01-23
A 52-year-old IT specialist from New Jersey lost his entire $280,000 life savings to a "pig-butchering" scam after being contacted by a fake woman on Facebook who built a romantic relationship with him over months. The scammer, posing as "Ailis Danner," gained his trust through daily conversations before manipulating him into making fraudulent investments or transfers. The key takeaway for others is to be extremely cautious about unsolicited romantic contact online, verify the identities of people requesting money, and remember that scammers often target vulnerable individuals during difficult life periods.
messagemedia.co
· 2026-01-23
# Fraud and Scams Summary
Minnesota Aging Pathways is offering a free online presentation on February 11 to educate people about fraud and scams, particularly targeting older adults who are increasingly vulnerable to these schemes. The presentation will cover fraud prevention strategies, how to detect and report fraudulent activity, and ways to protect personal information, with information provided by the Senior Medicare Patrol program. Interested participants can register for the free Zoom class by visiting the Eventbrite link or calling 800-333-2433.
protos.com
· 2026-01-23
A major crackdown on Southeast Asian scam operations is underway following the arrest of billionaire scam kingpin Chen Zhi, with key money-laundering platforms shutting down and thousands of workers fleeing or being released from Cambodian scam compounds. These operations ran "pig butchering" scams on an industrial scale, using fake romantic relationships and investment opportunities to steal money (often in cryptocurrency) from victims. While the disruption is significant, human rights groups warn that released workers lack support and may be trafficked to new scam locations, highlighting the need for proper victim assistance and protection.
1440wrok.com
· 2026-01-23
# Tax Scam Summary
As tax season opens in January, the Rockford Better Business Bureau warns that scammers impersonating IRS agents are expected to be especially aggressive this year, using fear-based tactics via phone, email, and text to trick people into providing sensitive information or money. Taxpayers lost $5.5 billion to tax scams in 2023 alone, with identity theft being a growing concern—scammers can file fraudulent returns using stolen Social Security numbers obtained through phishing or data breaches. To protect yourself, verify your tax preparer's credentials on BBB.org, avoid anyone promising unusually large refunds, and file your return early to reduce the window for identity theft.
clintonherald.com
· 2026-01-22
A Clinton man named Daniel fell victim to a vacation package scam in 2016 and subsequently became repeatedly targeted by scammers for years afterward, illustrating how fraudsters add victims' information to "sucker lists" and continue attempting new schemes against them. The article warns that scam victims are particularly vulnerable to follow-up fraud attempts because criminals believe they've already proven susceptible to deception. To protect yourself, victims should report scams to authorities and be especially vigilant about unsolicited calls and offers that seem too good to be true.
insidehalton.com
· 2026-01-22
# Grandparent Scams Surge in Ontario
Ontario police are warning seniors about a rising wave of "grandparent scams" where fraudsters call claiming a loved one is in legal trouble and needs immediate money for bail or legal fees. Scammers create urgency to prevent victims from verifying the story, often demanding payment via wire transfer or cryptocurrency, and increasingly use AI technology to mimic victims' family members' voices. To protect yourself, verify emergency claims by contacting your loved ones directly, never send money to unknown accounts without confirmation, and be suspicious of callers who insist you keep the situation secret.
attorneygeneral.gov
· 2026-01-22
Pennsylvania's Attorney General Dave Sunday reported major law enforcement achievements in his first year, including the seizure of 539 illegal firearms and over 56 million fentanyl doses worth an estimated $58 million. The office also launched new initiatives to protect seniors from financial abuse and expanded efforts against organized retail crime. Residents can protect themselves by staying vigilant against scams targeting older adults and being aware of the growing threats posed by illegal drugs and firearms in their communities.
siliconcanals.com
· 2026-01-22
Fraud targeting seniors has quadrupled since 2020, with reported losses reaching $2.4 billion annually and actual losses potentially exceeding $81 billion when including unreported cases. Older Americans are disproportionately targeted because they typically have substantial savings, are home more often, and were raised to trust authority figures—vulnerabilities that scammers exploit. Experts recommend that seniors stay skeptical of unsolicited contact, verify requests independently through official channels, and report suspected fraud to the FTC or FBI, while also speaking openly about incidents to reduce shame and help identify patterns.
ktsm.com
· 2026-01-22
A cybersecurity expert warns that "ghost tapping" scams—where criminals use special technology to wirelessly steal money from tap-to-pay credit cards and phones by getting physically close to victims—have surged 150% over the past year, with crowded places like airports and malls being prime targets. People are particularly vulnerable when using mobile phones for tap-to-pay since most don't use RFID-blocking cases, unlike traditional wallets. To protect yourself, experts recommend either avoiding the tap-to-pay feature on your phone or using an RFID-blocking case to shield your card and device from unauthorized wireless transactions.
bitdefender.com
· 2026-01-22
A wave of fake recruitment emails is circulating during hiring season, impersonating trusted companies like Amazon, Carrefour, and the NHS to trick job seekers into responding by claiming their résumés have been pre-approved and offering quick interviews. These scams, detected globally across multiple languages, target vulnerable job seekers in the US, UK, and Europe by creating urgency and pressuring them to act before they can verify the sender's legitimacy. Job seekers should verify any recruitment communication directly through official company websites or phone numbers, be suspicious of unsolicited job offers that claim immediate approval without an application, and never respond to emails that pressure quick action.
thesandpaper.net
· 2026-01-21
Stafford Township Police and the Mental Health Association are hosting a free scam awareness seminar on February 19th for seniors 60 and older to educate them about the rising threat of senior-targeted scams. The two-hour event will teach participants how to recognize scam red flags, protect their personal information, and safely handle suspicious communications through phone calls, emails, and door-to-door visits. Interested seniors can register by calling Suzanne at 732-703-7706, with both in-person and virtual attendance options available.
news-shield.com
· 2026-01-21
A presentation at a Wisconsin Men's Shed meeting warned senior citizens about online scams while encouraging continued safe internet use. Former Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald shared practical tips including avoiding suspicious links and unsolicited emails, verifying bank contacts directly before sharing information, watching for spelling errors in messages, and enabling two-factor authentication on accounts. If fraud occurs, he advised reporting it immediately to your bank and closing compromised accounts, despite the inconvenience of switching accounts and waiting for new cards.
fox35orlando.com
· 2026-01-21
# Tax Scam Warning
The Better Business Bureau is warning Americans that tax scammers will be especially active during the upcoming 2024 tax season, with fraudsters expected to exploit confusion around new tax deductions and take advantage of stressed taxpayers. Common scams include identity theft through phishing emails and fake tax preparers, IRS impersonation calls demanding immediate payment, and fraudulent websites mimicking official IRS portals—with taxpayers losing $5.5 billion to tax fraud in 2023 alone. To protect yourself, verify any tax preparation services before hiring them, never click links or call numbers in unsolicited emails claiming to be from the IRS, and remember that the real IRS will never demand immediate payment via wire transfer or prepaid debit cards.
fox5atlanta.com
· 2026-01-21
The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers that tax scammers are expected to be especially active this year, with taxpayers losing $5.5 billion to tax fraud in 2023 alone. Common scams include identity theft through phishing emails, fake IRS calls demanding immediate payment, impersonation of tax officials, and fraudulent tax preparation services that promise unusually large refunds. To protect yourself, verify that emails actually come from the IRS (never click suspicious links), remember that the real IRS won't demand immediate wire transfer payments, and research any tax preparation company before hiring them.
kaspersky.com
· 2026-01-21
Artificial intelligence has made phishing scams significantly more dangerous by enabling scammers to create personalized, grammatically correct messages at scale that closely mimic legitimate communications from trusted companies and colleagues. Unlike older phishing attempts riddled with spelling errors, AI-powered scams are harder to detect because they sound natural, reference real events, and can incorporate personal information from social media or data breaches to appear more convincing. To protect yourself, focus on behavioral warning signs like unexpected requests or pressure to act quickly rather than looking for obvious spelling mistakes, and remain skeptical of messages urging immediate action—especially those requesting sensitive information or financial details.
29news.com
· 2026-01-21
# Utility Scams Warning During Winter
AARP Virginia is alerting residents to winter utility scams where fraudsters pose as utility companies and send threatening messages about service shutoffs to pressure people into paying money, clicking malicious links, or sharing personal information. Scammers use urgency and emotional tactics to prevent victims from thinking critically, and anyone can fall victim regardless of age or background. To protect yourself, pause before responding to unexpected communications, verify any claims directly with your utility company using official contact information, and watch for red flags like pressure to act immediately.
fox29.com
· 2026-01-21
# Tax Scam Summary
During tax season, scammers impersonate the IRS to steal money and personal information from taxpayers by making false promises of refunds, threatening arrest, or creating fake official-looking messages designed to pressure quick action. To protect yourself, remember that the IRS typically contacts people first by mail through the postal service—not by unsolicited phone calls, emails, or texts—and watch out for red flags like promises of large refunds, urgent payment demands, threats of arrest, and suspicious website links with misspelled addresses. If you receive a suspicious tax message, verify it by checking the IRS website directly or searching for the specific notice rather than clicking any links provided.
eset.com
· 2026-01-21
Social engineering attacks exploit human psychology rather than technical vulnerabilities, with scammers impersonating authority figures or creating artificial urgency to trick people into sharing credentials or installing malware. These attacks are increasingly effective and cheaper to execute than traditional hacking, especially with AI tools now enhancing attackers' capabilities. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited requests for personal information, verify requests through official channels before responding, and avoid making quick decisions under pressure—legitimate organizations won't demand immediate action or threaten account deactivation.
sootoday.com
· 2026-01-21
# Scam Summary
An Ontario senior lost over $10,000 to a highly convincing phone scam where a caller impersonated a government fraud investigator, claimed her cards had been cloned, and eventually convinced her to hand over her debit and credit cards to a person who came to her home. The scammer gained credibility by using the victim's personal information, confirming her address, and citing specific transactions, while also warning her against calling her bank directly. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited calls claiming fraud has occurred, independently verify by contacting your bank directly using a known phone number, and remember that legitimate authorities will never ask you to hand over your physical cards or sensitive information.